Officiating Program – Overview

General

The Pickleball Canada (PCO) Officiating Program will define the process to take an interested Candidate from Trainee to Certified Referee.

This is a reciprocal program between Pickleball Canada & USA Pickleball.  This means that successful candidates will be recognized by both countries at the level of credentials issued.

If starting in one country and continuing in the other, you will be required to be a member in good standing with both PCO & USA Pickleball, and work through the appropriate Regional Referee Training Coordinators (RTC), and the Regional Certified Referee Coordinators (CRC).

First Steps – Verified Trainee

• Must be at least 16 years of age, and a member in good standing of Pickleball Canada
• Must fill out the Verified Trainee Application
• Complete a Referee training class conducted by a Certified Referee or by a Registered Referee Trainer. In-person training or a Zoom session will meet this requirement.
• The Officiating documentation found on the PCO website does provide an avenue for Self-Training, however attendance at a formal training session is strongly encouraged!
• Thorough knowledge of theUSA Pickleball Rulebook – Global Pickleball Federation Edition and the Referee Handbook – Global Pickleball Federation Edition.
• Complete online tests:
  a. Player
  b. Line Judge
  c. Referee
  d. Best Practices
• Practice is essential in the journey to accreditation and gaining credentials to Level 1 and Level 2 Referee and becoming a Certified Referee
  • Start by refereeing social games and work your way toward tournament matches.
  • Being observed by a Credentialed Referee or Registered Trainer is important, so that they can provide direction and ensure that what you are doing is in accordance with the latest Best Practices.
  • Refereeing tournament matches will give you confidence in what you are doing and assist in preparing you for assessment to Level 1 and Level 2, and eventually evaluation to Certified Referee.
• Experience in training new Referees has taught us that manipulation of the clipboard and scoresheet initially takes most of the Referee’s attention. With practice, the candidate will increase the speed of marking and turning the serving clip. It is important for the Candidate to work to a level of proficiency that does not interfere with the pace of the game.

Level 1 Skill Requirements

Level 1 Referees should:

• Possess sufficient refereeing skills and rules knowledge to keep and call accurate scores.
• Watch for incorrect servers and out of position players, and correct immediately.
• Call foot faults on the baseline during the serve, and in the NVZ when balls have been volleyed.
• Be capable of refereeing basic non-medal matches at tournaments, but may require some assistance.
• Meet a requirement of 20/30 visual acuity using both eyes (with or without corrective lenses) and submit a Visual Acuity Form signed by a health care professional within the past 12 months.

Next Steps to Achieve Credentials – Level 1

Step 2: Request an Assessment

Once a Registered Trainer confirms you are ready, request an on court assessment through your Referee Training Coordinator or Registered Trainer.

There is no mandatory waiting period to request an assessment. However, you should ensure you have addressed any areas of improvement identified during training.

Step 3: Complete the On-Court Assessment

An approved Assessor will evaluate your officiating performance.

Based on your demonstrated skill, knowledge, and rule application, you will receive one of the following outcomes:

• Rated Level 1 Referee
• Rated Level 2 Referee
• Not yet meeting Level 1 standard

There is no requirement to first achieve Level 1 before being rated Level 2. Candidates with sufficient experience and proficiency may be rated directly as Level 2.

Step 4: Assessment Reporting and Credential Issuance

If you are rated Level 1 or Level 2:

• The Assessor will complete a TRR (Tiered Referee Rating) form
• The results will be submitted to:

• The Regional Training Coordinator
• The Provincial Head Referee
• pcrefdata@gmail.com
• Your credential will be recorded in the Pickleball Canada officiating database

You will then be officially recognized at the level awarded.

If you do not pass your Level 1 assessment

• You will remain a Trainee Referee
• A credential will not be issued at that time
• You may request reassessment after addressing identified performance gaps

Level 2 Skill Requirements

Level 2 Referees should:

• Possess the basic skills and rules knowledge to competently referee most matches at any skill level.
• Be capable of handling on-court situations that typically arise during skill level tournament matches, including medal matches.
• Meet a requirement of 20/30 visual acuity using both eyes (with or without corrective lenses) and submit a Visual Acuity Form signed by a health care professional within the past 12 months.

