As Padel continues to expand across the United States, the demand for internationally qualified officials is rising. The International Padel Federation (FIP) is offering the FIP Level 1 International Padel Referee Course this summer. USPA members can secure a spot through the national governing body before applications close on May 13.
This is the official FIP certification, taught online in English by FIP Academy instructors. It covers the rules of play, FIP Tour technical regulations, referee duties and procedures, and the administrative side of tournament officiating. Completing the course puts you in the same referee pool that FIP uses across its international circuit.
Who the course is for
If you play, coach, work at a club, or just spend a lot of time around courts, this course is worth looking at. The eligibility requirements are:
- 18 years of age or older on the course start date
- 20/20 vision, natural or corrected, and normal hearing
- Valid USPA membership
Groups will be between 20 and 25 participants, and spots are limited. FIP evaluates all applicants after the application deadline, and the USPA will notify those selected.
How to register
Submit your application to the USPA from May 1 through May 13, 2026, 5:00 PM ET. Fill out this form to apply. Your submission needs to include:
- A completed FIP registration application form
- A copy of your passport
- A screenshot of your USPA membership page
- Your preferred course session time: Option 1 (6:00–7:30 AM ET) or Option 2 (10:00–11:30 AM ET)
- A certificate of studies (high school diploma, academic transcript, or higher)
After FIP reviews applications, accepted participants will receive a payment link to complete their registration directly with FIP. The course fee is 350 EUR (approximately $410 USD) and is due by May 25, 2026. Course materials are released on May 28, so you can get a head start before the online live sessions begin on June 2.
What the course covers
The curriculum spans six modules, with live online classes on Microsoft Teams from early June through mid-July. Attendance is mandatory for all sessions. Each live session runs 90 minutes and has two time options: Option 1 (6:00–7:30 AM ET) or Option 2 (10:00–11:30 AM ET).
The course wraps up with two final exams on July 14-15, covering all six modules. If you don’t pass on the first attempt, there is an additional test opportunity on July 28.
The six modules:
• Module 1: Introduction and rules of play
• Module 2: FIP Tour technical rules
• Module 3: Referee duties and procedures
• Module 4: Rules of conduct
• Module 5: Draw drafting and order of play
• Module 6: Reports and records
| DATE | DAY | TIME (EASTERN) | DESCRIPTION |
| May 1 | Fri | 8:00 AM | – USPA opens the application period for the course; interested officials may start submitting their completed applications. |
| May 13 | Wed | 5:00 PM | – Deadline for the course application, with all requirements submitted to the USPA |
| May 16-17 | Sat | 6:00 PM | – FIP evaluates the applications and confirms placements to the USPA – USPA will notify the applicants accepted into the course, and they will be sent a payment link |
| May 25 | Mon | End of Day | – Deadline for all successful applicants’ payments to the USPA |
| May 28 | Thu | 5:00 PM | – FIP Course Materials Release (all 6 modules). Successful applicants may begin reviewing the course in advance. |
| Jun 2 | Tue | *Option 1: 6:00 – 7:30 AM *Option 2: 10:00 – 11:30 AM | – Module 1: Introduction – Rules of play- Course & Online Classes Start via Microsoft Teams*All courses and classes will be taught online via Microsoft Teams. An invitation link will be provided to all students to attend classes. Attendance is mandatory. |
| Jun 3 | Wed | *Option 1: 6:00 – 7:30 AM *Option 2: 10:00 – 11:30 AM | – Module 1: Rules of play |
| Jun 5 | Fri | *Option 1: 6:00 – 7:30 AM *Option 2: 10:00 – 11:30 AM | – Module 1: Rules of play |
| Jun 9 | Tue | *Option 1: 6:00 – 7:30 AM *Option 2: 10:00 – 11:30 AM | – Module 1: Rules of play |
| Jun 10 | Wed | *Option 1: 6:00 – 7:30 AM *Option 2: 10:00 – 11:30 AM | – Module 2: Technical rules FIP TOUR |
| Jun 12 | Fri | *Option 1: 6:00 – 7:30 AM *Option 2: 10:00 – 11:30 AM | – Module 2: Technical rules FIP TOUR |
| Jun 16 | Tue | *Option 1: 6:00 – 7:30 AM *Option 2: 10:00 – 11:30 AM | – Module 2: Technical rules FIP TOUR |
| Jun 17 | Wed | *Option 1: 6:00 – 7:30 AM *Option 2: 10:00 – 11:30 AM | – Module 2: Technical rules FIP TOUR |
| Jun 19 | Fri | *Option 1: 6:00 – 7:30 AM *Option 2: 10:00 – 11:30 AM | – Module 3: Duties and procedures |
| Jun 23 | Tue | *Option 1: 6:00 – 7:30 AM *Option 2: 10:00 – 11:30 AM | – Module 3: Duties and procedures |
| Jun 24 | Wed | *Option 1: 6:00 – 7:30 AM *Option 2: 10:00 – 11:30 AM | – Module 4: Rules of conduct |
| Jun 26 | Fri | *Option 1: 6:00 – 7:30 AM *Option 2: 10:00 – 11:30 AM | – Module 4: Rules of conduct |
| Jun 30 | Tue | *Option 1: 6:00 – 7:30 AM *Option 2: 10:00 – 11:30 AM | – Module 5: Draw draft and order of play |
| Jul 1 | Wed | *Option 1: 6:00 – 7:30 AM *Option 2: 10:00 – 11:30 AM | – Module 5: Draw draft and order of play |
| Jul 3 | Fri | *Option 1: 6:00 – 7:30 AM *Option 2: 10:00 – 11:30 AM | – Module 5: Draw draft and order of play |
| Jul 7 | Tue | *Option 1: 6:00 – 7:30 AM *Option 2: 10:00 – 11:30 AM | – Module 6: Reports and Records |
| Jul 14 | Tue | *Option 1: 6:00 – 7:30 AM *Option 2: 10:00 – 11:30 AM | – Final Exam: Modules 1, 2, 3 |
| Jul 15 | Wed | *Option 1: 6:00 – 7:30 AM *Option 2: 10:00 – 11:30 AM | – Final Exam: Modules 4, 5, 6 |
| Jul 28 | Tue | *Option 1: 6:00 – 7:30 AM *Option 2: 10:00 – 11:30 AM | – Extraordinary Test: Second chance to pass the theory exams if you fail any of the modules on the first attempt. |
Building the officiating infrastructure
The USPA now requires a certified Level 1 official at all USPA 250 tournaments and above. That policy reflects where the sport is heading: more courts, more clubs, more sanctioned events, and a competitive structure that needs trained officials at every level of the draw.
FIP International Referee certification goes a step further. It opens the door to officiating at international events on the FIP Tour, not just domestically. For anyone who wants to build a career in padel officiating, Level 1 FIP certification is where that path starts.
Apply before May 13
USPA closes applications on May 13, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. All applications and requirements must be submitted to the USPA by that deadline. Spots are limited and are subject to FIP approval.
Apply for the course through the USPA by filling out this form and submitting your supporting documents.
Click here to view the full FIP course overview.
Click here to explore FIP Academy