president of the university to assist in our travel, shewas told that there was no money for us, so we stayedhome. (But the losing football team stayed at aluxurious hotel down the street during their homefootball game the weekend we were to play!)

The panel certainly had some great historicalperspectives as we took a walk down memory lane, notto mention the women in the audience who providedsome unbelievable adventures.

The following day the NASO Summit got underwaywith this year's theme of “Judgment and DecisionMaking.” Every session was filled with discussion fromkey leaders regarding making the tough calls, debatingwhether or not judgment can be taught or if it is innate,along with sessions that provided valuable video forevaluation and training purposes.

Every year PAVO grows stronger in their role at theNASO Summit. For the first time we joined numerousorganizations as a sponsor and education partner. ThePAVO Board of Directors feels that the marriagebetween PAVO and NASO provides us with some verypositive exposure, the ability to rub shoulders with thetop leaders in the officiating world, and allows us tostay abreast of the newest ideas in the officiatingindustry, not to mention a list of potential presenters forour convention.

Prior to leaving for Tucson, PAVO was contacted to bea part of one of the session entitled “Great Calls: AVideo Celebration” by providing two outstanding videoclips. Before the individual presentation, we were allentertained by a montage of some great pictures ofsports officials created by Dave Yeast, last year'sPAVO convention headliner. Continued on page 2

Members of the National Association of Sports Officials(NASO) meet at the "NASO Summit" annually, whereNASO provides an array of speakers from theprofessional, collegiate and high school ranks ofofficiating. We also hear from the legal world, fromexperts with a sports law background. This year's hostcity was Tucson, Ariz.

In the early stages of preparation, the A r i z o n aInterscholastic Association began a campaign toencourage its members to attend a pre-Summit event.The pre-season rules meetings for officials were heldat the Marriott hotel the day before the NASO kicked offits event. More than 1,300 high school off i c i a l sattended - the most officials gathered in one place -EVER!!

Marla Denham, Big Sky volleyball and basketballcoordinator, and I were asked to address the Arizonavolleyball officials just before their annual rulesmeeting. It was an enthusiastic group and Marla and Ihad a great time.

A couple of hours later we joined Mary Struckoff(National Federation staff and the NCAA women'sbasketball coordinator), Kathy Strahm (Big Ten softballcoordinator), and Lisa Johnson (WNBA referee), for afirst-ever symposium just for women officials. Afterintroductions, the panel tackled the history of Title IXand the ramifications of the law from the 1970's. Beingthe oldest on the panel I briefed the crowd on the pre-Title IX days.

I competed in volleyball at the University of Arizona -same uniforms for all four years - AND the uniformswere shared with the basketball and softball teams!!My sophomore year we qualified for the nationalchampionship. When our athletic director asked the

by Joan PowellPAVO President

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGEA report from the NASO Summit

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Sitting alongside Mike Pereira from the NFL andStruckoff, along with the people in charge of officials forthe Canadian Football League, NHL, MLB, and NBA, Iwas pretty wowed! Marcia Alterman and I chose twoclips. The first was the “gator set” by the Penn Statesetter that we have shown in previous clinics. Iexplained to the crowd that sometimes the greatest callis the “no call!” Mara Wager, of New York, was the firstreferee on that match and she chose not to gethoodwinked into calling something just because thesetter chose an unorthodox way to set the ball byturning her hands so that her palms were facing herand flicking a back set with her thumbs. The crowdloved it.

Wager was the subject of the second clip as well. Igave a brief explanation about our game. I also addedthat there was a bit of confusion at first on this clipregarding who the hit the ball into the antenna, theattacker or the blocker. The clip showed Wager, as thesecond referee, walking down to the line judge,gathering information, repeating the information to theline judge and taking her place at the sideline andindicating - out off them, point. It was a great call - itwas all about getting it right!!

I added that I was miked up once and a very feistycoach came up to me before the match and asked mewhat was on my belt loop. I told this coach that thedevice was actually attached to my pacemaker!! I toldthe audience that I never heard a peep from that coachall match.

President’s Messagecontinued from page 1

Alterman and I were involved in a breakout sessionjust for the volleyball folks. We had about 25 highschool people, many in charge of training their officialsin their states. They enjoyed the PowerPoint andespecially the discussion about ball handling andresponding skills.

I was asked to moderate a session with Violet Palmer,who was the first NBA female referee and (as of thisseason) the first female to work the NBA playoffs.Joining her was Terry McAulay, two-time Super Bowlreferee along with the President of the Californiabasketball officials. We had a lively discussion aboutjudgment.

Alterman stayed in Tucson for an extra half day, asshe joined the top leaders responsible for the trainingof officials in other sports at the highest levels. Thegroup is called the ODA - Officials DevelopmentAlliance, and includes the officiating leaders from themajor professional sports, Canadian sports, and othergoverning bodies. The sharing of information istremendous, and, believe me, volleyball is wellrespected by the “heavies” in that group.

I was proud to represent you and volleyball at thisannual event. If the Summit comes to a city near you,you should consider attending. Our very own MiloMoyano was in attendance gathering information asthe 2010 Summit will be held near his home; NASOwill be held in Minneapolis next year.

PAVO MEMBERS: If you have paid your PAVO dues through your local board chair, youmust accept the PAVO Conditions of Membership before your dues can be processed andyour 2009 membership activated. You will not receive any member benefits (discountedclinic registration, insurance, etc.) until this step has been taken.

If you have not yet accepted the Conditions of Membership, you must contact Miki in thePAVO central office immediately (pavo@pavo.org or 1-888-791-2074). A copy of thedocument will be sent to you to sign and return.

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Hope all is well with everyone now that the 09 seasonhas pretty much ended.

