Table Tennis Rules
This version of the official rules was produced by The U.S. Affiliate of the World Governing Body of the Sport.
This set of rules is designed for use by those who are involved in the administration of sanctioned competitions and serious competitive players.
1.The Table
1.1 The table is rectangular in surface and measures 274-centemeters (9 feet) in length, 152.5-cetemeters (5-feet) in width. The playing surface lies in a horizontal plane 76-centermeters (2-feet, 6-inches) above the floor.
1.2 The table can be made of any material and must produce a uniform bounce of about 23-centemeters (8 ¾-inches) when a standard table tennis ball is dropped on it from a height of 30-centemeters (12-inches).
1.3 The playing surface must be dark in color and matted with a white line measuring 2-centemeters (3/4-inch) wide along each edge.
1.3.1 The lines along the 152.5-centemeters (5-feet) edges or ends of the table are called end lines and they are considered to extend indefinitely in both directions.
1.3.2 The lines along the 274-centemeters (9-feet) edges or sides of the table are called the side lines.
1.4 For playing doubles, the playing surface is divided into halves by a white line 3-milemeters (1/8-inches) wide which runs parallel to the side lines. This line is called the center line. The center line doesn't affect the table for singles play as it is considered as part of each right half court.
1.5 The playing surface includes the top edges of the table but not the sides of the table top below the edge.
2.The Net Assembly
2.1 A vertical net which runs parallel to the end lines divides the playing surface into two equal sized courts.
2.2 The net assembly consists of the net, its suspension, and the supporting posts, including the clamps which attach them to the table.
2.3 The net is suspended by a cord attached to each end of an upright post 15.25-centemeters (6-inches) high. The outside limits of the post are 15.25-centemeters outside the side lines.
2.4 The whole length of the net and its suspension is15.25-centemeters (6-inches) above the playing surface. The bottom of the net should be as close as possible to the playing surface and the ends of the net should be as close as possible to the supporting posts.
3.The Ball
3.1 The ball must be a 40-milemeters diameter sphere and weigh 2.7-grams.
3.2 The ball must be made of celluloid or similar plastic material and should be white or orange and matte.
4.The Racquet
4.1 A racquet of any size, shape or weight may be used as long as the blade is flat and rigid.
4.2 At least 85% of the blade's thickness must be made of natural wood. The inside of the blade may be reinforced with material such as carbon fiber, glass fiber, or compressed paper as long as it's not thicker than 7.5% of the blade's total thickness or 0.35-milemeters, whichever is smaller.
4.3 A side of the blade used for hitting the ball must be covered with ordinary pimpled rubber with pimples outward having a total thickness including adhesive of not more than 2-milemeters or sandwich rubber with pimples inwards or outward having a total thickness including adhesive of not more than 4-milemeters.
4.3.1 Ordinary pimpled rubber is a single layer of non-cellular natural or synthetic rubber with pimples distributed evenly over its surface with a thickness of not less than 10 per-square-centimeter and not more than 50 per-square-centimeter.
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 must not be more than 2-milemeters.
4.4 The covering material can extend up to but not beyond the limits of the blade. The part closest to the handle which is gripped by the fingers can be uncovered or covered with any material and is considered part of the racquet's handle.
4.5 The blade, any layer within the blade, and any layer of covering material or adhesive must be continuous and of even thickness.
4.6 The blades must be matt, bright red on one side and black on the other.
4.7 If the racquet is faded due to wear or accidental damage the above rule maybe ignored as long as there isn't a significant change in the characteristics of the racquet's surface.
4.8 A player must show his opponent and the umpire his racquet for examining at the beginning of a match and during it if the racquets is changed.
4.9 If a player breaks a racquet during a game it should be replaced immediately with another racquet from the playing area. A racket won't be changed in an individual match unless it is unusable. If a player changes rackets during an individual match without telling the umpire, the umpire shall stop play and report to the referee.
4.10 The covering material on a side of the blade used for hitting the ball must be of a brand and type currently approved by the USATT and attached to the blade so that the trademark and ITTF logo (if applicable) are clearly visible near the edge of the batting surface.
4.11 If a player hits the ball in play with a side of the blade that doesn't comply with the rules, their opponent will be awarded a point.
