On International Referees’ Day today, we shine a light on the stories of some of our amazing officials and explain how you can follow in their footsteps.

International Umpire Nico Caltabiano reached the pinnacle of the sport earlier this summer when he umpired the Men’s Singles gold medal match between Fan Zhendong and Truls Moregard at the Paris Olympic Games.

Nico, who was later confirmed as one of only 23 umpires from around the world to achieve Gold Badge status – the highest level there is – began his career helping out at tournaments in England which his son was playing in, and his journey took him all the way to the top!

Nico was not the only English umpire in Paris as Tom Purcell was selected for the Paralympic Games, also umpiring podium matches.

It completed a memorable double achievement by Tom, who umpired the Men’s Singles final at the London 2012 Olympics.

Several newly qualified English umpire are making their first steps on the international stage, including Sandy Nash, who will officiate at the World Parkinson’s and World Alzheimer’s Championships in France later this month.

Sandy, who was the first umpire from Hertfordshire to attain the Level 2 qualification in more than 30 years, took the written part of the exam during the WTT Feeder Manchester earlier this year.

Swee Kiat Lim and Vincenzo Chiarello have also taken their first steps on to the international stage this year having also been among those who passed their written exams in Manchester.

Vincenzo has written a blog about his experience at the WTT Youth Contender Podgorica, which was the first international event for him and for Swee.

Interested in becoming an umpire?

With the World Team Table Tennis Championships coming to London in 2026 and plenty more international events in the pipeline, opportunities for umpires in this country are increasing all the time.

If you are interested in becoming an umpire, Level 1 Umpires courses are being held across the country in the coming months, including in Ormesby, St Neots, Worthing and Wolverhampton.

Click here to register your interest in umpiring course.

Click here to find out more about starting your umpiring journey.

Look out for more news soon about our work to create a new Technical Officials Academy, which aims to ensure our sport has a sustainable, world-class officiating workforce for the future, in every area of the country.

The Academy will transform the landscape, providing a clear pathway into officiating and the training, mentoring and support that umpires, referees and tournament organisers need at every step of their journey.