Below are recent emails sent to all of CVOA (statewide), most recent first. Click on a title to expand.
- 2024-Apr-22 - Uniform compliance rule update #2CVOA Boys’ Volleyball Officials,
Okay, one more rule modification and clarification for the remainder of our regular season including all post-season games at the regional and state tournaments.
Reference Rule 4-1 Note 2: Each state association may, in keeping with applicable laws, authorize exceptions to NFHS playing rules to provide reasonable accommodations to individual participants with disabilities and/or special needs, as well as
those individuals with unique and extenuating circumstances. The accommodations should not fundamentally alter the sport, heighten risk to the athlete/others, or place opponents at a disadvantage.
Modification 1: Visible undershirts worn under the uniform top must conform to one of three color options.
1.) Be one color that is similar to the dominant color of the uniform top.
2.) Black
3) White
NOTE: All players that have visible undershirts must wear the same similar color. They may not have one player in a black undershirt and another player wearing a red undershirt. The team must decide on one color undershirt.
Modification 2: Visible undershorts/tights that extend below the uniform bottom must conform to one of three color options.
1) Be one color that is similar to the dominant color of the uniform bottom.
2) Black
3) White
NOTE: All players that have visible undershorts/tights must wear the same similar color. They may not have one player wearing black tights and another one wearing white tights. The team must decide on one color.
Situation 1: Player A in a red uniform top is wearing a white undershirt and black shorts with black tights extending below. Ruling: This is legal based on our adopted uniform modification. The undershirt’s color does not need to match the undershort’s color.
Situation2: Team A teammates are wearing black shorts and Team A libero is wearing red shorts. Ruling: The libero will NOT enter the game until they wear a short that is like-colored to players on the court.
Situation 3: Players are wearing black undershirts and a bench teammate is wearing a white undershirt. Ruling: The bench teammate with the white undershirt will not enter the game until they remove the white undershirt or match the players on the court with a like-color undershirt.
Situation 4: Player A is wearing a black arm sleeve and a white leg sleeve. Ruling: There is no current wording in the rule code to address colors for sleeves. Sleeves are not considered an undergarment and do not need to be ruled upon for color legality. NOTE: A single visible manufacturer’s logo and/or single school name or insignia no more than 2 ¼ inches are permitted on each visible garment is the only rule that applies to sleeves.
The schools are being sent the same message.
If you have any questions on this rule modification/clarification, please contact me.
Cordially,
Bruce Bird
CVOA President - 2024-Apr-22 - Undergarment rule modificationCVOA Boys’ Volleyball Officials,
Please review the below rule modification in regard to boys’ volleyball uniform compliance.
Reference Rule 4-1 Note 2: Each state association may, in keeping with applicable laws, authorize exceptions to NFHS playing rules to provide reasonable accommodations to individual participants with disabilities and/or special needs, as well as those individuals with unique and extenuating circumstances. The accommodations should not fundamentally alter the sport, heighten risk to the athlete/others or place opponents at a disadvantage.
Modification: Teams may wear a black undershirt under their uniform top no matter what color the uniform top is. All players on the team must wear the same color undergarment, either black and or the predominant color of the uniform top.
Rationale: We are seeing funding issues with boys’ volleyball. Many of our schools require the players to provide their own shorts and or undergarments. The school is only providing the uniform top, which many of them are still using old uniforms and or what they have on hand, as the funding is not there yet for many of our schools.
Many of the uniforms we are seeing do not fit properly. Allowing a player to wear the black undershirt allows them a level of modesty for their own comfort and does not put their opponents at a disadvantage. This rule modification will allow a player to only have to purchase a black undershirt, which is easy to find and low in cost.
The schools have been sent the message that we will allow black undershirts instead of trying to match the predominant color of the uniform top for the remainder of the boys’ season.
We will be submitting an NFHS rule change to incorporate this into the rule book for the 2025-2026 season.
If you have any questions on this rule modification, please contact me.
Cordially,
Bruce Bird
CVOA President - 2024-Apr-04 - Boys post season application - Deadline April 9, 2024All,
If you would like to be considered for the boys postseason volleyball tournament as a referee, please follow this link to apply.
The deadline to apply is April 9, 2024
https://www.surveymonkey.com/
r/boysvbapply24 Thank you,
Bruce Bird
CVOA President - 2024-Apr-03 - CVOA Board Elections around the corner!!
CVOA membership,
We are fast approaching our annual CVOA Board elections.
Important Dates
If you’re interested in running for one of the CVOA Board positions below, note that the deadline to apply to be on the ballot is the end of the day on Monday, May 20, 2024.Please submit an email indicating which board position you’d like to run for, along with a brief bio not more than 500 words, to Deb County ([email protected]).Elections will run from June 1 – 15, 2024.Rules Interpreter
Before we dive into the positions that are up for election, there has been some inquiry about the CVOA Rules Interpreter position that was vacated by the passing of Ray Lameiro.At this time, Nici Akey has been appointed and accepted the rules interpreter position for the remainder of our year. Per CVOA Bylaws: The Rules Interpreter shall be appointed by the President and approved by the Executive Committee to serve during such President’s term.
The CVOA Executive Committee has agreed to open the application process to anyone who wishes to be considered for the CVOA Rules Interpreter position. All interested parties please submit a letter of intent to the CVOA Executive Committee.
CVOA Board Positions
Now on to our elected board positions. Per CVOA Bylaws, except for the offices of President-Elect and President, candidates may only run for one office and may only hold one office at a time. The newly elected officers shall assume office by July 1 following his/her election.Executive Committee
– CVOA Vice-President, currently held by Tom Olnowich
– CVOA Director of Training, currently held by Rob LivingstonBoth Tom and Rob have decided not to run for another term. We thank them for their years of service. We will surely miss them both.
