Mr. and Mrs Boydell attended the 26th International Umpires Course in Olso, Norway on 11th & 12th September 2016.
They were met by Mr. Roy Rolstad who took them on a tour of a Viking Museum and the ‘Park of Life”. It was great explore part of a City that was hosting a course instead of just the inside of a Sports Hall for the duration. Mrs Camilla Rolstad also met up with the trio and after a lovely meal on a boat and a walk around Olso, the four checked into the Hotel and registed for the course.
Saturday started very early. The hall was a 20 minute drive from the Hotel 
and the buses were leaving at 0715. The course was opened by Grand Master Weiler at 0830. Course attendees were split into groups of 5 or 6 and stayed in these groups for the duration of the course.
Day 1 started with Master Katz and Master Ottesen giving the rules and scoring procedures for both patterns and sparring. Groups were sent to practice what had been discussed and return with questions or discussion points. Video footage was also used as a training tool. Day 1 finished at 6:00 pm and all course attendees were given an exam to complete for the next day. Over 60 multiple choice questions. There was also a banquet on this evening so it was quite hectic enjoying an evening meal and completing exam questions.
Day two started again at 0830. The course attendees were working with the electronic systems on this day for both patterns and sparring. Entering and leaving the ring was also covered. Special technique and Power were also discussed on this day. Videos were used and apps downloaded onto phones to use as scoring practice.
It was a very enjoyable course and the Norwegians are great hosts.
Report by Mrs. N. Boydell
