Thursday, 9 May 2024

Michael Blalock – USA Volleyball

Michael Blalock’s journey in the world of volleyball officiating and referee training is an inspiring tale that began with a chance encounter on the University of North Carolina campus in the early 1970s. As a student, Michael stumbled upon the game of volleyball and was instantly captivated. He joined the North Carolina club team in 1974, and it was during a tournament that he discovered the role of the “work team” which included serving as a referee, line judge, and scorekeeper for the matches. This experience would shape the next 46 years of his life.

A Passion for Officiating

Through dedication and hard work, Michael achieved his USA Volleyball national referee rating in 1986. This opened the doors to officiating two gold-medal matches at the USA Volleyball Open National Championships. Not only did he officiate at the adult nationals, but he also had the opportunity to officiate at the USAV Junior National Championships and the Collegiate Club Championships. Michael’s expertise was recognized when he was appointed as the national commissioner for the rating and evaluation team from 1996 to 2000, further solidifying his impact on the referee community.

A Well-Rounded Career in Volleyball Officiating

Tham Khảo Thêm:  USAV International Transfer List Hits 388

Michael’s contributions to the world of volleyball officiating extend beyond his involvement with USA Volleyball. He was a dedicated member of the Professional Association of Volleyball Officials (PAVO) from 1978 to 2019. In 1984, he achieved his PAVO national rating and went on to serve as part of the national rating team. Additionally, Michael served as an NCAA referee from 1981 to 2016, officiating in various prestigious events, including four NCAA Division I semifinals and a total of 20 NCAA tournaments.

A Leader in Officiating Supervision

Michael’s expertise and leadership skills also led him to be appointed as the supervisor of officials for numerous conferences, including SEC, Sun Belt, Lone Star, American South, and Ohio Volleyball. From 1997 to 2020, he dedicated his time to ensuring the highest standards of officiating in these conferences.

A Legacy of Accomplishments

Throughout his career, Michael has had numerous memorable moments. Among them, he proudly recalls being the up official for the 1992 USAV Volleyball Open National Championships men’s open division gold-medal match. However, perhaps his proudest accomplishments are witnessing the success and growth of the referees he had personally rated.

With his vast experience, unwavering dedication, and passion for the sport, Michael Blalock has left an indelible mark on the world of volleyball officiating. His contribution to training the next generation of referees and his significant achievements on the court have shaped the sport and inspired countless individuals.

FAQs

Q: How did Michael Blalock initially get involved in volleyball officiating?
A: Michael Blalock stumbled upon the game of volleyball while walking across the University of North Carolina campus as a student in the early 1970s. Intrigued by the game, he joined the North Carolina club team in 1974 and discovered the role of the “work team” which included serving as a referee, line judge, and scorekeeper.

Tham Khảo Thêm:  Men's U21 Drops Four-Setter to Egypt at World Championship

Q: What are some of Michael Blalock’s notable achievements in officiating?
A: Michael Blalock achieved his USA Volleyball national referee rating in 1986, which led to officiating two gold-medal matches at the USA Volleyball Open National Championships. He also officiated at the USAV Junior National Championships and the Collegiate Club Championships. Additionally, he served as an NCAA referee from 1981 to 2016, officiating in prestigious events such as NCAA Division I semifinals and NCAA tournaments.

Q: What leadership roles has Michael Blalock held in officiating supervision?
A: Michael Blalock has served as the supervisor of officials for several conferences, including SEC, Sun Belt, Lone Star, American South, and Ohio Volleyball. From 1997 to 2020, he dedicated his time and expertise to ensuring the highest standards of officiating in these conferences.

Summary

Michael Blalock’s extensive experience and dedication to volleyball officiating have made him a respected figure in the sport. From his humble beginnings as a student stumbling upon the game, he went on to achieve significant milestones, including officiating at national championships and NCAA tournaments. Beyond his individual accomplishments, Michael has also played a vital role in training and supervising the next generation of referees. His passion for the sport and unwavering commitment have left a lasting impact on the world of volleyball officiating. To learn more about Michael Blalock and his incredible journey, visit Alpinetgheep.com.

Post Comment