Puget Sound Region Officials - Recently Updated Pages

News an Updates

psrref — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:52:53 CST

Noise Monitoring

Volleyball Referee Noise Monitoring

Executive Summary

Noise sampling was conducted on August 31 and September 1, 2001, at an inter-league tournament (Venue specifics available upon request). Four matches were assessed, two as a first referee, and two as a second referee. The sampled situation can be considered to be a low to medium-risk noise exposure profile for referees. A single court was in use, the facility was not full at any time, and facility size and construction allowed for some noise attenuation.

Levels of noise exposure measured for both referees (R1 and R2) will cause hearing loss for people who work as referees on a regular basis. Measures to lower the exposure to peak and average noise levels must be taken to ensure lower risk of hearing loss and legal liability.

Report details and discussion

Sampling methodology and strategy were coordinated with a Certified Industrial Hygienist on my staff. Noise monitoring was done with a calibrated QuestÒ Technologies model M-27 noise logging dosimeter. The microphone was placed on the collar of my referee shirt, directly below my left ear, documenting actual hearing zone exposure. The dosimeter was activated 15 minutes prior to match start, and stopped first thing after entering the referee room, about 3 minutes from conclusion of the match. I used a Fox 40 whistle, essentially the standard referee whistle. Refer to the attached table for data.

Of particular concern are the peak dB readings. These represent the high point for individual whistling actions. In controlled measurements, taken prior to going to Pullman, individual whistle blasts measured between 110 and 115 dB. Industry studies show impact noises, such as whistles, are pernicious. Each point represents at least two whistling actions, most were likely at or above the 110 to 115dB range. The table shows how many points were scored in each match. Substitutions, timeouts, replays and beginning/end of game whistles add to that total, but are likely to be slightly less in intensity. On average, the whistle was blown about once every 15 seconds for the matches measured. Subtracting the time between games, during timeouts and intermissions would make the frequency higher.

Noise exposure to volleyball officiating has a large number of variables. These include whistle type and how it's used, the number of courts in use, the facility design, presence and vigor of fans and bands, and use of loudspeaker systems. As noted earlier, this study measured what I consider a low to medium risk exposure profile for referees.
Detail Recommendations

Immediate
· Notify all officials of the findings of this study.
· Require the use of protective ear plugs with a NRR (noise reduction rating) of 30, or more, for all referees.
· Provide information on the correct fit and wearing of the ear plugs to all officials.
· Ensure ear plugs are being worn.

Long term
· Implement changes to the clinic processes to include information on the noise hazard, how to prevent overexposure and any other related policy/practice information.
· Charge the appropriate oversight bodies in PAVO and USAV with evaluation of the current referee mechanics to determine if changes in which whistle to use, and how to use it will reduce noise exposures and allow for safe stoppage of play. Review whether the whistle for serve can be eliminated. This would reduce the whistle impact noise exposure by about half.
· Recommend that officials have periodic audiometric exams to assess whether hearing loss is occurring.
· Conduct other noise exposure studies to assess the risk to players/coaches.

Concluding commentary
I am aware USA Volleyball, and other local, regional and national volleyball governing bodies have a sincere desire to protect the safety and health of its participants. This desire is reflected in the detail rules to preclude injury to the players, and to ensure safe play. I am sure this philosophy will be extended to one of the key constituencies, the officials. I am aware that several bodies consider referees as independent contractors. As a full-time safety professional, I know current regulatory practice does specify obligations the contracting body has regarding protection of those with which it contracts. This includes notification of known hazards, and ensuring safe practices are employed while under contract.

Attachment 1, Data Table*

Match	total points scored	Sampling length	Role	Average dB	Peak dB	Comments
Host vs Team 1	152 pts.	1hr 38 min	R1	99.8	142.5	Host plays, gym 30% to 40% full, fans engaged. Recorded music played during time outs.
Host vs Team 2	146 pts.	1 hr 41 min	R2	94.2	132.3	Host plays, gym 20% to 30% full, fans engaged. Live band/recorded music played during time outs.
Team 2 vs Team 3	157 pts.	1 hr 33 min	R1	97	127.8	Host doesn't play, few fans, little fan engagement. Recorded music played during time outs.
Host vs Team 3	232 pts.	2 hr 30 min	R2	96	126.3	Host plays, gym 50% to 60% full, fans engaged. Live band/recorded music played during time outs.

