June 11, 2010
Dominican Republic Hosts Successful Basic Umpires and Referees Course
 A practical session on the Basic Umpires Course Photo By: Courtesy of Fernando Aguilar |
Courtesy of ITTF He delivered an ITTF Basic Umpires and Basic Referees Course in the Dominican Republic. |
The courses were staged in the Centro Deportivo la Barranquita, Pabellon Hanns Hieronimus in Santiago de Caballero.
Course Members
A total of 29 students of whom six were women, attended the ITTF Basic Umpires’ Course, whilst seven individuals were present for the ITTF Basic Referees Course.
The Basic Umpires Course was held from Monday May 31st to Wednesday June 2, 2010 followed by the Basic Umpires Course from Thursday to Saturday June 3-5, 2010 with both courses being wide ranging and involving the special rules required for Para Table Tennis.
Successful Candidates
At the conclusion of proceedings, 10 students passed the ITTF Basic Umpires’ Course.
Meanwhile, three members were successful on the ITTF Basic Referees Course.
Rich Traditions
Situated in the Caribbean and sharing the island of Hispaniola with the recently earthquake devastated country of Haiti, the Dominican Republic has rich traditions in the sport of table tennis.
In 2005 the country hosted the ITTF Junior Circuit Finals and ITTF Cadet Challenge; not only was it time for young players to show their skills, it was a time for coaches and officials to remember nostalgically intense battles of two decades earlier that went long into the night.
Much has changed since those times but one fact has remained constant; the Dominican Republic continues to be a major force in table tennis in Latin America.
New Players
Certainly the introduction of Lin Ju, Wu Xue and Lian Qian, three players who learnt their skills in China, has boosted the country’s table tennis fortunes with Juan Vila, Emil Santos, Lucia Marte and Eva Brito all being young players who have benefited from a well organized domestic structure and a National Training Centre that will house 20 table tennis tables.
Impressive Numbers
Over 2,000 players are registered with the National Association, the majority are young aspirants who, whilst improving their skills thanks to the coaching program, want to play in competitions; that’s why people play sport.
Now, with more qualified officials, programs under the leader of the National Federation’s President, Juan Vila, can be developed even further.
(Photo Left) Fernando Aguilar (centre) with Juan Vila (right) and
three successful students.
(Photo Right) Course member make allegiance
to Dominican Republic very clear.
Photo By: Courtesy of Fernando Aguilar
Diligent students sitting the end of course examination.
Photo By: Courtesy of Fernando Aguilar
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