USA PICKLEBALL / YEUNG PHOTOGRAPHY
Referee Corner
Trainee As a Trainee , you are just beginning your journey ! Level 1 A Level 1 referee has the preferred minimum basic skills required to officiate matches at sanctioned tournaments . Level 2 The training to obtain a Level 2 credential is more demanding . This is an accomplished
referee with all the skills and confidence necessary to officiate medal matches at sanctioned tournaments . A Level 2 referee has proficient knowledge of the Rulebook and knows how to handle on-court situations that typically arise . Certified Referee Certified referees officiate all levels of play at sanctioned tournaments , including matches for professional players . This is the highest credentialed level .
Be sure to visit usapickleball . org / referee to watch the Referee Quick Start video and learn more about the benefits of becoming a referee . •
OFFICIATING TESTIMONIAL
USA PICKLEBALL / YEUNG PHOTOGRAPHY
“ I am extremely grateful for the sport of pickleball . While playing the game is so much fun , I have found being a referee to be both challenging and rewarding . Refereeing allows me to stay close to the action and observe talented and skillful players while ensuring that the competition is fair . But by far my favorite aspect of being a referee is the strong sense of camaraderie . Referees are always sharing experiences and challenges to help each other continually learn . I have made lifetime friendships by being part of the referee community . Anyone wanting to become a referee will find the referee community always welcoming and willing to help and train newcomers .
— Melissa Ownby ( Knoxville , Tennessee ). Melissa is a mentor and trainer in addition to being a certified referee .
Learn more about how to become a referee at usapickleball . org / get-involved / pickleball-officiating .
JULY / AUGUST 2024 | MAGAZINE 63