Area Director PositionsArea 1 – Denver
– Two positions, two-year terms, currently being held by Tammy Davis and Larry Ruane
– One position, one year term, vacant at this time
NOTE: 3 people will be electedArea 2 – Fort Collins, Greeley, Longmont, Loveland
– One, two-year term, currently held by Georgie LameiroArea 4 – Pueblo
– One, two-year term, currently held by Kathy CoxArea 6 – Glennwood Springs
– One, two-year term, currently held by Denise GreeneArea 8 – La Junta
– One, two-year term, currently held by Deanna RussellArea 10 – Durango
– One, two-year term, currently held by Jeanne SategnaArea 12 – Craig and Meeker
– One, two-year term, currently held by Mindy FinleyArea 13 – Colorado Springs
– Two positions, two-year terms, currently being held by Alma Grandpre and Nancy Holm
– One position, one year term, vacant at this time
NOTE: 3 people will be electedArea 14 – Burlington
– One, two-year term, currently held by Talana DavisArea 18 – Cortez
– One, two-year term, currently held by Kami OliverArea 20 – Upper Arkansas River Valley
– One, two-year term, currently held by Denise ClosePlease contact the CVOA Executive Committee if you have any questions.
Cordially,
Bruce Bird
CVOA President - 2024-Feb-05 - CHSAA Reasonable Modification ProceduresCHSAA Reasonable Modification Procedures
Dear CHSAA Sports Official,
CHSAA is required to share the following information with you every six months. Please contact the CHSAA Office if you have any questions or need further training or clarification on CHSAA’s “reasonable modification” and evaluation procedures for students with disabilities.
Please reference Article V of the CHSAA Bylaws, “Students With Disabilities” (pages 23-24), addressing reasonable modification requests and evaluations for students with disabilities.
Please also note the following information specific to “On-The-Spot” reasonable modification requests:
On-The-Spot Reasonable Modification Requests
If a student is unable to provide the required documentation (as outlined in bylaw 500) for a permitted reasonable modification at or during any CHSAA sponsored event, the student may request an “on-the-spot” reasonable modification from the head game official who is overseeing that event. The game official may grant such a modification if it is readily apparent, in the opinion of the official, that the modification is necessary to address the student’s disabling condition. In making this decision, the head game official is not and shall not be required to make a medical determination concerning the athlete’s safe participation. No game official shall be required to make any medical or safety determination that he/she/they is not qualified to make by reason of his/her/their training or education. In making this determination, the head game official may consult with a licensed athletic trainer or medical professional if one is present at the site of the competition. The decision of the head game official shall be final for purposes of the specific competition only.If a game official denies an on-the-spot reasonable modification, the official shall inform the coach and student that they can seek a reasonable modification from CHSAA through Article 5 of the
CHSAA Bylaws. Denial of an on-the-spot reasonable modification request shall not be grounds to deny a subsequent reasonable modification request made to CHSAA under Article 5.Thank you for your time.
Respectfully,
Michael Krueger, Ed.S., CMAA
Commissioner
Colorado High School Activities Association - 2023-Dec-14 - Where to find the link to pay?All,
When you login to Arbiter account 104524 it defaults to your future games.
Scroll down below that game group and you will find the link to pay your boys’ volleyball dues.
Cordially,
Bruce Bird
- 2023-Dec-13 - Boys' volleyball dues link is now activeCVOA members,
If you wish to work boys’ volleyball season in your area, and you are a current registered CVOA official for the 2023-24 Girl’s season, you will need to pay the $25 boys’ registration fee.
Login to Arbiter account 104524 and click on the register link and choose boys volleyball. Then follow the instructions until you pay your $25.
Payment is due by January 31, 2024.
If you have any questions, please reply to this email.
Cordially,
Bruce Bird
CVOA President - 2023-Oct-30 - Regional volleyball referees needed Friday November 3All,
It looks like we will have a larger-than-normal group of regional volleyball games on Friday, November 3, 2023.
Please make sure your calendar is accurate for Friday, including partial day blocks on when you can leave your job or school to travel.
Some of our sites start as early as 10 am on Friday.
Thanks,
Bruce Bird
- 2023-Oct-30 - Line judges needed - regional volleyballAll,
We are in need of line judges for regional games on Friday, November 3 and Saturday, November 4.
If you can help us, please update your calendar including a partial day block for when you can leave work or school.
Also, you can email me if you want to line judge.
Pay is $45 per game.
Thanks,
Bruce Bird
- 2023-Oct-30 - CVOA referee uniform reminder - post seasonCVOA members,
Congrats on another season.
Thank you for your dedication.
A quick reminder if you are working post-season as a referee or line judge, our referee uniforms must conform to the following.
– White polo shirt (short or long-sleeved). White shirts with piping or trim are not allowed and no blue or grey shirts.
– Black slacks, and if one has belt loops one must wear a black belt
– Black shoes, no white trim
– Black crew length socks, no-show black socks are not acceptable
– Black or white whistle with matching black or white lanyard
– White sweaters with CVOA patch, may be worn over the CVOA polo shirt during cold times when refereeing, no other color is approved for sweaters at any time including the regular season.
– Year service pin may be worn on the right collar tab
– CHSAA state championship pin may be worn on the left collar tabIf you have any questions, please speak with your area director.
Have a great post season.
Bruce Bird
CVOA President - 2023-Oct-27 - Special Olympics is Looking for VolunteersFrom: ArbiterSports <[email protected]>Date: Fri, Oct 27, 2023 at 4:46 AM
Subject: Special Olympics is Looking for Volunteer Volleyball Officials for their Upcoming Event.CVOA Members:Special Olympics is looking for volunteer volleyball officials for their upcoming event.
Please Contact:
Michelle Fix-WestallNovember 18Elevation Volleyball Club
12987 E Adam Aircraft Cir,
Englewood, CO 80112Play starts at 9AM
All officials arrive at 8AM
Breakfast, drinks, lunch included
Likely ending at 1pm.
It’s a wonderful experience and we get to meet some of the most dedicated athletes and their supporters.
It’s a great experience for newer officials and it’s invigorating to be in such a positive atmosphere after the season draws to a close.
Thanks,
Michelle
[email protected] - 2023-Oct-18 - A Call for Volunteers to be LIBRO TRACKERS at Girls' State Championships at Denver ColiseumCVOA Officials:
The Girls Volleyball State Championships are just around the corner and we are in need of volunteers to act as State Libero Trackers.
Girls’ State Championships run from Thursday, November 9th through Saturday, November 11th and is held at the Denver Coliseum.
Volunteers can request to work an entire single day or, preferably, multiple or all three days during the tournament.
If this sounds like something that would be of interest to you, please reply directly to Erika James at [email protected] with your availability no later than Thursday, November 2nd.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
Looking forward to a great State Championship!
