Those who officiate women's collegiate volleyball can be certified as a PAVO official.  Learning and applying the rules and techniques for this level of play can result in being selected to officiate one of the national championships that are held throughout the country.

To become a PAVO official:

• Study the rules, learn the techniques of officiating, and take the practice examination in the PAVO Officials' Guidebook.
• Consider attending the training camps and clinics administered by PAVO.  Information on these events can be obtained at www.pavo.org or by calling (888) 791-2074.
• Attend interpretation meetings and officiating training courses that are conducted in your local area.
• Practice often and in a variety of environments. 
• Contact the chair of a nearby PAVO board to find out when they conduct practical and written examinations. 
• Complete the evaluation process as described below to obtain a PAVO rating, remembering that maintaining high standards for officials is a primary goal for PAVO.
  

Referees

PAVO has established six progressive rating levels for referees:

• Intramural - qualified to officiate matches at the school in which the official is enrolled or matches of comparable level.
• Apprentice - qualified to officiate matches that may be adequately controlled by a competent, but inexperienced official.
• Local - qualified to officiate interscholastic and intercollegiate matches requiring a competent and experienced official.
• State - qualified to officiate any match within the state or region where the rating is awarded.
• Retired National - allows an individual who is no longer actively officiating at the national level to remain active in the local board area for the purposes of training and rating.
• National - qualified to officiate any match anywhere in the United States .  This rating is for the most highly skilled officials.  Click here for more information on obtaining a National rating.

Referee Rating Standards

Using the standards outlined below, PAVO boards have the authority to award and renew Intramural, Apprentice, Local, and State ratings. 

Intramural Rating

• Minimum certification standards are established by each PAVO board.
• Rating expires yearly on June 1.
• Renewal requirements:
  • Pass a written examination (Form A) prior to each collegiate season with a minimum score established by the board.
  • Pass a practical (on-court) examination within each two-year period with a minimum score established by the board.  The board chair of the local PAVO chapter that you join has more information on practical examinations.
• This rating is not transferable to other boards.

Apprentice Rating

• Minimum certification standards can be established by the PAVO board or these standards can be applied:
• Pass a written examination (Form A) corrected to 100%.
• Pass a practical examination with a minimum score of 75.  There must be at least one rater with a Local rating or higher.
• Rating expires yearly on June 1.
• Renewal requirements:
  •   Pass a written examination (Form A) prior to each collegiate season with a minimum score established by the board.
  •   Pass a practical examination within each two-year period with a minimum score established by the board. The board chair of the local PAVO chapter that you join has more information on practical examinations.
• This rating is not transferable to other boards.

Local Rating

  Minimum certification standards are established by PAVO:

• Pass a written examination (Form A or B) corrected to 100%.  See the PAVO Theoretical Exam Procedures in the annual board packet, which is available from any local board chair.
• Pass a practical examination with a minimum score of 80.  There must be at least two raters, and one rater must hold a Local rating or higher.  The board may use an alternative method that is described in Appendix G and in the PAVO Board Handbook.  The board chair of the local PAVO chapter that you join has more information on practical examinations.
• Rating expires yearly on June 1.
• Renewal requirements:
  • Pass a written examination (Form A or B) prior to each collegiate season corrected to 100%.
  • Pass a practical examination within each two-year period with a minimum score of 80. The board chair of the local PAVO chapter that you join has more information on practical examinations.
• This rating is transferable to other boards.

State Rating

  Minimum certification standards are established by PAVO:

• Pass a written examination (Form A or B) corrected to 100%.  See the PAVO Theoretical Exam Procedures in the annual board packet, which is available from any local board chair.
• Pass a practical examination with a minimum score of 85.  There must be at least three raters, and one rater must hold a State rating or higher.  The board may use an alternative method that is described in Appendix G and in the PAVO Board Handbook. The board chair of the local PAVO chapter that you join has more information on practical examinations.
• Rating expires yearly on June 1.
• Renewal requirements:
  • Pass a written examination (Form A or B) prior to each collegiate season corrected to 100%.
  • Pass a practical examination within each two-year period with a minimum score of 85. The board chair of the local PAVO chapter that you join has more information on practical examinations.
• This rating is transferable to other boards.