Interested in upgrading your certification?  Check out the recommended requirements for referees below! 

Below are descriptions of each level of certification for OVA Referees, as well as information on next steps after becoming a certified Referee.

Local

The first level in the OVA Referees' development program, it is designed for any person aspiring to become a volleyball referee. The purpose is to enable the candidate to understand and apply basic rule interpretations. Local referees are allowed and expected to officiate as a first official at OVA 13U-16U youth competitions and elementary and high school leagues and tournaments; as well as work as lines people and score keep at College and University matches.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be minimum 15 years-old
• Must complete the online referee theory module and attend an in-person theory clinic
• Must complete and pass a theory exam
• Must perform adequately at a practical evaluation (usually a one-day tournament)
• Must pass the OVA Screening Policy to be assigned 

Provincial

In order to become a Provincial Referee, a candidate must have been active as a Local Referee for at least one year and fulfilled all the requirements of the Provincial Upgrade Mentorship Program. The Provincial Referee is allowed and expected to officiate as first referee at senior High School, OVA 13U-18U youth competitions, Ontario Championships, High Performance Centres and Ontario Summer Games.

Referees can expression their interest in the program for 2023-2024 here: https://mrs.ontariovolleyball.org/Event/Details/1645 

Regional (Indoor Only)

An official aspiring to be a Regional Referee must have been active as a Provincial Referee for at least two years and must be recommended by the Regional Referees' Chair for entry into the Regional Upgrade Program. The Level 3 - Regional Referee is recognized as a "senior referee" and as such is allowed and expected to officiate at all competition levels in Ontario including Ontario Championships, High Performance Centres, Ontario Summer Games, and College and University matches.

The Regional Upgrade Program is run at the provincial level.  Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and should be submitted based on the below.  For intake into the current fiscal year, applications are due September 1.  Any applications received after that will be reviewed during the winter for an invitation to Ontario Championships for further consideration. 

Fill out the application form here.

National

A referee seeking National Level status must have been active as a Regional Referee for at least two years and must be recommended by the Referees Committee for entry into the National Upgrade Program. The National Level Referee has the opportunity and is expected to officiate at all competition levels in Ontario: Ontario Championships, High Performance Centres, Ontario Summer Games, Canada Games, and College and University matches. They may also be invited to officiate outside the province at the highest levels of volleyball competition.

For intake into the current fiscal year, applications are due September 1.  

Fill out the application form here.

International

International Referee is the highest level attainable in the Referees’ Development Program. Only the top National Referees from across Canada will be recommended for entry into the International Upgrade Program. International referees must be prepared to officiate at the highest levels of volleyball throughout the province, country and world.