Regards,
Tom Olnowich
Member, CHSAA State Selection Committee - 2023-Oct-17 - CVOA post season voting link - Deadline October 22, 2023CVOA members,
Please take time to vote for your peers in support of their eligibility for state tournament assignments.
Here is the link to vote. Deadline to vote is October 22nd at midnight.
Either copy and paste the link into your browser or simply click on it.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/cvoa23vote Cordially,
Bruce Bird
CVOA President - 2023-Oct-17 - A Call for Volunteers to be Court Runners at StateCVOA Officials:
The Girls Volleyball State Championships are just around the corner!
We are in need of volunteers to act as State Court Runners during the three days of play from Thursday, November 9th through Saturday, November 11th.
The responsibilities of State Court Runners are as follows:
1. Between sets 2 and 3 of the current match on the court you are assigned, “run” and locate the two teams scheduled for the next match and instruct them to go to the court for the coin toss.
2. Between every other set and match, do a quick “sweep” of the court you are assigned to.
3. When not doing either of the above, relax and watch some high-level volleyball from the top teams across the state of Colorado from the best seat in the house!Volunteers can request to work an entire single day or, preferably, multiple or all three days during the tournament.
If this sounds like something that would be of interest to you, please reply to this email with your availability no later than Thursday, November 2nd.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
Looking forward to a great State Championship!
Regards,
Tom Olnowich
Member, CHSAA State Selection Committee - 2023-Oct-5 - Travel fee overturned - October 3, 2023CVOA members,
Below you will find a detailed email from CHSAA overturning the $10 travel stipend to officials traveling under 20 miles living outside the Denver and Colorado Springs area.
It was brought to the Board’s attention that a number of schools were experiencing significant impacts from an item that was included in the Officials Fees Committee report that was passed in January of 2023. Item “e” of section VI of the report stated the following, “If a driver lives less than 20 miles from the scheduled contest and is outside the Metro areas listed above in section B, that driver will be paid the $10 travel fee.” This item was well intended and was an effort to assist assignors and schools when a shortage of officials was evidenced. Although the intentions were very positive, the application of this mandate has caused significant financial burden on schools and school districts where this has been implemented.
It appears that this item did not receive the level of review and impact analysis from the membership that it would have benefitted from; this resulted in the fact that schools were not able to plan or budget accordingly relative to this mandate. In addition, and in fairness to the membership, at the time there was a significant amount of attention and a strong focus being placed on the new multi-year pay structure that was being presented and eventually passed in January 2023. This item (e) was not listed within, nor does it impact, the new pay structure.
Due to the fact that this item has substantial financial impact on school districts and does not interfere with the adoption of the new approved pay structure; under the power granted to the Board of Directors under bylaw 810.6 the Board of Directors made the following amendment to the 2023 Officials Fees Committee Report:
The Board unanimously voted to remove the mandate noted in letter “e” under section VI of the January 2023 Officials Fees Committee Report involving additional travel fees for officials outside the metro area.
The Board unanimously provided a recommendation to assignors and member schools to continue to work together to support and remunerate officials as needed and when appropriate in circumstances where a shortage of officials exists.
The Board unanimously supported a request to the Officials Fee Committee to continue efforts to identify the concern(s) that this mandate was intended to address; to provide additional data and analysis relative to possible solutions; and, if desired, to suggest language to be brought forward to legislative council in 2024 for consideration.Please do not hesitate to reach out to me or to Assistant Commissioner Mike Book if we can provide further clarification.
We highly value the partnership we have with our high school sports officials and will continue our focused efforts to support them and to recognize the important role they play in helping us fulfill our mission and vision.
Have a great rest of the week!
Mike
Michael Krueger, Ed.S., CMAA
Commissioner
Colorado High School Activities Association
303-344-5050 ext. 8
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2023-Sep-25 - Obscure ruling refresher - Protect those lineupsCVOA members,
We have a situation that has come about recently, that requires a quick refresher on an obscure ruling.
Who has the right to see a submitted lineup and when can they see it?
– Prior to the 2-minute deadline for set #1 and 1-minute deadline for subsequent sets, only the referee(s), scorekeeper and libero tracker may view a submitted lineup.
– Once the submission deadline has passed all other relevant personnel such as: coaches for either team or visiting scorekeeper may be granted access to either lineup.Note: Page 68 of the Case Book and Officials Manual.
If either team accesses the opponent’s lineup prior to the submission deadline it may be penalized with a “Yellow Card” as a minor violation or potentially a “Red Card” as a flagrant violation, if a team uses the opponent’s lineup information to adjust their own lineup prior to submission. Rule 12-2-1 No player, teammate, coach and/or team attendant shall act in an unsporting manner while on, near the court before, during or between sets.
Please keep those lineups secure, protecting the privacy of each team strategy until after the submission deadline.
Please instruct your scorekeeper and libero tracker to keep them secure and private as well until the submission deadline has passed.
Please contact your area director if you have any questions.
Cordially,
Bruce Bird
CVOA President - 2023-Sep-25 - CHSAA/CVOA Post Season Application Survey
CVOA Officials,
Here is your link to apply for Post Season. Deadline is October 5th at noon. Either click on the link below or copy and paste it into your browser.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/23vbpostseasonapplication
Thank you so much‼
Monica Tillman
- 2023-Sep-25 - Post season deadline approaching fast - REMINDER!!!!CVOA membership,
Any CVOA member who wishes to be considered for post-season assignments needs to have their requirements completed over the next week.
Don’t delay and run out of time.
If you are unsure of your status, please contact your area director.
Here are the requirements to be eligible found on page 9 of the CVOA Membership Manual:
https://cvoaref.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/CVOA- Membership-Manual-January- 2022.pdf V. Post-Season Officiating Eligibility
1. Post Season. The CHSAA volleyball post season is defined as all tournament games played in a Sub-district, District, Regional, and or State playoff setting (“Post Season”).
A. All requirements to be eligible for post-season play shall be met 28 days prior to the first post-season competition date as set by CHSAA.
