How to take the first step on the Volleyball England Sitting Referee Development Pathway. 

 

Grade 4 Sitting 

The Grade 4 Sitting Award is the entry-level certification for sitting volleyball referees. You can become a sitting volleyball referee by adding to your indoor referee qualification. 

This blended learning course features self-study, an online classroom, a Rules of the Game exam and a one-day practical refereeing session at an event, where you will be observed and receive developmental feedback from a referee developer. 

 

At the end of the course, you will be able to:

Pre match 

• Demonstrate understanding of sitting volleyball specific rules, highlighting key differences from indoor volleyball.
• Explain the athlete classification system, including how it is applied during competition.
• Carry out all pre-match duties. 
• Evaluate and confirm the safety of the competition environment, ensuring complicance with sitting volleyball standards.

Administer a match

• Consistently apply the rules and event regulations. 
• Maintain control through the match and show impartiality to both teams. 
• Utilise appropriate basic interpersonal communication skills. 
• Adopt styles of officiating to reflect the level of competition. 

Scoring and line judging 

• Complete a scoresheet for a sitting volleyball match. 
• Recognise the basic signals and positioning required on court for Line Judges. 

Interpersonal Ability 

• Demonstrate the values and ethical behaviour expected of Volleyball England officials including knowledge of safeguarding. 
• Demonstrate consistency and impartiality when dealing with players. 
• Effectively communicate with event officials, court staff and coaches. 

Self reflection (professional discussion with referee developer)

• Seek feedback on your performance. 
• Reflect upon your performance with your view to improve. 

Course structure

Complete: pre course reading and research	You must know the World Paravolley Official Sitting Volleyball Rules (2025-2028) and be familiar with the World Paravolley Refereeing Guidelines and Instructions and World Paravolley Rules of Game Sitting Volleyball Casebook.
Attend: online classroom	Led by the course tutor, the session includes scenarios to check your knowledge and interpretation of Sitting Volleyball rules (including the differences between the indoor and sitting game), and how you prepare for and administer a match. It will also cover interpersonal skills, including expected communication and behaviour (120 minutes).
Complete: online assessment	You need to pass an online Rules of the Game test. This is an open book, multiple choice format (70 minutes).
Attend: practical session	This one-day practical session includes officiating at a sitting volleyball competition. You will get the support of a referee developer, who will help you review your performance, provide feedback and help you identify appropriate training and development (8 hours).

Eligibility

Learners must:

• Have a pre-existing indoor referee qualification. 
• Be able to communicate effectively in English, including listening, speaking, reading and writing. 

What do I need for the course?

• Access to a laptop/tablet to complete the pre course quizzes, online classroom and online assessment. 
• A whistle. 
• A pen and notebook or similar notetaking technology. 
• Food and refreshments for the practical session. 

What does the Grade 4 Sitting Referee Award allow me to do?

This qualification opens up opportunities to officiate at the Volleyball England Sitting Grand Prix, Cup and Shield Competitions. 

Course fees

From 1st April 2025, the cost of the course is £79.25 (plus a service fee of 3.2% + 50p). 

Please ensure that you have read the Volleyball England Education Course Terms and Conditions prior to booking onto the course. 

How to book

Grade 4 Sitting Referee Award courses are organised on a demand basis. Click here to see the courses that are currently available to book onto and select Grade 4 Sitting Referee Course from the event group drop down. 

If there are no courses listed, please check back at a later date. Once new courses are added, they will be advertised on the Volleyball England social media and news channels. 

If you require support with booking onto a course, please see the step-by-step guide here before emailing or calling the Volleyball England Hub Team on 01509 974700.