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 hold online mentoring sessions for the newly certified officials from February 2027 to May 2027 to ensure any questions or concerns
are addressed and for continued support. This will be done via designated Teams office hours monthly. (cont’d)

The Maverick LTR also provides:

• Small group size (16 particpants in-class training and 1:4 (or 1:5) 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.

• Leadership Skills: The confidence to manage and oversee a competitive setting and communicate effectively with coaches and athletes.
• Interpersonal Skills: active listening, verbal and nonverbal communication, relationship building; negotiation and conflict resolution, and how to be assertive while promoting collaboration.
• Decision-Making Skills: critical thinking, dispute resolution, analytical reasoning, prioritization.
• Personal Development: self-awareness, resilience, adaptability, time management.

1. Learn to Referee Starter package:

• 2025/2026 Rulebook – (hard copy)
• Classic Fox 40 CMG Whistle – black
• Access to the learner-centric curriculum (printed materials)
  – in-class theory sessions (5 sessions)
  – on-court sessions (7 sessions)
• Referee logbook
• Maverick Learn to Referee T-Shirt

2. Mentoring from a Level 3 (Regional) or higher Referee during the whole program; ratio is 1:4 (or 1:5).

3. After being certified as an official, from February 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)

• OVA Screening – Participants must meet the requirements of the OVA Screening Policy before being assigned as an official, which includes mandatory police checks, etc.
• Annual OVA registration fees to be an official – participants must complete this online and pay through the Member Registration System (MRS).
• Referee uniform and ancillary items – official referees must purchase from Volleyball Canada.

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, if required, 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 November 18, 2026, and concludes January 30, 2027 at the final practical evaluation by the OVA Clinician planned for February 6, 2027.

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.