Croquet is unusual in that players are frequently required to be their own "referee" during a game. Referees aren't required for social or club tournaments, but are for interclub, pennant events, and particularly State or international matches.
A referee is the "expert witness" for any situation where a fault may have been committed, or to settle a situation by applying the Laws of Croquet. Becoming a referee is a good way to improve your own knowledge and skills as a player.
What to do
1. Talk to other referees and an examining referee. Examining Referees are experienced referees appointed by the Management Committee, responsible for conducting referee and umpire (assistant referee) examinations. 2. Talk to your Regional Referee Coordinator, who can run law classes, referee seminars and courses, and prepare candidates for examination. 3. Read the rule book regularly, in reference to real lawn situations rather than in isolation. Whenever a discussion of laws comes up, get out the rule book and read the words that apply. This is a good way to "apply the laws". 4. Familiarise yourself with the Referees Manual and other available resources. 5. Attend a workshop or training course. 6. Undertake the examinations.
The examinations
Umpires: the examiner demonstrates strokes and situations on court, and the candidate adjudicates on matters of fact, not law. Questions cover general knowledge, wiring, fault and shot watching, hoop situations, stationary ball situations, double-banked play and timekeeping. Pass mark: 65/75 for Part A, 28/32 for Part B.
Referees: also on court, in two parts. Part 1 tests competence in judging shots, adjudicating wiring and ruling on stationary ball positions, similar in some cases to what umpires judge but potentially more complex; candidates answer without consulting the laws. Part 2 covers laws beyond an umpire's duties, testing correct rulings in situations a referee is likely to encounter in practice (not obscure points of law), and understanding of the powers and duties of referees. The Laws book and ACA Regulations may be used in Part 2. Pass mark: 80% of Part 1 and Part 2 combined (100/125).
Accreditation
For ACA accreditation, all umpires and referees must complete the Australian Sports Commission's Certificate of Completion, "Introductory Level, Officiating, General Principles": a free online course at ausport.gov.au / learning.ausport.gov.au. On completion, forward a copy of the certificate to the State Director Referees (Association).