TheSportsCampus

Praveen a graduate in commerce and a permanent resident of USA , started umpiring in 1996.  Initially  a player, he participated in a number of tennis tournaments, including ITF Junior World Ranking and All-India Inter-University. It was his predilection for tennis that he has continued in this filed and wishes to expand his horizon in the sport.

Question:  For how long have you been umpiring?

I have been working as an umpire since 1996. I cleared Level-1 in 1996 and Level-2 in 1999 for the ITF White Badge.

Question: Is it necessary to have any experience in tennis before umpiring or can anyone and everyone become an umpire?

No, it is not necessary to have experience in tennis before umpiring but it will be an added a dvantage if you are already directly or indirectly involved in the game of tennis. Anyone can start umpiring at local level tournaments as one gains experience one can easily move forward and at higher level. Other senior and experienced officials evaluate and recommend their names to the national association. Then the national association recommends the name to the International Tennis Federation and one is selected to appear for test (Written and on- court Practical test).

There are basically 3 levels in officiating level-1, level-2 (White Badge), level-3 (Bronze Badge, Silver Badge and Gold Badge). At the top level it requires only outstanding evaluations and high recommendations from other senior officials.

Question: How difficult is your job?

It is ever challenging job which requires lot of concentration. When working as line umpire we work on rotation basis 45 minutes on court and 45 minutes off court which keeps one on his toes during on-court shift. One has to master the rules of tennis and keep professionalism at all times with other officials and professional players and coaches.

Question: Is umpiring a full time job?

It depends, one can make it full time job depending on availability of work,  as a number of tournaments are being played at same time. As an Asian, it is very difficult to be a full time ATP / WTA official.

Question: How did you get into this? What motivated you?

Earlier I was a player really involved in the game of tennis. I wanted to stay in touch with tennis - so decided to work as a tennis official. Love for the game motivated me to stay connected with this game.

Question: Was it hard to become an Umpire? Did you have to study a lot?

It requires lot of hard work and dedication. Everyone can study rules but how to use it in a proper practical way that only comes from experience.

Question: What is the most difficult element of an umpiring job?

It requires lot of concentration one wrong call can cost your career. As huge prize money is involved so players are fighting for every single point.

Question: Most memorial match as an umpire?

Working in a prestigious Grand Slam Wimbledon 2006 and selected for the 2007.

The most memorable match was as a Line Umpire in finals of Duty Free Dubai Open 2005 where Roger Federer (SUI) defeated Ivan Ljubicic (CRO) 6-1 6-7(6) 6-3.

Question: Since players get paid much more than umpires, what was their attitude towards you?

It does not matter as question of money never act as a barrier. You are doing your job professionally and players know their limits as officials follow codes for any kind of violation. Officials need to treat all players on court equally and one has to be neutral in decision. The chair umpire has to be firm and fair.

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Praveen has post a few years as a tennis official moved to the US as a coach, we will soon follow-up this feature with details of his coaching career and tips on how one can stay involved in the game as a tennis coach.