2021.3.11

International Tennis Federation of London

1991

This medal represents level 2 ITF (International Tennis Federation) of London Chair Umpire Certification, which Mary Lou Tierney earned in 1991. The badge is made of gold colored metal with white enamel designed in a circular shape with a U back clip. It is 2" in diameter and inscribed with OFFICIAL ITF and a tennis ball decoration at the center. Worn by umpires as a level of accomplishment, the striking design creates great contrast for easy recognition. Certainly, a noble accessory for a tennis umpires who makes the calls at the highest level of talented passion in this sport.

Mary Lou Tierney was the only white badge officiant at the time to chair a Grand Slam final. This achievement as a "White Badge Official" enables officiants to work mainly as Chair Umpires. As such, Tierney officiated games for challenging players such as John McEnroe. During Middle Sunday in 1991 known as the "Peoples Day of Tennis at Wimbledon", historic matches were created for the first time on a Sunday due to excessive rain. Here in a newspaper image, McEnroe argues with Tierney and the difficulty of her job is ultimately highlighted in the international press.