What are the eligibility criteria's for umpiring international badminton games? Are there any courses/exams they need to clear?
In Denmark you have to pass a few exams to end up as a BWF Certified umpire which is the highest level you can get. 1: course with written exam in danish to be an umpire. 2: course with both written and practical exam to be an regional umpire. 3: course with both written and practical exam in english during Denmark open to become a federation umpire. 4: course during a BE tournament (can lead to BE accredited umpire) 5: exam during EC can get you eighter BE accreditation or BE certification) 6: exam during WC can get you eighter BWF accreditation or BWF certification) In Denmark all umpires that have atleast reached the federation level are reguarlly being judged and controlled by older and more experienced umpires. /Krysser
I suggest that if you are interested in becoming an umpire, national or international, you should contact your association and they will put you in contact with the right person.. They can tell you how its done in your country... To umpire on an BE level, here is what you should read.. http://www.badmintoneurope.com/page.aspx?id=11794
I'm surprised to see the age limits on that page. Are they even allowed to discriminate in such a way? Of course an umpire needs to demonstrate that they are mentally alert and have good enough eyesight. If someone is over 50 then there will be a lot of variation between individuals in this respect. It makes sense to retest older umpires on a regular basis. But a compulsory retirement age of 55 no matter what? If someone proves that they can perform to the required standard, then I don't think they should be forced to retire so young.
