# 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.

Source: Actu Padel
Canonical: https://actu-padel.com/en/referee-training-2026-padel-wallonie-bruxelles-focuses-on-the-court/
Language: en-US
Published: 2026-02-06T23:34:44+01:00
Modified: 2026-02-06T23:45:43+01:00
Author: Jérôme
Categories: Padel Belgium
Featured image: ![referee training 2026 padel wallonie bruxelles](https://cdn.actu-padel.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/formation-juge-arbitre-2026-padel-wallonie-bruxelles.jpg?strip=all&sharp=1)

## 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](https://formations.tppwb.be/shop/academie-officiels-padel/academie-officiels-padel-ja/formation-juge-arbitre-padel-31-mai-au-royal-smashing-club-nivellois/)
- 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**](https://padel.tppwb.be/enseigner/formations-juge-arbitrage/documents/) 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)](https://padel.tppwb.be/enseigner/formations-juge-arbitrage/)
- [Registration – May 31, 2026 session (TPPWB training platform)](https://formations.tppwb.be/shop/academie-officiels-padel/academie-officiels-padel-ja/formation-juge-arbitre-padel-31-mai-au-royal-smashing-club-nivellois/)
- [Useful documents (2026 tournament regulations / 2026 interclub regulations)](https://padel.tppwb.be/enseigner/formations-juge-arbitrage/documents/)