[By NBC-1TV K, Y Yi] MUJU, Korea
(May 14, 2024) - The World Taekwondo Coach-Referee Joint Training Camp for
the Paris 2024 Olympic Games has successfully concluded for 32 coaches and 26 international
referees in Muju
Taekwondowon, Korea.
With less
than 100 days to go until the start of the Olympic Games, the three-day event
provided an important opportunity for all participants to learn fully about
some of the technological innovations in use to ensure the Taekwondo
competition runs smoothly and safely. It was promoted by World Taekwondo and
organised by the Taekwondo Promotion Foundation. and included sessions led by World Taekwondo
Council Member & Technical Delegate for Paris 2024 Mohamed Shaaban, Referee
Committee Chair Songchul Kim and Medical & Anti-Doping
Committee Chair Dr. Dae Hyoun Jeong.
Referees
and coaches were informed about the Instant Video Replay (IVR) system and ways it can be used
effectively, including several scenarios for the participants to discuss.
Presentations were also delivered on the Protector Scoring System (PSS) and the 4D Replay System.
The introduction of these systems to Taekwondo in recent years has helped to
safeguard the fairness and integrity of competitions, and the Training Camp
ensured all referees and coaches are well-versed in their operation.
The Camp
also included sessions on Paris 2024’s Medical Service and Emergency Situation and
Integrity Education, both of which ensure athlete safety and
well-being remains of paramount importance for all referees and coaches.
After the
formal education-based sessions, those in attendance actively participated in
Game Management and Scoring Simulations. Significant time was devoted to this
activity on Monday (13 May) and Tuesday (14 May), to give referees and coaches
the opportunity to apply what they had learned and ensure familiarity with the
systems in place during Taekwondo competition at the Olympic Games.
There were
additionally separate sessions devoted specifically to referees and to coaches.
Referees practiced and simulated hand signals, while coaches discussed actions
for post-Paris.
The Paris 2024 Taekwondo Sports Manager
Mehdi Bensafi was also present at
the camp. During his presentation, he outlined preparation for Paris 2024, including
logistics such as arrival and departure, accommodation arrangements, and
accreditation process.
Technical Delegate for Paris 2024, Mohamed Shaaban said.
“The World Taekwondo
Coach-Referee Joint Training Camp represents a significant occasion,
inspiring discussions among participants to address key challenges and achieve
consensus on matters pertaining to the Olympic Games. It also provides and excellent platform for coaches
and referees to work together, fostering inclusivity and
pursuing a common objective: the success of Taekwondo at the upcoming Olympics, in alignment with our federation
and president's vision as one Taekwondo family worldwide. We are thrilled for the
approaching Olympic Games in Paris and have full confidence in its success.”