Indoor

Interested in becoming involved as a volleyball official or want to pursue your certification to a higher level? Our refereeing pathway allows referees to plot their own learner journey through a range of qualifications.

The Grade 4 Award is the basic introductory refereeing award and is a minimum of 14-16 hours delivery over 2-days. The course comprises both theory and practical sessions but assessment of practical refereeing is not compulsory. The course aims to provide the referee with the knowledge and understanding of tactics and skill used within the 6-a-side game and is delivered in a safe, controlled and enjoyable manner.

Opportunities are provided for candidates to further extend their experience of practical refereeing in a group setting and assessment is completed by a formal written examination on the rules of volleyball and the use of the scoresheet.

The cost of the Grade 4 course is £35 and the minimum age for this course is 16 years of age.

After completing the initial Grade 4 exam, referees will be able to obtain higher grades through practical assessments.  An assessment can be arranged through contacting your regional referee representative or contacting a referee staff member.

This is the basic grade of practical refereeing and the recommended minimum standard for officiating in regional or local leagues. To achieve Grade 3R a candidate must be observed (by an approved member of the Staff Team) officiating as a 1st Referee, at least, at a match and must be in the current referee uniform.

The Grade 3R Award is made solely on the basis of practical refereeing. Prior to assessment a candidate must have qualified as a Grade 4 and have registered with Volleyball England.

Referees with experience in regional leagues can apply for upgrading to Grade 3N, the normal minimum grade for National Volleyball League appointments; practical assessment is similar to that for Grade 3R, but a higher standard is required.

Grade 3N status is retained for as long as the official remains active as a referee, continues to register annually and remains on the Panel of appointed referees.

Applicants for Grade 2 must be registered Grade 3N referees usually with at least two years of experience as an appointed NVL referee at the Grade 3N level.  Applicants must be able to demonstrate a consistently high standard of officiating in appointed National League Division 2 matches and Volleyball England recognised competitions.

To be considered for upgrading, a candidate should apply to the Staff Commissioner at least three months prior to the start of the season in which observations are to be made.

Applications for Grade 1 are considered from any registered referee usually with at least two years of experience as an appointed NVL referee at the Grade 2 level. The candidate must be able to demonstrate competence at the highest level of officiating and must be committed to an extensive programme of NVL matches each season.

To be considered for upgrading, a candidate must apply to the Staff Commissioner at least three months prior to the start of the season in which observations are to be made.