Referee expectations

Referee accreditations and requirements

 

MUVC recognises the value in education and training and aims to support any existing or aspiring officials in gaining their Level 1, 2 or 3 Referee Accreditations. For officials to referee the Western Australian Volleyball League (WAVL), they will need a minimum of a Level 1 or 2 Accreditation, dependent upon the level of the match to be refereed. 

For any State League or State League Reserve matches facilitated by Volleyball Western Australia (VWA), a minimum of five officials are required to officiate any match:

• The first referee is required to hold a minimum of a Level 2 Referee Accreditation;
• The second referee is required to hold a minimum of a Level 1 Referee Accreditation; and,
• The scorer and lines people are not required to hold any accreditation, however must be present at all times.

For any WAVL Division 1 and Division 1 Reserve matches facilitated by VWA, a minimum of three officials are required to officiate any match:

• The first referee is required to hold a minimum of a Level 2 Associate Referee Accreditation;
• The second referee is required to hold a minimum of a Level 1 Referee Accreditation;
• The scorer is not required to hold any accreditation, however must be present at all times.

For any WAVL Division 2+ matches facilitated by VWA, a minimum of three officials are required to officiate any match:

• The first referee is required to hold a minimum of a Level 1 Referee Accreditation;
• The second referee is required to hold a minimum of a Level 1 Referee Accreditation;
• The scorer is not required to hold any accreditation, however must be present at all times.

Lines people are not required to be present at WAVL Division matches, however it is strongly recommended by MUVC that a minimum of two lines people be present at all times to officiate any duty matches. Having lines people will assist the first and second Referees in making correct calls and decisions; it will improve the quality of the match for the competitors; and, it will enhance the image and reputation of MUVC as being a club that values having matches be properly officiated, and one that strives to give both member and non-member athletes, the best volleyball experience we can offer.

Level 1 & Level 2 Referee Competency Statements

Notwithstanding any accreditations achieved by the official, MUVC expects all of its officials to display the following competencies as outlined by VA:

Technical Ability

Preparing for a match

• Identify, check and report risks;
• Arrive early or on time to properly conduct any pre-match or warm-up routines;
• Arrive appropriately dressed, wearing MUVC merchandise (or plain black) whenever possible - including wearing enclosed shoes;
• Effectively prepare to officiate, ensure the correct rules and hand signals are remembered and revised well before the commencement of the match;
• Effectively communicate with venue staff, captains, and coaches; and,
• Discuss the responsibilities and duties performed by the event officials.

 

Administer a game

• Effectively start a game on time;
• Apply the basic rules, regulations, and processes during competition;
• Utilise appropriate basic interpersonal communication skills when officiating;
• Adopt styles of officiating to reflect the level of competition;
• Effectively end a game, following the correct rules and timelines as stipulated by VWA or MUVC; and,
• Assess and ensure a safe competition environment in collaboration with competition managers and venue coordinators.

 Interpersonal Ability

• Demonstrate the values and ethical behaviour expected of VA officials, pursuant to the Code of Behaviour below.

 

Conceptual Ability

• Seek feedback from mentor, senior, or more experienced referees, on their performance; and, 
• Reflect upon their performance with a view and plan to improve their next performance.



Code of Behaviour

In addition to the Level 1 & Level 2 Referee Competency Statements, all MUVC officials must meet the following requirements in regard to their conduct during any activity held or sanctioned by MUVC:

• Operate within the rules and spirit of volleyball, promoting safety, wellbeing, and fair play over winning at any cost;
• Encourage and support opportunities for people to learn appropriate behaviours and skills;
• Support opportunities for participation in all aspects of volleyball;
• Treat each person as a unique individual;
• Display control and courtesy to all involved within the volleyball community;
• Respect the rights and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion;
• Respect the decisions of other officials, coaches and administrators in the conduct of volleyball;
• At all times, avoid unaccompanied and unobserved one-on-one activity (when in a supervisory capacity or where a power imbalance will exist) with people under the age of 18 years;
• Adopt appropriate and responsible behaviour in all interactions;
• Adopt responsible behaviour in relation to alcohol and other drugs;
• Act with integrity and objectivity especially when officiating, and accept responsibility for your decisions and actions;
• Ensure your decisions and actions contribute to a safe environment;
• Ensure your decisions and actions contribute to a harassment free environment;
• Do not tolerate harmful or abusive behaviours;
• Place the safety and welfare of the athletes above all else;
• Help each person (athlete, official etc) reach their potential – respect the talent, developmental stage and goals of each person and compliment and encourage with positive and supportive feedback;
• Any physical contact with a person should be appropriate to the situation and necessary for the person’s skill development;
• Be honest and do not allow your experience or qualifications to be misrepresented;
• Place the safety and welfare of the athletes above all else;
• Be consistent and impartial when making decisions; and,
• Address unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all people.