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Archive-name: table-tennis/1_intro-laws
Version: 12.0 See reader questions & answers on this topic! - Help others by sharing your knowledge rec.sport.table-tennis answers to Frequently Asked Questions and other news, posted monthly, now in mail folder digest format. New items preceded with +: From ttennis@bu.edu Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 1.1. Table of Contents: ================================ 1.1. Table of Contents 1.1.1 Where can I get a copy of this FAQ? 1.1.2 What ftp sites are there for table tennis gifs? 1.1.3 Where can I get a copy of the new USATT logo? 1.1.4 Where are the minutes of the USATT Executive Committee? 1.2. Terminology 1.3. USATT "Laws of Table Tennis" 1.4. USATT Fees + 2.1. USATT-approved Equipment Suppliers + 2.1.1 USATT-approved Equipment List 2.1.2 What other Equipment Suppliers are there? 2.2. Where can I call Toll-FREE? (within USA) 2.3. Where to get FREE tournament Software? 2.4. How to become an UMPIRE? 2.4.1 Club Umpire Qualifications 2.4.2 How to become a Regional UMPIRE? 2.5. What email mailing lists are there? + 2.6. What WWW sites are there? 2.7. USATT-Affiliated Newsletter July 1994 + 2.8. Tournament Schedule/USATT 3.1. How long is a 11 pt game? 3.1.1 table "Probability of winning match" 3.2. What are Handicap Events? 3.2.1 How does USATT Rating system works? 3.2.2 What is the probablility of winning? 3.2.3 Handicap Charts 3.3. Canadian TTA to USATT rating conversion chart 3.4. Does it matter who serve first? 3.5. What is Speedglue? 3.5.1 First Press Release Statement on Speedglue Ban 3.5.2 What speedglue are ITTF-approved? + 3.6. ITTF/ETTU RANK list (use ISO8859-1 Latin font) 3.6.1 MEN RANK [95FEB] 3.6.2 WOMEN RANK [94SEP] 4.1. USATT Club Handbook + 5.1. USATT-affiliated club directory 5.1.1 club profiles 6.1. USATT Handbook 6.1.1 Constitution 6.1.2 By-Laws 6.1.3 Tournaments 6.1.4 International Team Regulations 6.1.5 Ratings 6.1.6 INDEX 7.1. ITTF RULES 1991-93 7.1.1 1: Constitution 7.1.2 2: Disciplinary Regulations 7.1.3 3: The Laws of Table Tennis 7.1.4 4: Regulations for International Competitions 7.1.5 5: Regulations for World Championships 7.1.6 6: Regulations for Other World Title Competitons 7.1.7 Directives: Match Officials at Wld Title Competitions 7.2. New ITTF Rules 8.1. ITTF Directory of Associations 8.1.1 Applicant Associations 8.1.2 Suspended Associations 8.1.3 Associations in contact Send comments, suggestions, contributions, revisions and criticisms regarding this FAQ list via e-mail to: ttennis@bu.edu From ttennis@bu.edu Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 1.1.1 WHERE CAN I GET A COPY OF THIS FAQ? ================================================== Now these FAQs are formatted as mail archives and can be managed with ease via your favorite mail program. Retrieve by anonymous FTP or gopher crsa.bu.edu 7000 from: ftp://crsa.bu.edu/pub/lnitt/faq/1_intro-laws ftp://crsa.bu.edu/pub/lnitt/faq/2_USATT-news-misc ftp://crsa.bu.edu/pub/lnitt/faq/3_game-misc ftp://crsa.bu.edu/pub/lnitt/faq/4_club-handbook ftp://crsa.bu.edu/pub/lnitt/faq/5_club-directory ftp://crsa.bu.edu/pub/lnitt/faq/6_USATT-handbook ftp://crsa.bu.edu/pub/lnitt/faq/7_ITTF-rules ftp://crsa.bu.edu/pub/lnitt/faq/8_ITTF-dir-of-assn By anonymous ftp from ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/news.answers/table-tennis/ ftp://plaza.aarnet.edu.au/usenet/FAQs/rec.sport.table-tennis/ ftp://athene.uni-paderborn.de/doc/FAQ/rec.sport.table-tennis/ ftp://walton.maths.tcd.ie/news/news.answers/table-tennis/ ftp://svin02.info.win.tue.nl/pub/usenet/news.answers/table-tennis/ ftp://lth.se/pub/netnews/news.answers/table-tennis/ ftp://ftp.csie.nctu.edu.tw/pub/FAQ/table-tennis/ By tin, rn, trn from: news://rec.sport.table-tennis By email from: mailto:ttennis@bu.edu For rec.sport.table-tennis posting stats: ftp://ftp.univ-lyon1.fr/pub/usenet-stats/groups/rec/ From ttennis@bu.edu Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 1.1.2 WHAT FTP SITES ARE THERE FOR TABLE TENNIS GIFs? ============================================================== ftp://crsa.bu.edu/pub/lnitt/pictures From lrhose@mrccos.com Mon Mar 7 08:56:00 1994 Subject: 1.1.3 Where can i get a copy of the new USATT Logo? ============================================================ ftp://crsa.bu.edu/pub/lnitt/usatt/ This is a color version of USA Table Tennis' new logo. It is in CorelDraw v. 3.0 format. If you have any requests for other formats and can't read Corel information, E-Mail me at lrose@mrccos.com, and I'll add to this ftp site. ftp://crsa.bu.edu/pub/lnitt/usatt/ This is an encapsulated postscript of USA Table Tennis's new logo, provided by neidorff@UICC.COM Mon Mar 7 18:40:53 1994. From ttennis@bu.edu Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 1.1.4 Where are the minutes of the USATT Executive Committee? ====================================================================== ftp://crsa.bu.edu/pub/lnitt/usatt/ ftp://crsa.bu.edu/pub/lnitt/usatt/ ftp://crsa.bu.edu/pub/lnitt/usatt/ From ttennis@bu.edu Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 1.2. Terminology ========================== (From: ""Alexander J. Chien"" <Alexander.J.Chien@med.umich.edu> Date: Tue, 23 Feb 1993 11:50:24 -0500) Backspin: Same as underspin. Bat: Same as racket. Blade: See 1.3.USATT Rules section 4 Block: Usually a topspin shot performed to counter another topspin shot, namely, to counter a loop. This stroke is executed very close to the table, often before the top of the bounce of the ball. The blocker usually just angles his blade so that the ball goes back to the other side of the table. He utilizes the opponents speed and spin to put the ball back. Chop: A chop is a heavy underspin shot. I it usually executed away from the table and below the tabletop. A chop forces the ball to drop downwards when it hits an opponents paddle. Drive: The basic topspin shot executed close to the table. Also called a counter, counterdrive, or smash. Drop shot: Short placement - very close to the net. A key point in making a drop shot is to not allow the ball to fall off the table after the first bounce. i.e. Drop shots should bounce at least twice on the opponents side of the table before falling off. Flick: Also called flip. A topspin shot generated over the table close to the net, usually with the power generated only from the upper arm or the wrist. Used to start offense on a short ball. Flip: Same as twirl. Second definition of Flick. ITTF: International Table Tennis Federation, founded 1926, is the world governing body of the sport, and its members are the table tennis Associations of more than 140 countries; headquarter at 53 London Rd, St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex TN34 6AY, England, UK. Junk: Rubber that produce no spin, such as anti-spin and long-pips. Let: See 1.3. USATT Rules section 10 & 5.2 Lob: Usually used when in the player is in the backcourt in a defensive situation. The player hits the ball as high as he can - usually with a combination of topspin and sidespin. The deeper the ball lands on the table, the more difficult it will be for his opponent to smash. Loop: The shot that currently dominates the sport. This is an extreme topspin shot. One the Mazunov brothers (russia) won a spin competition being 'clocked' at 9000 rpm. A loop, when exectued properly can curve in the air as a curveball does in baseball. This curve allows the player to hit the ball harder and still rely on the spin of the ball to cause the ball to dive down onto the table. Also, a loop will 'skip' on the table top taking sharp changes in directions. A loop will also tend to 'pop' upwards when it strikes the opponents racket. The opponent has to deal with 1) a curving ball, 2) a ball that changes directions when it hits the table, and 3) a ball that will jump off his racket unpredictably unless he compensates for spin. A loop will also counter heavy spin (topspin or underspin) from an opponent. It can be executed above or below the tabletop, close or far away from the table. Paddle: Same as racket. Point: See 1.3. USATT Rules section 11 & 5.3 Ping Pong: an American table tennis equipment trademark, often referred to the game of table tennis by the general public. Push: A push is an underspin shot executed over the table, and usually close to the net. This is a passive shot that is used when it is impossible to attack a ball. Racket: See 1.3. USATT Rules section 4 Reglue: See speedglue. Rubber: See 1.3. USATT Rules section 4.5 Sidespin: Spin placed on a ball to allow it to curve left or right in the air. Usually utilized in combination with the topspin of a loop. Speedglue: See 3.4. Speedglue. Spin: The rotation of a ball. Topspin: Spin placed on a ball to allow it to curve down onto the table. Twiddle: Same as twirl. Twirl: Turning of the paddle, used for confusing opponents on which side of the paddle is being used. Not as deceptive now due to the two color law, namely black on one side and bright red on the other side. Usually utilized with combination bat. USATT: United States of America Table Tennis (formerly the United States Table Tennis Association), founded and ITTF-affiliated in 1933, is US' national governing body for the sport, and its backbone is the 300 affiliated clubs, whose membership ranges from 8-500 players. Individual USATT membership with subscription to Table Tennis Today can be purchased from USATT-sanctioned tournaments or affiliated clubs for $20/yr, $35/2yrs, $50/5yrs, or directly from the USATT headquarter. See 1.3. USATT Rules for address. From usatt@earth.usa.net Sat Aug 18 15:24:47 1994 Subject: 1.3. USATT Rules ========================= USATT Rules of Table Tennis August 1994 T H E L A W O F T A B L E T E N N I S a pamphlet prepared by the United States of America Table Tennis US Olympic Complex, 1750 E Boulder St, Colorado Springs, CO 80909-5769 usatt@earth.usa.net FAX: 719/632-6071 Tel: 719/578-4583 InfoPack: 800/326-USTT From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Aug 18 15:24:47 1994 Subject: * 1. THE TABLE 1.1 The table shall be in surface rectangular, 274 cm (9 ft) in length, 152.5 cm (5 ft) in width. It shall be supported so that its upper surface, termed the "playing surface," shall lie in a horizontal plane 76 cm (2 ft 6 in) above the floor. 1.2 It shall be made of any material and shall yield a uniform bounce of not less than 22 cm (8 3/4 in) and not more than 25 cm(9 3/4 in) when a standard ball is dropped from a height of 30.5 cm (12 in) above the surface. 1.3 The playing surface shall be dark colored, preferably dark green, and matt, with a white line 2 cm (3/4 in) wide along each edge. 1.3.1 The lines along the 152.5 cm (5 ft) edges, or ends, shall be termed "end lines." 1.3.2 The lines along the 274 cm (9 ft) edges, or sides, shall be termed "side lines." 1.4 For doubles, the playing surface shall be divided into halves by a white line 3 mm (1/8 in) wide, running parallel with the side lines, termed the "center line"; permanent marking of the center line shall not invalidate the table for singles play. The center line shall be regarded as part of each right hand court. 1.5 The playing surface shall be considered to include the top edges of the table, but not the sides of the table top below the edge. 1.6 Advertisements on tables are allowed only on the sides and ends of the table top and each shall be contained within a total area on any face of 200 so cm. Permanent advertisements are limited to the maker's trademark, symbol, or name once on each half of a side, but the organizing authority of a competition may grant permission for other temporary advertisements, one on each side and one on each end. From ttennis@bu.edu Fri Aug 26 15:24:47 1994 Subject: * 2. THE NET 2.1 The playing surface shall be divided into two "courts" of equal size by a vertical net running parallel to the end lines. 2.2 The net assembly shall consist of the net, its suspension, and the supporting posts, including the clamps attaching them to the table. 2.3 The net shall be suspended by a cord attached at each end to an upright post 15.25 cm. (6 in.) high, the outside limits of the post being 15.25 cm. outside the side lines. 2.4 The net, with its suspension, shall be 183 cm (6 ft) long and its top, along the whole length, shall be 15.25 cm (6 in) above the playing surface; the bottom of the net, along its whole length, shall be as close as possible to the playing surface and the ends of the net shall be as close as possible to the supporting posts. From ttennis@bu.edu Fri Aug 26 15:24:47 1994 Subject: * 3. THE BALL 3.1 The ball shall be spherical, with a diameter of 38 mm. 3.2 The ball shall weigh 2.5 grams. 3.3 The ball shall be made of celluloid or similar plastic material and shall be white, yellow, or orange and matt. 3.4 The standard bounce required shall not be less than 23.5 cm (9 7/32 in) or more than 25.5 cm (10 3/8 in) when dropped from a height of 30.5 cm (12 in) on a specially designed steel block. These heights are measured from the bottom of the ball. 3.4.1 The standard bounce required shall not be less than 22 cm (8 3/4 in) or more than 25 cm (9 3/4 in) when dropped from a height of 30.5 cm (12 in) on an approved table. From ttennis@bu.edu Fri Aug 26 15:24:47 1994 Subject: * 4. THE RACKET 4.1 The racket may be of any size, shape or weight. 4.2 The blade shall be continuous, of even thickness, flat and rigid. 4.2.1 At least 85% of the blade by thickness shall be of natural wood. 4.2.2 An adhesive layer within the blade may be reinforced with fibrous material such as carbon fiber, glass fiber or compressed paper, but shall not be thicker than 7.5% of the total thickness or 0.35 mm, whichever is the smaller. 4.3 The visible surface of each side of the blade, whether used for striking the ball or not, shall be uniformly dark colored and matt. Any trimming or binding around the edge of the blade shall not be either wholly or partly white or brightly reflecting. 4.4 A side of the blade used for striking the ball shall be covered with either ordinary pimpled rubber with pimples outwards having a total thickness including adhesive of not more than 2 mm or sandwich rubber with pimples inwards or outwards having a total thickness including adhesive of not more than 4 mm. 4.4.1 only adhesives that have been approved by the ittf for this purpose may be used to attach the rubber to the blade. 4.4.2 after august 1, 1995, no adhesive that uses any solvent may be used to attach the rubber to the blade. 4.5 definitions: 4.5.1 "ordinary pimpled rubber" is a single layer of non-cellular rubber, natural or synthetic, with pimples evenly distributed over its surface at a density of not less than 10 sq cm and not more than 50 sq cm. 4.5.2 "sandwich rubber" is a single layer of cellular rubber covered with a single outer layer of ordinary pimpled rubber, the thickness of the pimpled rubber not being more than 2 mm. 4.6 the covering material shall extend up to but not beyond the limits of the blade, except that the part nearest the handle and gripped by the fingers may be left uncovered or covered with any material and may be considered part of the handle. 4.7 the blade, any layer within the blade and any layer of covering material or adhesive shall be continuous and of even thickness. 4.8 the two surfaces of the racket blade shall be of clearly different colors, namely black and bright red, as defined in the ittf technical leaflets. 4.9 it is the responsibility of the player to ensure that the racket covering can be identified as an authorized brand and type and that the colors of the two surfaces of the blade are clearly distinguishable under normal playing conditions. 4.10 subject to the requirements of 4.3 a side of the blade not intended for striking the ball may be painted or covered with any material, but if a player strikes the ball in play with a side of the blade whose surface does not comply with the requirements of 4.4 - 4.9 he shall lose a point. 4.11 slight deviations from uniformity or continuity of covering due to fading, wear or accidental damage, may be ignored provided they do not significantly change the characteristics of the surface. 4.12 at the start of a match and whenever he changes his racket during a match, a player shall show his opponent and the umpire the racket he is about to use and shall allow them to examine it. from ttennis@bu.edu fri Aug 26 15:24:47 1994 Subject: * 5. definitions 5.1 a "rally" is the period during which the ball is in play. 5.2 a "let" is a rally of which the result is not scored. 5.3 a "point" is a rally of which the result is scored. 5.4 the "racket hand" is the hand carrying the racket. 5.5 the "free hand" is the hand not carrying the racket. 5.6 a player "strikes" the ball if he touches it with his racket, held in the racket hand, or with his racket hand below the wrist. 5.7 a player "obstructs" the ball if he or anything he wears or carries, touches it in play when has not passed over his court or an imaginary extension of his end line, and where it has not touched his court since last being struck by his opponent. 5.8 the "server" is the player due to strike the ball first in a rally. 5.9 the "receiver" is the player due to strike the ball second in a rally. 5.10 the "umpire" is the person appointed to decide the results of each rally. 5.11 The "Assistant Umpire" is the person appointed to assist the umpire. 5.12 The stroke counter is the person appointed to count strokes under the expedite system. 5.13 Anything that a player "wears or carries" includes anything that he was wearing or carrying at the start of the rally. 5.14 The ball shall be regarded as passing "over or around" the net if it passes under or outside the projection of the net assembly outside the table or if, in a return, it is struck after it has bounced back over the net. 5.15 The part of the playing surface nearest the server and to his right shall be called the server's right hand court, and to his left the server's left hand court. The part of the playing surface on the other side of the net from the server and to his left of the center line shall be called the receiver's right hand court, and on the server's right the receiver's left hand court. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Aug 18 15:24:47 1994 Subject: * 6. THE ORDER OF PLAY 6.1 In singles, the server shall first make a good service, the receiver shall then make a good return and, thereafter, server and receiver alternately shall each make a good return. 6.2 In Doubles, the server shall first make a good service, the receiver shall then make a good return, the partner of the server shall then make a good return, the partner of the receiver shall then make a good return and, thereafter, each player alternately in that sequence shall make a good return. From ttennis@bu.edu Fri Aug 26 15:24:47 1994 Subject: * 7. SERVICE 7.1 At the start of service, the ball shall rest freely on the open, flat palm of the free hand and shall be stationary, above the level of the playing surface, and behind the server's end line. 7.2 The ball and the racquet shall be above the level of the playing surface and behind the end line of the server's court or an imaginary extension thereof from the last moment at which the ball is stationary on the palm of the free hand until the ball is struck in service. 7.3 The server shall then project the ball near vertically upwards, by hand only and without imparting spin, so that it rises at least 6 inches after leaving the palm of the hand. 7.4 As the ball is then descending from the height of its trajectory, the server shall strike it so that it touches first his own court and then, passing directly over the net or around or under the projection of the net and its supports outside the table, touches the receiver's court. 7.4.1 In doubles, the points of contact of the ball with the playing surface shall be the server's right hand court and then the receiver's right hand court. 7.4.2 If, in attempting to serve, a player fails to strike the ball while it is in play, he shall lose a point. 7.5 When the ball is struck in service, it shall be behind the end line of the server's court or an imaginary extension thereof, but not farther back than the part of the server's body, other than his arms, leg or head, which is farthest from the net. 7.6 It is the responsibility of the player to serve so that the umpire or assistant umpire can see that he complies with the requirements for a good service. 7.6.1 If the umpire is doubtful about the correctness of a player's service but neither he nor the assistant umpire is sure it is illegal, he may on the first occasion in a match interrupt play and warn the server without awarding a point. On any subsequent occasion in the same match at which the same player's service is of doubtful correctness, for the same or any other reason, the player shall not be given the benefit of the doubt and shall lose a point. 7.6.2 Where, however, there is a clear failure to comply with the requirements for a good service no warning should be given and a point should be awarded against the server. 7.7 Exceptionally strict observance of the prescribed method of service may be waived where the umpire is notified, before play begins, that compliance is prevented by physical disability. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Aug 18 15:24:47 1994 Subject: * 8. A GOOD RETURN 8.1 The ball, having been served or returned in play, shall be struck so that it passes directly over or around the net and its supports and touches the opponent's court, except that: 8.1.1 If the ball, having been served or returned in play, returns with its own impetus over the net it may be struck so that it touches directly the opponent's court. 8.1.2 If the ball, in passing over or around the net, touches the net or its supports, it shall be considered to have passed directly. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Aug 18 15:24:47 1994 Subject: * 9. IN PLAY 9.1 The ball shall be in play from the last moment at which it is stationary before being projected in service until: 9.1.1 It touches something other than the playing surface, the net assembly, the racket held in the hand or the racket hand below the wrist. 9.1.2 The rally is otherwise decided as a let or a point. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Aug 18 15:24:47 1994 Subject: * 10. A LET 10.1 A rally is a let: 10.1.1 If the ball served, in passing over or around the net, touches it or its supports, provided the serve is otherwise good or is volleyed by the receiver or his partner. 10.1.2 If the service is delivered when, in the opinion of the umpire, the receiving player or pair is not ready, provided that neither the receiver or his partner attempts to strike the ball. 10.1.3 If, in the opinion of the umpire or assistant umpire, failure to make a good return or otherwise to comply with the Official Laws is due to a disturbance outside the control of the player. 10.1.4 If it is interrupted for correction of an error in playing order or ends. 10.1.5 If it is interrupted for introduction of the expedite system. 10.1.6 If it is interrupted for warning a player for a service of doubtful correctness or that he has failed to notify a change of racket. If a player fails to notify the umpire and his opponent when he changes his racket, the umpire shall immediately report this to the referee. On the first occasion the referee shall disqualify him. 10.1.7 If the conditions of play are disturbed in a way which, in the opinion of the umpire or assistant umpire, is likely to affect the outcome of the rally. From ttennis@bu.edu Fri Aug 26 15:24:47 1994 Subject: * 11. A POINT Unless the rally is a let, a player shall lose a point: 11.1 If he fails to make a good service. 11.2 If he fails to make a good return. 11.3 If he obstructs the ball, except as provided in 10.1.1. 11.4 If the ball touches his court and then again the playing surface. 11.5 If he strikes the ball twice successively. 11.6 If he strikes the ball with a side of the racket blade having an illegal surface. 11.7 If he, or anything he wears or carries, moves the playing surface while the ball is in play. 11.8 If his free hand touches the playing surface while ball is in play. 11.9 If he, or anything he wears or carries, touches the net or its supports while the ball is in play. 11.10 If, in doubles, he strikes the ball out of sequence, except where there has been a genuine error in playing order. 11.11 If, under the expedite system, his service and twelve successive good returns of the serving player or pair are each followed by good returns of the receiving player or pair. 11.12 If the umpire assesses a penalty point against him. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Aug 18 15:24:47 1994 Subject: * 12. A GAME 12.1 A game shall be won by the player or pair first scoring 21 points unless both players or pairs have scored 20 points, when the winner shall be the player or pair first scoring 2 points more than the opposing player or pair. From ttennis@bu.edu Fri Aug 26 15:24:47 1994 Subject: * 13. A MATCH 13.1 A Match shall consist of the best of three games or the best of five games. 13.2 Play shall be continuous throughout, except that any player shall be entitled to claim an interval of not more than 2 minutes between any successive games. 13.2.1 The referee may allow a suspension of play of the shortest practical duration (in no circumstances more than 10 minutes) if a player is temporarily incapacitated by an accident, provided that in the opinion of the referee the suspension is not likely to be unduly disadvantageous to the opposing player or pair. 13.3 Short reasonable pauses for such purposes as towelling may be taken, but only after every 5 points or at the change of ends in the last possible game of a match. 13.4 A player who breaks his racket shall immediately resume play with a spare racket kept close to the playing area, or one handed to him in the playing area. 13.5 Doubles matches, regardless of the format of the competition or position of the match in the draws (semi-finals, finals, etc) shall be two of three games. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Aug 18 15:24:47 1994 Subject: * 14. THE CHOICE OF ENDS AND SERVES 14.1 The choice of ends and the right to serve or receive first in a match shall be decided by toss. 14.2 The winner of the toss may: 14.2.1 Choose to serve or receive first, when the loser shall have the choice of ends. 14.2.2 Choose an end, when the loser shall have the right to choose to serve or receive first. 14.2.3 Require the loser to make the first choice. 14.3 In doubles, the pair who have the right to serve first in any game shall decide which partner shall do so. 14.3.1 In the first game of a match, the opposing pair shall then decide which partner will receive first. 14.3.2 In subsequent games of a match, the serving pair will choose their first server and the first receiver will then be established automatically to correspond to the first server as provided in Rule 16.6. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Aug 18 15:24:47 1994 Subject: * 15. THE CHANGE OF ENDS 15.1 The player or pair who started at one end in a game shall start at the other end in the immediately subsequent game, and so on, until the end of the match. 15.2 In the last possible game of a match, the players or pairs shall change ends when first either player or pair reaches the score of 10. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Aug 18 15:24:47 1994 Subject: * 16. THE CHANGE OF SERVICE 16.1 In singles: after five points, the receiver shall become the server, and so on, until the end of the game, or the score 20-20, or the introduction of the Expedite System. 16.2 In Doubles: 16.2.1 The first five services shall be delivered by the selected partner of the pair who have the right to serve and shall be received by the appropriate partner of the opposing pair. 16.2.2 The second five services shall be delivered by the receiver of the first five services and shall be received by the partner of the first server. 16.2.3 The third five services shall be delivered by the partner of the first server and shall be received by the partner of the first receiver. 16.2.4 The fourth five services shall be delivered by the partner of the first server and shall be received by the first server. 16.2.5 The fifth five services shall be delivered by the first server and the players shall thereafter serve and receive in the same sequence until the end of the game. 16.3 If both players or pairs have scored 20 points or if the expedite system is in operation, the sequence of serving and receiving shall remain the same but each player shall serve only one point in turn until the end of the game. 16.4 The player or pair who served first in a game shall receive first in the immediately subsequent game, and so on, until the end of the match. 16.5 In the last possible game of a doubles match, the pair due next to receive shall change the order of receiving when first either pair scores 10 points. 16.6 In each game of a doubles match, the initial order of receiving shall be opposite to that in the immediately preceding game. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Aug 18 15:24:47 1994 Subject: * 17. OUT OF ORDER OF SERVING, RECEIVING OR ENDS 17.1 If, by mistake, the players have not changed ends when ends should have been changed, play shall be interrupted as soon as the error is discovered and the players shall change ends. 17.2 If, by mistake, a player serves or receives out of his turn, play shall be interrupted and shall continue with that player serving or receiving who, according to the sequence established at the beginning of the match, should be server or receiver respectively at the score that has been reached. 17.3 In any circumstances, all points scored before the discovery of an error shall be reckoned. From ttennis@bu.edu Fri Aug 26 15:24:47 1994 Subject: * 18. THE EXPEDITE SYSTEM 18.1 The expedite system shall come into operation if a game is unfinished after fifteen minutes' play unless both players or pairs have scored at least 19 points or at any earlier time at the request of both players or pairs. 18.2 Under the expedite system each player shall serve for one point in turn, and if the service and twelve successive good returns of the serving player or pair are each followed by good returns of the receiving player or pair, the server shall lose a point. 18.2.1 If the ball is in play when the game is interrupted, play shall restart with service by the player who served in the rally that was interrupted. 18.2.2 If the ball was not in play when the game was interrupted, play shall restart with service by the player who received service in the immediately preceding rally. 18.3 Once introduced, the expedite system shall remain in operation for the remainder of the match. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Aug 18 15:24:47 1994 Subject: * 19. ADVICE TO PLAYERS DURING PLAY 19.1 A player may receive advice from anyone between games or during other authorized suspension of play, but not at any other time, such as during a momentary break for towelling or at the change of ends in the last possible game of a match. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Aug 18 15:24:47 1994 Subject: * 20. CLOTHING (DRESS CODE) 20.1 Playing Clothing shall normally consist of a short-sleeved shirt and shorts or skirt, socks and playing shoes; other garments, such as part or all of a track suit, shall not be worn during play except with the permission of the referee. 20.2 Clothing may be of any color except that: 20.2.1 Shirts, shorts, and skirts may be of any color except that the main color of a shirt, skirts, or shorts, other than sleeves or collar of a shirt and trimming along side seams or near the edges, shall be clearly different from that of the ball in use. 20.3 A playing garment may carry: 20.3.1 Advertisements as defined in Rule 23.6. 20.3.2 The ITTF logo, where the design has been authorized by the ITTF. 20.3.3 A badge or lettering on the front or side contained within a total area of 64 sq cm. 20.3.4 Numbers or letters on the back of a playing shirt to identify a player or his Association or, in club matches, his club. 20.4 Any markings or trimming on the front or side of a playing garment and any objects such as jewelry worn by a player shall not be so conspicuous or brightly reflecting as to unsight an opponent. 20.5 Players must wear socks and soft soled shoes. 20.6 Clothing shall not carry designs or lettering which might cause offense or bring the game into disrepute. Absolutely no playing without a shirt, no cutoffs, no jeans, no tank shirts, but women may wear sleeveless blouses. 20.7 Opposing players and pairs shall wear clothing that is sufficiently different to enable them to be easily distinguished by spectators. If the players or pairs cannot agree on who will change if necessary, the umpire will decide by toss. 20.8 Any question of the legality or acceptability of playing clothing shall be decided by the referee, except that he may not rule illegal or unacceptable a design which has been authorized by the ITTF or USATT. 20.9 Warm-up suits should not be worn during play unless with special permission of the referee. It is his discretion of conformity to above requirements. 20.10 Slacks may be worn but shorts are preferred. 20.11 At all USATT-sanctioned tournaments the referee is responsible for enforcing the Dress Code and will default any player who is improperly attired. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Aug 18 15:24:47 1994 Subject: * 21. WHEELCHAIR COMPETITION 21.1 All rules in this section shall apply only to Wheelchair competition. 21.2 All competitors shall compete in wheelchairs. 21.2.1 Each wheelchair shall conform to the dimensions stated in article III of the Constitution and Bylaws of the National Wheelchair Athletic Association (N.W.A.A). 21.2.2 A cushion, of any size and made of any foam rubber, may be used. 21.2.3 The wheelchair is not required to have back support. 21.3 Wheelchair competitions may be divided into up to four divisions. These divisions shall be based on the N.W.A.A. classification system, as follows: 21.3.1 Division 1: all wheelchair players classes I through V. Division 2: classes I through III Division 3: classes IA, IB, and IC Division 4: class IA only. 21.4 Each division shall have either 1.) both men's event and women's event, or 2.) an open event. If any division does not have a women's event, or if the women's event is cancelled, the women entered in that division will be allowed to compete with the men in what becomes the open event in that division. 21.5 The table not have any physical barrier that can in any way hinder the normal and legal movement of the competitor's wheelchair. 21.6 In service, the receiver is required to make a good return. However, if the receiver does not strike or obstruct the service, and the served ball does not continue, under its own momentum, to leave the table by crossing the receiver's endline, the rally shall be a let. 21.6.1 In service, players classified as IA, IB or IC may project the ball upwards with either hand. 21.7 Players classified as IA, IB or IC may touch the playing surface with the free hand during play without losing the point; however, they may not use the free hand on the table for support while striking the ball. 21.8 In any match that includes at least one player classed as IA, IB or IC, all players may volley the ball after it has crossed the volleyer's endline or sideline without losing the point. 21.9 The competitor's feet may not touch the floor during play. 21.10 Competitors may not rise noticeably off their cushions during play. From ttennis@bu.edu Fri Aug 26 15:24:47 1994 Subject: * 22. PLAYING CONDITIONS 22.1 Space. The minimum playing space for each table should be at least 12 m (40 ft) long, 6 m (20 ft) wide and 3.5 m (11.5 ft) high. 22.2 Light. Measured at table height, the light shall be at least 400 lux (38 foot candles) in strength uniformly over the table and not less than half of the table strength over any other part of the playing area (ITTF requires 1000 lux - 95 foot candles). 22.3 Flooring. The floor should be made of hard, non-slippery wood. Stone, concrete, linoleum, tile, etc. are not recommended. 22.4 The light source shall not be less than 3.5 m above the floor. 22.5 The background shall be generally dark and shall not contain bright light sources nor daylight through uncovered windows. 22.6 The floor shall not be light-colored nor brightly reflecting. From ttennis@bu.edu Fri Aug 26 15:24:47 1994 Subject: * 23. ADVERTISEMENTS 23.1 Advertisements shall be displayed only on equipment or fittings which are normally inside the playing area and there shall be no special, additional displays. 23.2 Fluorescent or luminescent colors shall not be used anywhere within the playing area and white shall not be used on the inside or surrounds. 23.4 Advertisements on tables shall be placed only on the ends and sides of the table top and not on the legs or supporting structure, and each will be contained within a total area on any face of 200 sq. cm. Permanent advertisements are limited to the maker's normal trademark, symbol or name, once on each half of a side, but the organizing authority of a competition may grant permission for other temporary advertisements, one on each side and one on each end. 23.5 Advertisements on umpires' tables or other furniture inside the playing area shall be contained within a total area on any face of 750 sq cm; 23.6 Advertisements on player's clothing, other than on players numbers, shall not be white and shall be limited to: 23.6.1 The maker's normal trademark, symbol or name contained within a total area of any item of 24 sq cm. 23.6.2 Advertisements on the player's numbers, which shall be contained within a total area of 100 sq cm. 23.6.3 Not more than two advertisements, each contained within a total area of 40 sq cm and clearly separated from each other, on front or side of a shirt. 23.6.4 One advertisement, contained within a total area of 40 sq cm on shorts or skirt. 23.6.5 One advertisement, contained with a total area of 200 sq cm on the back of a shirt. 23.7 There shall be no advertisements in the playing area or on clothing for tobacco goods, alcoholic beverages or harmful drugs. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Aug 18 15:24:47 1994 Subject: * 24. POINT PENALTY SYSTEM The Point Penalty System will be used in all tournaments provided the referee is a USATT Regional or National or ITTF International umpire. 24.1 Conduct which warrants imposition of the point penalty system shall include: 24.1.1 Delay of game (i.e. excessive towelling, deliberately breaking the ball or hitting it out of the playing area, excessive time between games, etc.) 24.1.2 Damage to equipment (intentional damage to the table, net, or other tournament or personal equipment). 24.1.3 Conduct offensive to opponents, officials, or spectators (i.e., audible or visible obscene language or gestures, loud outbursts or remarks which could disrupt other matches in progress, or deliberately throwing a racket). In evaluating "loud outbursts," the umpire shall consider the total situation. This rule is not intended to discourage competitive enthusiasm, particularly that displayed in championship final when there are no other matches being played, in which case reasonable expression will be allowed that does not offend anyone. 24.1.4 Accepting coaching during a game. Both the player and the coach will be warned at the first recognition of coaching during a game. At the second violation the player will lose a point and the coach (directed by the umpire) will leave the playing area. The umpire shall display a yellow card when an illegal adviser is formally warned and a red card when an illegal adviser is dismissed from the playing area. If the coach refuses to leave, the umpire will suspend play and report immediately to the referee. 24.2 Penalties will be imposed as follows, for each match: 24.2.1 First offense: Warning. The umpire will formally notify the player that he is in a penalty point situation by holding up a red card. The player cannot protest, play must continue. 24.2.2 Second offense: Loss of 1 point. The player cannot protest and play must continue. The umpire will notify the referee that a penalty point has been awarded by holding up a red card or sending a messenger. The referee may, at his discretion, call for a let and ask the umpire why the penalty point was awarded. 24.2.3 Third offense: Loss of 2 points. The player and the referee will be notified as above. 24.2.4 Fourth Offense: The umpire will refer the matter to the referee, who may use his normal powers of disqualification. The referee shall display a red card when a player is disqualified. 24.2.5 After the imposition of a point or game penalty, the next server will be that player who would normally be serving at that score. 24.3 The referee will still have the authority to default a player from the match or disqualify him from the tournament for gross misconduct. 24.4 The referee will still have the authority to remove an umpire if he deems the umpire's performance to be unsatisfactory. from ttennis@bu.edu fri Aug 26 15:24:47 1994 Subject: * 25. MATCH OFFICIALS 25.1 An umpire shall be appointed for each match. Where practical, 1 or 2 assistant umpires will also be appointed. 25.2 The umpire shall sit in line with the net and the assistant umpire or umpires shall sit facing him, at the other side of the table. When there is 1 assistant umpire he shall sit in line with the net. When there are 2 assistant umpires, they shall sit in line with the end lines. 25.3 The umpire shall be responsible for: 25.3.1 Checking the acceptability of equipment and playing conditions and reporting any deficiency to the referee. 25.3.2 Taking a ball at random if the players are unable to agree on a choice. 25.3.3 Controlling the order of serving, receiving and ends and correcting any errors therein. 25.3.4 Deciding each rally as a point or a let. 25.3.5 Calling the score in accordance with specified procedure. 25.3.6 Introducing the expedite system at the appropriate time. 25.3.7 Maintaining the continuity of play. 25.3.8 Ensuring observation of the regulations concerning advice to the players and the behavior of players. 25.4 Except as provided in Rule 25.5, either the umpire or the assistant umpire may decide: 25.4.1 That a player's service action is illegal. 25.4.2 That a player obstructs the ball. 25.4.3 That, in an otherwise good service, the ball touches the net assembly while passing over or around it. 25.4.4 That the ball in play touches the side of the table top facing him, the top edge of the playing surface on that side, or neither. 25.4.5 That the conditions of play are disturbed in a way which may affect the outcome of the rally. 25.5 When there are 2 assistant umpires, each shall make the decisions listed in Rule 25.4 only in respect of a player at his end of the table or the half-side of the table nearest to him. 25.6 A decision made by either the umpire or an assistant umpire in accordance with the provisions of Rule 25.4 may not be overruled by the other official. 25.7 Either the umpire or an assistant umpire may time the duration of the practice period, of play, and of any intervals. 25.8 If there is 1 assistant umpire, a separate official shall act as stroke counter when the expedite system is in operation. If there are 2 assistant umpires, each shall act as stroke counter when the receiver is at his end of the table. from ttennis@bu.edu fri Aug 26 15:24:47 1994 Subject: * 26. DOPING 26.1 There shall be no doping before or during play in any competition. For the purpose of these regulations, doping is the introduction into the body in any way of any of a list of prohibited substances with the object of improving performance during competition. from ttennis@bu.edu fri Aug 26 15:24:47 1994 Subject: * 27. BETTING 27.1 Players and officials shall not bet on matches. 27.2 The organizers of a competition shall report any breach of this regulation to the USATT. From ttennis@bu.edu Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 1.4. USATT Fees ======================== From ttennis@bu.edu Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: * By-Law 2.2.1.1 Adult Membership One Year $20 Two Years $35 Three Years $50 Corporate Sponsorship $500 Per Year Supporting Membership $75 Per Year From ttennis@bu.edu Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: * By-Law 2.2.1.2 Junior membership with the National Publication will be $10 per year and without the National Publication will be $5 per year. From ttennis@bu.edu Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: * By-Law 2.2.1.3 Family membership will be $35 per year. From ttennis@bu.edu Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: * By-Law 2.2.2.2.2 Member club affiliation fees will be as follows: One Year $15 Two Years $27 Three Years $35 Five Years $57 From ttennis@bu.edu Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: * By-Law 2.2.2.3 The Group B membership fee will be $100 per year. From ttennis@bu.edu Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: * By-Law 2.4.1.1 The President's discretionary fund is $1,000 per use, up to $3,000 per year. From ttennis@bu.edu Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: * By-Law 2.9.2.1.6 E.C. candidates may not be USATT employees receiving more than $1,000 per year from the USATT. From ttennis@bu.edu Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: * By-Law 2.10.4.6 The Treasurer will pay invoices that are not budgeted and are $25 or more only with presidential approval. He will pay any invoices that exceed the budgeted amount by more than 10% or $10, whichever is larger, only with E.C. approval. From ttennis@bu.edu Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: * By-Law 2.13.6.8 The USATT approval fee for manufacturer's equipment is shown below: From ttennis@bu.edu Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: * Volume Approval Fees Less than $ 25,000 $ 250 $ 25,000 to $ 50,000 $ 375 $ 50,000 to $100,000 $ 500 $100,000 to $150,000 $ 750 $150,000 to $200,000 $1,000 $200,000 to $300,000 $1,500 $300,000 to $400,000 $2,000 $400,000 to $500,000 $2,500 $500,000 to $600,000 $3,000 $600,000 to $700,000 $3,500 Over $700,000 $4,000 From ttennis@bu.edu Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: * Individual Fees Tables $250 Each Model Maximum $750 Balls $250 Each Model Maximum $500 Rubber $ 25 Each Model Maximum $250 Net Sets $ 25 Each Model Maximum $100 From ttennis@bu.edu Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: * Testing and Inspection Fees A fee for inspection and testing by the USATT will be charged when a Manufacturer submits equipment for approval unless it is already approved by the ITTF. From ttennis@bu.edu Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: * Fees for each test are as follows: Tables $60 Net Sets $20 Rubber Sheets $15 Balls $50 Table tennis manufacturers exporting approved equipment to the United States andtable tennis manufacturers located in the United States will be required to pay a fee in order to have their equipment approved for use in USATT-sanctioned events as per the approval fees listed herein. Only USATT Official Approved Equipment will be permitted to be used in any USATT-sanctioned event. The Manufacturer will have the right to advertise the equipment or product(s) specified on the first page as USATT-Approved or as otherwise the USATT in writing may specifically authorize. From ttennis@bu.edu Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: * By-Law 2.13.12.4 Subscription rate to the National Publication is $15 per year or $2.00 per copy. From ttennis@bu.edu Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: * By-Law 2.13.12.5 Advertising rates (black and white) for the National Publication will be: (1/2 Yr) (1 Yr) Size 1 Time 3 Times 6 Times Full Page $450 $425 $400 2/3 Page $325 $300 $275 1/2 Page $260 $240 $220 1/3 Page $200 $180 $160 1/6 Page $140 $120 $100 1/12 Page $80 $70 $60 Inside Covers $550 $525 $500 Back Cover $650 $625 $600 4-Page Special *$1,000 - - *If purchased in conjunction with a full-page ad in the same, previous, or following issue. Otherwise, cost is $1,200. To earn frequency discount, insertions must be consecutive. Position: The requested position will be provided if possible. Guaranteed position, if available, at 15% surcharge to advertising rates as listed. Color: Black plus one, two, or threecolors available at special rates. Write for information and costs. Issue Date: Published bi-monthly - January/February, March/April, etc. Six issues per year. Issued 1st week of first month of publication. Camera Ready Copy: All camera ready copy, negatives, Veloxes, or PMTs are due on the 1st day of the month prior to date of issue. Space Cancellations: Not accepted after closing date. An order may be canceled by the publisher if the advertiser or agent fails to pay account when due. Commissions: Recognized agency receives 15% commission on general advertising. New advertisers and agencies must remit with order or furnish satisfactory credit references. Contract Regulations: 1) No contract accepted for a period longer than one year. 2)Advertising agency assumes and agrees to pay the charges for advertising published at its direction. 3)The word "advertisement" will be placed with copy which, in our opinion, resembles editorial matter. 4)Publisher reserves the right to reject any advertising, editorial material, illustration, or photograph. 5)The publisher reserves the right to revise its advertising rates and conditions at any time upon 60 days written notice without penalty to contract advertisers. 6)Publisher's liability for failure to publish an ad for any reason shall be limited to refunding any charge therefore paid by the advertiser. Table Tennis Topics is printed on a web press using 35-lb. newsprint with 50-lb. cover stock. Acceptable material: Veloxes, PMTs, negatives, or original art work. From ttennis@bu.edu Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: * By-Laws 3.3.3, 3.5.2, 3.9.1, 3.14.2.3, 3.15.2.6.3, 3.16.1.2, 3.16.2.7, 3.16.2.10, 3.17.3, 3.18.1, and 5.1.3 The guidelines for USATT sanctioned tournaments is as follows: App. Minimum Min. Min. Expected # of Days/ No. No. Jr. Sanction Rating Star Level Prize Money Entries # of Tables Events Events Fee Fee 0 Star* $0 N/A N/A N/A N/A Waived $3 0 Star $0-$299 20 1 Day - 4 Tables 6 0 $ 25 $3 1 Star $300-$499 40 1 Day - 5 Tables 8 0 $ 50 $3 2 Star $500-$2,499 80 1 Day - 8 Tables 10 1 $100 $3 or 2 Days - 7 Tables 3 Star $2,500-$4,999 140 2 Days - 12 Tables 14 3 $150 $3 or 3 Days - 10 Tables 4 Star $5,000+ 180 3 Days - 12 Tables 16 4 $200 $5 U. S. Open Team Championships $5 Other** To Be Determined *To be used only for State Games **Special classification determined by USATT Tournament Committee From ttennis@bu.edu Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: * By-Law 5.2.4.1 The Rating Committee record list of top players to the Selection Committee will cost $50 per list. From ttennis@bu.edu Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: * By-Law 5.3.2.1 Affiliated club/league rating fee will be $0.25 per player per month. From ttennis@bu.edu Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: * Fees Not Referred to in By-Laws: All labels will cost $0.03 each. Standing Rule All funds collected for umpire fees will be transferred to the referee in small denominations prior to the start of the tournament. These funds will be used by the referee or his designated representative to compensate umpires for each match they umpire. Funds not expended will be retained by the USATT and, from events not run directly by the USATT, used to improve the umpires program. A safe or suitable locked storage area will be available at at the tournament site to secure the unused umpires fees. User Contributions:
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