How to become a referee

As a referee you play a key role in making squash happen. Every match relies on someone to keep things fair and create an environment where players can focus on their game.

It's a great way to stay involved in squash, build confidence, and have a real impact on the experience of every player.

Whether you want to referee at your local club, or on the international stage, we're here to help you every step of the way.

Getting started as a referee is straightforward and you can build your experience as you go. To be recognised as an England Squash referee you need the following:

Get set up

• Sign up to be an England Squash member: Find out about England Squash membership
• Create a free England Squash Learning account: Create an England Squash Learning account

When you create your England Squash Learning account, you'll need to link it to your England Squash membership by adding your England Squash membership ID.

Start with the basics

• Complete the World Squash Officiating (WSO) Level 1 online course: Book your WSO course
• You can then move on to Level 2 (Theory) when you're ready

The course costs $15 (approximately £12). Paid England Squash members receive a 20% discount.

Send us your certificate
Once you've completed the course, send your certificate to [email protected] and we'll add it to your profile.

Get match ready
If you'd like to referee at England Squash events, you'll also need:

• An enhanced England Squash DBS check (dated within the last three years): Find out about DBS checks
• England Squash safeguarding training (dated within the last three years): Book your safeguarding course
• A current England Squash Just Play membership (or higher): Find out about England Squash membership

As you attend events you will work with more experienced referees and be able to progress through the pathway via practical appraisals and informal mentoring.

How we referee the England Squash way

Great refereeing creates trust. It allows players to focus on their game, knowing decisions are fair, consistent, and respectful.

As a referee, you play a key role in protecting the integrity of the game and the experience of everyone on court.

Our behaviours
These are the core behaviours expected from all England Squash coaches. They sit alongside the Code of Conduct.

• Be fair and consistent: Apply the rules clearly and consistently
• Put people first: Respect players and manage matches with empathy
  
• Be confident: Make decisions decisively and communicate them clearly
  
• Keep people safe: Prioritise player welfare and intervene when needed
  
• Stay composed: Remain calm under pressure and manage conflict effectively
  
• Act with integrity: Be impartial, honest and accountable (not perfect!)
  
• Work as a team: Collaborate with organisers and other officials
  
• Keep learning: Stay up to date with rules and reflect on performance
  

View the code of conduct

Further Information

Tournament Referees

A Tournament Referee (TR) is appointed for all major tournaments (Platinum & Gold). They will be responsible for briefings, allocation of matches, liaising with the Events Desk and managing any issues raised by players, parents or coaches. They are also responsible for the welfare of every referee and will organise rest breaks. At smaller events and venues, the TR role is often performed by a Lead Referee. TR's are usually experienced Level 3 or higher referees who have attended numerous events.

Mentors

By their nature referees are social and enjoy discussing events and supporting each other through the pathway and as such a large emphasis of the development of referees is placed upon mentoring from their peers. To support the development of referees we encourage regionalised and localised group, peer to peer and individual mentoring. As referees develop and attend events we naturally encourage those local to them to provide this support. There is also an opportunity during the appraisal debrief at all levels for this to be discussed and the 'matching service' initiated. More formal mentoring opportunities take place for identified talented referees and through some County Associations.

Appraisers & Appraisals

All referees are appraised and mentored by experienced referees, appraisers and mentors as part of their development. This helps to identify talented referees and aids progression through the different levels of the pathway. There is a specific route for appraisals and criteria set out to help referees understand how and when they should be ready to progress to the next grade. Full information can be found on the referee resources page.

Formal appraisal opportunities are only provided at events and undertaken by trained appraisers (usually Level 3 and higher referees). This is why it is important that if you wish to progress you ensure that your DBS check and safeguarding certificates are in place so that you can attend England Squash events where appraisers are present.

Under 16s

People under 16 are able to complete the WSO Player Certificate - Introductory Level but will be appointed as a junior referee. They can progress through the full pathway from age 16 and still require a DBS and Safeguarding course certificate.