Referee Corner |
T The importance of the USA Pickleball referee is on display at tournaments from coast to coast , every month of the year . As the sport of pickleball continues to explode in popularity , so does the need for more referees ; there are currently only 250 in the United States .
A player once told USA Pickleball ’ s head of officiating that playing in a tournament without a referee was just recreational play … for a medal . Referees bring credibility and a sense of fairness to every match they officiate .
“ USA Pickleball trains and credentials officials so that the game can be played fairly across all venues and tournaments ,” said Tom Tadler , USA Pickleball ’ s managing director of officiating . “ We are proud to be professional referees in the sport and align with sport officials at the highest levels .
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“ Our officials work all player levels and appear on national television , doing the same professional job each time . It ’ s as much a challenge to |
officiate beginners and 5.0 ’ s as it is professional players . Each demands hours of training and practice .”
Referees are a critical part of tournament play and enjoy giving their time and energy to this great sport . Being a referee is both challenging and enjoyable , and becomes easier with practice .
USA Pickleball wants you to join our referee community ! Read on to learn about the different types of referees . Then , next issue , learn more about the process .
USA PICKLEBALL / IAIA PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES
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Types of Referees |
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USA PICKLEBALL / YEUNG PHOTOGRAPHY |
USA Pickleball currently has three credentialed levels of referees . Level 1 , Level 2 , and Certified Referee . Candidates enter into the program as trainees and are coached and counseled until they are ready to be assessed for Level 1 by a qualified trainer . |