1. Did you ever considered becoming a Table Tennis Umpire?



2. If your answer is ‘no’ then you should, at least, read all about being an Umpire.



3. To become an Umpire one has to go through some development stages. The ITTA has umpiring development plan in place. Most umpires develops their umpiring skills being a player and a member of the club. If you are a player you would know most of the Rules and Regulations of table tennis.



4. One do not have to be a player to become an Umpire.



5. Table Tennis Rules & Regulation are devised by the governing body, the International Table Tennis Federation. All countries are members of the Federation. The Umpires are there to observe that the Rules and Regulations are followed.



6. Some of the benefits of being an Umpire are :



1. You are in charge and control of the match. This is a serious and prestigious position. You could be lucky to be in front of the television camera.
2. As you sit on the umpire's high chair, the whole audience is watching you. They appreciate your umpiring skills.
3. You are representing your Association, your Country, you should proud of your position.
4. You earn the Respect of players.
5. You could be selected to represent your Country for an International Tournament.
6. You could be selected to officiate over a match that is being televised. In that case, you could be on the television all over the world.
7. You make friendship with your fellow Umpires.
8. You meet up with your old friends.
9. You might visit Foreign Countries, learn social Culture of the host country, Taste foreign culinary, Broaden your horizon.
10. After your playing days are over, if you were a player, you could officiate in the International circle for the rest of your life.
11. You could, possibly, bring your wife with you for a holiday after the tournament.

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7. There are always some down sides to any undertakings. Being an Umpire there are some disadvantages as well :


1. You have to work hard to achieve High Standard of Table Tennis Professional.
2. If you make a mistake everyone would notice that.
3. If you have to travel abroad, you have to leave your family behind.
4. There is a cost of travelling, although, some part of it is recoverable.
5. You have to keep learning New Rules & Regulations.

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8. This list is by no means exhaustive.



9. Having read this would you not consider to become a Table Tennis Umpire?.



10. For further information please contact :



1. Kenneth Strong,
   Secretary, Irish Table Tennis Association,
   Email : secretary@irishtabletennis.com


or

2. Kiron Choudhury,
   Secretary, Irish Table Tennis Umpires Association,
   Email : kcsi107@gmail.com