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International Umpires Course Hong Kong, 9-10 September 2006
(September 13th, 2006)
The first International Umpires Course run in Asia by the current ITF Umpire Committee members was hosted by HKTF in Hong Kong recently. With more than 50 members from six different countries including Hong Kong, Australia, Canada, Nepal, Sweden, and Thailand, took part in the 2 day course. 
(Left to right) Attending Masters were Master Rounthwaite (Secretary-General ITF Asia), Master Yu (President HKTF), Master Wim Bos (ITF Chairman of Tournament & Umpire), Master Hector Marano (ITF Chairman of Instruction and Technique), and Master Michael Daher (ITF Board of Directors)
Master Wim Bos (8th degree), ITF Chairman of Tournament & Umpire, assisted by Master Hector Marano (8th degree), Chairman of Instruction & Technique, set the pace for the course leaving little doubt that the course would include more than technical matters, with team building games and partner routines being introduced early in the course.  
Master Bos conducted sessions during the course which covered rules and procedures pertaining to ITF World Championships, drawing on his many years of international experience as an administrator and practitioner, adding sparring and partner work to the already action packed course. His special brand of humour was appreciated by all, losing none of its impact through interpretation from English for the many non-English speaking black belt participants. As has been the case in previous seminars, Master Marano left no one doubting his position as Chairman of the Technical Committee with his in-depth knowledge of patterns when highlighting important points to look for when judging using the scoring system previously explained by Master Bos.  
ITF Chairman of Instruction & Technique, Master Marano, highlights knowledge required by referees in pattern competitions.
 
‘Action plus’ - Master Bos takes black belts through sparring drills.
Special mention has to be made of the HKTF demonstration team’s performance. "International standard for sure", said one senior member. “Great skills and what enthusiasm,” said another. These were just two of the general observations as an apple was kicked from the end of a sword held 3.5 metres high, flying twin foot high kick destroying boards at head height, a high calibre woman’s self defence demonstration against multiple attackers, and senior dan individual and team patterns, with the finale being power breaking.  
To say the course was a success is an understatement. The professionalism and hard work of HKTF administration was appreciated. The enthusiasm, expertise and personalities of the Master Instructors (including visiting Masters) was enjoyed by all. Sincere thanks of all participants goes to both Masters Bos and Marano, with special thanks to HKTF President Master Alfred Yu for making the course the success if was. Master Rocky Rounthwaite |