A three-day national level ITF officiating course attended by 27 participants concluded yesterday, as part of Tennis Cambodia’s strong push for creating an efficient pool of tennis officials.

The course was conducted by ITF supervisor Razmee Rawi, who directed the back-to-back ITF Junior tournaments recently.

Rules of the Game was the first topic of importance as Rawi made it clear to his class that to be a reliable official, every aspect of the rules have to be fully understood.

The ITF supervisor told his students: “First and foremost you must be familiar with all the rules of the game – all the way from scoring to allowed time in between points and during changeovers.”

The role of a line judge was discussed at length, along with the conducting of matches by the chair umpire.

“The coordination between these two officials is crucial to the fair and smooth running of matches,” Rawi stated.

Tennis Cambodia is keen on developing a team of line judges and chair umpires with an eye on the 2023 SEA Games.

“In an attempt to prepare ourselves for the upcoming 2nd National Games in late May, and as a kick-start to building a strong group of officials to work at the 2023 Games to be held here in Cambodia, we are providing this course to train a group of enthusiastic players and coaches to perform as officials,” assistant national coach Chea Poev said.

“Razmee has been here with us since our very first ITF Futures back in 2011, not missing one year. We are very happy that he stayed after the ITF Juniors to help run this important course,” Tennis Cambodia secretary-general Tep Rithivit said.

“This school will be the first of many, as we plan on having another later in the year and open it up to to anyone wanting to join.”

“It is also very important to provide visibility to our ex-players or coaches towards another career and still remain in the tennis sector,” Rithivit added.

“Tennis Cambodia is not only about developing tennis but also providing a better future and new dimensions to all our collaborators that have sacrificed their time and efforts in rebuilding tennis in the Kingdom.

“Our motto is: Remember to Remember – therefore, we do not leave our people behind after their playing careers come to an end.”