B. A Members must meet the following eligibility requirements to be considered for selection to work as a referee (R1 & R2) during the Girls CHSAA post-season tournaments:
i. Must be a Member in Good Standing which includes the following:
1. Returning members shall pay dues and complete the registration by June 15th of each calendar year;
2. Complete one (1) CVOA regional clinic;
3. Complete two (2) study sessions, one of which shall be during the competitive volleyball season;
4. Complete the CVOAE pre-season test by the first contest date for the competitive volleyball season and pass with a 90% or greater;
5. Shall be a certified member with CVOA to be assigned post-season games: one-year certified membership for District referee game assignments, two consecutive years of certified membership for Regional referee game assignments, and three consecutive years of certified membership for State referee game assignments;ii. Any current year an official is working counts as one of the qualifying years;
iii. Actively participate in the CHSAA sportsmanship pre-game procedure;
iv. Complete the CHSAA mid-season test and pass with an 80% or greater 28 days prior to the first post-season competition date as set by CHSAA;
v. Participate in any mechanics and or video review that is made available in conjunction with the mid-season test;
vi. Apply for post season eligibility and update a post-season availability calendar in Arbiter account 104524 by the CHSAA deadline;
vii. Officiate eight (8) varsity contests during the regular competitive volleyball season;
viii. Officiate two (2) sub-varsity contests or twenty percent (20%) of a Member’s regular season schedule; and
ix. State-selected Members shall be available all designated days of the state tournament, including the CHSAA clinic and the CVOA banquet.I look forward to seeing many of you in post season.
Cordially,
Bruce Bird
CVOA President - 2023-Sep-21 - New CHSAA mileage and travel stipend reviewCVOA Members,
As anticipated, the new CHSAA mileage and stipend policy is causing some confusion.
Here is the link on the CHSAA website. https://s3.amazonaws.com/
chsaanow.com/documents/2022/ 12/5/CR6_OfficialsFees.pdf Below is a quick tutorial on what the new mileage policies state.
Mileage compensation:
1. Any referee travelling less than 20 miles to their game will automatically receive a $10.00 travel stipend. This includes all parts of the state not just the Denver Metro and Colorado Springs area.
2. If one referee travels less than 20 miles (one way) and one travels more, the one under 20 miles will receive the $10.00, and the one travelling more will receive $.50 cents per mile round trip or $1 per mile one way.
3. If both referees are travelling more than 20 miles (one way) whoever is driving furthest will receive the mileage, regardless of who actually drives. In almost all instances where both referees are travelling greater than 20 miles, carpooling is expected.
4. In an instance where two referees travel more than 20 miles (one way) to a game, and it is impractical for them to travel together (for instance a referee from Sterling and a referee from Fort Collins meet to referee a game at Frederick) both referees will be paid the .50 cents per mile round trip stipend or $1 per mile one way.
5. It is at the discretion of the assignor, in consultation with the schools, when and if travel together is impractical. Referees may always decide to travel separately, but the single mileage will be paid to one referee and they will need to figure out the split between themselves. If there is ever any question, it is a good decision to contact your assignor BEFORE the game.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Have a great rest of your season.
Cordially,
Bruce Bird
CVOA President - 2023-Sep-14 - Athletic tape with writing on it, legal or not?We have a unique situation that is becoming prevalent across the state.
The use of athletic tape around a wrist or finger that then has something written on it as a possible memorial to a loved one. This might be a family member or fellow athlete’s name that has passed away, or maybe it is something religious or of cultural diversity.
We have a few questions to discuss before we can make a ruling.
– First question, “Is athletic tape jewelry per Rule 4-1-7?”
– No, Jewelry for the most part is a personal ornament, such as necklaces, rings, or bracelets, that are typically made from or contain jewels or metal.– Second question, “Does athletic tape give the player an advantage or present as a safety concern per Rule 4-1-5?”
– No, athletic tape is acceptable to be used on any body part.– Third question, “Is this a memorial patch per Rule 4-2-1g?”
– No, memorial patches are typically made of fabric and can be attached to the uniform.– Fourth question, “If an elastic hair control device on the wrist is ruled as illegal and considered jewelry, why is this not?”
– Per Rule 4-1-7 and Case Book 4.1.7 the elastic hair control device on the wrist is ruled as jewelry and can be a safety hazard when worn below the chin. The player needs to remove it and or put it in the hair as it was designed for use.We live in a culture that is sensitive to how we rule on religious, cultural diversity, and memorial adornment.
The use of athletic tape is legal in all aspects of the rule code. Why would we then rule it as illegal just because they wrote something on it?
We don’t want to be that official infringing on someone’s right to their religion, culture, and or memory of a loved one.
It is not our job to understand what the writing means to that athlete unless it is derogatory.
Let us focus on why we are there each night.
We are there to facilitate a game, fair to both sides in an environment of safety and respect for all.
Cordially,
Bruce Bird
CVOA President - 2023-Aug-30 - CVOA UpdatesCVOA membership,
Here are a couple of updates, August 30, 2023.
CHSAA will be mailing out the official’s pass to get you entrance into any CHSAA sponsored contest. I have been informed that they want to imprint your name on the card and mail it to you after Labor Day.
NFHS is offering a 50% discount again to their NHFS Official’s Pass. It grants you access to any games they stream online. Please follow this link to purchase your NFHS Official’s Pass.
https://cvoaref.org/wp-
content/uploads/2023/08/NFHS- Network-Officials-Pass-2023- 24FINAL.pdf Cordially,
Bruce Bird
CVOA President - 2023-Aug-28 - Email archive from CVOA BoardCVOA membership,
It is that time of year where we may see an increase in communication from the CVOA Board. Moving forward when this happens, we will then be posting that communication on the CVOA website. For example, emails from me will be on the president’s page; Ray Lameiro’s will be on the rules interpreter’s page, and so forth.
We hope this type of archive list will help you when you need to quickly reference back without having to comb through your email box.
Have a great holiday weekend coming up.
Thank you for your dedication.
Cordially,
Bruce Bird
CVOA President - 2023-Aug-25 - Announcers, what can or cannot they do?CVOA membership,
Announcers, what can or cannot they do?
