As part of its pre-season activities, Badminton Malta recently focussed its attention on its umpire complement through the organisation of an Umpires’ Training Course, which was held at the Cottonera Sport Complex.

The training course was intended both for the established umpires as well as for those with limited practical umpiring experience gained in the several competitions organised by Badminton Malta throughout the preceding season.

The course participants came from three separate clubs: Pawla Wolves BC and Msida Arrows BC as well as Shuttles BC.

The course integrated theoretical sessions in a classroom with practical sessions on court. It covered the finer technical points of the game, from an umpire’s viewpoint; service judging was also tackled.

An effective umpire is in charge of the court and its precincts, from the moment the match is “called” by the Tournament Referee until the players have actually left the court. Through his assertive actions in “managing” a match and its participants, the umpire contributes effectively to the attractive presentation of the game in the spectators’ eyes.

The training course was organised by Badminton Malta with the assistance of Badminton Europe (BE) as well as with the support of the Malta Sports Council/Kunsill Malti ghall-iSport (KMS); it forms an integral part of BE’s development strategy for southern Europe and the Mediterranean region.

Mr. Mojmir Hnilica (photo) ably conducted the training course. Hailing from Prague (Czech Republic), Mr. Hnilica has considerable international umpiring and refereeing experience, having taken part in several international tournaments organised by both BE as well as by the Badminton World Federation.

His latest umpiring experience was at the recent Olympic Games in Beijing. Mr Hnilica is also the Director responsible for Court Officials on the BE Council.

Badminton Malta expressed its considerable gratitude to both BE and KMS for their valuable collaboration in the successful staging of this Training Course. It augured that the practical knowhow gained through the active participation of its umpires will now serve as the basis for the resumption of their involvement in future BE international events.