Pickleball Canada’s Officiating Program supports the growth of fair, consistent, and high-quality officiating nationwide. Through structured training and accreditation at three levels — Level 1, Level 2, and Certified Referee — officials gain the knowledge and experience needed to ensure integrity and professionalism on court. Whether you’re new to officiating or advancing your skills, our program offers a pathway to get involved and support the continued development of pickleball in Canada.
BECOME A REFEREE
CLICK HERE to submit your initial interest in becoming a Pickleball Canada Official/Referee and to get in touch with your Provincial Head Referee.
If you have already been in contact with your Provincial Head Referee, please go straight to the Verified Trainee Application
Becoming a Pickleball Canada credentialed referee starts as a Verified Trainee (VT) — your first step toward the prestigious Certified Referee designation. As a VT, you’ll learn the rules, complete training, and gain on-court experience before advancing through higher levels. Below are the steps to get started as a Verified Trainee.
Step 1: Get Approved
Join Pickleball Canada
- Become a Pickleball Canada Member
Connect with your Provincial Head Referee
- Contact your Provincial Head Referee to outline the Officiating Pathway
Apply to the Verified Trainee (VT) Program
- Submit the Verified Trainee application here: VT Application Form
Watch for Approval
- Check your email for approval as a VT
Step 2: After Approval
Study the Essentials
- Official Rulebook
- Officiating Handbook* (In Officiating Resources / Resources section)
- NOTE: This document requires a Pickleball Canada Verified Trainee or higher referee level to access.
Take All Online Tests
- Test your knowledge with the online tests
- Player Rules Review (Rev Feb 01, 2026)
- Referee Rules (Rev Feb 01, 2026)
- Best Practices (Rev Feb 01, 2026)
- Line Judge (Rev Feb 01, 2026)
Enroll in Referee Training
- Contact your Provincial Head Referee & Regional Referee Training Coordinator (RTC) for training opportunities in your area.
Get Courtside Experience
- After connecting with a trainer in your province, a Tournament Director may authorize you to observe officiated matches. Once you show minimum proficiency, you can begin refereeing on your own.
Aim for Your First Credential
- Set your next goal: becoming a credentialed Level 1 Referee through Pickleball Canada’s officiating pathway.
Reference Material
- 2025 USA Pickleball Rulebook – Global Pickleball Federation Edition (Rev Feb 18, 2025)
- 2025 Casebook (Rev Feb 18, 2025)
- 2025 Referee Handbook (Rev Feb 18, 2025)
- 2025 Rule Change Document (Rev Feb 18, 2025)
- Dual Referee Option
- Disciplinary Chart
- Scoresheets
Credentialed Referee Policies & Important Forms
- Officiating Program – Overview (Rev 17 Oct 24)
- Officiating Program – Authority
- Referee Dress Code (Rev 2 Oct, 2025)
- PC Code of Conduct
- Tiered Referee Rating (TRR) Form (Rev August 8, 2025)
- Tiered Referee Rating (TRR) Form Guidelines (Rev Oct 21, 2025)
- Visual Acuity Form
- Certification Renewal Process
- Referee Maintenance Program
- Refereeing Pickleball in the USA Application
- Certified Referee Application
- Verified Trainee Application
Training Material
- Instructional PowerPoint (Rev 17 Oct 24)
- Referee Quick Start Video
- Sample Pre-Match Briefings; see Officiating Handbook Appendix D
- Standardized Calls and Announcements (Scripts); see Officiating Handbook Appendix C
- Referee Zoom Training
- Tests
- Player Rules Review (Rev Feb 01, 2026)
- Referee Rules (Rev Feb 01, 2026)
- Best Practices (Rev Feb 01, 2026)
- Line Judge (Rev Feb 01, 2026)
Provincial Head Referee & Coordinator Contact Information
Support Material
- Lev 1 Progress Chart
- Lev 2 Progress Chart
- Referee Training Record
- Referee Game Record
- Officiating Clothing
Concussion Protocols
officiating@pickleballcanada.org
