MUSCAT OCT 11
Forty one male and female referees took part in a two-day karate training and classification course at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Bausher, strengthening their understanding of international rules ahead of upcoming domestic and regional competitions.
Organised by the Referees Committee under the Oman Karate Committee on October 9 and 10, the programme formed part of the activities accompanying the 16th Oman Karate Championship. It combined sessions on the latest kata and kumite rules with theoretical and practical examinations for local referee classification.
Dr Faisal bin Hamad al Maawali, Chairman of the Oman Karate Committee, said the programme followed four earlier courses covering beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, continuing the committee’s efforts to develop qualified officials.
He explained that the courses aimed to develop referees and prepare them for upcoming championships and competitions.
Al Maawali identified Oman championships and the West Asian karate championship, scheduled to take place in Jordan in November, among the key events for which referees were being prepared.
The opening day featured morning sessions explaining kata and kumite rules, followed by theoretical examinations in both disciplines during the afternoon. Practical assessments took place on the second day, with kumite examinations in the morning and kata assessments later in the day.
For participating officials, the programme provided an opportunity to review rule changes and strengthen their ability to apply them during competitions.
Shaimaa bint Tariq bin Ali Baomar, a referee with the Oman Karate Committee, said the course had improved her knowledge of international regulations and their latest updates. She praised the committee’s work in organising training and classification opportunities.
Baomar said she had benefited greatly from the programme, learning more about the rules and their amendments. She explained that understanding these changes helped referees ensure fair competition for everyone involved.
She said accurate application of the rules was important to the quality of officiating and the satisfaction of players, coaches and parents. She hoped to use the knowledge gained to improve her performance and progress in her refereeing classification.
Her ambition, she added, was to gain as much as possible from the course, develop a thorough understanding of the latest updates and make a positive contribution to competitions through her work as a referee.
Fellow referee Hilal bin Said al Hudaifi also welcomed the programme, describing the committee’s continued support as important to the development of officials.
He said participants had benefited greatly from the course and expressed appreciation for the committee’s ongoing support.
Al Hudaifi said the growing frequency of competitions throughout the year made referee development increasingly important. With officials playing a vital role in managing championships, he stressed the need to increase their numbers alongside continued training.
He underlined the importance of holding further courses to support referees and help them keep pace with the demands of the competition calendar.
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