Referees and Officiating

Referees,

There are questions about uniforms and what can be worn when USAP Referees are working a sanctioned and non sanctioned event.  This is all covered on the Uniform Code letter from 2024. https://usapickleball.org/officiating/USAP-Referee-Uniform-Code.pdf

Perhaps a little unclear is what can be worn at a non sanctioned event but one that is following all USAP rules and procedures.  If the event is not following USAP rules please do not wear any USAP Uniform or Credentials.  

The attached picture is a perfect example of how various levels of referees can wear uniforms that comply with standards.  There three Level 1's, 1 Level 2 and a proud RTC / CR in the middle. Always check with the Tournament Director or Venue operator before just showing up in any uniform.  They may provide one or have competitive sponsors to our sponsor.

Since this is a non sanctioned event please notice that no credentials are worn.  The center referee is wearing a nice custom name tag so that players and other referees can identify her.

The referee on the left and right are wearing a USA Pickleball white logoed shirt and hat.  These are available for sale to all USAP members though Team IP on the USAP website. https://pro.teamip.com/pickleball_en_US/tt51-usapickleballlogo.html

One referee is wearing the new USAP Referee shirt that is only available to USAP credentialed referees from Team IP.

The referee second to the left is wearing a perfectly acceptable uniform for Level 1 or Trainees.  Plain white shirt and black bottom.  White hat (logo not required but nice). This is how most referees start out. If a referee does not want to purchase a logo shirt they will need to wait until uniforms are offered to their level.

The center referee is wearing the Skechers uniform which is allowed for training and non sanctioned complying events.  She also has a voice amplifier or speaker that is perfectly acceptable and often recommended for some venues and referees. Black sleeves are optional except on streaming courts.

Notice shirt and short length, shirts tucked in, black or mostly black shoes and socks. Quarter socks are allowed for shorts and skirts.

These and many other pictures like this help elevate our profession.  NASO and other publications often ask for pictures of USAP referees and only ones that comply are allowed.  We are fortunate to have a sponsor like Skechers that provides uniforms to the referee community.  Other sports require referees purchase multiple sets and often various association uniforms.  USAP was given an allocation of uniforms to cover referees working at USAP sanctioned tournaments. This is per the contract.    The Officiating committee decided to make these available to as many referees as possible based on level. There is no guarantee that every referee will receive a "free" uniform, most will have at least one shirt, hat and jacket to represent our sport.

If referees are working a non sanctioned event that does not comply with or follow all the USAP rules, they should not be wearing USAP logoed gear.  The recommended uniform is white shirt over black bottoms but check with the TD for other options or their provided uniform.  If no uniform is provided then white over black is suggested. Check with USAP Officiating or your section leader for Charity, Collegiate, and some other non complying events. This includes if you are traveling outside the US.  Please don't just assume that wearing a USAP referee uniform is accepted everywhere.

Thanks to Kevin Dinsdale, Dawn Crosby, Sandy Rumsey Smith (RTC/CR) , Joe Mertzlufft (RT),  and Merlyn Johnson.

Lastly, Brenda Aly will make one last order of the really nice all black jackets that have the REFEEE embroidery on the back.  She will make one order in late August or September.  You will need to place your order with her but be able to show your level of credential and membership.  These are for USAP Credentialed referees only. Look for more information soon.