Pickleball is booming in Canada—and so is the demand for referees. With over 1.54 million Canadians playing pickleball at least once a month, as of September 2025, you’d think there would be refs on every corner. However, here’s the reality: as of June 2024, there were only 269 credentialed referees nationwide (127 Level 1, 115 Level 2, and 27 Certified).
No wonder tournaments are scrambling to find officials!
At IPOP, we understand firsthand the challenges of this shortage. Whether it’s DUPR nights, leagues, or big tournaments, finding enough qualified refs can feel harder than winning a 30-ball rally. That’s why we’re stepping up with something new: an Introduction to Pickleball Refereeing Program in partnership with Michael Strenkowski, a Pickleball BC Official Referee Trainer.
Why Referees Matter
Referees are the backbone of competitive pickleball. They keep matches fair, call foot faults, manage the score, and handle disputes, allowing players to focus on their game. Without them, tournament play slows down—or doesn’t happen at all.
SourceIn British Columbia and across Canada, Pickleball Canada (“PCO”) /Pickleball BC (“PBC”)-Sanctioned tournaments are popping up everywhere, but referees can be “spread thin” across multiple events. Organizers sometimes need to bring officials in from other regions. With Sanctioned events growing every year across the country, the need for more referees has never been greater.
The Path to Becoming an Accredited Referee in BC
Pickleball Canada has established a national officiating framework that aligns with international standards, which is adjudicated by PBC in BC. Here’s the journey:
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Step 1: Pass four online knowledge tests (Player, Line Judge, Referee, and Best Practices) on the PCO website.
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Step 2: Gain on-court experience—at least 150 matches is recommended.
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Step 3: Complete a visual-acuity test (20/30 or better).
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Step 4: Be referred to the PBC BC Head Referee by an authorized BC Referee Trainer (Micheal is one of six in BC) to be assessed at an appropriate tournament to be an Accredited Referee starting with Level 1 in the Tiered Referee System, then Level 2, and eventually as a Certified Referee (Pickleball Canada Officiating Program as outlined here on the PBC website: BC’s 2025 Referee Assessment Program.
Source, Photo Credit: Mark Peifer
The challenge? Getting enough real match experience and finding opportunities for assessment. That’s where IPOP—and Michael—come in.
IPOP’s Pickleball Referee Program
We’re thrilled to have Michael Strenkowski helping us lead this initiative. As a Authorized PBC BC Referee Trainer, Michael brings unmatched knowledge, patience, and passion for building the next generation of referees.
His guidance means IPOP trainees get access to the same training materials, mentorship, and feedback you’d receive at the national level—but right here at our facility.
Check out the video with Michael and IPOP Chief Paddle Officer Chris White explaining our fast-track referee training program here:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPC2N7qAYg6/
If you don’t have time to watch the full, in-depth video, here’s a quick breakdown of how IPOP's referee program works:
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Sign up by emailing hello@ipop.fun with your full name and the subject line: “Interested in Referee Program.”
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Get added to Pickleball Canada’s official trainee list and unlock training materials directly from Michael.
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Practice the tests as much as you want—no one sees your scores, it’s just for learning.
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Get your recommended 150 matches quicker: Ref IPOP DUPR sessions, leagues, tournaments, and even open play.
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Learn with support: Michael and our IPOP team mentor you until you’re confident on court.
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Get assessed: When Michael thinks you’re ready, you’ll be referred to the PBC BC Head Referee, who will work with the candidate and trainer/mentor to arrange for the assessment. A qualified Assessor will be found to conduct the assessment at an agreed date and at an appropriate event.
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Eye exam included: an optometrist will handle your visual acuity test right here at IPOP.
Instead of waiting months (or longer) to hit the 150-match mark, you’ll rack up experience in a lively, supportive environment—with one of BC and Canada’s top referee trainers cheering you on.
Why This Matters
For players, it means more consistent, professionally run tournaments. For referees, it’s a chance to level up your skills, get closer to the action, and give back to the sport you love. And for the pickleball community, it’s how we grow—not just in numbers, but in quality of play and fairness.
And having Michael Strenkowski, professional ref trainer, on board? That’s the game-changer. His expertise ensures our program doesn’t just meet national standards—it raises the bar.
Become a Referee FAQ
💵 Do referees get paid?
Sometimes! At grassroots tournaments, it’s usually volunteers, but at provincial, national, and pro events, Certified referees are often paid per diem, and PBC has its TRAP program, which assists with travel and living expenses.
⌛ Can I do this full-time?
Not yet. In Canada, refereeing is part-time or volunteer-based. But with growth, paid opportunities are expanding.
📈 Is there room for advancement?
Yes. The pathway goes from Level 1 → Level 2 → Certified Referee.
👀 Do I need perfect vision?
You’ll need to pass a visual acuity test (20/30 or better). IPOP makes this easy by hosting on-site eye exams.
🎯 How long does it take?
To be accredited, it can take months or longer. With IPOP’s referee program, you can log matches weekly and move up quicker.
🙋 Who will mentor me?
That’s the best part—you’ll be coached by Michael Strenkowski, one of BC and Canada’s top referee trainers, along with the IPOP team.
Ready to Put on the Ref Shirt?
If you’ve ever thought about becoming a referee, now’s the perfect time. IPOP’s Introduction to Pickleball Refereeing program is built to make the process smoother, quicker, and more fun—with Michael’s expert mentorship along the way.
👉 Email hello@ipop.fun with your full name and the subject line “Interested in Referee Program” to get on the list.
For those already on the list, we have a mandatory information session scheduled for January 20th, 2026, at IPOP.
During this session, we'll go over:
- Program structure and timeline
- Training requirements and certification process
- Your role as a referee in the BC pickleball community
- Schedule for upcoming sessions
- Q&A to address any questions you may have
Help us grow the game, one call at a time… Sign up to become a pickleball referee today!