EXPECTATIONS FOR REFEREES

OVERVIEW

To encourage more referees to upgrade their certification and to improve the transparency and accountability of the OVA upgrade process, the OVA Referee Committee has provided some expectations and recommended requirements that our domestic referees should strive for.

Please note that these requirements serve as a guideline for referees and all upgrades are subject to the referee committee’s discretion.

2025-2026 Expectations

OVA Referees Upgrade Recommended Requirements Levels 1 – 4

If you are thinking about a Certification Upgrade Program these are the recommended requirements for each level of certification that will best help you prepare to be successful.

Level 1 - Local Referee

Be an active referee as a Local Referee
Studies and continues to learn the rules of the game
Prepared to officiate 13U - 16U youth competitions
Officiates elementary and junior high school leagues and tournaments
Attends Provincial/National Championships

Level 2 - Provincial Referee

Be an active referee as a provincial referee
Studies and continues to learn the rules of the game
Prepared to officiate 13U - 18U youth competitions
Able to referee up to the level of an OVA tournament at 15U Premier
Officiate any high school leagues and tournaments, including OFSAA
Active on lines and/or score at OCAA/OUA level
- Awareness of E-Scoresheet
Gain experience as a second referee when able
Attends Provincial/National Championships annually

Level 3 - Regional Referee

Indoor Certification Only

Be an active referee as a Regional Referee
Studies and continues to learn the rules of the game
Prepared to officiate all youth competition levels in Ontario
Prepared to officiate OCAA matches as first or second referee
Certified on E-Scoresheet
Attends Ontario Championships/National Championships annually
Mentor Level 1 & 2 referees
Involved with the referee community on and off the court

Level 4 - National Referee

Be an active referee as a National Referee
Studies and continues to learn the rules of the game
Prepared to officiate all competition levels in Ontario
- Able to officiate equivalent levels outside the province
Certified on E-Scoresheet
Attends Provincial/National Championships annually
Mentor Level 1, 2 & 3 referees
Involved with the referee community on and off the court

International Referee

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.