"HOW" do I get a PAVO rating with Metro Board?

All levels need to take and pass a written exam, attend an approved clinic and pay registration dues on an annual basis. This will entitle them to having an active certification and be considered a member in good standing. In addition, you must meet one of the requirements listed in the desired certification level.

NATIONAL - Requires three (3) R1 and three (3) R2 ratings

Obtain and hold a State rating for a minimum of 2 years. Follow the application process found at www.pavo.org. The monetary investment for this ranges from $800 - $1500+ and requires renewal by a points system, or attending another NRT site.

STATE - Requires three (3) R1 and three (3) R2 ratings

1) Obtain your USAV Jr. National or National certification. Guidelines can be found at www.usavolleyball.org. Expected cost is $600 - $1100.

or 2) Obtain your USAV Regional certification. Register for on-court examinations at an approved event and achieve a minimum score of 85 on your rating.

or 3) Obtain and hold a Local rating for 3 years. Register for on-court examinations at an approved event and achieve a minimum score of 85 on your rating.

or 4) Transfer from another recognized PAVO board where you held a current State rating.

LOCAL - Requires two (2) R1 and two (2) R2 ratings

1) Obtain your USAV Provisional (pre-regional) certification. Register for on-court examinations at an approved event and achieve minimum score of 80.

or 2) Obtain and hold an Apprentice rating for 1 year. Register for on-court examinations at an approved event and achieve minimum score of 80.

or 3) Transfer from another recognized PAVO board where you held a current Local rating.

APPRENTICE - Requires one (1) R1 and one (1) R2 rating

Register for on-court examinations at an approved event and achieve a minimum score of 75.

"WHY" do I need to get a PAVO rating?

PAVO supports the formation of local boards for the sole purpose of "training and evaluating" collegiate officials by geographical area. Your membership with Metro entitles you the opportunity to be trained and evaluated by our most qualified members. If we begin to understand this is why we have a board I believe we will better align our approach to the clinics and opportunities you are being offered. I have very strong wishes that every Metro Board member be current on their ratings. However, I understand every official has different motivations and lifestyles that may influence their decision/ability to obtain ratings.

I plan to bring about a "new culture" in our ratings program. There are several rating sites available this Winter/Spring, making it possible for all members to attend. If you are currently not up-to-date on rating and do not attend one of these sites you can expect that I will inform the PAVO national office, and any assignor contacting me, that you are currently not certified to officiate collegiate volleyball matches. I will be sending you each an email, no later than Jan 17th, informing you of your current status. If you have special circumstances that will prevent you from getting/remaining certified, I suggest you contact me in the near future so we can discuss other arrangements.

Your certification demonstrates that you have taken a personal investment in furthering the quality of your officiating! In addition, it serves to give an "approximation" as to the quality of match you can be expected to "consistently" perform.

Each volleyball Conference has their own criteria for assigning volleyball officials. Almost all conferences hire an assignor to schedule the regular and post-season matches. Many assignors have responsibility for more than one conference. Go to www.pavo.org and you will be able to view most of the conferences across the country as well as the assignor and contact information.

Assignors utilize several methods to determine who is initially accepted into a conference, and also that official will continue to work matches in the conference. For many that may not understand the process well (I know I certainly didn't until recently) these factors can include:

• PAVO/USAV certification level, and amount of years holding the rating
• Personal references from officials/assignors/coaches in other conferences
• Observations from officials/assignors/coaches of that conference
• Years of experience and the official's resume (other conferences worked, post-season play-off matches, national championships, etc.)
• Many more, but hopefully this gets you thinking of the possibilities

The difficult part is that there is no particular formula that guarantees anyone that they will be assigned matches with a conference!

Getting a PAVO rating and continuing to attend camps, clinics, and rating sessions is bound to make you a better official and will increase your chances of getting the matches you desire. However, the process is not always fast, nor is it easy or free. Deciding why you are officiating and what your goals are will help you determine what paths you should take. I hope continuing to learn and improve through observation and feedback is right for you.

"WHERE" will I be able to get my PAVO rating?

USAV - There is an "Open" power league being held monthly in Burnsville. Please e-mail me if you did not receive the flyer sent out earlier this week.

Attending a full training day, and you can apply your ratings from the power league for meeting one (1) R1 rating and one (1) R2 rating for you PAVO certification.

Therefore, an Apprentice rating can be completed that day. Members desiring a Local or State rating will need to finish their additional ratings in the college arena.

NIVC - Men's college volleyball conference covering the 5-state area. One tournament will be used rating site for officials with the goal of attaining a State rating.

Tournament dates are March 11th and 12th at Bethel College, in Shoreview, MN. Please email me if you are available and interested in being rated at this site. Attend only 1 day. Fee of $50. You will receive an Apprentice Local or State rating depending upon test score.

NCAA - Spring tournaments for Div II schools. Tournaments will be used as a rating site for officials with the goal of attaining a Local or State rating.

• Tournament at St. Cloud State University -Date TBD. Up to twenty-four (24) candidates.
• Triangular at Concordia-St. Paul - Date TBD. Maximum of six (6) candidates will be able to attend!