CHSAA sportsmanship manual 3.4.3 gives us guidelines on what is acceptable for announcers. Here is the link to the manual:
https://cvoaref.org/wp-
content/uploads/2023/08/ Sportsmanship_Manual.pdf 3.4.3 – No musical instruments and/or amplified music, including drums, shall play while the game clock is running or when a ‘live ball’ situation is applicable by rule, whether the game is indoor or outdoor. This includes fanfares, drum rolls, etc. The only time the game, once started, is not “in progress” is during a timeout or intermission. This applies to the use of outdoor, in-gym, or indoor arena sound systems and public address announcements. The announcer is an integral member of game administration and is a reporter of information not necessarily obvious to spectators. Great care must be exercised to see that neither team gains an advantage from announcements over the public address system. Announcers are not “play-by-play” announcers.
Announcers are the responsibility of the host management, and it is their responsibility to understand and enforce CHSAAA policy.
We as referees should use common sense with announcers and not overregulate or focus on what they are doing.
Things that may require us to suspend play to speak with host management about announcers is as follows but not limited to:
– Statements that have a negative impact for either team
– Statements that point out a team’s faults or miscues
– Play-by-play that only highlights positive plays by the home team over the visiting team
– Anything that interrupts the normal flow of a matchPlease let us know if you have any questions.
CVOA Executive Committee
- 2023-Aug-25 - CHSAA sportsmanship cards - Don't forgetCVOA membership,
Please remember to hand the head varsity coaches your CHSAA sportsmanship cards with your name and your partner’s name on them during your pre-match conference for the varsity match.
You are not required to give them out at the sub-varsity level.
We have posted the template under this link in case you need to print more.
https://cvoaref.org/cvoa-
documents/ This is important why?
– It is required per CHSAA policy
– It is one of the eligibility requirements for post-season
– It eliminates coaches from approaching the referees after a contest asking for their name
– It helps coaches remember you for post-season voting
– It is a polite way to introduce yourself to the coaches for the eveningPlease let us know if you have any questions.
Thank you,
CVOA Executive Committee
- 2023-Aug-18 - Official Interpretation For Line Judge Positioning During a Varsity MatchOfficial Interpretation For Line Judge Positioning During a Varsity Match.
CHSAA has authorized permission for teams to remain on the same benches throughout the match. This is per State Association Adoption Chart number 10 (page 70 current rulebook). The exception is when a waiver from CHSAA has been provided to the officials to allow court switching.
This has raised the question of whether or not line judges should be switching.
Per Rule 5-9-2b line judges are to hold the same positions relative to the court throughout the match.
There is no state association adoption that allows us or CHSAA to make modifications to this rule.
Therefore, line judges will not be switching sides.
The exception to this is governed under Rule 5-4-3a which states the first referee may replace a scorer, libero tracker, or line judge who is not properly performing duties as assigned.
COMMENT:
This may include removing and replacing a line judge completely or just moving them to a new position on the lines i.e. (switching sides of the court).Regards,
Ray Lameiro
State Rules Interpreter - 2023-Aug-12 - CVOA Hall Of Fame 2023 Election ResultsCVOA Members:
On behalf of the CVOA Executive Board, I am pleased to announce that Betsy Davison has been recently inducted into the Colorado Volleyball Officials’ Association Hall of Fame.
Please welcome us in congratulating these recent inductees.
Regards,
Tom
Vice-President, CVOA
On behalf of the CVOA Executive Board - 2023-Jul-31 - Switching sides Yes or No?All,
At this time the CHSAA has adopted the rule modification to NOT switch sides during a match.
This rule modification is in regard to page 72 in your rule book, “State Adoptions” line item #10.
Cordially,
CVOA Executive Committee - 2023-Jun-7 - NFHS Part 1 test updatesCVOA membership,
Here are a few notes on the test.
– New Rule and Case Books will be sent out from CHSAA in early July 2023 to all paid returning members.
– Questions 51, 52, 53, 54, and 55 have a video link in the question. Look for the word “Video” and right-click on the word “Video” with your mouse and open the link in a new Window or Tab. If you click directly on the word “Video” it will open the link in the same Tab on your browser window and take you away from the test.
– When taking the test, you have one of two options:
1) Wait until your books arrive in July 2023
Or
2) Use last year’s rule book and then go to this link
https://www.nfhs.org/sports-resource-content/ volleyball-rules-changes-2023- 24/ to access all new/changes to the NFHS volleyball rule code. Have a great summer.
Cordially,
CVOA Executive Committee - 2023-Jun-6 - CVOA Volleyball Test Part 01 2023-24 season is now live!!!!CVOA membership,
The CVOA volleyball test part 1 is now live and available to all paid and returning active members.
Please login to CHSAA Main – Central Hub – Arbiter account 103372, select “Testing”>”CVOA volleyball test – Part 01 – 2023-24″ to start.
1) Each official will be given two attempts to Take the CVOA Volleyball Part 1 Examination and score at least 90% prior to the competitive volleyball season to receive the status of “Certified”.
2) Example: first attempt 74%, you have a second chance to get a 90%+
a. Example: first attempt 89%, you have a second attempt to get a 90%+
b. Example: first attempt 94%, the test is closed and that is your final score3) An official that scores at least 75% but below 90% will be classified as “Provisional” for the 2023-24 season and will need to take the CVOA volleyball test closed booked next year.
4) An official that scores below 75% may take the CVOA Volleyball Part 2 Examination to score at least 75% to be classified “Provisional” and be eligible to work as a CVOA referee for the 2023-24 season.
5) There are 55 questions.
6) The test closes on August 16, 2023, at 10 PM.
7) You will have access to review your test starting on August 18, 2023.
8) NOTE: In the exam situations, Team S = serving team; Team R = receiving team. Additionally, LF = left front; CF = center front; RF = right front; RB = right back; CB = center back; LB = left back.
If you have any questions, please contact your area director.
Cordially,
CVOA Executive Committee - 2023-Oct-27 - Special Olympics is Looking for VolunteersFrom: ArbiterSports <[email protected]>Date: Fri, Oct 27, 2023 at 4:46 AM
Subject: Special Olympics is Looking for Volunteer Volleyball Officials for their Upcoming Event.CVOA Members:Special Olympics is looking for volunteer volleyball officials for their upcoming event.
Please Contact:
Michelle Fix-WestallNovember 18Elevation Volleyball Club
12987 E Adam Aircraft Cir,
Englewood, CO 80112Play starts at 9AM
All officials arrive at 8AM
Breakfast, drinks, lunch included
Likely ending at 1pm.
It’s a wonderful experience and we get to meet some of the most dedicated athletes and their supporters.
