Metro Officials,

During the past season many of my conversations led me to believe there is confusion and many questions with regards to ratings. After checking all the available resources, including the latest information passed down at the National convention, I believe the following outline will get us on all on the same page. Therefore, clear your memory of anything you have been told in the past and use this memo as the final word. There is a lot of information, but I wanted to be as thorough as possible so we can all better understand the process and expectations we will be using in the upcoming seasons. I would encourage you to print or save this copy for reference.

PAVO rating levels and the qualifications they are designed for:

Intramural - For inexperienced officials needing to demonstrate correct application of the rules.
Apprentice - For competent but inexperienced referees.
Local - For competent and experienced referees.
State - For referees qualified to work any match within the state/region where the rating is awarded.
National - For the most highly skilled referee, qualified to work any match in the United States.

Criteria for earning and renewing a PAVO rating:

• Annual attendance at an approved clinic - such as the OTP held each summer.
• Annual written examination - currently taken at our board meeting.
• Practical (on-court) examination - needed every 2-year period (this translates to every other year).
• Intramural - Minimum score no specified
• Apprentice - Minimum score of 75
• Local - Minimum score of 80
• State - Minimum score of 85
• National - attend NRT site, minimum score of 90

*NOTE* - By these standards, 15 points is all that separates an inexperienced ref from the Div I Final Four officials! The final points of a rating are very difficult to obtain!

USAV/PAVO Reciprocity and advancement of certification levels:
Without USAV reciprocity, this is the track you would need to take with PAVO:

• First certification level you can obtain is Intramural or Apprentice (not eligible for Local, State or National)
  After 1 year of officiating at Apprentice, you can attempt to earn a Local rating (still not eligible for State or National)
• After 3 years officiating at Local, you can attempt to earn a State rating (still not eligible for National)
• After 2 years officiating at State, you can attempt to earn a National rating.
  

*NOTE* - With this track (no USAV reciprocity), you could not attempt to be a state official until your 5th year of collegiate officiating!

However, with USAV reciprocity, you are eligible to "fast track" by using your USAV rating to wave the "years of experience" requirement of PAVO.

If you hold the following USAV rating, these are your options/entitlements:

USAV NATIONAL or JR. NATIONAL - On-court ratings are WAIVED! You are granted a state rating. Written exam and clinic required annually.
(Currently 5 Metro members have State ratings through this agreement)

USAV REGIONAL - On-court ratings are REQUIRED! If score of 85+ is obtained, you are awarded a state rating. If you score 80-84, you will be awarded a local rating. If you score 75-79, you will be awarded an apprentice rating. Written exam and clinic required annually.

(Currently 9 Metro members are eligible to take their on-court examinations and utilize this agreement for a PAVO rating)

*If you are "new" (less than 5 years college experience) I would strongly suggest you augment your training with USAV events. This will allow you to be eligible to receive the rating your PAVO on-court examinations would dictate.* Otherwise you could obtain a 85+ on your practical rating and only receive an apprentice or local rating, due to experience requirements.

USAV PROVISIONAL (Pre-Regional) - On-court ratings are REQUIRED! If score of 80+ is obtained, you are awarded a local rating. Written exam and clinic required annually.