Volleyball provides such a sense of community to everyone that plays, friendships are formed, and networks are established that support people on and off the court. Have you ever considered how else you might contribute to the sport and about what life skills a role as a referee might bring?

In life and on court referees will encounter so many different personality types and each of these interactions will give you the experience needed to develop the skills to engage with a diverse range of people successfully.

Referees are required to keep cool, calm and collected during a game even when pressed by others over decisions they don’t like and so your experience as a referee will better equip you to manage stress in any situation.

If you are fortunate enough to referee internationally you will have the opportunity to learn foreign languages.

You are of course paid to referee so it can become a good supplementary or even full-time income.

Refereeing can boost your confidence and instill a sense of pride in a job well done. In Volleyball there are opportunities to progress through the various levels of coaching, referee different types of volleyball, referee nationally and internationally and so it provides a career in which individuals can excel and enjoy a great deal of variety.

As a referee, you can meet the most wonderful, like-minded people. Often these friendships last a lifetime even after you have finished your refereeing career.

Finally, of course, refereeing is fun. Image a job where you get to watch the game from the best seats in the house. A job which has the potential for travel, to meet the next big names in the sport and even Olympians. What’s not fun about that!

If you are interested in becoming a referee, you can get more information on the Volleyball WA website.