Become A USAV Certified Referee... why not you?

[VBLIStaff]

Every year, the region and I encourage people to become USAV certified
referees.

I'll let some other people ring in on the benefits of becoming a referee,
where it can lead, etc.

Instead, let me quantify exactly how badly we need referees in the region.

Last season, we had 70 active referees working tournaments as non-player
referees. As a group, they worked 682 Yankee/USAV tournament dates.
Considering that some referees fall well below the average of nearly 10
tournaments a year, there are some referees working a very heavy schedule.
What it comes down to is regardless if you want to work a little or very
frequently, we can find a place for you.

So, what do you have to do to become certified?

* Attend a two-night referee clinic
* Pass a written exam (which can be done on-line and open book)
* Pass a practical exam as both an R1 (first referee) and an R2 (second
referee)
* Be a member of NERVA (Yankee)

Typically the clinic is two nights of approximately 2-2.5 hours each night.

The first night is strictly classroom work, while the second includes
practical, on-court experience.

The exam can even be taken on-line and the results will be graded
automatically and immediately. Any incorrect answers must be corrected and
sent via e-mail with the appropriate rule references. The test can be found at <http://www.yankee.org/usavref/usavtest/>
http://www.yankee.org/usavref/usavtest/ and the NERVA password is NEA678.

Once you have completed a clinic and passed the referee test, you can
schedule a date for a rater to watch you in action. Rating occurs at
specified Yankee or USAV sanctioned tournaments or by pre-arrangement with a National or Jr. National referee at another event.

Once you've become a certified referee, you will be expected to work one
full day per year as a non-playing referee at a Yankee or NERVA event. You
will be paid for this service at the normal rates.


CLINICS, RATINGS
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The following are the dates for new referee clinics. We are continuing with the expanded format for the clinic to two evenings for beginning referees so we can provide more information and some practical advice. Cost is $20 per person ($10 per night).

If desired, you may combine the classroom of one clinic with practical of a subsequent clinic.

All classroom and practical sessions will be at the West Newton Armory. All
clinics start at 7 pm.

Tuesdays 11/29 & 12/6, West Newton Armory, 7 pm

Thursdays 1/5 & 1/12, West Newton Armory, 7 pm

Tuesdays 1/17 & 1/26, West Newton Armory, 7 pm

Thursdays 2/16 & 2/23, West Newton Armory, 7 pm

In addition, we hope to have a clinic in November at the Univ of Connecticut in Storrs, CT. Dates are TBD, but it is likely to be consecutive Sundays in November. If interested, please drop a line.

NO CLINIC WILL BE CANCELLED (except for weather or circumstances beyond our control)

For directions to the Newton Armory, got to
<http://www.bssc.com/direction_details.cfm?facility=58>
http://www.bssc.com/direction_details.cfm?facility=58.

To attend a clinic, simply RSVP to steve@srwebster.com or 617-512-8635.

RSVPs are necessary to assure that we have sufficient materials for all attendees and to be sure we notify you if there are weather-related issues.


RATING TOURNAMENTS
==================
Following are the dates for rating tournaments. To be rated, you must be either a currently certified referee or have attended a clinic and passed your referee test.

12/4 -- Johnson & Wales, M B-/W B

1/7 -- Bryant College, M A/AA (reserved for referees upgrading their rating; generally not appropriate for new referees)

1/21 -- Johnson & Wales, MBB/WB-

In addition, we will schedule additional dates during the second half of the season in February and March.

To be rated, you must RSVP to steve@srwebster.com or 617-512-8635 to be sure there are enough matches and raters. There is no cost to getting rated.

If you have any questions, feel free to drop me a line.

Hope to see you on the stand,

Steve
_________________________________
Steven Webster
USAV Officials chair
steve@srwebster.com
617.512.8635