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 | 10/06/2025 |
| Notice Information | Referees, Verified Trainees and Referee Recruits 2025 USAP Online Referee Training: November 3, 4 & 5 Presented by: Mary Bittner USAP Certified Referee USAP Registered Referee Trainer Member, USAP Referee Advisory Council This is a FREE Zoom course which reviews the responsibilities of the referee on court, including proper mechanics for handling a rally, how to score and record a match, as well as how to address unsportsmanlike conduct. This course is specifically held for USAP Verified Trainees who have not yet received a Level 1 credential. However, if the class is not full (100 attendee max) Level 1 referees are welcome and encouraged to join the class. Training Materials to be Referenced: USA Pickleball 2025 Official Rulebook USA Pickleball 2025 Officiating Handbook USA Pickleball Official Referee Casebook USA Pickleball scoresheets Please have these materials available to you for reference during the class. To participate in the class, once approved as a Verified Trainee, email marydarcybittner67@gmail.com, providing your full name (as reflected in the USAP database,) your USAP member number, and the City, State and Country of your primary residence. Please know the application to become a USAP Verified Trainee (“VT”) can be found at: https://forms.gle/1cZUMF2nrkpmrVG19. Session Dates & Times: Three 2-Hour sessions on 3 consecutive days – each session has different content.
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| Document for Download | Course-Announcment-November-2025-.pdf |
Training Media
- Refs and Rules Study Group
- How to Use Referee Training Materials
- *Training Videos (3) v.5-1-25
- *Referee Training PowerPoint v.2-4-25
- Fall 2025 Referee Call Recording
- Request "Viewer" Access to Zoom Call from September 2025. You must be a USAP Verified Trainee or higher to access
Contact Officiating
- Organization Chart (RTCs & CRCs)
- Questions for USAP Referee Staff
- Fall 2025 Referee Call Recording
- Request "Viewer" Access to Zoom Call from September 2025. You must be a USAP Verified Trainee or higher to access
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 Rulebookand 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.