Applying for a referee upgrade from Grade 4 to 3R level during 2023-24

Grade 4 Referees can begin the process in two ways – either by being observed at an approved Volleyball England or Regional tournament that has been designated an upgrading event, or by being observed by a referee observer at a specific match. 

Referee observers will assess those looking to be upgraded using the Referee Development Pathway Grade Indicators 2023. 

Please note that only registered referees will be eligible for observation and the match in question must be an official match with six players on each side. 

Event Observations 

Volleyball England organises national competitions which require a cohort of referees to referee a number of matches throughout the event. You can make yourself available to be appointed to referee at any of these competitions through the Referee Management System on VolleyZone.    

To formally request to be observed at an event – which includes, Student Cup, Sitting Grand Prix and Last 8s – is available by clicking here. 

Match Observations 

Alternatively, Grade 4 referees can ask a Grade 2 or above official to assess them. This should, ideally be done in advance of the match. 

Grade 4 referees officiate at local league and BUCs matches, while a 3R referee can take charge of matches at a regional level. 

Find out more 

Please note, this synopsis is an advisory only. For full details click here. 

Volleyball England is working on new guidance regarding Grade 3R and above, which will be published in due course.