Referee Corner |
By Doug Bates
CERTIFIED REFEREE
Retirees Rick and Elizabeth Folk recall their curiosity about odd sounds emanating from sport courts during a trip to Arizona in 2011 . The couple , married since 1978 , are glad they explored the origin of that sound ; it turned out to be a pickleball match . The warm welcome from local players that day hooked the British Columbia residents , who winter in Arizona . That experience was a catalyst for Rick becoming a certified referee in 2019 . Elizabeth earned her certification in 2022 . USA Pickleball : Why did you become a certified referee ?
Rick : I volunteered to referee at a local tournament in Arizona to see if I would like it , and I did . I found it very challenging and good to keep my mind sharp . I started to referee more and enjoyed it as much as playing .
Elizabeth : Rick encouraged me to take a training clinic he was offering . There is a dire need for referees in Canada . I enjoyed the sport , and knowing how important a competent referee is , I decided to go for it . I knew my husband enjoyed refereeing and if I did too , then it would be something we could do together .
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USA Pickleball : Why do you enjoy being a referee ?
Elizabeth : Being able to give the players an even playing field , keeping their game on track , the camaraderie with the referee team and keeping myself mentally sharp .
Rick : I enjoy the challenge of officiating in a fair and professional manner . Players are out there to enjoy [ themselves ] and compete to the best of their abilities . A good referee conducts the match in such a way that all players feel they were treated equally and fairly according to the rules .
USA Pickleball : What are the most common rule questions you get ?
Rick : Recently , most of the questions are about the serve — release of the ball before the serve occurs and how contact is made by the paddle .
Elizabeth : Players asking either “ What is the score ?” or am I the right server , receiver or in the right position .
USA Pickleball : What advice would you give to anyone who is interested in learning to referee ?
Elizabeth : I would encourage those wanting to become a referee
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to take a training clinic , then practice at local club games to gain confidence before refereeing tournaments . Having a mentor to monitor your development is helpful as are all the USA Pickleball online tools .
USA Pickleball : What do you see for the future of the sport ?
Rick : I see participation continuing to grow at a sharp rate . I also see more people ages 20-35 taking up the game , both for recreation and competition . Pickleball facilities will begin to keep up with the demand . City officials are beginning to recognize that pickleball is not a “ fad ” and is here to stay . •
New Certified Referees Greg Chetta - Florida Frank Marquart - Arizona Nancy Pacharzina - California Javier Gonzalez - Puerto Rico Larry Havard - Michigan Yvonne Ting - Massachusetts
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