Interested in Upgrading?

The Keystone Region is committed to supporting officials who aspire to earn higher-level certifications within USA Volleyball. While the certification upgrade process requires dedication and preparation, the Region will make every effort to provide guidance, resources, and support to officials pursuing advancement opportunities.

The information below outlines the evaluation process for referees seeking to upgrade their certification level. In addition to successfully completing the evaluation requirements, candidates must remain in good standing with the Keystone Region. This includes maintaining current membership registration, attending required clinics, completing examinations, participating in regional officiating activities, and fulfilling any other requirements established by the Region.

Referee Development Team

The Keystone Region Referee Development Team is comprised of experienced Referee Coaches who hold USA Volleyball Junior National and National referee certifications. Their expertise, mentorship, and commitment to official development provide valuable support to referees throughout the Keystone Region.

Through observation, feedback, and coaching, the Referee Development Team helps officials refine their skills and prepare for higher levels of certification and competition.

Evaluation Sessions

Certification upgrade evaluations are conducted during designated evaluation sessions. Referees are not compensated for matches that are part of an evaluation; however, officials will be paid the established officiating rate for any additional matches worked outside of their evaluation assignments.

Officials interested in advancing their certification are encouraged to work closely with the Referee Development Team to better understand the requirements, prepare for the evaluation process, and achieve their officiating goals.

To begin the certification advancement process, officials should complete the interest form below. Candidates are also encouraged to review the requirements outlined in the KRVA Officials’ Handbook for the certification level they wish to attain to ensure they understand all expectations and prerequisites before pursuing an evaluation.

A Provisional official may request to upgrade to a Regional certification by declaring his/her intention to the Officials Development Team. An email can be sent to Dave Jones krvaofficials@gmail.com. An official may apply for this certification before the third year after receiving the Provisional certification with the approval of the Keystone Region’s Officials Development Team. The USAV evaluation form or a designated KRVA evaluation form may be used for this process. For you to advance to a Regional official certification, you must show a sustained quality and commitment to officiating.

Steps to Take to Achieve Upgrade include:

Express interest! Send an email to krvaofficials@gmail.com expressing your interest.
Work with mentors and experienced officials to prepare. As noted above for maintaining observations, you can ask to be observed to assist you in preparing for an upgrade in certification
Get an endorsement from a KRVA National or Junior National official
Pass 2 separate evaluations, as both a first and second official

Process for Evaluation includes:

Must be in proper uniform
Evaluated as R1 and R2
Must meet minimum requirements for Regional to pass evaluation
Full debrief with evaluator after each rating

A Regional referee may request to become a candidate for Junior National referee by declaring his/her intention to Neal Kenzakowski and Glenn Reid. A referee may apply for this certification in the first year subsequent to receiving a Regional referee certification. Factors used to determine viable Keystone Region Junior National referee candidates include but aren’t limited to: professionalism, KRVA good standing, exam results, and participation in KRVA-sponsored events.

Candidates will be required to attend JN Candidate Evaluation designated event as determined by the KRVA Referee Development Team which will include a formal evaluation as first and second referees, as well as a scoring review match.

Areas of emphasis for Jr. National candidates:

FIRST OFFICIAL

Professionalism
Mechanics and protocols
Dealing with coaches/players
Ball handling
Back row issues
Rules knowledge
Unusual circumstances
Presence/Demeanor/Professionalism

SECOND OFFICIAL

Dealing with coaches/players
Alignments
Transition
Court/bench awareness
Mechanics and rules knowledge
Knowledge of scoring procedures
Assistance to first official
Presence/Demeanor/Professionalism

After review of all prospective candidates, the KRVA Development Team will determine which prospective candidate(s) will be submitted to USA Volleyball as Junior National referee
candidates representing the Keystone Region. These candidates must be ranked (1, 2, 3, etc.) with the strongest candidate ranked “1” in case all candidates are not accepted due to limited openings at the USA Volleyball Girls’ Junior National Championships.

The USA Volleyball evaluation forms may be utilized during this process. Copies are available from the Development Team.

The KRVA Junior National referee candidate(s) must receive signed approval from the Officials Advisor and regional Commissioner. The application, signature page, and application fee must be submitted by the candidate to the KRVA Officials Advisor, who will submit all Junior National referee candidate applications to USA Volleyball by the established deadline each season.

Referee Advancement Program Application

A Junior National referee may request to become a candidate for National referee by applying to the USAV Director of Officials, or her/his designee. In addition to the application, three Recommendation Forms must be submitted to apply for candidacy. Additional information for prospective National referee candidates is found online: https://usavolleyball.org/resources-for-officials/indoor-referees/ in the Indoor Referees – Applications section. The National referee candidate’s application must be signed by the KRVA Officials Advisor and KRVA Commissioner to confirm the candidate’s good standing within the KRVA.

The signed application page with three Recommendation Forms and the application fee must be submitted by the candidate to USA Volleyball by the established deadline each season. NOTE: National referee candidates must have a working knowledge of scoring procedures and should have at least a Regional USAV scorer certification.

On the Court Training Opportunities

2025 December 7th @ Spooky Nook – NEW Officials

2025 December 28th @ Spooky Nook

2026 January 3rd @ Spooky Nook

2026 January 4th @ Spooky Nook

2026 January 10th or 11th @ M7 Sports Pittsburgh

2026 February 7th @ Spooky Nook

2026 February 21st @ Spooky Nook