RULES
GURU
We
By Bob Unetich
USA PICKLEBALL-CERTIFIED REFEREE
Q : Dear Guru ,
Why would a referee call a Delay of Game Technical Warning instead of simply calling the score if players are late getting ready after a rally is over ?
A : While a referee can usually call the score when the players are or should be ready , it ’ s possible for a team to do something that prevents the referee from calling the score . For instance , if a receiving team simply holds the ball while chatting , it is not reasonable to call the score since the server does not have the ball . The game has been delayed and a technical warning can be given .
Q : Dear Guru , Who can call a short serve ?
A : In a game with a referee , only the ref can call this fault . If a player calls out short serve but the referee does not see it as short , the ball is still in play and the opponents should continue to play . In a game with no ref , a short serve is a line call — and per rule 6 . D . 1 , this call can be made by the team receiving serve . Of course , the serving team may also call the short serve , in accordance with rule 6 . D . 13 .
Do you have what it takes to become a Credentialed Referee ?
By Mark Peifer
Becoming a Credentialed Referee is a personally rewarding goal , allowing you to make new like-minded friends and help add to the growth of our sport . The process of becoming a Credentialed Referee , leading up to becoming a USA Pickleball Certified Referee , is well-established but it ’ s not easy . It ’ s not supposed to be . Otherwise , everyone would do it . Here are the steps :
Training – Attend a training class , preferably taught by a USA Pickleball registered trainer . The goal of this step is to make trainees familiar with the score sheet : time-outs , side-outs , etc . The “ lesson plan ” is the official Referee Handbook , available on the USA Pickleball website .
Development and Assessment – This step is the heart of the process . Trainees will referee multiple matches , either at tournaments or recreational games with their friends . When sufficiently experienced , the trainee arranges an assessment conducted by either a Registered Trainer or a Certified Referee . Certified Referees and non-certified Referee Training Coordinators may award Level 1 and Level 2 credentials . Registered Trainers who are not Certified Referees may award Level 1 credentials . The assessment may result in the awarding of a Level 1 or Level 2 referee credential .
Trainees are normally assigned a mentor when they reach Level 2 status . This step is closed out upon successfully completing an Advanced Training Session , where a Certified Referee arranges for a Level 2 referee to officiate a match that has faults intentionally inserted . This step is intended to test the full range of skills necessary to pass an evaluation for certification , and the Certified Referee will work with the trainee to perfect those skills .
Level 1 and Level 2 referees are officially recognized by USA Pickleball and Tournament Directors of the APP and PPA , the professional players ’ associations .
Evaluation – This is the “ final test ” if becoming a Certified Referee is the goal . After application and approval , the trainee will spend a day with one of nine evaluators who will observe and grade the trainee refereeing no fewer than three matches in a tournament .