Link to OSHA text on noise exposure regulations: http://www.osha-slc.gov/OshStd_data/1910_0095.html

PERMISSIBLE NOISE EXPOSURES

Duration per day, per OSHA*	Sound level dBA, slow response	Duration per day, per ACGIH*	Sound level dBA, slow response
8 hrs.	90	4 hrs.	88
6 hrs.	92	2 hrs.	91
4 hrs.	95	1 hr.	94
3 hrs.	97	30 min.	97
2 hrs.	100	15 min.	100
1 1/2 hrs.	102	7.5 min.	103
1 hrs.	105	3.75 min.	106
30 min.	110	1.88 min.	109
15 min., or less	115	28 sec.	115

*OSHA - Occupational Safety and Health Act
*ACGIH -American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists

Volleyball Noise Research

May 9, 2003
To: James P Olson

Subject: Whistle Noise Hazards in Volleyball Matches
References: 1) Washington State General Occupational Health Standards:
WAC 296-62, Part K, Hearing Conservation
The enclosed industrial hygiene noise survey report contains three sections: Executive Summary, Discussion and Noise Results Table.
Noise survey results showed exposures were above WISHA standards. Due to venue variability, the whistle used and individual technique, the exact reproducibility of these measurements at any venue should not be inferred.
Noise transmission inside the skull is a real possibility. This survey’s measurements did not consider this mode of exposure, and adverse audiometric outcomes could be contributed in this fashion. The proposed short-term controls may be inadequate for the most undesirable situations a referee could encounter.
While I do not know if a remote position announcer is available with a mouth held actuator, I can easily envision a wire system and even a more elegant wireless device to give an audio signal to start and stop play.

William Hoychuk, CIH
(Certified Industrial Hygienist # 1787)
William.p.hoychuk@Boeing.com
Phone: (206) 544-2894
Enclosure: Noise Survey Report

INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE NOISE SURVEY REPORT

Date of Survey: May 4, 2003
Date of Report: May 9, 2003
ORGANIZATION:
LOCATION: Seattle University, Conally Center EVENT: Regional Volleyball Tournament

EXPOSURE SUMMARY A noise survey was conducted May 4, 2003 at the Conally Center Gym of the Seattle University to determine if referee whistle noise at volleyball matches are a potential noise health hazard. Referees do generate a potential noise health hazard with their own whistle use. Confounding factors are gym structure, whistle type and whistle modulation

Conclusions and Recommendations

A noise hazard can exist. The referee can influence the intensity of the exposure. An audiometric test can determine if there is previous hearing loss and future audiometric tests can determine hearing deteriorations.

In the short term, hazard communication is required. Ear plugs and whistle moderation offer short-term relief. In the long term, a device that alerts remote from the referee would offer protection without diminishing the safety on court.

REPORT REQUIREMENTS · Hearing protection shall be worn during whistle use.
· Referees shall attend Annual Audiometric Testing & Training.
· The noise hazard shall be communicated to the subject occupation.
· WISHA, Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act, including the Hearing Conservation Standard, WAC 296-62, Part K, is applicable and available on their website www.lni.wa.gov/wisha. In addition, copies of the standard must be made available to affected employees.
EQUIPMENT IDENTIFICATION A variety of whistles can and were used. Basically, there are two types, a pea whistle and a non- pea whistle. The Fox 40, used by those referees monitored, is a non-pea whistle. PROCESS There were two concurrent volleyball matches in two gyms each. The noise survey lasted approximately lasted two hours. Each court held two matches. FREQUENCY/DURATION Whistles are used intermittently throughout the match. No attempt was made to count the number of whistles made.
WORK PRACTICE OBSERVATIONS
· Referees stand at the end of the net on a step stair ladder 3 feet off the ground
· Some referees use earplugs for hearing protection.
· Whistles produce the overwhelming noise, but can vary in intensity and duration. DISCUSSION

Controls

To start and stop play, the whistle noise need only be 7 dB above background noise to communicate to players and coaches. With this in mind, there are three ways to control noise:

a) Engineering – The structure of the gym can influence the noise intensity. In this case, the noise in the 2 gyms is slightly affected by size and building surfaces. At best, perhaps there is a 4 dBA difference between gyms.

b) Administrative – The whistle type and whistle use mechanics can greatly affect the noise intensity of the whistle. To some extent the referee can control ones noise exposure. Between a 10 and 15dBA reduction could be achieved by modification to whistle use mechanics without player alert compromised.

c) PPE, Personal Protective Equipment – Hearing Protection can lessen noise exposure. Earplugs can lower noise exposure by approximately 22 decibels. In theory this should control the noise hazard, but in practice earplugs maybe less than optimally inserted. Also, since the referee has the noise source, i.e. whistle in the mouth, there can be noise transmitted thru the bone.

