Report of the 47th International Umpire Course

ITF England hosted the Qualifying International Umpire Course in the city of Newcastle Upon Tyne on the weekend of 29th and 30th March.

165 participants attended from 22 different countries. A special mention to New Zealand and Canada, who travelled the furthest and to Norway who sent the largest delegation from outside England. As well as Grandmasters Benzaquen and Wallace, 5 other Grand masters attended: Grandmasters James, Denis, Garnæs, the newly promoted Grandmaster Dunbar and the architect of the tournament systems, Grandmaster Wim Bos.

On Friday evening, ITF England hosted a dinner for the Grandmasters, members of the ITF England board of directors and members of the AETF umpire committee at the historic Blackfriars restaurant, the oldest dining room in England.

Grandmasters Benzaquen and Wallace delivered the course, commencing with an overview of the rules of competition on day one. This was followed by an analysis of the rules of pattern and prearranged sparring. Participants were organised into ring councils and given the opportunity to use the Sport Data scoring system.

Over 70 participants attended the social event at the Mansion House, the official residence of the Lord Mayor of Newcastle. This informal event allowed the Grand masters to circulate and chat amongst the representatives from the different countries.

On day two, the rules of power test, special technique and sparring were taught. There were a lot of very interesting questions and debate throughout the course, which gave much food for thought. Participants were encouraged to send their ideas in writing to the tournament committee so they can decide on any future changes to the rules of competition.

Grandmasters Benzaquen and Wallace were presented with a book “ the Taekwon do pioneers” signed by the author, Philip Hawkins, as a token of appreciation for the time and effort they have put in to develop and deliver the course

ITF England would like to thank everyone who attended the course and who helped with the organisation of the venue.