Why Become an Official?

Officiating involves either Umpiring or Refereeing. 

 

What is an Umpire? From the Badminton World Federation (BWF): 

"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, the rules and regulations of the BWF and any other regulations pertinent to the specific tournament.

The umpire makes calls regarding service faults and other player faults or lets. The umpire keeps the match score which he or she announces after each point. The umpire also keeps a record of any incidents of misconduct and reports them to the referee. The umpire’s jurisdiction shall exist from the time the players enter the court before the match until they leave the court after the match. The umpire reports to and acts under the authority of the referee."

Umpires are also often accompanied by Service Judges - another umpire who enforces service rules and hands out new birdies.  

 

What is a referee? From the BWF: 

"The referee is overall in charge of the tournament ensuring that the tournament is conducted in accordance with the Laws of Badminton, the rules and regulations of the BWF and any other regulations pertinent to the specific tournament.

The referee ensures that the players are given facilities (including practice facilities) and playing conditions of an appropriate standard and safety, approval of the programme of play and practice schedule, ensuring the transport setup will meet the needs of the events and the overall monitoring of matters related to the fair and proper conduct the tournament for the players.

The referee shall also ensure that there is an adequate panel of technical officials of requisite ability and appropriate international representation."

 

There are often deputy referees (the second in command) as well.  

 

Who should become an official? Those who love the sport (especially watching it), have an admiration for fair play and the rules and who want to give back to the Manitoba Badminton Community.

 

Why become an official? 

Becoming an official comes with many perks such as the ability to watch badminton of all skill levels, becoming a part of a tight-knit community, completing volunteer hours, the opportunity to travel provincially, nationally, across the americas and internationally (depending on certification level). MBA also compensates officials through an honorarium system.