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 and an individual tracking the score and time in Quadball.One. 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
QUADBALL.ONE SCOREKEEPER
While teams are required to certify individual in Quadball.One for USQ National Qualifiers and USQ Cup, certification is not required for outside parties that would like to fill this role. One person will be seated at the score table and tracking the game in Quadball.One. A How To video can be found here.
FLAG RUNNER
EARN $10/OFFICIAL GAME IF CERTIFIED
A neutral game official who carries and defends the flag while evading seekers
Check your test results and certification status along with team referee requirements here.
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.
TEAM OFFICIALS REQUIREMENTS
Each season USQ-official teams are required to certify a set number of officials. You can review the below to find out what officials your team needs based on its projected division. Each role must be filled by a different person. One person cannot fill multiple official requirements. Teams must complete the team officials requirements by the season play deadline for their specific USQ National Qualifier.
CLUB COMPETITIVE
1 Head Referee
2 Lead Assistant Referees
1 Seeker Referee
2 Assistant Referees
1 Flag Runner
2 Quadball.One (Scorekeeper)
CLUB OPEN
1 Head Referee
2 Lead Assistant Referees
1 Seeker Referee
2 Assistant Referees
1 Flag Runner
2 Quadball.One (Scorekeeper)
COLLEGE D1
2 Lead Assistant Referees
1 Seeker Referee
2 Assistant Referees
1 Flag Runner
2 Quadball.One (Scorekeeper)
COLLEGE D2
2 Lead Assistant Referees
1 Seeker Referee
2 Assistant Referees
1 Flag Runner
2 Quadball.One (Scorekeeper)
OFFICIATE A USQ EVENT
If you’re interested in officiating a USQ-hosted event such as national qualifiers and USQ Cup, sign ups are now open.
PROCTORING
In order to proctor a USQ official game, the proctor must be a fully certified head referee* for the current season, including passing a field test to test a new head referee candidate.
Those interested in becoming a proctor must email referees@usquadball.org to express interest before meeting with a member of the USQ Gameplay Department for an interview. If accepted, they will be paired with an existing proctor to receive additional instruction before conducting their first event of field tests under the supervision of the existing proctor. The existing proctor will provide feedback and ensure the quality of the proctor before the proctor may conduct field tests without supervision.
At the beginning of each season, returning proctors will be contacted by USQ to confirm their interest in returning.
* USQ reserves the right to approve proctors who are not head referee certified on a case-by-case basis.
RESOURCES
The USQ Officials Team may release casebook mid-season, if necessary. Additional resources related to the rules, including the USQ Rulebook, can be found here.
The tests for the 2026-27 season will go live on Sept. 3.
ASSISTANT REFEREE TEST
Required test for assistant referee, seeker referee, lead assistant referee, and head referee certification
SEEKER REFEREE TEST
Required test for seeker referee, lead assistant referee, and head referee certification
LEAD ASSISTANT REFEREE TEST
Required test for lead assistant referee and head referee certification
QUADBALL.ONE TEST
Required test for Quadball.One operators at USQ National Qualifiers and USQ Cup
REFEREE TEST ONE PAGER
This guide is meant to assist those taking the assistant referee, seeker referee, and lead assistant referee exams
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
TEAM OFFICIALS REQUIREMENT TRACKER
Find out where your team stands on their officials requirements