Long Term Solution

Instead of using a combination of administrative and PPE to control whistle noise, a different player alert system should be envisioned. One difficulty with the whistle noise is that it is most intense where it needs to be least intense. The referee needs to hear the whistle over the crowd noise and assume everyone else has better volume than oneself.

To achieve this situation, the speaker needs to be on the other end of the net with a directional horn to cover the court. This will allow minimization of noise intensity and removal of the referee from the noise source. Since players rotate on the court while they may have some higher noise exposure, it will be more intermittent.

The nature of volleyball allows for a relatively static referee and a fairly finite court dimension. As such the alert system can be standardized and readily adaptable to any gym.
Even a wire system can be hooked up to a net and a wireless system would be truly elegant.

Sampling Methodology

DuPont Ametek MK-1 noise dosimeters calibrated by a AC-94 Acoustical Calibrator which in itself is calibrated on an annual basis was used to measure average sound levels, maximum noise and percent dose of the 8 hour TWA 9 Time Weighted Average). A sound level reading was taken to validate potential employee exposure to noise using A Quest Model 2500 sound level meter calibrated by a QC-10 Acoustic Calibrator which in itself is calibrated on an annual basis was used to take court side sound level measurements and maximum noise.
REFERENCES 1. Washington State General Occupational Health Standards: WAC 296-62, Part K,
Hearing Conservation
2. Occupational Safety and Health Administration Standards: CFR 1910.95 Occupational Noise Exposure
Surveyed by:
William Hoychuk, CIH
(Certified Industrial Hygienist # 1787)
William.p.hoychuk@Boeing.com
Phone: (206) 544-2894

TABLE 1: Industrial Hygiene Noise Survey Results

Date: May 4, 2003 apx. 8:40 AM to 11AM Place: Seattle U. Conally Ctr.

Process:

Whistle

Activity:

Referee 2 matches

Noise Exposure (dBA)

Product:

Volleyball Referee

Sample Type:

Personnel and area

Name

Sample
Type

Location

Description of Activity

% dose

Noise dBA SLM
Avg.

Max Noise
in dB

961190

Ray Laguna

Personal

1st fl West ct.

Referee Fox no pea whistle

218 *

105.4

128.8

18263

Mike Baker

Personal

1st fl. East ct.

Referee Fox 40 whistle

110.7 *

100.7

121.6

992489

Jim Olson

Personal

2nd fl. South ct.

Referee pea whistle

22.9

90.0

111.8

968687

Scorer’s Table

area

1st fl. West ct.

10 feet behind referee

6.7

80.5

96.6

area

1st fl. West ct.

West perimeter

89 to 95

area

1st fl. East ct.

East perimeter

88 to 92

area

2nd fl. South ct.

North perimeter

83 to 93

area

2nd fl. North ct.

South perimeter

87 to 91

WISHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL), 8-Hr TWA 88.8
WISHA Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL), 15-minutes
WISHA Ceiling, Value not to be exceeded (Intermittent/Impact Noise)]

85 dBA
115 dBA

140 dBA

Notes:

N.M.: Not Measured * noise over exposure
TWA: Time-Weighted Average
dBA: Decibels, A-weighted Scale
SLM: Sound Level Measurements

Scorekeepers on-line Exam

psrref — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 12:43:01 CST

All Officials in the region will be required to take the on-line exam prior to working any assignments.

**All officials are required to complete this exam

Officials must take the below Exam:
Scorekeepers Exam
Test C Scorekeepers Password: PSS286S

USAV Club Coaches Must take the below Exam:
Scorekeepers Exam
Coaches Scorekeepers Password: PSS566S

Officiating Clinic Dates

psrref — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:25:38 CST

If interested in becoming a day official this year:

Attend: clinic hosted by the region at the regional office.

