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.
Click any of the sections below to expand and view additional information.
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.
Training Media
Certified Referees
Find a Referee
- Referee Search Tool:
- Certified Referee
- Certified Referee Coordinator
- Registered Referee Trainer
- Referee Training Coordinator
- Regional Coordinators (RTCs & CRCs)
- Ask a Ref
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.
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 Rulebook and Referee 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, your next goal may be to become a “credentialed” referee. At this point in your training, you may be requested to submit a current vision assessment.
Level 1 Referee
A Level 1 Referee has the minimum basic skills required to officiate matches at sanctioned tournaments. Your requirements are:
- Continue to study the Rulebook and the Referee Handbook.*
- Print out some sample scoresheets. You will also need a clipboard, numbered clip, and stopwatch.
- Practice your refereeing skills with friends and at non-sanctioned events.
- Take the Referee Test.
- Become a Certified Line Judge.
- 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”!
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 Rulebook and demonstrate the Best Practices described in the Referee 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 vision requirement documentation.
- 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. (See Referee Program)
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!
Qualified Line Judges are the most recent addition to the USA Pickleball Officiating Team. The primary responsibility of a Line Judge is making accurate calls on their assigned line during matches. As an integral part of the officiating team, Line Judges serve as additional eyes for the referee. Qualification training programs will be available January 2021.
NOTE: Any item with an asterisk ( * ) requires a USA Pickleball membership login for access.
Volunteer Line Judge
As a Volunteer Line Judge, we thank you for your commitment to help maintain the integrity and fairness of the game.
You will be asked to:
- Participate in a match orientation led by a Level 2 or Certified Referee.
- Make non-biased line call decisions during the match and be ready to respond to the referee as needed.
Registered Line Judge
A Registered Line Judge must complete additional training and is qualified to line judge in sanctioned tournaments.
You must:
- Review the Line Judge Guide.*
- Contact your regional Referee Training Coordinator to attend a Line Judge clinic.
- Achieve greater than 90% on the Line Judge Test.
- Achieve greater than 90% on the Player Test.
- Officiate at least one medal match at a tournament.
- Be assessed by your trainer and meet the Registered Line Judge requirements on the Line Judge Rating Form.
Certified Line Judge
A Certified Line Judge is proficient at officiating sanctioned matches at all levels. To attain this qualification, a candidate must:
- Have met all requirements to be a Registered Line Judge.
- Continue to review the Line Judge Guide.*
- Achieve greater than 95% on the Line Judge test.
- Provide vision requirement documentation.
- Have officiated at least 6 medal matches.
- Be assessed by your trainer and meet the Certified Line Judge requirements on the Line Judge Rating form.