Becoming a padel referee: the ultimate guide

As in all sports, matches must be officiated in an impartial manner. However in padel, the rules are slightly different. First of all, the referee role must be defined. In padel, the chair umpire plays a less prominent role than in tennis, since most out balls are quite obvious (net or glass). However, one is certainly required for serves as well as for balls landing right between the ground and the glass wall. At the professional level, video review is also available to rewatch actions in slow motion so the umpire can make the final call. For amateur tournaments in France (non-professional from P25 to P2000), there are often no chair umpires and matches are self-officiated. However, a certified tournament referee must be present on site for the tournament to be officially sanctioned. 

Tournament referees work hand in hand with arbitres when present. They handle draws, schedules, seedings, and often manage the organisation of the tournament. For wheelchair padel, it is no different: a chair arbitre is indeed present and officiates in the same way as in able-bodied padel, with a few adapted rules, of course. 

The qualities required to become a padel referee

Technical skills 

Padel tournament referees (also known as JAPs) have had to obtain a dedicated padel qualification since 2020. Indeed, prior to that, tennis tournament referees (JATs) could officiate in padel. However, the French Tennis Federation (FFT) aims to separate the two disciplines with a view to creating the French Padel Federation. This dedicated training course is available online to anyone over 18 and lasts between 7 and 15 hours depending on initial skills. 

For the padel referee (AP) training course, you must be at least 13 years old and pass an internal league examination in order to officiate within that same league. 

Whether for tournament referees or chair umpires, a thorough knowledge of the rules of padel as well as the padel glossary must be acquired by candidates to make as few mistakes as possible. 

Interpersonal skills 

Beyond scoring in padel and calling balls, referees must also settle disputes between players if any arise and handle all on-court behavioural issues. They may even have to deal with aggressive individuals. In all cases, they must follow the rules to the letter and do everything to ensure the match takes place in the best possible conditions for players and spectators alike. 

The tournament referee must also show patience regarding players' reactions. But the key quality of a tournament referee is undoubtedly organisation. You need to be very well organised and focused to draw up the schedule, call pairs on court on time, and ensure the tournament runs smoothly. 

Physical fitness 

Although the referee must know padel inside out, they do not need to have a background as a player. There is no need for an athletic build. However, it is essential to have a sharp eye as well as quick reaction times to be as accurate as possible. The goal remains unchanged: make as few errors as possible and ensure the match runs smoothly. 

Training courses available to become a padel referee

Referee and tournament referee training courses are provided by the FFT as well as the leagues associated with the federation. They have recently become available entirely online and can be taken by anyone wishing to become a referee. Once this test is passed, referees are assigned to the league that issued their qualification and can officiate only within that league (region in France). The tournament referee, on the other hand, can officiate anywhere in France. A tournament referee can also work for a single club if it hosts many tournaments. They are then referred to as an affiliated tournament referee.