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Archive-name: table-tennis/7_ITTF-rules
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 +: Table of Contents: ================== 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. ITTF Rule changes Send comments, suggestions, contributions, revisions and criticisms regarding this FAQ list via e-mail to: ttennis@bu.edu From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 7.1. ITTF RULES 1991-1993 ================================== From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 7.1.1 CONSTITUTION =========================== From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 1.1 Name 1.1.1 The Federation shall be called The International Table Tennis Federation, referred to elsewhere in these Rules by its abbreviated title "ITTF". From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 1.2 Composition 1.2.1 The ITTF shall consist of the affiliated table tennis organisations, referred to elsewhere in these Rules as "Associations", controlling the sport in accordance with the principles of the ITTF in any territory generally regarded as constituting a national, historical or other unity. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 1.3 Principles 1.3.1 The principles of the ITTF shall be general unity of action, mutual respect of Associations in their dealings with one another and the inadmissibility of discrimination against Associations or individuals on racial, political, religious or other grounds. 1.3.2 The ITTF shall observe the general and fundamental principles of the Olympic Charter and no provision of these Rules shall be deemed to conflict with or derogate from those principles. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 1.4 Objects 1.4.1 The objects of the ITTF shall be: 1.4.1.1 to uphold the principles of the ITTF and to develop the spirit of friendship and mutual assistance among Associations and players; 1.4.1.2 to regulate relations between Associations and between Associations and other organisations; 1.4.1.3 to seek continual improvement in the technical standard of table tennis and in the extent of participation in the sport throughout the world; 1.4.1.4 to foster friendly sporting competition and to eliminate unfair and unsporting practices such as the use of drugs to affect performance; 1.4.1.5 to define the requirements for Olympic eligibility; 1.4.1.6 to establish and maintain the Laws of Table Tennis and the Regulations for International Competitions; 1.4.1.7 to publish the standard text, which shall be the English text, of the Rules, consisting of the Constitution, the Laws and the Regulations; 1.4.1.8 to encourage the publication of the Rules in other languages and to check the accuracy of such publications; 1.4.1.9 to promote and to supervise the World Championships; 1.4.1.10 to employ the funds of the ITTF as may be expedient in the interests of international table tennis. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 1.5 Management 1.5.1 The governing body of the ITTF shall be the General Meeting, consisting of the assembled representatives of Associations. 1.5.2 Each Association in full membership shall be entitled to two representatives and each Association in membership "in good standing" shall be entitled to one representative. 1.5.3 A General Meeting shall normally be held once every two years and shall be known as the "Biennial General Meeting", referred to elsewhere in these Rules as "BGM". 1.5.4 Between BGMs the work of the ITTF shall be managed, in accordance with policy decided by the BGM, by a Council, which shall administer the finances of the ITTF and to which the BGM may delegate any of its powers. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 1.6 Officers 1.6.1 The Officers of the ITTF shall be a President, a Deputy President, a Treasurer and six Vice-Presidents. 1.6.2 There shall be one Vice-President from each of the continental areas of Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America and Oceania and their duties shall be to initiate ITTF work devolved on them by the BGM and generally to represent the ITTF in their own Continents. 1.6.3 A vacancy in any office other than that of President which arises between BGMs shall be filled by the Council but if the President resigns or is unable to continue in office he shall be replaced by the Deputy President until the next BGM. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 1.7 Council 1.7.1 The Council shall consist of the Officers, Continental representatives elected at the BGM and members co-opted in accordance with 1.7.5. 1.7.2 The number of representatives from a Continent, in addition to any of its members who are Officers, shall be one sixth of the number of its member Associations which by 31st December of the year before the BGM have paid all subscriptions due by that date, rounded up to the next higher whole number. 1.7.3 The representatives of a Continent, other than any of its members who are Officers, shall each be from a different Association. 1.7.4 The Council shall meet as required during the period of the BGM and once during the year in which there is no BGM, but shall otherwise conduct its business by correspondence. 1.7.5 At its first meeting after the BGM the Council shall co-opt as full members the Chairmen of Committees other than the Sports Science and Standing Orders Committees, if they are not elected members of the Council. 1.7.6 The Chairman at a Council meeting shall normally be the President, or, in his absence, the Deputy President; if both are absent the members present shall elect one of their number as Chairman for that meeting. 1.7.7 Every question at a Council meeting, unless otherwise stated in the appropriate rule, shall be decided by a simple majority of the votes cast; if there is an equality of votes the Chairman shall have a casting vote. 1.7.8 Voting shall be by a show of hands, a roll-call or a ballot, as decided by the meeting on a proposition by the Chairman. 1.7.9 In the period between BGMs any vacancy arising in the membership of the Council may be filled by simple majority vote at a Council meeting, but no temporary substitute shall be permitted to attend a Council meeting or to conduct Council business in place of a member absent or indisposed. 1.7.10 The Council shall have power to appoint consultants to itself or to any special Committee; the responsibilities and rights of these consultants shall be defined at the time of appointment. 1.7.11 The ITTF shall pay a proportion of the travel costs of Council members attending the meeting held in the year between BGMs, the proportion being decided from time to time by the executive board. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 1.8 Executive Board 1.8.1 An Executive Board, consisting of the Officers, shall meet at intervals of about six months when convened by the President. 1.8.2 The Executive Board shall be responsible for 1.8.2.1 the initiation and review of proposals for the development of table tennis; 1.8.2.2 recommending to the BGM or the Council the assignment of funds for special projects; 1.8.2.3 recommending to the BGM or the Council distribution policies for Olympics revenue; 1.8.2.4 the consideration of other matters referred to it by the BGM or the Council. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 1.9 Executive Committee 1.9.1 An Executive Committee, consisting of the President, the Deputy President and the Treasurer, shall have power to deal with current or urgent business, reporting to the Executive Board at its next meeting. 1.9.2 The Executive Committee shall meet during the period of the BGM and otherwise when convened by the President. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 1.10 Olympics Commission 1.10.1 The Olympics Commission shall consist of the Officers and a representative of the country organising the next Olympic Games, but any Vice-President may nominate a representative to attend a meeting in his place or act on his behalf. 1.10.2 The Commission shall be responsible for: 1.10.2.1 the planning, control and supervision of the table tennis events in the Olympic Games; 1.10.2.2 liaison with, as appropriate, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and Associations on all matters concerning Olympic competitions; 1.10.2.3 enforcement of the eligibility regulations and confirmation of the eligibility of entrants for Olympic events; 1.10.2.4 submission to the IOC of amendments to the eligibility regulations, as agreed by the BGM; 1.10.2.5 drafting and submission to the BGM of proposals for a qualifying system for entry into Olympic events; 1.10.2.6 appointment of a Jury, technical representatives and officials for the table tennis events; 1.10.2.7 generally ensuring that the table tennis events at Olympic Games comply with the letter and the spirit of the Olympic Charter. 1.10.3 The Commission shall meet during the period of the BGM and at other times when convened by the President. 1.10.4 The Secretary-General shall attend all meetings of the Commission and shall draft its Minutes and Reports. 1.10.5 The Commission shall submit a written report to the BGM and, in the intervening years, to the Council. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 1.11 Secretary-General 1.11.1 The Council shall appoint a Secretary-General on agreed terms and conditions, on the recommendation of the Executive Committee. 1.11.2 The Secretary-General shall be responsible to the Executive Committee for the work of the ITTF Secretariat, the engagement and supervision of ITTF staff and the general administration of the ITTF. 1.11.3 The Secretary-General shall submit an annual report to the Council. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 1.12 Special Committees 1.12.1 The BGM shall appoint special Committees to study particular aspects of the work of the ITTF and to advise and assist the Council in dealing with these aspects. 1.12.2 The composition of the Standing Orders Committee shall be recommended to the BGM by the Executive Board; the composition of other Committees shall be decided at the BGM on the basis of lists recommended by the Standing Orders Committee, but additions to or deletions from these lists may be proposed at the BGM. 1.12.3 With the exception of the Sports Science Committee, which may have up to sixteen corresponding members, no Committee shall have more than eight full members and six corresponding members. 1.12.4 The Chairman of each Committee shall be appointed by the Council from among the full members elected to that Committee. 1.12.5 The Chairman of a Committee may appoint one of its members Vice-Chairman or Secretary and allocate specific duties to him. 1.12.6 Committees shall normally meet during the period of the BGM and shall otherwise conduct their business by correspondence. 1.12.7 A Committee may set up sub-committees of its members to deal with specific areas of work; any reports or recommendations of such sub-committees shall be subject to endorsement by the full Committee before publication or submission to the BGM or the Council. 1.12.8 A member of a Committee who does not, within a reasonable specified period, express in writing an opinion on a written proposal circulated by or on behalf of the Chairman of that Committee shall be considered to have agreed to any resulting recommendation submitted in the name of the Committee. 1.12.9 The Chairman of each Committee shall submit to the Council an annual report of the activities of the Committee, drawing attention to any recommendations which the Committee wishes to make; acceptance of the report shall not automatically imply acceptance of such recommendations. 1.12.10 Any recommendation by a Committee which would lead to a rule change shall be subject to specific approval by the Council and where such a rule change requires ratification by the BGM a proposition embodying the change shall be included in the agenda of the BGM in the name of the Council. 1.12.11 Committees may, where so authorised, act on behalf of the Council but the extent of this authority and its duration shall be specified by the Council and shall be reviewed not later than at the next meeting of the Council. 1.12.12 All members of Committees shall be entitled to attend General Meetings, but without vote unless representing an Association. 1.12.13 The duties of the Equipment Committee shall be: 1.12.13.1 to advise the Council on equipment and playing conditions; 1.12.13.2 to draft technical specifications and guidance documents for equipment and playing conditions; 1.12.13.3 to conduct or arrange for tests of equipment items submitted for approval and to make recommendations to the Council on acceptance; 1.12.13.4 to co-operate with the Technical Committee in advising the organisers of World and Olympic title competitions on matters concerning equipment and playing conditions. 1.12.14 The duties of the Media Committee shall be: 1.12.14.1 to advise the Council on relations with the Press and television; 1.12.14.2 to encourage the publication of journals, books and films relating to table tennis and to promote the exchange of such information; 1.12.14.3 to set up a roster of its members so that at least one of them is available in the press centre on each day of the World Championships during all hours of play. 1.12.15 The duties of the Ranking Committee shall be: 1.12.15.1 to prepare ranking lists for use in seeding men's and women's singles events in open tournaments which include players from more than one Continent; 1.12.15.2 to publish one such list as soon as possible after the World Championships and another at the end of the subsequent playing season, and to review the list as necessary for the draw of the next World Championships and the draw of the Olympic Games, taking account of the current ranking lists of Continental Federations; 1.12.15.3 to prepare ranking lists of men's and women's doubles pairs to be used in the selection of entries for the World Doubles Cup; 1.12.15.4 to prepare, from the entries received, a seeding list for the doubles events of the World Title competitions and Olympic Games; 1.12.15.5 to advise the organisers of World and Olympic title competitions on any question of seeding or the assignment of entrants to qualifying stages of the individual events. 1.12.16 The duties of the Rules Committee shall be: 1.12.16.1 to advise the Council on any question of interpretation of rule; 1.12.16.2 in co-operation with the Technical Committee to assist the referee in any question of interpretation of rule at the World Championships; 1.12.16.3 to review and, where appropriate, improve the wording of Laws and Regulations and amendments thereto, in accordance with principles agreed by the BGM or the Council and to make consequential amendments; 1.12.16.4 to co-ordinate and assist the work of umpires and referees and to be responsible for the qualification and assessment of International Umpires and International Referees; 1.12.16.5 to issue directives on the interpretation and application of Laws and Regulations to International Umpires and International Referees, through their national Associations; 1.12.16.6 to set up a roster of its members so that at least one of them is available in the playing hall on each day of the World Championships during all hours of play. 1.12.17 The duties of the Sports Science Committee shall be: 1.12.17.1 to advise the Council on medicine, physiology and hygiene relating to table tennis; 1.12.17.2 to prepare guidance documents for players, trainers and officials on matters such as medical services, training and diet relating to table tennis; 1.12.17.3 to prepare instructions concerning doping substances and the application of anti-doping controls; 1.12.17.4 to sponsor and to review research into the scientific aspects of table tennis. 1.12.18 The duties of the Standing Orders Committee shall be: 1.12.18.1 to recommend to General Meetings the order and times of sessions and the business to be dealt with at each session; 1.12.18.2 to consider the admissibility of propositions and resolutions received after the specified closing date and to recommend to the BGM their acceptance or rejection; 1.12.18.3 to consider applications to organise the World Championships and to report to the BGM; 1.12.18.4 to consider nominations for appointment to Committees other than the Standing Orders Committee, and to recommend to the BGM the composition of Committees, taking account of the views of the retiring Chairmen and the Vice-Presidents. 1.12.19 The duties of the Technical Committee shall be: 1.12.19.1 to advise the Council on the organisation of the World Title competitions and to make recommendations of the system of play; 1.12.19.2 to provide advice and assistance to the World Championships organisers in the organisation and management of the World Championships; 1.12.19.3 to appoint the Chairman of the World Championships Jury; 1.12.19.4 in co-operation with the Rules Committee to assist the referee in any question of interpretation of rule at the World Championships; 1.12.19.5 to be responsible for the World Championships draw; 1.12.19.6 to approve the playing schedule prepared by the World Championships organisers; 1.12.19.7 to set up a roster of its members so that at least one of them is available in the playing hall on each day of the World Championships during all hours of play. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 1.13 Eligibility for Office 1.13.1 Nominations for ITTF Officers and for members of the Council, Olympics Commission and Committees may be made only with the consent of the Association of which the nominee is a member; if the consent is revoked after the nominee has been appointed he may be removed from his post only by agreement of a two thirds majority vote of the Council. 1.13.2 A member of an Association whose subscription is in arrears shall not be eligible for election or co-option. 1.13.3 No person shall at one time serve as a full member of more than one special Committee other than the Sports Science and Standing Orders Committees, and no more than three such posts shall be occupied by the members of one Association. 1.13.4 No Officer or elected Council member shall be eligible to serve on a Committee without the specific permission of the Executive Board. 