Venezuela is leading the Global Pickleball Federation referee training programme, with over 80 referees registered and a new National Referee Board.
The short answer: Venezuela is spearheading the Global Pickleball Federation’s official Referee Training Programme, with more than 80 referees already registered. The Asociación Venezolana de Pickleball has also formed a National Referee Board, appointing José Ramón and Ralph Dorphflinger as Referee Directors to lead officiating across the country.
By Leon Stanga, Pickleball Venezuela
A historic step for the global Pickleball Federation
Venezuela is making waves in the sport by proudly spearheading the official Global Pickleball Federation (GPF) Referee Training Program. In a historic initiative aimed at unifying global officiating standards, over 80 referees are already registered to participate. The successful implementation and formal launch of this program is the result of two months of close collaboration between Leonardo Stango, President of Pickleball in Venezuela, and Patricia Stewart.
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Establishing the national Referee Board
In conjunction with the GPF training program, the Asociación Venezolana de Pickleball (AVP) has taken the crucial step of formally establishing a National Referee Board. To ensure strong national coordination and operational control, the AVP has appointed José Ramón and Ralph Dorphflinger as the country’s Referee Directors. Together, they will oversee and lead the organisation, structure, and development of refereeing activities across Venezuela.
Setting a standard for Latin America and beyond
This program is a massive leap forward in the professionalisation of pickleball across the Americas, ensuring that national referee development aligns with internationally recognised certification pathways. By operating fully under the governance and guidance of the GPF, Venezuela intends to set a shining example of institutional alignment, compliance, and organisation for other Latin American nations. Ultimately, through this initiative, Venezuela aims to help integrate regional countries into a unified framework under one recognised referee board, guaranteeing professionalism, consistency, and global standardisation in pickleball officiating.
Frequently asked questions
More than 80.
Referee Directors José Ramón and Ralph Dorphflinger, appointed by the Asociación Venezolana de Pickleball.
Leonardo Stango, President of Pickleball in Venezuela, worked with Patricia Stewart for two months to launch it.
To unify officiating standards in line with the Global Pickleball Federation.
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Chris Beaumont
Founder and Editor-in-ChiefChris Beaumont is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of World Pickleball Magazine, published by World Pickleball Media Ltd. He follows the global game closely, reporting on news, developments, stories and tournaments from all five continents. He also hosts the World Pickleball…
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