4/28/2008       

Organised by the Oceania Table Tennis Federation in conjunction with the ITTF Development Programme, a combined Basic Certified Umpire Course and Junior Training Camp was conducted in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea by Australian International Umpire and accredited coach, Dave Delpratt from 5th to 15th April 2008.

Reformed in 2005 after a decade of inactivity, the Papua New Guinea Table Tennis Federation has been extremely busy; the inceased being ignited when Oceania Development Officer, Andrew Hubbard, visited in 2006. Port Moresby being the centre of attention.

Passed Umpires’ Examination
“After attending the Basic Certified Umpire Course for four days, eleven participants passed the written exam”, explained Andrew Hubbard. “While most are experienced players, they were very interested and eager to learn the more intricate aspects of the rules and regulations.”

Certainly everyone was highly motivated.

Lively Discussion
“There were many lively discussions about particular rules and interpretations throughout the course and all took part in the practical sessions with great enthusiasm; several showing great potential as umpires”, continued Andrew Hubbard. “Hopefully, one of them will become the first Oceania umpire from outside Australia and New Zealand to become an International Umpire.”

An enthusiastic response when it came to umpiring and also from the young players when it came to demonstrating their skills.

Large Numbers
“The Junior Training Camp was originally planned for twenty-four players but thirty-eight turned up on the first day and this number increased each day”, explained Andrew Hubbard. “Despite cramped conditions in the library of Koroborosea International School, the camp was a huge success, entirely owing to the magnificent enthusiasm, co-operation and talent of the players and the hard work by the local coaches under Dave Delpratt’s guidance. “

Umpire and Coach
Dave Delpratt is an Australian Blue Badge Umpire who has officiated at the Athens Olympic Games, he is also a well known coach in Australia. “Papua New Guinea requested an Umpiring course with an expert who could also run a training camp for juniors; Dave Delpratt fitted the bill perfectly.

“Also Dave was able to visit the villages where the players and coaches come from; he saw at first hand the conditions under which they play ; generally in the open air in the front yards of homes”, added Andrew Hubbard. “The large numbers of players and their rapid development in these villages is testimony to the work being done by the local coaches and the natural ability of the juniors.”

Revolution
Exciting times in Papua New Guinea, it is veritable revolution!

“With further visits by coaches and involvement in regional tournaments, it is very likely Papua New Guinea will again become a major force in Oceania table tennis”, concluded Andrew Hubbard. “Hopefully it will produce some International Umpires in the not too distant future.”

Let’s hope that’s the case and hopefully from the large number of youngster, some fine players for the future.

Happy faces in Papua New Guinea

Photo by Dave Delpratt