I would like to thank all of you for your work this pastseason - at both the Regional level, and the Nationallevel. For those who worked in Miami at the GirlsJunior Olympic Volleyball Championship's, I would liketo offer a special thank you for your professionalismand perseverance during a very tough event. I havemade a number of attempts to contact Doug Beal withregard to the event but as of yet, we have not beenable to touch base. Please be assured that we willcontinue to make efforts to be in touch to help resolvethese issues.

There were a number of programs/issues voted uponby the Officials Commission during the May meetingsthat are still awaiting approval by USAV Staff (themethod now used since the reorganization) and willreport on the disposition once the staff has reviewedand given direction on the programs.

One issue which we are currently moving forward on is

the selection of the second member to represent theO fficials Commission on the USAV JointAdministrative Council. It was determined at thegeneral session in May that the Chair of the OfficialsExecutive Council would be one of the representativeswhile the second representative would be elected bythe Regional Scorekeeper and Referee chairs. KathyFerraraccio, along with the elected representatives,Alan Sowa from the Scorekeeper's RVA's and LarryDolvig from the Referee's RVA's, are in the process ofdeveloping the criteria and experience by whichcandidates will be vetted. Once the criteria isestablished it will be posted and nominations, both selfand by others, will begin. The nomination process willbe concluded by March 2010 so that the candidates'names and bios can be disseminated to the RegionScorekeeper and Referee Chairs, giving them time toreview the materials before voting at the meetings inMay. In the interim, it was agreed that Marcia Altermanwould continue in the role until the election in May.

Again, thank you for all your efforts this past year.

by Glenn SappChair, National Indoor Officials Commission

FROM THE DESK OF GLENN SAPP

As most of us know, October isBreast Cancer Awareness month,and each year more college teamsparticipate in a special event duringthis period to show their support.Some teams wear pink jerseys,some wear ribbons, others wearpink socks. Whatever way theychoose to promote awareness, as

officials we can be just a bit lenient for the cause.Hopefully, those teams that wear pink shirts with whitenumbers will select a shade that provides sufficientcontrast - but please use common sense when makingyour decision regarding contrast, realizing that is the

uniforms are typically to be used for a single match.

If you are asked to wear a pink shirt as you officiate,please politely decline. However, use of a pinkwhistle, pink lanyard, lapel pin, etc. is approved at anevent that is specifically focused on this particularcause.

In general, various indicators of support of causes,organizations, political beliefs, etc are not part of theprofessional uniform and should be avoided, but beingasked to wear a pink lanyard one time for BreastCancer Awareness night is permissible.

by Kathy FerraraccioPAVO Board Delegate

OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

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The PAVO Board of Directors has extended thedeadline for nominations for its fall election to Sept. 1.Two elected positions are open: one Director-at-largeposition (currently held by Carlos Rodriguez), and oneBoard Delegate spot (currently held by KathyFerraraccio).

In October, PAVO members will be asked to vote viaelectronic ballot for these two positions. Both newlyelected directors will serve three year terms, from2010-2012.

Directors are required to attend annual meetings (heldin February or March), foster positive relationships withlocal PAVO boards by addressing local board andmember issues that arise, and undertake otherassignments as directed by the president. The boarddelegate must have held a leadership position in alocal PAVO affiliated board within the last five years.

Both positions require a PAVO member in goodstanding.

Please consider nominating yourself or a member youknow who would serve the organization well. To self-nominate yourself or to nominate another member,send a letter of application and a brief volleyballresume to lewisads@hotmail.com. For moreinformation call Crystal Lewis at (850) 277-4558.

Additionally, terms end on December 31 for twoappointed directors on the Board. The NRT Director'sposition and the Examination Director's position willbegin a new three-year term (2010-2012). If you areinterested in either of these positions, please send aletter of interest and a brief volleyball resumedelineating your qualifications for the position to thePAVO central office (pavo@pavo.org). T h e s eappointments will be made by November 1, so pleaseindicate your interest by October 1.

by Crystal LewisPAVO President-elect

LAST CHANCE TO NOMINATE FOR PAVO BOARD POSITIONSDeadline extended to Sept. 1; elections in October

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WHY CAN’T WE ALL GET ALONG?

C O R N Y ’ SORNER by Corny Galdones

isn't the Army. Adding “please” and “thank you” won'thurt either, but pick the proper spots. Such courtesieswill be out of place when coaches question calls. Letthem have their say, answer or address theirconcerns, then end all discussion with a concise,conclusive statement. “Coach, shut up and sit yourbutt down.” Not! We wish to say that at times butmust be careful and tactful. Find smooth ways tosway a coach to return to coaching and to leave theofficiating to us. Play ball.

See others eye to eye. We can't if we look down onthem. Instead of condescension, we'd benefit byhaving egalitarianism in our vocabularies and views.Believe in it. Marie Antoinette didn't, and look whathappened. The commoners revolted. Let's not loseour heads like her. No matter our stature or theirs, benice to the hoi polloi on our way up for we'll be meetingthem on our way down. Remember, everybody issomebody in real life. What do our comrades do forbucks and yucks? Who are they? Compared to somewho are full of surprises, we're duds. No doubt,they're more interesting. Who are we anyway to bestuck up? Create goodwill with a warm “hi,” namegreeting and bonhomie to anyone high or low. Thisparity mindset, however, won't do much good unless itcomes from the heart. Like the tragic queensuggested, we can have our cake and eat it too. It'sthe best of times. That's no tale.

Wouldn't it be great if we officials could do our jobs ina vacuum free of hassles? That's not the way it is.Our venues aren't desert islands. There's no escapefrom knowing how to deal with people for we can't getalong without them. What's best for one of us may notsuit the rest. We each must develop our own practicalstyle that works. It's not a piece of cake.

