by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Manager

It is an open invitation. Therefore not all nominations may be accepted.

Furthermore only nominations submitted by bona fide national associations will be considered; a maximum of two applications per national association is requested. Preference will be given to Blue Badge and Blue Badge in Progress umpires.

Full hospitality will be provided in a twin room from dinner on Tuesday 5th June to breakfast on Monday 11th June. Each umpire will receive a daily allowance per competition day, according to ITTF regulations.

All invited umpires must organize their own transport to the region as well as travel and medical insurance. In addition, all invited umpires are responsible for early arrival and late departure. Local transport will be provided from and to Fukuoka Airport (IATA Code: FUK) or Narita Kitakyushu Airport (IATA Code: KFJ).

Should a nominated umpire require a visa, kindly send relevant details when submitting the nomination (full name as in passport, date of birth, place of birth, passport number, expiry date of passport). The issuance of a visa depends entirely on the embassy of consulate concerned.

Umpires must wear the international umpiring uniforms as described in the Handbook for Match Officials.

The closing date for nominations is Friday 23rd March. The list of umpires accepted will be advised on or before Monday 26th March.

Evaluations for Blue Badge umpires and candidates will be conducted.

For replies and questions, please address:

Kazco Fujii, Japan Table Tennis Association

Email: [email protected]

Seamaster 2018 ITTF World Tour Lion Japan Open: Official Letter of Invitation (issued Wednesday 7th March)

Seamaster 2018 ITTF World Tour Lion Japan Open: Official Nomination Form (Closing date is Friday 23rd March)