Preparation for Certification – Level 2 Referee
Step 1: Request a Mentor

Request a Mentor through your home regional Certified Referee Coordinator (CRC).
Your home region is your area of permanent residency.

If you will be training in the United States:

• Your Canadian CRC will liaise with the USA Pickleball CRC for Canada
• The USA Pickleball CRC will then liaise with the CRC in the specific U.S. region where you will be residing

Note: You are not required to have a Mentor. However, it is highly recommended.

Step 2: Complete the Written Exam

Before proceeding to the Advanced Training Session (ATS):

• The ATSA (Advanced Training Session Assessor) will administer a written exam
• You must complete the written exam before advancing to the ATS

Step 3: Complete the Advanced Training Session (ATS)

When your Mentor determines that you may be ready to be evaluated for certification, you shall undergo an Advanced Training Session.

Successful completion of the ATS is required before moving to the next step.

Step 4: Complete the CRC Interview

After successfully completing the ATS:

• The CRC will conduct a phone, Zoom, or in person interview
• The Referee Handbook (Best Practices) will be reviewed
• Rules knowledge will be reviewed

This interview is similar to the compulsory portion of the certification evaluation.

Step 5: Eligibility Verification

When the CRC is satisfied that you are ready for certification evaluation:

• The CRC will notify the Pickleball Canada Certified Referee Administrator
• Your eligibility to apply for certification will be verified

Once eligibility is confirmed, you may proceed with the certification evaluation process.

The Certified Referee Application Process

1. The non-refundable evaluation fee affords the applicant ONE opportunity to pass the certification evaluation, which includes on-court observation and compulsory questions.
2. You shall meet a requirement of 20/30 visual acuity using both eyes (with or without corrective lenses) and submit a Visual Acuity Form signed by a health care professional within the past 12 months.  This documentation is now required at the start of the Referee training program, and must be current before being recommended for evaluation.
3. You will be asked to provide the dates and names of tournaments that you have refereed in the last 60 days.
4. Within 14 days prior to submitting your application for certification, you shall have achieved 100% scores on all the online Pickleball Canada tests:
   a. Player
   b. Line Judge
   c. Referee
   d. Best Practices
5. Complete the online Certified Referee Application.
6. After your application is received and the prerequisites validated, you will receive an email confirmation of acceptance into the program.  
   • A Link will be included for paying the evaluation fee of $150.
     • Fee includes:
       • One on-court evaluation and compulsory question interview.
       • Two PCO Certified Referee Shirts (on successful completion of evaluation process)
       • Certified Referee ID photo badge (on successful completion of evaluation process)
   • Options for your on-court evaluation venues and dates will be provided. You will need to reply with your preferences.
7. If your application is not accepted, you will be notified accordingly.
8. When your payment and selection have been received, you will be scheduled for a venue and date. Details of the evaluation process will be provided. A Pickleball Canada Certified Referee Evaluator will contact you directly to coordinate further details relating to the evaluation.
9. Evaluations may be conducted at Pickleball Canada Regional/National tournaments and also at select sanctioned tournaments throughout the country.  Scheduling for each venue will be done strictly on a first to apply basis. You will be asked to select your preferred dates and tournaments.  You are responsible for any costs associated with traveling to and from the venue.
   
   NOTE: The scheduling of on-court evaluations is based on Evaluator availability and the number of Applicants in an area.  Therefore, there may not always be an on-court evaluation venue and/or date that is convenient for you to attend.  In such cases, a significant amount of time could elapse between paying the evaluation fee and when you are scheduled for an on-court evaluation.
   

