The Pickleball Canada Officiating Program operates under a three-tiered structure — national, provincial/territorial, and club — with each level playing a defined role in the delivery and support of the program.
National
Pickleball Canada retains full jurisdiction over all Credentialed Officials and the administration of the national officiating program. All officiating designations, including Verified Trainees, Level 1, Level 2, and Certified Referees, are granted by and reside with Pickleball Canada, not with Provincial or Territorial Sport Organizations.
All Credentialed Officials are governed by Pickleball Canada’s national policies, procedures, and standards, including but not limited to officiating, compliance, and disciplinary policies. While Provincial and Territorial organizations may support the delivery of officiating programs and events within their jurisdictions, they do so in alignment with and under the authority of Pickleball Canada.
Pickleball Canada is responsible for the development, implementation, and oversight of the officiating program, including:
- National training, certification, and evaluation standards
- Testing procedures and application processes
- Information dissemination through national platforms
- Maintenance of a centralized registry of all Credentialed Officials
This structure ensures consistency, integrity, and national alignment across all officiating activities in Canada.
Manager of Officiating (MOO)
The Manager of Officiating is responsible for the overall leadership, development, and oversight of Pickleball Canada’s national officiating program.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee the development, delivery, and maintenance of the national officiating program
- Establish and ensure consistent application of national officiating standards, including training, certification, and evaluation
- Oversee the delivery of officiating programs through Provincial/Territorial Sport Organizations and the Officiating Working Group
- Serve as the primary authority for officiating matters, including rule implementation, compliance, and complaints involving Credentialed Officials
- Support tournament operations to ensure high standards of officiating and risk management
Officiating Work Group
The Officiating Working Group supports the Manager of Officiating in the development, alignment, and advancement of the national officiating program.
Composition
- One representative appointed by each affiliated Provincial/Territorial Sport Organization
- Additional subject matter experts or resources may be appointed with the recommendation of the Working Group and approval of the Manager of Officiating
Role and Responsibilities of PTSO Representatives
PTSO-appointed representatives will:
- Collaborate with the Manager of Officiating on program development, evaluation, and continuous improvement initiatives
- Ensure their Provincial/Territorial Sport Organization remains informed, engaged, and aligned with national officiating standards and updates
- Provide input and consultation on officiating development matters within their jurisdiction
- Communicate significant developments, challenges, and advancements in officiating within their province or territory
- Promote the use of accredited referees at all sanctioned events and competitions
- Serve as the primary communication link between Pickleball Canada and their Provincial/Territorial Sport Organization on officiating matters
Governance Alignment
The Officiating Working Group operates in an advisory capacity. Final authority on all officiating matters, including policy, certification, and disciplinary decisions, rests with Pickleball Canada through the Manager of Officiating.
Provincial/Territorial Contacts
| British Columbia | Sharon MacDonald | headreferee@pickleballbc.ca |
| Alberta | Garand Jones | officiating@pickleballalberta.org |
| Saskatchewan | Karen Rust | karenrust9@gmail.com |
| Manitoba | Lisa Bergson | lisabergsonmb@gmail.com |
| Ontario | Andrea Blackwell | blackwella62@gmail.com |
| Quebec | Dennis Bowers | arbitre@picklballquebec.com |
| New Brunswick | Denis Ross | denis.ross@umoncton.ca |
| Nova Scotia | Angela Weld | ang.weld11@gmail.com |
| Prince Edward Island | Daniel Zhang | danielzhang752@gmail.com |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | Alison Hickman | alison@hickmangroup.net |
| Yukon | officiating@pickleballcanada.org | |
| Nunavut | officiating@pickleballcanada.org | |
| Northwest Territories | officiating@pickleballcanada.org | |
| Pickleball Canada | officiating@pickleballcanada.org |
Provincial/Territorial Sport Organizations
Provincial and Territorial Sport Organizations play an important role in the delivery and support of the Pickleball Canada officiating program within their respective jurisdictions. This includes activities such as recruitment, training coordination, maintenance of qualifications, and assignment of officiating duties.
All such activities must be conducted in alignment with Pickleball Canada’s national policies, standards, and procedures. While PTSOs support program delivery, all referee designations, credentialing decisions, and program standards remain under the authority of Pickleball Canada.
The awarding and maintenance of all referee credentials are governed by Pickleball Canada and administered in accordance with national policies and standards, under the direction of the Manager of Officiating (MOO) and the Officiating Working Group.
Each PTSO, independently or in collaboration with other provinces or territories, is expected to appoint a Provincial/Territorial Head Referee to oversee officiating within their jurisdiction
The Provincial/Territorial Head Referee is responsible for supporting the effective delivery of the officiating program at the provincial or territorial level, in alignment with Pickleball Canada standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee the implementation and delivery of the officiating program within their jurisdiction
- Support the growth and development of officiating across clubs and regions
- Encourage clubs to actively participate in officiating development initiatives
- Coordinate training opportunities and program delivery within the province or territory
- Ensure all training, evaluation, and certification processes align with Pickleball Canada requirements
- Report all certification results and officiating data to the Manager of Officiating
- Approve and oversee individuals authorized to deliver officiating training (e.g., Officiating Trainers), including ensuring proper vetting and adherence to reporting requirements
- Serve as a representative on the Pickleball Canada Officiating Working Group
Authority and Accountability
- The Provincial/Territorial Head Referee plays a key advisory and operational role in the officiating pathway; however, final authority for the granting, maintenance, suspension, or revocation of referee credentials remains with Pickleball Canada
- All decisions and actions must align with national policies and uphold the integrity and consistency of the officiating program across Canada
Officiating Trainers
Provincial/Territorial Sport Organizations are responsible for supporting the identification and appointment of qualified Officiating Trainers within their jurisdiction, in alignment with Pickleball Canada standards.
Level 2 Trainer(s)
- Must be an experienced Level 2 Referee or Certified Referee
- Designation granted by the Provincial/Territorial Head Referee
- Deliver training to entry-level participants in the officiating program
- May award Level 1 Referee certification in accordance with national standards
- Support the development of officials progressing through the Level 2 pathway
- Track, evaluate, and report on participant progress
Certified Referee Trainer(s)
- Must be a Certified Referee
- Designation confirmed by the Provincial/Territorial Head Referee, in alignment with Pickleball Canada
- Fulfill all responsibilities of a Level 2 Trainer
- May award Level 1 and Level 2 Referee certifications
- May recommend Level 2 Referees for advancement to the Certified Referee program
Club-Level Officiating
The majority of officiating program delivery occurs at the club level, supported by Provincial/Territorial Sport Organizations and aligned with Pickleball Canada standards.
Clubs are encouraged to:
- Provide court time and opportunities for officials to practice officiating in live play environments
- Promote and utilize accredited referees for all tournament and competitive play
Club Leader of Officiating (CLO)
- Must hold current Level 2 Referee status
- Must be recognized by the Provincial/Territorial Head Referee
- Responsible for coordinating and supporting referee development at the club level
- Deliver officiating programming using Pickleball Canada materials and standards
- Track and report participant progress to the Provincial/Territorial Head Referee
- Maintain regular communication with their Provincial/Territorial Sport Organization to remain current with program updates
- Provide support to the Provincial/Territorial Head Referee as required
Non-Club Delivery
In regions where no formal or affiliated club exists, the Provincial/Territorial Sport Organization may designate an individual to carry out the same responsibilities as a Club Leader of Officiating, ensuring continued delivery of the officiating program.