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 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!