Understanding the rules is only one aspect of being an effective volleyball official. Signaling clearly, managing the game and the court between sets and matches, working with the rest of the officiating crew, acting with a high standard of ethics, and various other nuances all go into being a professional official. Individuals who master volleyball officiating add value to the sport, earning the respect of players, coaches, and spectators alike.

Just as becoming a strong player requires dedication and competition, becoming a strong official requires commitment and training. The OVR offers training throughout the region for Professional Officials and Junior Officials: opportunities for each are listed below. For your convenience, we also list in this section certain other training opportunities offered outside the OVR.

OVR Professional Officials' Clinics

The Ohio Valley Region's professional officials' clinics for the 2011-2012 season are listed below. There is a $10 clinic fee, payable upon check-in at each clinic, for referees who have pre-registered for clinic attendance. Referees who do not pre-register online must pay a $15 clinic fee upon check-in. (Professional officials can sign up for a clinic once they register for the 2011-2012 season. Registration opens on September 1.)

For additional information, contact Brian Hemelgarn, OVR Referees' Chair (hemelgarn@ovr.org, 419-410-2291).

Signing up for a Professional Officials' Clinic

• Returning professional officials (certified in the OVR last season)
• New professional officials (not previously certified in the OVR)

Junior Officials' Clinics

Clinics for junior second referees and scorekeepers will be scheduled soon for centers of activity throughout the Ohio Valley Region. For additional information or to schedule a special clinic for your club, perhaps including nearby clubs to minimize cost, contact Gary Hesse, Junior Officials' Development Director (hesse@ovr.org).

USA Volleyball Referee Training Camps

Each year during the spring and summer, the USA Volleyball Officials Division hosts training camps for referees of all certification and experience levels. The camps are held at selected USA Junior Olympic National Qualifier tournaments, the NCVF Collegiate Volleyball Club National Championships and the Girls' Junior National Championships.

The camp program includes classroom presentations and training modules, on-court practical training and feedback, and opportunities to work with the country's top USA Volleyball referees.

In addition, the OVR hosts a USAV Referee Training Camp during the WinterFest tournament at the Greater Columbus Convention Center during the first weekend of February. Please contact Brian Hemelgarn for more information.

For more information about these camps, please go to the USA Volleyball website (www.usavolleyball.org) and select "Officials & Rules" from the Resources tab on the main menu, then select "Referee Training" from the menu on the left.