People skills are a huge part of being an official.Dealing with others is a lost art for the bashful or brash.It eludes those who hide their weaknesses behind redand yellow cards along with those who have risen inrank to a level of authority and expect blind obedienceof their every command. Our job is about control, notowning it, but maintaining it. How we go about it andhow we handle others makes a large difference in howour directions and decisions are received. We havethe right and might to tell folks what they can do andwhere they can go. Use, don't abuse, these powers forrubbing anyone the wrong way can turn, or worse, tickthat person off. Of the many social practices that willdo the trick, one based on a proven adage is more intune with our line of work. We'll catch more flies withhoney than vinegar.

We're in charge. Still, this doesn't mean we're alwaysright. Opposing opinions may have merit. Hear themout. Nothing can be gained to be like lawyers and rushto explain or defend our position before we find outwhat the fuss is all about. Stop. Listen. It takes twoto have a conversation, not one. If our lips are movingor our minds closed, we won't learn a thing. As forcriticism, it's nothing personal. It comes with the job forcrying out loud. Stifle those emotions, not the source.Do something about it and turn a negative into apositive.

Sometimes, we have to issue a decree someone won'tlike. Whether it's met with harmony or grudge, orcooperated with at all, depends on how we present it.Straight talk, sweet talk, humor or whatever device weuse, there's a knack to it being accepted. It's civil, firmand persuading without making demands orultimatums, ordering people around or putting themdown. Leave our respect and their dignity intact. This

Reprinted with permission from Chesapeake Region Volleyball AssociationArchives - www.vball-life.org/officials/index.cfm

By Corny Galdones

The PAV O / U S AV Interface Committee met viaconference call on July 7, 2009. The participants were:

Committee members: (PAVO) Joan Powell, Jung Park,Crystal Lewis; (USAV) Kevin Wendelboe, Larry Dolvig,Steve Kenyon. Staff/Ex Officio - Marcia Alterman, Glenn Sapp, KathyFerraraccio

Following is an excerpt of the minutes from thatmeeting.

1. Uniforms and VendorsOne of our vendors found a new shirt that is60/40 blend, kind of a pseudo-DryFit material,but heavy enough to be worn by males &females of various body types. The shirt seemsto have positive characteristics in fit, wrinkle-resistance, comfort, and is cooler than someother fabrics. The shirt will sell for about $10more than the current shirt, but will only be anadditional option, not a replacement to anexisting shirt. The next step for approval wouldbe for the vendor to send the shirt forexamination, and then the committee willdetermine whether or not to change the existingfabric specifications to allow this shirt.

One of our joint vendors has been deleted asan approved vendor, as this group voted lastyear. The committee feels that maintainingonly four approved vendors at this point wouldbe beneficial since adding another vendormight not be fair when a long-range plan mayinclude moving to a single, major vendor.

2. Joint Exam DevelopmentInformational only: The 2009 PAVO exam iscomplete and the USAV exam will becompleted in a couple of weeks. The examscontinue to be developed and reviewed by ajoint committee that works well to result in agood finished product.

3. Reciprocal AgreementsThe language in the Certification ReciprocalAgreement graphic still includes the criteriathat “Written test results accepted by eitherPAVO or USAV- RVA provided rules-uniquequestions are answered.” Since the change toallow each organization to require their ownexamination to be taken was voted on by theInterface Committee a couple of years ago, thechange is considered editorial.

4. Joint DatabaseUSAV Officials Commission decided that anofficial one-year notice that use of the jointdatabase will be done as of March 2010, butthat action needs final approval by the USAVstaff. Glenn will double-check on the status ofthat approval and report back to thiscommittee.

5. Joint CampsThe 2009 NIRSA camp was successful again.Jung reports that the new organizing group isNCVF (National College Vo l l e y b a l lFederation). Most of the previous NIRSAtournament leadership is moving to NCVF, soit is assumed that we will speak with themabout the future of the training camp.

6. Official WordBoth USAV OC and PAVO BOD looked atadding a sixth edition, but neither group votedto make that change based on budgetaryrestrictions. The committee had somediscussion about going to web-based onlydistribution, but some committee members feltstrongly that a printed version needs tocontinue to be offered as a member benefit.USAV continues to pay for half of the cost ofsending a printed version to joint memberswho make that selection, so that procedure willbe continued.

Continued on page 7

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by Marcia AltermanPAVO Executive Director

PAVO/USAV INTERFACE COMMITTEE CONFERENCE CALL

7. Sand Volleyball Officials TrainingSteve Kenyon reported that he and the otherUSAV Beach Volleyball leaders will be glad todo whatever it takes to help with off i c i a l straining for collegiate sand volleyball, includingparticipate in conference calls or otherdevelopmental communications. Marciareported that she would encourage the NCAAto use the existing structures to service this

sport if it continues to develop. There is somediscouraging news on that front, as someconferences plan to block this action at theNCAA Convention in January 2010 based on(a) regional advantage and (b) budgetaryimpact. Marcia will keep the group updated.

Conference call meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm centraltime.

Interface conference callcontinued from page 6

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by Mara WagerPAVO Director of Examinations

LET THE SEASON BEGIN!RefSchool is a new tool to help referees prepare for 2009 PAVO exam, season

As we begin to look ahead to the upcomingcollegiate season, we all know an integral part ofevery official's preparation begins with attendingan OTP clinic, reading the rule book,reacquainting themselves with collegiate protocoland taking the annual NCAA exam.

All officials who have paid their PAVO dues andhave accepted the Conditions of Membershipshould now have access to the 2009 exam. LocalBoard Chairs are the gatekeepers of the examprocess and need to be consulted for eachindividual member to have either online or hardcopy access of this year's exam. Online access isquite easy and can be set up by your Board Chairwith a click of a mouse. If you are not set up totake the exam online this year, please consider itin 2010.

A new tool being offered by PAVO this year isRefSchool, an online site featuring training andt e s t p r e p a r a t i o n m a t e r i a l s a th t t p : / / w w w. r u l e b o x s o f t w a r e . c o m / p a v o . a s p x .Subscriptions of unlimited access are available fora $10 annual fee. Once registered, officials can

select brief NCAA rule specific study quizzes or25- or 50-question practice exams. Immediateresults with current rule references are providedto help officials prepare for the upcoming season.

