Roman Tinyszin – Contributor
Few individuals have dedicated more sustained, behind-the-scenes service to American table tennis than Roman Tinyszin. For more than 25 years, Roman has set the standard for professionalism and leadership in the officiating community—earning both the Blue Badge Umpire and International Referee certifications, the highest distinctions in global officiating.
Roman’s journey began humbly in 1992, when he took his first umpire exam under the guidance of Wendell Dillon at the Sands Hotel. From that day forward, he committed himself to mastering every aspect of the sport’s rules and officiating procedures. Over the decades, he has served as a referee, deputy referee, and chief umpire at nearly every level of domestic and international play. His résumé includes officiating at three U.S. Olympic Trials, multiple U.S. Opens and Nationals, the 2015 World Championships in Suzhou, and the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Equally remarkable is his role as a teacher and mentor. Roman has guided a generation of umpires and referees, offering encouragement, structure, and opportunity. His steady hand at the Westchester Open, where he has refereed nearly 100 monthly events—most of them 4-star tournaments—has provided an ongoing training ground for officials across the country. Wendell Dillon, who introduced him at his induction, highlighted this mentoring spirit as Roman’s defining legacy.
In leadership, Roman has served as Chair of the U.S. Umpires and Referees Committee (URC) since 2019 and previously chaired the Officials and Rules Committee from 2010–2014. His commitment to fairness and consistency has strengthened the integrity of American table tennis officiating and fostered greater collaboration with the ITTF and USATT communities.
Beyond officiating, Roman co-founded the Lower Naugatuck Valley Table Tennis Club in Shelton, Connecticut (2004–2013), where he and Pete Schuld introduced dozens of young players to the sport. Among them was Tara Profitt, a Class 2 Para athlete whom he coached to international success, including a silver medal at the 2011 Parapan American Games and a place on the 2012 U.S. Paralympic Team.
In his Hall of Fame remarks, Roman expressed gratitude to the mentors who shaped his path—Wendell Dillon, Azmy Ibrahim, Ray Cavicchio, Larry Kesler, and others—and to his wife, Ellen, whose steady support has been a constant source of strength. He also paid tribute to departed mentors Manny Moskowitz, George Chranewycz, and Erich Haring, whose influence endures through his own work mentoring others.
Roman’s legacy is defined by excellence, humility, and service. Whether presiding over a world championship match, mentoring a young official, or coaching a Paralympic athlete, he has represented the sport with integrity and care. His induction into the U.S. Table Tennis Hall of Fame recognizes not only his extraordinary record but also the spirit with which he has advanced the game for more than two decades.
