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.
2025 Course Dates:
- Online pre course work required (Information will be sent upon registration)
- Wednesday 2nd and 9th April, 7pm – theory (attendance required), 15th April – Optional
- Exam prep/exam (optional but strongly recommended – late May)
- Practical experience to be gained in Christchurch at the Canterbury U15/19 Champs (3rd – 4th May), Canterbury Closed/B Grade Champs (13th – 15th June) and Canterbury U13/17 Champs (9th – 10th August)
- Practical assessment at Canterbury Open (22nd – 24th August)
Course will be held at VR Skellerup Hall, 220 Pages Road
To register, click below link
Or email office@badmintoncanterbury.com, Ph 03 389 8534
Meet Richard Bramley
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!