5.Definitions
5.1 A rally is the time the ball is in play.
5.2 The ball is in play from the last moment it is stationary in the palm of the free hand before being intentionally put in service until it touches anything other than the playing surface, the net assembly, the racquet held in the racquet hand or the racquet hand below the wrist, or until the rally is otherwise decided a let or a point.
5.3 A let is a rally when the result isn't scored.
5.4 A point is a rally when the result is scored.
5.5 The hand carrying the racquet is called the racquet hand.
5.6 The other hand is called the free hand.
5.7 A player strikes the ball if he puts it in play with his racquet, or with his racquet hand below the wrist.
5.8 It is obstruction if a player touches the ball with anything when it is traveling toward the playing surface and hasn't passed the end line, not having touched his court since last being struck by his opponent.
5.9 The player set to hit the ball in the first rally is the server
5.10 The player who the ball is served to is the receiver
5.11 The person who is appointed to judge the results of each rally is the umpire.
5.12 The person appointed to assist the umpire is the assistant umpire. The stroke counter counts strokes under the expedite system.
5.13 Anything a player wears or carries includes anything they were wearing or carrying at the start of the rally.
5.14 The ball will be regarded as passing over or around the net assembly if it passes under or outside the projection of the net assembly outside the table.
7. A Good Return
7.1 If the ball is served or returned so that it passes directly over or around the net and touches the opponent's court, either directly or after touching the net assembly it is good.
7.1.1 If the ball returns with its own impetus over the net, it may be struck so that it touches directly the opponent's court.
8. The Order of Play
8.1 In singles the server starts play and the receiver returns it, and thereafter the server and receiver alternately make good returns.
8.2 In doubles, the server starts and the receiver returns, the server's partner then returns, the receiver's partner then returns, and thereafter each player alternately takes turns returning in that sequence.
9. A Let - A rally is a let
9.1 If the ball touches the net assembly, as long as the serve is otherwise good or is obstructed by the receiver or his partner.
9.2 If the ball is served when the receiving player or pair isn't ready as long as they don't attempt to hit the ball.
9.3 If a good serve or return isn't made or there is a disturbance beyond the player's control.
9.4 If the umpire or assistant umpire interrupts the play.
9.4.1 To correct an error in the order of serving or receiving or ends.
9.4.2 To introduce the expedite system.
9.4.3 To warn or penalize a player.
9.4.4 Because the conditions of play are disturbed; this could change the outcome of the rally.
10. A Point - Unless the rally is a let, a player shall score a point:
10.1 If the opponent doesn't make a good serve.
10.2 If the opponent doesn't make a good return.
10.3 If, after a good serve or return, the ball touches anything other than the net assembly before being struck by the opponent.
10.4 If the ball passes beyond the end line without touching the court, after being struck by his opponent.
10.5 If the opponent obstructs the ball, except as provided in Rule 9.1.
10.6 If the opponent hits the ball twice in a row.
10.7 If the opponent hits the ball with an illegal racquet blade.
10.8 If the opponent, or anything they wear or carry, moves the playing surface.
10.9 If the opponent, or anything they wear or carry, touches the net assembly.
10.10 If the opponent's free hand touches the playing surface.
10.11 If, in doubles, the opponent hits the ball out of turn.
10.12 As provided under the expedite system.
10.13 If the umpire penalizes the opponent.
11. A Game
11.1 A game is won by the player, or pair, who scores 21 points first unless both players, or both pairs, have scored 20 points. In this case the winner is the first player, or pair, to score two points more than the opponents.
12. A Match
12.1 A match consists of the best of three or five games.
12.2 Play shall be continuous, except for authorized intervals.
13. Intervals
13.1 Any player can claim an interval of not more than two minutes between any successive games.
13.2 Brief intervals for toweling may be taken only after every five points from the start of each game or at the change of ends in the last possible game of a match.
13.3 During a match, a player or pair can call one time-out period of up to one minute.
13.3.1 In an individual event the request may be made by the player or pair or by the designated advisor. In a team event it may be made by the player or pair or by the team captain.
13.3.2 You can only request a time out when the ball is out of play and it must be made by making a 'T' sign with your hands.
13.3.3 The umpire stops play when receiving a time out request and resumes play when the player, or pair, who called it, is ready to continue or after one minute, whichever is sooner.
13.4 The referee can halt play up to a maximum of 10 minutes if a player is temporarily unable to play because of an accident, as long as stop in play isn't considered disadvantageous to the opponents.