As always, the professional expectation is for allofficials to take the 2009 exam prior to your firstcollegiate assignment. National officials mustsubmit exam results by Sept. 15 to Mike Carter,NRT Director.

On behalf of PAVO/USAV Joint Exam Co-ChairBrian Hemelgarn, who serves as USAV Directorof National and Junior National RefereeCertifications & Evaluations, and myself, I wouldlike to extend many thanks and much gratitude toour exam review committee. The exam process isa long and tedious one, and their time andthoughtful comments have been greatlyappreciated in the committee's effort to present afair and reasonable rules assessment for the startof the 2009 season.

R e n e w, review and revisit the rules for asuccessful 2009 season!!

Do you have a question on a USAV rule?Do you want to know a correct USAV technique?

Are you wondering if you handled the situation in your last match correctly?Do you wonder what USAV tournaments there are to work?

Visit theVolleyball Referee Blog

http://volleyballreftraining.com/usavreftrainingblog/?page_id=2

We'll do our best to answer your questions and address your concerns.

See you there!!!!

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by Anne PufahlOTP-Clinic Director

PAVO - OTP CLINIC SCHEDULE - 2009

Registration is well underway for the PAVO OTP clinics this summer - only two weekends left! Please log on to the PAVOwebsite and click on OTP clinic registration. The online clinic registration process will close the Wednesday prior to theclinic weekend at NOON, Central time.

The remaining clinic sites and host contact information are listed below. You may contact the site host directly to get clinicstart times. Thanks for your support and we look forward to seeing you at a clinic!

The 2009 clinic fees are:

PRE-REGISTERED, WALK-IN CATEGORY PRE-PAID ONLINE (Payable at the door)

Current PAVO Member $25 + local charges $50 + local chargesNon-PAVO member, non-collegiate referee $30 + local charges $55 + local chargesNon-PAVO member, women’s collegiate referee $75 + local charges $100 + local charges

DATE SITE Host Host email

Aug. 15th Chicago, IL Jennifer Mahler jmahler@bigten.orgAug. 15th Baltimore, MD Arlene Geppi ageppi@aol.comAug. 15th Omaha, NE Bill Stanley hopsinc@cox.netAug. 16th New York, NY Russell Rodriguez russell.vbref@gmail.comAug. 16th Dallas, TX Carlos Rodriguez losref@aol.comAug. 16th East Lansing, MI Ann Hutchins annhutchins@hotmail.comAug. 16th Atlanta, GA Bob Hume bhume@charter.net

Aug. 22 Tacoma, WA Marc Blau blaumarc@qwest.netAug. 22 Springfield, MA Pat Demers coachdemers@verizon.netAug. 22 Parkersburg, WV Karen King kkingsb@verizon.netAug. 23 Lorain, OH Diane Plas jplas@prodigy.netAug. 23 Spokane, WA Dale Goodwin goodwin@gonzaga.eduAug. 23 Boston, MA Steve Webster steve@srwebster.com

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BY Marcia AltermanPAVO Executive Director

GO TO REFSCHOOL!Online test tool debuts in 2009

PAVO Members can now take advantage of aneffective new tool as you study the rules andtechniques for the upcoming season, and preparefor 2009 certification examination.

PAVO has recently partnered with R u l e B o xS o f t w a r e, a company that develops testpreparation tools and online training. The result isa new initiative called PAVO RefSchool, and youcan use it to increase your knowledge of officiatingand improve your score on the PAVO annualexamination. The 2009 NCAA rule changes andpoints of emphasis are part of the curriculum.

When you subscribe to PAVO RefSchool, you can

select brief study quizzes that cover specificNCAA rules, or elect to take a complete 25-question practice examination. You'll receiveimmediate feedback on your answers, as well asrule references so you can check on the correctruling.

This effective new training tool is available toPAVO members for a subscription fee of only $10.Non-members may subscribe for $15. Asubscription allows you unlimited access fromnow until April 1, 2010.

Subscribe now, so you don't forget! Use the linkon the PAVO website to navigate to RefSchool!

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The opening of the 2009 season is just around thecorner! Most of you have already been to a PAVOO T P clinic in preparation for the season.Hopefully those of you who haven't attended aclinic yet are prepared to take that step in the nextfew days. Once again, ball handling decisionsmake up a significant part of the content of thisyear's clinics.

The 2009 version of the Ball Handling Directive isshort and sweet. The intent is just to provide asummary version of last year's directive - not tochange the message from last year's document.The main thrust of the directive is a re-emphasison the message that has been delivered in clinicsand documents for years. Don't call ball handlingfaults based on spin, technique, or otherassumptions. Don't let the presumptions of thecoaches, players or fans influence you. Only blowyour whistle when you actually see ball handlingthat breaks a rule - that means the ball is caughtor thrown, or you actually s e e two non-simultaneous contacts on a second or third teamcontact. None of that is new news!! The directiveis just instructing us (and notifying the coaches)that we are to be judicious and vigilant about ourball handling judgments in those terms.

The directive still gives us permission to be morelenient in certain situations, and is to beparticularly emphasized on second team contactsthat are not sent to the opponent. Referees areencouraged to be “less severe” when a playermakes a challenging or spectacular play if theplayer is in a “less than ideal” position. We haveall had those times when a really stupendous playhad to be killed with a whistle because of a slightdouble contact. Most of us had that sinking feelingwhen we had to make that call - we hated to endan exciting play. Well, now we don't have to. Wecan allow the great athletes on the court to keep

by Marcia AltermanNCAA Rules Interpreter

2009 BALL HANDLING DIRECTIVEBall Handling Judgment Continues To Be Emphasized for 2009 season

the ball in play with an extraordinary effort, even ifthe result is a slight double contact.

