Empowering the Future of Badminton: BCA Umpire Workshop Held in Douala, Cameroon

The Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA) organized a highly impactful Umpire Workshop from 7 to 9 February 2025 in Douala, Cameroon, alongside the prestigious All Africa Senior Championships 2025. This workshop brought together 17 dedicated participants, including 6 inspiring women, from 6 different African countries: Botswana, Cameroon, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, and Uganda.

This event wasn’t just an ordinary training session, it was a significant step toward building a stronger network of well-trained badminton officials across Africa.

The workshop was led by Mr. Diraj Gooneadry, a well-known BWF Referee and the Chair of the BCA Technical Officials Commission. With his vast experience in officiating at international levels, Mr. Gooneadry provided participants with invaluable insights into the world of umpiring.

The training was a combination of theoretical learning and practical sessions. During the theory part, participants learned about:

• The rules and regulations of badminton.
• The correct positioning and movement of umpires during matches.
• Decision-making techniques for difficult situations.
• The importance of maintaining neutrality and fairness in every game.

In the practical sessions, participants had the chance to apply what they learned by officiating real matches. This hands-on experience allowed them to gain confidence, improve their on-court presence, and receive constructive feedback from Mr. Gooneadry and other senior officials.

Pathway to Becoming Accredited Umpires

One of the key objectives of the workshop was to assess the participants for BCA accreditation. This means that after completing the workshop, the umpires were evaluated based on their performance in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Those who passed the assessment will now become BCA-accredited umpires following the All Africa Senior Championships tournament, opening doors for them to officiate at continental and eventually international tournaments.

This accreditation is a crucial milestone for national umpires who aspire to reach higher levels in their officiating careers. It sets them on the path to becoming international umpires, representing Africa on the global badminton stage.

The workshop began with an opening ceremony led by Mrs. Odette Assembe, a distinguished member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Badminton World Federation (BWF), and the BCA Council. Mrs. Assembe’s speech was both motivating and insightful. She highlighted the importance of technical officials in maintaining the integrity of sports and encouraged the participants to strive for excellence.

As Mrs. Assembe is also the President of the Cameroon Badminton Federation, she warmly welcomed the participants to Douala. She expressed pride in hosting such an important event and emphasized Cameroon’s commitment to supporting the growth of badminton in the country and across Africa.

Adding even more value to the workshop, Mr. Jeff, the CEO of BCA, addressed the participants. He spoke about the pathway for national umpires to progress to international levels, explaining how this journey fits into the BCA’s strategic plan for 2022–2028. This strategic plan focuses on the continuous development of technical officials, with a clear roadmap for growth and opportunities to officiate at international competitions.

One remarkable highlight of the workshop was the participation of 6 female umpires. This reflects BCA’s strong commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women in sports. The inclusion of female officials in technical roles is vital for the balanced growth of badminton in Africa. It sends a powerful message that badminton is a sport for everyone, both on and off the court.

Why This Workshop Matters?

The BCA Umpire Workshop is more than just training, it’s part of a larger vision to:

• Strengthen the quality of officiating in African badminton.
• Provide career development opportunities for national umpires.
• Create a network of well-trained officials ready to support the growth of the sport.
• Encourage diversity and inclusion in technical roles.

As badminton continues to grow in popularity across Africa, the role of well-trained umpires becomes increasingly important. They ensure that matches are played fairly, rules are respected, and the spirit of the game is preserved.

With the successful completion of this workshop, these 17 participants are now better prepared to officiate at national and continental levels. Their journey doesn’t end here, many of them will go on to officiate at major international tournaments, proudly representing their countries and the African continent.

The BCA remains committed to organizing more workshops, training programs, and development opportunities for technical officials in the future. This is just the beginning of a brighter future for badminton officiating in Africa.

Stay connected with us for more updates on the growth of badminton in Africa, and don’t forget to watch the All Africa Senior Championships 2025 live on BCA TV, available on YouTube and Facebook!