Referees and Officiating

Referees are an essential part of tournament play and enjoy giving their time and energy to this great sport! With the growth of pickleball, referees are in high demand. Watch our video to learn more about becoming a USA Pickleball Referee.

All the necessary resources and steps you will need to become a USA Pickleball official are provided below.

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

Resources | Referees | Online Tests

Referee Notices

Registered Trainers

Certified Referees

Find a Referee

Verified Trainee

As a Verified Trainee, you are just beginning and are not familiar with how to referee, but you have the 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 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. However, your next goal as a referee 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, Officiating Procedures and Best Practices Test, and Player Test.
Obtain the visual acuity documentation.
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 helping out at tournaments. Your skills and confidence will improve as you referee more matches and continue training. 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.

Pursuing and achieving 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 completed 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 current visual acuity 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.

USA Pickleball and all Certified Referees understand the arduous process it takes to reach this level. Certified Referees are held to the highest officiating standards 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!

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