BackITF Umpire Course

Concluding a busy weekend was the ITF Umpire course. UK ITF black belts made their way to the new TKD Centre and ITF HQ for an intensive course and ITF Umpire certification.

Following an impromptus training session by Master Nicholls the course was under way with the distribution of the newly update ITF rule book. As we scoured through the rules with a fine tooth comb the floor was left open for all to ask questions. As a member of the ITF Tournament Committee I am able to offer resolution to some of the minor inconsistencies that arise at National and International Competitions.

As expected the UK ITF selection process and the designated competitions where a main topic of conversation. As the day rolled on we worked through the book and a vast amount of concerns that were put forward by the candidates.

The practical, following a demonstration of the signals used by the referees and jury president including explanations of why and when appropriate actions needs to take place. All were shown how the old paper system operated, we then moved onto the Electronic Scoring.

The Electronic Scoring system has been designed here in the UK and this course had it available for dedicated on site training. Everyone took turns on operating the system and I went through the technical specifications and set up procedures from out of the box through to shut down.

Finally the written test! 90 questions to ensure the candidates have retained the knowledge. UK umpires are considered some of the best in the world and are always in demand at International ITF Events, this course goes a long way in preparing our umpires for the tasks expected of them.

The course concluded around 7pm and everyone made there way home for some well earned rest.