Girls High School
Girls High School
CHECKLIST: All officials must complete the following:
Register with MSHSL for the 24-25 Season , pay their fee, & select Metro Volleyball Officials Association as your Primary (or Secondary) association.
Complete the MVOA Assigning Survey
You control your schedule! As soon as you've accepted our invitation to ArbiterSports (online assigning website), enter your BLOCKS so we know what day(s) of the week you are available. FYI: Tuesdays/Thursdays are our busiest weekdays.
Submit the 2024-25 Independent Contractor Agreement (available August 1)
Submit a W-9 (only need a new one if you've moved or changed your last name)
Submit a Direct Deposit Authorization form (only need a new one if you changed bank accounts)
Complete the MSHSL Eligibility Requirements by their August 21 deadline.
Every other year, attend an MSHSL in-person or online live clinic in August.
Complete items #4-6 no later than Monday, August 19, 2024. The timing of your payment will be reflected by your compliance with this deadline.
REMINDER: Starting August 1, 2024, anyone that has not submitted a Direct Deposit Authorization form and/or requires a paper check to be mailed to them for payroll will incur a $10 processing fee that will be deducted from each issued check.
MVOA Assigning Survey
In addition to registering with the MSHSL, please take 2 minutes to complete this survey so that we know how best to assign you for the Fall Season.
MSHSL Volleyball Newsletters
Need to report an incident/issue or praise?
Use the MSHSL Contest Report to alert them to any major issues that occur during your matches. This form can also be used to send praise for schools that go above and beyond.
Please also submit the same information to MVOA that we're aware and can proactively address issues for the next crew. Basically, if you would have emailed the info to us, please use the MVOA Match Report.
MSHSL Tips of the Week - Protocols & Techniques
Visit our Protocols & Techniques page which has a collection of MSHSL Points of Emphasis that we have sent out via email as "Tips of the Week" to provide consistency in how we administer and conduct matches during the season.
Registration/Eligibility & Blocking Dates
What certification(s) do I need in order to work Girls High School Volleyball?
Officials need to be registered and complete all eligibility requirements with the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL).
How do I register with MSHSL & Block Dates in Arbiter?
Watch the MVOA MSHSL Registration video embedded on the right to walk you through the registration process as well as MVOA-specific information regarding registration & using Arbiter for assignments.
Use the timings below to jump sections:
0:00 MSHSL Registration
7:15 MSHSL Eligibility requirements
10:41 MVOA Arbiter - Fee Schedule, Accepting Assignments, Blocking Dates, Travel Limits, Public Phone # & Sharing
14:24 Blocking Part Days (those that CANNOT work matches that start before 5PM).
You can also watch the MSHSL Registration Video by clicking the button above, then go to the MSHSL Central Hub to register & complete eligibility requirements.
Officials Training & Scrimmage Opportunities
What can I do to prepare for the new season?
The Arbiter MSHSL Central Hub has a Volleyball resource page with links to rules changes and other information. Take advantage of those resources to prepare yourself for the fall season.
Every other year, you MUST attend an Officials Training Clinic either in person or live via Zoom. The clinic content for the in person and the virtual clinics are the same. These clinics are in lecture-style format. No live-play unless noted.
You only need to attend one of the dates below to fulfill your eligibility requirement.
August 7, 2024 - Virtual Clinic via Zoom (register here)
August 8, 2024 - Detroit Lakes (register in ArbiterSports > Schedule > List View)
August 12, 2024 - Roseville (register in ArbiterSports > Schedule > List View)
August 13, 2024 - Virtual Clinic via Zoom (register here)
August 17, 2024 - South St Paul (register here) - classroom AND on-court/live match training (replaces the Aug 4 event at MN Select)
You are welcome to attend one of these training clinics every year if you wish...just know that the content will be the same for the 2 year cycle. New training clinic content comes out on even years.
