If you’ve spent time at a tournament, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Diane Unetich. She has worked 2,000+ tournament matches, serves as Referee Training Coordinator for the North Mid-Atlantic Region of USA Pickleball, and is one of the fixtures players recognize at majors like the US Open or APP stops. That’s thousands of foot faults, service violations, and high-pressure points called with calm precision.

But what makes Diane stand out isn’t just the numbers. It’s the way she approaches the role: detailed, disciplined, and quietly funny. She’ll laugh and tell you she “could talk about refereeing for hours” — and she really can. But behind that wit is something deeply serious about keeping the game fair, teaching new officials, and reminding players that referees are part of the community too.

From Player to Referee

Diane celebrating her birthday at a tournament

Diane has been playing pickleball for about twelve years, but nearly a decade ago, she discovered refereeing might be her true calling. “I realized I might be a better referee than a player,” she said with a smile. She and her husband, Bob, went through training together after she nudged him into a referee clinic. “Truthfully, we started together, but I was the one who pushed us to go.”

While they’ve both logged plenty of matches, Diane took on more responsibility, stepping into the role of Referee Training Coordinator for the North Mid-Atlantic Region — which covers everything from the northern border of New York to the southern edge of West Virginia. “It’s a lot of territory,” she explained. “Some areas, like Philadelphia, New York, and New Jersey have plenty of trainers. Others, like upstate New York, we’re still trying to find people who can step into that role.”

Her job is part connector, part administrator. When someone is interested in learning to referee, she finds them a local trainer if one is available. If not, she helps them start virtually, answering questions and pointing them toward resources. “I’m the facilitator,” she says. “My role is making sure people who want to learn how to referee can actually find a path to do it.”

Inside the Match

What players often don’t realize is just how much physical and mental stamina refereeing requires. Long days in the sun, hours on your feet indoors with noise echoing around — it’s draining. Diane carries a comfort mat with her to stand on during tournaments.

“It’s a long day on your feet. Outdoors it’s the heat, indoors it’s the noise. You have to be disciplined, stay sharp, and not coast. As soon as you start coasting, you make a mistake.”

She’s had her share of tough calls too. Erne foot faults are a big one. “A player will swear they landed clean, but if their foot lands on that sideline, it’s a fault. You learn to trust what you see. And if you know the rules, you don’t have to worry about them being angry. You’re right.”

Her grandchildren get a kick out of it. “They always ask, ‘Did you make anybody mad today?’” she said, laughing. “They love hearing those little stories.”

So You Want to Be a Referee?

Ask Diane about the certification process and she lights up. She’s passionate about making people understand what goes into becoming a referee — and why it matters.

“It’s not rocket science,” she said. “It’s repetition and practice. But it is rigorous. And it should be.”

Here’s how the path works:

Verified Trainee: Everyone starts here. You study the rules, learn to keep score, and pass four online USA Pickleball tests. You also need to pass a visual acuity exam (20/30 vision required).
Level 1 Assessment: An assessor observes you in a match or structured practice. You need to prove you can manage scoring and the basics.
Level 2 Assessment: This stage is more demanding, often using “inserted faults” — deliberate mistakes by players — to test whether you catch them. “It’s not enough to get through a match without errors happening,” Diane explained. “You have to show you can handle them.”
Mentorship: Once you pass Level 2, you can request a mentor through your region’s Certified Referee Coordinator. The mentor works with you closely, polishing your skills and preparing you for the next step.
Advanced Training Session (ATS): A serious on-court exam that requires line judges and cooperating players. “It’s a big deal,” Diane said. “Most people don’t pass the first time. I didn’t.” But the ATS is designed to push candidates to the edge of their skills, testing judgment under pressure.
Certified Referee Evaluation: The final stage, usually done at a tournament with USAP evaluators. Passing this is cause for celebration — and for referees who’ve worked years toward the goal, it’s a huge moment.

On average, the process takes a couple of years. Some people, Diane notes, push through in a year. But for most, it’s a steady climb. “The key is to make your scoresheet bulletproof. Know the rules inside and out. And practice, practice, practice.”

What Players Don’t Realize

For Diane, the small details are where players lose points — and where referees quietly keep the game on track.

“Really know the rules. Not word-for-word memorized, but how to apply them,” she said. Things like the 10-second rule after the score is called, or keep our calls clear and acknowledged by the referee. Foot faults at the non-volley zone line? “They happen way more than people think, and momentum faults are the big one.”

Her advice goes beyond mechanics. “Respect your referees. We’re not trying to be the story of the match – the match is about the players. But the best thing players can do is treat refs like part of the community. Make eye contact, acknowledge us, and know that we’re there to apply the rules fairly.”

Diane’s Top Tips for Players

Before signing up for a tournament, make sure there are referees for your matches - especially playoff and medal matches.
Know the rules really well and how to best use them to your advantage.
Make out calls loudly and promptly. If using a hand signal, hold it until the referee acknowledges it.
Before playing in a tournament, ask your partners to watch your feet at the NVZ line and call foot faults on you — especially momentum faults.
In a non-refereed match, know that very few faults can be enforced. However, if you disagree with a serve foot fault call or a non-volley-zone foot fault call, you’re entitled to a replay. And yes, you can always request a referee if one’s available. You can also request the Head Referee to help come settle any dispute.

Diane Unetich and the referees at the 2022 GAMMA Pickleball Classic

Why She Keeps Coming Back

Ask Diane about her favorite tournament and she doesn’t hesitate: the US Open in Naples. “Center court is just electric,” she says. This past year every single match had a referee — a first for that tournament. “That was heaven.”

Recognition from players means a lot too. “It’s fun to be with the best players and have them know me, respect me. That part is very rewarding.” And then there’s the community. “Referees really support each other. Trainers want new referees to succeed. It’s a very encouraging group.”

Is she a celebrity in pickleball? “Oh, no. Not at all. Him maybe a little. Not me.” But anyone who’s watched her steady a high-stakes match, or trained under her guidance, would probably disagree.

Inside the Mind of a Pickleball Referee: Lessons from Diane Unetich