Last weekend, Havířov (Czechia) hosted a two-day educational workshop for prospective international referees, organised within the ETTU Referee Mentoring Program and held in conjunction with the WTT Youth Contender. The workshop was led by experienced international referees Matej HAMRAN (Slovakia) and Petr BOHUMSKÝ (Czechia).
The event brought together a group of experienced umpires and national referees aiming to take the next step toward the international level. Participants represented a diverse range of countries, including Austria, Kosovo, Ukraine, Tunisia, the Netherlands, Slovakia, and Czechia. The main objective was to strengthen their understanding of international refereeing standards and prepare them for future participation in the International Referee School.
The programme combined essential theoretical knowledge with practical application. Key topics included tournament scheduling principles, order of play, and different approaches to umpire scheduling. Participants were also introduced to the structure and expectations of the International Referee School.
Special emphasis was placed on decision-making in complex situations, including the correct application of rules related to misbehaviour, disqualification, and other challenging scenarios regularly faced at international events.
A major highlight of the workshop was its direct connection to the WTT Youth Contender tournament. Participants actively engaged in draw procedures, working in groups on both ITTF and WTT competition formats, before presenting their solutions.
The learning experience was further enriched through case studies based on recent referee conferences, followed by interactive discussions and Q&A sessions. Practical exercises also included an overnight umpire scheduling task, allowing participants to apply their knowledge under realistic conditions.
On the second day, the focus shifted from the classroom to the field of play. Participants took part in Call Area duties and gained hands-on experience with racket control procedures. They also observed result management processes and the work of referees during live matches, offering valuable insight into the operational side of international competitions.
The workshop provided an excellent platform for exchanging experiences, discussing best practices, and strengthening cooperation among match officials. The high level of engagement and enthusiasm of all participants contributed significantly to the overall success of the event.
Participants also shared positive feedback:
“I am working to raise the level of table tennis referees and umpires in Ukraine. Unfortunately, there is currently a lack of interest in certain areas, and I hope that the skills I gained here will help us follow the latest European standards. I can give only the highest praise, as I truly appreciate the professionalism of everyone involved,” said Oles DOPILKO (Ukraine)
“The presenters were extremely competent and professional. Their depth of knowledge and the way they delivered the material were impressive and very helpful for everyone involved. I would also like to highlight the simulation of exam situations, which was particularly useful in preparing for real-life challenges,” noted Christian NOWAK (Austria)
Education and continuous development remain essential for maintaining high standards in international table tennis. Workshops such as this play a key role in preparing the next generation of referees for the demands of top-level competition.
