Inside the World of Pickleball Refereeing: As pro pickleball continues its rapid rise, line calls, court behavior, and enforcement of serve rules have become hot topics this summer. But who are the people responsible for ensuring the game is played fairly and properly? To answer this, we sat down with two of the sport’s key refereeing figures: Mike Baumgardner, Director of Officiating for the APP Tour, and Courtney Johnson, Head of Competition for Major League Pickleball (MLP).
Meet the Officials
Mike Baumgardner started playing pickleball recreationally in 2018 and began refereeing in 2020. He quickly ascended to Level 1 Referee status and later became the Director of Officiating for the APP Tour. Baumgardner, a full-time employee of the APP, is responsible for managing head referees, ensuring proper staffing, and overseeing referee development through the APP Referee Development Initiative (ARDI).
Courtney Johnson began playing pickleball in 2012 and noticed a need for referees. She became a Certified Referee in 2018 and now serves as MLP’s Head of Competition. Johnson manages the logistics of refereeing, coordinates assignments, and oversees the unique challenges of officiating MLP’s team-based and rally-scoring format.
Becoming a Pickleball Referee
Referees in pickleball are credentialed through USA Pickleball, which offers multiple levels of certification:
- Level 1 Referee: Can officiate most amateur matches. Requirements include USA Pickleball membership, classroom training, a vision test, and practical assessments.
- Level 2 Referee: Requires more practice and expertise. Level 2 officials can handle higher-level amateur matches and some pro matches.
- Certified Referee (CR): The top tier, qualified to officiate any match, pro or amateur, and often assigned to high-visibility broadcasts.
Referee Compensation and Development
Referees are compensated based on their certification level, with rates averaging $10 to $20 per match. Some events offer a daily rate or travel stipends. Referee development is a continuous process, as explained by Baumgardner, who introduced the APP Referee Development Initiative (ARDI). ARDI provides targeted training and assessment for referees, ensuring continuous improvement and readiness for higher-level officiating.
MLP, meanwhile, maintains a smaller pool of 11 rotating Certified Referees who manage the complexities of rally scoring and team-based formats. Johnson’s role includes managing video challenges and ensuring uniform communication from players and coaches.
Technological Advancements in Officiating
Line calls have been a contentious issue in 2024, prompting debates on platforms like PicklePod. To address this, the introduction of the Close Call Replay (CCR) technology will soon become a fixture in MLP and PPA events, enhancing accuracy and efficiency in officiating.
The Dedication Behind the Whistle
Referees like Baumgardner and Johnson highlight the dedication required in this role. Many referees balance full-time jobs while dedicating weekends to officiating. While not a path to wealth, it’s a vital role that supports the sport’s growth.
So next time you see a match, take a moment to acknowledge these unsung heroes – the referees – who keep the game fair and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Considering Becoming a Referee?
For those passionate about the sport, refereeing offers a unique way to contribute to pickleball’s community and growth. Visit the USA Pickleball website to learn more about the process and how you can get involved.
News in Brief: Inside the World of Pickleball Refereeing
As pickleball’s popularity surges, line calls and court behavior are hot topics. Key referees Mike Baumgardner, Director of Officiating for the APP Tour, and Courtney Johnson, Head of Competition for Major League Pickleball (MLP), are vital in ensuring fair play. Baumgardner, who began refereeing in 2020, oversees APP’s referee operations and development. Johnson, with a background in pickleball since 2012, manages refereeing logistics for MLP’s team-based format. Both officials highlight the demanding nature of their roles and the new Close Call Replay technology aimed at improving officiating accuracy. For those interested in refereeing, USA Pickleball offers various certification levels.
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