Tennis Australia wants to increase the number of tennis officials in the state and is hoping that this week's Tasmanian Open AMT Platinum and Junior tour event at Launceston's Regional Tennis Centre, the Burnie International next week and the Launceston Women's Pro Tour event from February 2-9, will generate interest from would- be umpires and officials.

TA will hold an officials course on Sunday, February 9, at the LRTC, with the aim of building the numbers of Tasmanians capable of officiating for tournaments here and possibly higher level events such as the Moorilla Hobart International, Australian Open and Davis Cup.

"You only have to be 16 and you don't have to be a tennis player - you just have to have an interest in the sport," Tasmanian officiating co-ordinator David Vernon said.

"The courses cover the guidelines for people in roles such as line umpire, chair umpire and court supervisors supporting a tournament.

"There are opportunities for officials here in Tassie to officiate at national- standard events and there is scope to even develop to the stage of umpiring internationally and a good career path if that is what people are looking for."

Vernon said there was no cost involved in attending the officials course in Launceston.

Anyone interested in doing so should contact him on 0417 151 767 or go to the TA web site and find the officials tag and contact Sof Megas.

"There are brochures available at the Launceston Regional Centre if people would like more information or they can come down and have a look at the Launceston International to see if it is something they might be interested in and entry is free."