UIPM Judges Certification Programme (JCP): Preparing for a hectic summer in Madrid (ESP)

In a city famous for its sporting ‘Galacticos’ there is also awareness that an army of skilled and passionate support staff outside the white lines is required too. It was fitting then that Madrid (ESP) played host to a hugely productive recent edition of the UIPM Judges Certification Programme.

The Spanish capital city in the midst of a hectic summer of exciting Pentathlon action, currently hosting the 2025 European Pentathlon Senior Championships having also been the venue for the Masters version of the same event in recent weeks.

Increasing the numbers and skillset of judges is a key part of meeting the moment as a host city and the JCP course which took place in mid-July saw 10 participants successfully navigate a variety of standards with Levels 1, 2 and 3 all being reached in Madrid (ESP).

Under the expert instruction of UIPM educator and Chair of the UIPM Technical Committee, Andrea Dell’Amore (ITA) the participants came from Spain, Italy, Egypt and Mexico with three women and seven men among the cohort. The curriculum began with online theory in early July before four days of onsite theory in the Spanish city from July 15-18 with final assessment taking place during the 2025 European Pentathlon Masters Championships.

UIPM educator Andrea Dell’Amore (ITA) remarked: “We know that this is a particularly busy time of year for our sport, in Spain, wider Europe and beyond. Preparing judges to be ready for this time is vital. We know the essential part they play.

“I was so pleased to help this energetic but focused group of participants continue and in some cases begin their journey as UIPM judges. My sincere thanks to the Spanish Federation for their help in organising.”

Mr. Carlos Jimenez Del Castillo, Spanish Modern Pentathlon Federation President, said: “Hosting both of these prestigious European Championships was a moment of real pride for our federation and country.

“It took a lot of hard work and dedication from all involved including the new judges who played a key role in making a successful competition click. I would like to express my gratitude to UIPM and Andrea for his help in preparing these students.”