BECOME AN OFFICIAL
As a fast-paced sport with many moving parts, quadball requires several officials. Every quadball match is officiated by six to seven referees: a head referee (HR), lead assistant referee (LAR), seeker referee (SR), up to two assistant referees (AR), and two goal judges. There is also one flag runner per game. The referees work together to ensure each game runs safely and effectively. USQ’s officials program aims to certify referees and flag runner to ensure the highest standards nationwide.
HEAD REFEREE
EARN $20/OFFICIAL GAME IF CERTIFIED
Oversees the entire game, enforces rules, and makes final calls on all plays and disputes
LEAD ASSISTANT REFEREE
EARN $10/OFFICIAL GAME IF CERTIFIED
Supports the head referee by monitoring play, especially off-ball action, and making calls in their assigned area
ASSISTANT REFEREE
Up to three referees who assist in monitoring specific areas of the pitch, calling fouls, and ensuring fair gameplay. Their primary focus is dodgeball play
SEEKER REFEREE
Tracks the flag runner and seekers, enforcing rules and adjudicating all flag-related plays and some dodgeball-related plays
GOAL JUDGE
No certification required. Two officials stationed near the hoops who signal when a goal is scored and retrieve balls as needed
FLAG RUNNER
EARN $10/OFFICIAL GAME IF CERTIFIED
A neutral game official who carries and defends the flag while evading seekers
Referee certification is an ongoing process. This process consists of written and practical tests and is supplemented by referee development programs, online resources, and a system to review referee performance continually. You can click your desired role above for the certification step-by-step.
Certified head referees, lead assistant referees, and flag runners aged 17 years and up may be paid to officiate USQ quadball games. Head Referees will earn $20 for all official events, sanctioned or unsanctioned. Certified lead assistant referees and certified flag runners are paid $10 per official USQ match.
If you are a non-player, you must also have a non-playing officials membership after completing your tests if you are an HR, LAR, or flag runner. All officials memberships will expire on June 30.
CERTIFICATION
Referee certification is an ongoing process. This process consists of written and practical tests and is supplemented by referee development programs, online resources, and a system to review referee performance continually.
Certified head referees, lead assistant referees, and flag runners aged 17 years and up may be paid to officiate USQ quadball games. Head Referees will earn $20 for all official events, sanctioned or unsanctioned. Certified lead assistant referees and certified flag runners are paid $10 per official USQ match.
If you are a non-player, you must also have a non-playing officials membership after completing your tests if you are an HR, LAR, or flag runner. All officials memberships will expire on June 30.
RESOURCES
The USQ Officials Team will release casebook in mid-fall and before USQ Cup, if necessary. Additional resources related to the rules, including the USQ Rulebook, can be found here.
Once a month, the USQ Officials Team hosts a town hall to answer questions, provide insight, and increase understanding of officials to standardize adjudication of the current USQ Ruleset. The town hall events will be added to our season calendar as they are made available.
Required test for assistant referee, seeker referee, lead assistant referee, and head referee certification
Required test for seeker referee, lead assistant referee, and head referee certification
Required test for lead assistant referee and head referee certification
REFEREE TEST ONE PAGER
This guide is meant to assist those taking the assistant referee, seeker referee, and lead assistant referee exams
Tier One head referees will be required to take and pass this quiz each season
Use this form to sign up for a field test (required for new head referees)
This rubric is what is used to determine a pass or fail on a field test
For questions about officiating, please email referees@usquadball.org.
USQ TEAM OFFICIALS REQUIREMENTS
Each USQ team is required to certify a set number of officials for each USQ season. These requirements are as follows:
1 Head Referee (includes field test, club only)
2 Lead Assistant Referees
1 Seeker Referee
2 Assistant Referees
1 Flag Runner
The deadline for these requirements is based upon the national qualifier a team chooses to attend. You can view the status of your team’s requirements here.