USA Pickleball Global Referee Standards: USA Pickleball and the European Pickleball Federation have announced a new agreement to create one shared standard for referee training and certification. This partnership aims to align officiating practices between the United States and Europe and support the global growth of the sport.
Unified Referee System for Two Continents
USA Pickleball, the national body for the sport in the United States, and the European Pickleball Federation, the main governing body in Europe, will now follow the same referee policies. The deal helps set a common rulebook and training method for referees in both regions.
The agreement means:
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The European Pickleball Federation will use USA Pickleball’s policies.
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USA Pickleball will help the European Pickleball Federation by providing translated materials.
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Referee levels and tests will be the same in both places.
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Referees can work in both the United States and Europe using the same credentials.
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Both groups will share resources and update their websites together.
Shared Vision for Global Growth
Justin Maloof, Chief Competition Officer at USA Pickleball, explained the importance of the partnership.
“This collaboration represents a significant step toward building a unified, international officiating standard that brings the sport closer to global recognition and Olympic qualification.”
Maria Munz, the Leader of Officiating for the European Pickleball Federation, said,
“We started this initiative because we see USAP as the gold standard in officiating and our aim is to align European referee training with its quality and professionalism. EPF referees are credentialed to match USAP levels, enabling officials from both organizations to officiate interchangeably across the U.S. and Europe.
EPF is offering USAP-based courses and is encouraging and supporting its country members to adopt similar standards for their own referee programs.”
Expanding Pickleball’s International Reach
This agreement shows how fast pickleball is growing around the world. With 38 member countries, the European Pickleball Federation is helping to promote the sport in Europe. Formed in Luxembourg in May 2023, the organization works to grow the sport and highlight its physical, mental, and social benefits for people of all ages and skill levels.
By working together, USA Pickleball and the European Pickleball Federation are building a stronger foundation for international tournaments and helping pickleball move closer to becoming an Olympic sport.
News in Brief: USA Pickleball Global Referee Standards
USA Pickleball and the European Pickleball Federation have partnered to create shared referee standards. This move brings the U.S. and Europe under one system for training and certification. It marks a key step in growing pickleball worldwide and prepares the sport for more global competitions and Olympic inclusion.
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