REFEREE CORNER
Becoming a Referee
Learn what it takes to join the USA Pickleball Officiating ranks
If you ’ re passionate about bringing credibility and a sense of fairness to the courts , then becoming a USA Pickleball official might be for you ! This second article of our three-part series outlines the process .
As one would expect , for each level of officiating , the criteria increase in difficulty , as does your level of commitment . However , basic requirements across all levels of officiating include the following :
• Start online ! Familiarize yourself with resources available on usapickleball . org / referee to see if being a referee is the right fit for you .
• Demystify the process and watch the Quick Start video at usapickleball . org / referee
• Join USA Pickleball at the Champion membership level and become a Verified Trainee .
• Read the Official Rulebook and Officiating Handbook .
• Take the Player Rules , Line Judge , and Officiating
Procedures and Best Practices tests .
• Sign up for a Referee Training Class .
• After attending a Referee Training Class , you might be authorized to referee practice matches under instruction until you demonstrate a minimum proficiency to referee on your own .
After completing those key steps , your next goal should be to pursue becoming a credentialed referee . Additional requirements include :
• Obtain visual acuity documentation .
• Arrange an assessment of your refereeing skills by following the Tiered Referee Rating ( TRR ) system listed on the website .
• Meet the requirements for the level you ’ re pursuing .
• Continue to study and practice !
And finally , if you ’ re interested in pursuing the title of Certified Referee ( CR )— USA Pickleball ’ s highest credentialed level — you ’ ll be required to prove a higher skill level before you can earn that credential and officiate all levels of play at tournaments , including matches for professional players . Next steps include :
• Continue to gain experience by officiating at many tournaments .
• Request a mentor , when ready , to help prep for the Advanced Training Session ( ATS ).
• Receive a score that allows you to be recommended for next steps on the way to a CR evaluation .
• Interview with a certified referee coordinator .
• Score 100 percent on all the online tests .
• Apply for an On-Court Evaluation ( OCE ) and provide current visual acuity documentation .
• Pay an evaluation fee ( after application is accepted ).
• Schedule an evaluation at a sanctioned tournament .
Be sure to visit usapickleball . org / referee to learn more . We ’ re making site updates geared toward new referee candidates . Referees are a key part of tournament play and USA Pickleball needs members like you to help us bring pickleball to all !
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