Be in
the crew
that runs
the day.

What you get

• Formal training. We don't throw you on the field and hope. You learn the standard before you call your first match — what the calls are, how to position, how to communicate with players, how to use the tournament software on the day.
• Certification. Once you've passed training, you're certified by Refs Inc — a recognised credential in the only Australian body that runs tournament officiating as a profession.
• A real crew. The same officials work events around the country. You're not the lone ref at a club shoot — you're part of a team that's done this before and will do it again next month.
• Access to every event we run. Officiating the Rush Tournament Series, the events we run for field operators, and whatever else lands on the calendar — you're on the rotation.
• A voice in the sport. The refs see things players and operators don't. We listen to the crew. The standard evolves because of what you bring back from the field.
• You're paid for it. Refs Inc isn't a volunteer body — when you ref an event, you're booked, scheduled, and paid for the day. Travel is sorted per event. Accommodation is covered by the field operator when needed. Rates are discussed directly when you join the crew.

Who we're looking for

You don't need to have reffed before. What you need:

• You know tournament paintball — you've played it, watched it, or worked around it.
• You can keep your head on when twenty things are happening on the field at once.
• You can have a hard conversation with a player without making it personal.
• You're prepared to learn the book and call by it, not by feel.
• You can travel to events, occasionally interstate.

Existing ref experience is a bonus, not a requirement. The training pathway exists for a reason.

How training works

We run training around the calendar of events. The shape of it:

• Theory. The standard, the calls, the field positions, the communication. Delivered through the Refs Inc training manual, with the support of the existing crew.
• Shadow. Work alongside a certified ref at a real event before you call your first match. You'll see how it actually goes, not how the textbook says it goes.
• Call. Make your own calls under supervision. Get feedback. Build the reps.
• Certify. Once you're solid, you're in. From there it's about the events you turn up to and the calls you make.

What a day on the field looks like

Arrive early. Brief with the head ref and the crew. Walk the field, set up your zone. Run your matches. Handle the calls, the questions, the occasional argument. Eat lunch fast. Run the afternoon. Help pack down. Go home.

It's a real day's work. It's also the most fun you can have without playing.

If this sounds like you

Get in touch. Tell us where you're based, what your paintball background is, and whether you've ever reffed before. We'll come back to you with the next training intake.