Table Tennis Guidelines

UNIFORMS

Appropriate athletic clothing should be worn that follows Convention Guidelines.

THE RACKET

The racket may be any commercially produced paddle with rubber sheets. The rubber sheets must completely cover the sides or side being used to strike the ball. There can be no holes or damaged portions on the rubber sheets. (Sandpaper, cloth, or bare wooden surfaces are no allowed.) PARTICIPANTS MUST BRING THEIR OWN RACKET.

GAME

It takes four (4) points to win a game unless the game reaches deuce, in which case play continues indefinitely until one player gets two (2) points ahead.

A SET

A regular set shall consist of six (6) games. A short set begins play at two (2) games all. The 12- point tie breaker will be used in all sets that reach six (6) games.

A MATCH

A match shall consist of two (2) or three (3) short sets, except for finals. Final matches shall consist of the best of two (2) out of three (3) regular sets.

THE 12-POINT TIE BREAKER

A player who reaches 7 points during these first 12 points wins the game and set. If the score has reached 6 points all, the players change ends and continue until one player establishes a margin of two (2) points, which gives him the game and set. Note that players change ends every six (6) points.

RULES

During the course of a match, coaching is not permitted during a game but can be done between games, if it does not delay the next game. Because of the time limitations, play should be continuous.

Contact with the ball must be above the table level and behind the end line (not sides) on a serve. The Judge must be able to see the ball at all times.

The server must hold ball in OPEN PALM and toss ball up during the serve. If a player fails to strike the ball after it has been tossed up for service, the receiver gets the point.

The player shall lose a point if his free hand or body touches the playing surface.