From Classroom to Competition Court: of Interdisciplinary Studies, KKU, Sports Science Students Gain Experience as Provincial-Level Badminton Referees

August 18, 2026 Associate Professor Dr. Prapaphimon Pariwat, Head of the Department of Technology and Engineering and lecturer in the Sports and Exercise Science program, Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Khon Kaen University, visited the field to observe the practicum and offer encouragement to students of the Sports and Exercise Science program program who were given the opportunity to serve as badminton referees at a provincial-level competition held at the TD Badminton Court in Nong Khai Province.

This practical assignment was part of the Nong Khai Provincial Championship and the 42nd National Youth Games, Fiscal Year 2026, Regional Qualifying Round for Nong Khai Province (Badminton), held from August 19–22, 2026. Students actively participated in the competition management process and performed refereeing duties in accordance with official rules, regulations, and standard competition protocols.

This opportunity to serve as officials represents a significant milestone for the students, enabling them to apply the knowledge, skills, and experience gained from sports science coursework to real-world situations on the competition court. Through this experience, students learned essential workplace competencies, including decision-making, problem-solving under pressure, teamwork, and coordination with sports personnel and organizations at both the provincial and regional levels.

Furthermore, the faculty member's on-site visit reflects the program's commitment to experiential learning, as well as its dedication to monitoring, supporting, and encouraging students in developing their professional potential — an essential component of preparing students for quality careers in the sports science and sports industry sectors.

The Faculty of Interdisciplinary Studies, Khon Kaen University, is committed to promoting learning experiences that connect academic knowledge with real-world practice. The faculty provides students with opportunities to develop professional competencies, gain hands-on experience through authentic situations, and build collaborative networks with sports-related organizations — all aimed at preparing them to become qualified professionals in sports science and health in the future.