🎓 Officiating Courses & Accreditations

An Official has the authority to administer the rules of Table Tennis. Officials play a vital role at all levels of the sport, from local club competitions to State tournaments, National Championships, and elite events including the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Officials in Table Tennis are divided into two main categories:

⚖️ Umpires

• An Umpire has the authority to apply the Rules and Regulations of table tennis.
• An Umpire controls the match and everything and everyone inside the playing area.
• Umpire's answer to the Referee.
• Players may ask for a decision from the Referee if they disagree with an Umpire’s interpretation of the rules.
• A Referee cannot overrule an Umpire’s decision if it is based on a point of fact.  

🎩 Referees

• Responsible for the technical management of the tournament.

• Performs draws, interprets the Rules and Regulations, and decides player eligibility and clothing acceptability.

• Supervises umpires and takes necessary disciplinary action.

• Acts as the responsible authority for the tournament, working with Tournament Director/Committee/Competition Manager.

• Ensures all factions of the tournament meet their obligations.

• Holds authority over players from arrival to departure at the playing venue, including all related facilities and public areas.

📜 Accreditation Requirements

To be recognised by ITTF, Table Tennis Australia (TTA), and your State/Territory or Club, all Officials must complete the appropriate accreditation course relevant to their role and level.

💰 TTA Officials' Development Fund

TTA is committed to growing the quality and quantity of Referees and Umpires across Australia, as demonstrated in the TTA Strategic Plan. To support this, the Officials Development Fund has been implemented.

Full details about the Officials Development Fund

❓ Questions?

Contact:
Claire Montgomery
Events, Education & Membership Lead
✉️ education@tabletennis.org.au