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

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 finishBeyond 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.

Practical information, registration, and contacts

Registration is done via an online form. For any questions, Padel Wallonie-Bruxelles refers to the Officials Academy:

• Schedule (May 31): 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
• Contact: academiedesofficiels@tppwb.be
• Official page ‘Referee Training’ (Padel Wallonie-Bruxelles)
• Registration – May 31, 2026 session (TPPWB training platform)
• Useful documents (2026 tournament regulations / 2026 interclub regulations)