Level 2 - National Referee

National Referee Accreditation – Part 1: Officiating Principles

(Online Program via Spin Academy - to be released in early 2027!)

Overview
The Officiating Principles program at National level is designed for highly experienced officials who are preparing to referee at some of Australia’s premier tournaments like the TTA Tour. Delivered primarily online, it refines technical knowledge, introduces advanced refereeing and a greater emphasis on technical tournament management. Successful completion is required before undertaking Part 2: Officiating Training (National Level).

Program Structure

1. Core Knowledge Modules

State Referee Revision Modules - select modules from the State Referee Knowledge Modules to review
The Referee as the Person - Responsibilities, Style & Conflict Management
Technical Tournament Management - Umpire's Briefings, Logistics & Operations
Para Table Tennis - Managing Para Table Tennis Competitions

2. Knowledge Check

✍️Proficiency Test: Online test to ensure you are ready for Part 2!
85% Passing score required to progress to Part 2: Officiating Training.

Completion & Progression

✅ 100% online, self-paced via Spin Academy.
✅ Estimated time commitment: 2–3 weeks (depending on pace).
✅ On completion, candidates can register for Part 2: Officiating Training - National Referee.

Outcome: Candidates demonstrate advanced theoretical knowledge, detailed para table tennis rules & regulations, and tournament management skills — preparing them for practical application at national events.

National Referee Accreditation – Part 2: Officiating Training

(6 Month Mentorship & Practical Training Program - to be released in early 2027!)

Overview
With theoretical foundations completed in Part 1: Officiating Principles, candidates now enter the mentored, in‑person training and assessment stage for National Referee accreditation. This program builds advanced officiating practice, decision-making principles and technical tournament management at major events.

Program Structure

Mandatory Components

1. Mentor Assignment & Induction

Initial introduction with a Nationally-assigned Mentor/Assessor.
Mentor provides guidance, sets objectives, and tracks progress.

2. Technical Workshop
Conducted as a 8-hour practical refereeing seminar, candidates will be trained in detailed technical competencies, including:

Referee Decision Making Scenarios
Detailed Competitions & Groups
Detailed Draws
Basic Scheduling (Part 2)

3. Written Examination

Written Exam to be conducted at the end of the Technical Workshop
Assesses the candidates' understanding of the technical competencies gained from the Technical Workshop.
Also reassesses the candidate's understanding of the Core Knowledge Modules
80% Passing score required.

4. Tournament Mentorship

Be mentored in a minimum of three (3) tournaments with documented progression
- Mentor would typically be the Referee so the Candidate can refer to them if need be.
Candidate is mentored while serving as a deputy referee.

Supplementary Components

Candidates are encouraged to pursue additional activities to further their understanding and build upon their knowledge. These activities include:

1. Engagement & Education

Attending State Officials’ Meetings to gain insight into current officiating practices.
Complete officiating video modules with quizzes (ITTF resources).

2. Independent Refereeing Experience

Gain regular experience at official tournaments.

3. Officiating Re-accreditation Activities

Voluntarily completing re-accreditation activities.

Assessment & Completion

Mentor reviews progress and provides feedback at each stage.
Candidate completes the required module in Spin Academy.
Final competency sign-off occurs after the successful completion of three mentored tournaments.
The Assessor will email the candidate (cc education@tabletennis.org.au) a final competency completion document for them to upload to Spin Academy
Upon sign-off, the candidate achieves Level 2 – National Referee Accreditation.

Key Features

✅ Timeframe: Recommended completion within 6 months (flexible but should not exceed 12 months).
✅ Format: Combination of online modules, in-person mentoring, and supervised officiating.
✅ Outcome: Confident and competent National-level referee, ready for appointments at National Title Events (like TTA Tour) or be the deputy referee of the National Championships.

Progression to National Referee (Advanced)

The National Referee (Advanced) is a new qualification introduced to recognise exceptionally competent and able official who can be trusted to referee TTA's highest level events. These are experienced National Referees who have demonstrated exceptional competence and ability as the tournament referee of a TTA Tour-level event and is someone who would be able to be the tournament referee of the National Championships or be considered as an assistant referee of a continental/international event (i.e., ITTF Oceania). Additionally, they would be considered to enroll in International Referee school.

As the National Referee (Advanced) would be considered to referee TTA's highest level events, progression is purely by invitation only.

However, in order to be considered, you:

Been an active National Referee for at least 2 years
Are preferably an International Umpire
Are able to produce records that you have been the tournament referee at a TTA Tour-level event or deputy referee at the National Championships (post qualification)
- For guidance, significance experience as the tournament referee at several TTA Tour-level events will be advantageous
Have received at least 3 favourable assessments since qualifying as a National Referee (either from the tournament referees they have worked with at National level events and/or the TTA URC)
Have received endorsement from the TTA URC.

In determining 'activeness', the candidate show refer to the Officiating Re-accreditation Activities to ensure they meet the minimum requirements to progress i.e.

4 National Events or higher within 2 years (where 2 is in the last 12 months)
30 points of Officiating Education

These requirements are based on a pro-rata of the 3 year re-accreditation period.

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