Referee Corner |
Mostly retired now after a stint in the Air Force , Doug Bates worked in retail management for more than 20 years . After getting worn out in that industry , Bates decided it would be far more fun to finish his career in the wine industry . And residing in wine country in Paso Robles , California , allows him to do just that . He and his wife of 30 years , Colette , have lived in Paso Robles for more than 24 years . USA Pickleball : How did you get interested in becoming a Certified Referee ?
Doug : I was introduced to pickleball as one of the first players in the Central Coast of California , in 2014 . After reading a write-up about the sport in our Rec Guide , I arrived at the courts wondering what the heck this game of pickleball was all about . Ten minutes later I was totally hooked . The friendship , the laughter , the teasing — it was all perfect .
After trying tournament play , I found out fast : your day can end really early as a player . Start at 8 , and by 9:45 you ’ re wondering what to do with the rest of the day . I ’ d think , “ Hey , what are those folks in the white referee shirts doing ? That looks interesting .” After a bit of practice , I decided it might be worth it to pursue . I met Marsha Freso at a tournament in Palm Springs and asked her what it took . She encouraged me . In
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2018 , I became the eighth Certified Referee in California .
USA Pickleball : Why do you enjoy being a referee ?
Doug : The community of players , referees , directors . Jack Hodges introduced me to the sport . Marsha , as mentioned , encouraged me to become a referee . And USA Pickleball ’ s managing director of officiating , Mark Peifer , helped me polish the edges to pass my evaluation . I ’ ve enjoyed my many partners over the years , the “ blind date ” medals , the dinners , drinks , and laughter on and off the courts .
Mike Hoxie showed me how to run tournaments . Now I ’ m able to be both a referee as well as a tournament director — it is all so much fun . But the most fun is when I am by a court , refereeing a match . Giving back to players , helping run an efficient match , and making sure everyone has fun and knows and plays by the rules , and the appreciation after ... it is why I do what I do .
USA Pickleball : What are the most common rule questions you get ?
Doug : Oddly enough , every year it is the same thing : something that trended on Facebook and people believed it . This year it ’ s “ Is the let serve back ?”
USA Pickleball : What advice would you give to anyone who is interested in learning to referee ?
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Doug : Do it . You will have a lot of fun ; the referee tent is fun , the players really appreciate you , and you make tournaments possible . Take the time and do it right by studying . Shadow a Certified Referee , practice , practice , practice . The trickiest thing is quick , easy handling of the clipboard . Practice not looking at it and moving the clip smoothly . •
New Certified Referees Wende Steiner , Arizona / Idaho Gordon Leitz , Arizona Eileen Egloff , Colorado Roger Carrier , Arizona / Canada Michael Blancheau , California
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