Technical

Role of Umpire

The umpire is required to exercise judgment in applying the table tennis laws and regulations during the match, such as deciding whether a rally should be a let or whether the players behaviour is acceptable.

When the umpire is officiating alone, his decision is final on all questions raised during a match, including decisions on edge balls and service. The umpire is also responsible for the timing the duration of play.

The local umpires are required to pass the umpire test and volunteer at a local level before proceeding to international tournaments.

Wait List for future umpire courses:

To support the development of umpires, STTA holds regular umpiring courses.

You may wish to indicate your interest HERE

Overseas Officiating Representation

Our national referees and umpires represented Singapore in the following overseas officiating assignments:

Year 2024

Year 2023

Year 2022

Year 2021

Year 2020

Year 2019

Year 2018

Year 2017

Year 2016

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR MATCH OFFICIALS

1. Introduction

Match Officials are representatives of the sport and their respective Associations. At international competition level, they are the guests of the host Association and must respect its traditions and social customs. The following guidelines, which are not exhaustive, are intended as an aide-memoire on the aspects of conduct to which special attention should be given.

2. Match Officials should

• Fully comprehend relevant rules, duties and procedures for the competition which they will officiate.
• Be physically fit to perform the duties as an official. Normal or corrected vision and normal hearing are essential.
• Be in appropriate uniform and maintain presentable appearance and personal hygiene.
• Turn up early for assignments.
• Maintain impartiality. Avoid any forms of relationship with players or coaches, which may cast doubt on their impartiality.
• Refer all issues not related to their duties to the referee or other appropriate tournament officials.
• Avoid unaccompanied or unobserved one-on-one activity (when in a supervisory capacity or where a power imbalance may exist), especially with people under the age of 18 years old.
• Ensure that their decisions and actions contribute to a safe and harassment free environment.
• Conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner at all time, respecting the authority and interests of the referee, the organisers, other tournament officials, players and the public.

3.  Match Officials Should Not

• Discuss tournament incidents or other issues in relation to their duties with players, spectators or media. Any such matters should be referred to the referee and the tournament committee.
• Accept any gifts or benefits from players, coaches and teams. Gifts/benefits provided by a host organisation to all officials can be accepted. However, STTA employees should also adhere to the prevailing STTA policies on receiving gifts/benefits from external party.
• Consume alcoholic beverages, take drugs or medications which will inhibit performance before any match they are about to officiate.
• Criticise other officials or otherwise bring the sport into disrepute, through any communication medium, including social media.
• Tolerate harmful or abusive behaviours, but report to the referees or organizer(s) where the issue is not resolved to the satisfaction of the parties involved.

 4.  Conclusion

• Officials are required to maintain a high standard of professionalism and conduct at all times. Officials not observing the stated guidelines may be subject to formal disciplinary process.

Updated on 28 February 2023