| Q: |
What is all the fuss about "USA
Certified Referees?" |
| A: |
USA Certified Referees are
trained, rated, and certified in the most current version "Rules of
the Game" as well as techniques in officiating. Certified
Referees are capable of instructing and assisting player development
under the current version of the USA Volleyball Rules.
Additionally, Certified Referees are trained and experienced in handling
safety issues, including blood rules, etc., as well as player incidents,
sanctions, and event management. |
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| Q: |
Some "Certified
Referees" seem to call the game totally different than
others. Why? |
| A: |
There are three different types
of certified referee. The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic
Association (PIAA) certifies referees under the National Federation of
State High School (NFHS) rules. These rules are VERY
different from USA Rules, and these referees may not be familiar with
the USA rules or their interpretations. High school athletics encourage and require much more involvement of the
referees. The Second type of certified referee is certified under
the Professional Association of Volleyball Officials (PAVO). These
officials receive very similar training to USA volleyball Officials, but
their training is oriented toward play under Rules and Techniques under
the National Association of Girls and Women in Sports (NAGWS). This
certification is again geared toward scholastic sports, locally used in
Catholic League Girls' Volleyball, and Women's' College volleyball.
While all certified officials have training in several facets of
refereeing set forth above, their training is not specifically oriented
toward USA Volleyball Rules and Event Management. |
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| Q: |
So, how do I make sure my
league has "the best" certified referees? |
| A: |
If you use USA Volleyball Rules,
make sure your league requires USA Volleyball Certified Referees. |
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|
| Q: |
Why don't all referees get
certified as USA Volleyball Officials? |
| A: |
The same reason many people would
like to practice law or medicine without getting their College and
Graduate degrees. It takes time, effort, money and
commitment. |
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| Q: |
What do USA Certified Referees
have to do? |
| A: |
In Pennsylvania, USA Certified
Referees must: |
|
1. Become a member of the Keystone Region by filling out a
form and paying annual dues of approximately $40.00
2. Attend a Clinic, as offered between November and February,
where they will receive a rules book, and specific training in both
the substantive Rules and Event Management.
3. Pass the requirements of becoming a scorekeeper, to insure
they are familiar with substitution rules, rotation faults, wrong
server remedies, and timing issues.
4. Pass a written examination to confirm they are familiar
with all of the above.
5. Receive passing ratings by approved clinicians and raters
while officiating USA Volleyball matches.
6. Repeat the above process EVERY YEAR to maintain their
preparation and skills at officiating.
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| Q: |
What else do I get from USA
Volleyball Certified Referees? |
| A: |
1. USA volleyball offers many opportunities for their
referees to officiate in both youth and adult volleyball. We are
a fraternity of professionals who are committed to both the sport and
each other. When officiating at tournaments, USA Certified
referees all assist and mentor each other, contributing to constant
opportunities for improvement.
2. For an additional $10.00 per year, USA Volleyball
Certified Referees also carry their own insurance as officials, for
any match being officiated under USA Volleyball Rules of the Game.
3. Professional officials have no bias for or against any
team. We won't play in any league we officiate. Because we
are professionals, we do not take any normal on the court incidents
personally. By remaining neutral we are able to maintain
fairness and consistency throughout games, matches and seasons.
4. Because of their level of training and experience, you can
expect USA Certified Officials to be consistent from point to point,
match to match, and season to season. Every official will make
judgment within his/her own discretion, but should be consistent and
predictable in every match.
5. If you want to become a USA certified official, you should
contact the Keystone Regional Volleyball Association
(http://www.krva.org or (800) 772-KRVA).
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|
| Q: |
Are there different ratings of
USA Volleyball Certified Officials? |
| A: |
Yes. Provisional and
Regional Referees are trained and certified by the Regional Divisions of
USA Volleyball, here, the KRVA. Junior National and National
Officials are trained and certified by the National Training Team, and
at National level clinics. For most Recreational Leagues, any
level of current USA Certification is sufficient to do a professional
job officiating at most levels of play. |
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| Q: |
What if I have questions or
problems with a USA Certified Official? |
| A: |
All USA Certified officials are
expected to act competently and professionally in ANY refereeing
environment. If you have any problems with a USA official, you
should be sure to find out his/her name, and contact the Region
(http://www.krva.org) to find out whether the official acted
properly. Your question will be referred to the appropriate person
for consideration. Any decisions involving discretion, such as
ball handling or "fact based" calls cannot be fairly reviewed,
since one of the elements of having professional officials is that you
rely on their ability to exercise fair and consistent judgment. |
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| Q: |
Who's in charge, and who sets
the fees? |
| A: |
The referee is in charge of the
event from the time he/she arrives at the league, until the conclusion
of the final match. League Administrators, Commissioners, etc.,
may not overrule the Referee on calls involving the USA Rules of the
Game, or Judgment Calls. These calls are the reason leagues
specify they want Certified officials. The referees are
independent contractors, just like any other professionals, and are free
to charge whatever teams or leagues agree to pay. More
experienced, professional officials will always charge |
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| Q: |
What's the best way to RUIN my
league? |
| A: |
Hire untrained,
inexperienced and uncertified officials, and try to get them to call a
"tight' game. If you offer them the same pay you offer USA
certified officials, you'll have no problem finding these
referees. The role of the Referee is to facilitate the best play
of the sport, and qualified Referees will help your teams and players
learn to play better by making proper and consistent calls, that the
Referee can use to explain and teach proper skills. |
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| Q: |
How do I get USA Certified
Officials for my league? |
| A: |
With agreement of whoever manages
your league, you should make a rule REQUIRING USA Certified
Officials. For best results, you should avoid having more
"house rules" than safety and court conditions require.
This will improve both your league's level of play, and the officials'
ability to give you their best. Then contact the KRVA
(http://www.krva.org; (800) 772-KRVA) and request a referral to a USA
Certified Official in your area that will either officiate or assist in
assigning USA Certified Officials for your League. |
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This FAQ was prepared
exclusively by Bill Jones, a USA Jr.-National; PAVO State, and former
PIAA certified official. |
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