SAFETY & ETIQUETTE RULES OF TABLE TENNIS
Draft Version 1.0
Ararat Table Tennis Federation – Safety and Etiquette TIPS & RULES (VS-Version 1.0 – Feb, 2013)
9. Apologizing for Table Edge/Net Serve - If the opponent's shot barely notch the table be honest
about it and award the point to your opponent who earned it. If your winning serve scratch the net
table, it is customary to lift your index finger as an apology since the point wasn't won due to skill, but
rather luck. You will be respected for your honesty. Note - once a ball passes the end of the table the
point is lost - it doesn't matter if your opponent hits it or not.
10. During practice games you may "challenge" the winner at a table for the next game. Generally,
players should try to only challenge opponents who are close to you in ability. But if you happen to be
the better player challenged by a weaker player, be a good sport about it. Play your game but there is
no reason you have to be arrogant and try to humiliate a fellow club member. If the difference in
playing ability is too much, use the time as a chance to "give back" and coach the lower-level player
and perhaps do some practice drills.
11. Racket Inspection - You are permitted by the rules to inspect your opponent's racket before your
match. Don't touch the rubber on the playing surface (it's okay to touch it at the bottom where the
labeling is). Touching the surface transfers the oils on your fingers to the surface and degrades it, so
many people will take offense, especially if you touch the middle or sweet spot. If you can, just look at
the rubber, don't rub the surface. There's not much to be gained from feeling the surface anyways. As
long as you know whether it's an inverted (smooth), anti-spin or pips-out rubber, you should be good
to go. Once a match has started, neither player can change rackets unless the racket becomes unfit
for play (e.g., broken handle, rubber comes loose, etc.)
12. Keeping Score - The server must announce the score at the start of each game and at the start of
the second point and each subsequent point in each game. If the receiver cannot hear the server's
announcement of the score, he must ask the server to speak louder.
13. Towel Breaks, Timeouts, & Coaching Advice - Each player is allowed only a single one-minute
timeout per match. Likewise, the break between games should never exceed one minute. A towel
break is permitted after every six points (e.g., 1-5, 3-3, 4-8, 10-2, 9-9, etc). During a towel break or
any time out situation the racket must be left on the table. No player may receive advice once a
match has started except from a single coach during the break between matches or the allotted one-
minute time out. Spectators and team members may not give advice unless designated as the
player's coach before the match. Any kind of coaching during play of the match--verbal or otherwise is
distracting and rude to your opponent.
14. Winning Point Celebration - Many players, including professionals, will shout their winning point with
the common sound of “Cho" or “Yeah”. While celebration is good, excessive celebration is often
considered rude and distracting. Loud celebration at a tournament can be a major distraction to
players in the court next to you.
15. When a match is over shake the opponent hands, the umpire(s), and the opponent's coach (as well
as your own coach). This is the proper sign of respect.