Officiating HS sports is a profession where we, as officials, have to set an example for all who see us at matches including school administrators, coaches, players, parents, fans, and our fellow officials.  So, we must be very professional at all times.

1. Professionalism: This includes many things: character, attitude, appearance, knowledge of the rules, use of the proper mechanics, ability to apply the rules properly, ability to handle stress, ability to communicate, respect for everyone at a match, and dependability.

2. Appearance:  HS sports referees must always have a very professional appearance.  “You only get to make a first impression once.” And when you walk into the gym, the first thing everyone sees before you have even said a word is your appearance.  

3. Ethics:  The primary role of an official is to ensure that the actions of the players, coaches, and other team personnel comply with the rules. In fulfilling this task, the officials must establish the best possible climate for fair competition with the attention of the athletes, rather than being drawn to the official.

1. Devote time, thought, and study to the rules and officiating mechanics of the game.

2. Work with fellow officials, coaches, and administrators in the spirit of harmony and cooperation.

3. Resist temptations to use an officiating position to the benefit of oneself.

4. Promote the athletes served.

5. Uphold the honor and dignity of the vocation in all personal contact with anyone involved.

6. Be prepared mentally and physically and maintain proper dress and appearance.

7. Honor agreements regardless of the inconvenience or financial loss

One of the major things a person needs to consider before deciding to become a VB referee is if they will have the time to do this. The commitment of time is as follows:

1. Working at a local scrimmage on the scrimmage weekend every year.  In 2024 scrimmages will be on Friday, August 9th, and Saturday, August 10th. All officials are required to work at least one scrimmage for 3 hours.

2. Attending HOT chapter meetings held every 2 weeks during the HS VB season of July through November.  HOT chapter meetings are usually held every other Wednesday at 6:30 PM.  Our meetings will be held at the Harris Community Center in Belton. Our biweekly meetings NEVER last longer than 2 hours and usually less than that. The first meeting of 8 will be on July 27th.

3. It is very, very important for all officials to attend our biweekly meetings if they want to officiate HS VB.  It is where important administrative information is passed out, training is conducted, and where assignments are discussed.

4. Once you are given match assignments (starting in  August depending on the amount of training you have attended and your abilities) you will have to be at a local school any time between 4:00PM to 5PM and stay for several matches. Normally you will finish a night’s VB by 9:00 PM. You could be assigned 2, 3, or 4 matches depending on the level. Middle school matches (best 2 out of 3 sets) usually take about an hour for each MATCH. HS matches usually last about 20 minutes for each set (game).  

Another thing you will want to consider is your officiating expenses. The things required to officiate VB are not very expensive. You will be responsible for the following:

1. Paying local and state dues.  Annual HOT chapter dues are $55 per year, the TASO membership fee is $85 for the first year and then $105 every year after that.  A new member will have to pay $140 to become a HOT and TASO member in their first year.  HOT annual chapter dues must be paid at the start of each season.  After your first year, TASO renewal fees ($105) are required to be paid after 1 Dec and before 1 Feb after the end of each season for the next season.

2. Purchasing a uniform and equipment. The volleyball uniform is black shoes and socks, black slacks, a black belt, a black watch, and a white TASO polo shirt. Long or Short Sleeved Shirts can only be purchased from authorized vendors. The equipment you are required to have is 2 black whistles (one on a black lanyard, one spare), a pen/pencil, line-up cards, and a flipping coin. The cost of your uniform and equipment is about $120-$150.

3. Of course you are responsible for your own transportation to and from all volleyball activities (meetings and matches).  You are paid a mileage allowance for your travel to and from a match (not for meetings). Currently, the mileage reimbursement is under the Metro guidelines through TASO. All mileage is based on the distance from our Chapter’s center point to the match site. The center point is in Temple, TX.

4. All of these expenses are easily covered by working just 2 nights of volleyball matches. It is possible to claim VB officiating expenses (mileage, car maintenance, uniforms, equipment, and dues) on your income tax.  The HOT chapter and TASO do not provide tax guidance, you will have to do this on your own. But officiating income is taxable, and you are required to abide by IRS rules.

Of course, you will want to know what you will be paid for your services.  Those of us who have done this for years, don’t do it for the money, we do it because we love the game, but it is nice to be reimbursed for your time and services.  

1. HS Varsity Match Fees:  An official gets paid $70 for a varsity match; best 3 out of 5 sets (per game) no matter if the match lasts 3, 4, or 5 sets (per game).  Varsity assignments are normally as follows: 1) a Varsity and JV match or 2), 1 Varsity, 1 JV, and 1 Freshman match.

2. Sub-Varsity Match fees:  Sub-varsity matches include junior varsity and freshman matches. An official gets paid $50 for a sub-varsity match, best 2 out of 3 sets (games).  

3. JHS/ MS Match Fees (sub-varsity also):  An official gets paid $45 for a 7th or 8th-grade match, best 2 out of 3 sets (games) no matter if the match lasts 2 or 3 sets (games).  JHS assignments are normally 2 matches or 4 matches on one night.

4. When Matches are played: HS matches (Varsity, JV, and Freshmen) matches are played on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and some Saturdays.  JHS/MS matches are played on Mondays and Thursdays, and you may be assigned to 2, 3, or 4 matches.  

5. Average Fees Earned:  So, in summary, an official will earn $110 to $190 for a varsity assignment and about the same for an MS assignment.  $90 is the pay for 2 matches and $180 is the pay for 4 Middle School or $210 for 3 Varsity matches.  Mileage is in addition to these fees.

6. How Does an Official Get Paid? HS sports officials are considered individual contractors with each school where they officiate.  Before the start of each match, you fill out a pay sheet with your partner and turn that into the school. Then the school cuts you a check and mails it to you. Checks are normally received by members 21 to 45 days after the match date.

7. Assignments: The number of assignments you are given and thus the amount of money you will make depends on two things:  1) how often you are available and 2) your level of expertise based on the amount of training you have attended and how well you have absorbed the information in the Rule Book, Case Book, and Officials Manual. In other words, your current ability as an HS/MS VB referee. The amount of money you can make officiating HS VB is a direct result of your availability and the effort you put into this endeavor once you decide that this is something you want to do.  Junior officials (1-3 years) can easily make $1300 to $1800 a season.