Welcome to MAVO
We are the only volleyball officials association recognized by the Maine Principals’ Association. MAVO provides trained and certified officials for all high school volleyball in Maine. Our members include officials certified by the NCAA (through PAVO), USA Volleyball (USAV), and the NFHS.
The next MAVO Rookie Boot Camp is scheduled for March, 2027.
Each year, MAVO hosts a one-day Boot Camp for prospective members—a great first step for adults interested in becoming a certified high school volleyball official in Maine.
The morning session is classroom-based and covers officiating basics, assignments, professionalism, expectations, requirements, and preparation for the NFHS exam.In the afternoon, participants move on-court for hands-on instruction in officiating mechanics.
While not required, attendance is strongly encouraged for anyone planning to officiate in the 2027 season. Lunch is provided.
Step by step.
Getting started as a certified volleyball official with MAVO might seem overwhelming—but we’ve made it simple. Follow the steps in this guide, and you’ll be ready to officiate high school volleyball by next September!
Random stuff you need to know but nobody tells you
Unlocking the Secrets of a Great Volleyball Official
Becoming a great volleyball official takes attention to many details—most of which you don’t learn until a tough moment in a match. We’re here to change that. Here’s a concise list of 75+ essential tips every official should know.
Every high school gymnasium tells a story
Get ready for your upcoming assignment at an unfamiliar gym! We've compiled information on every high school gym you might encounter.
Michael Roux, the MPA liaison for MAVO, has created a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation that includes images and information about each gymnasium at the high schools hosting girls volleyball. Ensure you're fully prepared and aware of any potential challenges in an unfamiliar gym.
Essential training videos on YouTube
Here are several excellent videos that explain a wide variety of aspects of officiating volleyball.
Don’t forget to explore our video library designed to assist you in your training journey. Many common questions that new officials face can be addressed through these concise videos.
The clothes make the official, official
"Professionalism starts with our presentation at every match we officiate. Below are some essential do's and don'ts for selecting and wearing your uniform."
Uniforms create a professional, consistent look, so wear them with pride and keep them in top condition. Your uniform should always be clean, pressed when needed, and free of wrinkles, stains, or damage. Replace any items that are worn or faded.
Start with quality basics: navy blue dress pants and clean, comfortable all-white shoes. Pants should be dress-style (no jeans, Dockers, or sweatpants), fit properly, and include pockets and belt loops for a black or navy belt.
Shoes should be used for indoor court wear only—never outside. They must be all white, including logos and laces. Choose comfortable shoes and wear all-white crew socks (no short or hidden socks).
Official shirts must be purchased from our approved vendor. White is required and serves as the default when there’s no agreement on color. Grey and cyan blue shirts are also available, in both short- and long-sleeve options.
If you wear an undershirt, it must match the uniform shirt color, and sleeves should not extend past the uniform. Do not wear a long-sleeve undershirt under a short-sleeve uniform—use the proper long-sleeve uniform shirt instead.
Your gear
In addition to your uniform, you will also need to purchase some additional equipment. These items are not optional.
Every official needs the following:
1. Volleyball net measuring chain.
2. Handheld ball pump.
3. Pressure gauge.
4. Red and yellow sanction cards.
5. Coin for determining serve.
6. Gear bag.
7. MAVO patch.
8. Whistle with lanyard.
9. Digital watch with second hand or timer function.
Every official should have the following:
1. Set of ear plugs.
2. Hand sanitizer.
3. Set of Line Judge flags.
Your official shirts MUST have the above logo on the left sleeve.
NOTES:
- MAVO uniforms differ from the NFHS-required uniform and instead align with PAVO and USAV standards.
- Use a net measuring chain that works for both women’s and men’s net heights.
- Your whistle and lanyard should match. A whistle with a cushioned (rubber) mouth grip is recommended.
- Keep a backup whistle or two, and clean them regularly during the season.
- A ball pressure gauge is required and must accurately measure 4.2–4.6 psi.
- Combination pump/gauge units are a good option.
- Line judge flags must be red and sized between 12" x 12" and 16" x 16".
- A digital watch with a timer or countdown function is required.
- The MAVO patch must be worn on the upper right chest. It can be attached with Velcro or magnets (sewing is not recommended).
- NFHS rule and case books are included with your MAVO registration.
Invest in a comfortable, durable pair of shoes—they make a big difference during long matches.
Quick links
Displaying players' numbers by R1 and R2.
This is a skill that must be mastered by every volleyball official as it is essential in being able to demonstrate which player made a playing error (net or center line violation), or is being sanctioned with a yellow or red card.
Here is an excellent video explaining how to display players' numbers. Please watch and practice this until you have mastered this technique and it becomes second nature to you.
Some MAVO members also belong to the Professional Association of Volleyball Officials (PAVO). This is the association which officiates all NCAA volleyball in the United States. PAVO provides its members with excellent advanced training, and those MAVO members who wish to further their officiating careers, and add to their skills are encouraged to join PAVO.