Pickleball Magazine 3-2 | Page 53

Introduction of the National Certified Referee Evaluation Committee By Christine Barksdale, USAPA Managing Director of Athletic Competition Last year was a fantastic year for the USAPA Certified Referee Program! The program, which began approximately 18 months ago, has more than 115 Certified Referees with many more on the road to certification. The 15-step process (for details on Referee Certification, visit Rules and Referees on the USAPA website) provides a path for people to give back to the sport that represents “fun” to so many. As the Certified Referee Program Coordinator, I answer hundreds of questions each month— from where to find a referee trainer to inquiring if there’s an evaluator nearby to help someone become a Certified Referee. These questions made me realize— as the governing body of pickleball— we needed to bring referee training closer to home for all members and players. With that objective in mind, the Board of Directors has established the National Certified Referee Evaluation Committee. The committee consists of a leader from each of the newly- created sections of the United States— Eastern, Central and Western (see map below). Section Leaders are John Grasso, Western; Fred Thompson, Central; and Jeff Shank, Eastern. Each leader was selected not only for being an excellent pickleball referee and skilled referee trainer but also for his knowledge of the rules. The main goals of the committee include: •  Develop online and national training videos on pickleball refereeing PACIFIC NORTHWEST GREAT PLAINS MIDDLE STATES MOUNTAIN WEST GREAT LAKES ATLANTIC MID-ATLANTIC SOUTHWEST MID-SOUTH •  Develop a Certified Trainer Program •  Develop a network of Referee Coordinator Mentors/Referee Coordinators to assist Sanctioned Tournament Directors with the ins and outs of how to have referees for every match •  Coordinate with Regional Directors and District Ambassadors to form local committees to provide a training network to clubs throughout the region and to implement a plan to provide referee training resources to local clubs I’m hopeful that by bringing training to your neighborhood, we’ll triple the number of skilled referees across the country in the coming year. • The USAPA Congratulates Recently-Certified Referees: Gigi LeMaster, Karen Rust, and Mike Sausser! ATLANTIC SOUTH MARCH/APRIL 2018 | MAGAZINE 51