The Table Tennis Victoria Umpires League held their AGM last month and elected the following members to the Executive Committee:

Chair - Gary Warnest

Deputy Chair - Graeme Ireland

Secretary/ Treasurer - Alan Hopkins

Tournament Secretary - Ruth Singer

Ordinary Member assisting Secretary/ Treasurer/ Tournaments - Kameron Chan​​​​​

We also had a chat with the TTVUL to find out more about the history of our umpires and what the best part of being an umpire is.

Table Tennis Victoria (TTV): Tell us some history about the TTV umpires league?

Table Tennis Victoria Umpires League (TTVUL): Table Tennis Victoria Umpires League (TTVUL) formerly known as Victorian Table Tennis Umpires League (VTTUL) was formed around 1968 with Clive Gadd as the first President/Chair. It was formed as a league to give the umpires/referees in Victoria a forum to discuss ideas and voice opinions on officiating matters. Over the years the league has expanded and now meets regularly to have rules discussions and foster the advancement of officiating. TTVUL is responsible for the recommendation of officials for Victorian events and assists TTV with the training of new officials. TTVUL supplies the trainers for all officiating courses conducted by TTV. Currently the TTVUL has a membership of 35 with an executive committee of 5.

TTV: How has having an umpires league been beneficial for table tennis in Victoria?

TTVUL: Helping to manage officials career progression and professional development. Helping to provide player education and endeavouring to obtain consistently high level umpiring. It allows a forum for the discussion of rule interpretations, training, presentation and as a means to get to know fellow officials.

TTV: How does an umpires league operate? Do you have catch ups, professional development opportunities etc.

TTVUL: The league meets regularly for a formal meeting usually at MSAC where an agenda is followed to cover tournament appointments of officials, points of interest, and a rules discussion.

TTV: What can people expect to get out by becoming an umpire?

TTVUL: The BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE!

Satisfaction of being involved and helping the sport. Advancement in the sport and a road to higher experiences such as National Championships, Oceania Events, World Championships, Commonwealth Games, Paralympics and of course the Olympics.

TTV: What experiences have you and other umpires gained from being an umpire? E.g. umpiring at Olympics etc.

TTVUL: Personally I have achieved all of the events mentioned in the previous question with the exception of the Olympics (I was selected for Tokyo but covid-19 prevented my attendance). The same can be said for our immediate past Chair Fanny Ho who has achieved all with the exception of Paralympics (but was also selected for Tokyo but covid-19 prevented attendance).

TTVUL currently has 2 Blue Badge Umpires, which was the highest level until the recently created Gold Badge and 2 Blue Badge in Progress. Blue Badge is achieved by consistently performing well at international level, passing an Advanced Rule Examination (ARE), and passing evaluations at international tournaments. Many other members both past and present have been able to tick these boxes of achievements. The most experienced is probably Graeme Ireland who is still heavily involved both locally and internationally.

TTV: What is your vision for the umpires league moving forward?

TTVUL: Vision for the future would be to expand the numbers of officials, have more officials selected to attend our events locally, Nationally and then internationally. Have better funding so that officials are not putting their hand into their pocket as often, at the moment for a member to advance to the highest levels it takes effort, time and their own funds.

TTV: How does a person sign up to become an umpire?

TTVUL: Via the TTV website, attending an umpiring course and completing all relevant requirements of rhe course. The next umpires course is running on Saturday, July 22 with TTV recently obtaining a grant from the government which has now reduced the cost from $100 to $59 for the first 24 people to register. 

If you would like to register to learn how to become an umpire click HERE.