Umpire Vincenzo Chiarello recently travelled to Montenegro to officiate at his first international tournament, the WTT Youth Contender Podgorica.

He was joined by Swee Kiat Lim, both men having completed their Level 2 qualification at Table Tennis England national tournaments towards the end of last season.

In his blog, Vincenzo reflects on his experience and how it will help him to continue his umpiring journey, with an eye on the World Team Championships in London in 2026.

As an umpire representing Table Tennis England and the Association of English Table Tennis Umpires (AETTU), I had the privilege to participate in my very first international umpiring event at the WTT Youth Contender in Podgorica, Montenegro, from 10 to 13 September. It was an absolute honour to be part of such a prestigious tournament, representing both TTE and my colleagues from the AETTU on the international stage.

The event was exceptionally well organised. Every detail, from transportation to the match schedules, was taken care of with precision. The schedule was tight, but it flowed seamlessly, allowing everyone to focus on their duties without any issues. It was inspiring to see such an efficient and professional operation, and it served as a great example of how international events should be run.

The umpiring team consisted of officials from several countries, including England, France, the Netherlands, Serbia and Montenegro. It was a truly international gathering of like-minded individuals passionate about table tennis. The event was overseen by Referee Mr Michael Zwipp from Germany, with Deputy Referee Matija Krnc from Slovakia, both of whom did an excellent job in leading the team and ensuring the smooth running of the competition.

One of the highlights of the event was the Call Area, where all the umpires were responsible for carrying out equipment checks before every match. This process was essential in maintaining the integrity of the competition and ensuring that every player had the correct equipment to perform at their best. It was a great experience to work alongside my fellow umpires in this environment, reinforcing the importance of attention to detail and professionalism.

During the tournament, I had the incredible opportunity to umpire two finals. The first was the U17 Boys’ Final between representatives from France and Tunisia, and the second was the U19 Girls’ Final between players from the Philippines and Poland.

Both finals were played at an exceptionally high level, and I was honoured to be assigned as the main umpire for these matches. It was an exhilarating experience and I thoroughly enjoyed the responsibility and challenge that came with officiating such high-stakes games.

Throughout the event, I felt immense pride in being part of TTE and the AETTU. The standards, preparation and skills that we as English umpires possess place us among the very best in the world. I was fortunate to receive positive feedback from Referee Mr Zwipp, which reinforced that I am on the right path in my umpiring journey. His words of encouragement were both humbling and motivating, pushing me to continue improving and striving for excellence.

My experience umpiring various tournaments in England has shown me that the level of professionalism in our sport is world-class. We have nothing to envy from other nations – in fact, we have every reason to be proud. The standards set by TTE and the AETTU for every tournament are top-notch, and the support and development opportunities available for umpires are immense. It’s a testament to the strength of our community.

London 2026 World Table Tennis Championships aspirations

My journey as an umpire began a few years ago, and it has been a wonderful and rewarding experience every step of the way. I am excited to continue contributing to the sport, particularly at the local level, where I believe we can continue raising the bar.

It is also important for me to motivate and inspire potential new umpires to embark on their own journeys. Our sport relies on passionate individuals stepping forward, and I am committed to helping others start that path.

Looking ahead, one of my goals is to be part of the World Team Championships, which will be hosted in London in 2026. The responsibility of officiating at such an important event is huge, but the determination and willpower I have to achieve this goal is even greater. I will continue to give my all and ensure that TTE and AETTU remain at the very top of this beautiful sport.

This first international experience has been a milestone in my umpiring career, and I am eager to keep learning, growing and contributing to the global table tennis community.