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Officiating

Referees and Line Judges are an important part of tournament play and enjoy giving their time and energy to this great sport!

All the resources you need, and the steps toward becoming an official, are provided below.

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IMPORTANT NEWS: 1. Rule Change Process 2. List of All Suggested Rule Changes and Comments for 2022

Click any of the sections below to expand and view additional information.

Resources | Referees | Online Tests

Resources

All the resources you need, as well as a complete explanation of the steps toward becoming an official, are provided below.

NOTE: Any item with an asterisk ( * ) requires a USA Pickleball membership login for access.

Reference Materials

2021 Official Rulebook - BUY NOW
2021 Alternate Rulebook - LEARN MORE
Comments welcome at alternaterulebook@usapickleball.org
2021 Rule Changes Document
2021 Officiating Handbook* - Revisions List
Referee Casebook*
Equipment Standards Manual
Approved Paddle List
Approved Ball List
Scoresheets

Training Media

FREE ONLINE Referee Training by Jim Cooke: Zoom 7-9pm Eastern, November 8-10 CLICK FOR FLYER/SIGN UP
Video Tutorial: How to Use Online Referee Training Materials
NEW: On-Demand Referee Training Videos*
Referee Quick Start Video
Referee Training PowerPoint
Line Judge Self-Training
Continuing Education Series - "In the Ref Tent"
Next Session: Wednesday, December 15, 9 pm ET/8 pm CT
This continuing education series is presented by the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) in partnership with USA Pickleball. Each one-hour session is an online discussion (via Zoom) of topics that came up in the referee tent during the most recent APP or USA Pickleball-branded tournament. All referees are invited to participate and learn.

Programs & Policies

Registered Trainers

Certified Referees

Find a Referee

Referee Search Tool:
- Certified Referee
- Certified Referee Coordinator
- Referee Training Coordinator
- Registered Referee Trainer
Organization Chart (RTCs & CRCs)
Ask a Ref

Referees

Referees play an important role in tournament play. Being a referee is both challenging and enjoyable, and becomes easier with practice. We thank you for your interest in joining the referee family! As you progress in your training, you will decide which referee level you are comfortable with, whether it is having the basic skills or being certified to officiate all levels of play at any sanctioned tournament. Below are the requirements needed for each referee level. See the Referee & Line Judge Program for more details.

NOTE: Any item with an asterisk ( * ) requires a USA Pickleball membership login for access.

Newcomer

As a Newcomer, you are just beginning and are not familiar with how to referee, but you have a desire to learn! Your first assignment will be to complete the steps below:

If you have not already done so, become a USA Pickleball member.
Watch the 2018 Referee Quick Start Video.
Download and become familiar with the Official Rulebook and Officiating Handbook.*
Take the online Player Test. It’s challenging and fun!
Sign up for a referee training class. Use the Referee Search tool to find a nearby Registered Referee Trainer or contact the Referee Training Coordinator in your region for help.

After attending a referee training class, you may be authorized by a Tournament Director to referee matches under instruction until you demonstrate a minimum proficiency to referee on your own. Your next goal as a referee, however, should be to become a “credentialed” referee.

Level 1 Referee

A Level 1 Referee has the preferred minimum basic skills required to officiate matches at sanctioned tournaments. Your requirements are:

Continue to study the Official Rulebook and the Officiating Handbook.*
Print out some sample scoresheets. You will also need a clipboard, numbered clip, and stopwatch.
Practice your refereeing and line judge skills with friends and at non-sanctioned events.
Take the Referee Test , Line Judge Test, and Player Test.
Contact your trainer or a Certified Referee to arrange an assessment of your refereeing skills.
Meet the Level 1 requirements on the Tiered Referee Rating (TRR) form.
Example TRR form for Level 1

This first credential indicates your solid commitment to refereeing and to help out at tournaments. As you referee more matches and continue training, your skills and confidence will improve. Welcome to the Officiating “family”! Click here to purchase official gear.

Level 2 Referee

The training to obtain a Level 2 credential is more demanding. This is an accomplished referee with all the skills and confidence necessary to officiate medal matches at sanctioned tournaments. A Level 2 Referee has proficient knowledge of the Rulebook and knows how to handle on-court situations which typically arise. Your requirements are:

Continue to study the Official Rulebook and demonstrate the Best Practices described in the Officiating Handbook.*
The Referee Casebook* will also be a valuable tool for you.
Continue working with a trainer and referee as many matches as you can.
Contact your trainer or a Certified Referee to arrange an assessment of your skills.
Meet the Level 2 requirements on the Tiered Referee Rating (TRR) form.
Example TRR form for Level 2

The pursuit and achievement of a Level 2 credential is a major accomplishment and indicates a high level of commitment. As a Level 2 referee, your skills will be greatly valued and you can officiate at both non-sanctioned and sanctioned tournaments. If you think this credential is a big deal, you’re right!

Certified Referee

This is the highest credentialed level. Certified Referees officiate all levels of play at sanctioned tournaments, including matches for professional players. In order to wear the “White Shirt,” you must:

Gain more experience by refereeing tournament matches.
Contact your Certified Referee Coordinator (CRC) to arrange a mentor who will help you prepare for certification.
Successfully complete an Advanced Training Session (ATS).
Complete an interview with your CRC.
Pass the online Referee Test (90%) and Line Judge Test (90%).
Submit an application for Referee Certification* and provide the visual acuity documentation (effective 4/1/21).
After your application is accepted, pay an evaluation fee.
Get scheduled for an evaluation of your refereeing skills and rules knowledge at a sanctioned tournament.

USA Pickleball and all Certified Referees understand the arduous process it takes to reach this level. Certified Referees are held to the highest standards of officiating and take great pride in their achievement. Attaining this status is tough, but our love of the sport, and “giving back,” makes the challenge worthwhile and fun. Camaraderie and a shared common experience add to the enjoyment as we travel to tournaments, greeting our referee friends, old and new. We hope you join us!

Online Tests