Referee Development
Volleyball Bay of Plenty is proud to support the growth of volleyball through a comprehensive Referee Development Programme, designed to build confident, knowledgeable, and respected officials at all levels of the game.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your officiating to the next level, our programme offers clear pathways from local school competitions through to regional tournaments, national events, and even international appointments. With expert-led training, on-court experience, and ongoing mentorship, we aim to empower referees to contribute to the game with confidence and professionalism.
Know the rules. Call the game. Command the court.
Current Courses
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Local Referee Course
Contact VBOP
VNZ has a great online course to get you started! Just click the link below to register. Once you've passed, we’ll be in touch to help set up your match observations and get you officially certified.
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Regional Referee Course
In person course
VBOP will host Regional Referee courses thorughout the year, aligning with key tournaments that require referees to be Regionally Certified.
Cost: $15, includes workshop and exam
Check back in term 1 for details for our next available dates for this course
Referee Development Pathway
Local Referee Course
Course Format: Online Course + Observation
To become a local certified referee, you must complete an online course provided by VBOP. Once you have completed and passed the course successfully, you will also need to go through a series of observations to complete certification.
Local referees are qualified to referee at Junior/Senior Secondary Schools Championship events only.
To find out how to run a local referee course, please contact VBOP.
regional Referee Course
Course format: In Person Workshop + Online Exam + Practical assessment
To become a regional certified referee, you must:
Complete an in person workshop (2-3 hours) which provides detailed content relevant for regional referees
Take and successfully pass the regional referee online exam
Practical assessment as a 1st referee, 2nd referee and scoresheet
Regional Referee are qualified for representative tournaments (IPC), club zone competitions and national club championships
Recommended Pre-requisite: 1 year as a Local Referee
Courses will be run in terms 4, 1, and 2 to coincide with Junior SS, Senior SS and Club season.
National Referee Course
Course format: Theory + Exam + Assessments
National referee course is ran by Volleyball New Zealand and consists of:
1 day theory followed by assessments during IPC or Club Championships.
Must be an active referee at Zone level (Preferably for at least 2 years)
Must get approval from their association
National Referee are qualified for any level and tournament
Referee supporting documents
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