1.13.5 A person connected in any way with the manufacture, sale or endorsement of table tennis equipment or with consultation on such equipment: 1.13.5.1 shall not be eligible as a member of the Executive Committee; 1.13.5.2 may serve on a Committee or otherwise represent an Association but shall withdraw from a meeting or abstain from voting on an issue if so requested by a majority of the meeting which he is attending. 1.13.6 A paid official of the ITTF shall not serve as an Officer or as a member of the Council, the Olympics Commission or a Committee. 1.13.7 The Chairman of the Standing Orders Committee shall not be eligible as chairman of a General Meeting. 1.13.8 All Officers and members of the Council, the Olympics Commission and Committees shall retire at the BGM but shall be eligible for re-election. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 1.14 Administration 1.14.1 Office 1.14.1.1 The Office of the ITTF shall be in a place appointed by resolution of the BGM or, in emergency, of the Council. 1.14.2 Languages 1.14.2.1 The correspondence and proceedings of the ITTF shall be conducted in such languages convenient for appropriate tasks and within the resources of the ITTF, as may be determined from time to time by the Council, having particular regard to Arabic, English, French, German, Russian and Spanish. 1.14.2.2 All languages of ITTF members are equally official and representatives shall be entitled to address meetings of the ITTF in their own language, subject to their provision of interpretation into one of the working languages fixed for use at that meeting. 1.14.3 Publications 1.14.3.1 The ITTF shall from time to time publish its official Handbook as directed by the BGM, and other pamphlets and leaflets of guidance; ten copies of each such publication shall be supplied free to each Association. 1.14.3.2 The ITTF shall publish also its official Bulletin, supplying one copy of each issue free to each Association. 1.14.3.3 Each Association shall supply to the Secretary-General the results of its Open International Championships and international matches. 1.14.3.4 Each Association shall appoint a special representative, notifying his name and address to the Secretary-General, to co-operate with the latter in the supply of news. 1.14.3.5 The official journals of all Associations shall, if notified to the Secretary-General, be listed in the ITTF Handbook. 1.14.3.6 A copy of each issue of each official journal shall be forwarded by the publishing Association to the Secretary-General and to every other Association that shall supply the publishing Association with an address for that purpose. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 1.15 Finance 1.15.1 Accounts 1.15.1.1 The financial year of the ITTF shall end on 31st December. 1.15.1.2 The Treasurer shall prepare an annual statement of accounts, which shall be audited by professional auditors. 1.15.1.3 The Treasurer shall prepare an annual estimate of income and expenditure for the succeeding year. 1.15.1.4 The bank accounts of the ITTF shall be held at banks appointed by resolution of the BGM or, in emergency, of the Council. 1.15.2 Trustees 1.15.2.1 The President, Deputy President and Treasurer for the time being shall be and are hereby appointed Trustees for the purpose of purchasing, selling, leasing or otherwise dealing with any freehold or leasehold property or other assets of whatever kind required by the Council for the purposes of the ITTF. 1.15.2.2 The Trustees shall be authorised to use the funds of the ITTF in the purchase of such freehold or leasehold property and assets and the same shall be vested in the Trustees upon trust for sale and they shall stand possessed thereof and of the proceeds of sale thereof upon trust for the ITTF in such manner in all respects as the Council may from time to time by resolution direct. 1.15.2.3 The Trustees shall comply with the laws, statutes and requirements of the countries in which such trust property may be situated insofar as they relate to the purchase, sale and management of such property and the duties of Trustees in connection herewith. 1.15.2.4 The Trustees and each of them and their respective estates and effects shall be fully and effectually indemnified from and against all personal risk and expense arising as a result of their appointment as such Trustees out of the property and funds of the ITTF. 1.15.2.5 The Trustees shall cease to act in such capacity upon ceasing for whatever reason to hold office as the President, Deputy President and Treasurer respectively of the ITTF and they or their survivors shall thereupon execute a Deed of Appointment of new Trustees in favour of their successors in such office. 1.15.2.6 Any statement of fact in such Deed of Appointment shall in favour of a person dealing bona fide and for value with the Trustees be conclusive evidence of such fact as stated. 1.15.2.7 A Minute signed by the President and Secretary-General shall be conclusive evidence of a resolution of the Council. 1.15.3 Subscriptions 1.15.3.1 Each Association shall pay an annual subscription of #100 or the equivalent. 1.15.3.2 The first subscription shall be paid with the application for membership and subsequent subscriptions shall be due on 1st January of each year. 1.15.3.3 A representative of an Association whose subscription is in arrears shall not be entitled to vote at a General Meeting, either for his own Association or as a proxy, to serve on the Council or a committee or to play in World Championships. ("In arrears" means owing more than one year's subscription). From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 1.16 Membership 1.16.1 Eligibility 1.16.1.1 Any organisation representative of table tennis in a territory and observing the principles of the ITTF may be elected a member but it shall be recognised as representative only of the territory in which it controls the sport. 1.16.1.2 Where one or more Associations in membership represent table tennis in only part of an area generally regarded as constituting a unity, an Association representing the sport in any other part of the same unity may apply for membership, provided that its separateness is due to circumstances outside the sport and outside the control of the players concerned, that the jurisdiction it claims is clearly limited, in title and constitution, to the territory in which it controls the sport and that it is otherwise qualified for membership. In the consideration of an application from such an organisation the views of any Association already in membership from the same unity shall be taken into account. 1.16.1.3 Where there is doubt whether an organisation, otherwise qualified for membership, fully controls table tennis in a territory, that organisation may be elected to "membership in good standing"; such membership shall carry all the rights and obligations of full membership, except that the Association shall have only one vote at a General Meeting and membership shall be subject to review at each BGM. 1.16.1.4 Where a member in good standing shall have shown itself loyal to the principles of the ITTF, where there is no other body operating in the territory in accordance with these principles and where the limitation of its whole conduct of the sport in the territory is due to circumstances outside its control, the membership in good standing may be changed to full membership at review. 1.16.1.5 In no circumstances shall two Associations be recognised as exercising authority over the same territory. 1.16.1.6 An organisation located outside the territory of any Association may be granted temporary attachment to an Association for the purpose of receiving aid in development and competition; the extended territory shall be regarded as being within the member's control, but approval of attachment shall be reviewed at each BGM and shall not be renewed indefinitely. 1.16.2 Application and Election 1.16.2.1 Applications for membership shall be made on a form approved by the Council. 1.16.2.2 All applications shall be submitted not later than six calendar months before the date of the General Meeting at which the application is to be considered. 1.16.2.3 The Executive Board shall review all applications on behalf of the Council and make recommendations on acceptance. 1.16.2.4 Applications for membership shall be considered by the next BGM and shall be accepted if they receive at least two-thirds of the votes cast. In the consideration of an application in respect of an area for which there is a recognised Continental Federation, the views of that Federation shall be taken into account. 1.16.2.5 In the consideration of applications for combined membership by Associations formerly in separate membership, or for separate membership by Associations which were formerly components of an Association which has divided, or for recognition of changes in the territory in which an Association controls the sport, the views of the players and organisations concerned and any circumstances outside their control shall be taken into account; secession in other circumstances is not to be encouraged. 1.16.2.6 The Council may, by a two-thirds majority of the votes cast, elect an applicant to "provisional membership", which shall entitle the Association to attend the next BGM, without voice or vote, and to compete meanwhile in all events except World Championships. 1.16.2.7 An Association in provisional membership may compete also in the following World Championships, subject to the assent of the Association organising these Championships, provided that no vote is cast against the election and that the application is received not later than six calendar months before the opening date of the Championships. 1.16.2.8 The representatives of an Association elected to membership at a General Meeting shall be entitled to attend the meeting and to vote after election. 1.16.2.9 Election and membership of an Association shall not carry any implications in respect of the political, diplomatic or national status of the area concerned, but only to its conduct of table tennis therein. 1.16.3 Suspension and Termination 1.16.3.1 An Association wishing to resign from the ITTF shall give notice in writing to the Secretary-General; the resignation may take effect at any time from the receipt of such notice until the 31st December of the same year but the Association shall be liable for the subscription due for that year. 1.16.3.2 An Association which fails to pay its subscription for three successive years shall automatically be suspended from membership; it shall not be liable for subscriptions during the period of suspension and may be re-admitted to membership on payment of part or all of the subscriptions previously due, at the discretion of the Council. 1.16.3.3 An Association which is suspended from membership shall not have the right to enter or nominate players for any event held under the jurisdiction of the ITTF nor to attend or be represented at a General Meeting; 1.16.3.4 An Association which seriously and persistently fails to maintain the principles or to respect the regulations and decisions of the ITTF may be expelled by a majority of three fourths of the votes cast at a General Meeting. 1.16.4 Personal Honorary Membership 1.16.4.1 Officials who have given long, outstanding service to the ITTF may, on retirement, be appointed Personal Honorary Members for their life-time by the BGM on a recommendation by the Council. 1.16.4.2 Personal Honorary Members shall be entitled to attend World Championships, with free hospitality, and to attend General Meetings with the right to speak but not to vote. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 1.17 Associated Organisations 1.17.1 Continental Federations 1.17.1.1 Associations may group themselves into Continental Federations for the purpose of promoting and regulating table tennis within a given continental area; such Federations shall be supported and encouraged by the ITTF, which shall co-operate with them in all matters, provided that the constitution, general principles, rules and policy of the Continental Federation conform to those of the ITTF. 1.17.1.2 Membership of the Continental Federation shall be open to Associations whose address in the ITTF Handbook is situated within the appropriate Continental area except where, for reasons outside the control of sport, an Association is not acceptable to its appropriate Continental Federation; in such circumstances, which shall not necessarily prevent recognition of the Continental Federation concerned, the Association failing to secure membership shall have the right to appeal to the ITTF to assist in securing membership or, failing that, attachment to another adjacent Continental Federation. 1.17.1.3 Organisations eligible for membership of the ITTF but not yet having applied for membership may, with the consent of the Council, be included in the appropriate Continental Federation for a period not exceeding two years but renewable by each BGM; the players of such an organisation shall enjoy the privileges of players whose Association is in membership of the ITTF but only in the Continent concerned. 1.17.1.4 Parts of an Association which lie wholly within a Continental area other than that in which the address of that Association in the ITTF Handbook is situated may, with the permission of the Council and the consent of their Association, be attached to the Continental Federation in whose area they lie for the purpose of competition and the encouragement of table tennis; with the same permission and for the same purposes, Associations lying wholly outside but adjacent to the Continental area concerned may similarly be attached, with the consent of the Federation of the Continent of which they form a part. 1.17.1.5 The championship title competitions of a Continental Federation shall be open only to the players of its member and attached Associations and the ITTF shall recognise such competitions as the sole Continental title championships for that Continent. 1.17.2 Other Regional Groups 1.17.2.1 Associations may group themselves into non-Continental regional organisations for the purpose of competition provided that, where the competition is for a regional title, the event is open to all Associations in the region and that, in respect of play with unaffiliated organisations or players, the Constitution and Disciplinary Regulations are observed. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 1.18 General Meetings 1.18.1 Place and Time 1.18.1.1 A BGM shall be held at the place, and during the period, of the World Championships or, if the World Championships is not held at the due time, at such other place and date between one and three years since the last BGM as the Council may determine. 1.18.1.2 The BGM shall normally comprise at least two sessions, one after the beginning of the World Championships and the second near their end; so far as is practicable, the sessions shall be held at times other than those scheduled for finals and other closing stages of events in the Championships. 1.18.1.3 An Extraordinary General Meeting may be convened at any time by the Council and shall be convened by the Secretary-General within ten weeks of his receiving a requisition in writing to that effect given by not less than one quarter of the Associations in membership and not in arrears of subscription. 1.18.2 Notice of Meeting 1.18.2.1 Notice of the meeting, giving details of the place, date and time and the business to be transacted, together with a proxy form, shall be sent by post to each Association; the person and address to which the notice is sent shall be as last notified by each Association to the Secretary-General. 1.18.2.2 For a BGM the notice shall be sent not later than two calendar months before the date of the meeting. 1.18.2.3 For an Extraordinary General Meeting the notice shall be sent not later than one calendar month before the date of the meeting. 1.18.3 Notice of Business 1.18.3.1 Details in writing of business and propositions to be brought forward at a BGM must reach the Secretary-General not later than four calendar months before the date of the meeting. 1.18.3.2 Notice of the actual closing date in each year for the receipt of business and propositions shall be sent to all Associations by the Secretary-General not later than six calendar months before the date of the meeting. 1.18.3.3 Business and propositions of which due notice has not been given but which, in the opinion of the Standing Orders Committee, relate to the business in hand without introducing a new principle or relate to an emergency may be admitted by a vote in favour of two-thirds of the votes cast at the BGM; a recommendation by the Standing Orders Committee to exclude such business or propositions may be challenged. 1.18.3.4 The requisition for an Extraordinary General Meeting shall specify the business for which the meeting is to be convened and no other business except the confirmation of the Minutes of the previous General Meeting shall be transacted at such a meeting. 1.18.4 Proxies 1.18.4.1 If an Association wishes to appoint a proxy to represent it at a General Meeting, notice of the appointment together with a declaration that the Agenda and the necessary instructions as indicated in the form of appointment have been given to the proxy must reach the Secretary- General not later than two weeks before the date of the meeting. 1.18.4.2 No Association shall give a proxy to another Association where the territories over which both exercise authority form part of the same state unity. 1.18.4.3 No Association shall hold more than one proxy on behalf of other Associations, but in addition each member of the Council may hold a proxy in his own right. 