ERSA International

European Racquet Stringers Association

Badminton Certificates

 

ERSA International Badminton Certification Overview

ERSA International provides specific workshops for badminton stringers plus three levels of certification for badminton stringers which mirrors the qualifications which are also available for tennis and squash stringers.

 

All candidates should consider joining the ERSA and attending a relevant workshop before the test.

 

 

ERSA Stringer (Badminton)

This certificate is awarded to new stringers who have successfully completed an introductory badminton stringing workshop and have learned to string badminton rackets correctly. There is no testing involved.

 

 

ERSA Professional Stringer (Badminton)

Pre Requisite:

The candidate should be confident in stringing badminton rackets. They should have gained regularly stringing experience since being awarded an ERSA stringer (Badminton) certificate.

 

About the Certification:

An introductory certification aimed at coaches, club stringers and shop stringers to demonstrate they are competent to string ‘standard’ badminton rackets.

 

The candidate will be required to:

  1. String two ‘standard’ (that is 22 main, isometric head) badminton rackets using the Yonex approved method:
    • Inspect the frame and grommets for damage
    • Cut out the strings
    • Change two grommets, one of which should be a tie off hole
    • Mount the racket
    • Measure strings
    • String rackets at 21lbs (9.5 kg) using the Yonex approved method
    • Apply logo
  2. Apply an over grip
  3. Pass a written paper which tests basic general knowledge of stringing and basic badminton knowledge.

 

The tester will check for:

  • Correct grommet change
  • Correct stringing technique
  • No crossovers
  • Frame shape maintained
  • No string damage
  • Straight strings
  • Logo applied correctly
  • Both rackets checked for consistency and accuracy including being at the same string bed stiffness
  • Over grip applied correctly

 

Time Allowed:

  • Section 1 above (string rackets) – 90 minutes
  • Section 2 above (fit over grip) – 5 minutes
  • Section 3 above (written paper) – 30 minutes

 

 

ERSA Master Professional Stringer Level 1 (Badminton)

Pre Requisite:

The candidate should be confident stringing ‘non-standard’ badminton rackets. They should consider taking the ERSA Professional Stringer (Badminton) certification but this is not a requirement.

 

About the Certification:

An advanced certification aimed at shop stringers and owners to demonstrate they can string badminton rackets at a high level (speed and accuracy) and have a broad knowledge of products for their customers.

 

Either: If the candidate has passed the ERSA Professional Stringer (Badminton) test:

The candidate will be required to:

  1. String two rackets:
      1. One standard badminton racket using the Yonex approved method
      2. One standard badminton racket using a one piece stringing method
    • Inspect the frame and grommets for damage
    • Cut out the strings
    • Mount the rackets
    • Measure strings
    • String rackets at 24lbs (11kg) using the appropriate methods
    • Apply logos
  2. Pass a written paper which tests advanced badminton string knowledge, racket knowledge, and how to advise players on the best combination of racket and strings.

 

The tester will check for:

  • Correct stringing technique
  • No crossovers
  • Frame shape maintained
  • No string damage
  • Straight strings

 

Time Allowed:

  • Section 1 above (string rackets) – 60 minutes
  • Section 2 above (written paper) – 20 minutes

 

OR: If the candidate has NOT passed the ERSA Professional Stringer (Badminton) test:

The candidate will be required to:

  1. String three rackets:
      1. Two standard badminton rackets using the Yonex approved method
      2. One standard badminton racket using a one piece stringing method
    • Inspect the frame and grommets for damage
    • Cut out the strings
    • Change two grommets, one of which should be a tie off hole
    • Mount the rackets
    • Measure strings
    • String rackets at 24lbs (11kg) using the appropriate methods
    • Apply logos
  2. Apply an over grip
  3. Pass both written papers (Professional Stringer and Master Professional Stringer) which tests advanced badminton string knowledge, racket knowledge, and how to advise players on the best combination of racket and strings.

 

The tester will check for:

  • Correct grommet change
  • Correct stringing technique
  • No crossovers
  • Frame shape maintained
  • No string damage
  • Straight strings
  • Logo applied correctly
  • Over grip applied correctly

 

Time Allowed:

  • Section 1 above (string rackets) – 90 minutes
  • Section 2 above (fit over grip) – 5 minutes
  • Section 3 above (written paper) – 45 minutes

 

 

ERSA Pro Tour Stringer Level 1 (Badminton)

Pre Requisite:

ERSA Master Professional Stringer Level 1 (Badminton) certification.

 

About the Certification:

An advanced certification aimed at the highest level badminton stringers to demonstrate they can string non-standard badminton rackets at International tournaments at a high level (speed and accuracy).

 

The candidate will be required to:

  1. String three badminton rackets at high tensions:
    1. One standard badminton racket @ 32lbs (14.5kg) using a thin (0.66mm) string using the Yonex approved method
    2. One standard badminton racket @ 30lbs (13.5kg) with 10% pre-stretch
    3. One badminton racket which has 20 mains @ 30lbs in a 2 piece stringing pattern
  2. There is no written test.

 

The tester will check for:

  • Correct stringing technique
  • No crossovers
  • Frame shape maintained
  • No string damage
  • Straight strings

 

Time Allowed:

  • Section 1 above (string rackets) – 80 minutes *

* The time for the pre-stretch racket may be modified according to the stringing machine being used and its pre-stretch capabilities and speed.