Will these changes and emphases result in fewerwhistles blown overall for ball handling?Probably! But have you been instructed to putaway your whistle and allow everything? No way!To be given leniency, the player must earn theleniency. As the directive says, “clumsiness orlack of skill must not be confused withathleticism”. The intent is not to reward a setterwho is late getting to the ball or who makes aminimal effort to make a good set.

Most referees and coaches grew into anunderstanding of the directive during 2008, and Ifully expect that trend to continue for 2009. I stillbelieve that a consistent effort on our part willeventually change the expectations of the othermembers of the volleyball community, just as wedid with first ball contacts several years ago. Wecan do this!! In virtually every sport, there aresome areas where the excellent officials arethose that can use the rules plus their bestjudgment to make decisions.

If all of volleyball officiating were black and white,then anyone could be a referee. And that's simplynot true. We must be judicious and true studentsof the game in order to make this change, but wecan do it. Watch other referees, and everychance you get, discuss why they made (or didnot make) certain calls. Get out before the seasonstarts, and practice at your local college oruniversity scrimmage. Start now developing yourjudgment. It may take us a while to develop thenew standards and establish consistency, but inthe long run, the referees that are able to makethis transition will be those who rise to the top ofour game.

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The Girls' and Boys' JOVCs in Miami and Atlanta, respectively, were successful ventures for many national-levelreferee candidates this season! I can't say enough about the quality, professionalism and consistency of theNational Rating Team in Miami: Denis Bergstedt, Mike Carter, Darin Clark, Wayne Clark, Thomas Hoy, ArleenHughes, Tom Joseph, Todd Karolczak, Pat Martin, Michael McPoyle, Terry L. Miller, Steve Owen, Jung Park,Michelle Prater, Clark Radcliffe, Alan Sowa, Bill Stanley, Bill Thornburgh and Steve Webster. Thank you ALL foryour dedication and help!

Please join us in congratulating our class of 47 new Junior National referees and the National Rating Teammembers who helped them achieve their goals!

Kristen Bartley Gail Dubisar Janice McGeary Paul SantosCharles Bennett John Evans Andy Miller Tom SaundersGeorge Calton Amy Farber-Knowles Hayden Mitchell Geoff SharpeChris Cant Christina Fiebich John Mooney Tim SkinnerNora Carter Paul Fowler Brett Myres Ed TucholskiAnibal Colon Vaughn Hastings Larry Neidich Robert WaitePaul Coltrin John Havens Laurie Obreza Harry WalkerRich Cooper Tony Hill Robert Owen Roger WallenburgJonathan Corpuz Brenda Kirk Scott Ponson Don WarkentinToby Day Linda Lawrence Michael Rehberg Michal-Ann WattsKelvin Diaz Scott Lowery Augusto Rodriguez Jeff ZinchukJohn Dornick Michael Marassa Michael Routsong

by Brian HemelgarnUSA Volleyball Director – National and Junior National Referee Certifications & Evaluations

MIAMI AND ATLANTA: REFEREE CANDIDATES ACHIEVE GOALS

2009 Class of Junior National RefereesGirls' JOVC - Miami, FL

In Atlanta, I had the privilege of working with a veteran crew from the National Rating Team members, whoproudly presented 28 candidates with National Referee certifications. The Atlanta NRT members were: ScottAtkinson, Ken Cain, Doug Darling, Steve Kenyon, Verna Klubnikin, Daniel Leake, Crystal Lewis, MichaelO'Connor and Carlos Rodriguez, and our new class of National Referees are below.

Overall, this group of Junior National andNational referees will surely continue tomaintain high standards ofprofessionalism, exhibit a strong workethic, and will set great examples for ourfuture national-level referee cadre. Be sureto offer them your congratulations whenyou see them!

Thanks again to the rating teams at eachtournament, as well as the JOVCtournament staff at each event! Theseevents were a great way to end the season.

Albright, Michael Hutchison, Keith Santiago, MoisesBelton, Traci Immel, Mike Simms, AngelleBlakely, Renee Lanfear, Chris Svaranowic, GeorgeBledsoe, Barry Lewis, Terri Tamez, CarlosBurnett, Scott McLamb, Debbie Tang, DeweiCothron, Tony Milam, Greg Walter, LisaCruz, Stephanie Olson, Jason Werner, JamesDufrene, David O'Neal, Joseph Willett, KevinHornberger, Phil Pike, AdamHumbers, Danny Santasofia, JP

2009 Class of National RefereesBoys' JOVC - Atlanta, GA

More than 90 campers attended PAVO referee training camps or jointthe PAVO/USAV Advanced Training Camp in 2009.

This year, PAVO hosted seven camps throughout the country offeringa variety of camp opportunities for referees of all experience levels.PAVO continues to offer different levels of camps that offer a variety oftraining opportunities for officials. Classroom sessions, on-courtperformance video evaluations, and feedback from staff are themethods of training currently used at the camps.

Two advanced camps were held again this year. One advancedcamp was held in conjunction with a Division I spring tournamentat the Sports Performance facility in suburban Chicago. Thesecond advanced camp was held jointly with USAV at thenational collegiate club volleyball championships (NIRSA) inKansas City, Mo.

Three collegiate referee training camps were held in conjunctionwith Division I spring tournaments (Central Florida, University ofSan Francisco, SPRI and Drake).

Two referee training camps were held in conjunction with juniorgirls' tournaments (Las Vegas and Penn State).

Scholarships: Each year scholarships are offered to camp participants.This year the scholarship winners were:

PAVO Scholarship Award Recipients: Brad Aaberg, Michael Behrens,Joe Donnelly, John Evans, Bruce Grandin, Joe Liguori, DevonieMcLarty, Jerry Moews, Darrell Pakele, Greg Sanders, E J Swartz,Roger Wallenburg, Suzanne Weissenburger

Miki Kennedy Scholarship in memory of her mother, Joan Schlegel-Leonard Winners: Amy Farber-Knowles, Candy Hemmer

USAV Scholarship Recipient: Holly Luenemann

Matt Manligius Memorial Scholarship Award Recipient: Eric Ngai

Congratulations to all scholarship winners!

