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Q . I have watched pickleball referees at tournaments and it looks like challenging but interesting work . How can I become a referee ?
A USA Pickleball has an extensive referee training program and provides three levels of referee credentials . USAP Officiating now has more than 800 members and there are referee trainers all over the U . S . The Officiating page at usapickleball . org provides most of the details you need but the information below will help .
The process has evolved a lot over the years , and to make sure you receive an up-to-date answer to your question , I asked the USA Pickleball managing director of officiating , Tom Tadler , to help me answer your question . Here is Tom ’ s advice :
If you are thinking of becoming a USAP official , there are some steps you can take to start the process :
• If you have not already done so , become a USA Pickleball member at the Champion Level .
• Fill out the application for the Verified Trainee ( VT ) Program on the USAP Officiating site .
• Download and become familiar with the Official Rulebook and the Officiating Handbook .
• Take the online Player Test . It ’ s challenging and fun !
• Sign up for a referee training class . Use the Referee Search tool to find a nearby registered referee trainer or contact the referee training coordinator in your region for help .
After attending a few referee training classes , you may be authorized by a tournament director to observe officiated matches until you demonstrate a readiness to referee on your own . However , your next goal as a referee should be to become a “ credentialed ” referee .
As a Verified Trainee you will be joining USAP Officiating . USAP officials work all levels of pickleball including televised pro tours , Special Olympics , charities , and local venues . They train , practice , learn and officiate for compensation , which is why by BOB UNETICH
USA PICKLEBALL CERTIFIED REFEREE
’ d Like to Hear From You ! Send your questions to rules @ pickleballmagazine . com .
the National Association of Sports Officials ( NASO ) recognizes USAP as the officiating body of pickleball . This is the same organization that works with NFL , NBA , MLB , NCAA , and FIFA officials .
Being a USAP referee is a journey . There is no set time or a mandatory goal for everyone . You travel at your own speed given the opportunities that are available to you .
Heed Tom ’ s advice . Contact your regional training coordinator ( RTC ) who will work with you to find a trainer to prepare you for an on-court TRR “ Assessment ,” where you will demonstrate your officiating skills . If you do well , you will progress to Level 1 and receive a USA Pickleball credential badge . The next step is to prepare to be assessed for Level 2 , which requires additional knowledge and more on-court experience .
Level 2 referees can , with the assistance of their trainer and their RTC , apply to participate in an Advanced Training Session ( ATS ) where you will be challenged to ref a match with numerous “ faults ” inserted in a manner designed to test your knowledge and to add to your evolving skill set .
After you have shown the ability to handle an ATS , you can move on to be “ Evaluated ” by one of the select group of very highly skilled certified referee evaluators , who will watch you ref several tournament matches . The evaluator will also use a Q & A session to test your knowledge of the rules and of officiating best practices . Those who pass this stage are certified referees .
There are several helpful online tools available , including USA Pickleball videos and a Facebook group called Pickleball Referees in Training , that you can use to your benefit . Along the way , you will need to take the set of four online tests error free and verify that your eyesight meets the minimum requirements . The journey is not easy , but it can be very rewarding . Talk to referees about their experiences , and good luck . •
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