Two groups of umpires were given a helping hand towards achieving their goals at training courses during the Women’s British Clubs League weekend in Wolverhampton recently.

Tom Purcell, who has officiated in both Olympic and Paralympic gold medal matches, was joined by, Deputy Chair of the European Table Tennis Union’s Umpires and Referees Committee, to deliver training to aspiring International Umpires.

At the same time, a Level 1 course for new umpires was delivered by Brian Jackson, Technical Officials Committee Chair, assisted by Level 1 umpire Lyndsey Simpson.

The two-day course for National Umpires wishing to take their International Umpire exam over this summer or next summer had nine candidates.

Rasinen, from Finland, was the tutor and was supported by Purcell. Candidates received classroom training on the laws, followed by practical umpiring training ‘live’ during WBCL matches.

The training placed a strong emphasis on practical umpiring, covering essential tasks and procedures from the Call Area to the conclusion of a match, including returning equipment and preparing for the next assignment.

Recognising the increasing professionalisation of table tennis and the rise of live streaming, the final session of the training focused on “Presentation and Communication” during matches, as well as the “Management of Matches” to ensure smooth and professional officiating.

Tom Purcell said: “I’ve been lucky, I’ve travelled all over the world, I’ve umpired at major competitions – the Olympics, World Championships and I started off like everyone else as a Level 1 umpire.

“Hopefully these umpires will develop as well and go through the same process.”

Asko Rasinen added: “We are here to give them some advice, we are watching the matches and after that we give them personal feedback. We also have some theoretical lectures up in the classroom.”

Sandy Nash, one of the umpires on the course, said: “Asko was the main presenter of the course and his style was excellent for holding the group’s attention and covering a lot of information over the weekend. His presentation style included quite a bit of humour and several first-hand anecdotes. 

“The structure worked well with the group of attendees being split into teams of three to agree what happens in a Call Room and then to work as a team to umpire a couple of sessions of the WBCL Premier Division.

“We rotated between umpiring, assistant umpiring and observing. It was interesting working in a team with other newer umpires.

“Overall, I found the course useful and boosted my confidence to see that I’ve already come a long way in my umpiring journey and reinforced some of the tips I’ve had from International umpires I’ve worked with over the last two or three years. It also acted as a good reminder of just how much more there still is to learn.

“Thanks to both Asko and Tom for sharing their wealth of knowledge and experience. Much appreciated.”

For the Level 1 course, there were 19 candidates who had a morning classroom training course followed by an afternoon practical session alongside WBCL. Several candidates who passed stayed and umpired the last few games of the competition.

Lyndsey Simpson, who also has Tournament Organiser and Referee qualifications, said: “They’ve learned a lot about the service rules, about para athletes, how to use the scoreboard, a bit about doubles and some tips and techniques about how to know the order of service and things like that.

“I’ve been doing umpiring now for 11 years and still loving it as much as I did. It’s the best community you’ll ever find in the world.”

There are Level 1 Umpires courses coming up in Harlow and Taunton this year and in Wolverhampton early next year. Click here to find out more or register your interest in future courses.