13.5 Play will not be halted if the player's disability was present or was reasonably expected at the beginning of the match, or due to the normal stress of play. Disability such as cramp or exhaustion doesn't justify a halt in play, which may be allowed only for injury due to an accident or fall.
13.6 Play will be suspended immediately if anyone in the playing area is bleeding and won't resume until that person has received medical treatment and all of the blood is cleaned from the playing area.
13.7 Players shall remain in or near the playing area during a match unless they have the referee's permission. Players shall remain within three meters of the playing area under the supervision of the umpire between games.
14. The Choice of Ends and Serves
14.1 The choice of ends and the option to serve or receive first is decided by lot and the winner can choose to serve or receive or to start at a particular end.
14.2 When a player or pair has chosen to serve or receive or to start at a particular end, the other player or pair shall have the other choice.
14.3 After each five points the receiving player, or pair, and so on until the end of the game unless both players, or pairs, have scored 20 points or the expedite system in operation, when the sequence for serving and receiving shall be the same except each player shall serve for one point in turn.
14.4 In the first game of a match the pair who has the option to serve may decide which of them will do so and in the first game of a match, the opposing pair shall decide who will receive first. In subsequent games of a match, the first server having been chosen, the first receiver shall be the player who served to him in the preceding game.
14.5 In doubles, at each change of service the previous receiver becomes the server and the partner of the previous server becomes the receiver.
14.6 The player or pair serving first will receive first in the next game. In the last possible game of a doubles match the pair receiving next will change their order of receiving when first either pair scores 10 points.
14.7 The player or pair starting at one end in a game will change ends in the next game of the match. In the last possible game of a doubles match the players or pairs will change ends when first either player or pair scores 10 points.
15. Out of Order of Serving, Receiving or Ends
15.1 If a player serves or receives out of turn, play shall be interrupted and will continue with that player serving or receiving who should be server or 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 or serving chosen by the pair having the right to serve first in the game in which the error is discovered.
15.2 If the players forget to change ends, play shall be halted as soon as the error is discovered and the players will change ends.
15.3 In all circumstances, all points scored before the discovery of an error shall be reckoned.
16. The Expedite System
16.1 The expedite system will come into effect 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.
16.1.1 If the ball is in play when the game is halted, play restarts with service by the player who served in the rally that was interrupted.
16.1.2 If the ball wasn't in play when the game was stopped, play restarts with service by the player who received service in the previous rally.
16.2 Thereafter, each player will serve one point in turn. If the receiving player or pair makes thirteen successive good returns, the receiver scores a point.
16.3 If the expedite system is used, or if a game lasts longer than 15 minutes, all subsequent games of that individual match will also be played under the expedite system.
17. Equipment
17.1 Players can not choose balls in the playing area.
17.1.1 Whenever possible, players will be given the chance to choose one or more balls before entering the playing area. The match will be played with one of these balls chosen by the umpire at random.
17.1.2 If a ball hasn't been picked before the players come to the playing area, the match will be played with a ball chosen at random by the umpire from a box of balls specified for the competition.
17.1.3 If a ball needs be replaced during a match, the replacement ball will be provided according to the procedures of Rules 17.1.1 and 17.1.2.
17.2 During intervals, the players must leave their racquets on the table unless they have the umpire's permission.
18. Practice
18.1 Players can practice on the match table for up to two minutes immediately before the match starts, but not during normal intervals. Only the referee can extend the practice time.
18.2 If there is an emergency halt in play the referee may let the players practice on any table.
18.3 Players will be given reasonable time to check and familiarize themselves with any equipment they will be using. If a ball or racquet needs to be replaced they will be given a few practice rallies.
19 Misbehavior
19.2.1 Participants must not unfairly obstruct an opponent, offend spectators or bring the game into disrepute by using abusive language, deliberately breaking the ball or hitting it out of the playing area, kicking the table or disrespecting match officials etc.
19.2.2 If a player or coach commits a serious offence the umpire will halt play and report to the referee immediately. For less serious offences, the umpire may hold up a yellow card and warn the offender that any further infraction may be penalized.
19.2.3 If a player commits another offence after being warned in the same individual or team match, the umpire will award one point to the opponent and will award two points to the opponent if another infraction takes place, each time holding up a yellow and a red card together.
