FROM THE USAPA
USAPA TRAINING COLUMN
THE REFEREE CERTIFICATION
APPLICATION PROCESS …
BY LYNN & LINDA LAYMON – USAPA TRAINING CHAIRS
USAPA-certified referees ? Finally , here are the details . First , in the March Pickleball Magazine we wrote , “ The exact date that the online application process will be launched is based on the availability of USAPA personnel and software support .” That is still the case , but the Referee Certification Evaluation Committee has determined it is counterproductive to wait for the fully automated process .
We are currently working on creating a WordPress online application that will allow candidates to begin applying sometime in June . This process will require significantly more human intervention and manual processing of applications , but it will allow candidates who have met the prerequisites to apply and schedule an on-court evaluation much sooner than if we were to wait for USAPA ’ s new membership software . Eventually the referee certification process will be part of the membership software currently under development .
The first on-court evaluation opportunity is planned for the USAPA Pacific Northwest regional tournament in August in Bend , Oregon . Following in October are the Fall Brawl and Huntsman World Senior Games , both in St . George , Utah . The next opportunities are planned for three Surprise , Arizona , area events just prior to Nationals VIII .
The certification fee has been set at $ 95 , which will be payable online after being accepted into the program . This fee includes : two opportunities to pass an on-court evaluation by a member of the USAPA Referee Certification Committee , a certified referee dry-fit shirt , a USAPA referee lanyard and photo ID card , a certified referee listing on usapa . org , one-time acknowledgement in Pickleball Magazine , priority for refereeing medal matches in USAPA-managed events , certified referee compensation ( when available ), and other benefits associated with being recognized as having earned distinction as a USAPA-certified referee .
The availability of the application process will be announced via an email blast to all USAPA members . Once opened , candidates can apply online at www . usapa . org . You must : be a USAPA member in good standing , have within the past 14 days achieved passing scores on both the USAPA Referee Test and Line Judge Quiz , and have completed referee training following the standards and procedures contained in the USAPA Referee Handbook and Trainer Guide , and subsequently refereed 30 matches ( 15 in sanctioned tournaments ). You will be asked to acknowledge understanding of and agreement with the Application Terms of Agreement before completing and submitting the application .
Once received and the prerequisites validated , the applicant will be emailed confirmation of acceptance into the program and a payment link to where the fee can be paid using PayPal or a credit card . At the same time , a schedule of available upcoming on-court evaluation venues and dates will be provided . Following payment , candidates may submit to the Training Department their first and second choices for evaluation location . Scheduling for each venue will be done strictly on a first-come , firsserved basis . Evaluation Committee member ( s ) will be assigned and will contact candidates directly to coordinate the details .
The Application Terms of Agreement states , among other things , that the candidate will be expected to referee in accordance with the USAPA Refereeing Standards and Procedures contained in the USAPA Referee Handbook ; specific
12 TO SUBSCRIBE CALL 724.942.0940 OR GO TO THEPICKLEBALLMAG . COM