UPGRADE CLINICS

OVERVIEW

When applying for the Regional or National Upgrade Program, you will be required to provide a match log of your assignments. If you are thinking about these certification levels, KDVC recommends that you notify us and your RRC of your intentions and begin recording your match log at least 2 years prior to let us help increase your chances of being successfully admitted into the program.

Please note that the processes below are out-lined only for Levels 2-Provincial, 3-Regional (Indoor Only), and 4-National. Acceptance for International Promotion is an FIVB responsibility.

2025-2026 Certification Upgrade Programs

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. Additional information can also be found in the OVA Referee Handbook and the Volleyball Canada National Referee Committee Policy and Procedures Handbook. Where the information on this page differs the Handbooks will be considered correct.

2

PUP - Provincial Upgrade Program
Expressions of Interest

Annually, September to October

Deadline

October 15 annually

3

RUP-Regional Upgrade Program

Applications Accepted

On-going basis
Deadline

September 1 annually*

4

NUP -National Upgrade Program

Applications Accepted

On-going basis
Deadline

September 1 annually*

SUBMIT PUP EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

APPLY FOR THE RUP

APPLY FOR THE NUP

PUP - Level 2 - Provincial Upgrade Program

Applications Accepted

Annually September to October, Expression of Interest

Deadline

October 15 annually

Login to your MRS account and complete the Provincial Upgrade Program (PUP) Expression of Interest Form for the current year. Once registration closes, the OVA Referee Coordinator will forward the names of all Local referees that wish to be upgraded to their respective RRCs. These referees will then be evaluated at the earliest convenience for entry into the PUP for the current season.

Requirements for Success

Be an active referee as a Local Referee for a minimum of one year
Attends Ontario Championships/National Championship
Attends a referees' theory clinic sanctioned by the Provincial Association
Attends a practical course component sanctioned by the Provincial Association
- minimum of three (3) OVA tournaments
Successfully completes written and practical examinations with 80% or higher

Program Length

1 year

Fee Requirements

Fee: $100 + HST

If successful, the referee is rated as a "PROVINCIAL" Referee of Volleyball Canada and should make himself/herself available to officiate different types of volleyball matches as frequently as possible.

RUP - Level 3 - Regional Upgrade Program

Applications Accepted

On-going basis, Expression of Interest
Deadline

September 1 annually

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. 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. An official aspiring to be a Regional Referee must be recommended by the Regional Referees' Chair for entry into the program.

Requirements for Success

Be an active referee as a Provincial Referee for a minimum of 2 years
Attends Ontario Championships/National Championship
Attends a pre-season OCAA exhibition selection tournament
Attends an advanced referees' theory clinic sanctioned by the Provincial Association
Certified on E-Scoresheet
Attends an advanced practical course component sanctioned by the Provincial Association
- Referees at OVA youth tournaments 16U – 18U Premier Division
Successfully completes written and practical examinations with 85% or higher
Approval by National Referees' Committee

Program Length

2 years

Fee Requirements

Year 1: $225 + HST

Year 2: $175 + HST

Program Requirements

Year 1

Attend all Theory Sessions
Complete 3 practical tournaments
Complete 2 mentorship sessions at OVA event
Pass written exam with an 85% or higher
Complete 3 modules
Submit match logs for the year
Attend 17u and/or 18u provincials

Year 2

Attend 2 practical tournaments
Complete 2 mentorship sessions at OVA event
Submit match reflection forms
Submit match logs
Attend 17u and/or 18u Provincials

Candidates will also receive mileage and per diems where applicable and all accommodations are covered by the OVA. Candidates will not receive match fees for matches completed as part of their upgrade training. Instead, match fees earned during the program will be used to offset candidate and program expenses as part of a cost-sharing model.

If successful, the referee is rated as a "REGIONAL” Referee of Volleyball Canada and should make himself/herself available to officiate different types of volleyball matches as frequently as possible.

NUP - Level 4 - National Upgrade Program

Applications Accepted

On-going basis, Expression of Interest
Deadline

September 1 annually*

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. For intake into the current fiscal year, applications are due September 1. After filling out the form, the NUP chair will talk to your RRC, the senior referees you list, and the Provincial Referee Committee. Top candidates will be invited to attend an evaluation and coaching tournament in September or October of the year that you apply. Being invited to an assessment tournament does not mean admission to the program.

Before attending the National Theory Clinic, candidates are expected to complete a prep year within Ontario where they referee high level matches, receive coaching, and demonstrate the necessary activity, qualification, and personal abilities to enter the program. Potential candidates are expected to maintain an activity form or match log of high-level matches.

Requirements for Success

Be an active referee as a Regional Referee (Indoor) for a minimum of 3 years OR
Be an active referee as a Provincial Referee (Beach) for a minimum of 3 years
Recommendations of the Regional Referees' Chairperson for upgrading, based on activity, qualification, and personal abilities
Completes 1 Level 4 PREP year of assigned OCAA/OUA matches with coaching
Must keep the National Referee Committee advised of assignments at major tournaments as specified
Attending designated clinics conducted by certified Course Conductors
Submitting to a written and practical examination administered by the National Referee Committee at a major competition recognized for this purpose with 90% or higher
Approval by National Referee Committee

Program Length

2 years

Fee Requirements

Fee: $400 + HST

There is a fee of $400 for the National Upgrade Program; additional costs are shared between candidates and Officials’ Development Fund. As part of their committee to the National Upgrade Program, please note that candidates will also be expected to cover 50% of their own expenses such as travel, accommodations, registration fees, etc.

If successful, the referee is rated as a "NATIONAL” Referee of Volleyball Canada. To maintain this status, the referee must remain active and submit for re-evaluation at regular intervals, as prescribed by VC's National Referee Committee.