About officials

Technical Officials are at the heart of table tennis, whether that’s making sure matches can go ahead, ensuring competitions are fair for all competitors, or putting on the tournaments in the first place.

There are three types of Technical Official:

• Umpire: on court and oversee matches, match scores and decisions
• Referee: off court and oversee competitions, the draw and schedule
• Tournament Organiser: off court and run tournament but not responsible for the competition side

Umpire and Referee Pathway

Table Tennis England operates a pathway for umpires and referees, supporting their development and providing opportunities to progress to officiate at higher level competitions both domestically and internationally.  

Level 1 Umpire is the entry-level qualification for the officiating pathway, providing an opportunity to umpire at local competitions as well as the start of the journey for those who which progress. 

Having gained the Level 1 Umpire qualification, the pathway allows an individual to continue along the Umpire Pathway and progress up the four levels or transfer to the Referee Pathway, where there are also four levels. Once qualified as a Level 1 umpire you are eligible to start your journey to be a Level 1 Referee.  

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Meet an official – Sheila Walshe

Sheila Walshe is an international table tennis referee from England. Having completed her entry-level qualification (Level 1 Umpire), Sheila has continued her officiating journey to gain both her Level 2 and Level 3 umpiring qualifications and now umpires at national and international events. 

Hit play on the video below to find out more about Sheila’s journey and her experiences since becoming an umpire. 

Support for officials

Current officials, access your profile and view the TT Learning Zone and other resources to support you in your officiating journey.

Laws and regulations

Check out the rules and regulations for table tennis play and competitions regulated by Table Tennis England.

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