NUWA, Appraisals and Assessments

Badminton Europe (BEC) applies the following procedure for education and upgrading of umpires within Europe. There is a clear progression between the different levels, from a national level umpire to the BEC Accredited and BEC Certificated levels and eventually to becoming a BWF Umpire.

1. A candidate is nominated by their national association to attend a National umpire workshop and appraisal. A workshop would normally be held alongside a Badminton Europe Circuit tournament and does not offer assessment; it focuses on education.
2. An umpire can be assessed towards the BEC Accredited Umpire level after successfully attending a National umpire workshop and appraisal. The candidate must have attended the workshop not more than 36 months prior to the commencement of the assessment. The Assessment towards the BEC Accredited level will normally take place during one of the BEC Events, once a year in odd numbered years (2023, 2025), and twice a year in even numbered years (2024, 2026), i.e. three assessments every two years. (update 18/08/2022: All umpires being nominated for assessment for BEC Accredited level must have attended a Badminton Europe umpire national umpire workshop and appraisal not more than 48 months (for those who attended their NUWA in 2021 or before) or 36 months (for those who attended their NUWA in 2022 or after) prior to the commencement of the assessment.)
3. An umpire can be assessed towards the BEC Certificated Umpire level after being active as a BEC Accredited Umpire for normally 24 months. The Assessment towards the BEC Certificated level will take place once a year, usually in October/November, where candidates will be selected upon a nomination from their national association, a satisfactory Record of Work and a positive recommendation following an Appraisal at a BEC Event.
4. An umpire can be proposed for an Assessment towards the BWF Accredited Umpire level after being active as a BEC Certificated Umpire for normally 24 months. This proposal is made to BWF by Badminton Europe, however, the final selection is fully in the competence of BWF. Proposals will be based on a satisfactory Record of Work and a positive recommendation following an Appraisal at a BEC Event.

Click here to read more about National umpire workshops and appraisals, appraisals, assessments, upgrades, and downgrades, along with recommendations for umpires undergoing assessment and the criteria expected of BEC Accredited and Certificated Umpires.