Career Path For Tennis Officials
ITF Officiating provides comprehensive training for those who want to become certified Chair Umpires, Chief Umpires and Referees.
The world of tennis officiating has changed enormously in the last 30 years. During that time, the Code of Conduct has been developed and a standardised approach to the application of the Rules has been established.
National Level Schools
The ITF Officiating National School Programme is designed to introduce new entrants, or those with limited experience, to tennis officiating. While some students may be tennis players and others may already have some experience in officiating, many of the modules assume no previous knowledge of tennis officiating. Some modules (the Off-Court Umpiring module, for example) assume a basic understanding of material covered in previously presented modules (the Rules of Tennis module, for example).
Starting from working as Line Umpires in local tournaments, opportunities are offered to promising officials to work as Chair Umpires and Referees. After accumulating the necessary experience, selected officials will be recommended to attend the officiating schools organised by the ITF:
White Badge Schools
White Badge Officiating Schools are intended for officials with proven ability and experience of working at professional level tournaments (i.e. ITF World Tennis Tour or higher).
ITF White Badge Schools are taught and examined in English only. They are held all over the world quite frequently and are taught by professional officials.
ITF White Badge Schools may consist of three (3) modules, namely Chair Umpire, Chief Umpire and Referee, spread over five (5) days. Some schools may only have one module, while others may have three.
Successful officials will be certified as a White Badge Chair Umpire, a White Badge Chief Umpire and/or a White Badge Referee according to modules completed and passed.
International Schools
International Officiating Schools are intended for officials with proven ability and experience of working at professional level tournaments (i.e. ITF World Tennis Tours, ATP and WTA tournaments, Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup). A good level of experience is required from those willing to apply for the School.
ITF International Schools are organised in cooperation with all governing bodies. Tutors from the ATP, the WTA and the Grand Slam tournaments teach and examine the attendees. International Schools are taught in English only. They are held once or twice a year in different regions.
Successful candidates will be certified as International Officials, i.e. a Bronze Badge Chair Umpire; a Silver Badge Chief Umpire and/or Referee according to modules completed and passed.
Officials from Hong Kong have the opportunity to travel abroad and work in tournaments of all levels such as:
- Davis Cup
- Billie Jean King Cup
- ATP Tour
- WTA Tour
- ITF World Tennis Tour
- Asian Games
- World University Games
- Olympics & Paralympics Games