Free Umpire Training

  • Open to all players and parents
  • Course involves theory and practical training using local events
  • There is an exam (theory and practical assessment) for those wishing to obtain BNZ Umpire status
  • Mentoring available
  • On completion of the course participants will have a thorough knowledge of all badminton rules and games and be able to umpire matches confidently.
  • Those that go through to successfully complete the assessment are opened up to a world of opportunities – umpiring sanctioned and international matches here in NZ, and gaining experience to look to overseas opportunities if they wish.

 

2024 Course Dates:

Wednesday 10th and 17th April, 7pm – theory (required)
Wednesday 9th and 16th August – exam prep optional, meet ups to be confirmed

Practical experience: is able to be gained in Christchurch at the Closed Champs/B Grade and Canterbury U15/19 Champs.

Practical assessment will take place at the Canterbury Open 28th – 30th June

Theory Exam will take place in May or June (TBC)

Course will be held at VR Skellerup Hall, 220 Pages Road

Meet Richard BramleyPicture of a smiling Richard Bramley umpiring a badminton event

Richard is one of NZ’s most recognized umpires. A member of the local Avon club, he obtained his initial umpire qualification at a local course (like this one) taken by George Millar back in 1992, then going on to become a BWF Umpire. Over his career, he has umpired at many premiere international events, such as

  • Olympics (London 2022),
  • Commonwealth Games (Melbourne 2006, Glascow 2014, Gold Coast 2018),
  • All Englands (2011)
  • Indonesia Super Series 2018

Along the way he has visited many countries such as Denmark, Belgium and Croatia, Mexico, Taiwan, Indonesia – Richard says he has met many amazing people and has friends all around the world he wouldn’t have otherwise met. Umpiring has allowed him a path and multiple opportunities he would never had. He says, “It’s really good as a player to thoroughly understand the rules, and I love that every umpire opportunity something different happens”

Career highlights include the above events, but he also mentions a Jakarta event – ten thousand noisy people in the stands while he umpired the Men’s Doubles Finals – even being asked for his autograph!

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“Found the course really enjoyable and although having played badminton for over 40 years still learnt something new. Richard is a top teacher and really approachable person and more than happy to pass on his years of top-level experience. Have since umpired at Canterbury Champs and really enjoyed the experience.”
Steve

Despite having played at rep level for many years – I learned heaps! Although nervous at first at umpiring top level badminton in NZ, I gained confidence with every experience. Richard created a supportive environment to learn in and provided constructive feedback in a friendly manner after observing me umpiring
Jo

Throughout this course, I love that we learn new things together and take on new challenges together
Ellie