How to Become a Certified Pickleball Referee
Have you ever thought about becoming a Certified Referee where you can officiate medal matches at tournaments including professional events on the two tours? If so, USA Pickleball offers the training necessary to meet your goals. According to the head referee for the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), Don Stanley, Pickleball is hurting for referees due to the growth of the sport. When I talked with Stanley on the Pickleball Fire podcast, he said the road to becoming a Certified Referee is lengthy but fulfilling. So here is how you can do it.
Newcomer
Even if you have played in a tournament, you are likely not familiar with how to referee. At this stage you are considered a newcomer who is interested in learning about the intricacies of officiating. If you are not already a member, you will need to join USA Pickleball. Then you can watch the quick start video for referees. Of course you will need to become familiar with the official rules, officiating handbook, and you should take the Players Test. Then sign up for a referee training class and once you complete that, you may be able to start officiating non-sanctioned tournaments under instruction until you prove to be proficient on your own. Your next step will to become a Level 1 Referee.
Level 1 Referee
At this point you still need to keep studying the official rules and officiating handbook. And you should be practicing your officiating by refereeing your friends matches and games at non-sanctioned tournaments. Then it is time to take the Referee Test and Line Judge Test. You will also need to contact a Certified Referee to assess your skills and make sure you meet the requirement on the Tiered Referee Rating Form (TPP). Then you can officiate non medal matches at sanctioned tournaments and can move onto Level 2.
Level 2 Referee
Yes at level 2 you need to keep studying the same materials plus the Referee Casebook. Of course you still need to keep officiating and working with a trainer to improve your skills and confidence. Then a Certified Referee should once again assess you skills and you need to make sure you meet all of Level 2 requirements on the TPP. Once you have done that, you will be ready to officiate amateur medal matches in sanctioned events, but you can still strive for more.
Certified Referee
Certified Referees can officiate all matches including professional ones. The training and testing is rigorous as the passing grade for the Referee Test and Line Judge Test is 90% or above. You will also take advanced training, be assigned a mentor, go through an interview process, and be evaluated on the court. It is a lot of work but if you pass, you can wear that white shirt that signifies you are a Certified Referee.
