Develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to run high-quality padel competitions as an LTA Referee in this two day qualification. You’ll learn how to deliver Grade 5 and Grade 4 competitions, while taking your existing Grade 6 and 7 events to a higher standard.

Competition is at the heart of the sport. You’ll be given the communication, organisation, and decision-making skills you need to create a great experience for players and parents, and ultimately help grow the game. The qualification has been developed with a team of some of the nation’s best referees.

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:

·      Understand the breadth and depth of the roles and responsibilities of a high-quality referee.

·      Plan and deliver competitions with great scheduling and match management, while maintaining high standards of safeguarding.

·      Create a tournament atmosphere that is welcoming and positive for everyone involved.

·      Keep the game fair, fun, safe, and inclusive, while ensuring matches are played in the right spirit.

“I now appreciate that referees are the face of the competition and influence how players, parents and coaches feel throughout the event."

An LTA Referee Learner

Pre-Course Learning

Please note that the Padel Referee Pre-Course Learning is a prerequisite for this qualification.

Reasonable adjustments 

Reasonable adjustments are available. Please contact Virtus at the time of booking, so that they can support you. 

Virtus Leisure Management is an approved LTA Workforce Development Centre, delivering LTA coaching qualifications, including Assistant, Instructor, Padel Instructor, and Level 3 Coach. We also provide a wide selection of LTA CPD courses alongside our own Virtus CPD programmes designed for both coaches and officials across tennis and padel. Our courses cover everything from off-court development -such as leadership and coach-team management - to a variety of on-court technical and tactical workshops.

We operate through a network of hub and satellite venues across Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, and the Channel Islands, managing three Indoor Tennis Centres and two Indoor Padel Centres. Our main hub, Bromley Tennis Centre, is an official LTA Regional Player Development Centre (RPDC) and hosts major events including the Kent County Championships and a range of national and regional competitions.

Across our network, our mission is to provide high-quality learning, local expertise, and accessible opportunities for coaches and officials - helping to deliver the LTA’s ambition to open tennis up and enrich communities through both tennis and padel.

At Virtus, we are passionate about sharing the energy and enjoyment of our sports through innovation, excellence, and a commitment to professional development. Our partnership with the LTA enables us to deliver high-quality, up-to-date qualifications and CPD pathways. Our tutor team continually evolves their own practice to ensure our courses remain industry leading, while offering clear communication and personalised support throughout every learner’s journey.

From your first booking to the successful completion of your qualification, you’ll receive a warm welcome and ongoing guidance from both our Virtus team and our partner venues. We are committed to building long-term relationships and serving as a central point of support throughout your coaching or officiating career.

For further information, please visit our website, call us on 0204 513 2676, or email us at coach.ed@virtuslm.co.uk to find out if we can help you with your coaching or officiating.