1.18.5 Business 1.18.5.1 All business and propositions received in due time or later admitted shall be examined by the Council and may be referred for consideration by an appropriate Committee; any such reference shall be reported to the first session of the BGM. 1.18.5.2 All competent business and propositions shall be referred to the BGM in due course, together with the reports of any Committee that has studied them. 1.18.5.3 Proceedings at a BGM shall include: 1.18.5.3.1 the appointment of a Chairman; 1.18.5.3.2 the adoption of the report of the Standing Orders Committee; 1.18.5.3.3 a roll-call of the Associations present and the verification of proxies; 1.18.5.3.4 the appointment of scrutineers; 1.18.5.3.5 the confirmation of the Minutes of the previous General Meeting; 1.18.5.3.6 the consideration of applications for membership; 1.18.5.3.7 the receipt of reports from Officers which, with the exception of that from the President, shall be given in writing; 1.18.5.3.8 the receipt of reports from Committees and the Olympics Commission; 1.18.5.3.9 the receipt of the audited statement of accounts for the previous two years; 1.18.5.3.10 the consideration of propositions and other competent business; 1.18.5.3.11 the election of Officers, the Council, the Olympics Commission, Committees and Auditors; 1.18.5.3.12 the consideration of arrangements for future World Championships. 1.18.6 Procedure 1.18.6.1 No speaker shall speak more than once on a proposition except that the proposer shall have the right of reply and that the Chairman may, at his discretion, allow a speaker to speak more than once to answer a query arising from his original speech. 1.18.6.2 The Chairman shall decide how many speakers will be permitted to speak on a proposition and when the vote shall be taken, except that a motion "that the question now be put" shall be voted on immediately, without further discussion; if such a motion is carried the proposition or any amendment before the meeting shall then be voted on immediately, without further discussion, subject to the right of reply by the mover of the substantive proposition. 1.18.6.3 A question once decided may not be reverted to for re-discussion and re-vote unless the Chairman rules, as a matter of urgency, that a case has been made for supposing that the decision taken may jeopardise the whole welfare of the ITTF; a motion to challenge the Chairman's ruling that the matter is not of sufficient urgency to justify reconsideration must be taken whenever it may be moved. 1.18.7 Voting 1.18.7.1 Each Association in full membership shall have two votes and each Association in membership "in good standing" shall have one vote. 1.18.7.2 Questions at a General Meeting shall be decided by a simple majority of the votes cast except that: 1.18.7.2.1 the acceptance of belated or emergency business or propositions and the revocation of a World Championships option require a majority of two-thirds of the votes cast; 1.18.7.2.2 expulsions from membership, changes to the Laws of Table Tennis and variations of penalties require a three-fourths majority of the votes cast; 1.18.7.2.3 dissolution of the ITTF requires a four-fifths majority of the votes cast. 1.18.7.3 If there is an equality of votes on an administrative or financial matter the Chairman shall have a casting vote; if there is an equality of votes on any other matter the motion shall fail and the meeting shall proceed with the next business. 1.18.7.4 Voting other than in elections shall be by roll-call in alphabetical order, starting with a name drawn at random, except where the Chairman is satisfied after a show of hands that such procedure is not necessary. 1.18.7.5 Each Vice-President shall nominate two persons from his Continent, for approval by the General Meeting, to form a list of scrutineers. 1.18.7.6 For each vote requiring scrutineers, including elections, names shall be taken from the list in alphabetical order, omitting the representative of any Association having a particular interest in the item which is the subject of the vote. 1.18.8 Elections 1.18.8.1 Officers and members of the Council shall be elected by secret ballot. 1.18.8.2 In the election of Vice-Presidents and of Continental representatives to the Council only Associations from the appropriate Continent shall be entitled to nominate and vote; in all other elections all Associations shall be entitled to nominate and vote. 1.18.8.3 If there is an equality of votes in the first ballot there shall be a second ballot among those equal; if there is still an equality of votes preference shall be given to the appointment of a representative of an Association which is otherwise unrepresented and, where this is not decisive the outcome shall be determined by lot. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 1.19 Changes to Rules 1.19.1 Amendments or additions to the Constitution and the Laws of Table Tennis shall be made only at a General Meeting. 1.19.2 Amendments or additions to other Regulations shall be made only at a meeting of the Council. 1.19.3 Details of all rule change proposals shall be published in the agenda of the meeting at which they are to be considered. 1.19.4 Unless specifically decided otherwise at the time of the change, a change affecting finance shall take effect from the first day of the next ITTF financial year, and any other change shall take effect from the first day of the next playing season, which in the northern hemisphere shall be 1st September. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 1.20 Penalties 1.20.1 A General Meeting may caution, censure, fine or suspend an Association which contravenes the Constitution, Regulations or decisions of the ITTF. 1.20.2 The cancellation of a suspension may be decided only by a General Meeting or, in emergency, by a majority of three-fourths of the votes cast at a Council meeting, subject to ratification by the next General Meeting. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 1.21 Dissolution 1.21.1 The ITTF shall not be dissolved except at a General Meeting specially convened for the purpose and by a resolution supported by a majority of four-fifths of the votes cast. 1.21.2 The balance of funds in hand at the time of dissolution shall be divided equally among the Associations not at that time in arrears. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 7.1.2 Disciplinary Regulations ======================================= From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 2.1 Jurisdiction of Associations 2.1.1 Membership and Representation 2.1.1.1 For the purpose of these regulations a player shall be regarded as resident in a territory if his normal or main residence or base is in that territory; residence shall not be determined by continuity or by duration. 2.1.1.2 Before accepting a player into membership an Association shall satisfy itself that he is or intends to be resident in its territory and it shall not retain him if he terminates such residence. 2.1.1.3 Unless notified of any suspension or expulsion in accordance with the provisions of 2.1.3, Associations shall be entitled to regard any player or organisation resident in the territory of an Association and known to have been affiliated to it as eligible for play. 2.1.1.4 No Association shall make a resident in a territory controlled by another Association or, except after a genuine change of residence, a member of another Association, a member or representative of itself without the prior permission of the other Association except as provided in 2.1.1.5. 2.1.1.5 An Association may nominate as its representative at a General Meeting a resident of the territory in which the meeting takes place, provided that he has never been a member of another Association; such a nominee may be admitted as a representative by majority vote at the General Meeting for which he is nominated. 2.1.1.6 Any dispute under these regulations shall be referred to the Council. 2.1.2 Extent of Jurisdiction 2.1.2.1 In administering and interpreting its own regulations and decisions an Association shall exercise jurisdiction over: 2.1.2.1.1 players resident in its territory, while they are in that territory or in any other territory; 2.1.2.1.2 visiting players, while they are in its territory, except as provided in 2.1.4.1; 2.1.2.1.3 players representing it in a competition who are normally resident in the territory of another Association, but only while they are taking part in that competition; 2.1.2.1.4 a resident of a territory in which a General Meeting takes place acting as its representative at the General Meeting, as provided in 2.1.1.5. 2.1.3 Extension of Penalties 2.1.3.1 If an Association imposes a penalty of suspension or expulsion on a player under its jurisdiction and wishes this penalty to be enforced by other Associations it shall notify the Secretary-General who shall then notify all other Associations. 2.1.3.2 On receipt of such notification an Association shall enforce the penalty and shall not permit the player suspended or expelled to participate in any competition, exhibition or coaching in its territory or with its players until notified of the termination of the penalty or of its lapse. 2.1.3.3 A suspension may be renewed annually by notice to the Secretary-General but in the absence of such notice the suspension shall automatically lapse. 2.1.3.4 A list of players currently suspended or expelled shall be sent annually to all Associations by the Secretary-General, and additions to this list and reinstatements shall be notified as they occur. 2.1.3.5 If a player who has been suspended or expelled by an Association changes his residence to a territory controlled by another Association, the Association in whose territory he is resident may ask the Association which imposed the penalty, not sooner than one year after the player has left the territory of that Association, to review the penalty. 2.1.3.6 If the two Associations cannot agree on continuation or termination of the penalty the matter shall be referred to the Council. 2.1.3.7 A player who participates in any competition, exhibition or coaching with a player who is suspended or expelled shall be liable to disciplinary action. 2.1.4 Visiting Players 2.1.4.1 If a visiting player is officially representing his Association as a result of an invitation by the visited Association, the visited Association shall acquire no rights of penalty. 2.1.4.2 The responsible competition management committee shall have jurisdiction over the conduct of the event but no subsequent penalty shall be imposed on a visiting player for any offence committed in connection with that event. 2.1.4.3 The visited Association may protest to the visiting player's Association about such an offence, but his own Association shall retain sole jurisdiction over him and the right to impose a penalty. 2.1.4.4 If a visiting player participates in table tennis activities other than as an official representative of his Association, whether or not his visit is the result of an invitation by the visited Association, he shall be subject also to the jurisdiction of the visited Association. 2.1.4.5 The visited Association shall have the right to impose a penalty for any offence committed in connection with such activities but if the penalty is to operate outside the territory of the visited Association the visiting player's Association shall have the right to protest against the decision. 2.1.4.6 No such penalty shall come into operation until at least one calendar month after its notification with an account of all the circumstances, to the visiting player's Association. 2.1.4.7 If the visiting player's Association makes no protest within one calendar month of being notifiied the penalty may be imposed and may be extended in accordance with the provisions of 2.1.3. 2.1.4.8 If a protest is submitted within one calendar month the matter shall be referred to the Council and the penalty shall not come into operation before the Council has made its decision. 2.1.5 Payments to Players 2.1.5.1 Except when acting under the direct instructions of his Association as its representative, a player may accept payment, reward, benefit or allowances for playing in any competition other than World Championships or Olympic Games, or for exhibition or coaching, providing that he has previously obtained permission: 2.1.5.1.1 for the payment of such expenses, from the Association in whose area the event is to take place, except where the payments are to be made by that Association, and 2.1.5.1.2 for the receipt of such expenses, from the Association having jurisdiction over him. 2.1.5.2 Subject to any over-riding provisions of 2.1.5.1, each Association shall have absolute discretion to determine and regulate its own policy for payments, rewards, benefits and allowances in respect of players and events under its jurisdiction. 2.1.6 Television 2.1.6.1 An event other than World, Continental or Olympic title competitions may be broadcast by television only with the permission of the Association from whose territory the broadcast is made. 2.1.6.2 Participation in an international event presumes the consent of the Association controlling the visiting players to the televising of that event; in World, Continental or Olympic title competitions such consent is presumed for the showing anywhere of live or recorded television during the period of the event and within one month afterwards. 2.1.6.3 The right to televise the World Championships shall be vested in the ITTF which shall receive a levy on any fees paid of 20,000 Swiss francs or 10% of the fees, whichever is the greater, unless otherwise agreed by the Executive Committee. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 2.2 Unaffiliated Players and Organisations 2.2.1 The purpose of these regulations is to control, but not to prevent, play between affiliated and unaffiliated players; only players and teams nominated by Associations shall participate in World and Continental Championships but otherwise such play will, when not contrary to the principles of the ITTF or to the interests of its members, generally be permitted provided due application is made. 2.2.2 A player affiliated to an Association shall not take part in any competition, exhibition or coaching 2.2.2.1 in the territory of another Association, unless the body under whose auspices the activity takes place is affiliated to and in good standing with the Association of the visited territory, except with the prior permission of that Association; 2.2.2.2 in a territory not having an Association or whose governing organisation is not affiliated to the ITTF, except with the permission of the Executive Committee, unless the Council has previously given permission for the governing organisation to be included temporarily in the appropriate Continental Federation pending an application for membership. 2.2.2.3 organised by an unaffiliated body, unless permission for the event has been given by the Executive Committee, except as provided in 2.2.6. 2.2.3 The Association controlling the territory in which a player is resident shall be responsible for ensuring that he complies with the requirements of 2.2.2. 2.2.4 A player resident in a territory which has no governing organisation or whose governing organisation is not affiliated to the ITTF shall not take part in any competition, exhibition or coaching in the territory of an Association, except with the permission of the Executive Committee, unless the Council has previously given permission for the governing organisation to be included temporarily in the appropriate Continental Federation pending an application for membership. 2.2.5 The Executive Committee may give permission for a table tennis event to be organised by an unaffiliated body provided that 2.2.5.1 the organising body has undertaken to comply with the ITTF regulations appropriate to the event; 2.2.5.2 the organising body has undertaken not to include affiliated players in the event unless their Associations have given permission; 2.2.5.3 the organising body has undertaken not to include unaffiliated players in the event unless the Executive Committee has given permission; 2.2.5.4 the application to organise the event is supported by the Association, if any, controlling the territory in which the event is to take place; 2.2.5.5 the supporting Association has accepted responsibility for ensuring that the organising body observes the requirements of 2.2.5.1, 2.2.5.2 and 2.2.5.3. 2.2.6 Where an Association is itself prepared to accept responsibility for the conduct of an event organised in its territory by an unaffiliated organisation no special permission is required, but the Association shall notify the Secretary-General who will then notify all other Associations that the event is in order. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 2.3 Eligibility for the Olympic Games 2.3.1 To be eligible to play in the Olympic Games, a player must 2.3.1.1 be nominated, through his NOC, by the Association having jurisdiction over him; 2.3.1.2 respect the spirit of fair play and non-violence; 2.3.1.3 refrain from the use of any substance prohibited by the regulations of the ITTF or the IOC; 2.3.1.4 agree to undergo any medical tests carried out in accordance with the rules of the IOC Medical Commission; 2.3.1.5 accept no reward of any kind for participating in the Olympic Games; 2.3.1.6 carry no advertisements on his clothing or equipment at the Olympic Games, other than trademarks authorised by the IOC; 2.3.1.7 comply with all appropriate ITTF regulations and the rules of the IOC. 2.3.2 The observation of the eligibility regulations shall be the responsibility of the Olympics Commission and the NOCs concerned, acting in accordance with the direction of the IOC Eligibility Commission. 2.3.3 Any alleged infringement of the eligibility regulations shall be notified to the IOC by the Olympics Commission or the NOC concerned, to be taken into consideration by the IOC Eligibility Commission. 2.3.4 A player accused of an infringement of the eligibility regulations shall have the right to request a hearing by the IOC Executive Board, whose decision shall be final. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 7.1.3 THE LAWS OF TABLE TENNIS ======================================= From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 3.1 The Table 3.1.1 The upper surface of the table, known as the playing surface, shall be rectangular, 2.74m long and 1.525m wide, and shall lie in a horizontal plane 76cm above the floor. 3.1.2 The playing surface shall include the top edges of the table but not the sides of the table top below the edges. 3.1.3 The playing surface may be of any material and shall yield a uniform bounce of about 23cm when a standard ball is dropped on to it from a height of 30cm. 3.1.4 The playing surface shall be uniformly dark coloured and matt, but with a white side line, 2cm wide, along each 2.74m edge and a white end line, 2cm wide, along each 1.525m edge. 3.1.5 The playing surface shall be divided into two equal courts by a vertical net running parallel with the end lines, and shall be continuous over the whole area of each court. 