In its bid to ensure officiating improves, the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) says it will remain committed to enhancing the capacity of referees and other match officials.
The President NTF, Margaret Binga stated this at the end of the 3 days Nigeria Taekwondo Federation refresher courses in Abuja.
Binga told www.aclsports.com via telephone that it was imperative for referees to be at par with their African and European counterparts.
She said that the federation would continue to drive Taekwondo management in line with international standards.
“The referee refresher seminar was a success, we had new individuals in attendance who are aspiring to be referees and the performance was awesome because there was a lot of turnout everyone wants to be updated with the latest rules and regulations of the World Takewondo.
“Most of our referees do not want to left in the dark and at the end of the day after the conclusion of the practical, stimulation and physical test, you could see the enthusiasm on the faces of the referees that they are ready, willing and open to learn and develop themselves”, she said.
According to her, the country’s referees can officiate in international championships across the world if they participate in refresher courses outside the shores of Nigeria.
“Nigeria referees can officiate at international competition. The only thing is for them to attend international referee refreshers, because this course we just ended here is to prepare them for the challenges ahead. And I am sure they are prepared to face the challenges.
“I think the only support is what I am giving to them because 99% of our referees do not have the opportunity to attend these courses outside the country. For the few of us who are able to go and have the privileges to officiate in top ranked tournament, we bring back our experiences home to make sure that our own referees are not left in the dark.
“They will have up to date rules and regulations which will guide them to train their athletes to become clean athletes”, Binga added
She said the federation will make every effort in making the event one of the best in the Africa.
