Officials are essential to the smooth running of competitions—organising events, refereeing, and umpiring matches in line with the Laws of Table Tennis.

Umpiring pathway

Your pathway may begin in youth settings and progress through to national and international level.

Junior Umpire (U18)

Designed for young people under 18

Suitable for school, club or community settings

Builds rules knowledge and starts the officiating journey

County Umpire

Develops broad match skills and confidence

When qualified, can umpire events up to and including National Championships

National Umpire

Progression after experience and proven ability as a County Umpire

Can umpire at Irish competitions and some tournaments across Europe

International Umpire

Qualification enables officiating at international events at home and abroad

Examinations are conducted (every two years) via the national association on behalf of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF)

Refereeing pathway

National Referee

Examinations conducted by an external tutor/examiner

Qualified referees can referee events within Ireland

International Referee

Requires passing an International Federation exam (organised every two years)

Enables refereeing events outside Ireland

Helpful external officiating resources

TTI signposts to the ITTF “Umpires & Referees Essential Documents” for laws, procedures and core technical guidance.

TTI provides practical templates and guidance documents that support delivery roles and volunteering.

• Downloadable resources
• Volunteer Expense Claim Form – claim back mileage and out-of-pocket expenses
• Sample Invoice Template – minimum information to include when invoicing TTI (e.g., coaching or refereeing fees)
• Expense Claims Policy – requirements and rules for mileage and expense claims

Support contacts

For queries on documents and processes, TTI provides dedicated email contacts on the resources page.

Our commitment to safeguarding ensures a safe environment for players, coaches, officials and volunteers.

TTI is fully committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of participants—ensuring everyone can enjoy sport free from abuse, neglect, bullying and intimidation, with welfare as the first priority when working with young people or vulnerable adults. 

Safeguarding support structure

National Safeguarding Officer listed on the TTI safeguarding/vetting page

Provincial Safeguarding Officers (Ulster, Leinster, Connaught, Munster) are also listed to support local delivery and guidance 

Safe Sport App

TTI highlights Sport Ireland’s Safe Sport app as an information and guidance tool, with dedicated areas for:

Leader/Coach

Parent/Guardian

Club/Organisation

Child/Young Person

TTI provides a central safeguarding hub with key policies, forms and guidance that clubs, coaches, officials, volunteers and families can rely on.

Core safeguarding documents (TTI)

Available via the TTI Safeguarding/Vetting policy page:

Safeguarding Statement

Safeguarding Policy

Safeguarding Risk Assessment

Incident Reporting Form

Event Photo Permission

Photography & Video guidance

Anti-Bullying guidance

Procedures for dealing with reported cases of child abuse

Guidance on hosting young people and overnight stays 

National guidance (Sport Ireland)

TTI also links to Sport Ireland’s national safeguarding guidance for children and young people in sport, designed to support NGBs and clubs in meeting safeguarding responsibilities.

Vetting is a key part of creating a safe and trusted environment in sport. In Ireland, organisations must not allow a person to undertake relevant work with children or vulnerable persons unless they have received a vetting disclosure through the appropriate process.

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TTI Vetting Resources and Forms

TTI provides a set of practical documents and forms through its Safeguarding & Vetting page to support clubs, coaches and officials, including:

Vetting application form

Applicant and validator Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Parent/guardian consent form and supporting guidance documents

These resources ensure vetting is carried out consistently, correctly and in line with national requirements.

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Key Update: Garda Vetting Changes (2025)

TTI has communicated several important updates to the Garda Vetting process:

If an individual has lived in the UK or other EU countries, vetting checks may take longer due to extended database searches

A new Garda Vetting application form is now in use and replaces all previous versions

Clubs must nominate validators (e.g. Chair, Secretary, Treasurer or Child Safeguarding Officer)

Validators are required to verify applicants in person, checking original photographic ID before submission

Once verified, applicants submit their documentation to Table Tennis Ireland for processing

Separate SOPs are provided for applicants and validators, clearly outlining each role and responsibility

Vetting in Northern Ireland – AccessNI

For coaches, officials and volunteers based in Northern Ireland, vetting is carried out through AccessNI, which operates separately from Garda Vetting in the Republic of Ireland.

Key points for AccessNI vetting:

Individuals undertaking relevant work with children or vulnerable adults in Northern Ireland must be vetted through AccessNI

The process is completed via a registered organisation or umbrella body (such as Table Tennis Ireland or an approved partner)

Applicants must provide appropriate identification and complete the required AccessNI application forms

Disclosures are issued directly to the applicant, who must then share confirmation with TTI as part of the safeguarding process

TTI provides guidance on when AccessNI applies and supports clubs and individuals in navigating the correct vetting route depending on where activity takes place.

Important Note

Vetting requirements apply in addition to safeguarding training and code-of-conduct compliance. Vetting must be completed and approved before any coach, official or volunteer begins working with children or vulnerable persons.