It’s a great experience for newer officials and it’s invigorating to be in such a positive atmosphere after the season draws to a close.
Thanks,
Michelle
[email protected] - 2023-Oct-18 - A Call for Volunteers to be LIBRO TRACKERS at Girls' State Championships at Denver ColiseumCVOA Officials:
The Girls Volleyball State Championships are just around the corner and we are in need of volunteers to act as State Libero Trackers.
Girls’ State Championships run from Thursday, November 9th through Saturday, November 11th and is held at the Denver Coliseum.
Volunteers can request to work an entire single day or, preferably, multiple or all three days during the tournament.
If this sounds like something that would be of interest to you, please reply directly to Erika James at [email protected] with your availability no later than Thursday, November 2nd.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
Looking forward to a great State Championship!
Regards,
Tom Olnowich
Member, CHSAA State Selection Committee - 2023-Oct-17 - CVOA post season voting link - Deadline October 22, 2023CVOA members,
Please take time to vote for your peers in support of their eligibility for state tournament assignments.
Here is the link to vote. Deadline to vote is October 22nd at midnight.
Either copy and paste the link into your browser or simply click on it.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/cvoa23vote Cordially,
Bruce Bird
CVOA President - 2023-Oct-17 - A Call for Volunteers to be Court Runners at StateCVOA Officials:
The Girls Volleyball State Championships are just around the corner!
We are in need of volunteers to act as State Court Runners during the three days of play from Thursday, November 9th through Saturday, November 11th.
The responsibilities of State Court Runners are as follows:
1. Between sets 2 and 3 of the current match on the court you are assigned, “run” and locate the two teams scheduled for the next match and instruct them to go to the court for the coin toss.
2. Between every other set and match, do a quick “sweep” of the court you are assigned to.
3. When not doing either of the above, relax and watch some high-level volleyball from the top teams across the state of Colorado from the best seat in the house!Volunteers can request to work an entire single day or, preferably, multiple or all three days during the tournament.
If this sounds like something that would be of interest to you, please reply to this email with your availability no later than Thursday, November 2nd.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
Looking forward to a great State Championship!
Regards,
Tom Olnowich
Member, CHSAA State Selection Committee - 2023-Oct-5 - Travel fee overturned - October 3, 2023CVOA members,
Below you will find a detailed email from CHSAA overturning the $10 travel stipend to officials traveling under 20 miles living outside the Denver and Colorado Springs area.
It was brought to the Board’s attention that a number of schools were experiencing significant impacts from an item that was included in the Officials Fees Committee report that was passed in January of 2023. Item “e” of section VI of the report stated the following, “If a driver lives less than 20 miles from the scheduled contest and is outside the Metro areas listed above in section B, that driver will be paid the $10 travel fee.” This item was well intended and was an effort to assist assignors and schools when a shortage of officials was evidenced. Although the intentions were very positive, the application of this mandate has caused significant financial burden on schools and school districts where this has been implemented.
It appears that this item did not receive the level of review and impact analysis from the membership that it would have benefitted from; this resulted in the fact that schools were not able to plan or budget accordingly relative to this mandate. In addition, and in fairness to the membership, at the time there was a significant amount of attention and a strong focus being placed on the new multi-year pay structure that was being presented and eventually passed in January 2023. This item (e) was not listed within, nor does it impact, the new pay structure.
Due to the fact that this item has substantial financial impact on school districts and does not interfere with the adoption of the new approved pay structure; under the power granted to the Board of Directors under bylaw 810.6 the Board of Directors made the following amendment to the 2023 Officials Fees Committee Report:
The Board unanimously voted to remove the mandate noted in letter “e” under section VI of the January 2023 Officials Fees Committee Report involving additional travel fees for officials outside the metro area.
The Board unanimously provided a recommendation to assignors and member schools to continue to work together to support and remunerate officials as needed and when appropriate in circumstances where a shortage of officials exists.
The Board unanimously supported a request to the Officials Fee Committee to continue efforts to identify the concern(s) that this mandate was intended to address; to provide additional data and analysis relative to possible solutions; and, if desired, to suggest language to be brought forward to legislative council in 2024 for consideration.Please do not hesitate to reach out to me or to Assistant Commissioner Mike Book if we can provide further clarification.
We highly value the partnership we have with our high school sports officials and will continue our focused efforts to support them and to recognize the important role they play in helping us fulfill our mission and vision.
Have a great rest of the week!
Mike
Michael Krueger, Ed.S., CMAA
Commissioner
Colorado High School Activities Association
303-344-5050 ext. 8
-
2023-Sep-25 - Obscure ruling refresher - Protect those lineupsCVOA members,
We have a situation that has come about recently, that requires a quick refresher on an obscure ruling.
Who has the right to see a submitted lineup and when can they see it?
– Prior to the 2-minute deadline for set #1 and 1-minute deadline for subsequent sets, only the referee(s), scorekeeper and libero tracker may view a submitted lineup.
– Once the submission deadline has passed all other relevant personnel such as: coaches for either team or visiting scorekeeper may be granted access to either lineup.Note: Page 68 of the Case Book and Officials Manual.
If either team accesses the opponent’s lineup prior to the submission deadline it may be penalized with a “Yellow Card” as a minor violation or potentially a “Red Card” as a flagrant violation, if a team uses the opponent’s lineup information to adjust their own lineup prior to submission. Rule 12-2-1 No player, teammate, coach and/or team attendant shall act in an unsporting manner while on, near the court before, during or between sets.
Please keep those lineups secure, protecting the privacy of each team strategy until after the submission deadline.
Please instruct your scorekeeper and libero tracker to keep them secure and private as well until the submission deadline has passed.
Please contact your area director if you have any questions.
Cordially,
Bruce Bird
CVOA President - 2023-Sep-25 - CHSAA/CVOA Post Season Application Survey
CVOA Officials,
Here is your link to apply for Post Season. Deadline is October 5th at noon. Either click on the link below or copy and paste it into your browser.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/23vbpostseasonapplication
Thank you so much‼
Monica Tillman
- 2023-Sep-25 - Post season deadline approaching fast - REMINDER!!!!CVOA membership,
Any CVOA member who wishes to be considered for post-season assignments needs to have their requirements completed over the next week.
Don’t delay and run out of time.
If you are unsure of your status, please contact your area director.
