Home » Programs Overview » Learn-to-Referee
Maverick mixed-gender Learn-to-Referee (LTR) program will run for a 12-week period, from September 28th to December 2025, which is designed for youths between the ages of 16-18 years of age. It also includes access to mentoring sessions from January to May 2026. This Program fully aligns with Ontario Volleyball Association’s Referee Eligibility Policy.
The Maverick leadership team developed a strategic plan to focus its resources and initiatives over the next three years.
One of the Key Results Areas of this strategic plan is designing and delivering quality programs that will empower our athletes to become exceptional within their chosen path.
One of the strategic initiatives is to develop a Learn to Referee (LTR) program.
Interest in this type of program is strong, with an initial survey of Maverick athletes in September 2024 via tryouts registration, indicating that over 200 athletes from 12U-18U would be interested in participating in a LTR program (approximately 100 participants between 16U-18U). A follow-up survey was sent to athletes within the 16-18U cohort with further details on possible cost, curriculum, etc. Twenty-three individuals were interested in being part of the pilot cohort.
We have compiled additional details to answer some of the more frequently asked questions you may have.
To become a local-level referee (otherwise known as “an official”), you must meet the following requirements from the Ontario Volleyball Association (OVA):
OVA CLINIC
(4 components) |
MAVERICK LTR
(5 components) |
Online theory | In-person theory (four 90-minute sessions) |
Online exam | Online exam (or in-person exam) |
In-person theory | On-court practical sessions (six 2-hr sessions) * and ** |
Practical session (4-hour in person session, as well as a tournament, where candidates will referee matches) | Practical session evaluation (refereeing a tournament)
|
Ongoing mentoring post-certification (January to May 2026)*** |
*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 objectives of this program are to:
1. Learn to Referee Starter package:
2. Mentoring from a Level 3 (Regional) or higher Referee during the whole program; ratio is 1:4.
3. After being certified as an official, from January to May, access to a Referee Mentor to ensure any questions or concerns are addressed, and for continued support.
4. Registration to the OVA theory exam (and practical evaluation)
Applications to this program will be completed via the Maverick Volleyball Club on-line registration for a “call of interest.”
Candidates will be selected upon response to a questionnaire and a 15-minute interview by the selection committee to ensure they understand the process and required time and commitment of the program.
Once the selection committee has reviewed and assessed the questionnaire responses and concluded all interviews, the successful candidates will be informed. For those not chosen for the pilot, they will be encouraged to try for the next time the program is offered.
The program begins September 28, 2025, and concludes December 2025 at the final practical evaluation by the OVA Clinician.
There are no makeup sessions. Any sessions missed will be the responsibility of the candidate to contact the Head Referee Mentor to discuss ways to catch up to the group.
Maverick Volleyball is committed to helping all athletes play volleyball. Visit our "Financial Assistance" page (in footer) for information on available options.