Professional tennis official, Rosario Corvaia, is one of only two WA officials to now hold the ITF Level 2 White Badge Chair Umpire certification, after completing the qualification earlier this month in Tokyo, Japan.
Endorsed by Tennis Australia, Corvaia was invited by the ITF Officiating Schools Programme to undertake the five day certification, which included both theoretical and practical components, culminating in a final exam and chaired match in Yokohama.
Embarking on his journey of officiating tennis in 2012, twenty four year old Corvaia was overwhelmed during the presentation of his White Badge.
“It was such a special moment and such a huge achievement. I was very emotional when I saw the envelope containing my White Badge”
“Officiating tennis is my career, I can now travel the world doing what I love.” Corvaia said.
Progressing through the officiating ranks over the past seven years from Line Umpire and Court Supervisor, to his most recent role as Chair Umpire, Corvaia dreams of one day being the Chair Umpire on Centre Court at Wimbledon.
“The opportunities in front of me have changed significantly”
“Having my White Badge means I can now officiate anywhere in the world and on any surface. It will now allow me to umpire matches deeper into tournaments”
“The more matches I umpire, the more experience I gain and the closer I get to chairing my dream match on Centre Court at Wimbledon” Corvaia said.
Tennis West Officiating Development Coordinator Jill Sheridan said Corvaia’s dedication to the profession was a testament to his swift progression in being awarded his White Badge certification.
“Rosario is an inspiration, his hard work and commitment to his career as a professional tennis official has been aptly rewarded with him receiving his White Badge Certification,”
“What Rosario has achieved in such a short amount of time is evidence that he has a very bright future ahead,” Sheridan said.
Rosario began his career as a Ballkid at the Mastercard Hopman Cup before forging forward on his path to become a professional official by attending a Tennis Australia Officiating Program. From there, Rosario progressed from linesperson, to court supervisor and chair umpire.
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Become an official!
Do you want to be part of the on-court action? Then why not become a tennis official!
Becoming a tennis official can lead to a rewarding and fulfilling career, all that’s needed to begin is a passion and love of the game. Beginning with line umpiring/court supervising at all levels of tournaments, from grassroots to the Australian Open, officials will then make the progression to Referee and/or Chair Umpires.
The Line Umpire Course covers line umpire techniques, voice calls, teamwork and communication. The Court Supervising Training programs include Rules of Tennis and General Principles of Officiating with a mixture of online theory and on-court practical training.
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