In the world of badminton, players and coaches often take the spotlight. However, it’s important to recognize the crucial role that technical officials play during a match. One such official is Irma Villalpando, a Pan Am Certified umpire from Mexico, who brings years of experience and expertise to the sport.
A Journey from Athlete to Technical Official
Irma’s journey in badminton began as an athlete, competing at the national level in junior categories. As she fell in love with the sport and wanted to contribute to its growth in the region, she trained as a line judge for an international event. This marked the start of her career as a technical official.
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Nurturing Skills and Rising through the Ranks
Irma’s career took off when she was asked to serve as a line judge and umpire for the 2011 Pan Am Games in Guadalajara. Her skills and dedication caught the attention of Javier Orozco, the president of the Mexican badminton federation, who encouraged her to become a Pan Am Accredited umpire. Irma initially doubted her eligibility due to her limited experience, but she decided to take the leap and applied in 2013.
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The Pan American Accreditation and Certification courses for Umpires and Referees provided Irma with valuable training and a platform to showcase her abilities. Not only did she gain recognition within Mexico, but her fellow umpires and referees from the course, such as Juan Jose Valencia, Ricardo Salamanca, Dionne Haynes, Fabio Lopes, Alecson Maia, Marlon Lopez, Gilder Pacheco, and Alberto Rodriguez, are now highly regarded technical officials in several countries.
Embracing International Opportunities
At the age of 19, Irma obtained her Pan American Accreditation and embarked on a new chapter in her career. She started participating in international tournaments outside of Mexico and was selected for prestigious events like the World Junior Championship 2015 and the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto. Being on the same stage as the umpires she once admired was a surreal experience for Irma.
Continuing to Make a Difference
Through her consistent performance and involvement in various national and international events, Irma has proven herself as a skilled technical official. She aims to further enhance her expertise by seeking BWF Accreditation. Irma believes that her accomplishments demonstrate that gender should not be a limiting factor, and she encourages more women to pursue their goals in badminton and beyond.
Embracing Para Badminton
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In 2018, Irma discovered Para badminton and was immediately captivated by the sport and its unique aspects. She got involved in promoting Para badminton in her country, recognizing the incredible athleticism and competitive spirit of Para athletes. Irma’s experiences have inspired her to advocate for more people to participate in badminton and Para badminton, fostering continued growth and empowering women to achieve their aspirations.
FAQs
Q: How did Irma Villalpando become a Pan Am Certified umpire?
A: Irma’s journey as a technical official began when she served as a line judge and umpire for the 2011 Pan Am Games in Guadalajara. Her skills and dedication impressed the president of the Mexican badminton federation, who encouraged her to become a Pan Am Accredited umpire. Irma applied in 2013 and successfully obtained her accreditation.
Q: What is the significance of Pan American Accreditation and Certification courses for Umpires and Referees?
A: These courses provide valuable training for umpires and referees, allowing them to enhance their skills and prepare for international events. Irma participated in one such course and had the opportunity to train under renowned evaluator Jean-Guy Poitras and receive guidance from Bertha Garcia. The course helped Irma and her fellow officials gain recognition and further their careers.
Summary
In the world of badminton, technical officials like Irma Villalpando play a vital role in ensuring fair play and smooth matches. Irma’s journey from an aspiring athlete to a Pan Am Certified umpire showcases her dedication and passion for the sport. Through her involvement in various national and international events, Irma has proven her expertise and is now seeking BWF Accreditation. She encourages more women to break barriers and pursue their dreams in badminton and beyond. Embracing Para badminton has also been a significant part of Irma’s career, as she promotes inclusivity and highlights the exceptional abilities of Para athletes. Join Irma in advancing badminton and Para badminton, and let’s create a future where everyone can thrive in the sport they love.
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