Here are the requirements to be eligible found on page 9 of the CVOA Membership Manual:
https://cvoaref.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/CVOA- Membership-Manual-January- 2022.pdf V. Post-Season Officiating Eligibility
1. Post Season. The CHSAA volleyball post season is defined as all tournament games played in a Sub-district, District, Regional, and or State playoff setting (“Post Season”).
A. All requirements to be eligible for post-season play shall be met 28 days prior to the first post-season competition date as set by CHSAA.
B. A Members must meet the following eligibility requirements to be considered for selection to work as a referee (R1 & R2) during the Girls CHSAA post-season tournaments:
i. Must be a Member in Good Standing which includes the following:
1. Returning members shall pay dues and complete the registration by June 15th of each calendar year;
2. Complete one (1) CVOA regional clinic;
3. Complete two (2) study sessions, one of which shall be during the competitive volleyball season;
4. Complete the CVOAE pre-season test by the first contest date for the competitive volleyball season and pass with a 90% or greater;
5. Shall be a certified member with CVOA to be assigned post-season games: one-year certified membership for District referee game assignments, two consecutive years of certified membership for Regional referee game assignments, and three consecutive years of certified membership for State referee game assignments;ii. Any current year an official is working counts as one of the qualifying years;
iii. Actively participate in the CHSAA sportsmanship pre-game procedure;
iv. Complete the CHSAA mid-season test and pass with an 80% or greater 28 days prior to the first post-season competition date as set by CHSAA;
v. Participate in any mechanics and or video review that is made available in conjunction with the mid-season test;
vi. Apply for post season eligibility and update a post-season availability calendar in Arbiter account 104524 by the CHSAA deadline;
vii. Officiate eight (8) varsity contests during the regular competitive volleyball season;
viii. Officiate two (2) sub-varsity contests or twenty percent (20%) of a Member’s regular season schedule; and
ix. State-selected Members shall be available all designated days of the state tournament, including the CHSAA clinic and the CVOA banquet.I look forward to seeing many of you in post season.
Cordially,
Bruce Bird
CVOA President - 2023-Sep-21 - New CHSAA mileage and travel stipend reviewCVOA Members,
As anticipated, the new CHSAA mileage and stipend policy is causing some confusion.
Here is the link on the CHSAA website. https://s3.amazonaws.com/
chsaanow.com/documents/2022/ 12/5/CR6_OfficialsFees.pdf Below is a quick tutorial on what the new mileage policies state.
Mileage compensation:
1. Any referee travelling less than 20 miles to their game will automatically receive a $10.00 travel stipend. This includes all parts of the state not just the Denver Metro and Colorado Springs area.
2. If one referee travels less than 20 miles (one way) and one travels more, the one under 20 miles will receive the $10.00, and the one travelling more will receive $.50 cents per mile round trip or $1 per mile one way.
3. If both referees are travelling more than 20 miles (one way) whoever is driving furthest will receive the mileage, regardless of who actually drives. In almost all instances where both referees are travelling greater than 20 miles, carpooling is expected.
4. In an instance where two referees travel more than 20 miles (one way) to a game, and it is impractical for them to travel together (for instance a referee from Sterling and a referee from Fort Collins meet to referee a game at Frederick) both referees will be paid the .50 cents per mile round trip stipend or $1 per mile one way.
5. It is at the discretion of the assignor, in consultation with the schools, when and if travel together is impractical. Referees may always decide to travel separately, but the single mileage will be paid to one referee and they will need to figure out the split between themselves. If there is ever any question, it is a good decision to contact your assignor BEFORE the game.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Have a great rest of your season.
Cordially,
Bruce Bird
CVOA President - 2023-Sep-14 - Athletic tape with writing on it, legal or not?We have a unique situation that is becoming prevalent across the state.
The use of athletic tape around a wrist or finger that then has something written on it as a possible memorial to a loved one. This might be a family member or fellow athlete’s name that has passed away, or maybe it is something religious or of cultural diversity.
We have a few questions to discuss before we can make a ruling.
– First question, “Is athletic tape jewelry per Rule 4-1-7?”
– No, Jewelry for the most part is a personal ornament, such as necklaces, rings, or bracelets, that are typically made from or contain jewels or metal.– Second question, “Does athletic tape give the player an advantage or present as a safety concern per Rule 4-1-5?”
– No, athletic tape is acceptable to be used on any body part.– Third question, “Is this a memorial patch per Rule 4-2-1g?”
– No, memorial patches are typically made of fabric and can be attached to the uniform.– Fourth question, “If an elastic hair control device on the wrist is ruled as illegal and considered jewelry, why is this not?”
– Per Rule 4-1-7 and Case Book 4.1.7 the elastic hair control device on the wrist is ruled as jewelry and can be a safety hazard when worn below the chin. The player needs to remove it and or put it in the hair as it was designed for use.We live in a culture that is sensitive to how we rule on religious, cultural diversity, and memorial adornment.
The use of athletic tape is legal in all aspects of the rule code. Why would we then rule it as illegal just because they wrote something on it?
We don’t want to be that official infringing on someone’s right to their religion, culture, and or memory of a loved one.
It is not our job to understand what the writing means to that athlete unless it is derogatory.
Let us focus on why we are there each night.
We are there to facilitate a game, fair to both sides in an environment of safety and respect for all.
Cordially,
Bruce Bird
CVOA President - 2023-Aug-30 - CVOA UpdatesCVOA membership,
Here are a couple of updates, August 30, 2023.
CHSAA will be mailing out the official’s pass to get you entrance into any CHSAA sponsored contest. I have been informed that they want to imprint your name on the card and mail it to you after Labor Day.
NFHS is offering a 50% discount again to their NHFS Official’s Pass. It grants you access to any games they stream online. Please follow this link to purchase your NFHS Official’s Pass.
https://cvoaref.org/wp-
content/uploads/2023/08/NFHS- Network-Officials-Pass-2023- 24FINAL.pdf Cordially,
Bruce Bird
CVOA President - 2023-Aug-28 - Email archive from CVOA BoardCVOA membership,
It is that time of year where we may see an increase in communication from the CVOA Board. Moving forward when this happens, we will then be posting that communication on the CVOA website. For example, emails from me will be on the president’s page; Ray Lameiro’s will be on the rules interpreter’s page, and so forth.
