Learn-to-Referee

To become a local-level referee (otherwise known as “an official”), you must meet the following requirements from the Ontario Volleyball Association (OVA):

• Must be minimum 15 years-old;
• Must complete the online referee theory module and attend an in-person theory clinic (the Maverick LTR Program meets this requirement);
• Must complete and pass a theory exam;
• Must pass the OVA Screening Policy to be assigned (participants must complete this on their own);
• Must perform adequately at a practical evaluation (usually a one-day tournament, we will coordinate this with the OVA).

*LRT provides more extensive training in all areas of officiating, including line judging, scoring, second officiating, court management, conflict resolution, scenario role plays mimicking coach and athletes behaviours towards officials during competition.

**Expert mentorship from a Level 3 or above Referee and practical learning throughout the Program, including timely and in-person feedback during refereeing Practicum.

***Head Referee Mentor and/or Assistant Referee Mentors will follow the newly certified officials from January 2026 to May 2026 to ensure any questions or concerns
are addressed and for continued support. This will be done via designated Teams office hours twice a month. (cont’d)

The Maverick LTR also provides:

• Small group size (16 particpants in-class training and 1:4 ratio for the practical on-court training):
  • Will improve understanding and retention;
  • Provide immediate feedback – misunderstandings can be corrected quickly by peers, instructors or mentors;
  • Encourage deeper learning – discussion encourages critical thinking and application rather than rote memorization;
  • Encourage inclusion and social learning – exposed to diverse viewpoints, different opinions, experiences and learning styles
  • Strengthen relationship among participants, creating a more supportive learning environment
  • Belong to a community – After the learning phase, participants have one another; a powerful way to sustain growth, foster collaboration and reinforce knowledge
• The assigned OVA Clinician will provide the names of the successful certified referees to the local volleyball assignor. This will allow them to be assigned matches appropriate to their level. Work could begin immediately once certified.

The objectives of this program are to:

• Introduce a pathway to refereeing for Maverick youth who may be leaving or limiting their involvement within a competitive stream;
• Continue to be part of the Maverick Family and build strong connected community through volleyball, while fostering a sense of belonging and engagement.
• Expose youth to the important role of refereeing and to obtain a Referee Certification (Local) within a safe and encouraging environment (which increases the likelihood of success);
• Contribute to the supply of future quality referees to address current shortages within the volleyball community in particular high school matches and large provincial and national championships hosted in Ottawa;
• Enhance current refereeing certification with the Maverick Way, that will introduce the nine principles and behaviours at the beginning of their referee career;
• Build confidence and leadership skills for these young officials;
• Enable youth to gain valuable work experience and competencies that will assist them in their future careers;
• Build a “volleyball for life” culture within the Maverick Community and beyond.