Referee Training 2026: Padel Wallonie-Bruxelles focuses on the court

With the increasing number of tournaments and the need for a clear framework, padel lacks trained officials. In 2026, Padel Wallonie-Bruxelles is relaunching a simple format: a one-day in-person session, followed by supervised practical application. Goal: to train referees capable of organizing, anticipating, and making decisions, without complicating things for players or clubs.

Dernière mise à jour : 6 February 2026 23h45

Jérôme

ParJérôme

J’ai découvert le padel en remplaçant un joueur au pied levé… et j’ai accroché tout de suite. Depuis, j’enchaîne les matchs et les tournois en Belgique,...

6 min de lecture

Table of Contents

A key role: the referee, the ‘conductor’ of tournaments
The 2026 format: a one-day in-person session, followed by supervised practice
The practical part: Webclub and support during a tournament
2026 Calendar: what’s already confirmed… and what to watch out for
Key takeaway
Practical information, registration, and contacts

A key role: the referee, the ‘conductor’ of tournaments

The referee is not there to ‘whistle’ every point: their main role is to ensure the smooth running of a tournament, from enforcing regulations to managing concrete situations (withdrawals, schedules, draws, communication with participants). And this is not a minor administrative detail: the 2026 tournament regulations specify that a club must designate a recognized referee to organize a competition within the Padel Wallonie-Bruxelles framework. In an increasingly busy calendar, this function becomes a real lever for quality of reception. The ‘real’ job of the referee: to streamline the tournament from start to finish Beyond the exam, the role is primarily measured by the ability to run a competition without a hitch. Specifically, the referee intervenes in three key areas:

Inform at the right time: after the publication of groups and schedules, they ensure that players have useful information to limit misunderstandings and delays.
Monitor and formalize: they oversee the progress of matches (groups then main draw) and enter the results into Webclub throughout the day.
Manage unforeseen events: authorized adjustments, specific situations, organizational decisions… they apply the regulations and secure the tournament framework.

A good referee is not just someone who ‘knows the rules’: it’s primarily someone who knows how to apply them effectively, without hindering the game.

The 2026 format: a one-day in-person session, followed by supervised practice

1) The ‘theory’ day: understanding the rules before managing the court

Padel Wallonie-Bruxelles is offering a one-day in-person training in 2026, designed for candidates who want to get involved in organizing and supervising tournaments. The theoretical content is structured around three pillars:

the FIP regulations, the foundation of the game’s rules;
the interclub regulations;
the tournament regulations.

2) The evaluation: an ‘open book’ MCQ… but timed

Validation is done via an online MCQ taken on-site (Wi-Fi connection at the club). Candidates are invited to bring their laptop.

Approximately 40 questions
30 minutes
80% success required
Open book MCQ
In case of failure, a new exam can be retaken if necessary

Translation: yes, you can consult the documents… but time requires you to know where to look. The classic trap is to rely on the ‘open book’ to compensate for a lack of familiarity.

The practical part: Webclub and support during a tournament

After theory, it’s time for practical application. The practical part is done via Webclub and is based on an internship supervised by ‘accompanying’ referees. This phase must be completed within 3 months following the theoretical training and includes at least:

one evening of practice during a tournament;
registration for a tournament (pre-entry before entries open).

Once the practical part is validated, the referring referees send the confirmation to Padel Wallonie-Bruxelles, which then proceeds with sending the diploma.

2026 Calendar: what’s already confirmed… and what to watch out for

Padel Wallonie-Bruxelles announces two in-person dates at the Royal Smashing Club Nivellois (Nivelles), under the responsibility of Stéphane Ghion, with a second part of the year still ‘to come’.

February 1, 2026 – Royal Smashing Club Nivellois – session closed
May 31, 2026 – Royal Smashing Club Nivellois – Registration
2nd half of the year: dates to be announced

Note: depending on the sessions, the format may evolve (one-day in-person, or a multi-session formula). Remember to check the details on the registration page for your chosen date.

Prepare (really): 5 tips to save time on D-Day

Download the regulations in advance and locate the sections on ‘disputes / withdrawals / draws’.
Practice finding information in under 30 seconds: the MCQ is short.
Arrive with a charged computer (and, if possible, a backup plan: charger, connection sharing).
During practice, take ‘court’ notes: what’s problematic, what recurs, what wastes time.
Ask to see the complete process: pre-tournament, during, after (publication, entries, validations).

Key takeaway

One in-person day + a practical phase to be completed within 3 months.
Online MCQ on-site: ~40 questions, 30 minutes, 80% required.
Practice is done via Webclub and support during a tournament.
Two dates announced in Nivelles (February 1: closed; May 31: open) + others to come.