The referees complain: they were hoping for more flexibility... they got the opposite

The padel referees who thought they could continue to participate in a few recreational tournaments will have to put away their rackets. FFT has just reiterated a strict rule: a JA cannot play or coach in a competition in which he officiates... even if it is a small club tournament. A decision that is causing a stir, especially among those who volunteer daily to keep padel alive in their region.

The French Tennis Federation is very clear in its latest communication:
"The JAP cannot be a coach or a player during padel tournaments or championships, whether in pairs or teams, that he or she is a referee, regardless of the category of the event."

In their minds, many thought that a referee (RJ) could, of course, participate in tournaments. But what seemed obvious clashes with reality: that of a regulation designed to prevent abuses, even marginal ones, which end up harming the whole.

Indeed, it has already happened that players – rightly or wrongly – believe that a JA, also a player in his own tournament, could have oriented the tables to his advantage. If in the vast majority of cases , everything is going well, the explosion in the number of padel tournaments probably pushed the FFT to make a firm decision: to prohibit any participation of the JA in its own tournament.

A decision damaging to the spirit of small tournaments

The direct – and collateral – consequence of this measure is that the club's referee will no longer be able to play in "his" little tournament , often a P25 or a P100. This is obviously regrettable, and it goes against the very spirit of these friendly events, often organized over half a day, sometimes less, and concluded in an atmosphere of 3rd half very nice .

Of course, this is our point of view, but we say that for P25 to P250 tournaments , an just environment could have been found. For example: allowing the JA to appoint a substitute during his matches. And above all, allowing the JA to continue to play for fun , while remaining in an educational and training approach. Because playing in competition can also improve their vision of the game and their understanding of players' expectations.

The referees are complaining: they were hoping for more flexibility... they got the opposite referee padel player

Any ways to ease the situation?

Why not have considered a compromise, like limit to two the number of tournaments per month in which a JA can also be a player ? This would allow him to choose the events that are important to him, in particular in his own club , without compromising ethics.

Double punishment for JAs ranked in the top 500

Another perverse effect of the regulation: a well-ranked JA (French top 500) can no longer participate in the P250 and, at the same time, cannot play the P500s in which he officiates as a referee. Result: he finds himself stuck on both tables A situation that is all the more frustrating as it risks demotivating certain enthusiasts, invested both in refereeing and in the practice of padel.

Did the FFT really have a choice? We imagine that it didn't make this decision lightly, but rather in response to some feedback from the field. With the explosion in the number of padel tournaments in France, it undoubtedly preferred to play it safe by establishing a simple, clear... and radical rule. Perhaps it will reconsider this position one day. Because intermediate solutions exist, and could make it possible to reconcile sportsmanship, fairness and friendliness in small tournaments.

The testimony of “Max”, a reader on the site who wished to complete / respond to this article:

"A JA Padel did not have the right, at the base, to play in P500 . It was strictly forbidden .

In lower categories, yes, provided you are replaced by an assistant (a real JA Padel , and not a teacher or other club leader).

A padel referee must be present at the edge of the fields . launch and supervise the games , collect the results , intervene in the event of a dispute , to anticipate ou reorganize in case of problems, etc. It must therefore be available at any time .

If he's player during his tournament , and an incident occurs on another site, he cannot intervene . And if this happens during one of his own matches , hum…

For protect the integrity of the competition , avoid any possible abuse, influence or arrangement , and guarantee a priori impartiality , it was clearly decided that a JA cannot be a player or team captain in a tournament he organizes .

We can understand the frustration of some JA , who would like to play in their own club's tournaments, where they are sometimes facilitators or teachers , where they participate in the dynamic, attract the public… There can also be a sports challenge , in particular to replace a withdrawal and save a painting, in a good spirit...

But in any case, It is really better to guarantee everyone a simple, ethical and clear rule. "

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.