Friday, 17 May 2024

BWF News

The world of badminton is entering a new era with the introduction of semi-professional umpires. These umpires, who were appointed by the Badminton World Federation (BWF), officiated at the Asian Leg in January and the recently concluded YONEX Swiss Open 2021. This appointment marks a significant milestone in the BWF’s journey towards achieving excellence in officiating.

The selected umpires, including Bert Vanhorenbeeck, Diraj Gooneadry, Fabio Betto, Iris Metspalu, Jiten Bhatt, Robbertus Tommy Oscariano, and Trish Gubb, underwent a rigorous selection process by a BWF recruitment panel. Their grading and appraisal in previous tournaments were examined, and they were interviewed to assess their suitability for the role. This move aims to make umpiring a viable career option, attracting talented individuals and raising the overall standards of officiating.

To support the development of these semi-professional umpires and enhance their skills, BWF will provide them with workshops and other educational and developmental activities. This initiative is part of a broader plan to ensure excellence in officiating, which also includes the professionalization of referees that began two years ago.

Currently, the BWF has eight semi-professional referees who play an essential role in maintaining high-quality officiating. By expanding the pool of semi-professional umpires, the BWF aims to provide greater consistency and an enhanced experience for players and spectators alike.

Tham Khảo Thêm:  BWF News

The process of selecting these seven umpires from a pool of 19 candidates spanned over a year and was conducted by a recruitment panel consisting of the Chair of the Technical Officials Commission, Chair of BWF Umpire Assessment Panel, and BWF representatives. The candidates underwent an interview and were appraised using the 360-degree appraisal system, which includes feedback from tournament referees, umpire coordinators, selected coaches, and BWF Umpire Assessors.

The appointment of semi-professional umpires is a significant step forward for the sport of badminton. BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer emphasized the importance of this development in elevating umpiring to a viable career option. This move acknowledges the hard work, commitment, and time that umpires dedicate to the sport, and aims to ensure consistently high umpiring standards.

For umpires like Jiten Bhatt from Australia, the introduction of semi-professionalism means more exposure to high-level matches, which in turn will enhance the quality of officiating. The opportunity to gain more experience and be in high-pressure situations will sharpen their abilities and contribute to greater consistency in decision-making.

Diraj Gooneadry from Mauritius highlighted the positive impact this development will have on lesser-developed badminton regions. The availability of more umpires from Africa, for example, will inspire confidence in players and contribute to the professionalization of the sport.

In conclusion, the introduction of semi-professional umpires in badminton is a groundbreaking development that aims to elevate the standards of officiating and provide a viable career option for talented individuals. The BWF’s commitment to supporting these umpires through educational and developmental activities ensures the continuous improvement of skills and the development of technical officials worldwide.

Tham Khảo Thêm:  BWF News

FAQs

Q: How were the semi-professional umpires selected?
A: The semi-professional umpires were selected through a rigorous process that involved grading and appraisal in previous tournaments, as well as interviews conducted by a BWF recruitment panel.

Q: What is the purpose of appointing semi-professional umpires?
A: The appointment of semi-professional umpires is intended to make umpiring a viable career option, attract talented individuals, and raise the overall standards of officiating.

Q: How will the semi-professional umpires be supported in their development?
A: The BWF will provide workshops and other educational and developmental activities to help the semi-professional umpires improve their skills and support the development of technical officials worldwide.

Q: How does the professionalization of umpires and referees benefit the sport of badminton?
A: The professionalization of umpires and referees ensures consistently high officiating standards, enhances the overall experience for players and spectators, and contributes to the growth and professionalization of the sport.

Q: What is the significance of this development for lesser-developed badminton regions?
A: The availability of semi-professional umpires in lesser-developed badminton regions inspires confidence and motivates players, contributing to the professionalization and growth of the sport in those regions.

Conclusion

The introduction of semi-professional umpires in badminton is an important step towards achieving excellence in officiating. By appointing these dedicated professionals, the BWF aims to improve standards, attract talent, and provide a viable career option for umpires. The support and development opportunities offered to these umpires will ensure continued growth and improvement in the world of badminton officiating. Carnegiecentre

Tham Khảo Thêm:  Badminton Pan America