| Umpiring
.
Whether you are an active player looking to brush up on the rules or are interested in pursuing qualifications as an Umpire this is your opportunity!
Why should I become an Umpire?
This is your opportunity to contribute to the sport of badminton! There is always a need to train new officials as changes in circumstances, age, or other factors deplete our numbers. This is not a time consuming job. In most cases you officiate the finals of a tournament on the occasional Sunday. Because some officials may not be available for the finals of a specific tournament, it’s important to have adequate numbers to avoid this problem. This is where you can really contribute!
In addition you also get compensated for your time and should you choose to pursue achieving a higher level of Umpiring you will benefit from many opportunities to travel across this great Country of ours ensuring the smooth operation of Tournaments across Canada. Badminton played at a high level is very exciting!
Why wouldn’t YOU want the best seat in the house?
Umpire training clinic
There will be an umpires training clinic running Wednesday September, 30th and Wednesday October, 7th. This clinic is free to attend and will be put on by Jack Kaplan. All those who wish to attend can call the MBA at 925-5679 or email us at badminton@shawbiz.ca. Make sure to sign up early and reserve your chance to sit on the big chair!
Interview with Jack Kaplan: National Badminton Umpire
Badminton Career Info:
Began Umpiring:
1978
Became a Provincial Umpire:
1980
Became a National Umpire:
1982
Number of matches as an official:
Thousands
Number of cities visited while officiating:
10 Canadian cities
Interview March 21, 2009 at Wildewood Club
Chris Forsythe - Jack you are now 80, what age were you when you began officiating badminton?
Jack Kaplan - I began officiating in my early 50's
CF - Were you a badminton player before that?
JK - Yes, I was a recreation player in my late 30's and early 40's. I was the first active level 1 and 2 badminton coaching course conductor in the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). I was also a level 1 and 2 theory of coaching course conductor.
CF - What inspired you to become a badminton official?
JK - I began coaching badminton at Red River College in 1980, and I wanted to know the rules thoroughly. I enjoy officiating and I was an active basketball and volleyball referee.
CF - How long have you taught the rules clinic and trained new and up and coming umpires?
JK -
10-15 years as an umpire trainer.
CF - Why do you enjoy training umpires?
JK - Well, my career was as an instructor. For 37 years I was an instructor of Physical Education, Biological sciences and Health at Red River College.
CF - What was you most memorable moment as a badminton referee or umpire?
JK - I officiated an exhibition match in Winnipeg in 1988 at the Winnipeg Winter Club. Morten Frost who was #2 in the world was on an exhibition tour across Canada playing against three top Canadians. We drew straws from half a dozen National Umpries and I drew the straw to umpire the match.
CF - As far as officiating goes, what do you enjoy about it the most?
JK - By having someone oversee the match, an official takes a lot of pressure off the competitor. They don't have to worry about the score for example; they can just concentrate on playing the game.
CF - If you could change anything aboiut officiating what would it be?
JK - I would like to see a lot more people interested; we are desperately short of referees and umpires.
CF - How much longer do you see yourself officiating badminton?
JK - At the National level, not much longer. I am the oldest active National umpire in Canada. I will continue conducting training courses and working at the provincial level. It is a way of keeping mentally active.
CF - Jack, you are one of three remaining active officials in Manitoba, how do you think we can attract more people to fill the void when you guys retire?
JK - Currently we have three National officials, Janet Harrisson is a Regional umpire and we have three trainees. In order to attract people we need to do more promotion. We should stress the need for officials. It is not hugely time consuming. Often it means only a few matches on a Sunday of a tournament. Officating can also be a relaxed atmosphere.
Janet Harrison for completing the necessary requirements for becoming a Regional Umpire! Hopefully this will inspire others to follow in her footsteps and become an umpire!
|
