Experienced Umpires Mentor New Wave of Table Tennis Officials
In a significant stride forward for table tennis officiating in the country, four umpires have recently completed their Level 2 (National) qualifications at the Mark Bates Ltd Cadet, U17 & Junior National Championships held in Nottingham. David Gatheral, Swee Kiat Lim, Sandy Nash, and Ming Fung Ivan Wong all successfully passed their practical assessments, having previously cleared the written exam at the WTT Feeder event in Manchester earlier this year.
The quartet’s achievement is a testament to the mentorship provided by experienced umpires, who have guided them through the qualification process. Notably, Sandy Nash is the first Level 2 umpire from Hertfordshire since David Edwards – one of the assessors – earned the same qualification back in 1991.
The newly qualified umpires were part of a larger group of officials who sat the written papers in Manchester. Some are still being mentored as they work towards their own qualifications.
This initiative is a crucial component of the ongoing effort to establish a new Technical Officials Academy, which aims to create a sustainable, world-class officiating workforce for table tennis across the country.
Addressing Inclusivity
The Academy will streamline the pathway into officiating, providing the necessary training, mentoring, and support that umpires, referees, and tournament organizers require at every stage of their journey. As part of this initiative, candidates with dyslexia were accommodated during the Manchester exams, with printed papers in different colors and the availability of readers to assist them.
Upcoming Opportunities
Table tennis enthusiasts interested in becoming umpires will have the opportunity to attend Level 1 Umpires courses in the coming months, scheduled in locations such as Birmingham, Cornwall, Preston, St Neots, Ormesby, Worthing, and Wolverhampton. Those eager to embark on their umpiring journey can register their interest through the provided links.
Moreover, a group of nine officials will be sitting their Level 3 (International Umpire) written exams in Milton Keynes this October, further elevating the caliber of table tennis officiating in the country.
The investment in developing a robust and skilled pool of table tennis officials underscores the sport’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and fairness, ensuring a positive experience for players, coaches, and spectators alike.
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