Dear Taekwondo Community,
It is with great pride that Grandmaster Rick Shin announces the formation of the Taekwondo Referee Union (TRU)—a global initiative dedicated to advocating for referees who have long been the backbone of our sport yet remain undervalued and overlooked.
The Challenges Referees Face:
In over four decades of involvement in Taekwondo—spanning local, national, continental, world, and Olympic events—we have witnessed systemic issues that must be addressed:
🔹 Financial Burdens: Referees invest heavily in uniforms, certifications, refresher courses, and annual fees, often amounting to thousands of dollars over time. This does not even include travel, accommodation, and meals, which are frequently self-funded.
🔹 Poor Treatment & Accommodations: Many referees are subjected to substandard lodging, inadequate meals, and unfair working conditions.
🔹 Selection Based on Politics, Not Merit: Opportunities to officiate at major events are too often dictated by favoritism rather than experience or ability.
🔹 Discrimination & Exploitation: Age, appearance, and personal connections frequently influence selection, while organizations profit from referees’ dedication without offering fair support in return.
Why TRU?
The Taekwondo Referee Union is not about creating division—it is about creating fairness and balance. Referees safeguard the integrity of our sport and deserve the same respect and integrity in return.
✅ Led by referees at all levels
✅ Committed to fairness, transparency, and respect
✅ Open to referees from all Taekwondo disciplines (WT, ITF, traditional, and independent organizations)
TRU is honored to appoint Mr. Chuong Pham, Senior Vice President of the Professional Taekwondo Federation, as the Chairman of TRU. With nearly four decades of experience across local, national, and international events, his leadership and deep understanding of the referee experience make him the ideal choice to drive this movement forward.
TRU is open to every referee who believes in a better future for Taekwondo. Regardless of rank, background, or affiliation—if you have stood in the center of the ring, this is for you.
This is not about politics. This is about principles.
🌍 Join us in shaping the future.
🔗 Learn more at: www.protaekwondo.org
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