3.1.6 For doubles, each court shall be divided into two equal half-courts by a white centre line, 3mm wide, running parallel with the side lines; the centre line shall be regarded as part of each right half-court. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 3.2 The Net Assembly 3.2.1 The net assembly shall consist of the net, its suspension and the supporting posts. 3.2.2 The net shall be suspended by a cord attached at each end to an upright post 15.25cm high, the outside limits of the post being 15.25cm outside the side line. 3.2.3 The top of the net, along its whole length, shall be 15.25cm above the playing surface. 3.2.4 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 usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 3.3 The Ball 3.3.1 The ball shall be spherical, with a diameter of 38mm. 3.3.2 The ball shall weigh 2.5 gm. 3.3.3 The ball shall be made of celluloid or similar plastics material and shall be white or yellow, and matt. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 3.4 The Racket 3.4.1 The racket may be of any size, shape or weight but the blade shall be flat and rigid. 3.4.2 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 fibre, glass fibre or compressed paper, but shall not be thicker than 7.5% of the total thickness or 0.35mm, whichever is the smaller. 3.4.3 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 2mm, or sandwich rubber with pimples inwards or outwards having a total thickness including adhesive of not more than 4mm. 3.4.3.1 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. 3.4.3.2 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. 3.4.4 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. 3.4.5 The blade, any layer within the blade and any layer of covering material or adhesive shall be continuous and of even thickness. 3.4.6 The surface of the covering material on a side of the blade, or of a side of the blade if it is left uncovered, shall be uniformly dark- coloured and matt; any trimming round the edge of the blade shall be matt and no part of it shall be white. 3.4.7 Slight deviations from continuity of surface or uniformity of colour due to accidental damage, wear or fading may be allowed provided that they do not significantly change the characteristics of the surface. 3.4.8 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 usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 3.5 Definitions 3.5.l A rally is the period during which the ball is in play. 3.5.2 A let is a rally of which the result is not scored. 3.5.3 A point is a rally of which the result is scored. 3.5.4 The racket hand is the hand carrying the racket. 3.5.5 The free hand is the hand not carrying the racket. 3.5.6 A player strikes the ball if he touches it with his racket, held in the hand, or with his racket-hand below the wrist. 3.5.7 A player volleys the ball if he strikes it in play when it has not touched his court since last being struck by his opponent. 3.5.8 A player obstructs the ball if he, or anything he wears or carries, touches it in play when it has not passed over the playing surface or his end line, not having touched his court since last being struck by his opponent. 3.5.9 The server is the player due to strike the ball first in the rally. 3.5.10 The receiver is the player due to strike the ball second in a rally. 3.5.11 The umpire is the person appointed to control a match. 3.5.12 The assistant umpire is the person appointed to assist the umpire with certain duties. 3.5.13 Anything that a player wears or carries includes anything that he was wearing or carrying at the start of the rally. 3.5.14 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 or if, in a return, it is struck after it has bounced back over the net. 3.5.15 The end line shall be regarded as extending indefinitely in both directions. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 3.6 Service 3.6.1 At the start of service the ball shall rest freely on the flat, open palm of the free hand and shall be stationary, behind the server's end line and above the level of the playing surface. 3.6.2 The server shall then project the ball near vertically upwards, without imparting spin, so that it rises at least 16cm after leaving the palm of the free hand. 3.6.3 As the ball is falling from the highest point of its trajectory the server shall strike it so that it touches first his court, passes over or around the net assembly and touches the receiver's court; in doubles, the ball shall touch the right half court of server and receiver. 3.6.4 Both the ball and the racket shall be above the level of the playing surface from the last moment at which the ball is stationary until it is struck. 3.6.5 When the ball is struck it shall be behind the server's end line but not farther back than the part of the server's body, other than his arm, head or leg, which is farthest from his end line. 3.6.6 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. 3.6.6.1 If the umpire or assistant umpire is doubtful of the legality of a service but neither is sure that it is illegal the server may, on the first occasion in a match, be warned without losing a point. 3.6.6.2 If subsequently in the match the same player's service is of doubtful legality, for the same or for any other reason, he shall not be given the benefit of the doubt and shall lose a point. 3.6.6.3 Whenever there is a clear failure to comply with the requirements for a good service no warning shall be given and the server shall lose a point, on the first as on any other occasion. 3.6.7 Exceptionally, strict observance of any of the requirements for a good 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 Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 3.7 A Good Return 3.7.1 The ball, having been served or returned, shall be struck so that it passes over or around the net assembly and touches the opponent's court, either directly or after touching the net assembly. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 3.8 The Order of Play 3.8.1 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. 3.8.2 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 in turn in that sequence shall make a good return. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 3.9 In Play 3.9.1 The ball shall be in play from the last moment at which it is stationary before being projected in service until 3.9.1.1 it touches anything other than the playing surface, the net assembly, the racket held in the hand or the racket hand below the wrist, or 3.9.1.2 the rally is otherwise decided as a let or a point. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 3.10 A Let 3.10.1 The rally shall be a let 3.10.1.1 if in service the ball, in passing over or around the net assembly, touches it, provided the service is otherwise good or the ball is volleyed or obstructed by the receiver or his partner; 3.10.1.2 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; 3.10.1.3 if 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; 3.10.1.4 if play is interrupted by the umpire or assistant umpire. 3.10.2 Play may be interrupted 3.10.2.1 to correct an error in the order of serving, receiving or ends; 3.10.2.2 to introduce the expedite system; 3.10.2.3 to warn or penalise a player; 3.10.2.4 because the conditions of play are disturbed in a way which could affect the outcome of the rally. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 3.11 A Point 3.11.1 Unless the rally is a let, a player shall lose a point 3.11.1.1 if he fails to make a good service; 3.11.1.2 if he fails to make a good return; 3.11.1.3 if he volleys or obstructs the ball, except as provided in 3.10.1.1; 3.11.1.4 if he strikes the ball twice successively; 3.11.1.5 if the ball touches his court twice successively; 3.11.1.6 if he strikes the ball with a side of the racket blade whose surface does not comply with the requirements of 3.4.3; 3.11.1.7 if he, or anything he wears or carries, moves the playing surface; 3.11.1.8 if his free hand touches the playing surface; 3.11.1.9 if he, or anything he wears or carries, touches the net assembly; 3.11.1.10 if in doubles, except in serving or receiving, he strikes the ball out of proper sequence; 3.11.1.11 if, under the expedite system, he serves and the receiving player or pair makes thirteen successive good returns. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 3.12 A Game 3.12.1 A game shall be won by the player or pair first scoring 21 points unless both players or pairs score 20 points, when the game shall be won by the player or pair first scoring subsequently 2 points more than the opposing player or pair. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 3.13 A Match 3.13.1 A match shall consist of the best of three games or the best of five games. 3.13.2 Play shall be continuous throughout a match except that any player shall be entitled to claim an interval of not more than two minutes between successive games. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 3.14 The Choice of Serving, Receiving and Ends 3.14.1 The right to make first choice shall be decided by lot. 3.14.2 The player or pair winning this right may 3.14.2.1 choose to serve or to receive first, when the loser shall have the choice of ends; 3.14.2.2 choose an end, when the loser shall have the choice of serving or receiving first; 3.14.2.3 require the loser to make the first choice, when the winner shall have whichever choice is not made by the loser. 3.14.3 In doubles, the pair having the right to serve first in each game shall decide which of them will do so and 3.14.3.1 in the first game of a match, the opposing pair shall then decide which of them will receive first; 3.14.3.2 in subsequent games of the match, the first receiver will be determined by the choice of server, as provided in 3.15.5. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 3.15 The Order of Serving, Receiving and Ends 3.15.1 After 5 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, or until each player or pair has scored 20 points or until the introduction of the expedite system. 3.15.2 In doubles, 3.15.2.1 the first server shall be the selected player of the pair having the right to serve first and the first receiver shall be the appropriate player of the opposing pair; 3.15.2.2 the second server shall be the player who was the first receiver and the second receiver shall be the partner of the first server; 3.15.2.3 the third server shall be the partner of the first server and the third receiver shall be the partner of the first receiver; 3.15.2.4 the fourth server shall be the partner of the first receiver and the fourth receiver shall be the first server; 3.15.2.5 the fifth server shall be the player who was the first server and the players shall thereafter serve in the same sequence until the end of the game. 3.15.3 If both players or pairs have scored 20 points or if the expedite system is in operation the sequence of serving and receiving shall be the same but each player shall serve for only one point in turn until the end of the game. 3.15.4 The player or pair who served first in a game shall receive first in the immediately subsequent game of the match. 3.15.5 In each game of a doubles match after the first, the first server having been chosen, the first receiver shall be the player who served to him in the immediately preceding game. 3.15.6 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. 3.15.7 The player or pair starting at one end in a game shall start at the other end in the immediately subsequent game of the match. 3.15.8 In the last possible game of a match the players shall change ends when first either player or pair scores 10 points. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 3.16 Out of Order of Serving, Receiving and Ends 3.16.1 If a player serves or receives out of turn, play shall be interrupted by the umpire as soon as the error is discovered and shall resume with those players serving and receiving who should be server and receiver respectively at the score that has been reached, according to the sequence established at the beginning of the match and, in doubles, to the order of serving chosen by the pair having the right to serve first in the game during which the error is discovered. 3.16.2 If the players have not changed ends when they should have done so, play shall be interrupted by the umpire as soon as the error is discovered and shall resume with the players at the ends at which they should be at the score that has been reached, according to the sequence established at the beginning of the match. 3.16.3 In any circumstances, all points scored before the discovery of an error shall be reckoned. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 3.17 The Expedite System 3.17.1 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. 3.17.1.1 If the ball is in play when the time limit is reached, play shall be interrupted by the umpire and shall resume with service by the player who served in the rally that was interrupted. 3.17.1.2 If the ball is not in play when the time limit is reached, play shall resume with service by the player who received in the immediately preceding rally of the game. 3.17.2 Thereafter, each player shall serve for one point in turn until the end of the game and if the receiving player or pair makes thirteen good returns the server shall lose a point. 3.17.3 Once introduced, the expedite system shall remain in operation for the remainder of the match. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 7.1.4 REGULATIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS ========================================================== From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 4.1 Scope of Laws and Regulations 4.1.1 Types of Competition 4.1.1.1 An "international competition" is a competition which may include the players of more than one Association. 4.1.1.2 An "international match" is a match between teams representing Associations. 4.1.1.3 An "open tournament" is a tournament which is open for entry to the players of all Associations. 4.1.1.4 A "restricted tournament" is a tournament which is restricted for entry to specified groups of players, other than age groups. 4.1.1.5 An "invitation tournament" is a tournament which is restricted for entry to specified players, individually invited. 4.1.2 Applicability 4.1.2.1 The Laws (Chapter Three) shall apply to World, Continental and Olympic title competitions, open tournaments and, unless otherwise agreed by the participating Associations, to international matches. 4.1.2.2 The Laws are recommended for all other international competitions and Associations are recommended to adopt the Laws for their domestic competitions. 4.1.2.3 The Regulations for International Competitions shall apply, subject to any limitation specified in a particular Regulation, to: 4.1.2.3.1 World and Olympic title competitions, unless otherwise authorised by the Council and notified in advance to the participating Associations; 4.1.2.3.2 Continental title competitions, unless otherwise authorised by the appropriate Continental Federation and notified in advance to the participating Associations; 4.1.2.3.3 Open International Championships (4.6.1.2), unless otherwise authorised by the ITTF and agreed by the participants in accordance with 4.1.2.4; 4.1.2.4 Where an open tournament does not comply with any of these regulations the nature and extent of the variation shall be specified in the entry form; completion and submission of an entry form shall be regarded as signifying agreement by the entrant to the conditions of the competition, including such variations. 4.1.2.5 These regulations are recommended for all other international competitions but, provided that the Constitution and Disciplinary Regulations are observed : 4.1.2.5.1 regional competitions other than Continental Championships may be held under rules laid down from time to time by the appropriate regional authority; 4.1.2.5.2 international restricted and invitation tournaments and recognised international competitions organised by unaffiliated bodies may be held under rules laid down by the organising authority or jointly agreed; 4.1.2.5.3 competitions restricted to the players of one Association may be held under rules laid down by that Association. 4.1.2.6 In general, the Laws and the Regulations for International Competitions shall be presumed to apply unless variations have been agreed in advance or are made clear in the published rules of the competition. 4.1.2.7 Detailed explanations of regulations, including equipment specifications, shall be published in the form of Technical Leaflets authorised by the Council and in the Handbook for Match Officials. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 4.2 Equipment and Playing Conditions 4.2.1 Playing Equipment 4.2.1.1 The table, the net assembly and the ball shall each be of a brand and type currently approved by the ITTF; 4.2.1.2 The covering material on a side of the blade used for striking the ball shall be of a brand and type currently authorised by the ITTF and shall be attached to the blade in such a way that the trademark and the ITTF logo are clearly visible near the edge of the striking surface. 4.2.1.3 The surface of one side of the racket shall be bright red and the surface of the other side shall be black, whether or not both sides are used for striking the ball. 4.2.1.4 It is the responsibility of the player to ensure that the racket he uses can be seen to comply with the requirements of the relevant Laws and Regulations. 4.2.1.5 The approval and authorisation of playing equipment shall be conducted in accordance with directives agreed by the Council. 4.2.2 Clothing 4.2.2.1 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. 4.2.2.2 Clothing may be of any colour except that, where a white ball is in use, only the collar and sleeves of a shirt and trimmings along sideseams or near the edges of shirt, shorts or skirt may be white and, where a yellow ball is in use, only these parts may be yellow. 