A. What is Certification?
Certification is the process used to specify a referee's level of technical competence on an ascending rating scale from Club Referee (D) to National Referee (A). A National Referee (A), is an official of the highest competence. A Regional Referee (B) is a very experienced referee, capable of handling the first rounds of a national championship. A State Referee (C) is a competent official capable of officiating at state and district events. A Club Referee (D) is a neophyte.
For simplicity, at this stage of the US Squash Rules and Referees Program, there is no separate certification process for markers.
The referee certification process involves a series of evaluations conducted by a US Squash assessor while the candidate referee works matches. Certification is the evaluation step in the overall referee development process although it unquestionably has training value also.
The names of active certified referees are published on the US Squash website.
B. Certification Procedures
US Squash produces competent referees by employing a standardized methodology for training, developing, and certifying volunteers throughout the U.S. The approach is modeled after Canadaís program and Rod Symington from British Columbia has directed its implementation since the mid-1990s.
US Squash recognizes certification and development are interactive in the sense that feedback from referee Assessors is an important element in an official's development. Assessments of observed strengths and weaknesses and suggestions for improvement can focus and motivate the rated referee to address specific areas needing work. These assessments can also stimulate changes in training.
1. Initial Referee Certification
a. At the Club Referee (D) Level.
There are two ways to achieve a Club Referee (D) certification: successful completion of a Referee Certification Clinic --the preferred method-- or a self-test.
(1) Referee Certification Clinic - Certified Referee Instructors present Certification Courses that include a theory clinic and a practical phase. Although instructors are free to structure their courses to fit the audience and their own preferences, a typical course might include:
- A slide theory presentation lasting two to three hours which covers the Rules of Squash and their correct interpretation. Photos and video clips are used to illustrate situations requiring referee decisions. Subjects discussed include correct terminology, the roles of the referee and marker, and the Referee's Line of Thinking concerning interference.
- A video presentation lasting one to two hours, which offers the students the opportunity to "make the call" on interference situations illustrated on videoclips, followed by a discussion of the reasons for the correct decisions.
- An on-court demonstration offering the students an opportunity to practice their officiating skills and mechanics in a controlled situation, with feedback and instruction provided by the instructor. If possible, this aspect will be done during competitive play.
At the end of the theory presentation, the instructor administers the 75-question written rules and responsibilities test and submits the answer sheet to US Squash for grading and issuance of credentials to those who achieve a score or 80% or higher and pass the practical test. A candidate who fails the test with a score of at least 65% may retake it as a self-test. Those with lower scores must retake the clinic.
(2) Self-Test - Although taking a Referee Certification Clinic is the preferred way to achieve Club Referee (D) certification, US Squash will send the Club Referee (D) certification test and answer sheet to any member who requests it. They are also available on the US Squash website. After completing the test on an "open book" basis, the member sends the test to US Squash for grading. US Squash will inform the member of the results. If the member attains a grade of at least 80%, US Squash will also issue a Club Referee (D) certification credential. A member may attempt the Club Referee (D) test unsuccessfully twice, after which attendance at a Certification Clinic is required.
b. At the State Referee (C) Level.
Initial State Referee (C) certification can be achieved three ways by:
- Successfully completing the Referee Instructor course, or
- Attending the second day (Advanced Officiating Symposium) of a two-day Referee Certification Clinic, and successfully refereeing a match while being assessed by the Referee Instructor, or
- NDO evaluation.