On-Court Evaluation

1. The evaluation involves a Pickleball Canada Evaluator critiquing your skills and rules knowledge while you referee a minimum of four doubles matches, at least one involving a stacking team and one Gold medal match.
2. The gold medal match for on-court evaluation will no longer require line judges.  Certification Candidates will be asked questions about working with line judges if they are not used.

During the Evaluation

1. You shall:
   • Display professionalism in your actions, words, and demeanor.
   • Maintain an efficient flow during the matches.
   • Conscientiously watch for and call faults, especially in the non-volley zone.
   • Use a numbered clip to track servers, moving it to the correct server at every service change.
   • Immediately identify and correct players who are not correctly positioned.
   • Mark the scoresheet using the Pickleball Canada Best Practices for each point, side out, and other actions as they occur.
   • Position the clipboard so the clip end always points toward the serving team.
   • When timeouts are called, follow the Best Practices procedures to the letter.
   • Learn and utilize all scripts correctly.
   • Follow all Pickleball Canada refereeing Best Practices contained in the current Pickleball Canada Referee Handbook
     
     NOTE: This list of evaluation criteria is not complete and the above only represents some of the required elements.
     
2. After successfully refereeing the evaluation matches, you will be asked a series of questions, called compulsories, that will cover basic situations that did or did not arise during your on-court games.  These questions are designed to test your knowledge of the Rulebook and Best Practices contained in the Referee Handbook.
3. On passing the evaluation, the Evaluator will take a passport-size head and shoulder digital photo for your ID badge.
4. If a Candidate fails their evaluation for Referee Certification, they will be required to re-apply for certification.  It is recommended that the Candidate take some time to work on the areas that caused them to fail before re-applying.
5. Appeals for failure to pass an evaluation are limited.
   • Candidates undergoing an evaluation are welcome to record their matches. The recording shall be performed at the Candidate’s expense and shown to the Evaluator if the Candidate thinks there is sufficient reason to question a judgement decision by the Evaluator. The Evaluator is the only person who can grant relief if the recording clearly shows a mistake was made. Appeals on procedural grounds may be made by email to officiating@pickleballcanada.org, with a copy to the Evaluator who conducted the evaluation. Procedural appeals without a copy to the Evaluator will not be accepted.

Certified Referee Credentials Package

After passing the evaluation, you will receive:

• Two official Pickleball Canada Certified Referee Shirts (shipping not included). You may order extra shirts or hats at your own expense.
• A Pickleball Canada Referee ID Photo badge with magnets.
• Certified Referee designation on the pickleballcanada.org website.
• One-time acknowledgment of your accomplishment in Pickleball Canada Scoop.
• Priority for refereeing medal and pro matches at Pickleball Canada managed events.
• Certified Referee compensation (where available).
• Other benefits associated with being recognized as having earned distinction as a Pickleball Canada Certified Referee.

Certification Renewal – All Credentialed Referees

Referee certification is valid for three years from the date issued. You shall apply for certification renewal within 90 days of expiration. The certification renewal process includes passing online tests, meeting a 20/30 visual acuity requirement using both eyes with or without corrective lenses and payment of a nominal fee. You will then receive a new photo ID badge.

