LEVEL 1 REFEREE QUALIFICATION

Support the game. Make the call.

As padel continues to grow across New Zealand, people are needed within our community who understand the rules and can confidently support players and tournaments on court.

The Padel New Zealand Level 1 Referee Qualification provides a practical qualification for people interested in developing their knowledge of the Rules of Padel and supporting matches at club, sanctioned and Padel New Zealand tournaments.

The qualification combines rules knowledge with practical on-court experience, giving referees the opportunity to apply what they have learned in real match situations.

Domestic padel competitions around the world are generally self-refereed, with referees available to support players, assist with rules and resolve disputes or other on-court situations when required. Level 1 Referees may also actively officiate selected matches, such as tournament finals.

Who is it for?

The qualification is designed for people who already have a reasonable understanding of padel and would like to become more involved in supporting the sport, through refereeing.

You don't need previous refereeing experience, but you should be familiar with padel, understand how matches are played and be willing to learn and apply the rules fairly and consistently

How to become a Level 1 Referee

Step 1 - Learn the rules

Applicants should familiarise themselves with the standard Rules of Padel and the Padel New Zealand regulations that apply to tournaments.

The qualification is based on the global standards set by the International Padel Federation (FIP), together with the practical requirements of refereeing within the New Zealand competition environment.

Step 2 - Complete the theory assessment

Complete the online Padel New Zealand Level 1 Referee Theory Assessment.

The assessment consists of 60 questions covering:

• standard match play and scoring

• serving and receiving

• court and equipment rules

• legal and illegal returns

• interference and point decisions

• match procedures

• practical situations referees may encounter on court

The assessment is open-book, but applicants must complete it independently.

A score of at least 80% (48 out of 60) is required to pass.

There is no fee to complete the theory assessment.

Step 3 - Complete the practical component

Once you have successfully passed the theory assessment and paid the qualification fee, you can begin the practical component.

Applicants are required to officiate a minimum of five matches at an affiliated club, confirmed by either a Club Manager or Tournament Director.

At least two of those matches must involve a disputed decision or an active refereeing decision, giving the applicant practical
experience applying the rules rather than simply observing play.

This component is designed to build confidence in making decisions and supporting players in real match situations.

Step 4 - Become a Padel New Zealand Level 1 Referee

Following completion and confirmation of the practical requirements, applicants must sign the Padel New Zealand Referee Code of Conduct.

Successful applicants will then be accredited as a Padel New Zealand Level 1 Referee, receive a Padel New Zealand Referee top, and be listed on the Padel New Zealand website.

Accredited referees may support club competitions, Padel New Zealand sanctioned or National tournaments and other competition activities. Matches will generally be self-refereed, with Level 1 Referees providing rules support, assisting with disputes or other situations throughout the tournament, and potentially officiating selected matches such as tournament finals.

Accreditation does not constitute employment by Padel New Zealand or guarantee refereeing opportunities. Accredited referees can seek refereeing opportunities directly with clubs and tournament organisers, which may be paid or voluntary. Any arrangements are made directly between the referee and the relevant club or tournament organiser.

Qualification Fee

There is no charge to sit the theory assessment.

Applicants who successfully pass the theory assessment pay a $50 qualification fee before progressing to the practical component. The fee includes the practical qualification process, final accreditation and a Padel New Zealand Referee top upon successful completion.

Once you have passed the theory assessment, pay the $50 qualification fee here.

Ready to get started?

If you'd like to become a Padel New Zealand Level 1 Referee, you can start by reviewing the Rules of Padel and completing the theory assessment.

Questions about the referee qualification can be sent to info@padelnewzealand.org.nz.