19.2.4 If a player is penalized for three penalty points in the same individual or team match and continues to misbehave the umpire will halt play and report immediately to the referee.
19.2.5 A warning or penalty given to either player of a doubles pair applies to the pair, but not to the non-offending player in a subsequent individual match of the same team match. At the start of a doubles match the pair shall be considered as having received the higher of any warnings or penalties incurred by either player in the same team match.
19.2.6 If a coach has been warned and commits another infraction in the same individual or team match the umpire will hold up a red card and banish the coach from the playing area until the end of match.
19.2.7 The referee has the power to disqualify any player from a match, event, or competition for serious unfair or offensive behavior whether reported by the umpire or not. The referee will hold up a red card when disqualifying somebody.
19.2.8 A player who is disqualified from two individual matches will automatically be disqualified from that competition.
19.2.9 The referee may disqualify anybody who has been banished from the playing area twice during that competition.
19.2.10 Cases of serious misbehavior will be reported by the referee to the USATT disciplinary committee
20. Clothing (Dress Code)
20.1 Player's clothing usually consists of a short-sleeved shirt and shorts or skirt, socks, and playing shoes. Other clothes, such as part or all of a track suit, can't be worn during play unless approved the referee.
20.2 Any color clothing may be worn except that:
20.2.1 The main color of the clothes must be clearly different from that of the ball in use.
20.3 A playing garment may have:
20.3.1 The manufacturer's normal trademark, symbol, or name contained within a total area of 24-square-centemeters.
20.3.2 Not more than three clearly-separated advertisements contained within a combined total area of 200-square-centemeters on the front or side of a shirt and one advertisement, contained within a total area of 200-square-centemeters on the back of a shirt.
20.3.3 Not more than two advertisements contained within a combined total area of 80-square-centemeters on shorts or a skirt.
20.4 Any clothing or jewelry worn by a player must not obstruct an opponent's vision.
20.5 Players must wear socks and soft-soled shoes.
20.6 Clothing cannot have designs or lettering which might offend anybody or bring the game into disrepute. You can't play without a shirt, or wear cutoffs, jeans, or tank shirts. Women may wear sleeveless blouses.
20.7 Opposing players and pairs will wear clothing that distinguishes them to spectators. If the players can't agree on who will change if necessary, the umpire will decide by a coin toss.
20.8 The referee has the final say on clothing issues.
20.9 Warm-up suits can't be worn during play unless allowed by the referee.
Match Officials
23.1 There will be a referee for each competition. Referees are responsible for:
23.1.1 Interpretation of the competition's laws and regulations.
23.1.2 Assigning and if necessary, replacing match officials.
23.2 An umpire will be appointed for each match or at the request of any player or pair in that match. Where practical an assistant umpire will also be appointed.
23.2.1 The umpire sits or stands in line with the net and the assistant sits directly facing him, at the other side of the table.
23.2.2 The umpire is responsible for:
23.2.2.1 Checking the equipment and playing conditions and reporting any deficiency to the referee.
23.2.2.2 Choosing a ball at random in accordance with the rules.
23.2.2.3 Conducting the draw for choice of serving, receiving and ends.
23.2.2.4 Controlling the order of serving, receiving and ends and correcting any errors.
23.2.2.5 Deciding each rally as a point or a let.
23.2.2.6 Calling the score in accordance with procedure.
23.2.2.7 Introducing the expedite system at the appropriate time.
23.2.2.8 Maintaining the continuity of play.
23.2.2.9 Taking action for breaches of the advice or behavior regulations.
23.3 The assistant umpire decides whether the ball in play touches the edge of the playing surface at the side of the table top nearest to him.
23.4 Either the umpire or the assistant may decide:
23.4.1 That a player's serve is illegal.
23.4.2 That, in an otherwise good service, the ball touches the net assembly while passing over or around it.
23.4.3 That a player obstructs the ball.
23.4.4 That the conditions of play are disrupted in a manner which may affect the outcome of the rally.
23.4.5 Time the duration of the practice period, of play, and of any intervals.
23.5 Either the assistant umpire or a separate official may act as stroke counter to count the strokes of the receiving player, or pair, when the expedite system is in operation.
23.6 The umpire may not overrule the assistant umpire or stroke counter on a decision of fact made within their area of responsibility.