Classroom sessions

New referees will be offered the full USAPA training program which is required for those working toward credentials and best practices as a pickleball referee.

Prerequisites

Read the 2024 Official Rulebook

Read the 2024 Officiating Handbook (USAPA Membership required)

Watch the Referee Quick Start Video (this is outdated but still very useful)

Take the online Referee Test (it is also helpful to take the Player Test and Line Judge Test)

All these resources are available at https://usapickleball.org/get-involved/pickleball-officiating/.

On-Court Training and practice

Regular sessions will be scheduled at Pioneer Park Pickleball Complex and Espire Sports.

Referee trainees will practice with live game play while being supervised by a Certified Referee or other referee leader in the academy. 

Off-Court Training

Referees will have the opportunity for study sessions, homework and additional mentoring away from the courts to enhance and confirm readiness for tournament referee assignments. Evaluations for tournament assignments will be directed by tournament directors, Certified Referees and Level 2 credentialed referees.

Assessments

Referee trainees wishing to be evaluated may request these opportunities during tournaments held at Espire or the Pioneer Park Pickleball Complex. Certified Referees will be enlisted to provide the assessment and documentation required for these sessions. 

Cost

Referees may participate in the training at no cost. Volunteer trainers will be used to grow a local pool of referees.

Leader

Douglas Seefeld, USAPA Certified Referee, will oversee and administer this program. As the referee pool grows others may be enlisted to take active roles in this program.