The European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) Umpires and Referees Committee (URC) recently conducted a successful training program for match officials in Sarajevo Bosnia-Herzegovina. The event organized in collaboration with the Table Tennis Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina (TTF BiH) marks a significant milestone in the Federation’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of umpiring in the region.
Under the leadership of President Mirsad PAJEVIĆ TTF BiH has prioritized the training and development of umpires to ensure the country’s readiness to host international table tennis events. President PAJEVIĆ has highlighted the importance of professional officiating as a key factor in making Bosnia-Herzegovina a dynamic player in the global table tennis arena.
“We are committed to elevating our Federation to meet the standards required for international competitions and training our umpires is one of the most important steps in this journey ” emphasized PAJEVIC.
For the first time in Bosnia-Herzegovina the ITTF Basic Umpire Course was organized a crucial development in preparing local umpires for upcoming events. The timing of the course was especially important as it coincided with the ongoing WTT Youth Contender tournament in Sarajevo. Additionally it serves as part of the broader preparation strategy for the ETTU European Team Championship Stage 1 scheduled to take place in January 2025.
Over the course of two days ten aspiring umpires completed the ITTF Basic Umpire Course earning certificates that will enable them to officiate at both national and international levels. An additional ten participants attended a one-day session to gain practical experience in umpiring.
President PAJEVIĆ expressed his gratitude to the instructor Asko RASINEN and the ETTU URC for their steadfast support of BiH TTF and the Bosnian Umpires and Referees Committee (BiH URC).
“The collaboration with international bodies like the ETTU URC is vital for the growth of our sport in Bosnia-Herzegovina. We are truly thankful for their guidance and expertise ” PAJEVIĆ said.
As the country gears up to host more international events such as the ETTU European Team Championship this initiative reflects Bosnia-Herzegovina’s commitment to building a strong foundation for the future of table tennis within its borders. The successful completion of this training program is just one of many steps being taken to elevate the level of the sport and the professionalism of its officials.
