Referees and Officiating
Pickleball referees are an essential part of tournament play and take great pride in giving their time and energy to this great sport! With the growth of pickleball, referees are in high demand.
All the necessary resources and steps you will need to become a USA Pickleball official are provided below.
If you are new to USAP Officiating, check out the Verified Trainee section below for information on how to get started as a USAP Referee.
NOTE: Any item with an asterisk ( * ) requires a USAP Verified Trainee or higher referee level to access.
Referee Notices
| Person Issuing the Notice | thomas tadler |
|---|---|
| Notice Issue Date | 06/30/2025 |
| Notice Information | USAP Professional Pickleball Referees, Here is a summary of the paddles that are official delisted per USAP paddle testing. This takes effect on July 1, 2025.
If a paddle cannot be located on the USAP Paddle website, it is not approved. It is a violation of section 2.F of the USA Pickleball rules for players to use a non-approved paddle during a match. In an officiated match, the referee will ask the players if their paddles are approved and check the players paddles. If the referee and player do not identify a non-approved paddle and it is discovered during the match, the match will be forfeited by rule 2.F.1.a.2. The match should be safely stopped and the referee informed that an additional paddle check by the Head Referee is required. If the match is forfeited the referee will document the forfeit and the HR will hold the paddle until the player is finished playing in the tournament if this can be done safely. This includes if the Head Referee or another referee notices the non-approved paddle being used during the match. In a non-officiated match, a player may request a Head Referee to the court if they think that a player in their match is using a non-approved paddle. If the match is still in progress and the paddle is non approved, the match will be forfeited. The HR will document the forfeit. If the paddle is approved the HR will document a HR call by a player and charge the standard time out and Technical Warning for an incorrect HR call. If a spectator or non-player detects a non-approved paddle they should bring this to the TD or HR’s attention for review. There is no “referee error” as the players are advised that they are required to prove their paddle is approved in the player letter. They are also asked in the pre match briefing in an officiated match. It is a player responsibility to know their paddles status. The referee is simply a secondary check. If the scoresheet has been returned to the Tournament Desk, the match results stand regardless of the paddles used. USAP sincerely hopes that these situations do not arise and that all players are properly informed. I plan to add the list of paddles that are no longer approved on July 1 to our player letter for our July tournament. Please contact me for any questions |
Contact Officiating
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 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.
- Keep taking all the On-Line tests.
- Continue working with a trainer and referee as many matches as you can.
- If you are an L1 trying for a L2 contact your trainer 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 USAP Officiating and you will find yourself in high demand. Congratulations.
Certified Referee
This is the highest credentialed level. Certified Referees officiate all levels of play at all tournaments, including matches for professional players. To wear the “CR Credentials” 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.
- Ace all the online tests including Referee Test(100%) and Line Judge Test (100%). For your ATS you need all 100%.
- 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 by a USAP Certified Evaluator.
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. You are a skilled professional. On the same level as other officials you see on television for other sports. We hope you join us!
Online Tests
The tests below marked with a * require a USA Pickleball Membership to access and take these tests.