london grand prix Archives - Stephanie Cartwright-Randle

Day two of line judging as yesterday I was broken in so to speak.

Photo by Alan Spink – Action Photography

First up today Warwickshire lad Rhys Walker, how apt, as I coach the Under 13’s Warwickshire juniors at the Birmingham cell (not going to be biased then). Position 4, meant I was responsible for mopping the court, nice! So on several occasions I was called on court, for Rhys to tap the area where he wanted me to ‘mop’ (did not think my line calls were that bad as I could not see the sweat on court). Hey ho he lost in two.

Next duty was Rajiv Ouseph (4^th seed) V. Vitaly Konov. I did very few judging calls the first game as Rajiv was my end of the court and he won. The second game my hand signals were called upon to give me more practice, much appreciated thanks Rajiv final score 2-0.

My third duty was mens doubles, English pair CHENG and McCARTHY v China Taipei pair HUANG and LU. Having been told the mens doubles are a little on the fast side I was very nervous. A few wobbly hand gestures starting to indicate in but ended up out (swimming again) and the game was over. Sorry lads.

The last duty for me was Mixed (my first of the discipline). Both pairs RASMUSSEN/GREBAK(DEN) V. SCHWENGER/NELTE (GER) were young. What a game! I was extremely nervous as both sets of coaches where next to me in the last game. I had my fingers crossed that all of my calls would be easy. Thank you guardian angels for looking after me. No difficult line judging calls required. Sailed my second day of line judging, what will tomorrow have in store?

Event news HERE.

Line Judging at the London Grand Prix 2013

Having played badminton for several years, I fancied doing something else to do with badminton. As I am already a qualified umpire and a member of the BUAofE I thought I would go a little further and become a line judge and am now a member of the BLJAofE.

Well having done the training today was the day I would put my Line Judging knowledge/training into action. I travelled down to London last night, to share a room with Pam (another Line Judge). Turns out she has 20 years experience and was full of information and assured me (several times) that my first time would be a doddle.

At breakfast Pam kindly introduced me to a few of the other line judges and Suzanne helped me with my traveling arrangements on the London Underground. After arriving safely at the Copper Box Arena pointed me in the right direction for accreditation and uniform. Well the rest of the crew were just as helpful.

Before I could say ‘ssssmoking ssshutles’, I’m lined up ready for my first time…..! Mens singles Sridhar (India) V. Tian (China) I was a little nervous to say the least (these two men would be waiting for me to call in or out!). My first Line judging call was a trembling arm raise for IN and throughout the almost two games I did two other IN calls and one very loud and arms extremely wide OUT. As it happened the game was cut short due to Sridhar retiring (full details HERE).

My third game with a familiar face for an umpire (Rizvan through Warwickshire County) I am in position 8 to the right of the Umpire and the shuttle lands all eyes are on me and I knew the shuttle was out but a single arm goes out (to signal IN)…! I quickly change it by pulling my arm back and raising the other arm to signal OUT. Phew got it right without the Umpire over-ruling me. I was later told this movement was referred to as ‘swimming’, not certain why breast stoke would be used in badminton.

All in all I survived my first experience line judging with mens and ladies singles with only one bout of swimming. Why not try it for yourself see BLJAofE.