Metro Volleyball has historically partnered with the MSHSL to offer a pre-season on-court training opportunity where officials are in uniform and officiate live play as both the R1 & R2. The date/site for 2024 is Saturday, August 17th at South St Paul High School. Registration for the on-court MSHSL clinic on Aug 17 is through the MSHSL linked above.
Are there any scrimmages that we can use to prepare?
Glad you asked! Pre-season scrimmage opportunities can be found in Arbiter under the SCHEDULES tab > Self Assign sub-tab.
Click the [Go] link in the Assign column to claim a spot in the scrimmage
Once claimed, the date will appear in your SCHEDULES tab > Calendar sub-tab
The 2024 Scrimmage Date for officials in their first 3 years of officiating is August 17, 2024 @ South St Paul
NOTE: The scrimmage date must be clear of any blocks in order for you to see them.
MSHSL Eligibility & Information from their Central Hub
How do I access the MSHSL Central Hub?
The MSHSL Central Hub website is: https://mshsl.arbitersports.com
Where can I get a rule book?
Rule books are sent by the MSHSL on "odd" years (i.e. 2021, 2023, 2025). You should expect to keep your rule book for two seasons, so only throw out your old one when you receive a new one.
If you are a brand new official, the MSHSL should provide a copy of the rule book to you even if it's not an "odd" year. If you don't receive one, ask them to send you one by emailing Officials@mshsl.org
If you lost your copy, you should be able to buy one from the MSHSL Store.
Or you can get an online copy using the NFHS Rules App for your mobile device.
How do I check my eligibility progress?
Log into Arbiter
Click the ELIGIBILITY tab
Click one of your Enrolled eligibility balls (doesn't matter which one, they all lead to the same page)
ALL items in the top section need to have a GREEN CHECKMARK. Click the BLUE LINK in the ACTION column to complete the item.
Upon completion, you'll receive an email from
For SECTION or STATE eligibility, complete ONE of the items in the bottom section.
How do I know if I completed all MSHSL Eligibility requirements?
Watch the embedded MVOA MSHSL Registration video above for more information on how to complete requirements.
Once you have completed all the required eligibility modules and the test, you will see a Volleyball appear under your picture in Arbiter under the PROFILE tab.
If you believe you have completed all requirements, but your eligibility status hasn't updated after a day, forward any completion certificates that you received via email when you completed the module to Officials@mshsl.org and have them update your status manually.
Do I need to send MVOA a screen shot of my MSHSL Eligibility ball?
No, we see your eligibility ball in Arbiter, no need to send us a screen shot.
I haven't taken the MSHSL Test yet, when can I do that?
The exam and video modules are scheduled to be available on August 5, 2024
The Printable version of the exam has historically been posted on the MSHSL Central Hub so you can review the test questions ahead of time before using the online exam to submit your answers.
To take the exam, go to the MSHSL Central Hub > click the Eligibility Tab > Click one of the volleyball icons in the middle section (i.e. State, Section, Regular, Student, Reciprocity) > Click "Take Test" in the top section.
August 21, 2024 is the deadline to complete the exam. TIP: Do NOT wait until the last day to do take the exam. You MUST have your eligibility ball on your profile in order to work matches which start the next day, August 22, 2024. Be sure to start the season off right by taking care of business!
I registered with MSHSL and watched the General Meeting, but I haven't attended the Volleyball Online Clinic, how do I do that?
Both the General and Volleyball-specific online videos will be live August 5, 2024 on the Arbiter MSHSL Central Hub under the Eligibility tab. August 21, 2024 is the deadline to complete both the General and Volleyball online meetings.
I need to attend a 2 year in-person training clinic for MSHSL, is there one scheduled before the season?
YES! The MSHSL sends sign-ups for their in-person clinics through Arbiter on your SCHEDULE tab as an "EVENT." Click on the blue "EVENT" link in the far left "Game" column to view details about the clinic and check the box to either Accept or Decline the event to register.
Links to register for these clinics are sent via email by MSHSL & listed in the Officials Registration/Training section above.
Uniforms & Equipment
What uniform do I need?
