Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When will registration open for 2026 camps?
The application/registration process for Advanced Referee and Line Judge Camps is LIVE! The deadline to apply is by Friday, February 13, 2026, at 11:59 PM (CT). Registration for all other camps will open on Wednesday, February 13, 2026, at 12:00 noon (CT) (which operate on a first-come, first-served basis). There may be a "second round" of camps released if more camp sites are acquired after the initial date that registration opens. As soon as a new camp is confirmed, it will be added to the schedule on the PAVO website. Updates regarding new camp sites and pertinent registration information for those camps will be shared here on the PAVO website and on the PAVO Facebook page (email notifications will also be sent to current PAVO members).

Can you announce the camp dates earlier? I need more time to plan my schedule in advance.
The PAVO camp team strives to announce camp information as early as possible each year so hopeful attendees can plan their schedules as far in advance as possible. The announcement date is largely dependent on how early (or how late) prospective hosts (e.g., an institution or a juniors' club) confirms their spring tournament plans/schedules. Camp registration will typically open in early to mid-February, as this is the timeframe when most spring tournaments are solidified by prospective hosts. However, tentative camp information becomes available on the PAVO website as early as January as soon as firm collaboration plans have been established.

Which type of camp should I attend?

• Advanced Referee Camps — These camps are designed for experienced collegiate referees who are interested in breaking into the top-tier, Division I conferences and/or are preparing to pursue a PAVO National Referee certification in the upcoming fall season. An application process is required. Applicants are expected to have at least three years of collegiate refereeing experience under their belt (Division I experience is strongly encouraged), and they will need to submit a referee resume and two (2) references with their application.
• Collegiate Referee Camps — These camps are designed for referees who are currently officiating any division or level of women's collegiate competition. Although these camps are filled on a "first-come, first-served" basis and do not require a formal application process, attendees are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of experience working as a collegiate referee to attend this camp type. Registrants will be required to submit the name of one (1) conference coordinator (DI, DII, DIII, NAIA, or NJCAA) as a reference.
• Referee Camps — These camps are designed for referees of any level who are interested in building their foundational refereeing skills. These camps are filled on a "first-come, first-served" basis. Although PAVO strives to host all of our camps at collegiate-level tournaments, this camp type may be hosted at a juniors' tournament with strong competition.
• Advanced Line Judge Camps — These camps are designed for experienced collegiate line judges who are interested in breaking into the top-tier, Division I Conferences and/or are preparing to pursue a PAVO National Line Judge certification in the upcoming fall season. An application process is required. Applicants are expected to have at least two years of collegiate line judging experience under their belt (Division I experience is strongly encouraged), and they will need to submit a line judge resume and two (2) references with their application.
• Line Judge Camps — These camps are designed for line judges of any level who are interested in building their line judging skills. These camps are filled on a "first-come, first-served" basis.

Can I attend more than one camp?
Enacted in 2025, camp attendance is now limited to one camp type per person (e.g., one referee camp (any level) and/or one line judge camp per person during each camp season). PAVO strives to continually grow and expand the camp program. However, feasible camp sites can be difficult to obtain. Spots at camps are limited and fill up very quickly (sometimes within less than 24 hours). PAVO's goal with this policy is to maximize access to camp opportunities for as many officials as possible.

If I am applying for an Advanced Referee Camp or an Advanced Line Judge Camp, can I also register for a different camp in the case that my application does not get selected?
PAVO Advanced Referee and Line Judge Training Camps require an application process. Beginning in 2026, the application/registration process for Advanced Camps will open earlier than the registration process for all other PAVO camps, which operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Opening the Advanced Camp application window earlier ensures that applicants who are not selected still have an equal opportunity to register for a different camp.

How does the waiting list work?
When all available spots at a camp are filled, then a waiting list will open. Waiting lists will be available for ALL camps! Registration for a waiting list will be completed through the E-store (except for Advanced Referee Camp applicants  — this group of individuals will receive special instructions about "alternate" spots after the selection process is complete). There is no way to predict or guarantee that a spot will become available at a camp. If someone withdraws their registration and a spot does open up at a camp, then that spot will be offered to someone on the waiting list (in ascending order of registration time). If you are "bumped up" from a waiting list, then you will receive instructions about how to register for your camp. Please reach out to the camp director, Breanna Spain (camp.director@pavo.org), to inquire about your queue on a waiting list.

All of the camps that I am interested in attending are full. Can I register for more than one waiting list?
Yes, absolutely! There is no limit on the amount of waiting lists that you can register for, as these are "informal" registrations and do not require a payment. If a spot opens up at a camp, then outreaches will be made by the camp director to fill that spot (again, in ascending order of registration time).

What will the camp schedule/format look like?
Camps have a two-day format and are typically hosted on a Friday/Saturday. On the first day of camp (Friday), there will be a theoretical, classroom-style training session followed by a practical, on-court training session. The meeting time on Friday typically begins at 5:00 PM (local time). So, we ask that you plan your arrival on Friday accordingly. The second day of camp (Saturday) will be a full day of tournament play consisting of live, in-match feedback and post-match debriefs. Tournament schedules and formats will vary at each site. Please plan for a departure that allows enough time for you to participate in final debriefs and a camp wrap-up following the conclusion of tournament play (e.g., a departure on Saturday evening or any time on Sunday).

What kind of accommodations will be provided at my camp?
Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel plans, which includes booking flights, hotel rooms, rental cars/ride shares, etc. Refreshments will be provided for the theoretical and practical training sessions on Friday evening, and lunch will be provided on Saturday at the tournament. Please reach out to your camp staff if you need assistance with a ride to/from the airport, hotel, and/or playing venue, and they will help you coordinate transportation to the best of their ability. Participants are also encouraged to coordinate rides and hotel stays with other camp attendees.

What do I need to bring to my camp?
For the theoretical and practical training sessions on Friday, the dress code is business casual clothing with comfortable shoes. For tournament play on Saturday, participants will wear the PAVO/NCAA uniform (navy slacks, all white shoes and socks, a black belt, and one of the Certified Volleyball Officials polos). Participants are encouraged to bring paper and writing utensils to take notes on both days of camp (electronic note-taking devices are fine, as well).

• Referee campers — Please bring your referee essentials (whistle, sanction cards, flipping coin, net chain, and ball pump).
• Line judge campers — Please bring your line judge essentials (a set of flags).

Other than that, just bring a positive attitude and an eagerness to learn! :)

Any other questions?

Please direct technical/registration questions to the PAVO Help Desk at PAVOhelp@gmail.com.
Please direct program-related questions to the PAVO Camp Director, Breanna Spain, at camp.director@pavo.org.