Historically, finals of Leagues & Cups would be reffed by willing volunteers there on the night while Championships finals would be umpired by Badminton Ireland Court Officials who kindly gave their time to travel to South West.
At the 2015 Annual General Meeting of the South West Leinster Badminton League, it was proposed that a group of SWLBL umpires be put together. It was felt by League organisers that having SWLBL umpires would not only make their own lives a little easier, but also give an air of professionalism & occasion to finals of Leagues & Cups.
Since 2015, the initiative has gone from strength to strength with approx. 15 SWLBL umpires now in regular rotation. SWLBL umpires learn through a mixture of theory and practice. Many who are players have commented on how learning the rules of the game has contributed to their game & knowledge of rights & wrongs on the court.
If you think you would be interested in participating and your club is part of SWLBL – email swlbl1947@gmail.com to find out more. We have had a number of people participate in the initiative and find it was not for them so there is no obligation to continue if you find it is not for you!
“The highlight of the initiative for me was having the SWLBL umpires ref. at the Championships Finals which were held in Whitehall Rd. to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the League in early 2017.”
Lesley Cobbe, SWLBL President 2017 & 2018
South West Leinster Badminton League 