Update for the 2024-2026 Season
How to Become an NHVOA Volleyball Official

Apprentice Program

​​The goal of the NHVOA Apprentice Program is to prepare officials to become certified to officiate NHIAA matches using National Federation High School Volleyball Rules and NHIAA officiating protocols. 

Generally, candidates who have no volleyball experience go through a two-year process to become certified. At the discretion of the NHVOA Apprentice Chairperson, candidates with previous volleyball and officiating experience may take one year or less to become certified 

The NHVOA Assignor will assign apprentices to sub-varsity matches (freshmen and middle school) to officials who are enrolled in the apprentice program.

Officials who successfully pass the apprentice program are placed on probationary status for one year. An official’s rating and probationary status will be reviewed and may be adjusted at the end of each season.

Complete the Online Application

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Transfer from another NFHS Organization

Transfer From Another NFHS OrganizationOfficials who currently have a certification from another NFHS (National Federation High School) Volleyball Organization must complete the following:

• Complete the Online Application.
• Attend an Annual Rules Interpretation Meeting.
• Pass the Federation Volleyball exam with a score of 80% or better.
• Pay annual dues equal to the sum determined by the membership at the Annual Business Meeting.
• Pass a floor test.

Complete the Online Application

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Transfer from Other Organizations

Officials who currently have certifications from USAV, PAVO, or other Volleyball Organizations may be certified to officiate NHIAA volleyball matches within a year at the discretion of the apprentice chair. Candidates would need to complete and send an application and provide the following information:

• Organization for which the official holds a certification
• ​Level of certification (if applicable)
• Brief description of the official’s involvement in volleyball as a player, coach, and/or official.

Based on this information, the candidate would be required to do the following:

• Attend one of the regular rules interpretation clinic (held the first and third Sundays in August).
• Pass a closed book written exam, with a minimum score of 80%. The closed book test will be conducted at a date and time, as determined by the apprentice chairperson. 
• Attend preseason jamborees held in late August, as directed by the apprentice chair.

The Apprentice Chair will make a determination as to whether the candidate will become certified or be required to go through the Apprentice Program. 
Complete the Online Application

Enrollment process

• Complete the online application form
• Pay the NHVOA $50 for the RefRep Fee Rules Course
  This fee will be refunded once an official is patched
  PLEASE MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO NHVOA. Dues should be sent to:
       Donna Martineau
       23 Crosswind Ln.
       Rochester, NH   03867
• Attend officiating clinics/meetings in July and August
• Enroll with the NHIAA, $65 fee. Download the directions on how to enroll with the NHIAA.
• ​Attend required jamborees and meetings

equipment list

Apprentices will receive the following referee tools:

• Black Fox40 Whistle.
• Net measuring device.
• Red and Yellow Sanction Cards.
• Lineup card(s).
  
  

Once patched, officials will receive the following:

• Flipping coin.
• Small bag to hold officiating tools.

​You will need the following items in order to officiate

• Black slacks.
• Black leather belt. 
• Solid black athletic shoes.
• White polo shirt for sub-varsity matches.
• Black socks.
• Referee tools: A watch, ball gauge, air pump, pencil.