~ Courtesy Badger Region Volleyball ~
Over the past four years, the Badger Region has welcomed parents to join the Serve United program to help line judge, serve as a second referee, keep score, libero track, shag volleyballs and more at events.
Due to the current climate, that program has been put on hold.
Because of limits that facility operators have regarding the number of individuals allowed in their buildings, we are postponing this program. The Region does not want managers, chaperones and other non-vital staff such as Serve United members occupying the finite number of passes allowed in some facilities.
“Some facilities are only allowing athletes and staff into their buildings,” said program director Brian Sharkey. “We don’t want a team to show up with five additional staff members on their rosters just because they have gone through the Serve United program. That could overwhelm tournament directors and facility operators.”
Cost is another concern.
In the program, adults who completed online referee training would have their membership and background screening fees reimbursed.
“We could foresee some members taking advantage of the reimbursement aspect of this program, and we can’t afford that this season,” Sharkey said.
The Badger Region hopes to bring the Serve United program back in some capacity for the 2021-22 club volleyball season.
Related to the Serve United program, first-year Badger Region officials will continue to get fees associated with being a referee reimbursed to them if they meet criteria as a first-year official.
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