Participants and staff for the 2009 Spring Camp program were:

Las Vegas, NV February 13-15

Claude Baudin CATed Cain CACandy Hemmer NERalph Hernandez CALev Zavalkov CA

--Staff--Michael Blalock TXJohn Cline LAVerna Klubnikin CAJohn Martin NVMargie Ray* WA

University of Central Florida (Orlando, FL)March 27-28

John Evans FLJoe Donnelly FLTom Godart FLJames Keesling FLThomas Merrett ALSuzanne Weissenburger SC

-- Staff-Tracie Brinkley FLDonna Carter* FLDarin Clark FLTim Harlow MNLeisa Jordan FL

SPRI Division I Tournament(Chicago, IL)March 27 - 28

Brad Aaberg MNJill Baker-Cooley MIMike Behrens NERobyn Courchane MN

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Continued on page 13

By Julie VoeckPAVO OTP - Camps Director

PAVO OTP CAMP PROGRAM REVIEWSeven camps attracted more than 90 participants

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Virginia Girard CTBruce Grandin NYDavid Griffin GACarole Hancock TXDenise Jett KSJoe Kaak ILFreeman Lee NYJoe Liguori FLTom Lomax NYAndrew Martin ILWalter Miller CTDiane Owens SCLoretta Robitaille NYGreg Sanders NCMichael Saxby ARGary Swartwood NYRodale Thompson NCPeg Winters MN

-- Staff -

Don Miller NYJoan Powell COAnne Pufahl WIPeggy Schaefer* NC

Head Referee: Mike Carter

* Indicates camp crew chief

A “BIG THANK YOU” goes out toall of the staff who helped to makethe camps a success again thisyear.

Another thank you goes out to all ofyou, including local boards andconference coordinators whosupport the PAVO camp program.For further information about thecamp program, please contactJulie Voeck at 1-414-305-7454 orOTP.camp.director@pavo.org.

Al Tarara MNRoger Wallenburg MOEddie Walters NEJames Werner KSTony Wu CA

-- Staff --

Marcia Alterman KSKathy Ferraraccio MABrian Hemelgarn MIJoan Powell COClark Radcliffe NEJulie Voeck* WISteve Webster MA

Drake (Des Moines, IA)April 18-19

Bruce Huddleson IABryan Larson IALauren Mauch IAKim Patik IAGil Ponce IADean Schnoes IAMichael Schwake IAGary Urkevich KSNathan Wagner NEJames Werner KS

-- Staff -Larry Dolvig ILWally Hendricks ILDaryl Korinek NEFelix Madera ILJulie Voeck* WICraig Werner IA

Happy Volley Camp (State College, PA)May 22 - 24

Jerome Best NYRobert Canute MIRobert Cummings NYDelee Dankenbring MIRonald Elliott KY

Gary Hajek OHKent Kocour IAAmy Knowles IABryan Larson IAHolly Luenemann ILDevonie McLarty ILJerry Moews ILBetty Near MIBette Norman MIGeorge Papageorgiou NCShauna Rhinesmith MNJeff Schmidt MNE.J. Swartz IN

-- Staff --

Marcia Alterman KSDenis Bergstedt ILKevin Cull CADoug Darling FLKathy Ferraraccio MAAnn Hutchins MICrystal Lewis FLFelix Madera ILJoan Powell COBarb Strome OHJulie Voeck* WISteve Webster MA

NIRSA - PAVO/USAV AdvancedCamp (Kansas City, MO)April 8 - 10

Andrew Baehr MNKim Baker WARick Bolton TNDon Childers KSTom Eagen FLKirtley Jackman UTGil Kreul NEJim Kirkpatrick ALRobert Kyle VAYancy Montoya NMEric Ngai MADarrell Pakele CTSteve Silvia CTBrad Skinner IA

PAVO Campscontinued from page 12

by Peggy SchaeferBoard Delegate

MAKING A SPLASH IN TAMPA!

Your PAVO Board of Directors has been busy“splashing around” and planning for our 2009PAVO Official's Convention to be held in Tampa,Dec. 17-19. The beautiful Westin Hotel HarbourIsland, (725 S. Harbour Island Blvd.) is where youwill be sitting in the sun, and splashing directly inthe water out front! Rooms are $119 a night andyou can come a few days before and stay after theconvention at that incredible rate. Please be sureto make your reservations as soon as possiblebecause the overflow hotel is further away from allthe activities at the Howard Johnson. Let metempt you with the beautiful Westin hotel:

24-hour fitness center and business center(for those of you who can't get totallyaway),

In and out self-parking for $15 and valet for$20 a day,

Internet service is $9.95 per day A grocery store, Publix, within walking

distance, The world's longest walking/jogging path

flanked by Tampa Bay and the gorgeousBay Share homes on the other side.

Within walking distance of the ConventionCenter (AVCA Exhibit Hall), playing site (St.Pete Times Forum), the Aquarium, and theChannelside district and

many restaurants and attractions.

Please note the cancellation policy for allPAVO/AVCA convention hotels - At any point aftera room is reserved, cancellation will result in onenight's room change plus tax billed to the creditcard used to guarantee the room. Exceptions maybe made for emergencies and specialcircumstances.

Our workshop presenters also are coming to playin the warm Florida sun and will provide you with

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fun and dynamic workshops. You won't want tomiss Joan Powell bringing a historical (andhysterical, if we know Joan!) rules perspective.Marcia Alterman also returns with her critical rulesinterpretation workshop. We have tentativelyplanned an on-court session covering the new“NCAA Sand Volleyball” rules, a demonstrationusing a new electronic scoresheet, our annualjoint AVCA/PAVO panelist session with coachesand officials discussing the nuances in our game,and our popular coordinator's panel. We'll have afew more enticing workshops coming as well.

