The NZ Umpires at the Champs - Master McPhail

The world champs served as both a learning experience and reassurance for our 5 umpires.

I had the opportunity to be trained in the new German electronic point scoring system in both patterns and sparring. This was set up in the centre ring where I spent the entire 4 days. It was easy to use and its speed meant we usually gained an hour & a half on other rings each day.

Our ring council also judged pre-arranged free sparring which was new for all of us.

Master Davidson was assigned as jury president in a ring that had patterns, sparring and team events. For him it was a mixture of learning experience and guidance to the other umpires in his ring over the course of the tournament.

Mr Darren Ward bravely volunteered (or did I volunteer him?) for the special techniques & power ring. Always controversial, it is a sure way to become unpopular with the athletes!

Mr Ward called it "an eye opener" and learned a tremendous amount - great for ITFNZ. I heard good reports on his knowledge and execution of the rules and I understand he was a valuable asset to the ring council. They also worked non stop the entire time.

Mr Eccles worked as a jury assistant to Master Shena Sutherland from Scotland. He also was given time in the centre during team sparring which was challenging. (ask Mr Eccles what you do if both competitors knock each other out at the same time!). He handled himself well and clocked up some valuable world champs center ref experience.

The only disapointment for us was that Mr Banicevich spent his time as a corner judge so therefore did not pick up many new skills. Despite repeated requests for time as centre referee it was not granted by his jury president. Frustrating - as this needs to be done in order to bring new world class referees through. Of course though, in his usual form, he made up for any lack of jumping around in the centre ring by partying all night long last night! As I type this on the plane he is now sound asleep slumped over some poor passenger 3 rows back. :-)

All in all a great world champs for us as umpires. Highlight for me was seeing our amazing team perform out of their skin from my chair on centre stage. I didnt see as much of the team as I would have liked... But seeing Cori Jean beat Germany, Luke & Mark thrill the entire stadium, and Luke achieve his dream of world champion in power was...very emotional.

Thanks to all the NZ team, coaches, staff and supporters... We are very proud of you all.

Master Paul McPhail