4.2.2.3 Clothing may carry 4.2.2.3.1 a badge or lettering, other than advertisment, on the front or side, contained within a total area or 64 sq cm; 4.2.2.3.2 numbers or lettering on the back of the shirt to identify a player, his Association or, in club matches, his club; 4.2.2.3.3 advertisments in accordance with the provisions of 4.2.4.6. 4.2.2.4 Any markings or trimming on the front or side of a playing garment and any objects such as jewellery worn by a player shall not be so conspicuous or brightly reflecting as to unsight an opponent. 4.2.2.5 Clothing shall not carry designs or lettering which might cause offence or bring the game into disrepute. 4.2.2.6 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 authorised by the ITTF. 4.2.2.7 The players of a team taking part in a team match, and players nominated by the same Association forming a doubles pair, shall be dressed uniformly, with the possible exception of socks and shoes. 4.2.2.8 Opposing players and pairs shall wear clothing that is sufficiently different to enable them to be easily distinguished by spectators. 4.3.3 Playing Conditions 4.2.3.1 The playing space shall not be less than 14m long, 7m wide and 4m high. 4.2.3.2 The playing area shall be enclosed by surrounds about 75 cm high, all of the same dark background colour, separating it from adjacent playing areas and from spectators. 4.2.3.3 The light intensity, measured at the height of the playing surface, shall not be less than 1000 lux uniformly over the whole of the playing surface and the intensity at any other part of the playing area shall not be less than half the intensity over the playing surface. 4.2.3.4 The light source shall not be less than 4m above the floor. 4.2.3.5 The background shall be generally dark and shall not contain bright light sources nor daylight through uncovered windows or other apertures. 4.2.3.6 The floor shall not be light-coloured nor brightly reflecting and its surface shall not be of brick, concrete or stone. 4.2.4 Advertisments 4.2.4.1 Inside the playing area advertisements shall be displayed only on equipment or fittings which are normally present and there shall be no special additional displays. 4.2.4.2 Fluorescent or luminescent colours shall not be used anywhere in the playing area. 4.2.4.3 Lettering or symbols on the inside of surrounds shall not be white nor of more than two colours and shall be contained within a total height of 40 cm. 4.2.4.4 Advertisements on tables are allowed only on the longer sides and ends of the table top and each shall be contained within a total area of 200 sq cm; permanent advertisments are limited to the maker's trademark, symbol or name, once on each half of a side, but the organising authority of a competition may grant permission for other temporary advertisments, one on each side and one on each end. 4.2.4.5 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. 4.2.4.6 Advertisements on players' clothing, other than on players' numbers, shall not be white and shall be limited to 4.2.4.6.1 the maker's normal trademark, symbol or name contained within a total area of 24 sq cm; 4.2.4.6.2 not more than two advertisments, each contained within a total area of 40 sq cm and clearly separated from each other, on the front or side of a shirt; 4.2.4.6.3 one advertisment, contained within a total area of 40 sq cm, on shorts or skirt; 4.2.4.6.4 one advertisment, contained within a total area of 200 sq cm, on the back of a shirt. 4.2.4.7 There shall be no advertisements on players' clothing or numbers for tobacco goods, alcoholic drinks or harmful drugs. 4.2.4.8 Advertisements on players' numbers shall be contained within a total area of 100 sq cm. 4.2.4.9 Advertisments on umpires' clothing shall be contained within an area of 40 sq cm. 4.2.4.10 At World Championships, advertisements within the playing area other than for table tennis equipment shall be subject to the approval of the Council or of the Executive Committee acting on behalf of the Council. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 4.3 Jurisdiction of Officials 4.3.1 Referee 4.3.1.1 For each competition as a whole a referee shall be appointed and his identity and location shall be made known to the participants and, where appropriate, to the team captains. 4.3.1.2 The referee shall be responsible for 4.3.1.2.1 the conduct of the darw; 4.3.1.2.2 the scheduling of the matches by time and table; 4.3.1.2.3 the appointment of match officials; 4.3.1.2.4 deciding any question of interpretation of Laws or Regulations, including the legality of clothing and other equipment; 4.3.1.2.5 deciding whether players may wear track suits during a match; 4.3.1.2.6 deciding whether play may be suspended in an emergency 4.3.1.2.7 deciding whether players may leave the playing area during a match; 4.3.1.2.8 deciding whether statutory practice periods may be extended; 4.3.1.2.9 taking disciplinary action for misbehavior or other breaches of regulations. 4.3.1.3 Where, with the agreement of the competition management committee, any of the duties of the referee are delegated to other persons, the specific responsibilities and locations of each of these persons shall be made known to the participants and, where appropriate, to the team captains. 4.3.1.4 The referee, or a responsible deputy appointed to exercise authority in his absence, shall be present at all times during play. 4.3.1.5 Where the referee is satisfied that it is desirable to do so he may replace an umpire or assistant umpire at any time, but he may not alter any decision already made by the replaced official on a question of fact within his jurisdiction. 4.3.2 Match Officials 4.3.2.1 For each match the referee shall appoint an umpire and an assistant umpire and, when the expedite system is in operation, a separate stroke counter. 4.3.2.2 The umpire shall sit or stand at the side of the table, in line with the net, and shall be responsible for 4.3.2.2.1 checking the acceptability of equipment and playing conditions and reporting any deficiency to the referee; 4.3.2.2.2 taking a ball at random if the players are unable to agree on a choice; 4.3.2.2.3 controlling the order of serving, receiving and ends and correcting any errors; 4.3.2.2.4 deciding each rally as a point or a let except where the assistant umpire has equal authority, as provided in 4.3.2.4; 4.3.2.2.5 calling the score, in accordance with the procedure set out in 4.4.1; 4.3.2.2.6 introducing the expedite system at the appropriate time; 4.3.2.2.7 maintaining the continuity of play; 4.3.2.2.8 ensuring observation of the regulations concerning advice to the players and the behavior of players. 4.3.2.3 The assistant umpire shall sit opposite the umpire, in line with the net, and shall be responsible for 4.3.2.3.1 timing the duration of the practice period before the start of a match, of play during a game and of authorized intervals, except where by agreement the umpire has taken responsibility for this function; 4.3.2.3.2 deciding whether the ball in play touches the side of the table facing him, the top edge of the playing surface on that side, or neither. 4.3.2.4 Either the umpire or the assistant umpire may decide 4.3.2.4.1 that a player's service action is illegal; 4.3.2.4.2 that the ball in a service which was otherwise good touches the net assembly while passing over it; 4.3.2.4.3 that the conditions of play are disturbed in a way which could affect the outcome of the rally. 4.3.2.5 A decision made by either the umpire or the assistant umpire in accordance with the provisions of 4.3.2.4 may not be overruled by the other official. 4.3.3 Appeals 4.3.3.1 No agreement between players, in an individual event, or between team captains, in a team event, can alter a decision on a question of fact by the responsible match official, on a question of interpretation of Laws or Regulations by the responsible referee or on any other question of tournament or match conduct by the responsible management committee. 4.3.3.2 No appeal may be made against a decision on a question of fact by the responsible match official or on a question of interpretation of Laws or Regulations by the responsible referee. 4.3.3.3 An appeal may be made to the referee against a decision of a match official on a question of interpretation of Laws or Regulations, and the decision of the referee shall be final. 4.3.3.4 An appeal may be made to the competition management committee against a decision of the referee on a question of tournament or match conduct not covered by the Laws or Regulations, and the decision of the management committee shall be final. 4.3.3.5 In an individual event an appeal may be made only by a player participating in the match in which the question has arisen; in a team event an appeal may be made only by the captain of a team participating in the match in which the question has arisen. 4.3.3.6 A question of interpretation of Laws or Regulations arising from the decision of a referee, or a question of tournament or match conduct arising from the decision of a competition management committee, may be submitted by the player or team captain eligible to make an appeal, through his parent Association, for consideration by the ITTF Rules Committee; the Rules Committee shall give a ruling as a guide for future decisions, and this ruling may also be made the subject of a protest by an Association to the Council or a General Meeting, but it shall not affect the finality of any decision already made by the responsible referee or management committee. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 4.4 Match Conduct 4.4.1 Scoring 4.4.1.1 The umpire shall call the score immediately the ball is out of play at the completion of a rally, or as soon as is practicable thereafter taking account of any applause or other noise which may prevent the call from being heard. 4.4.1.1.1 In calling the score during a game the umpire shall call first the number of points scored by the player or pair due to serve in the next rally of the game and then the number of points scored by the opposing player or pair. 4.4.1.1.2 At the beginning of a game and before any change of server the umpire shall follow the score call by naming the next server. 4.4.1.1.3 At the end of a game the umpire shall name the winning player or pair and shall then call the number of points scored by the winning player or pair followed by the number of points scored by the losing player or pair. 4.4.1.1.4 When a rally is a let the umpire shall call "let" and shall then repeat the previous score call before the next rally begins, to indicate that no point has been scored. 4.4.1.1.5 If a player's service action is illegal but play continues the umpire shall call "fault" and shall then award a point against the server. 4.4.1.2 In addition to calling the score the umpire may use hand signals to indicate his decisions. 4.4.1.2.1 When a point has been scored, he may raise to shoulder level the hand nearer to the player or pair who won the point. 4.4.1.2.2 At the start of a game or at the change of service he may point with his hand towards the player or pair due to serve next. 4.4.1.2.3 When for any reason the rally is a let, he may raise his hand above his head to show that the rally has ended. 4.4.1.3 The server is recommended not to serve until all the players are aware of the correct score, either through hearing the umpire's score call or by seeing the score indicators; if the server frequently serves prematurely and the umpire considers that this is adversely affecting an opponent, the umpire shall warn the server to delay his service and shall, if necessary, remind the receiver to indicate, by raising his free hand, that he is not ready. 4.4.1.4 The score shall be called in the language of the Association in whose territory the competition takes place or in any other language acceptable to both players or pairs and to the umpire. 4.4.1.5 The score shall be displayed on mechanical or electrical indicators so that it is clearly visible to the players and, as far as is practicable, to the spectators. 4.4.2 Procedure for assistant Umpire 4.4.2.1 In timing the duration of play the assistant umpire shall start the clock immediately the ball is first in play in any game and shall stop and re-start it for interruptions of play other than momentary breaks, such as interruptions due to the ball going outside the playing area, towelling, the change of ends or the replacement of damaged equipment. 4.4.2.2 During play the assistant umpire shall call 4.4.2.2.1 "fault" if a player's service action is illegal; 4.4.2.2.2 "side" if the ball in play touches the side of the table facing him, below the level of the playing surface; 4.4.2.2.3 "net" if, in a service which is otherwise good, the ball touches the net assembly while passing over it; 4.4.2.2.4 "stop" if the conditions of play are disturbed in a way which could affect the outcome of the rally; 4.4.2.2.5 "time" at the end of 15 minutes' play in any game in which the expedite system is not in operation. 4.4.2.3 As he makes the appropriate call the assistant umpire shall raise his hand above his head to draw the umpire's attention to his action. 4.4.3 Expedite Procedure 4.4.3.1 At the end of 15 minute's play in any game in which the expedite system is not already in operation the umpire shall tell the players that the remainder of the match will be played under the expedite system, interrupting play if necessary to do so; play shall then resume without any interval. 4.4.3.2 Thereafter, in each rally, the number of each successive stroke made by the receiving player or pair shall be called out immediately the ball has been struck , so that it is clearly audible to the players. 4.4.3.3 The number shall be called in English or in any other language that is acceptable to both players or pairs and to the umpire. 4.4.3.4 If play continues after the thirteenth return the umpire shall call "stop". 4.4.4 Continuity of Play 4.4.4.1 It is the duty of the umpire to ensure that play throughout a match is continuous, except during any authorised intervals. 4.4.4.2 The umpire may allow brief interruptions to the continuity of play for towelling, after every five points from the start of each game and at the change of ends in the last possible game of a match; to restrict the duration of these pauses, towels shall be kept in the playing area, near the umpire. 4.4.4.3 Wherever practicable, players shall be asked to choose two or three acceptable balls before they go to the match table so that the match can start promptly and so that, if the ball breaks during a game, play can continue without delay. 4.4.4.4 If a match cannot proceed because the players are unable to agree on the choice of a ball the umpire shall take one at random; a player refusing to accept this ball may be disqualified by the referee. 4.4.4.5 If a player breaks his racket during a game he shall replace it immediately with another racket which he has brought with him to the playing area or with one which is handed to him in the playing area. 4.4.4.6 Players shall be given reasonable opportunity to check and to familiarise themselves with any equipment which they are to use, but this shall not automatically entitle them to more than a few practice rallies before resuming play after the replacement of a damaged ball or racket. 4.4.4.7 The referee may allow a suspension of play, of the shortest practical duration, and 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. 4.4.4.8 A suspension shall not be allowed for a disability which was present or was reasonably to be expected at the beginning of the match, or where it is due to the normal stress of play; disability such as cramp or exhaustion, caused by the player's current state of fitness or by the manner in which play has proceeded, does not justify such an emergency suspension, which may be allowed only for incapacity resulting from an accident, such as injury caused by a fall. 4.4.4.9 Players shall remain in or near the playing area throughout a match, except with the permission of the referee; during authorised intervals between games they shall remain within three metres of the playing area, under the supervision of the umpire. 4.4.5 Practice 4.4.5.1 Players are entitled to practise on the match table for up to two minutes immediately before the start of a match; the specified practice period may be extended only with the permission of the referee. 4.4.5.2 Players shall not practise on the match table during the normal intervals in a match but during an emergency suspension the referee may allow players to practise on any table. 4.4.6 Advice to Players 4.4.6.1 A player or pair may receive advice from anyone during the intervals between games or during any other authorised suspension of play but not at any other time in a match. 4.4.6.2 If there is any attempt to give or to receive advice other than at the authorised times or otherwise to influence play while it is in progress the umpire shall warn the adviser that any further attempt will lead to his exclusion from the vicinity of the playing area. 4.4.6.3 If such attempts persist after a warning the umpire shall ask the adviser to leave the vicinity of the playing area for the remainder of the individual match that is in progress; if the adviser refuses to leave the umpire shall suspend play and report immediately to the referee. 4.4.6.4 This restriction applies only to advice on play and nothing in these regulations shall prevent a player or captain, as appropriate, from making a formal appeal against the decision of a match official or hinder a consultation between a player and his Association repre- sentative or interpreter on the explanation of a juridical decision. 4.4.6.5 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. 4.4.7 Behavior of Players 4.4.7.1 Players shall refrain from mannerisms or behaviour that may unfairly affect an opponent, may offend spectators or may bring the game into disrepute. 4.4.7.2 When the umpire considers that, for any of these reasons, the conduct of a player in the playing area is not of an acceptable standard he shall warn the player to stop the offending behaviour and warn him that any repetition is liable to incur penalties. 4.4.7.3 When a player who has been warned continues to behave in an unfair or offensive manner the umpire may , if the offence is sufficiently serious, suspend play and report immediately to the referee for him to take the appropriate action; for less serious offences, the umpire may initially impose penalties as provided in 4.4.7.4. 