Officiating Clinics for 2009-2010 will be

**Saturday, October 24 @ 9:00am - 12:00pm (Completed)

**Sunday, November 1 @ 9:00am - 12:00pm (Completed)

**Sunday, November 15 @ 9:00am - 12:00pm (Completed)

If you are interested in officiating USAV this year please email Robyn Peckol Filimaua at: rpeckol@mindspring.com

Where: All clinics will be held at the Regional Office.
6900 - 220th St. SW, Suite B
Mountlakes Terrace, WA 98043

Time Commitment: The clinic will last 3 hours in length and must be attended in it's entirety to be counted.

Who must attend: All officials, new to National level must attend a clinic every year.

What to Bring:

Pen
Paper
Checkbook (To pay for USAV registration of $53)
Completed on-line registration forms: (Click Here) On-line Registration Page

Background Check Signed (If required)
Code of Conduct Signed
Professional Contract (found at bottom of this page)

Pre-register: Please do this by e-mailing Robyn Peckol Filimaua at rpeckol@mindspring.com and specify which clinic you will be attending.

Cost: There is no fee to attend the clinic.

Home

psrref — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:57:42 CST

**Please select from the tabs on the left to find out

how to become an official or find other official related information.

Puget Sound Region Officials
Mission Statement

• To promote, educate, advance and expand the sport of Volleyball in the Puget Sound Region.
• To proactively create opportunities for players to learn Volleyball in both the adult and junior markets at all levels of play.
• To increase the access to quality facilities for tournaments
and practice sites.
• To work in conjunction with other sports organizations to market
Volleyball to governments, schools and private businesses.
• To provide an efficient service oriented and accessible organization for our customers, the Volleyball Community.
• To establish a high level of officiating and understanding
of the rules of Volleyball.
• To manage, educate, and develop the officiating in this region.
• To foster a professional image for officials in this region.

Regional Office
6900 – 220th St. SW Suite B
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043

Phone: (425) 673-4103
Fax: (425) 673-4293
E-mail: USAVPugetSound.Office@Verizon.net
Web Site:www.pugetsoundvb.org

Clinician Materials

psrref — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:38:15 CDT

Below you will find all information necessary to give clinics for both coaches and junior players in PSR.

Clinician must bring:

Rule Books (3 per team)
Large Scoresheet Laminated
Enough pencils for all participants

After Clinic Clinician must:

Submit club rosters to Regional Office ASAP

Downloads for Referee Portion:

Clinic Flow Outline
Referee Challenge
Player - Coach sign in sheet

Downloads for Scorekeeping Portion:

Line Up Sheet
Scorekeeper Challenge

Host must bring:

Participants
Blank Scoresheets (1 per person in attendance)
Enough pencils for all participants
Roster of all in attendance
Check for clincian ($50 + $0.58 per mile roundtrip)

2009-2010 Clinicians: (* denotes NEW this season)

Jim Mullen: Both National Referee & Score
John Bryant: Both National Referee & Score
Ami Filimaua: National Indoor/Outdoor Referee & National Indoor Score
BJ Aea: Both National Referee & Score
Walt Gogan: Both National Referee & Score
Jim Olson: National Referee & Regional Score
Robyn Filimaua: National Indoor/Outdoor Referee, National Outdoor Score, and Regional Indoor Score
Joseph Solaga: Jr. National & Regional Score
Clayton Wong: Jr. National & National Score
Ric Lomibao: Both National Referee & Score
Robyn Buck: Regional

Officials on-line Exam

psrref — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:34:36 CDT

2009-2010 Season: Once again we will be taking the Referee test on-line. Referees are to take test A. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Robyn Filimaua, Regional Chair of Officials at rpeckol@mindspring.com.

As a National or Junior National referee, you must be a member in good standing in a region within USA Volleyball. Without registration in a region, you are in danger of losing your national or junior national patch. Please register with your region immediately.

To take the USAV exam separately, simply complete the test form with only the USAV information. Jr. National and National referees also have to log into the referee database to verify their identity.

Note that as a USAV nationally certified referee, you must answer the USAV portion of the exam closed-book and attain a score of at least 90%. You will have 60 minutes to complete the exam. If you do not achieve a score of 90% or higher on the USAV portion of the exam, or you do not complete the exam in the required 60 minutes, your referee chair will contact you about taking the Form B exam, which cannot be taken on line.

When you complete the USAV referee exam, results are automatically sent to your regional chair, to yourself, and to me. Please remember that this exam must be to me by the deadline of February 15, 2010; however your region may have requirements to take the exam earlier.

