It’s the end of an era for Lynne Nixey, as she embarks on an exciting new journey after nearly 10 years with Badminton Oceania.
As our Administration Manager, Lynne has been the driving force behind our operations. She not only took care of the day-to-day functions of our organisation, but she also helped cultivate pathways for our technical officials and provided event support for Oceania Championships.
Yesterday, the BWF announced Lynne’s appointment to the newly created role of Head of Technical Officials, marking a momentous milestone in her career. She brings both her years of experience at BOC and her knowledge as a current member of the BWF Semi-Professional Referee team and former BWF Umpire to the job.
In her new position, Lynne will oversee the management of the technical officials’ programmes. This includes assignments, planning and development of the professional TO workforce. She will also work with Continental Confederations for pathway development.
Lynne’s passion for technical officiating, combined with a love for administration and organisation lends well to her new position.
“I feel this new role combines all of these three things and that I will be able to assist with moving technical officials into the next phase within badminton with some exciting changes coming up in the future,” she said.
Following her father into officiating, Lynne sat her first umpire exam at 16 and worked her way up. She became a BWF (then IBF) Umpire in 1998 and officiated as an umpire at massive events, including the Athens and Beijing Olympics.
In 2009, she retired early as a BWF Umpire to move into a referee role. Her career reached a new high last year with her appointment as Head Referee for the Paris Olympics.
Lynne at the Paris Olympics 2024
Looking back on her time with BOC, it’s the moments leading up to events that stand out to Lynne.
“I would have to say that my best moments are those times after we complete something and know that we did a good job getting there — long days spent organising tournaments and courses and then sitting back and realising that we somehow pulled it all off is one of the best feelings ever,” she said.
Julie Carrel, Secretary General, Badminton Oceania, believes this new opportunity is a natural progression for Lynne, and that she is a shining example of what’s possible in Oceania.
“To know that someone from our region can come through our technical officials pathway to attain this prestigious role over-seeing Technical Officials globally speaks volumes for the quality of our programmes over the years; we are extremely proud of what Lynne has achieved,” Julie said. “Lynne will be greatly missed in our office on a day to day basis but know that she will remain well connected to us particularly in the TO area. We wish Lynne all the best in this new challenge in her career. ”
Lynne’s last day with Badminton Oceania is 23 May 2025.
We are currently recruiting for a new Administration and Finance Manager. This is a 30 hour per week role based out of our office in Auckland. For more information about the opening, click this link.