And of course, you won't want to miss seeing theNCAA Division I Championships and witnessingthe best volleyball there is in our collegiate arena.Match tickets in the PAVO block can be orderedwhen you register for the convention. Ourconference registration fees are the same as lastyear: $125 for PAVO members if you register priorto Nov.15th and $175 after.

So roll up your pant legs and make yourreservations now so you can dip those toes intothe warm Gulf of Mexico this December!

Watch the PAVO website (www.pavo.org) formore details!

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by Marcia AltermanPAVO Executive Director

SCOREKEEPER AND LINE JUDGE TRAINING TOOLS

The training and certification process for line judgesand scorekeepers has had a major impact on thequality of officiating for women's collegiate volleyball.Congratulations to all who have become certified inthese important officiating roles. Details on how tobecome a certified line judge or scorekeeper areavailable on the PAVO website.

If you are already certified as a line judge orscorekeeper, remember that you must attend a trainingsession (clinic) and take the current year exam everyyear to renew that certification. There has been asignificant change in the requirements to renew LineJudge or Scorekeeper certification - o n erecommendation signature is required to renew everyyear.

The 2009 versions of the Scorekeeper Training Manual(including the 2009 exam) and the Line Judge Training

Booklet (including the 2009 exam) are now available.A new Scorekeeper Training Video has beenproduced for 2009 - the rule changes that affectscorekeeping are all covered thoroughly in this newversion. The Line Judge Training video that wasproduced in 2005 is still the most current. The videosand the training manuals/exams can be ordered bycalling PAVO at 888/791-2074, or on the e-store pageof the PAVO website (www.PAVO.org).

It is important that local PAVO boards offer training forthese support officials to the colleges and universitiesin their geographic area. Boards can recoup the costsof the training materials by charging a minor fee for thetraining sessions. Complete information regardingcertification and training materials is on the PAVOwebsite. For even more information, contact Miki inthe PAVO central office - 888/791-2074.

by Joan PowellPAVO President

MARCIA ALTERMAN TO BE INDUCTED INTO AVCA HALL OF FAME

The American Volleyball Coaches Association is proudto announce the seventh annual AVCA Hall of Fameclass, featuring Marcia Alterman, Marv Dunphy, PeggyMartin and Terry Pettit. The 2009 AVCA Hall of Fameclass will be inducted in ceremonies December 17 atthe Jostens Coaches Honors Luncheon, held inconjunction with the 2009 AVCA Annual Convention inTampa, Fla.

"This year's class is a testament to the broadcommunity of achievers that makes our sport asuccess," said Kathy DeBoer, AVCA executive director."Our four inductees, representing two NCAA divisions,coaches of both genders and an official, are allindividually distinguished in their fields and collectivelydemonstrate the strength of leadership in volleyball."

The induction of these four honorees will bring the totalnumber of AVCA Hall of Fame honorees to 48 in its

seven years of existence. For more information on theAV C A Hall of Fame, visit the AV C A Web site,www.avca.org.

The AVCA Hall of Fame committee consists of: NonaRichardson, UC Davis (former coach, chair); ArnieBall, IPFW (NCAA Coach); Debby Colberg (AVCA Hallof Fame member); Chad Purcell, Omaha Wo r l d -Herald (media); Bren Stevens, University ofCharleston (administrator); and Brenda Wi l l i a m s ,Olivet Nazarene University (NAIA/Two-Year Collegecoach).

Marcia AltermanMarcia Alterman was named the first executivedirector of the Professional Association of VolleyballOfficials (PAVO) in 1996, and has since defined the

Continued on page 17

I'm sure most of us haveheard the saying “You'vecome a long way baby!” .. . you can say thatofficial Russell Rodriguez(“Russ”, as some knowhim), has literally come along way - from New YorkCity to Kansas and back.

Russ was born andraised in the South Bronxof New York City as thesixth child of seven kids

in the family. He says it made Christmas lots of fun! Helived in Kansas for a while where he graduated fromhigh school in Wichita. Kansas is where his family wasoriginally from before they made the move to NewYork.

Russ says he is not married with kids, because he isgay. However, he is happy to be an uncle with over 30nephews and nieces. He said “Got the hole in mywallet to prove it at Christmas time, but wouldn't haveit any other way!”

Q: What do you do on your off time fromVolleyball?R: I work as the manager of the Personnel & PayrollDepartments of a small firm in New York. However, Ialso freelance as a medical biller for private physicianpractices. Both of my jobs are very understandingwhen it comes to volleyball, which I consider my mainjob - the other two jobs are simply something to dowhen I am not on the court.

Q: What is something you would like to share thatno one would know about you?R: I entered a seminary for two years with theintentions of becoming a Catholic priest. However, dueto the minor fact that I am gay, it was decided that Iwould not choose that calling. I love to travel. I love

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by Crystal LewisPAVO President-elect

MEMBER PROFILERuss Rodriguez

going to places I haven't seen. I have been to 15countries in the last six years - Thailand, S. Korea,Italy, England, France, S. Africa are just a few. And Ialready have plane tickets for China immediately afterthis year's NCAA finals.

Q: When did you get started with officiatingvolleyball?R: I became a high school referee in New York City in1994. This officiating bug hit me and I wanted more.So, I joined the Garden Empire Volleyball Associationin 1995, and the local USVBA region and PAVO in1996. I received my Regional patch in 1998 and myPAVO State patch in 1999. I officiate year round: highschool, men & women's college, USAV club,recreational leagues. I'm busy with volleyball over 250days a year.

