Refereeing Courses

Referees are an integral part of our sport and anyone can become a squash referee. Whether you want to referee local matches or have ambitions to officiate at the highest level, there is a structure in place to help you get there. Referees are supported as they move through the pathway through events and mentoring opportunities and are offered assessments whenever possible.

Club Referee

Basic overview and introduction to the rules of squash for anyone wishing to have an entry-level understanding when participating in squash. Open to anyone wishing to safely play, referee and supervise squash in a basic capacity.

District Referee

Developing the referee and further expanding knowledge beyond the basic understanding of officiating. Open to anyone who wants to be considered for selection to referee at district or local PSA level, and support new players into refereeing at club level.


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National Referee

Further developing officiating skills to a national level by enhancing knowledge, understanding and interpretation of the rules. Open to anyone who wants to be considered for selection to referee or assess at appropriate national, international or PSA events.


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Start your refereeing journey and access the Club Referee exam by clicking the link below.

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Why Become a Referee?

More than 2,600 people are qualified as a referee. Here's why:

  • Ensure games are conducted safely and are played in accordance with sanctioned rules and regulations.


  • Continue your enjoyment of the game after or even during your playing career.


  • Increase your knowledge of the rules to improve your game.


  • Have the best seat in the house at every match.


  • Get that great feeling of allowing everyone to have the best experience possible when taking part in squash matches and tournaments.


  • Maintain your current links with the game, forge new friendships and give back to the sport in a direct and meaningful way.


  • Gain appreciation and respect from the squash family.


  • Open up travel opportunities both around New Zealand and to the rest of the world.


Referee Pathway

The Squash NZ Referee Pathway is being migrated over the The World Squash Officiating Framework. See WSO website for details.


If you have the right skills then we'll help you achieve it. Whether you want to simply improve your rules knowledge, referee local matches or have ambitions to officiate at the highest level, there is a structure in place to help you get there. Referees are supported as they move through the pathway through events and via mentoring opportunities and are offered assessments whenever possible.

Step 1: Club Referee - Online Club Referee Exam

Club referees can be expected to referee matches up to their own playing level but may be able to do higher levels depending on experience and ability.  It must be recognised that no practical appraisal is completed for a club referee, and successful candidates should therefore be confident but still take care with the level of matches they choose to referee.


The Squash New Zealand Club Referee exam can be found here. 


Players can enhance their knowledge by signing up to the WSO website and achieving Level 0 + 1 module competition, there is no officiating fee required to get to this stage. 


It is currently being investigated whether the WSO Level 0 + 1 100% will eventually become the new Club Referee exam.


Level 1 Referees can go on & work towards being a WSO level 2 (District level) referee.


Level 2 Referees are required to:


  • Submit expression of interest to Squash New Zealand using this form
  • Achieve up to WSO Level 2 module completion 
  • Complete the practical assessments as per the Referees Management Plan below. 
  • A summary of the requirements can be found here WSO-Level 2 Information Summary (District)
  • Upon completion of the relevant Level 2 practical requirements, SNZ Referee Director will request WSO Endorsement of the Referee
  • Referee to pay fee for WSO Level 2 

Step 3: National Referee - WSO Level 3

The WSO Level 3 is awarded to referees who have proved their ability and commitment at this level. Referees are required to:


  • Have achieved WSO Level 2 and held this qualification for a minimum period of 12 months. Referees who show sufficient aptitude can be fast-tracked. 
  • Complete the practical assessments as per the Referees Management Plan below. 
  • A summary of the requirements can be found here WSO Level 3 Information Summary (National)
  • Upon completion of the relevant Level 3 practical requirements, SNZ Referee Director will request WSO Endorsement of the Referee
  • Referee to pay fee for WSO Level 3 


Step 4: Regional Referee WSO Level 4

Squash New Zealand supports qualified national Level 3 referees to progress towards WSO Level 4 (Regional) Referee status. Becoming a WSO Level 4 referee allows referees the opportunity to take part in Regional and other relevant international events.

Step 5: Regional Referee WSO Level 4

WSO Level 4 referees who demonstrate exceptional skills and commitment must meet all the requirements detailed in the competency-based training and assessment programme for WSO Level 5 Referees.

Other Policies

All referees need to be aware of the Squash New Zealand Policies and they need to ensure they adhere to these at all times.

Referees Management Plan

The Referee Management Plan 2022 Final outlines all the requirements to become a referee in New Zealand and are designed to help you on your way to becoming the best referee possible. 

For more information contact Squash New Zealand admin@squashnz.co.nz.


Looking for some more resources?

To support you in your role as a referee and to help you to develop, we have a number of downloadable resources, click the button below.

MORE RESOURCES
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