4.4.7.4 For a first offence after being warned, the umpire may award a point to the offender's opponent; for a subsequent offence he may award a game to the opponent, by awarding him the number of points necessary to complete the game in progress. 4.4.7.5 The type of behaviour for which such penalties may be imposed includes deliberate damage to equipment such as breaking the ball or hitting the table with a racket, excessive shouting or bad language, unfair delaying tactics such as deliberately hitting the ball out of the playing area, and persistent disregard of the regulations prohibiting advice during play. 4.4.7.6 Whenever the umpire imposes a penalty the referee shall be informed but play shall continue. 4.4.7.7 If misbehaviour continues after the imposition of penalties by the umpire, the umpire shall suspend play and report to the referee. 4.4.7.8 The referee may, at his discretion, disqualify a player for persistent unfair or offensive behaviour, whether reported by the umpire or not; such disqualification may be from a match, from an event or from a whole competition. 4.4.7.9 The umpire shall display a yellow card when a player is formally warned and the referee shall display a red card when a player is disqualified. 4.4.7.10 If a player fails to notify the umpire and his opponent when he changes his racket during a match the umpire shall immediately report the matter to the referee; on the first occasion the referee shall warn the player and on any subsequent occasion the referee shall disqualify him. 4.4.8 Doping 4.4.8.1 There shall be no doping before or during play in any competition. 4.4.8.2 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. 4.4.8.3 At World Championships, anti-doping controls shall be carried out in accordance with directives issued by the Council. 4.4.8.3.1 These directives, which shall be based on medical advice, shall include details of the procedure for the conduct of tests and of the imposition of penalties. 4.4.8.3.2 Any directives authorised by the Council under these regulations shall be issued to all Associations not later than six calendar months before the start of the championships to which they are to apply. 4.4.8.4 At Olympic competitions, doping controls shall be carried out in accordance with directives agreed with the IOC. 4.4.9 Betting 4.4.9.1 There shall be no betting of any kind on players or matches. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 4.5 Draw for Knock-out Competitions 4.5.1 Byes and Qualifiers 4.5.1.1 The number of places in the first round proper of a knock-out event shall be a power of 2. 4.5.1.1.1 If the number of places is greater than the number of entries accepted, the first round shall include enough byes to make up the required number of places. 4.5.1.1.2 If the number of places is smaller than the number of entries accepted, a qualifying competition shall be held such that the number of qualifiers and the number of entries excused from the qualifying competition together make up the required number of places. 4.5.1.2 Byes shall be distributed as evenly as possible throughout the first round, the byes being placed first against seeded places, in ranking order. 4.5.1.3 Qualifiers shall be drawn as evenly as possible among the halves, quarters, eighths or sixteenths of the draw, as appropriate. 4.5.2 Seeding by Ranking 4.5.2.1 The highest ranked entries in an event shall be seeded so that they cannot meet before the closing rounds of the competition. 4.5.2.2 The number of entries to be seeded shall be a power of 2, determined by the number of entries in the first round, as follows: 4.5.2.2.1 for up to 24 entries there shall be 2 or 4 seeds; 4.5.2.2.2 for 25 to 48 entries there shall be 4 or 8 seeds; 4.5.2.2.3 for 49 to 96 entries there shall be 8 or 16 seeds; 4.5.2.2.4 for 97 or more entries there shall be 16 or 32 seeds; 4.5.2.2.5 for World Championships singles events there shall be 32 seeds; 4.5.2.3 The 1st ranked entry shall be placed at the top of the first half of the draw and the 2nd ranked entry at the bottom of the second half, but all other seeded entries shall be drawn by lot among specified places in the draw, as follows: 4.5.2.3.1 the 3rd and 4th ranked entries shall be drawn between the bottom of the first half of the draw and the top of the second half; 4.5.2.3.2 the 5th to 8th ranked entries shall be drawn among the bottom places of the odd-numbered quarters of the draw and the top places of the even-numbered quarters; 4.5.2.3.3 the 9th to 16th ranked entries shall be drawn among the bottom places of the odd-numbered eighths of the draw and the top places of the even-numbered eighths; 4.5.2.3.4 the 17th to 32nd ranked entries shall be drawn among the bottom places of the odd-numbered sixteenths of the draw and the top places of the even-numbered sixteenths. 4.5.2.4 In a team knock-out event only the highest ranked team from an Association shall be eligible for seeding by ranking. 4.5.2.5 Seeding by ranking shall follow the order of the latest ranking list published by the ITTF except that 4.5.2.5.1 where all the entries eligible for seeding are from Associations belonging to the same Continental Federation the latest list published by that Federation shall take precedence; 4.5.2.5.2 where all the entries eligible for seeding are from the same Association the latest list published by that Association shall take precedence. 4.5.3 Seeding by Association Nomination 4.5.3.1 Nominated players and pairs from the same association shall be separated in the draw so they cannot meet before the closing rounds. 4.5.3.2 Associations shall list their nominated players and pairs in descending order of playing strength and this order shall be used for seeding by Association unless it differs from the order used for seeding by ranking, when the latter shall be used. 4.5.3.3 The players or pairs ranked 1 and 2 shall be drawn into different halves and those ranked 3 and 4 into quarters other than those occupied by the first two; whenever possible, those ranked 2 and 3 shall be drawn into the same half. 4.5.3.4 The players or pairs ranked 5-8 shall be drawn into eighths other than those occupied by the first four, with 5 and 6 in opposite halves and 7 and 8 in opposite halves; the players or pairs ranked 9-16 shall be drawn as evenly as possible into sixteenths other than those occupied by higher ranked players or pairs and so on, until all the entries have been allocated. 4.5.3.5 A men's or women's doubles pair consisting of players from different Associations shall be considered a pair of the Association to which the player ranked higher in the World Ranking List, or, if neither player is in this list, in the appropriate Continental Ranking List belongs; if neither player is included in a World or Continental Ranking List, the pair shall be considered a member of the Association whose team is ranked higher in the appropriate World Team Ranking List. 4.5.3.6 A mixed doubles pair consisting of players from different Associations shall be considered a pair of the Association to which the man belongs. 4.5.3.7 In a qualifying competition, entries from the same Association, up to the number of qualifying groups, shall be drawn into separate groups in such a way that qualifiers are, as far as possible, separated in accordance with the principles of 4.5.3.3 and 4.5.3.4. 4.5.4 Alterations 4.5.4.1 Alterations to a completed draw may be made only with the authorisation of the responsible management committee and, where appropriate, the general agreement of the representatives of the Associations directly concerned. 4.5.4.2 The draw, once completed, shall not normally be altered except 4.5.4.2.1 to correct errors and genuine misunderstandings in notification and acceptance of entry; 4.5.4.2.2 to correct serious imbalance, as provided in 4.5.4.7; 4.5.4.2.3 to include additional players or pairs, as provided in 4.5.4.8. 4.5.4.3 No alteration other than necessary deletions may be made to the draw of an event after play has started in that event; for the purpose of this regulation a qualifying competition may be regarded as a separate event. 4.5.4.4 No player may be deleted from the draw without his permission, except for disqualification by the referee for reasons within his jurisdiction; such permission shall be given in writing, either by the player personally if he is present or by his authorised representative if he is absent. 4.5.4.5 No alteration may be made to a doubles pair if both players are present and fit to play; injury, illness or absence of one player may be accepted as justification for an alteration. 4.5.4.6 No entry shall be moved from one place in the draw to another, except that if, in circumstances such as the withdrawal of a large proportion of the entries the event becomes so unbalanced that re-arrangement is necessary it shall, wherever practicable, be completely re-drawn in accordance with the original procedure. 4.5.4.7 Exceptionally, where the imbalance is due to the absence of several seeded entries from the same section of the draw and a complete re-draw is impracticable, the remaining seeded entries may be re-numbered in ranking order and re-drawn to the extent possible among the seeded places, leaving the remainder of the draw unchanged; in applying this procedure, priority shall be given to the requirements for seeding by Association nomination. 4.5.4.8 Players not included in the draw may be added later, at the discretion of the responsible management committee and with the consent of the referee, in accordance with the following procedure: 4.5.4.8.1 Any vacancies in seeded places shall first be filled in ranking order, by drawing into them the strongest additional entries. 4.5.4.8.2 if the number of additional entries is smaller than the number of vacancies in seeded places, these vacancies shall be filled in ranking order to the extent possible. 4.5.4.8.3 if the number of additional entries is greater than the number of vacancies in seeded places, the remaining entries shall be drawn first among vacancies due to absence or disqualification and then among byes other than byes against a seeded entry. 4.5.4.8.4 Entries who, if included in the original draw, would have been eligible for seeding by ranking may be added only if there are sufficient vacancies in seeded places. 4.5.4.8.5 The allocation of additional entries shall take account as far as is practicable of the requirements for seeding by Association nomination. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 4.6 Organisation of Competitions 4.6.1 Authorisation 4.6.1.1 Provided the Constitution and Disciplinary Regulations are observed, any Association may organise and authorise open tournaments within its territory or may arrange international matches. 4.6.1.2 In any season, an Association may nominate one senior and one junior open tournament which it organises as its senior and junior Open International Championships. 4.6.1.3 International matches shall normally be regarded as friendly matches and not as championships, except for 4.6.1.3.1 World, Continental and other Regional title competitions recognised by the ITTF; 4.6.1.3.2 Continental Leagues, authorised by Continental federations; 4.6.1.3.3 Team competitions at Open International Championships. 4.6.1.4 Any Association may organise or authorise competitions within its territory and restricted to its members or to any group of them. 4.6.1.5 In an international restricted or invitation tournament, a player from an Association other than the Association in whose territory the tournament is held may take part only with the permission of his Association, unless general permission has been given by the ITTF or, where all the players concerned are from the same Continent, by the appropriate Continental Federation. 4.6.1.6 No event may use a World title without the permission of the ITTF, nor a Continental title without the permission of the appropriate Continental Federation. 4.6.2 Representation 4.6.2.1 Representatives of all Associations whose players are entered in a World, Continental or Open International Championships event shall be entitled to attend the draw. 4.6.2.2 Representatives of all Associations whose players are taking part in a World, Continental or Open International Championships event shall be consulted on any alterations to the draw or any decisions of appeal that may directly affect their players. 4.6.2.3 A visiting Association shall be entitled to nominate at least one representative to the management committee of any international match in which it is taking part. 4.6.3 Entries 4.6.3.1 Entry forms for Open International Championships shall be sent to all Associations not later than two calendar months before the start of the competition and not later than one month before the date for the close of entries. 4.6.3.2 All entries nominated by Associations for open tournaments shall be accepted but the organisers shall have power to allocate entries to a qualifying competition; in deciding this allocation the organisers shall take account of the relevant ITTF and Continental ranking lists and of any ranking order of entries specified by the nominating Association. 4.6.3.3 The entry form for an open tournament shall specify the brand of table, the brand of net assembly and the brand and colour of ball to be used; the choice of equipment shall be as laid down by the Association in whose territory the tournament is held, selected from brands currently approved by the ITTF. 4.6.3.4 The entry form for an open tournament shall state the conditions of the competition and shall give details of any proposed deviation from the Laws and the Regulations for International Competitions. 4.6.4 Events 4.6.4.1 World and senior Continental Championships shall include men's singles, men's doubles, women's singles, women's doubles and mixed doubles title events, and Open International Championships may also include veteran title events. 4.6.4.2 Junior Continental Championships shall include boys' singles, boys' doubles, girls' singles, girls' doubles and mixed doubles title events and may include cadet title events. 4.6.4.3 The recommended age limits for junior and cadet events are 17 and 14 respectively, the qualifying date being the day immediately before the start of the season in which the event takes place; for friendly matches the participating Associations may agree different age limits and qualifying dates. 4.6.4.4 World and Continental Championships shall include men's and women's team events, and international team competitions at Open International Championships may be title events. 4.6.4.5 Team matches at Open International Championships shall be played according to either the Swaythling Cup or the Corbillon Cup procedure and the system chosen shall be stated in the entry form. 4.6.4.6 In senior singles, other than in qualifying rounds, matches shall be the best of five games and in junior singles matches may be the best of three or the best of five games; all other matches shall be the best of three games. 4.6.4.7 Individual events proper shall be played on a knock-out basis, but team events and qualifying rounds of individual events may be played on either a knock-out or a group basis. 4.6.5 Group Competitions 4.6.5.1 In a group, or "round robin", competition, each member of the group shall play every other member of the group to establish a ranking order; 2 match points shall be awarded for a win, 1 for a loss in a played match and 0 for a loss in an unplayed match, and the ranking order shall be determined by the number of match points awarded. 4.6.5.2 If two or more members of the group are equal their relative positions shall be determined by considering successively the ratios of wins to losses in team matches (for a team event), individual matches, games and points, as far as is necessary to resolve the order, taking account only of the matches between those equal. 4.6.5.3 If at any stage in the calculation the position of any member of the group can be determined while others are still equal, the results of matches in which that member took part shall be removed from any further calculations needed and the equalities shall be resolved in accordance with the procedure of 4.6.5.2. 4.6.6 Scheduling 4.6.6.1 In individual events in which each match is the best of five games a player shall not be required to play more than seven matches in one day nor more than three matches in any one period of four hours without his consent, except that in emergency a refusal to play may be overruled by the responsible management committee. 4.6.6.2 In a team event a team shall not be required to play more than three matches in a day without its captain's consent, except that in emergency a refusal to play may be overruled by the responsible management committee. 4.6.6.3 It is recommended that, in competitions which include both team and individual events, the team events are planned to conclude before the beginning of any stage of the individual events which requires play by the team players; in World Championships, team matches may be held after the individual events have started only in emergency and with the permission of the Jury. 4.6.6.4 It is recommended that, in World and Continental Championships, one day free of play is scheduled during the Championships, preferably between the team and the individual events. 4.6.7 Results 4.6.7.1 The organising Association shall send to the Secretary-General and to the Secretary of the appropriate Continental Federation, as soon as possible after the end of the competition, details of the results, including points scores, of international matches, all rounds of Continental and Open International Championships and the closing rounds of national championships. 4.6.7.2 During World Championships, details of results including points scores shall be made available promptly to ITTF Officers, members of the Council and team captains; and as soon as possible after the completion of the Championships the organising Association shall publish the complete results including points scores and circulate them to all Associations. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 4.7 International Qualification 4.7.1 These regulations shall apply to all international team competitions, other than friendly matches, in which the team represents a whole Association, including the team competitions in World, Continental and other Regional Championships, Open International Championships and Continental Leagues. 