Job Description: Referees for 2026 National Tournaments

Position Title: Referee/Deputy Referee

Reports To: TTNZ Event Manager

Location: New Zealand

Background

Table Tennis New Zealand (TTNZ) is the recognised governing body for table tennis in New Zealand, accredited with the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), International Table Tennis Federation-Oceania (ITTF-Oceania), Sport New Zealand (Sport NZ), High-Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ), Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ), and the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC). TTNZ exists to grow and support table tennis nationwide, inspiring players, coaches, and communities to engage with the sport at every level. Our vision is simple but ambitious: A sport for all, for life.

At TTNZ, our values guide everything we do:

Integrity – do the right thing. Acting with honesty, fairness, and accountability in all we do.
Community – stronger together. Fostering collaboration, inclusion, and meaningful relationships.
Innovation – learn and lead. Embracing new ideas, continuous improvement, and forward-thinking solutions.

TTNZ are committed to creating an inclusive, performance environment where athletes can reach their full potential and proudly represent New Zealand on the world stage.

TTNZ are seeking expressions of interest from experienced Referees for our National Tournaments.

Position Overview

To manage and oversee the technical and regulatory conduct of TTNZ's National Table Tennis tournament(s), ensuring the tournament(s) are delivered fairly, safely, and in full compliance with TTNZ and ITTF laws, rules and regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

Referee the tournament.
- Approve draws, schedules, and match lists.
- Allocate umpires to matches and supervise officiating standards.
- Oversee all umpires, ensuring consistent application of rules and procedures.
Conduct start of day and end of day officials’ briefings.
Ensure suitability of venue conditions (lighting, accessibility, tables, barriers, safety).
Monitor matches, player behaviour, and equipment compliance.
Ensure safeguarding, athlete welfare, and inclusive practices (including Para-specific needs).
Liaise with Competition Manager and TTNZ staff as required.
Professionally engage with athletes, coaches, and other officials at all times.
Document and report any incidents to the Competition Manager.
Oversee accurate recording of results.
As required, in consultation with the Competition Manager, handle appeals, protests, disciplinary matters as per TTNZ's policies and procedures.
Handle rule interpretations in your capacity as the referee.
Prepare and submit the formal Referee’s report after the tournament.

Key Competencies

Successful applicants will demonstrate:

Advanced understanding of TTNZ and ITTF rules, regulations, laws and processes.
Strong leadership, communication, and team management skills.
High-level decision-making under pressure.
Ability to mediate and resolve disputes impartially.
Organised, detail-oriented, and confident in managing tournament procedures.

Requirements

Applicants must:

Hold a current TTNZ or ITTF Referee certification.
Police vetting and safeguarding education with proof of certification will be required.
Be NZ-based for all required activities.
Umpiring experience is preferential but trainee umpires will be considered.
Demonstrate strong organisational and time-management skills.
Commit to ongoing professional development.

Time Commitment

Pre-tournament planning, including oversight of draws, communications, and venue checks.
Full availability throughout the tournament.
Post-tournament reporting and follow-up.

Appointments

Appointments will be based on key factors such as:

Appointments will be based on key factors such as:
Knowledge and application of TTNZ and ITTF rules.
Ability to work collaboratively with umpires, technical officials, and tournament staff.
Leadership, communication skills and confidence on court.
Professionalism, reliability, and resilience under pressure.
Previous experience at regional, national, or international events.

These appointments offer opportunities to contribute directly to the professional delivery of national tournaments.

Who Should Apply

This opportunity is suitable for referees who are committed to growth, motivated to support fair play, and eager to contribute to the growth and success of table tennis in New Zealand.

TTNZ encourages applications from referees who:

Have a strong understanding of table tennis rules and officiating procedures.
Are passionate about providing a fair, safe, and consistent playing environment.
Are reliable, composed, and able to make clear decisions under pressure.
Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and alignment with TTNZ values.
Are committed to ongoing learning and pursuing higher-level officiating qualifications.

Application Process

Expression of Interest : Applications closes on Sunday, 11th January 2026, 11:59 PM

APPLY HERE

Remuneration

Referees will be remunerated for services provided in accordance with TTNZ referee rates, which will be detailed in the letter of engagement issued to appointed referees.

Contact

For questions regarding the role, please contact:

Shane Laugesen
📞 022 063 0886
✉️ shane@tabletennis.nz

John Cordue
📞 022 457 1598
✉️ john@tabletennis.nz