National Umpire Accreditation – Part 1: Officiating Principles

(Online Program via Spin Academy + Integrity Modules - to be released by April 2026!)

Overview
The Officiating Principles program at National level is designed for highly experienced officials who are preparing to umpire at Australia’s premier tournaments and pave the way toward potential international pathways. Delivered primarily online, it refines technical knowledge, introduces advanced officiating expectations, and embeds integrity standards. Successful completion is required before undertaking Part 2: Officiating Training (National Level).

Program Structure

1. Advanced Rules & Technical Knowledge

• Chapter 2 - The Laws of Table Tennis (refined understanding of advanced rule terminology and applications)
• Chapter 3 - Regulations for International Competitions with a focus for National Tournaments (up until 3.6)
• Para Table Tennis - Refresher of key match modifications for wheelchair players

2. Integrity & Governance

• 🛡 Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) – National Integrity Framework module.
  Covers anti-doping, match-fixing prevention, child safeguarding, and ethical officiating.

3. Knowledge Check

• ✍️Proficiency Test: Online test to ensure you are ready for Part 2!

• 80% Passing score required to progress to Part 2: Officiating Training.

Completion & Progression

• ✅ Delivered primarily through Spin Academy and SIA online platforms.

• ✅ Self-paced with expected completion in 2–3 weeks.

• ✅ All modules and exam must be passed to progress to Part 2: National Umpire Officiating Training & Mentorship.

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

National Umpire Accreditation – Part 2: Officiating Training

(6-12 Month Assessed Practical Pathway & Practical Training Program - to be released by April 2026!)

Overview
With theoretical foundations completed in Part 1: Officiating Principles, candidates now enter the mentored, in‑person training and assessment stage for National Umpire accreditation. This program builds advanced officiating practice, dual-umpire techniques, and professionalism required to operate at National Championships and major events.

Program Structure

Mandatory Components

1. Mentor Assignment & Induction

• 🎤 Interview with a Nationally Assigned Mentor/Assessor.

• Learning objectives agreed and progress monitored throughout.

2. Detailed Rules, Match Conduct & Presentation Seminar
Conducted as a 1 day practical umpiring seminar, candidates will expand their understanding of the Laws of Table Tennis, match conduct and presentation expected of professionally qualified umpires. Candidates will be introduced and trained in key practical competencies, including:

• Chapter 2 The Laws of Table Tennis - quirky scenarios to test your understanding.

• Chapter 3 Regulations for International Competitions - familiarity with how the regulations apply.

• Match Conduct and Procedures - understanding the standard operation procedures needed pre-, post- and during the match.

• Application of Service Laws - being able to identify common service irregularities at National events.

• Application of Behaviour Regulations - how to monitor, prevent and de-escalate situations relating to misbehaviour.

• Professional Presentation - how to present yourself professionally inside and outside the court. 

• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Operating as an Assistant Umpire – familiarisation with the dual umpire system.

3. Oral Assessment

• This is done in two parts:
  • Before the Detailed Rules, Match Conduct & Presentation Seminar, candidates will sit a short 40 min closed-book exam (questions are similar to the Proficiency Test)
  • The Oral Assessment will consist of questions relating to practical competencies gained from the Detailed Rules, Match Conduct & Presentation Seminar.
• Oral Assessment conducted by the Nationally-assigned Mentor/Assessor.
• To pass, candidates need an average of 80% across this assessment piece.

4. Practical Assessment Matches

• Officiating across a minimum of 6 tournament matches:

  • Utilising a system similar to the ITTF Evaluation Program (Meets, Near Meet, Does Not Meet).

  • Must include variety of conditions (singles, doubles, finals, etc.).

  • Conducted by at least 3 different assessors (but 1 must be from interstate).

  • Minimum of 3 tournaments (State Open/Closed, National level or higher)

    • No more than 2 assessments may be obtained per tournament day
    • Where tournaments span more than 1 day, you may obtain a maximum of 4 assessments (but this will count as 2 out of your 3 tournaments).

  • No more than 2 assessments can be made by the same assessor

  • Focus on rules application, presentation and match conduct

• Performance monitored across multiple matches showing progression and capacity to apply national-level standards.

  • Does not mean you need 6 nears/meets – what we want to see is ongoing improvement.
    • i.e., the first may be a Does Not Meet, but if they have a string of Meets towards the end, they will still pass as they are improving.
    • If not improving, then the candidate may be subject to additional assessments at the Mentor's discretion

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 Umpiring Experience

• Gain regular experience at official tournaments or weekly competitions.

3. Officiating Re-accreditation Activities

• Voluntarily completing re-accreditation activities.

Completion & Accreditation

• ✅ Successful completion of all modules and assessed matches.

• ✅ Mentor/assessor sign‑off after demonstration of advanced competency standards.

• The Assessor will email the candidate (cc education@tabletennis.org.au) a final competency completion document for them to upload to Spin Academy
• 🏆 Accreditation achieved: Level 3 – National Umpire Accreditation.

Key Features

• Duration: Recommedned completetion within 6–12 months (flexible but should not exceed 18 months).

• Format: Combination of online refreshers, in-person mentoring, and live tournament assessment.

• Outcome: Eligible to umpire National Championships, National and Continental Events, with pathway to ITTF International Umpire Qualifications.

Progession to International Umpire

It is expected that if you are seeking to apply and progress to a Level 4 International Umpire that you need to:

• Have been a National Umpire for at least 2 years.
• Produce records showing they have been active as an umpire and officiated in at least 3 National Events or higher since qualifying as a National Umpire. 
• In addition, they have received at least 3 favourable references (either from the tournament referees they have worked with (must be different) 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.

• 6 National Events, State Open/Closed or Association Open of equivalent size or higher within a 2 year period (where 3 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.