4.7.2 A player shall be qualified to represent an Association if he was born in the territory controlled by that Association or has resided there for at least 6 years, provided he has not represented another Association in the previous 6 years and is not currently suspended or expelled by an Association having jurisdiction over him, but 4.7.2.1 a player who qualifies by residence to represent an Association shall not do so until at least 1 year after it has registered him with the ITTF Secretary-General, who may require the Association to provide official documentary evidence of his eligibility; 4.7.3 Once a player is eligible to represent an Association he shall retain that eligibility unless he represents another Association for which he is eligible, when he shall become eligible only for the latter Association. 4.7.4 A player shall be regarded as having represented an Association if he has accepted nomination to represent it, whether or not he plays; the date of representation shall be the date of nomination or the date of playing, whichever is the later. 4.7.5 Any appeal against refusal of eligibility shall be referred to the Executive Board, whose decision shall be final. 4.7.6 An Association may nominate to represent it a player who is qualified by birth or previous residence to do so but who is resident in a territory controlled by another Association provided that he is in good standing with the latter Association and is willing to accept nomination. 4.7.7 An Association may nominate a player under its jurisdiction to enter any individual events for which he is eligible, except that a player qualified by birth or previous residence to represent another Association shall have the right to accept nomination by that Association. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 7.1.5 REGULATIONS FOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS ================================================== (Additional to Regulations for International Competitions) From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 5.1 Authority for Organisation 5.1.1 The title "World Championships", referred to in this Chapter as "Championships", shall be bestowed by the BGM on the championship events at a tournament organised by an Association entrusted with the task. 5.1.2 An Association wishing to organise the Championships shall send a written application to the Secretary-General not later than ten weeks before the BGM, giving details of the accessibility of the venue to all Associations, the proposed accommodation for players, any special arrangements for travel or visas and any other information as may be requested in the current ITTF application form. 5.1.3 All applications shall be considered by the Standing Orders Committee and shall be submitted to the BGM, together with the report of the Standing Orders Committee on venues for the occasion in question. 5.1.4 When assigning options, the ITTF shall take account of the probable accessibility to all members, so as to ensure that players and delegates of all Associations may participate in the Championships and the BGM without any obstacles. 5.1.5 The right to organise future Championships shall normally be granted for two occasions ahead; an Association may be granted a provisional option for an occasion later than the next two Championships but such an option shall be subject to confirmation at a subsequent BGM. 5.1.6 Where necessary, the BGM or the Executive Committee may ask one or more members of the appropriate Committee to visit the country of an Association applying for the right to organise the Championships to satisfy themselves as to the adequacy of the proposed playing and other arrangements; the cost of such visits shall be borne by that Association. 5.1.7 If, after an option has been granted, circumstances change in such a way as to be likely to prejudice the satisfactory conduct of the Championships, the option may be revoked by a two-thirds majority vote at the BGM preceding the Championships; between BGMs the Council shall have power to transfer the Championships or to take any other appropriate action. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 5.2 Responsibilities of Organisers 5.2.1 An Association granted the right to organise the Championships shall be responsible for conducting them in accordance with the Laws of Table Tennis, the Regulations for International Competitions and the Regulations for World Championships, as modified or supplemented by any directives authorised by the Council. 5.2.2 The organising Association, referred to elsewhere in these regulations as "the organisers", shall provide accommodation and meals from the evening before the Championships begin until the morning after the Championships end for 5.2.2.1 not more than seven players, including playing or non-playing captains, nominated by an Association competing in both the men's and women's team events; 5.2.2.2 not more than four players, including playing or non-playing captains, nominated by an Association competing only in the men's team event; 5.2.2.3 not more than three players, including playing or non-playing captains, nominated by an Association competing only in the women's team event; 5.2.2.4 not more than two players nominated by an Association not competing in either of the team events; 5.2.2.5 one delegate to the BGM from each Association if he is not already included in the nominated players listed above; 5.2.2.6 ITTF Officers, members of the Council and the Olympics Commission and full members of Committees; 5.2.2.7 Personal Honorary Members; 5.2.2.8 International Umpires from other Associations invited in accordance with directives issued by the ITTF; 5.2.2.9 Up to 4 members of the Doping Control Panel appointed by the Sports Science Committee. 5.2.3 If the business of the ITTF extends outside the period of the Championships the period of hospitality for those entitled to participate in such business shall be extended correspondingly. 5.2.4 The organisers shall provide free medical care and medicine for all participants, but each Association is recommended to insure its players and officials against illness and injury for the duration of the Championships. 5.2.5 The organisers are recommended to meet the cost of transport between the place of accommodation and the playing hall, and to request its national authorities to waive visa charges for all participants. 5.2.6 The organisers shall ensure free access to the playing hall and free circulation therein for all the players, officials and members listed in 5.2.2, for any additional players and for any interpreter, doctor or medical adviser appointed by the ITTF. 5.2.7 The organisers shall provide first-class interpreting in at least three languages, preferably by simultaneous translation with the appropriate equipment. 5.2.8 The organisers shall provide the ITTF with offices at the venue of the Championships and place at its disposal translation, typing and duplicating facilities. 5.2.9 The organisers shall print a prospectus giving the main details of the organisation of the Championships, including 5.2.9.1 the dates and place of the Championships; 5.2.9.2 the events to be held; 5.2.9.3 the equipment to be used; 5.2.9.4 the procedure for entry, the entry fees and the undertakings required; 5.2.9.5 the date and place of the draw; 5.2.9.6 the dates of Jury meetings and of BGM sessions; 5.2.9.7 the extent of hospitality for players and officials; 5.2.9.8 any directives authorised by the Council for the Championships. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 5.3 Entry 5.3.1 Eligibility 5.3.1.1 Only an Association which has paid all membership subscriptions up to and including that for the year preceding the Championships shall be eligible to enter teams or individual players in the Championships. 5.3.1.2 A player shall be eligible to represent an Association if he meets the requirements of 4.7 and has not represented a different Association in either of the previous two Championships. 5.3.1.3 A player representing an Association for the first time shall provide, if so requested by the Referee, official documentary proof of his eligibility. 5.3.2 Fees and Levy 5.3.2.1 The entry fees shall be 140 Swiss francs for each entry in a team event, 70 Swiss francs for each pair in a doubles event and 35 Swiss francs for each entry in a singles event. 5.3.2.2 The entry fees shall be paid to the organisers at the time of entry and shall become their property. 5.3.2.3 Fees for entries from an Association are due from that Association and shall always be payable, except that the Council may waive the fees where an Association is prevented from participating in the Championships by circumstances outside its control. 5.3.2.4 The organisers shall pay to the ITTF a levy of 800 Swiss francs for each Association entering one or two teams; three-quarters of the total sum shall be paid before the end of the Championships and the remainder within the following three calendar months. 5.3.3 Submission 5.3.3.1 The intention to enter teams or players shall be notified to the organisers and the ITTF in a preliminary notification form provided by the Secretary-General; the closing date for the receipt of this form shall be not later than four calendar months before the start of the Championships. 5.3.3.2 Entries shall be submitted on forms distributed, together with the prospectus, by the Secretary-General. 5.3.3.3 Two sets of these entry forms shall be returned to the organisers and one set to the Secretary-General; the closing date for the receipt of these forms shall be not later than two calendar months before the start of the Championships. 5.3.3.4 An Association wishing to enter a team event shall nominate not more than five players for the men's team event and not more than four players for the women's team event, and may nominate also a non-playing captain for each team; if a non-playing captain is not appointed for a team one of the team players shall be designated as captain. 5.3.3.5 An Association wishing to enter players or pairs in individual events shall list its nominated players or pairs in each event in order of playing strength. 5.3.3.6 All players and non-playing captains nominated by an Association must be eligible to represent that Association. 5.3.3.7 The organisers may accept only entries which are received properly signed by a responsible representative of the nominating Association, on or before the closing date; in no circumstances shall it accept entries other than formal nominations by an eligible Association. 5.3.4 Modification 5.3.4.1 Additional or modified entries may be accepted by the organisers, if notified by a representative of the nominating Association, at any time up to the date of the draw. 5.3.4.2 The nominating Association may change the composition of a team by notifying the organisers up to ten days before the start of the Championships, but thereafter only with the unanimous consent of the Jury and in no circumstances after the start of the event. 5.3.4.3 As soon as he arrives at the Championships, the representative of an Association requesting a change to the draw in consequence of any error or absence shall notify the referee or his deputy, or confirm any change already notified, on a form provided for the purpose. 5.3.4.4 A request for modification of an entry cannot be considered unless it is made or confirmed by the representative of an Association immediately on arrival, other than a request based on the subsequent absence, illness or injury of one player of a doubles pair, which shall be made as soon as the contingency arises. 5.3.4.5 A player entered in a team event may be allowed to enter the appropriate singles event, priority being given to any player concerned in a change of which notice has been given in due time. 5.3.4.6 A player included in a team or a singles event may be allowed to pair with the partner of an absent, ill or injured player in a doubles event, provided that he is not already entered in that event with a partner who is present and fit to play. 5.3.4.7 All alterations that are authorised shall be notified immediately to team captains and, where appropriate, to Association representatives. 5.3.5 Obligations 5.3.5.1 The entry form shall contain a statement, to be signed by a responsible representative of the nominating Association on behalf of all its nominated players and captains, that they understand and accept the conditions of the Championships and that they are prepared to compete against all other teams and individuals participating; no entry shall be valid unless accompanied by this declaration. 5.3.5.2 In individual events all entrants are accepted as individual competitors; they shall be bound to do their utmost to win the events for which they are entered, irrespective of whether other entrants from the same Association have been accepted to take part, and they shall not withdraw except for reasons of illness or injury. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 5.4 Jury 5.4.1 Matters of appeal within the jurisdiction of a tournament management committee, and the authorisation of team changes requested later than ten days before the start of the Championships, shall be the responsibility of the Jury. 5.4.2 The jury shall consist of the Technical Committee, the Chairmen of the Ranking and Rules Committees, the Director of the Championships (or his equivalent), a representative of the organising committee and the referee; the referee shall have the right to speak but not to vote. 5.4.2.1 If either the Chairman of the Ranking Committee or the Chairman of the Rules Committee is unable to attend a meeting of the Jury he may nominate to attend in his place another member of his Committee, who shall have the right to speak and to vote. 5.4.2.2 The Chairman of the Jury shall be appointed by the Technical Committee. 5.4.2.3 Any Association directly affected by a matter under consideration at a Jury meeting shall be entitled to be represented at that meeting. 5.4.3 The Jury shall meet before the start of the Championships to be informed of all draw alterations requested up to that time and to decide any outstanding requests for changes in the composition of teams; any subsequent questions of draw alteration shall be decided by the Technical Committee and the Jury shall meet again only when convened by that Committee to consider appeals against its administrative decisions or decisions of the referee. 5.4.4 No change shall be made to the draw of a team event except with the unanimous consent of the Jury. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 5.5 Team Events 5.5.1 System of play 5.5.1.1 The system of play in the competitions shall be decided by the Council, on the recommendations of the Technical Committee, and shall be notified to all Associations not later than six calendar months before the start of the Championships. 5.5.2 Swaythling Cup Competition 5.5.2.1 In the men's team competition for the Swaythling Cup, an Association shall be represented in a team match by three players, selected from those nominated for the event. 5.5.2.2 Each team shall appoint a playing or non-playing captain and he, or a responsible deputy, shall be present throughout the match. 5.5.2.3 Before the start of a team match the captains shall decide by lot the right to choose the designations A,B,C or X,Y,Z for their players and shall then name their teams to the referee or his representative assigning a letter to each player. 5.5.2.4 The order of play shall be A v X, B v Y, B/C v X/Z, A v Y, C v Z. 5.5.2.5 There may be an interval of up to five minutes after the second match, at the request of the captain of the team designated A, B, C. 5.5.2.6 The team match shall be won by the team first winning three individual matches, each individual match being the best of three games. 5.5.3 Corbillon Cup Competition 5.5.3.1 In the women's team competition for the Marcel Corbillon Cup, an Association shall be represented in a team match by two singles players and a doubles pair, selected from those nominated for the event. 5.5.3.2 Each team shall appoint a playing or non-playing captain and he, or a responsible deputy, shall be present throughout the match. 5.5.3.3 Before the start of a team match, the captains shall decide by lot the right to choose the designations A, B or X, Y for their singles players and shall then name these players to the referee or his representative, assigning a letter to each player; a captain need not name his doubles pair until after the completion of the first two singles matches. 5.5.3.4 The order of play shall be A v X, B v Y, the doubles match, A v Y, B v X. 5.5.3.5 If selection for the doubles match requires a player to play two matches in succession, the captain may request a rest period of up to ten minutes for that player between such matches. 5.5.3.6 The team match shall be won by the team first winning three individual matches, each individual match being the best of three games. 5.5.4 Default 5.5.4.1 An Association whose team is entered in the draw but which fails to compete in the event without adequate justification may be subject to disciplinary action by the BGM. 5.5.4.2 A team may begin, continue and complete a team match only with the full complement of players specified for the event, except that the referee may, at his discretion, allow a team to play with one player absent or an individual match to be omitted from the sequence where he is satisfied that the absence is due to accident, illness, injury or other circumstances outside the control of the player or the Association concerned, including disqualification by the referee in accordance with his authority. 5.5.4.3 An Association whose team begins to play in the event but which fails to complete its schedule of matches shall be liable to forfeit its entitlement to hospitality for its representatives at the Championships; appeal against such forfeit may be made to the Jury, whose decision shall be final. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 5.6 Individual Events 5.6.1 There shall be not more than 128 entries in the first round proper of a singles event nor more than 64 entries in the first round proper of a doubles event, unless otherwise authorised by the Executive Committee. 