USAPA On Line Refereeing Clinic

by David Jordan
 
All USAPA sanctioned tournaments must provide Referees for all matches.  This clinic is provided by the USAPA as a free tool for Tournament Directors to assure consistency in officiating at all USAPA sanctioned tournaments. It is recommended that, after completing this course, students should referee a minimum of 15 games prior to their first tournament. 

 Note that all items in red below are links you need to click on. 

Students questions during the clinic should be directed to the instructors. If the instructors cannot answer the questions they should contact The Professor 

Lesson #1

 
Be sure to review the definitions of the words that will be used during a Pickleball game.  It is important that everyone use the same terminology during a tournament.
 
 
Referees will have to determine if a serve is legal or not.  When this happens the Referee should state the objection and warn all players that you will be judging their serving technique to make sure it is legal.  Once the warning has been issued the Referee should call a fault on anyone who makes an illegal serve.  Once a warning is issued it is in effect for the entire match and players should be reminded at the beginning of each game. 
 
 

Be sure to ask, before each game starts, who will be the first server for each team (doubles) and make a note of it on your score sheet.  You must also issue the first server for each team an arm band or other device that will identify them as first server for their team.  The identifying item must be visible to all players. 

Lesson #2

 
It is the players obligation to make all sideline and baseline calls unless lines people have been assigned to do that. A Referee should over rule a player's call if they clearly see it and only if the opposing team challenges the call. If players cannot be sure, or if they disagree, the ball is in. When there is a single Referee their primary responsibility is to observe serving and non-volley violations.  It's important that Referees not show facial or any other expression that would indicate their impression af a call.
 
  
A fault is any action that stops play or creates a violation of the rules.
 

Any hindrence on the court, such as a stray ball, means that play is immediatly stopped and the ball is declared dead. A replay must take place.  If the Referee determines that a fault is caused by the hindrence they must call for a replay.

When either team establishes positions at the non-volley line the Referee(s) must be alert for foot faults.

Lesson #3

It is important that the Referee first make sure that the receiving player is ready and has called the score before the ball is served.

When a time out is called the Referee should request that each player place their paddle in the location where they will begin the next point.  The ball should be placed under the server's paddle.

The Tournament Director is rersponsible for making sure all nets are at the correct height.  Where portable nets and posts are used the Referee should observe them periodically to make sure they are correct.

 
Since there are 75 questions you may want to break it up into three sections.  Do the first 25 making sure you understand and can correctly answer each one before moving on to the next 25.
 
Good luck and have fun.

Lesson #4

 Officiating a Match

Always remember that the Tournament Director has the final say in any controversial issues and may be consulted anytime a Referee is not sure of the correct action to be taken.

Course Completion

You have now completed the on-line Refereeing course and should make yourself available to Referee a minimum of 15 practice games before officiating in a tournament.

It is very important that tournaments have qualified officials to make sure everything runs smoothly and correctly.  Your time and energy are greatly appreciated. 

 

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