Cathy Geary had played tennis for years, before she decided to become a tennis referee. The Official of the Year in the 2025 Norfolk Tennis Awards now travels across the LTA Central and East region to officiate at a number of events each year, including the County Championships.
In the first of a series of Q&As with officials, Cathy talks to Norfolk Tennis News about her experiences, and encourages coaches, parents and volunteers to consider undertaking tennis and padel courses for the benefit of all players and clubs/venues.
What inspired you to become a tennis referee?
I have played tennis for many years and also watched professional tennis. I was interested in getting involved in the officiating because I wanted to participate in tennis as much as possible.
I began by taking a simple test online with the LTA to qualify as a court supervisor. Having worked in this role for three years I had shadowed a number of experienced referees and decided that I would like to be in a position to referee tournaments. I saw how important the role was to help support juniors to compete in tennis.
Can you tell us about the referee course and what you learned?
The course was held over two days and was run by one of the top referees in the UK. It covered the rules of tennis and how to deal with various situations that can arise during tournaments. There was also an overview of the tournament administration system TTP. At the end of the course there was an exam.
I would recommend completing the course supervisor assessment online prior to the course as this provides the key information required to deal with situations such as score disputes, over ruling line calls and issuing code violations.
Learn More About Becoming A Competition Organiser, Court Supervisor, Referree Or Umpire
What does a typical day look like when you’re officiating at an event?
I arrive well before the first ball is hit in order to check the courts. The nets have to be measured and single sticks set up and scoreboards put beside the courts. It is then important to check the entries for the tournament and make sure all the players sign in when they arrive.
I always begin the tournament by briefing the players about the tennis format they are playing and how I expect players to behave on court. I typically remain on court as much as possible so that I can intervene if necessary and also so the players can call me over if they have an issue.
Whilst doing this I am also taking scores and getting the next players on court. I tend to keep players informed throughout the day in terms of who they are playing next and when they are likely to be next on court. At the end of the tournament, I present the prizes to the winners and then clear the courts so they are ready for the following day.
What do you enjoy most about being a referee?
I enjoy the interaction with the players and the opportunity to see some great tennis being played. I also enjoy organising the days event and making sure that I get the players on court as quickly as possible so that the event is completed in a timely manner.
Why would you encourage coaches, parents, club committee members and players to take a referee course?
It is a great feeling to give back to tennis. Without the grassroots referees’ local tournaments can’t take place. It is so important to give juniors the opportunity to compete. I have also met many other tennis officials and they are very supportive. If ever you have a situation where you are not sure how to deal with it there is always someone on the end of the phone who will know what to do.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about becoming a referee but isn’t sure yet?
I would suggest they shadow a referee at a tournament to see what’s involved. I am happy for anyone to come along to the tournaments I referee at Easton Tennis Centre and see how I work.
If you'd like to get in touch with Cathy, email via admin@norfolktennis.org.