As a player and ambassador to this sport, I have always found it important to support our governing body. The USAPA has an important role in pickleball tournaments.
Sanctioned vs non-sanction
We have all noticed the huge increase in pickleball tournament options. Since most of the tournaments I enter have an Open division and cash prizes, I assumed we would have referees. However, recently, there have been a few tournaments where even the pros were playing without referees until the medal matches.
Pickleball Referees
Finding qualified referees can be a real challenge for Tournament Directors. I learned this first hand when I ran a tournament. Finding people willing to referee was the most stressful part of my job.
However, referees are very important in pickleball tournaments. At one recent tournament, I watched a team foot fault there way all the way to the medal matches. This should not happen. Safety can also be an issue. In fact, the only time I was ever hit in the face with a pickleball was when a player showed total disregard for the NVZ line! I have even seen a player so close to the net as they hit their opponent.
Contact the USAPA
When I ran tennis events, we didn’t really worry about referees. Foot faults on serves are very uncommon and there is no effect as it relates to safety. However, in pickleball, I consider them essential.
While I understand many new players may be too intimidated to become referees…I would encourage you to try. There are many fine training programs available throughout the country and learning all the rules will ultimately help your game.
If your club is thinking of hosting a pickleball tournament, I would encourage you to contact the USAPA and think about having your event sanctioned. The USAPA has a system to help you through the process.