Maintenance Program – All Credentialed Referees

1. All levels of credentials will expire after three years from the date of issue, and are to  to be renewed prior to the date of expiry.
2. To ensure that Referees are keeping themselves practiced and current, Referees are required to complete an annual maintenance program consisting of;
   • Record the number of matches Refereed throughout the year, distinguishing between tournaments and recreational matches.
   • The following are suggested minimum requirements;
     • Level 1 – 30 matches
     • Level 2 – 50 matches
     • CR’s     – 75 matches
3. Review all on-line documentation, especially the Rules, and Best Practices at least once per year, and ensure you are aware of the annual revisions. It is also recommended that you review  before refereeing in all tournaments.
4. Complete on-line tests, at least once annually achieving minimum results for each level.
   • Level 1 – 80%
   • Level 2 – 90%
   • CR – 95%
5. Each official should be observed by another accredited official at least once per year at a tournament.  The observing official should be at the same or higher level of accreditation as the official being observed.  The purpose is to provide feedback, e.g. “I notice that you stand too close to the net post.” or  “You are watching the flight of the ball, and not the NVZ.”
   • NOTE: The Observed Referee is responsible for initiating this request.
6. In addition, further observation of certified referees and level two referees that are approaching the 3 year period, may take place to ensure they are keeping pace with officiating standards. 
   • This further observation will be initiated by members of the Manager of Officiating.
   • The Tiered Referee Rating Form (TRR) is to be used for documentation purposes.
7. As each official approaches the end of their three year credential expiration, they will be required to undergo a short test of knowledge and best practices.
   • This must take place within the three months preceding the expiration of       their credentials.
   • A one month grace period may be granted.
   • A bank of questions will be used for this purpose and is based on information from the current Rulebook, Handbook and Casebook.
   • The questions will vary in difficulty based on the candidate’s level of credential.
     • NOTE: The questions will NOT be of a multiple choice or true/false format.
   • Depending on the Candidate’s score, credentials will be re-awarded or candidates may be required to complete another series of questions or undergo a reassessment or reevaluation, as appropriate.
   • A current (less than 1 year old) Visual Acuity Form must be produced prior to receiving new credentials.
   • Level 1 & 2 testing will be carried out by the Provincial/Territorial Head Referee, the Regional Referee Training Coordinator, or their designee.
   • They may recommend further training, and/or reassessment of that level 1 or 2 Referee.
   • As a result of the reassessment process the Referee will be designated at their current level or provided a new level based on their performance during the assessment, and any oral questioning.
8. Certified Referees who do not obtain a passing grade will also be subject to a Provincial Head Referee and Regional CRC review.
   • If that review leads to a recommendation for an on-court review, the Officiating Workgroup and the Head PCO Evaluator will be notified prior to any action being taken.
   • A discussion will take place between the three parties and an appropriate course of action will be determined.
     • Oral questioning
     • Written questioning
     • On Court observation
     • Recommendation for re-evaluation
     • Recommendation for de-certification, i.e. Level 2 Referee.

NOTE: Certified Referees receiving USA Pickleball re-certification will be exempt from this process.

Code of Conduct – Credentialed Officials

As a Pickleball Canada Certified Referee, you agree to comply with the Pickleball Canada Policy – Code of Conduct.

Alleged Pickleball Canada Code of Conduct violations will be investigated through the Pickleball Canada Complaints and Disciplinary Policy.

Note: The above policies and reviews will be administered by Pickleball Canada’s Executive Director

Note: Code of Conduct investigative results involving credentialed Referees will be passed to the Manager of Officiating (MOO) on conclusion of the investigation and notification of the investigated Referee.

Note: The MOO may decide to review the case with the Officiating Workgroup, who could recommend further sanctions… as Officials are held to a higher standard than ordinary members.

Compliance Standards- Concerns/Issues

1. All complaints regarding a Credentialed Referee’s performance will be passed to the MOO who will review the complaint for validity and degree of concern.
2. If the MOO determines that there is a lack of information or foundation for a complaint, the MOO will address this with the complainant.
3. If the complaint is determined to be valid, the MOO will name an investigative team of two, a Lead, and a member.
4. They will contact the complainant and the Referee in question to determine the facts.
5. When all the facts have been established the investigating team will draft a detailed report and include their recommendations for corrective action.
6. The team will have 15 days to complete the report after receiving the case.
7. The completed report will be passed to the MOO.
8. If the MOO concludes that the investigation and recommended course of action are appropriate, Pickleball Canada will convey this information to the Referee in question.
9. The Referee may appeal the decision to the MOO who will review the case with the Pickleball Canada Executive Director.
10. The defending Referee will be asked to make their appeal before the Pickleball Canada Executive Director.
11. After hearing the appeal, the Executive Director will make a final decision on the case.