International table tennis referees learn English

The International Table Tennis Federation has organised a 'pilot' English language course for 12 referees from different countries in collaboration with the Malta Table Tennis Association.

It is being held at the Sprachcaffe International Language School Complex in Pembroke. The ability to communicate in English is one of the requisites, stressed by the federation, for acceptance as an international table tennis umpire/referee.

The referees, who come from Germany, France, Lebanon, Tunisia and Egypt, spent eight days brushing up their English in Malta. The group were also taken to cultural visits during their free time.

Besides the tutors from the Sprachcaffe School, the ITTF also provided the services of Ian Marshall, from the UK, who gave three lessons on English language phrases connected with table tennis.

The Maltese umpires took this opportunity to meet the group and exchange views and opinions in connection with recent changes in the ITTF rules.

The ITTF is planning to organise similar courses on an annual basis.