Become an umpire
Get qualified to become an official umpire
If you’ve played, coached or watched a game of table tennis you will have seen an umpire – on the court with the players, keeping the rules and calling the score. Without them, matches wouldn’t happen, and players at all levels and of all abilities would miss out.
By becoming an umpire, you’ll not only be providing playing opportunities to others, but will also get the chance to see top players up close and be at the heart of the action from the beginning to the end of competitions. Umpiring can also take you around the world to be part of major competitions in all four corners of the globe!
Umpire Pathway
There are four levels of umpire on the pathway:
- Level 1 – this is the entry-level qualification for both umpiring and refereeing, and gives the individual the key competencies to umpire local competitions
- Level 2 – stepping up to umpire at national competitions and some lower-level international events where the standard of play is higher, therefore the knowledge, skill and competency of the umpire needs to be too with Level 2 Umpires
- Level 3 – taking flight, Level 3 is the level at which umpires can officiate at international competitions having proven themselves and gained the experience domestically
- Level 4 (Blue Badge)– the highest level of umpiring and representing the best from around the world, they sit at the table with the best players at the Olympic and Paralympic Games
- Level 5 (Gold Badge) – prerequisites: ITTF Umpire Level 4 (Blue Badge) active for at least two years; passing the ITTF Advanced Rules Exam again (in English) in the last three years; at least three performance assessments by the referee team with a total average of at least 85% in the last two years
Junior Umpire Award
In addition to the umpiring qualification, Table Tennis England runs a Junior Umpire Award for U16s which clubs and schools can run themselves. To find out more, click on the button below.