Referee Corner
WHEN BECOMING A REFEREE IS LIKE JOINING A FAMILY
Meet Andy Jones & Sue Marinaro
By Doug Bates
CERTIFIED USA PICKLEBALL REFEREE
This month we meet two special referees : Andy Jones is an active trainer of referees , and Sue Marinaro is one of her latest success stories , becoming the newest certified referee at the Boca Raton 2023 APP NYC Open in May . Like many of us , both found pickleball through a friend or word of mouth . Jones also is a certified referee and ambassador for USA Pickleball . A former legal secretary , she was an avid tennis player . Marinaro is also an avid sports enthusiast , counting skiing , softball , tennis , equestrian , karate — and tap dancing — among her skills .
USA Pickleball : Andy , what interested you in being a certified referee ?
Andy : I ’ ve been refereeing since the 2016 US Open in Naples . I was asked to help because there was a shortage of referees . I do things that are needed , but I had no prior thoughts of becoming a referee . However , through learning to ref , I made so many wonderful friends . We became aware that only certified referees were going to be given pro matches , so I buried my head in the USA Pickleball Rulebook and studied up — so much to learn ! I ’ ve been certified now for over three years .
USA Pickleball : Sue , how did you meet Andy and become interested in being a referee ?
Sue : One day while playing , I met Andy and she talked me into attending [ a referees ’] practice . She said it would be a great way to learn more about the game . I fell in love with refereeing from there . Progressing from Level 1 to Level 2 was fun , and then the work began . We have the absolute best group in Southwest Florida . Patricia Stewart and Andy ( along with a whole bunch of other referees ) run a practice every single week . Becoming certified became a goal . I wanted to join the best !
USA Pickleball : Andy , Sue mentioned your group of trainers . Tell us some more .
Andy : When my good friend Trish Stewart , the USA Pickleball referee training coordinator for the Atlantic South Region , asked me to help her train referees in Southwest Florida years ago , I was all in . She is also a certified referee and I ’ ve learned everything from her . I have a passion and need to help others . In PA and NJ , I currently mentor seven Level 2 referees . I also love watching the Level 1 referees on their journey to where they are meant to be . Watching the L1s get the opportunity to spread their wings and referee on their own is very rewarding .
USA Pickleball : Sue , there were two referee success stories to come with Andy to the Boca Raton 2023 APP NYC Open : Linda Schaffer and you . Tell us more .
Sue : Andy Jones is a true ambassador to the sport of pickleball . When she is your trainer , she gives her all to every one of her trainees . She is always teaching us , always available for a phone call , a text , or an email , and always giving advice whether you are in recreational play or at our weekly practices . She is tough but I know that is the reason I was ready for my evaluation . Believe me , we won ’ t be the only two of her trainees who make it to becoming a certified referee . She makes you want to be better .
USA Pickleball : What advice would both of you give those interested in becoming referees ?
Andy : It certainly takes a lot of dedication , but it ’ s so rewarding . You must put in the time . Only you can make it happen ; I ’ m just there to guide others and lend a helping hand . To me , it ’ s all about paying it forward .
Sue : Find yourself a great trainer and don ’ t give up . Practice , practice , practice . Believe me , it is all worth it . I just want to add how proud I am to be a part of such a special group of people . You can ’ t believe how many people encouraged me and offered their help and advice . It is such a great feeling to have a whole new family . •
New Certified Referees Tammy Dana-Bashian , Arizona Norman Clinkscales , Florida Lou Adamson , Florida Susan Marinaro , Florida Linda Schaffer , Florida
Learn more about how to become a referee at usapickleball . org / get-involved / pickleball-officiating .
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