How to become an ITF-certified umpire

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This page describes the basic steps in becoming, qualifying, and working as a certified tennis official under the ITF (International Tennis Federation).

Steps:

• How to get started as an official
  You begin at the national level. Express interest to the ITF Officiating team, who will pass your details to your country’s National Association (NA) Officiating Manager. The NA Manager guides you on training, opportunities, and progression.

• From national to ITF-certified official
  If you already officiate nationally, you register via your NA on the ITF Officiating Portal. Your application is reviewed, and may be forwarded to ITF if endorsed. Key factors in selection include ongoing officiating activity, work rate, evaluations, and support from the National Association.

• ITF Officiating Schools programme
  There is a structured training pathway for officials aiming for roles such as Chair Umpire, Chief Umpire, or Referee.
  Schools exist for four levels:
  1. National
  2. Level 1 (Green Badge)
  3. Level 2 (White Badge)
  4. Level 3 (Bronze, Silver, Gold Badge)

• Badge progression & eligibility
  You don’t always need to start from Level 1:
  • You can attempt to go directly to Level 2 if you pass an English exam.
  • Level 1 is taught in Spanish or French (depending on location).
    ­ After earning a White Badge (via Level 2), you can apply for Level 3, which leads to “International status.”
    Promotions to Silver/Gold Badge are decided during annual re-certification meetings involving ITF, ATP, WTA, and Grand Slam tournament representatives.

• Locations of ITF Schools
  Level 1 and 2 Schools are ideally tied to ITF World Tennis Tour events, and the goal is to have at least one in every continent each year.
  Level 3 Schools are held in countries with major airports and good travel accessibility.

• Remuneration / pay for officials
  The ITF publishes minimum recommended fees (in USD) for various officiating roles, though actual pay in different countries may vary due to cost of living, exchange rates, and local agreements.
  Examples given include:
  • For ITF World Tennis Tour W60/W80/W100: Supervisor ≈ US$1,700; International Chair Umpire ≈ US$825; White Badge Chair ≈ US$550
  • For lower-level events (e.g. M15, W15, M25): Supervisor ≈ US$1,100; Int’l Chair ≈ US$750; White Badge Chair ≈ US$550

• Performance evaluation & feedback
  Officials are often evaluated during tournaments by more experienced officials. These evaluations aid in continual learning, influence certification, and help in selection for future schools and tournaments.
  ITF, ATP, and WTA share a common evaluation form for Chair Umpires, Referees, and Chief Umpires.