When it comes to volleyball officiating, Dave Jones has just about done it all—from local YMCA leagues to the biggest USA Volleyball qualifiers. Known for his sharp eye, commitment to training new officials, and a family fully immersed in the sport, Dave’s story is as much about growth and giving back as it is about the game itself. In this Q&A, he shares how he got started, the lessons he’s learned, and why his superlative might just be “Most Likely to Win the Amazing Race.”
Q: How did you first get involved with volleyball?
A: In my mid-20s, I was looking for something active to do and played in an adult league at the local YMCA. The referee, Marty Lang, asked if I’d ever considered officiating. That was about 22 years ago, in 2003.
Q: Tell us about your officiating journey.
A: I started out with local adult leagues and CYO, then around 2004–2005 became certified for USA Volleyball and worked local tournaments. In 2006, I began working as a college line judge before progressing to referee.
I stepped back from USA for a few years to coach my daughter, but by 2013 I was traveling more and officiating again. In 2016, I went to Indianapolis to earn my Junior National rating—stressful but successful! That fall, I started refereeing Division I matches. In 2019, I advanced to National Referee in Dallas.
Now, I travel 2–3 times a year as either a referee or head official. For the past three years, I’ve served as head official for the Girls Far Western Qualifier in Reno, and I often travel to national championships for girls, boys, or adults.
Q: What’s your role at Keystone Region Volleyball Association?
A: I’ve been a head official for local tournaments for years and started evaluating officials in 2017. By 2018, I was co-head official for my first multi-day tournament. In 2022, I became an Officials Coordinator, focusing on referee training and development across the Region.
Q: What do you enjoy most about being part of KRVA?
A: I love meeting our members and, especially, training new officials and watching them grow in their officiating careers.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering officiating?
A: Always stay humble, and always listen to feedback from those who’ve been around longer. It’s how you learn and improve.
Q: What’s one rule that players, coaches, or fans often misunderstand?
A: There are plenty! Until recently, I would’ve said the double contact rule. Another is the Libero rules—they trip people up all the time.
Q: Have you ever made a call that made people laugh?
A: Not a signal, but one time I went to issue a yellow card and realized I’d forgotten my cards in my bag. I had to climb down, grab them, get back on the stand, and then issue it. It definitely got some laughs.
Q: If referees had walk-up music, what would yours be?
A: I’d go with Dave Matthews Band. Either Alligator Pie from Big Whiskey, or The Stone from Before These Crowded Streets (starting around 0:50).
Q: If KRVA gave out superlatives, what would yours be?
A: “Most Attentive to Detail” or “Most Likely to Win the Amazing Race.”
Just for Fun
Tournament weekend emoji: 😃❤️🚶
Coffee, tea, or energy drink? Coffee
Fun fact: My wife, son, and daughter are also officials—we’re a full officiating family!
Whether he’s mentoring new officials, leading as head referee, or traveling with his family of officials, Dave Jones brings dedication, detail, and a love for the game everywhere he goes. His journey is proof that officiating isn’t just about making the right calls—it’s about community, growth, and passing the whistle to the next generation.