Click here for test:
Officials Test

Referee Password is PSS286

Download Forms

psrref — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 10:41:39 CST

**All forms are at the bottom of this page below "Threads" and under "Attachments"

There is what the NEW Tournament Report Form. Everything is condensed to 1 sheet. It can be downloaded from the attachment at the bottom of the page.
The Officials Handbook can be downloaded from the bottom of this page.
The Professional Contract that is regarding wearing earplugs can be downloaded here.

Pay Vouchers

MLK Weekend

President's Day Weekend

Emerald City Classic

Prime Time

**If you don't see all of the downloads listed below, click the (view all) at the bottom of the page

PSR Officiating Assignments

psrref — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:18:37 CST

Our assignor is Robyn Peckol Filimaua. If you need to reach her directly, her e-mail is rpeckol@mindspring.com

Your name will not be released to the assignor to assign for events until the following has been done:

Attended 1 of 3 officials clinics hosted at the Regional Office

Registered on-line

Paid registration fee & Background fee
Turned in all signed paperwork

Completed on-line officials exam
Met score keeping requirements

Assignments

When you click on the above "Assignments" link, you will find the page that our assignors use to post assignments.

You will need to log on, fill in your availability, and accept and decline your assignments through this page.

Rating Procedures

psrref — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:09:17 CST

Rating for 2008 have been completed. Ratings were held at Fife High School on June 7th. 3 courts were used for the ratings, each official being rated on 3 match full matches. Each officials had to obtain an 80% or higher on each rating from each rater in order to pass. Each match had 2 raters assigned to rate the officials on that match.

Congratulations to the following officials who passed their 2008 rating and are now Regional level Officials.

Ray Bingham

Randy Boss

Michele Schaab

Playing Site Locations

psrref — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 19:55:16 CST

Driving Directions

You can find most schools listed under the above link. Click above link to find out where schools are.

USAV Official Site

psrref — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 19:24:48 CDT

USA Volleyball

This is the official site for USA Volleyball. Please click the link above to be taken directly to their site.

Uniform

psrref — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 19:14:49 CDT

APPROVED UNIFORM FOR USA VOLLEYBALL CERTIFIED REFEREES AND SCOREKEEPERS
The only uniform authorized to be worn at USA Volleyball-sanctioned competitions and those competitions where certified USA Volleyball officials are assigned shall be:

To purchase on-line, click the link below. This will take you to a site that sells all officiating equipment.
Roof Sportswear

Shirt: The USA Volleyball uniform shirt will be all white with the following: approved official embroidered designation on the left sleeve, Velcro patch on the right side of the chest, and an optional pocket on the left side of the chest. Complete specifications regarding the uniform shirt are available from the vice president, Officials Division, USA Volleyball. The only fabrics (weight and type) and styles allowed are those approved by the USA Volleyball Officials Division. The approved logo for the uniform shirt is protected by copyright. The approved official uniform shirt shall display only the logo and emblem as noted herein. Any other emblem, logo, inscription and/or personal identification is not authorized in sanctioned USA Volleyball competition, or in competition where an official is representing USA Volleyball.

Pants: Dark navy slacks. No denim, Dockers, or riveted clothing.

Belt: Black in color.

Shoes: White (to be worn with white socks).

Jacket: (Optional wear) All white or blue, with nylon knit trim, matching knit collar and cuffs. Twin slash pockets with matching drawstring waist. Snap front. May be lined or unlined. Official USA Volleyball logo containing lettering “certified official” will be on left chest.

Sweater: (Optional wear) White V-neck pullover sweater shirt. Official USA Volleyball logo containing lettering “certified official” on the left chest. This is authorized as official outside wear in sanctioned matches for official’s comfort at appropriate tournament sites.

Patch: Only currently approved certification patches shall be displayed and shall be placed on the right chest, unless otherwise specifically approved by the Officials Division. USA Volleyball certification patches may be ordered from the RVA referee and/or scorekeeper chairs (Provisional and Regional referee and scorekeeper patches) or the assistant vice president, USA National Referee Commission (junior national and USA national referee patches) or the assistant vice president, USA National Scorekeeper Commission (junior national and USA national scorekeeper patches).

USA Volleyball

psrref — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 17:58:39 CDT

USA Volleyball Home Page

This is the official USA Volleyball Home Page. This will direct you towards any other information you may opt to attain from USAV.

Officials Evaluations and Ratings

psrref — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 17:25:18 CDT

There is no abstract available for this page revision.