The MSHSL Logo Gray Shirt has been required for varsity contests since the 2021 season.
The new MSHSL Logo Blue Shirt has been approved starting with the 2023 season. You do NOT need to match your partner for the regular season, but you WILL need to match for Section/State matches.
You may purchase one locally at General Sports Braemar, 7505 Ikola Way #203, Edina, MN 55439 , but note that they have limited stock available in store. Online orders may be placed but will likely take 10-14 days to receive.
See our Uniforms and Equipment page for more information - look for the MSHSL section.
Arbiter FAQs
Not getting game reminder emails? Check your notification preferences.
Log into Arbiter
Be sure Metro (104653) is selected from the upper right drop-down
Click the Profile tab
Click the Preferences menu tab
Check ALL of the boxes in the row of your email address
Change the default time zone to Central Time
Make your phone number public in Arbiter (video on right)
Partner/School Check-in Procedure
Regular Season Check-in Steps
Arbiter sends an email reminder 5 days ahead of your match
Partners should use that email to check in with each other upon receipt.
Include specifics such as home team, match start times and that you will arrive 30 minutes ahead of the first match time.
If you have an early B match prior to your JV/Varsity with your partner, let your partner know this, ESPECIALLY if your partner is checking in with the school. Check in for ALL matches worked by both of you with the AD for that date.
If for any reason you may be running late, exchange cell phone #s and assist one another by starting warmups/coin toss if needed.
The R1 will check in with school 3 days ahead of the match for both themselves AND the R2
The R1 for the varsity match is the one listed first and labeled "R1" in Arbiter
Schools will let MVOA know if no check-in is received 2 days ahead of the match
DO NOT INCLUDE CARLETON WHITE OR HEIDI SCHWICHTENBERG IN YOUR CHECK-IN EMAILS TO THE ADs. THEY ARE HAMMER SPORTS AND ARE LISTED ON MATCHES WHERE THEY ASSIGN THE 4TH/5TH TEAMS. IF WE COULD REMOVE THEM FROM THE ARBITER REMINDER EMAILS OURSELVES, WE WOULD...THIS IS AN ARBITER LIMITATION.
Tournament Check-in Steps
Debbie will send a tournament detail and procedures the week of the tournament and will designate a head referee
All officials should reply to the head referee with an email confirmation for the tournament as soon as they receive the tournament details from Debbie
The head referee will check in with the school 3 days ahead of the tournament
Schools will let MVOA know if no check-in is received 2 days ahead of the tournament
Assignments & ArbiterSports
How much does it cost to join the Metro Volleyball Officials Association?
Nothing, zilch, zero, nada, = $0. MVOA does not collect dues from officials. Officials are not members of Metro Volleyball, they are Independent Contractors that apply to be hired and work events that are assigned by MVOA.
The MSHSL Fee Schedule for officials is posted on Arbiter Sports. MVOA has renegotiated the fees for the 2023 & 2024 seasons.
Details of those fee increases can be found in Arbiter:Log into Arbiter Sports
Select the "Official" link under Metro Volleyball Officials Association from the drop-down in the top right
Click the DASHBOARD > MAIN tab
The pay scale is listed in the Announcements
I selected Metro Volleyball Officials Association as my association when I registered with the MSHSL, does that mean I'm guaranteed to be assigned?
No. MVOA makes roster decisions based on a number of criteria including eligibility, performance, character, need, location, availability, and more.
If you selected MVOA during your registration, but have never communicated with MVOA at any time in the past, it would behoove you to get in touch with one of us to introduce yourself so we know who you are, your goals for officiating and where you'd be most comfortable on the court. Our contact info can be found on the Contact Us page.
Not that Brad, Robyn, & Darci don't like you, but Debbie likes you more, so your first contact should be Debbie.
What do I need to do in Arbiter to show my availability?
Log into ArbiterSports ASAP and mark your availability for matches for the entire months of August, September, October, & November under BLOCKS > Dates.
