Table Tennis: ITTF, ATTF Unveil Support Program For Umpires
As part of its commitment to enhancing the skills, knowledge and global network of umpires, the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), through its Development Department and in partnership with the newly elected Executive Committee of the African Table Tennis Federation (ITTF Africa), is planning to provide technical and financial support to selected African International Umpires for upcoming ITTF African events in 2025.
According to a statement issued by the ITTF Development Department, this initiative is part of the 2025 ITTF Development Program in collaboration with the new executive of ITTF Africa. The program aims to support umpires in their quest to gain knowledge and experience while officiating at major tournaments.
To benefit from the program, candidates must be actively officiating as International Umpires, having participated in at least one ITTF-sanctioned event during 2023 or 2024, or be newly certified as International Umpires by successfully passing the 2024 IU Exam. Applicants must be 40 years old or younger at the time of application and must be officially nominated and endorsed by their respective Member Associations (MAs).
A mid-to-high level of English proficiency is required to ensure effective communication and participation in the program. Applicants must also submit a brief motivation letter as part of the online application process, outlining their reasons for applying and their future aspirations as ITTF Match Officials.
For successful candidates, ITTF Development will provide partial financial support for flight tickets, while ITTF Africa will cover accommodation expenses during the selected events. The project will support umpires to attend at least one of three major African events in 2025, with the events to be shared with the selected candidates.
The selection process will be conducted through an online application and will consider regional distribution to ensure broad representation across Africa. Two candidates (one male and one female) from each member association are expected to apply, with a total of 12 participants to be selected, maintaining gender balance with six male and six female candidates.
The selection will be made jointly by ITTF Development and ITTF Africa, in consultation with the Umpires and Referees Committee (URC).
Selected participants will be prepared through two to three online group sessions before major African events, led by an experienced ITTF umpire to enhance their readiness and knowledge. Additionally, selected candidates will be invited to attend at least one ITTF African event as an International Umpire, where their performance will be evaluated.
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