Officiating Program – Overview

General

The Pickleball Canada (PC) 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 PC & USA Pickleball, and work through the appropriate Regional Referee Training Coordinators (RTC), and the Regional Certified Referee Coordinators (CRC).

First Steps

Must be at least 16 years of age, and a member in good standing of Pickleball Canada
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 PC website does provide an avenue for Self-Training, however attendance at a formal training session is strongly encouraged!
Thorough knowledge of the USA 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 and Level 2 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.

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.

Next Steps to Achieve Credentials

It is recommended that you work with a Registered Trainer to determine your preparedness to be assessed. You may also contact the Referee Training Coordinator (RTC) for your region. The RTC will work with Registered Trainers to help arrange the assessment. Assessment opportunities also exist at many sanctioned tournaments.
Candidates will normally be rated as a Level 1 or Level 2 Referee, depending on their level of proficiency. The Assessor will recommend that credentials be issued to Level 1 and Level 2 Referees and report the assessment results to the Regional Training Coordinator, the Provincial Head Referee, and pcrefdata@gmail.com where the information will be placed in the Pickleball Canada’s officiating database.
- NOTE: 1) Those not being rated to Level 1 will not receive a credential and will remain as Trainees until they meet the performance objectives of Level 1 or 2 Referees. 2) Assessors are to complete a TRR (Tiered Referee Rating) form and forward to pcrefdata@gmail.com where the information will be kept on file.
There is no requirement to have a Level 1 rating prior to being rated as a Level 2 Referee. Skill, knowledge, and expertise will determine this Level. It has been found that candidates with a great amount of experience do better at assessments. There is also no specific time frame between requesting any upgrading assessment, but again practising areas noted by mentors or assessors as needing improvement will be key in passing your assessment.
- NOTE: Referees shall obtain a Level 2 rating before attempting to become a Certified Referee.

Preparation for Certification – Level 2 Referee

Request a Mentor through your home (area of permanent residency) regional Certified Referee Coordinator (CRC). If training will be in the US, this CRC will liaise with the USA Pickleball CRC for Canada, who in turn will liaise with their counterparts in the specific region in the US… where the candidate will be residing
NOTE: You are not required to have a Mentor, but it is highly recommended.
When your Mentor determines you may be ready to be evaluated for certification, you shall undergo an Advanced Training Session (ATS). The ATS is designed to simulate difficult game situations that can possibly occur during the certification evaluation. Level 2 referees will be required to demonstrate an ability to work with the line judges during their Advanced Training Session (ATS). The ATS will be administered and organized by a trained and registered ATSA, (Assessor).
Before the candidate proceeds to the ATS the ATSA will administer a written exam.
On successful completion of your ATS, the CRC will conduct a phone, Zoom or in-person interview with you to review the Referee Handbook (Best Practices) and the rules. This review is similar to the compulsories portion of the certification evaluation.
When the CRC is convinced that you are ready for an evaluation, they will notify the Pickleball Canada Certified Referee Administrator to verify your eligibility to apply for certification.

The Certified Referee Application Process

The non-refundable evaluation fee affords the applicant ONE opportunity to pass the certification evaluation, which includes on-court observation and compulsory questions.
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.
You will be asked to provide the dates and names of tournaments that you have refereed in the last 60 days.
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
Complete the online Certified Referee Application.
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 PC 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.
If your application is not accepted, you will be notified accordingly.
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.
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

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.
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

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.
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.
On passing the evaluation, the Evaluator will take a passport-size head and shoulder digital photo for your ID badge.
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.
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

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

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.
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
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.
Complete on-line tests, at least once annually achieving minimum results for each level.
- Level 1 – 80%
- Level 2 – 90%
- CR – 95%
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.
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 Officiating Advisory Council.
- The Tiered Referee Rating Form (TRR) is to be used for documentation purposes.
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.
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 NLO and the Head PC 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 the Pickleball Canada’s Executive Director

Note: Code of conduct investigative results involving credentialed Referees will be passed to the National Leader of Officiating on conclusion of the investigation and notification of the investigated Referee.

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

Compliance Standards- Concerns/Issues

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