Add PART DAY blocks to ALL WEEKDAYS if you are unable to work matches that start earlier than the standard 5:30PM start time.
Your PART DAY block end time should be the time that you can get out the door and leave for the playing site.
Update your BLOCKS > Travel Limits for every day of the week including weekends.
Update your BLOCKS > Teams if there are teams or sites you would like to remove yourself from consideration for assignment.
Ensure your SETTINGS > Profile information is accurate, as this will be used for sending your paychecks.
Share your other assignments with us, select the Metro (104653) Official profile in the upper right drop-down, then click the PROFILE tab and then the Sharing tab. Make sure all items are selected in the left column. Select the other associations in the middle column and ensure that Metro Volleyball Officials Association is selected in the right column, then click the Save button.
How will I be paid?
All payments will be sent to you from Metro Volleyball Officials Association according to the payment terms on the Independent Contractor Agreement. Please don't email asking when you will be paid, read the ICA and Payroll Schedule information on the Independent Contractor page.
You will NOT fill out vouchers at the school or provide them with a W-9 when you are working a match assigned by MVOA. If you are asked by a school to fill in a payment voucher, please politely decline and alert Robyn ASAP.
Log into ArbiterSports and ensure your Profile information (including your address) is up to date as that is the address that will be used to send payment.
All officials working MSHSL matches through MVOA must fill out the MVOA Independent Contractor Agreement and have a W-9 on file with MVOA prior to your first match. A new ICA is required each year on August 1 and covers you for all MVOA assigned matches between Aug 1 - July 31.
Payments by Direct Deposit are the PREFERRED payment method. Please fill out and submit the MVOA Direct Deposit (ACH) authorization form on our Independent Contractors page, Section 2, Step 2C.
Match Level Formats
ALWAYS CHECK THE NOTES ON YOUR MATCHES FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT FORMAT/LOCATION/TIMING.
When you see a single line with multiple levels that include Varsity. The start time listed is the start time for the sub-varsity match(es). The varsity match will follow 90 minutes later (i.e. 5:30 B/JV, 7:00 Varsity, or 5:00 JV, 6:30 Varsity)
Arrival time for all matches should be 30 minutes prior to the listed match start time.
B/JV/Varsity - 1 official for the B Match, 1 official for the JV Match, both of you will then do the Varsity Match. The official listed in the top row in Arbiter is the R1 for varsity and typically works the B match. The official listed in the bottom row in Arbiter is the R2 for varsity and typically works the JV match. NOTE: if new officials prefer to work the B match vs JV, that's fine...just communicate with each other.
JV/Varsity - 2 officials for both JV and Varsity. The official listed in the top row in Arbiter is the R1 for varsity. The official listed in the bottom row is the R2 for varsity. Swap R1/R2 positions for the JV match.
B - 1 official for the additional early match prior to a JV/Varsity Combo. Schools could consider this a 9th grade, B level or C level match. We don't discern this in Arbiter, to us, it's just an earlier lower level match, usually due to only have a single competition court.
Checking Notes
Blue icon = no note
Green icon = notes ARE attached
If there's a note, it's there for a reason. Be sure to read it. It will be apparent if you don't.
Lower-Level "Early" Match Assignments
MVOA has transitioned to covering each school's top 3 level teams with a preferred schedule model of 5:30 B, 5:30 JV, 7:00 Varsity. If you are able and willing to work an earlier lower level match, schools have the option of partnering with Hammer Sports.
How can I be assigned by Hammer Sports?
Contact Heidi to get added to the Hammer Sports Arbiter tenant. They use self-assign, so you can pickup matches that work with your current varsity schedule or pickup matches on any open dates you may have.
DO NOT PICKUP EARLY MATCHES FIRST AND THEN ASK TO BE ASSIGNED TO THE UPPER LEVEL MATCHES BY MVOA.
Which schools are partnering with Hammer Sports?
Click here to see the current listing of schools that are partnering with Hammer Sports to cover their lower-level matches.