During a committee meeting, the question of umpiring and behaviours of players were discussed. It was then decided that this issue would be taken up at the agm. Tom Mitchell agreed to prepare a procedure that would guide all concern, ie, referee, umpires and players. Tom has done a fair amount of research on this subject and produced a detailed outline 'where' and 'what' action is required. He emphasized that the umpires has no power to infringe rules, as laid down in Rule Book, and should implement from the next season. The meeting accepted that umpires has limited power. On the other hand, in our domestic tournaments it would be impossible to implement every rules that is written in the book.

There were two school of thoughts:

1. To implement rules as it in the book. The rule book was written for the international competitions where there ought to be 2 umpires, so that either the umpire or the assistant umpire could see the service action. The question was, in the absence of assistant umpire, it may not be possible to see the service action from umpires's chair.
2. How can you implement rules with the juniors, where there are a number of players either does not know how to serve, or not making an effort to improve service.

Vivienne Barry and Terri McKeon maintained that we could not implement certain rules for one group of players and something different for the others. Tommy Keegan said that we have to take into account of juniors who are 'beginners' and who are 'experienced'. Kiron Choudhury said that it would be up to the umpire to decide what is acceptable. In such a situation it may be acceptable to one umpire, while, it is not acceptable to the other. Alex Thackaberry said that whatever we do we have to guide juniors to the right direction. There was fair amount of time devoted on this subject. At the end it was decided that:

1. Leinster Branch to write to all provinces regarding 'rules' and 'regulations' that will be observed from 2006-07 season.
2. 'Spitting' on the floor is totally unacceptable. Yellow Card will be issued if the rule is violated. However, a piece of wet cloth would be allowed to 'wet' his/her shoes for better gripping.
3. Umpires association will maintain a 'yellow' card register. Any player or coaches violates the code of conduct will be recorded.
4. As regards the 'overlapping' of rubber it must be observed as laid down in rule book (appx 2mm outside the blade).

Tom Mitchell suggested that all clubs chould be urged to train some players as 'club umpire'. The association would be prepared to go down to the club to explain these rules and regulations. The meeting accepted his suggestion.

Vivienne Barry, on behalf of ITTA, requested if some of our umpires would like to umpire in Belfast for the 6 Nations Veterans Championship on 10th September, 2006. Tom Mitchell, Kiron Choudhury, Tommy Keenan and Joe Finnegan have volunteered.

Terri McKeon and Brenda Munroe have objected to the distribution of umpiring records to all concern. Terri was of the opinion that these informaion are published on the web site. Kiron said that they are not published. The report is distributed to all umpires and some officials of Leinster Branch and Irish Table Tennis Association. Tom Mitchell said that if there is any objection there is no need to distribute this report. Kiron asked the meeting if they are not distributed then is there any need to record this information.The meeting decided that the record will be maintained, but, will not be distributed.

Kiron Choudhury brought with him 2 Blazers (bottle green), gents size 40 and 42. He also put two 'crests' on the blazers, one of them is "Irish Table Tennis Association Limited" and the other is "National Badge". The meeting decided to use either the National or County Badge depending on his/her achievement. If anyone has no qualification then he/she will not ware a badge. The cost of blazer is €55.00.

Order for blazers for the following umpires have been received:

          Vivienne Barry  Terri McKeon  Brenda Munroe  Cecilia Armelin
          Joe Finnegan    Tommy Keenan  Tom Mitchell   Con O'Ceadaigh 
          Ian Erskine     Kiron Choudhury