To move from Grade 4 to Grade 3R, you have to be observed during an official competitive match with six players on either side by a Referee Observer.

You will be assessed using the Referee Development Pathway Grade Indicators 2023.

There are two types of observations: 

Event Observations

These take place at tournaments that have been approved by Volleyball England as an Observation and Upgrading Event. Referee Observers are assigned to these events.  

Match Observations 

These take place at a match where you referee with an official Volleyball England Referee Observer* (see explanation below for who is an observer). 

Observations are only available to registered referees. 

How to get observed

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, please register for the observation opportunity on VolleyZone by clicking here.

The calendar of events where observations take place can be found by clicking here.

If you are appointed, in addition to the match confirmation on the Referee Management System, you will receive further information from the Competition Organiser about the event logistics.

You will be able to claim a referee fee (£50 per day) and travel expenses. The Volleyball England expenses claim form can be downloaded by clicking here.

Match Observations  

When you referee a match with a Referee Observer you can ask them if they would be willing to assess you. Ideally, it would be good to contact them before the match to ask but this is not always possible.  

The Referee Observer can trigger a retrospective assessment at the end of the match, if they feel you have demonstrated the criteria to be upgraded during the match. 

The Observation Process

Following the match, you will have a short professional discussion with the Referee Observer to discuss what went well and areas where improvements can be made.

The Referee Observer will use Form RC6 to record the outcome, which can be downloaded by clicking here.

The discussion will follow this model: 

• Self-Review: an opportunity for you to reflect on your performance  
• Feedback: the Referee Observer will identify how well you did and if you achieved the required standard and areas of focus for you to work on.  
• Next steps: What you need to do to continue to improve as a referee. 

Preparing to be observed

Get plenty of match practice. Read the Referee Development Pathway Grade Indicators 2023 and be familiar with the RC6. Get feedback from peers and players after matches.  

What happens next   

After your observation, the Referee Observer will send the completed RC6 Form to Volleyball England.

Your VolleyZone record will be updated to show your new Grade, the RC6 Form will be added to your record as a credential, and you will receive confirmation of the result. Please allow two weeks for this process.  

*Who are the Referee Observers 

A Referee Observer is a qualified Grade 2, Grade 1, or International Referee. The Referee Observer must be registered with Volleyball England at the time of the observation.  

You can find a list of Referee Observers by clicking here.