ITF

• In 1997 the ITF, ATP, WTA and Grand Slam tournaments created the Joint Cer fica on Programme for officials. For the first me in the history of the game, every tennis official's educa on, ability and experience was acknowledged by a cer fica on that all organisa ons recognised • Tennis officials include the chair umpires, chief umpires and referees who ensure the sport's rules and regula ons are applied consistently and fairly at tennis events Creating a consistent approach In 2021 we con nued to work in partnership with the WTA, ATP and Grand Slam tournaments to deliver the Joint Cer fica on Programme for tennis officials. Every tennis official's educa on, ability and experience are acknowledged by a cer fica on that is recognised across all tennis governing bodies worldwide. There are currently 1,400 ITF cer fied officials working interna onally at one of four levels: Na onal, Level 1 (ITF Green Badge officials), Level 2 (White Badge) and Level 3 (Bronze, Silver, Gold Badge). Through our ITF officia ng schools, we work with na ons to train individuals to ensure they meet the officia ng needs of various tournaments. As part of this, we ran two Level 3, 13 Level 2, one Level 1, 14 Na onal courses and two refresher courses at loca ons around the world between 2019 and 2021. The performance of all officials is constantly reviewed. The ITF provided tennis officials for 50 es across ITF major events in 2021. When planning, we ensure a good geographical spread of our most qualified individuals, who act as ambassadors for best prac ce and promote the highest standards at all levels of tournaments around the world. We also provided officia ng services for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, appoin ng 175 officials to travel and work at the events against the backdrop of Covid-19 challenges. As part of our strategic efforts to ensure a diverse range of na ons, players and officials have access to opportuni es in tennis, we provided $13,000 in travel grants to support the travel and development of officials in under-represented regions that do not have enough umpires. We also supported our Na onal Associa ons to run na onal officia ng schools by providing educa onal material. We will con nue to work with Na onal and Regional Associa ons, the WTA, ATP and Grand Slam tournaments to ensure we are suppor ng officials in tennis across the world. This includes ensuring greater gender equality in the profession as part of our Advantage All programme (see page 52). Leveraging the new virtual ways of doing things, we launched a new online learning experience for officials called The Umpires Lounge. Whereas previously umpires would have to travel to a end these experiences, now they can interact, engage and learn with officials all around the world without doing so. This will ensure the very best knowledge and techniques can be shared more globally. The ITF is increasing the number of officia ng schools held in person in 2022, running 18 in total, across Levels 1, 2 and 3, as well as refresher courses and na onal officia ng schools in partnership with Na onal Associa ons. OFFICIATING 2021 ITF Annual Review 45

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