All you need to know about Becoming a Volleyball Official

Training

Initial training consists of three apprentice-training sessions, each three hours long. All are mandatory, as there are no make-up classes. You will receive instruction and in addition, you will receive practical experience in the gym officiating practice teams.

Meeting Dates

There are four mandatory training sessions each in the Spring and Fall. There are also approximately 5-6 other meetings offered in which you will be required to attend at least 70%. (Generally held on Sunday evenings).
View Calendar

 Training dates in the Spring of 2023: Start times are an estimate and will be confirmed by March 10th.
Wed., March 22 — In person or Zoom — Time TBA (approx. 6:00-9:00pm)
Thurs., March 23 — On-court training at Sunrise Courts, Puyallup (near Emerald Ridge HS) — Time: 6:00-9:00pm
Wed., March 29 — On-court training at Sunrise Courts — Time: 6:00-9:00pm
Thurs., March 30 — Zoom session — Time: 6:00-9:00pm

Uniform

Official uniform includes a plain white polo shirt, navy slacks, white tennis shoes and white socks. TPCVOB has sweatshirts available for purchase. Click here for supplies. You will also need to purchase accessories including a whistle and lanyard and net chain. These needs and others will be discussed during your initial training session.

Working Matches

Your matches will depend on your availability.

As a new official, you MUST be available to work at least two afternoons a week. Matches usually start at 3:30pm, so you need to arrive at the gym by 3:00pm. Matches in the Fall are held in Gig Harbor, University Place, Lakewood, Tacoma, Parkland, Yelm, Spanaway, Eatonville, Orting, Puyallup, Sumner, Buckley, Enumclaw, Kent, Auburn, Federal Way, Issaquah and North Bend. Matches in the Spring are held in Lakewood, Parkland, Yelm, Spanaway, Eatonville, Orting, Sumner, Buckley, Enumclaw, Auburn, and Federal Way. Junior High matches are held Monday – Friday, 3pm – 6pm. High School matches are held Monday – Friday, 5:00pm – 9pm. Rec-ball and college matches are held Monday – Saturday from 6pm to 9pm. There are some tournaments held on Saturdays throughout the season.

Earnings

Depending on your availability, you could earn $1000 – $3000 during the fall season. Earnings in the Winter/Spring season may vary from $500 – $1000. Officials are paid within 48-72 hours after their middle school or high school match. Officials are paid at the end of the season for college and rec-ball matches. 

Please note that dues for the following high school and college season are withheld at the end of the interscholastic season in November. This is so that we can pay dues which are required in advance by the state high school organization (WOA) and the college organization (PAVO) if applicable. If an individual later on decides not to return as an official, these dues are fully refundable if requested in writing to us no later than September 1st.

COST AND DUES

$35.00 Local Board Dues
$65.00 NASO Dues
$30.00 WOA Per Sport Dues
$0.00 TPCVOB Notebook
$130.00 TOTAL *

* Dues for the SPRING season must be prepaid no later than March 1st in order to allow materials to be prepared so that you can officiate spring volleyball leagues that run from approximately April 15th-June 10th.

* Dues for the FALL season must be prepaid by August 1st for the same reason with the season running from approximately Sept. 1-November 15th.

More Information

If you want more information please contact us by phone or email. Be sure to provide us with your name, daytime and evening phone numbers.