We hope this type of archive list will help you when you need to quickly reference back without having to comb through your email box.
Have a great holiday weekend coming up.
Thank you for your dedication.
Cordially,
Bruce Bird
CVOA President - 2023-Aug-25 - Announcers, what can or cannot they do?CVOA membership,
Announcers, what can or cannot they do?
CHSAA sportsmanship manual 3.4.3 gives us guidelines on what is acceptable for announcers. Here is the link to the manual:
https://cvoaref.org/wp-
content/uploads/2023/08/ Sportsmanship_Manual.pdf 3.4.3 – No musical instruments and/or amplified music, including drums, shall play while the game clock is running or when a ‘live ball’ situation is applicable by rule, whether the game is indoor or outdoor. This includes fanfares, drum rolls, etc. The only time the game, once started, is not “in progress” is during a timeout or intermission. This applies to the use of outdoor, in-gym, or indoor arena sound systems and public address announcements. The announcer is an integral member of game administration and is a reporter of information not necessarily obvious to spectators. Great care must be exercised to see that neither team gains an advantage from announcements over the public address system. Announcers are not “play-by-play” announcers.
Announcers are the responsibility of the host management, and it is their responsibility to understand and enforce CHSAAA policy.
We as referees should use common sense with announcers and not overregulate or focus on what they are doing.
Things that may require us to suspend play to speak with host management about announcers is as follows but not limited to:
– Statements that have a negative impact for either team
– Statements that point out a team’s faults or miscues
– Play-by-play that only highlights positive plays by the home team over the visiting team
– Anything that interrupts the normal flow of a matchPlease let us know if you have any questions.
CVOA Executive Committee
- 2023-Aug-25 - CHSAA sportsmanship cards - Don't forgetCVOA membership,
Please remember to hand the head varsity coaches your CHSAA sportsmanship cards with your name and your partner’s name on them during your pre-match conference for the varsity match.
You are not required to give them out at the sub-varsity level.
We have posted the template under this link in case you need to print more.
https://cvoaref.org/cvoa-
documents/ This is important why?
– It is required per CHSAA policy
– It is one of the eligibility requirements for post-season
– It eliminates coaches from approaching the referees after a contest asking for their name
– It helps coaches remember you for post-season voting
– It is a polite way to introduce yourself to the coaches for the eveningPlease let us know if you have any questions.
Thank you,
CVOA Executive Committee
- 2023-Aug-18 - Official Interpretation For Line Judge Positioning During a Varsity MatchOfficial Interpretation For Line Judge Positioning During a Varsity Match.
CHSAA has authorized permission for teams to remain on the same benches throughout the match. This is per State Association Adoption Chart number 10 (page 70 current rulebook). The exception is when a waiver from CHSAA has been provided to the officials to allow court switching.
This has raised the question of whether or not line judges should be switching.
Per Rule 5-9-2b line judges are to hold the same positions relative to the court throughout the match.
There is no state association adoption that allows us or CHSAA to make modifications to this rule.
Therefore, line judges will not be switching sides.
The exception to this is governed under Rule 5-4-3a which states the first referee may replace a scorer, libero tracker, or line judge who is not properly performing duties as assigned.
COMMENT:
This may include removing and replacing a line judge completely or just moving them to a new position on the lines i.e. (switching sides of the court).Regards,
Ray Lameiro
State Rules Interpreter - 2023-Aug-12 - CVOA Hall Of Fame 2023 Election ResultsCVOA Members:
On behalf of the CVOA Executive Board, I am pleased to announce that Betsy Davison has been recently inducted into the Colorado Volleyball Officials’ Association Hall of Fame.
Please welcome us in congratulating these recent inductees.
Regards,
Tom
Vice-President, CVOA
On behalf of the CVOA Executive Board - 2023-Jul-31 - Switching sides Yes or No?All,
At this time the CHSAA has adopted the rule modification to NOT switch sides during a match.
This rule modification is in regard to page 72 in your rule book, “State Adoptions” line item #10.
Cordially,
CVOA Executive Committee - 2023-Jun-7 - NFHS Part 1 test updatesCVOA membership,
Here are a few notes on the test.
– New Rule and Case Books will be sent out from CHSAA in early July 2023 to all paid returning members.
– Questions 51, 52, 53, 54, and 55 have a video link in the question. Look for the word “Video” and right-click on the word “Video” with your mouse and open the link in a new Window or Tab. If you click directly on the word “Video” it will open the link in the same Tab on your browser window and take you away from the test.
– When taking the test, you have one of two options:
1) Wait until your books arrive in July 2023
Or
2) Use last year’s rule book and then go to this link
https://www.nfhs.org/sports-resource-content/ volleyball-rules-changes-2023- 24/ to access all new/changes to the NFHS volleyball rule code. Have a great summer.
Cordially,
CVOA Executive Committee - 2023-Jun-6 - CVOA Volleyball Test Part 01 2023-24 season is now live!!!!CVOA membership,
The CVOA volleyball test part 1 is now live and available to all paid and returning active members.
Please login to CHSAA Main – Central Hub – Arbiter account 103372, select “Testing”>”CVOA volleyball test – Part 01 – 2023-24″ to start.
1) Each official will be given two attempts to Take the CVOA Volleyball Part 1 Examination and score at least 90% prior to the competitive volleyball season to receive the status of “Certified”.
2) Example: first attempt 74%, you have a second chance to get a 90%+
a. Example: first attempt 89%, you have a second attempt to get a 90%+
b. Example: first attempt 94%, the test is closed and that is your final score3) An official that scores at least 75% but below 90% will be classified as “Provisional” for the 2023-24 season and will need to take the CVOA volleyball test closed booked next year.
4) An official that scores below 75% may take the CVOA Volleyball Part 2 Examination to score at least 75% to be classified “Provisional” and be eligible to work as a CVOA referee for the 2023-24 season.
5) There are 55 questions.
6) The test closes on August 16, 2023, at 10 PM.
7) You will have access to review your test starting on August 18, 2023.
8) NOTE: In the exam situations, Team S = serving team; Team R = receiving team. Additionally, LF = left front; CF = center front; RF = right front; RB = right back; CB = center back; LB = left back.
If you have any questions, please contact your area director.
Cordially,
CVOA Executive Committee
