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.
NOTE: Any item with an asterisk ( * ) requires a USA Pickleball Verified Trainee status for access.
Referee Notices
| Person Issuing the Notice | Thomas Tadler |
|---|---|
| Notice Issue Date | 12/26/2024 |
| Notice Information | USAP Referees, This announcement is officially available today. Please refer any questions to ttadler@usapickleball.org and we will make sure that the proper staff member responds. Paddle Certification Updates USA Pickleball is dedicated to preserving the sport’s equity and accessibility for players of all skill levels and varying abilities. To ensure consistency and maintain the integrity of the sport, we’ve introduced an enhanced testing standard, PBCoR (Paddle/Ball Coefficient of Restitution) in Q4 of 2024, to objectively measure paddle performance and limit the "trampoline effect." The trampoline effect on pickleball paddles refers to the phenomenon where the surface of a paddle deforms and then rapidly returns to its original shape upon contact with the ball, effectively "springing" the ball off the paddle. This effect can amplify the ball's speed and force beyond what is typical for normal play. In pickleball, excessive trampoline effect can compromise the integrity of the sport by reducing the emphasis on finesse, control, and skill, giving players an unfair advantage. USA Pickleball regulates this characteristic by setting limits, such as through the Paddle/Ball Coefficient of Restitution (PBCoR) standard, to ensure fair play and maintain the sport’s competitive balance. The following paddles have exceeded testing standards and will be sunset on July 1, 2025, for sanctioned tournament play only: Joola Perseus 14mm Mod TA-15 Joola Perseus 16mm Mod TA-15 Gearbox Pro Power Elongated ProKennex Black Ace Ovation ProKennex Black Ace Pro ProKennex Black Ace LG ProKennex Black Ace XF As part of this initiative, paddles exceeding the initial threshold will be sunset and removed from certification for sanctioned play starting July 1, 2025. This phased transition, developed in collaboration with equipment manufacturers, provides a balanced adjustment period for the industry and players. As part of our continued efforts to provide an elevated level of equipment testing, the screening process continues for existing equipment with the list of equipment updated as screening continues in parallel to new PBCoR equipment testing. Through these efforts, USA Pickleball is committed to supporting the growth and fairness of pickleball for years to come |
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!