How to become a referee
This is a plain-English guide. The official IPF Technical Rules are the final word.
There are two levels of IPF international referee: Category 2, and the higher Category 1. (To referee at our competitions, you take the divisional referees exam first, see our FAQs.)
Category 2 referee
- Be a national referee of at least two years, having refereed at least two national championships
- Be recommended by your national federation
- Pass a written and a practical exam, scoring at least 85% on each
For the practical, you referee 100 attempts as a side referee, at least 40 of them squats, and must agree with the scrutineers at least 85% of the time.
Category 1 referee
- Be a Category 2 referee for at least four years, having refereed at least six international and six national championships
- Pass a written and practical exam, refereeing at least 75 attempts as chief referee, scoring at least 90% overall
- Be nominated by your national federation at least three months before
Category 1 referees must speak English well enough to handle disputes and jury duty.
Dress code
Referees wear a dark blue blazer with the IPF badge, grey trousers or skirt, a white shirt or blouse, and the IPF tie or scarf, red for Category 1 and blue for Category 2, with formal black shoes.
Re-registration
Referees re-register every four years, having refereed at least two international and two national championships in that time, with a small fee. A referee inactive for four years loses their qualification and must re-sit the exams.