Under the former organization name of The Affiliated Boards of Officials (ABO), PAVO established a long history as a professional organization for volleyball officials. For many years, ABO was a division of the National Association for Girls and Women in Sport (NAGWS). However, in about 1994, ABO began operations as an independent, non-profit organization working to train and certify volleyball referees in close partnership with USA Volleyball, NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA. At that time, we clarified our purpose and scope with a new name -- The Professional Association of Volleyball Officials.
Individuals join PAVO through a local board known as an Affiliated Board. Affiliated Boards are responsible for holding clinics and business meetings, providing examination opportunities both in the classroom and on the volleyball court, and promoting their certified members to the local hiring entities (schools and conferences). The national organization, through the PAVO Board of Directors, establishes policies for all levels of certification, creates written and on-court examination procedures, disseminates information regarding rules, officiating techniques, and officiating opportunities, advocates for officials within the volleyball community, and provides training and certification opportunities on a national level.
Direct additional questions to Miki Kennedy, Member Services, PAVO Central Office at pavo@pavo.org or (888) 791-2074.