A seven-day National Referee Seminar/Workshop, organized by the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) commenced at the National Stadium Abuja and is expected to run from June 1 to 7 with the 24 participants drawn from Benue, Kebbi, FCT Abuja, Oyo, Lagos, Imo, Kaduna, Delta, Plateau, FUT Minna, and Nigeria Civil Defence Corps.
During the course, participants will be required to learn and practise with the latest competition rules, learn how to set-up and use the latest technological gadgets for Taekwondo, and also complete a course in competition management techniques. Examinations are held for participants at the end of the course.
The George Ashiru-led Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) reiterated its commitment to developing all aspects of the game that would give Nigeria an advantage on the global stage.
According to the Federation President, George Ashiru, “The referee plays a vital role in the scheme of things when it comes to winning international medals, and Nigeria simply does not have enough referees on the global stage.”
Highlighting the strategic importance of the on-going exercise, the NTF Boss noted that, “the event is part of the Federation’s vision to get our referees in place by the 2015 All African Games and beyond.”
“The Federation decided at the beginning of the year to organize a series of National Referee workshops throughout the year that would help standardize our local referees and bring them up to speed with the latest technological equipment and competition rules”
Buttressing the stand of the NTF President, the NSC High Performance Coach for Taekwondo, Kim Jin Beom of South Korea, who is a top class World Taekwondo Federation (WTF)-sanctioned referee, emphasized the need for Nigeria’s referees to be brought up-to-date on the latest rules.
“The quality of referees in Africa is generally low, but the countries that have the best and most influential International referees generally come out on top in 50-50 decisions during critical competitive matches. Nigeria must cultivate this advantage year by year.”
He further connected the quality of referees to the tactical awareness of the national athletes.
“Most referees are also coaches, or train with coaches in their various localities. It would be impossible for them to teach their athletes how to take advantage of the competition rules, if they themselves are not current”
newfanzone 