Become an official pickleball referee in Europe: registration for the 2026 Referee Courses is now open

Pickleball is experiencing explosive growth across Europe, and with it the demand for professional coaching during competitions.
To support this development, the European Pickleball Federation (EPF) is launching the Referee Courses 2026 , in partnership with USA Pickleball (USAP) , the world reference for refereeing standards.

These courses, open to players and volunteers wishing to get involved in the development of sport, now constitute the official path to becoming a certified referee in Europe .

A structured program to train the European referees of tomorrow

The Referee Courses 2026 will take place from January to March 2026 , in a hybrid format combining:

• Online training modules (rules, protocols, case studies)
• Live sessions with EPF and USAP instructors
• Evaluations in the field , during tournaments or staged situations

This organization allows both accessible learning and essential practical application to validate arbitration skills.

According to information provided by EPF, the training covers:

• The official rules of pickleball 2026 (USAP Rulebook)
• single and double arbitration procedures
• handling errors, disputes and complex situations
• best practices for communicating with players
• conducting a match in a neutral, fluid and professional manner

The objective is clear: to standardize the level of arbitration in Europe by applying USAP standards, already used on American professional circuits.

Why become a pickleball referee in Europe?

As more and more European countries open regional and national circuits, certified referees are becoming essential to guarantee:

• a fair playing field
• a consistent progression of competitions
• international recognition through participation in major tournaments

Referees play a key role in structuring pickleball, especially in the lead-up to international events such as the European Championships or the World Pickleball Games .

For many enthusiasts, becoming a referee is also a way to:

• to actively participate in the development of sport
• to join the European pickleball network
• to experience the competitions at the heart of the action
• to contribute to the professionalization of the discipline

Eligibility requirements: who can register?

The European federation has defined several essential criteria for joining the 2026 program:

1. Be a resident of Europe

All EPF member countries are eligible, from Portugal to Finland.

2. Pass the “Player Test”

This is a knowledge test on the rules of pickleball.

To be admitted, you must obtain at least 90% correct answers .

The test can be retaken if it is failed.

3. Have a minimum B2 level in English

European arbitration follows the USAP model, and all official documentation is in English.

A language test is planned to validate this criterion.

These prerequisites ensure a consistent level of expertise and prepare referees capable of officiating at international competitions.

Registration procedure and important dates

The registration period is now open, and candidates have a specific deadline:

📅 Application deadline: December 10, 2025

📩 Apply by email: maria@epfpb.org

The email should generally contain:

• name + surname
• Country of Residence
• pickleball level
• arbitration experience (optional)
• motivations for joining the training program
• Proof of passing the Player Test (or intention to pass it)

The EPF committee then returns detailed instructions to the candidates.

A recognized training program supported by pickleball institutions

Referee Courses are currently the only training available:

• officially validated by the European Pickleball Federation
• designed with USA Pickleball expertise
• recognized by major tournaments in Europe

They are part of a global effort aimed at:

• harmonize arbitration practices
• strengthen the quality of competitions
• to support the growth of pickleball in Europe

By 2025, the number of tournaments had tripled in several European countries. To absorb this growth, the demand for certified referees continues to rise.

What you can do after certification

Obtaining EPF/USAP certification opens the door to various roles:

• Referee for official matches (regional, national, international tournaments)
• Head Referee (managing referee teams)
• Referee trainer (depending on the level achieved)
• Refereeing at the European Pickleball Championships
• Participation in professional or semi-professional events
• Opportunity to referee within expanding clubs and associations

With the professionalization of pickleball, some competitions are also considering the introduction of remuneration for trained and certified referees.

Conclusion: a unique opportunity to contribute to the growth of pickleball in Europe

The Referee Courses 2026 represent an exceptional opportunity for all those who wish to play an active role in structuring European pickleball.

Thanks to a clear format, experienced instructors and EPF/USAP recognition, this training is the best way to acquire a professional level of refereeing.

With the explosion of tournaments and the arrival of new national federations, the demand for certified referees continues to grow.

If you want to invest in the future of pickleball, now is the perfect time to join the 2026 program.

📩 Applications must be submitted by December 10, 2025 to: maria@epfpb.org

🔎 More info: www.europeanpickleballfederation.org