5.6.2 The basis on which players may be assigned to a qualifying competition and the total entries permitted to each Association, including any extra entries permitted to the organisers, shall be authorised by the Council and shall be notified to all Associations not later than six calendar months before the start of the Championships. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 5.7 Awards and Presentations 5.7.1. The permanent Championship trophies shall be: 5.7.1.1 the Swaythling Cup for the men's team events; 5.7.1.2 the Marcel Corbillon Cup for the women's team events; 5.7.1.3 the St Bride Vase for the men's singles event; 5.7.1.4 the G Geist Prize for the women's singles event; 5.7.1.5 the Iran Cup for the men's doubles event; 5.7.1.6 the W J Pope Trophy for the women's doubles event; 5.7.1.7 the Heydusek prize for the mixed doubles event. 5.7.2 The Association whose team wins a team event, and the winner of an individual event, shall be entitled to hold the appropriate trophy until 31st December in the year following that in which it is won; the pair winning a doubles event shall agree or decide by lot the order in which each of them shall hold the trophy for half of the specified period. 5.7.3 A representative of the city in which the Championships is held shall be entitled to hold for the same period as for the Championships trophies the Egypt Cup, the symbol of the friendship of the Championships. 5.7.4 A player who wins the men's or women's singles event three times in succession or four times in all shall receive from the ITTF a half- size replica of the appropriate trophy as a permanent possession. 5.7.5 The Egypt Cup shall be handed over at the opening ceremony and the permanent trophies shall be presented at a closing ceremony to their respective holders for the ensuing period. 5.7.6 The Association whose team or player wins a trophy shall acknowledge its receipt in writing and shall deliver it, at the end of the specified period, to the place and at a time agreed with the Secretary-General and within fourteen days of a formal notification by him. 5.7.7 The Association acknowledging receipt of a trophy shall be responsible for its safe keeping including the arrangement of insurance, but the cost of insurance and of inscription of winners' names which in team events should include any non-playing captain, shall be borne by the ITTF. 5.7.8 If a trophy is lost while in the possession of an Association, that Association shall be responsible for the provision of a similar replacement. 5.7.9 In both team and individual events the winners shall receive gold medals, the losing finalists silver medals and the losing semi-finalists bronze medals. 5.7.10 At presentation ceremonies for both team and individual events the national flags of the gold, silver and bronze medal winners shall be raised and the national anthem of the gold medal winner shall be played. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 7.1.6 REGULATIONS FOR OTHER WORLD TITLE COMPETITIONS ============================================================= From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 6.1 Tournaments 6.1.1 The World Cup Tournament will be held annually. 6.1.1.1 It will be a men's singles competition for 16 players. 6.1.1.2 The participants will consist of the current holder of the World Cup, the champion player from each of the six continents, 1 player from the host Association, the top 6 players from the World Ranking List and 2 "wild card" selections. 6.1.1.3 There may not be more than 2 players from an Association unless a third is invited as a wild card selection. 6.1.2 The World Grand Prix Tournament will be held annually. 6.1.2.1 It will be a men's singles competition based on selected Open International Championships, in which players are awarded points according to their results in these championships. 6.1.2.2 In the final tournament there will be 12 players, consisting of the 10 highest placed players in the World Grand Prix points table and 2 wild card selections. 6.1.2.3 There may not be more than 3 players from an Association. 6.1.3 The World Doubles Cup Tournament will be held biennially, in the years between World Championships. 6.1.3.1 It will be a doubles competition with separate events for 16 pairs of men and 12 pairs of women. 6.1.3.2 Both the men's and the women's events will include the holders, the champion pair from each of the six continents and 1 pair from the host Association. 6.1.3.3 The men's event will include also the next 6 highest-ranked pairs and 2 wild card selections; the women's event will include also the next 3 highest-ranked pairs and 1 wild card selection. 6.1.3.4 In each event there may not be more than 1 pair from an Association unless a second is invited as a wild card selection. 6.1.4 The World Team Cup Tournament will be held biennially, in the years between World Championships. 6.1.4.1 It will be a team competition with separate events for 16 men's teams and 12 women's teams. 6.1.4.2 Both the men's and the women's events will include the holders, the champion team from each of the six continents and 1 team from the host Association. 6.1.4.3 The men's event will include also teams from the next 6 highest-ranked Associations and 2 wild card selections; the women's event will include also teams from the next 3 highest-ranked Associations and 1 wild card selection. 6.1.4.4 In each event there may not be more than 1 team from an Association. 6.1.5 The winner of each tournament will be entitled to hold the appropriate cup until the following tournament and all participants will receive a medal provided by the ITTF and a share of the prize pool according to their results. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 6.2 Authority 6.2.1 The ITTF shall be the sole owner of the World Cup title and tournament, the World Grand Prix title and final tournament, the World Doubles Cup title and tournament and the World Team Cup title and tournament. 6.2.2 An Association may be granted permission to organize any of these tournaments; submission of an application to do so shall be regarded as implying knowledge and acceptance of these and all other applicable regulations. 6.2.3 The organisers shall not, without prior consent of the ITTF, delegate any of their authority nor make any contract or agreement with any other body, such as a Regional Association, a municipal authority or a sponsor. 6.2.4 Any agreement made between the organisers and any other body shall not conflict with nor derogate from the principle of these regulations; in case of any dispute the authority of the ITTF, as exercised through its representatives, shall be paramount. 6.2.5 The ITTF may enter into contracts with promoters or sponsors. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 6.3 Appointments 6.3.1 For each tournament the Executive Committee shall appoint, with the approval of the Council, a Tournament Director and a Technical Representative, each of whom shall be an Officer or an ITTF official. 6.3.2 The Tournament Director shall be responsible to the Executive Committee for ensuring observance of the conditions laid down for the tournament, including approval of the arrangements made by the organisers for all ceremonies and presentations, protocol and seating arrangements at ceremonies and social functions and the general presentation of play. 6.3.3 The Technical Representative shall be responsible to the Technical Committee for ensuring the adequacy of equipment and playing conditions, supervising the draw and, in collaboration with the Tournament Director, scheduling matches. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 6.4 Publications 6.4.1 The organisers shall submit for the ITTF's prior approval the proposed wording of all posters, publicity material, programmes and other printed matter about the tournament. 6.4.2 In addition to meeting the normal requirements for reporting results the organisers shall supply the ITTF Secretary-General, either at the tournament or as soon as possible afterwards, with an agreed number of copies of all posters, programmes, souvenir programmes and results, an album containing press cuttings and a selection of the best photographs of play and of any ceremonies. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 6.5 Expenses 6.5.1 In the World Cup and the World Grand Prix Final Tournaments, participants will be provided with free return travel tickets but in the World Doubles Cup and the World Team Cup Tournaments participants will be responsible for their own travel costs. 6.5.2 In the World Cup, the World Grand Prix Finals and the World Doubles Cup Tournaments participants will be provided with free meals and accommodation from dinner on the evening before the start of the tournament to breakfast on the morning after the end of the tournament, and in the World Doubles Cup each pair may claim 50% of the cost of meals and accommodation for one accompanying coach. 6.5.3 In the World Team Cup Tournament, each team will be provided with free meals and accommodation for 4 people from dinner on the evening before the start of the tournament until breakfast on the morning of the second day after the end of the group stage, and each team qualifying for the knock-out stage will be provided with meals and accommodation on the same basis until breakfast on the morning after the end of the tournament. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 6.6 Playing System 6.6.1 In the first stage of each tournament the players, pairs or teams will be divided into four equal groups, with all the members of a group playing each other, and in the second stage the group winners and runners-up will compete in a knock-out. 6.6.2 For the first stage, the highest-ranked player, pair or team will be placed in Group A, the 2nd highest in Group D, the 3rd highest in Group C and the 4th highest in Group B, and the remaining players, pairs or teams will be drawn into the groups 4 at a time in ranking order. 6.6.3 In individual competitions, if there are 2 players or pairs from the same Association, they will be drawn into separate groups but a 3rd player from the same Association may be drawn into any group. 6.6.4 For the second stage, the winners of Groups A and D will be placed in quarter-finals 1 and 4, the winners of groups B and C will be drawn between quarter-finals 2 and 3, and the runners-up will be drawn into the remaining places, except that players or pairs from the same group will not be drawn into the same semi-final. 6.6.5 In the semi-finals, the winner of the 1st quarter-final will play the winner of the 2nd and the winner of the 3rd quarter-final will play the winner of the 4th; the winners of the semi-finals will play each other in the final. 6.6.6 The tournaments will be played in accordance with the Laws of Table Tennis and the Regulations for International Competitions. 6.6.7 In the knock-out stages of the World Cup and World Grand Prix Final Tournaments a match will be the best of five games; all other matches will be the best of three games. 6.6.8 In the team tournament, teams will draw for the right to choose A, B, C or X, Y, Z and the order of play will be A v X, B v Y, B/C v X/Z, A v Y and C v Z, the team match being won by the team which first wins three individual matches. From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994 Subject: 7.1.7 DIRECTIVES: MATCH OFFICIALS AT WORLD TITLE COMPETITIONS ====================================================================== 1 At least 50% of the total number of umpires shall be International Umpires (IUs) and each squad shall include at least one IU. 2 At least 30% of the total number of umpires shall be foreign IUs, representing at least 5 Associations, and at least 50% of these foreign IUs shall be from Continents other than that of the organisers. 3 No umpire shall be more than 60 years of age. 4 Each foreign Association sending a team of umpires shall nominate a team leader to the organisers; the team leader, and wherever possible the members of the team, shall have appropriate knowledge of English. 5 All umpires from the same Association shall be dressed alike and IUs shall wear the IU lapel badge; the organisers are recommended to provide each umpire with a badge or tag showing his name and Association. 6 Each visiting umpire shall be provided with free accommodation, meals and local transport on the same basis and to the same standard as visiting players. 7 Each visiting umpire shall be provided with pocket money of 20 Swiss francs or the equivalent for each day of the competition, including the free day. 8 Each visiting umpire shall be included in any arrangements for the free day on the same basis as visiting players. 9 On the day before the Championships begin, the referee or his deputy shall conduct a briefing meeting for umpires at which the Rules Committee shall be represented and to which the Technical Committee shall be invited to send representatives. 10 At the briefing meeting each team leader shall be given a duty roster for the team events, with any necessary explanation and guidance; a duty roster for the individual events shall be issued to team leaders as soon as possible and not later than the day before the individual events begin. 11 The duty roster shall be such as to ensure that, on average, each squad will be on duty for not more than two of the three daily sessions (morning, afternoon, evening). 12 Each squad shall consist of three umpires, all of whom shall be on duty at each match for which the squad is responsible in World Championships; when the expedite system is in operation the third official shall act as stroke counter. 13 Umpires shall use the hand signals recommended in the Regulations for International Competitions. 14 The names and parent Associations of all visiting umpires shall be included in the official programme and, in final rounds, shall be included in any announcements that are made concerning a match. 15 In any match the umpire shall be from an Association to which none of the players in the match belongs. 16 The referee and deputy referees shall be International Umpires. 17 It is recommended that the organisers appoint at least one deputy referee from a foreign Association. 18 If the organiser provides the visiting umpires with a special uniform for match officials, this uniform must be worn on duty in preference to the umpire's national uniform. 19 Umpires for all semi-final and final matches will be nominated by the Rules Committee. From neidorff@uicc.com Wed Aug 11 22:49:32 1993 Subject: 7.2. ITTF RULE CHANGES =============================== I was just handed a 10 June 1993 ITTF document. Here's the text. I apologize in advance if this is old news or if there are typos. The last paragraph seems to have an error in it. I faithfully reproduced the error rather than incorectly correcting it. I have translated the dates into unambiguous dates (1.9.93 became 1 September 1993) because people in the US use a different date convention than people in Europe. Again, if I made an error, please forgive me. My typing isn't perfect. ] "The following rule changes were agreed at the ITTF Council meetings and BGM in Goteborg in May 1993. Unless otherwise stated, the come into effect on 1 September 1993. Laws The surface of one side of the racket blade must be bright red and the other black, whether or not both sides are covered (formerly only for international competitions). A player will not lose a point if the ball strikes his racket or racket hand without having touched his court, provided the ball has passed over the playing surface or beyond his end line. Regulations for International Competitions The use of liquid glue to attach racket coverings will be banned from 1 June 1994. The main colour of a shirt and shorts or skirt must be clearly different from that of the ball. Where opposing players or pairs have clothing that is similar in colour and they cannot agree which will change, the decision will be made by lot. White or yellow may not be used in advertisements inside surrounds. Either the umpire or the assistant umpire may decide that a player obstructs the ball and the other cannot overrule that decision. If 2 assistant umpires are appointed, each will adjudicate on service, edge balls and obstruction at his end of the table and act as stroke counter when the receiver is at that end. The next server must be indicated by signal, and may also be named. Players in individual events may receive advice between games and during other authorised intervals only from one person, designated beforehand to the umpire. After a formal warning, the umpire may award 1 penalty point for the first subsequent offence in a match and 2 points for the second; if misbehaviour continues he must report to the referee. The umpire must display a yellow card when he warns a player or adviser and a yellow and a red card together when he awards 1 or 2 penalty points; the referee must display a red card when he disqualifies a player. A player who is disqualified from 2 individual matches of a team match or individual event will automatically be disqualified from the remainder of that team match or individual competition. The number of seeds by ranking must not exceed the number of entries in the 1st round proper. In seeding by Association nomination, Nos 3 and 4 must be drawn into the quarters not occupied by Nos 1 and 2, and Nos 5-8 must be drawn as evenly as possible into eighths not occupied by Nos 1-4 (formerly, 2 and 3 had to be in the same half, 5 and 6 had to be in opposite halves etc) With immediate effect, the residential qualification period for eligibility may be reduced to not less than 2 years by agreement between the Associations concerned, provided the player has not represented his former Association in the previous 6 years. With immediate effect, an Association must register proposed representative players who were formerly eligible for another Association, whether or not they represented that Association, not later than 6 months (formerly 1 year) before the first event in which they to represent it. Colin Clemett Chairman, Rules Committee 10 June 1993" User Contributions:
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