ORLANDO, December 7, 2023 (USTA Press Release)

The USTA today announced that US Open Tournament Referee Jake Garner has earned the prestigious Gold Badge referee distinction and chair umpire Scotty Moore has been promoted to Silver Badge chair umpire under the Joint Certification Program, administered by the ITF, ATP, WTA and Grand Slam tournaments.

Gold Badge is the highest certification level for tennis officiating, and Garner is now one of only eight officials worldwide — and the only American — to hold Gold Badge status as a referee and chief umpire simultaneously. Based out of the USTA National Campus in Orlando, Fla., as the USTA’s Senior Director, Professional Pathway, Officiating, Garner began his role as Tournament Referee of the US Open in 2023 and served as Chief Umpire of the US Open from 2019-21 after a long and decorated career as a chair umpire. Garner has now achieved Gold Badge status as a chair umpire, chief umpire and referee.

Moore was one of four promotions to Silver Badge chair umpire this year and is now the fourth active Silver Badge chair umpire from the U.S. Moore, of Wilmington, N.C., was honored by the USTA in 2021 with its Jr. McGovern Award, which recognizes a new official showing talent and potential.