Refereeing

Of the millions who participate in snooker across the globe there are of course only a select few can make the grade and become a professional player on the World Snooker Tour.

For some, the next best thing however is to become a snooker referee – placing them at the heart of the action on the biggest stages of all.

The role of a referee is crucial at both at professional and amateur level and the WPBSA is currently working to provide a clear pathway for those with the talent and the enthusiasm required to be able to pick up the white gloves and progress to the very top of our sport.

First steps

There are Regional Governing Bodies across the world, for example the European Billiards and Snooker Association (Europe), the Asia Pacific Snooker & Billiards Federation (Asia-Pacific), the Pan American Billiards and Snooker Association (Americas) and the African Billiards and Snooker Confederation (Africa).

Within these bodies are National Governing Bodies (NGB) who are responsible for our sport in each individual country. The first step is to establish who your NGB is and once you have done this, to contact them and request further information from them as to the procedure in your country.

England

The WPBSA currently operates a pilot scheme for aspiring snooker referees in England, which has been adopted by the English Partnership for Snooker and Billiards (EPSB) as the national governing body in the country.

At the heart of this all-new training and qualification programme is a modernised Class 3 Snooker Referee course. This has been endorsed by 1st4sport Qualifications and is delivered by an expert team including leading professional referees and examiners, alongside WPBSA Head of Coaching and Training Development Chris Lovell.

The course forms part of a clear pathway for snooker officials in England and further international expansion is planned in the future.

To learn more and apply for the course, visit the EPSB website.

How do I become a professional referee?

Don’t try and rush things, take your time. Refereeing at the highest level isn’t as easy as it may appear. Give yourself at least two years working your way up from local league level to refereeing for your NGB gaining valuable experience.

If then you feel you are ready for the next step, send your CV to WST stating your refereeing career to date. If possible, attach references from your tutor and/or NGB.

If successful, you may be invited to referee at Q School where you will be assessed by the WST Assessors.