How do I become a Pickleball Canada referee?

The Pickleball Canada Officiating Program has three credential levels: Level 1, Level 2 and Certified Referee. Everyone starts as a Verified Trainee (VT).

Step 1, get approved:

1. Become a Pickleball Canada member.
2. Contact your Provincial Head Referee about the officiating pathway.
3. Submit the VT Application Form (non-refundable $20 fee) and wait for the approval email.

VT status lasts one year from approval. After it expires you need a new registration form and the applicable fee.

Step 2, after approval:

• Study the 2026 Official Rulebook and the Officiating Handbook (the Handbook needs VT or higher access after login).
• Pass the online tests: Player Rules Review, Referee Rules, Best Practices and Line Judge.
• Arrange training through your Provincial Head Referee and Regional Referee Training Coordinator.
• Gain courtside experience: a Tournament Director may authorize you to observe matches, and after showing minimum proficiency you may referee independently.
• Your next goal is credentialed Level 1 Referee.

The rulebook is the 2026 Official Rulebook that Canada and other countries have agreed to follow (the PDF is published by USA Pickleball and hosted on Pickleball Canada's site).

Source: https://pickleballcanada.org/officiating/demo-officiating-program-information/