REPRESENTATIVE COMPETITION

WELCOME TO WRVA REFEREES.

Referees are an important part of volleyball. They help matches run fairly, safely and smoothly while ensuring the rules are applied consistently.

OVERVIEW

WRVA REFEREES

Referees are an important part of volleyball. They help matches run fairly, safely and smoothly while ensuring the rules are applied consistently.
Whether you are new to officiating or ready to progress to a higher level, WRVA provides opportunities to learn, develop and gain experience.

WELCOME TO THE WRVA REFEREE PATHWAY

MEET THE WRVA REFEREE COMMISSIONER

Knowing the people who support refereeing within WRVA helps referees, clubs and the wider volleyball community understand where the referee pathway is managed and supported.

As Referee Commissioner, my role is to support, develop and guide referees across the Wellington region. I am here to help you build your knowledge, confidence and skills, while maintaining high standards of officiating and contributing to the growth of volleyball.
Whether you are new to refereeing or looking to develop your experience further, I encourage you to keep learning, ask questions, accept feedback and enjoy the journey.

I look forward to supporting you throughout your referee pathway and welcoming you to the WRVA refereeing community.
We are fortunate to have experienced National and Federation Referees within our region. We will work together to support, develop and guide our upcoming referees as they progress through their referee pathway.

Pauli Tuilaepa Sola Nei.
WRVA Referee Commissioner

KEY INFORMATION

BECOME A REFEREE

Never refereed before? That's okay. WRVA welcomes people who are interested in learning how to officiate volleyball.

GETTING STARTED

  • Learn the basic volleyball rules.

  • Become familiar with referee hand signals.

  • Attend referee training or development sessions.

  • Gain practical experience at local matches.

  • Learn from experienced referees and receive feedback.

PROGRESSION

REFEREE PATHWAY

Refereeing offers a pathway to build your skills and take on greater responsibility as your knowledge and experience grow.

LOCAL

Local Referee

The Local Referee level is the starting point of the formal referee pathway. Candidates complete the required theory, assessment and practical training.​​​​​​​

  • WRVA local competitions
  • Junior tournaments
  • School competitions
  • Club volleyball and local tournaments

REGIONAL

Regional Referee

This level is for qualified local referees who are ready to develop their skills and officiate higher-level matches.

Further training, assessment and match experience help prepare referees for greater responsibility.

  • Regional tournaments
  • Higher-level club competitions
  • Regional championships
  • Selected national events

NATIONAL

National Referee

The National Referee level is an advanced domestic qualification. Referees undertake further education and

practical assessment and are expected to demonstrate strong knowledge, consistency and confidence.

  • National championships
  • National club competitions
  • Senior national events
  • Other Volleyball New Zealand competitions

​​​​​​​APPROVED BY THE WRVA BOARD - 2026

WRVA Local & Regional Referee Pathway

The WRVA Local & Regional Referee Pathway provides the framework for developing, assessing and supporting Local and Regional Referees within Wellington Regional Volleyball Association. The document outlines the requirements for referee training, practical assessment, qualification and ongoing development.

REGISTER

CURRENT WRVA REFEREES

A current list of qualified referees in the Wellington region. The website register will be reviewed periodically and updated as referee qualifications change.

GROWTH

REFEREE DEVELOPMENT

WRVA is committed to helping referees continue to improve. Training, practical experience, feedback and support from experienced officials can help referees progress through the pathway.

LEARN. REFEREE. DEVELOP. PROGRESS.

Training and refresher opportunities

Practical assessment and feedback

Mentoring and support

Experience at progressively higher levels

Ongoing development as a qualified referee

GET INVOLVED

REFEREE EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES

Keep an eye out for upcoming events and opportunities where referees can gain practical experience, develop their skills and put their qualifications into practice.

A range of referee opportunities will be available throughout the season, including local competitions, regional events, training and development sessions, and national tournaments. Dates, locations and further information will be added to the online calendar as opportunities are confirmed.

UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES MAY INCLUDE:

Central Zone Events

Opportunities to gain refereeing experience and develop skills in a competitive environment.

Referee Training & Workshops

Theory, practical development and assessment opportunities to support referee progression.

WRVA Competitions

Local and regional referee appointments across Wellington competitions.

National Events

Opportunities for qualified referees to gain experience at higher levels and progress their refereeing pathway.

The online calendar will be updated regularly with confirmed appointments, courses, tournaments and other referee development opportunities. Referees are encouraged to check the calendar regularly for the latest information.

MOVING HERE

TRANSFER TO WRVA

Moving to Wellington and already a qualified referee? WRVA welcomes referees transferring into the region.

Suggested process:

  1. Submit your current referee qualification or accreditation details.
  2. Provide relevant referee experience and recent assessment information, where applicable.
  3. WRVA reviews the qualification and confirms the appropriate local or regional standing.
  4. Complete any WRVA induction, assessment or development requirements identified by the Referee Commissioners.
  5. Once confirmed, the referee can be included in the current WRVA referee register and considered for appointments.


The final transfer process should be confirmed by the WRVA Referee Commissioners before publication and aligned with the approved Local & Regional Referee Pathway.​​​​​​​

FAIR PLAY

RESPECT OUR REFEREES

WITHOUT REFEREES, THERE IS NO GAME

Referees are an essential part of volleyball. They make decisions under pressure and work to ensure matches are conducted fairly, safely and respectfully.

Players, coaches, parents, supporters and spectators all have a role in creating a positive environment. Please respect referee decisions, allow officials to do their job, and raise concerns through the appropriate competition or WRVA process rather than through confrontation during a match.

A respectful volleyball environment helps referees enjoy officiating, encourages new officials to join the pathway and supports the continued growth of our sport.

LEARN MORE

REFEREE RESOURCES

Connect with the national and international volleyball organisations for rules, refereeing information, education, official documents and development opportunities.

Volleyball New Zealand (VNZ): VNZ website

FIVB – International Volleyball Federation: FIVB website

FIVB Refereeing Resources: Refereeing documents and resources

Official Volleyball Rules: FIVB Official Volleyball Rules 2025–2028

  • Official Rules
  • Referee hand signals
  • WRVA Local & Regional referee pathway
  • Training and course information

CONTACT US

Want to become a referee, progress your qualification, transfer into the WRVA region or learn more about referee opportunities? Contact the WRVA Referee Commissioner.