Referees and Officiating
Become a USA Pickleball Referee
USA Pickleball Referees are essential to keeping pickleball fair, safe, and fun. Certified Referees uphold the Official Rulebook, ensure consistent play, and enhance the tournament experience for everyone. As a USA Pickleball Referee, you’ll deepen your knowledge of the game, connect with a nationwide officiating community, and have opportunities to work events from local sanctioned tournaments to the USA Pickleball National Championships.
About
How to Become a Referee
Becoming a USA Pickleball referee starts as a Verified Trainee (VT) — your first step toward the prestigious Certified Referee designation. As a VT, you’ll learn the rules, complete training, and gain on-court experience before advancing through higher levels. Below are the steps to get started as a Verified Trainee.
NOTE: Any item with an asterisk ( * ) requires a USA Pickleball Verified Trainee or higher referee level to access.
Step 1: Get Approved
Join USA Pickleball
- Become a USA Pickleball Member at the Champion or Challenger level.
Apply to the VT Program
- Submit the Verified Trainee application here: VT Application Form
Watch for Approval
- Login to your membership portal to check your status.
Step 2: After Approval
Study the Essentials
- Official Rulebook
- Officiating Handbook* (In Officiating Resources / Resources section)
Take All Online Tests
- Test your knowledge with the online tests.
Enroll in Referee Training
- Contact your Regional Referee Training Coordinator (RTC) for training opportunities in your area.
Get Courtside Experience
- After a few classes, a Tournament Director may authorize you to observe officiated matches. Once you show minimum proficiency, you can begin refereeing on your own.
Aim for Your First Credential
- Set your next goal: becoming a credentialed Level 1 Referee through USA Pickleball’s officiating pathway.
Level 1 Referee
A Level 1 Referee has the preferred minimum basic skills required to officiate matches at some tournaments. This first credential indicates your solid commitment to refereeing. Your skills and confidence will improve as you referee more matches and continue training.
Requirements
- Continue to study the Official Rulebook and the Officiating Handbook*.
- Print out sample scoresheets. You will also need a clipboard, a numbered clip, and a stopwatch.
- Practice your refereeing and line judge skills with friends and at non-sanctioned events.
- Take the Referee Test*, Line Judge Test, Handbook Officiating Procedures and Best Practices Test*, and Player Test.
- Obtain and complete the visual acuity documentation before you schedule your Level 1 TRR assessment.
- Contact your RTC or a TRR-approved assessor to arrange an assessment of your refereeing skills. Make sure you have all your test scores and visual form ready,
- Meet the Level 1 requirements on the Tiered Referee Rating (TRR) form*.
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 most on-court situations that typically arise.
Requirements
- 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.
- Keep taking all the online tests.
- Continue working with a trainer and referee as many matches as you can.
- If you are an L1 trying to become an L2, contact your RTC for a TRR Assessor to arrange an assessment of your skills.
- Make sure your test scores and a current Visual form are ready.
- Meet the Level 2 requirements on the Tiered Referee Rating (TRR) form.
- Start studying for your next big step, which is the Advanced Training Session or ATS.
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. This is a big step in USA Pickleball Officiating, and you will find yourself in high demand. Congratulations!
Certified Referee
This is the highest credentialed level. Certified Referees (CR) officiate all levels of play at all tournaments, including matches for professional players.
Requirements
- 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.
- Ace all the online tests, including Referee Test* (100%) and Line Judge Test (100%). For your ATS you need a 100% in all tests.
- Apply 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 by a USA Pickleball Certified Evaluator.
USA Pickleball Certified Referees uphold the highest standards of officiating and take great pride in their achievement. It’s a challenging but rewarding journey filled with camaraderie, professionalism, and a shared love for the game. Join us and be part of this elite community!
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