Becoming a referee is a great way to earn money, make friends and be a part of the volleyball community.
Great referees demonstrate fairness, good judgement, leadership and a love for the game. If this sounds like you, you’ve got a bright future as a volleyball referee!
Starting in the 2023 season, at select events USA Volleyball referees will award #refvolleyball pins to athletes who demonstrate these qualities and show excellent potential for becoming a referee.
Getting started as a new official (referee or scorer) begins locally, within your region. Scroll to learn more about the experience and benefits of being a referee and take the first step on your officiating journey today.
Get Started
“I got started reffing volleyball right out of high school because it seemed like a great way to stay active in the sport, set my own schedule in college and make some good money on the side. I stayed with it because it turned out to be a lot of fun to be active and involved with the sport, meet all kinds of people, travel the country, and have that new team that I get to serve on with the officials team.”
Jason Marshall
Junior National Referee (Hoosier Region)
Benefits
Earn Money
Whether it’s your first job or side hustle to a full-time career, officiating volleyball matches is a great way to earn money. Entry-level referees at the regional level earn an average of $20-35 per match and work multiple matches over the course of a tournament.
Get Started
Set Your Own Schedule
You get to choose your availability and pick when and where you work. Depending on the season, there are opportunities to referee volleyball matches all over the country.
Get Started
Receive Training and Mentorship
Get access to training to prepare you to make the right call and improve your knowledge about how to apply the rules of the game. You’ll have support from mentors that will help you to refine your decision-making skills and handle any scenario with confidence.
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Have Fun and Make New Friends
As a referee, you will gain lifelong friends that want to see you succeed. They will help you learn the ropes, back you up in tough situations, and set you up for long term success on the stand.
Get Started
“I started to ref when I was 14 and continued to ref throughout my high school and college career. As soon as I retired from my professional playing career, I started to make officiating my full-time job. I love it because I get to make my own schedule; I get to choose where I get to travel; and I also love it because of the camaraderie that happens between officials, coaches and players. It’s something I hope I get to do for the rest of my life.”
Jenn Kay Vander Meer
Junior National Official
The Benefits of Officiating
National Referee Antonio King talks about his top perks of officiating, including:
- Travel
- Meeting new people across the country
- Making the game before
- “Easy money!”
A Community Within a Community
One of the best aspects of becoming a referee is the community. Fellow referees are there to guide and mentor you, cheer you on, and support your success.
Want to hear more? Listen to Episodes 51 and 52 of the USA Volleyball Show podcast.
Episode 51: Jenn Kay Vander Meer
Episode 52: Shawn Davis
You can listen to the USA Volleyball Show wherever you get your podcasts, or visit the show’s home page.
Friendships
We see a pattern here! Ali Garwood (CEVA) shares her favorite parts of being a referee:
- Friendship
- Flexibility
- Extra income
- Giving back to a community that has given so much to her!
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