Being a referee improves your own game and lets you give back to the sport!

Remember : You are human and mistakes will happen…admit them, clarify, communicate and carry on!

Know the rules, practice scoring games, and remember…YOU are not the “show”, your goal is to give the players a fair match and to keep the match moving. When asked a question, stay positive and give clear, calm answers. Easiest piece of advice on how to ref…what kind of ref do YOU like when YOU play…be that ref! (calm, knowledgeable and decisive)

Referee Resources:

Villages Referee Training Tools:

• USA Pickleball Resources Page
• 2024 Official Rulebook
• Game 1 : How to use a USAPA scoresheet (an entire 11 pt game with scoresheet superimposed so you can follow along)
• Game 1 : The SAME 11 pt game WITHOUT the scoresheet so you can practice scoring on your own
• Link to USAPA official scoresheet to download / or print
• How to use a scoresheet
• Villages Tourney Pickleball Scoresheet 
• DOWNLOAD the February 3, 2020 Club Meeting Rules Presentation

Referee Training and Practice Sessions (NO sessions June-August):

• 1st Friday each month 12:30 pm at Miona Rec Center INSIDE – video / classroom training FOLLOWED by practice outside – NEW refs or those wanting a review session
• 2nd Friday each month 2pm at Miona Rec Center OUTSIDE at courts – we will have Level 1 and Level 2 courts each month but Level 3 only available as referees are ready.
• Chance to practice at certain weekly leagues (info shared at Miona training sessions and via email)
• Chance to shadow ref monthly Villages tournaments
• Chance to ref (AFTER notified by Villages head ref or by ref you are shadowing during a tourney)
• Mentors available to guide you toward Certification if desired

Referee Fault Videos

• Service Foot Fault
• Serve Too Soon
• Foot Outside Line during Serve
• NVZ Foot Fault
• Paddle in Kitchen on Volley

USAPA Resources

1. The following Referee Training Tools Available Here: Intro video, Rule Books, New Rules Revisions, Official Scoresheets, Rules Tests. NOTE: some resources require USAPA Membership for access (Referee Handbook and Casebook)
2. NOTE: To become a CERTIFIED REF scroll down to bottom of USAPA Training Tools Page. To view the info you MUST join the USAPA. If you are interested in refereeing (whether or not you decide to become a Level 1, Level 2 or Certified Ref), we highly encourage you to become a USAPA member to support the governing body of our sport AND to gain access to many resources ONLY available to USAPA members.