Integrity paramount for RITA Umpires
Judging with ‘Integrity, Conscience and good Technical Knowledge’ was the key message at the RITA’s annual National Umpire course in Carrick on Suir last weekend. ‘The RITA has built up a very good reputation for having fair and unbiased judges at both a national and international level’ said Master Mark O’Donnell ‘We must keep working hard to maintain this reputation’ he added.
The course which was conducted by the Cabra and Navan Road instructor Master Robert Howard (Chair of the Umpire Committee) and, Master Mark O’Donnell (Vice Chair), was hosted by Mr Paul Tobin and the Carrick on Suir Taekwon-Do School. The morning was spent training the umpires on judging the different aspects of a pattern; Technical content, Power, Rhythm, Balance, and Breath control. Videos of patterns and an e-voting system allowed the new umpires to compare and discuss their scores. This was repeated until there was a convergence to a common score and the umpires could award the correct score to different standards of performance of the patterns.
The afternoon was spent concentrating on scoring in the sparring event and both the judges and competitors shared their opinion on what a valid point was until the judges were confident and competent in awarding valid points in a sparring match. The skills required to be a good centre referee were also developed. ‘You must know what you are doing’ said Master Howard. ‘But you must also look like you know what you are doing. That comes with practice at home and in your own dojang. Don’t come to the tournament to practice.’ he added.
The common mistakes or faults competitors make in the Power and Special Technique events were discussed in detail, and practiced until the new umpires were confident judging the events. The relaxed atmosphere meant that the new umpires were open and comfortable asking questions and joining in the discussions.
Master Howard ended the course by encouraging the new umpires to commit to attending and supporting all the RITA’s tournaments, especially the upcoming ITF-Ireland Cup in Waterford on the 5th of April. The new umpires will be ready to judge with ‘Integrity, Conscience and a good Technical Knowledge’.
