by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor
Venue for proceedings was the León Najnudel room at the Centro Nacional de Alto Rendimiento Deportivo (CeNARD), the country’s National High Performance Centre.
The gathering preceded the two day Argentina Junior and Cadet Open, which commenced on Sunday 18th June and the six day ITTF Pan American Junior Championships scheduled to start on Tuesday 20th June.
A total of seven umpires attended, six men and one woman; the national associations represented being Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela. The woman in question was Luciana Guevara from Ecuador.
“Participants expressed their satisfaction with the programme, some saying that they were leaving with new ideas and concepts on the game of table tennis. One participant expressed a wish that more seminars could be implemented at continental events.” Cyril Sen
Notably, in addition, two Blue Badge umpires scheduled to officiate at the Argentina Junior and Cadet Open, in addition to the ITTF Pan American Junior Championships, attended.
“As the host city of the Summer Youth Olympics in 2018, it is good to see the many efforts being made by the Argentina Table Tennis Federation and the Latin American Table Tennis Union to develop its match officials in readiness for the event.” Cyril Sen
A major multi-sport gathering on the horizon, Argentina is well prepared; furthermore, an example is being set.
“Special mention must be made of the efforts of the by the Argentina Table Tennis Federation in organizing this seminar and being able to attract umpires from five countries to participate. It is hoped that more countries in Latin America will offer this developmental programme for its match officials and that more Latin American umpires will make the effort to take the opportunity offered to upgrade their knowledge, skills and performance.” Cyril Sen.
Discussion, debate and dialogue over, two international tournaments ahead; it is time to put theory into practice, a busy time awaits officials in Buenos Aires.
In addition to Luciana Guevara, those present included Vicente Reyes, also from Ecuador in addition to the Brazilians Marlos Montes and José de Eduardo, Colombia’s Pedro Moreno, Venezuela’s Jesus Flores and the host nation’s Nicolas Hertzulis. Also present was Esther Aliotta from the United States, as well as Argentina’s Vitor Ticacal.
