TASO is the Texas Association of Sports Officials. It is the governing body for ALL UIL sanctioned sporting events in the state of Texas. It's SAVOA's... big brother...

SAVOA stands for the San Antonio Volleyball Officials Association. SAVOA is sanctioned by TASO and is the governing body that all volleyball officials must belong to in order to officiate any school based athletic event. SAVOA is the central hub for supporting volleyball officials in and around the San Antonio area through training, testing, and evaluation.

The season runs from school start to about Thanksgiving. Post season play is at the end of the year. Pre-season takes place just before school starts, and summer league happens about June and/or July. But being a volleyball official is "year round" if you choose to officiate at the USAV (aka: club) level.

UIL stands for University Interscholastic League and TAPPS stands for Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools. Both organizations oversee competitive academic, athletic, fine arts, and music contests for schools (UIL for public schools, TAPPS for private schools). They aim to promote student excellence, leadership, and sportsmanship through fostering student development and competition in a structured environment.

As an independent contractor, you are paid from the school that you officiate for. Most districts pay officials through their Arbiter account; some pay electronically. Match earnings are usually available to the official within 72 to 96 hours.

The short answer is no. However, not one of volleyball official, SAVOA or otherwise, officiates because it will make them rich. Ask just about any official and the number one reason they do it would be some variation of, "because I love volleyball."

NFHS is the National Federation of State High School Associations... (yeah, us too)... It is the governing body for all rules, participation, and sportsmanship in education-based sporting activities. NFHS is the legislative branch of school-based sports in the United States.

You are considered an independent contractor with respect to pay and taxes. There is no tax advice here, but there are lots of resources on taxes when it comes to referees. If you are a member, check out the resources page for some good information on taxes for referees.

The only real "requirement" is a clean background check. You will be assisted with the KSA's you need to be a successful referee no matter what your level of experience is. However, there are some qualities you will find in every volleyball referee: determination, courage, resilience, commitment, duty, and flexibility to name a few.

Yes. You have to belong to TASO in order to be a part of SAVOA. You have to be a part of SAVOA in order to be assigned to matches at schools in and around San Antonio.

Dues are currently $90 for the state association (TASO/new members) and $25 for the local association (SAVOA). Dues are paid yearly.

SAVOA is operated by a team of experienced volleyball referees and administrators. Our organization is run by a board of directors who are committed to promoting the highest standards of officiating in the sport of volleyball. SAVOA board members are elected by the SAVOA membership.

Yes. ALL SAVOA Chapter meetings are MANDATORY to attend. It is understood that you may have a scheduling conflict. Allowances are made with prior notice in writing. Attendance criteria must be met to qualify for playoff assignments.

Yes. You have an entire chapter of officials with all levels and years of experience at your fingertips. SAVOA has a training staff and rank representative available to answer all your questions from rules knowledge and application to mechanics and protocols. But any fellow member would be happy to assist you in your development as a volleyball referee.

SAVOA provides referees for all levels of UIL and TAPPS play. Officiating the higher grade levels requires skilled referees due to the higher level of play. Referees are rated based on their performance during the "ratings season." This allows the assigner to issue assignments based on a referee's demonstrated skill level. This is also a way to mentor referees and allow more experienced officials an opportunity to assist newer members in developing their KSA's.

Yes. You can officiate almost any high school or middle sport without prior experience in the sport. However, a solid foundation will be helpful in the development of your officiating career. There is a great amount things to not only learn but you must have the ability to apply your knowledge in a highly consistent manner.

You will attend a mandatory rules clinic at the beginning of the season. It is normally held in mid to late July on a Sunday. General rules knowledge, rules changes, and protocols/mechanics are some of the topics covered during the clinic. Clinics are held all across the state for any member of TASO and are required for certification. Additionally, SAVOA requires all first, second, and third year referees to participate in pre-season play. Although this is unpaid time, it is necessary to prepare you for the up-coming season as well as establish your rating.

The TASO approved uniform consists of a WHITE TASO authorized polo, BLACK belt, BLACK slacks, BLACK socks, and BLACK court (sneaker-type) shoes. Grey shirts are an OPTION for wear if all officials assigned to a match wear matching colors.

You will need (at a minimum): -a BLACK whistle with a BLACK lanyard (or two) -saction cards (red and yellow) -net chain -a flip coin (a quarter or larger) Optional (but highly encouraged): -line judge flags (x2) -pressure gauge -ball pump

You will have the opportunity to procure line-up cards during a chapter meeting, but other equipment is NOT provided by SAVOA.

Uniforms are NOT provided by SAVOA. A complete set (shirt, pants, shoes, socks) can cost anywhere from $60 to $200 depending on what you buy. The uniform shirt is provided by an approved vendors and will most likely be the costliest purchase you make.

Matches are assigned largely based on seniority and rating. Matches are sometimes assigned on a "whoever is available" basis based on needs, cancels, and other factors.

Matches take place almost every day of the weed depending on level of play (Varsity/Sub-Varsity, middle school...) and district. Most matches will take place in the evenings in the middle of the week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thrusday).

SAVOA officials are assigned to matches from 7th grade to Varsity level matches.

You must be a member of TASO and SAVOA in good standing (all dues and fees paid), maintain proper uniform and equipment, pass the rules exam, and attend a rules clinic.

Matches are assigned through the Arbiter platform. After you are notified via text message, you must log into your Arbiter account and accept your assignments.

Well, one of the tenants of being an official is reliability. If you constantly decline assignments, efforts will be made to understand why (are you having trouble setting blocks? do you understand the Arbiter system? Unforeseeable events? etc). If the reason for you declining matches can be corrected then it will. But constantly declining matches when you are available will lead to fewer assignments.

That all depends on your availability, ability, and comprehension/application of the tenants of being an official. The more time and work you put in, the more matches will be available for you to be assigned to.

YES! SAVOA has members that officiate though all levels of USAV (Provisional through Jr. National/National ratings) and PAVO (NCAA Division I/II/III). Officiating middle and high school volleyball is essential in laying the groundwork in becoming a high quality volleyball official at ALL LEVELS of play.

PAVO, or the Professional Association of Volleyball Officials, is a national organization dedicated to the training and certification of volleyball referees across the United States for collegiate level matches. Although the two are not related directly, members of SAVOA also belong to PAVO and officiate college level matches. Every opportunity to officiate is an opportunity to improve your officiating skills.

Many of our referees belong to USAV and PAVO. USAV referees officiate "club volleyball" tournaments with players ranging from 13 all the way to 17 and 18 years old. PAVO is the association that NCAA uses to officiate its matches during the collegiate volleyball season. At the highest level, SAVOA officials participate in regional and national tournaments in USAV and conference tournaments in all three Divisions of the NCAA.

No, but MS/HS volleyball sets the foundation for many players and officials alike. You would be hard pressed to find someone that isn't familiar with school sports. And School sports needs you. SAVOA is a close-knit family of officials what will help you hone your craft and help you get to where you want to be as a volleyball offical.

USAV, or USA Volleyball, is the national governing body for the sport of volleyball in the United States, responsible for promoting and growing the game at all levels, from grassroots to the national team. Although SAVOA and USAV are not related directly, members of SAVOA also belong to USAV and officiate all levels of club volleyball matches. Every opportunity to officiate is an opportunity to improve your officiating skills.