The year 2013 is going to be very interesting due to all of the challenges that the National Associations will face this year.
1. Sport competition
On January 1st, 2013 the new Tournament Rules are coming in force. Among many amendments is the change from old five to the six new weight categories. It will be interesting to watch how the competitors, especially those well-known, will change their categories and will find their feet in the new situation.
Europe will be a host of the three important events:
The AETF calendar is full of interesting events. It is also worth mentioning all the Open Tournaments being organized frequently on our continent. I am sure, that everyone regardless of degree level will find easily a tournament that meets his or her expectations. Those tournaments will be helpful in the execution of the preparation program before the most important season events as well as a perfect tool for an improvement of all skills.
2. Seminars
There will be four International Instructors Courses (IIC) organized in Europe in 2013. The participation in those courses will be a great occasion for black belt holders to improve their technical skills as well to exchange opinions on practicing Taekwon-Do.
The courses are so scheduled in the calendar that every interesting person will get a chance to participate in at least one of them.
The dates are as follows:
In case of seminars, we can not forget about one important event: the ITF Umpire Course - Qualifying for the World Championships 2013. This IUC is to be held on February 23rd -24th, 2013 in Benidorm, Spain. Only umpires who will take part in the course will be allowed to referee during the ITF World Championships 2013 in Spain.
The last Umpire Course organized at the beginning of July 2012 in Ireland was in demand with a record-breaking attendance. Over 180 candidates came to Ireland to advance their umpires skills. The organizers of the IUC made all efforts that the course became a success.
The main idea of the continental umpire courses was to decrease the number of the participants and to improve the teaching quality of the courses. However, I am afraid that those solicitations will not work in case of Europe and another record-breaking number of participants will report their willingness to practice their skills in Spain.
3. Services for members
All members have rights to use the organizational and legislative help being offered by our Office. The AETF Board of Directors as well as all employees of the AETF HQ are at your disposal and offer their knowledge and experience.
Information about all important matter referring to the AETF activity will be posted gradually on our official website which belongs to one of the best internet websites dedicated to Taekwon-Do.
On behalf of the AETF Board of Directors, AETF Revisory Commission, all employees of the AETF Headquarters and myself, and taking into account the above mentioned, I would like to wish you all prosperity in the New Year 2013, a lot of successes in both organizational and teaching work as well as many ideas and most of all perseverance and enthusiasm in your life.
Yours sincerely,
Master Tadeusz Łoboda
AETF President