Idaho has a CERTIFIED referee again (and the Treasure Valley's first). Ken Reynolds, BAPA member, achieved certification from USA Pickleball in March 2022 at the Southwest Diamond Regional in Mesa, AZ.
Ken first became interested in refereeing back in 2018 and gives all the credit to Kevin Johnson. Kevin organized training sessions for referees before 3 or 4 local tournaments - and Ken attended. Ken has been officiating for years. He officiated intramural sports in college: football, basketball, softball. And also youth soccer when his kids were playing.
Ken said each match he refs is fun in its own way. And he's glad the Rules Committee eliminated the 'chainsaw' serve.
"Having referees is the best way to ensure the game is safe and fair," Ken said. "It's surprising how few players know the rules of pickleball."
He recommends everyone take the Rules Test for Players. This test, created by USA Pickleball, is designed for players who mainly play in non-officiated games.
Players he refs have disagreed over line calls at times. So, Ken wants you to know that officials can NOT overturn a line call, UNLESS there is an appeal... it's in the rulebook.
BAPA members: Paul Straube, Bill Wallace, and Steve Torrano are also on their way, working towards certification. Ken recommends refereeing to others who enjoy officiating and want to give back to pickleball.
If anyone has any rules questions on pickleball... Ken is your man to ask.
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