The officiating certification for official tournaments, with Levels 1–3.
The Referee Certification has three levels. Before taking a higher level, you must wait at least one year after earning the level below it.
An entry-level certification qualifying you to officiate and keep score at club and local tournaments. Earned in a 4-hour session.
Qualifies you as a head referee at prefecture-level tournaments. Open to those at least one year past earning Level 1. Also a 4-hour session.
The top certification, qualifying you as a head referee or referee-in-chief at national and international tournaments. Requires at least one year of experience since Level 2, plus a recommendation.
| Level | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Registered Pickleball Japan (PJ) members aged 16 or older. No playing or refereeing experience required. |
| Level 2 | Holds a Level 1 certification, earned at least one year prior. Tournament officiating experience is preferred. |
| Level 3 | Holds a Level 2 certification, earned at least one year prior, with officiating experience at national or international tournaments. Requires a recommendation from your prefectural federation. |
* These requirements are provisional and may change as the certification system develops.
Each 4-hour session covers understanding the rules, hands-on practice making calls, scorekeeping, case studies of fault calls, and the mindset and communication skills expected of a referee.
Covers overseeing officiating at national and international tournaments, managing multiple courts at once, handling disputes and issues, interpreting tournament regulations, and mentoring other referees.
All prices include tax and may vary by venue and timing.
| Level | Duration | Fee (tax included) |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 4 hours | ¥6,600–¥7,700 |
| Level 2 | 4 hours | ¥9,900 (member rate) |
| Level 3 | Multiple days | Fee not yet set (provisional note for this site) |
* The fee and format for Level 3 have not yet been finalized. This page will be updated once details are confirmed.
Make sure your PJ membership registration is complete.
Follow the instructions on each certification’s page to apply.
Pay the certification fee by credit card.
After classroom instruction, you’ll be evaluated in a real match.
Once you pass, your certification is registered, and you can officiate at sanctioned tournaments.
Check upcoming sessions
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For questions about the Referee Certification, please contact us via our contact form under the “Certification & Seminars” category.
Pickleball Japan