Q: How have you helped recruit and develop yourarea of officials?R: In 2003 I was appointed the Secretary/Treasurerfor the New York City Board of Officials and in 2005 Ibecame a clinician for new high school officials. Istarted recruiting new members from within thevolleyball community. My clinics are usually filled withcollege players and coaches and even mothers ofUSAV junior players. This has resulted in betterofficials available at the high school level. Since I amalso the Line Judge instructor for our region, I tend toguide these new officials into becoming certified LineJudges for our D1 program. But I don't stop there . .. I encourage these individuals to join PAVO and enterthe ranks of collegiate officials. When I held theposition of Secretary/Treasurer for the NYC Board, Ihelp increase our PAVO membership from 20members to over 60 members. I have to say, I owemany thanks to Miki Kennedy in the PAVO centraloffice for helping me get my members registered eachyear. I have recently been elected to the board chairposition and hope to accomplish many more goals ofmine.

Continued on page 17

Q: Looking back on your development, whatwould you say has helped you grow as an official? R: August 2007 when I received my PAVO Nationalpatch and 2008 when I received my USAV Jr. Nationalpatch were probably the best times in my development.It was a very nerve racking experience, but I learned somuch that I have to give credit to the great rating teams

that gave me goodfeedback and providedme with so muchinformation that I honestlybelieve it is what ismaking me a betterofficial today.

Q: What would you sayis your most nerveracking experience?R: My most nervousmoment was officiating a

Division I Conference Championship match. It wasbeing televised LIVE on ESPNU . . . and of course itwent 5 sets!

Q: Do you work volleyball in other capacitiesbesides your own officiating and service as PAVOBoard Chair?

17

R: Yes, I assign for 14 high schools; I assign linejudges for six Division I schools, and I was the VP ofOfficials for the North American Gay Vo l l e y b a l lAssociation for three years. That position includeddevelopment of player referees across the country.

Q: Any other interesting facts that we may notknow you have in your officiating portfolio?R: It is believed that I am the first non-Chineseindividual to officiate at the national championships ofNACIVT - North American Chinese InvitationalTournament. This is a Chinese 9-man volleyball event- a totally different game, that I really enjoyed working.

So I guess I can say that Russ has come a long wayand it doesn't stop there. When he is not officiatingUSAV or NCAA, you can find him working the cityrecreational leagues, working the Church of Indiatournaments, helping recruit players for the Chinese9-man organization or coaching newer players back inthe local gym. And when given the chance, he mightbe in the parks getting in a game or two as a playerhimself.

I asked him when he finds time to relax, and his replywas, “Volleyball is relaxing. It's my normal life that isstressful!” May we all learn from Russ' inspiration ashe gives back to the sport, and big kudos to him for hishard work and dedication!

Member Profilecontinued from page 16

job and established its prominence in the volleyballc o m m u n i t y. Alterman's integral role as writer,interpreter and educator of volleyball rules for the past20 years has had a vital, lasting impact on the gameand those who play it, as well as those who officiate it.

As head of PAVO, Alterman provides leadership andoversight to volleyball rules and officiating programsacross the country. She played a key role in developingthe first NCAA Women's Volleyball Rules andInterpretations book. Alterman also developed theinaugural certification processes for support officials,as well as being involved in the formal off i c i a l s 'certification process, having rated and evaluated over400 officials at the national level.

Alterman received her bachelor of arts degree andmaster of business administration from Wichita StateUniversity. She was an active college volleyball officialfor over 20 years, having worked the NCAA, NAIA andNJCAA Championships during that span. She hasbeen a recipient of the George J. Fisher Leader inVolleyball Award and Glen G. Davies Referee ServiceAward, both given by USA Volleyball.

“There may be no one in the game that has had agreater impact on the training and educating ofofficials, as well as educating coaches on the rules ofthe game,” said Kelly Sheffield, head coach atUniversity of Dayton, in his nomination of Alterman.“Administrators and officials are a very important partof our game, and in my opinion, nobody has meantmore to our sport in these areas than Marcia.”

AVCA Hall of Famecontinued from page 15

The Official WordP.O. Box 780Oxford, KS 67119

Address Service Requested

P R S RT S T DU.S Postage

P A I DWichita, KS

Permit No. 84

Joan Powell, PresidentMarcia Alterman, Rules Interpreter Mike Carter, National Rating Team Director Kathy Ferraraccio, Board DelegateVerna Klubnikin, Director-at-Large Crystal Lewis, President-elect Jung Park, Finance DirectorAnne Pufahl, OTP-Clinic Director Carlos Rodriguez, Director-at-Large Peggy Schaefer, Board DelegateJulie Voeck, OTP-Camp Director Mara Wager, Director of Examinations

StaffMarcia Alterman, Executive Director Miki Kennedy, Membership Services

PAVO Board of Director/Staffwww.pavo.org 1-888-791-2074

USAV Officials Division www.usavolleyball.org

Glenn Sapp, Chair, National Indoor Officials CommTom Blue, Chair, Int’l Referee Sub-CommDoug Wilson, Assistant, Int’l Referee Sub-CommDonna Wigton, Chair, Int’l Scorekeeper Sub-CommJanet Blue, Assistant, Int’l Scorekeeper Sub-CommKathy Ferraraccio, Chair, National Indoor Referees Glenn Reid, Director of RVA Referee DevelopmentGloria Cox, Director for Camps and TrainingMichael McPoyle, Director for National Clinic ProgramBrian Hemelgarn, Director for National/Junior National Referee Cert. and Eval.

Larry Dolvig, At-Large Representative – Regional Volleyball Assoc.Emi Vishoot, Chair, National Indoor ScorekeepersNancy Funk, Director for National Scorekeeper Cert. and Eval.Steve Crane, Director of RVA Scorekeeper DevelopmentAlan Sowa, At-Large Representative – Regional Volleyball Assoc.Steve Owen, Chair, Beach Officials DivisionKeith Murlless, Director for National Beach Referee Cert. and Eval.Steve Kenyon, Director for RVA Beach Referee DevelopmentMarcia Alterman, Member Organization Liaison