Become a Volleyball Referee
Turn your passion for volleyball into a paid opportunity while staying involved in the sport!
How It Works
The Level 1 Referee Course is a self-paced, 100% online course that prepares you to officiate volleyball matches in Nova Scotia.
Course Registration
- Registration opens: September 1
- Registration closes: January 31
- Course completion deadline: February 28 (to referee during that season)
Registration Fee: $160 (first 30 registrants will only pay $99!)
After completing the course, you must purchase a Volleyball Nova Scotia (VNS) membership ($96) before you can receive referee assignments or mentoring.
Registration includes:
- Official referee shirt
- Whistle, sanction cards, referee coin, net chain and a branded green arm band to indicate you are a new referee (see green arm band initiative)
- Approximately 6 hours of online theory covering rules, game administration, and rule interpretations
- Practical evaluation during formal matches as:
- First Referee
- Second Referee
- Scorer
After registering, you’ll receive an email with instructions to begin the first of four online learning sessions.
Before You Can Referee
To be eligible for referee assignments, you must complete the ‘Person in Authority’ requirements:
- Register as a Referee with Volleyball Nova Scotia and be approved
- Provide a valid Police Record Check – discount available through our partner at Trustii (required for referees aged 19 and older)
- Complete Safe Sport training
- Complete Anti-Racism training
Level 1 Referee Requirements
To become a Level 1 (Local) Referee, you must:
- Be at least 15 years old to take the Level 1 Referee Course
- Be at least 16 years old to complete your on-court evaluation
- Demonstrate leadership and game management skills
- Be willing to learn and open to feedback
Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Level 1 Referee Course | $160 |
| Volleyball Nova Scotia Membership (required before officiating) | $96 |
FAq
When can I register to become a referee?
The online Level 1 Referee course is offered between September 1 and February 28 each year for purchase. The club refereeing season (the busiest time) is from January to early May.
I have completed my online referee course - now what?
To be eligible for referee assignments, you must complete the ‘Person in Authority’ requirements:
-
- Register as a Referee with Volleyball Nova Scotia and be approved
- Provide a valid Police Record Check – discount available through our partner at Trustii (required for referees aged 19 and older)
- Complete Safe Sport training
- Complete Anti-Racism training
Once the above steps are complete, you will be contacted for assignments which will include mentorship for new referees.
What can I referee as a Level 1?
· School – You would be eligible to R1 junior high school matches. As soon as you enter the level ll program you will be eligible to R1 or R2 at high school matches.
· Club Volleyball – R1 16U Tier 2 and younger. As soon as you enter the level ll program you will be eligible to R1 or R2 at high school matches.
How will I receive my uniform and starter kit?
Your uniform will be mailed out to you directly after registering. Please ensure your Sportlomo account has an accurate mailing address. Your starter kit (whistle, coin, sanction cards and chains) will be provided to you by our referee assignor or mentor during one of your first assignments
How do I become a Level 2 Referee?
Level 2’s are determined on a case by case basis, if you are interested do not hesitate to reach out. Ideal candidates have one year or more of experience as a Level 1 referee.
For information about Level 2 and above clinic dates and locations, please contact Alain Asafor