Umpires

Role overview

The umpire has the authority over a particular match and is in charge of the court and its immediate surrounds. The umpire ensures the match is conducted in accordance with the Laws of Badminton and other applicable regulations. The umpire makes calls regarding faults or lets, and keeps the match score which they announce after each point. The umpire also needs to be fully aware of everything happening on the court and in its immediate surroundings, making sure that the match is conducted fairly and correctly. The umpire works with appointed line judges, acknowledging their line calls and maintaining regular eye contact. The umpire can also be appointed as a service judge in the match, with the responsibility for calling service faults and working as a team with the match umpire.

Development and courses

It is common that anyone interested in umpiring will attend some local / state tournaments to get a taste of what the role of an umpire encompasses. Badminton WA’s qualified umpires are always happy to offer guidance and mentoring to those who are just starting out. Good knowledge of the Laws of Badminton is essential for any umpire.

Umpiring courses are organised by Badminton WA approximately 2 times per year. It is a one-day course, delivered by an experienced umpire / assessor. Please contact toc@badmintonwa.org.au if you are interested in attending an umpiring course or if you want to find out more.

Next Umpiring Course Information

The next umpiring course will take place on Sunday 9 February 2025 at the Armadale Badminton Centre.

Please click on the registration link to find out more and to reserve your place - Register for Umpiring Course 09 Feb 2025.

After the course, the candidates have the option to take the written theory exam straight away, or take some extra time to prepare and sit the exam at a later date. The exam is the “closed book” type, meaning that the candidates need to rely on their memory and knowledge of the basics of the Laws of Badminton, and understanding of some of the common scenarios. The exam takes approximately 1 hour to complete.

Once the candidate passes the theory exam, a practical assessment will be organised. This takes place during one of the state level tournaments, when the assessor observes the candidate during a set number of matches. This also includes some service judging and line judging duties. The candidate must demonstrate that they are competent in all key aspects of umpiring.

Qualification levels and pathways

·         Badminton Australia National Accredited Umpire Qualification Process

·         Badminton Australia National Certificated Umpire Qualification Process

·         Badminton Oceania Umpire Qualification Procedures

·         Badminton Oceania Technical Officials Pathway

Resources

·         BWF Umpires’ Manual Level 1

·         BWF Umpires’ Manual Level 2

·         BWF Laws of Badminton

·         BWF Alternative Laws of Badminton

·         BWF Vocabulary

·         BWF Instructions to Technical Officials (sections 5-7)

·         BWF Umpires’ Guide to Inclusive Events

List of qualified umpires