Begin and Grow as a Tennis Official

Tennis Canada's goal is to train high-quality officials and to build a system that provides an opportunity to pursue officiating as both a passion and a profession, thereby creating a pathway from grassroots to high performance. Clinics aren’t just to introduce aspiring officials to the profession, but to allow current officials to advance their certification and career.

INTRODUCTION TO OFFICIATING

The first clinic that everyone must complete is Introduction to Officiating. This is a basic clinic for people interested in becoming officials. After an official gains sufficient experience and collects satisfactory evaluations, they can progress as a roving umpire or attend a clinic and become a chair umpire or line umpire / match assistant.

Halifax

12-13 September 2025

Halifax Convention Centre

1650 Argyle St, Halifax, NS, B3J 0E6

As a special offer, all Clinic participants will have an opportunity to purchase tickets for the Davis Cup matches between Canada and Israel at the Scotiabank Centre in Halifax.

ROVING UMPIRE 2 CLINIC

If an official decides to progress as roving umpire, they can attend this clinic where they learn about more complex rules and regulations. If they gain sufficient experience and receive satisfactory evaluations, they can progress to the role of referee.

There are no clinics planned at this time.

INTRODUCTION TO CHAIR UMPIRE

This clinic is intended for experienced roving umpires with sufficient experience at the national and international levels and who receive satisfactory evaluations. Attendees will learn about working as chair umpire, the techniques to use in the role as well as more advanced rules and procedures. They will also attend an on-court practice where they work as chair umpires.

REFEREE 1 CLINIC

This clinic involves learning about advanced rules and regulations interpretations, managing administration work during the tournament as well as how to use tournament software.

There are no clinics planned at this time.

The following steps must be completed following the Introduction to Officiating Clinic:

Attend 5 training sessions at Tennis Canada or PTTA-sanctioned events (minimum of 3 hours per session).
Complete Respect in Sport for Officials and Code of Conduct for Officials online modules.
Pass the Rules of Tennis test.
Pay Tennis Canada Officiating Membership Fee ($50 CAD plus tax).

Submit background screening application and receive the certificate.

This refers to the Tennis Canada Rulebook which is intended to be a resource for officials, tournament administrators, coaches, and players at all levels.

In addition to the International Tennis Federation’s Rules of Tennis, this book presents the rules, regulations and procedures that should be followed at all events sanctioned by Tennis Canada. It also includes a comprehensive section on cases and decisions to assist all interested persons in understanding the finer points of the interpretation of the Rules of Tennis, as well as a section on guidelines for un-officiated matches.

We take great pride in recognizing our officials. There are four award recipients each year in four different categories.

Officiating Excellence Award

This award recognizes the official who, through their excellent performance, has made an outstanding contribution to officiating in Canada.

On-Court Official Award

Recognizes the outstanding performance of an on-court official (chair umpire, roving umpire or line umpire).

Off-Court Official Award

Recognizes the outstanding performance of an off-court official (referee or chief of officials).

Rookie Official Award

Recognizes a new official (with less than two years of experience) who has achieved significant progress in their development and shows outstanding potential.