By Rihana Adam, GNA
Accra, Aug. 31, GNA ā The Ghana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) has strengthened its technical development programme following the successful completion of an umpire training course by eight participants who passed the final examinations.
The programme formed part of the GTTAās continuous efforts to develop competent technical officials with the requisite knowledge and skills to support the effective organisation and officiating of table tennis competitions at various levels.
The successful participants are David Agorsah, Benjamin Frimpong, Oppong Portia, Pearlynda Naa-Ayerkor Ankrah, Esther Seyram Frimpong, Apelles Amui Addy, Foster Brown Agudu, and Doris Delali Drah.
Participants received intensive training in key areas of umpiring, including the Laws of Table Tennis, match procedures, responsibilities of umpires and other essential aspects of effective officiating.
Mr David Senyo Ahiaba, Course Facilitator, said the programme was designed to give participants a proper understanding of the rules and regulations of table tennis and their application before, during and after matches.
He said the training would enable the newly trained officials to enforce the laws of the game effectively, make accurate decisions and contribute to improving the standard of matches at all levels of competition.
Mr David Agorsah, one of the participants, described the course as a valuable experience and expressed confidence that the knowledge acquired would contribute to the development of table tennis in Ghana.
He said officials played an important role in the growth of the sport because coaches and players relied on umpires to ensure that matches were conducted according to the required standards.
Mr Agorsah explained that consistent application of international standards and correction of common errors during matches would encourage coaches to train players to better understand and comply with the rules of the game.
He said that would ultimately help to raise the overall standard of table tennis in the country.
The successful completion of the programme provides the newly trained umpires with the foundation to contribute to the smooth organisation of table tennis events and improve the quality of officiating in Ghana.
The GTTA continues to prioritise capacity building for coaches, umpires, referees and other technical personnel as part of its broader vision of creating a stronger and more professional table tennis environment.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade