NPHS Ping Pong Club Official Rules of Table Tennis

Home About the Club Schedule Rankings Doughnut Rotation Members Rules of the Game Pictures Videos Funds Links Officers and Contact		These laws conform substantially to the ITTF Laws and Regulations for International Competition. Minor modifications applicable to USATT competition are included. Items in red are recent additions or changes. 1. 2. The Net Assembly 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, along its 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. 4. The Racquet 4.1 The racquet may be of any size, shape, or weight but the blade shall be flat and rigid. 4.2 At least 85% of the blade by thickness shall be of natural wood. 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 A side of the blade used for striking the ball shall be covered with either ordinary pimpled rubber with pimples outward having a total thickness including adhesive of not more than 2 mm. or sandwich rubber with pimples inwards or outward having a total thickness including adhesive of not more than 4 mm. 4.3.1 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 per sq. cm. and not more than 50 per sq. cm. 4.3.2 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. 4.4 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. 4.5 The blade, any layer within the blade, and any layer of covering material or adhesive shall be continuous and of even thickness. 4.6 The surface of the covering material on a side of a blade or of a side of the blade if it is left uncovered, shall be matt, bright red on one side and black on the other. 4.7 Slight deviations from uniformity of color 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. 4.8 At the start of a match and if he changes his racquet during a match, a player shall show his opponent and the umpire the racquet he is about to use and shall allow them to examine it. 4.9 If a player breaks his racquet during a game, he shall replace it immediately with another racquet which he has brought with him to the playing area or one which is handed to him in the playing area. A racket shall not be changed in an individual match unless it is accidentally damaged so badly that it cannot be used. If a player changes a racket during an individual match without notification, the umpire shall suspend play and report to the referee. 4.10 The covering material on a side of the blade used for striking the ball shall be of a brand and type currently approved by the USATT and shall be attached to the blade so that the trademark and ITTF logo (if applicable) are clearly visible near the edge of the striking surface. 4.10.1 Rackets complying with all requirements of the rules for Hard Bat rackets shall be legal in all USATT tournaments except the US Open and North American Open Team Championships. Hard Bat rules are shown at 5. Definitions 5.1 A rally is the period during which the ball is in play. 5.2 The ball is in play from the last moment at which it is stationary on the palm of the free hand before being intentionally projected in service until it touches anything other than the playing surface, the net assembly, the racquet held in the racquet hand or the racquet hand below the wrist, or until the rally is otherwise decided a let or a point. 5.3 A let is a rally of which the result is not scored. 5.4 A point is a rally of which the result is scored. 5.5 The racquet hand is the hand carrying the racquet. 5.6 The free hand is the hand not carrying the racquet. 5.7 A player strikes the ball if he touches it in play with his racquet, held in the racquet hand, or with his racquet hand below the wrist. 5.8 A player obstructs the ball if he or anything he wears or carries, touches it in play when it is above or traveling toward the playing surface and has not passed beyond the end line, not having touched his court since last being struck by his opponent. 5.9 The server is the player due to strike the ball first in a rally. 5.10 The receiver is the player due to strike the ball second in a rally. 5.11 The umpire is the person appointed to decide the results of each rally. 5.12 The assistant umpire is the person appointed to assist the umpire. 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 assembly if it passes under or outside the projection of the net assembly outside the table. 7. A Good Return 7.1 The ball, having been served or returned in play, shall be struck so that it passes directly over or around the net assembly and touches the opponent's court, either directly or after touching the net assembly. 7.1.1 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. 9. A Let - A rally is a let 9.1 If in service the ball, in passing over or around the net assembly, touches it, provided the serve is otherwise good or is obstructed by the receiver or his partner. 9.2 If the service is delivered when the receiving player or pair is not ready, provided that neither the receiver nor his partner attempts to strike the ball. 9.3 If, the failure to make a good service or a good return or otherwise to comply with the Laws is due to a disturbance outside the control of the player. 9.4 If play is interrupted by the umpire or assistant umpire. 9.4.1 To correct an error in the order of serving or receiving or ends. 9.4.2 To introduce the expedite system. 9.4.3 To warn or penalize a player. 9.4.4 Because the conditions of play are disturbed in a way which could affect the outcome of the rally. 11. A Game 11.1 A game shall be won by the player or pair first scoring 11 points unless both players or pairs score 10 points, when the game shall be won by the first player or pair subsequently gaining a lead of 2 points. 13. Intervals 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 lot and the winner may choose to serve or receive first or to start at a particular end. 14.2 When one player or pair has chosen to serve or receive first or to start at a particular end, the other player or pair shall have the other choice. 14.3 After each 2 points have been scored the receiving player or pair shall become the serving player or pair and so on until the end of the game, unless both players or pairs score 10 points or the expedite system is in operation, when the sequence of serving and receiving shall be the same but each player shall serve for only 1 point in turn. 14.4 In each game of a match the pair who has the right to serve first shall decide which of them shall do so and in the first game of a match, the opposing pair shall then decide which partner will receive first. In subsequent games of a match, the first server having been chosen, the first receiver shall be the player who served to him in the preceding game. 14.5 In doubles, at each change of service the previous receiver shall become the server and the partner of the previous server shall become the receiver. 14.6 The player or pair serving first in a game shall receive first in the next game of the match, and in the last possible game of a doubles match the pair due to receive next shall change their order of receiving when first one pair scores 5 points. 14.7 The player or pair starting at one end in a game shall start at the other end in the next game of the match and in the last possible game of a match the players or pairs shall change ends when first one player or pair scores 5 points. 16. The Expedite System 16.1 Except where both players or pairs have scored at least 9 points, the expedite system shall come into operation if a game is unfinished after 10 minutes play or at any earlier time at the request of both players or pairs. 16.1.1 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. 16.1.2 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. 16.2 Thereafter, each player shall serve 1 point in turn. If the receiving player or pair makes thirteen successive good returns, the receiver shall score a point. 16.3 Once introduced, the expedite system shall remain in operation for the remainder of the match. 18. Practice 18.1 Players are entitled to practice on the match table for up to 2 minutes immediately before the start of a match but not during normal intervals. The specified practice period may be extended only with the permission of the referee. 18.2 During an emergency suspension of play, the referee may allow players to practice on any table, including the match table. 18.3 Players shall be given reasonable opportunity to check and familiarize themselves with any equipment, which they are to use. However, this shall not automatically entitle them to more than a few practice rallies before resuming play after the replacement of a damaged ball or racquet. 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 or colors except that: 20.2.1 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 The maker's normal trademark, symbol, or name contained within a total area of 24 sq. cm. 20.3.2 Not more than 6 clearly separated advertisements, contained within a combined total area of 600 cm2, on the front, side or shoulder of a shirt, with not more than 4 advertisements on the front ; 20.3.3 Not more than 2 advertisements, contained within a total area of 400cm2, on the back of a shirt;  20.3.4 Not more than 2 advertisements, contained within a combined total area of 80cm2, on shorts or skirt.  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, and no tank shirts. 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. 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 the above requirements. Wheelchair Rules 21.6 The table shall allow access to wheelchairs without obstructing player's legs and shall allow access to two wheelchairs for doubles matches (no cross bars between end legs). 21.7 The court length may be reduced, but should not be less than 8 meters long and must be enclosed by surrounds. 21.8 A service in singles shall be as in Paragraph 6 except that a let shall be called if in service the ball: 21.8.1 Leaves the table by either of the receiver's side lines (on one or more bounces) or 21.8.2 On bouncing on the receiver's side returns in the direction of the net or 21.8.3 Comes to rest on the receiver's side of the playing surface. 21.9 However, if the receiver strikes the ball before it crosses a side line or takes a second bounce on his side of the playing surface, the service shall be considered good and no let shall be called. 21.10 Class 1 and 2 players are not required to project the ball upward from the palm of the free hand. Players in these classes may hold the ball and project it upward in any manner. Regardless of the method, no spin may be imparted to the ball and the ball still must rise at least 6 inches from the hand. 21.11 Responsibility still rests with the server to serve so that the umpire or assistant umpire can check the legality of the serve. 21.12 During play, a player may touch the playing surface with the free hand, only to restore balance after striking the ball (provided the playing surface is not moved). 21.13 The playing surface shall not be used as a support with the free hand while playing the ball. 21.14 A player or pair shall score a point if the footrest or a foot of their opponent touch the floor during play. 21.15 In team and class singles events, no part of the body above the knees may be attached to the chair, as this could improve balance. Below knees, strapping is allowed. 21.16 Should a player require some strapping or binding for medical reasons, this should be noted on their classification card and will be taken into account when assessing the player's class. 21.17 In open events, strapping and other aids are allowed. 21.18 No player shall compete in a wheelchair event unless he has been given an appropriate disabled classification. Wheelchair Doubles 21.19 Service shall be as above for singles play, but the ball may leave the table by the side line of the receiver's right half-court. 21.20 The server shall first make a good service and the receiver shall make a good return, and thereafter either player of a pair may return the ball. 21.21 During play, no part of a player's wheelchair shall cross the vertical plane of an imaginary extension of the table's center line. If it does, the opposing pair shall score a point. 23. Match Officials 23.1 For every competition as a whole as referee shall be appointed. The referee shall be responsible for 23.1.1 Interpretation of laws and regulations for competition. 23.1.2 Assignment and, if necessary, replacement of match officials. 23.2 An umpire shall be appointed for each match or at the request of any player or pair in that match. Where practical an assistant umpire will also be appointed. 23.2.1 The umpire shall sit or stand in line with the net and the assistant umpire shall sit directly facing him, at the other side of the table. 23.2.2 The umpire shall be responsible for: 23.2.2.1 Checking the acceptability of equipment and playing conditions and reporting any deficiency to the referee. 23.2.2.2 Taking a ball at random in accordance with the rules. 23.2.2.3 Conducting the draw for the choice of serving, receiving and ends. 23.2.2.4 Deciding whether the requirements of the service law may be relaxed for a player with physical disability. 23.2.2.5 Controlling the order of serving, receiving and ends and correcting any errors therein. 23.2.2.6 Deciding each rally as a point or a let. 23.2.2.7 Calling the score, in accordance with specified procedure. 23.2.2.8 Introducing the expedite system at the appropriate time. 23.2.2.9 Maintaining the continuity of play. 23.2.2.10 Taking action for breaches of the advice or behavior regulations. 23.3 The assistant umpire shall decide whether or not the ball in play touches the edge of the playing surface at the side of the table nearest to him. 23.4 Either the umpire or the assistant umpire may : 23.4.1 decide that a player's service action is illegal. 23.4.2 decide that, in an otherwise good service, the ball touches the net assembly while passing over   or around it. 23.4.3 decide that a player obstructs the ball. 23.4.4 decide that the conditions of play are disturbed in a way that may affect the outcome of the rally. 23.5 Either the assistant umpire or a separate official may act as stroke counter to count the strokes of the receiving player or pair when the expedite system is in operation. 23.6 The umpire may not overrule the assistant umpire or stroke counter on a decision of fact made within their area of responsibility.