Official Rules of Table Tennis

1. THE TABLE

1.1 The table shall be in surface rectangular, 274 cm. (9 ft.) in length, 152.5 cm. (5 ft.) in width. It shall be supported so that its upper surface, termed the playing surface, shall lie in a horizontal plane 76 cm. (2 ft. 6 in.) above the floor.

 1.2 It shall be made of any material and shall yield a uniform bounce of not less than 22 cm. (8 3/4 in.) and not more than 25 cm. (9 3/4 in.) when a standard ball is dropped from a height of 30.5 cm. (12 in.) above the surface.

 1.3 The playing surface shall be dark colored and matt, with a white line 2 cm. (3/4 inch) wide along each edge.

 1.3.1 The lines along the 152.5 cm. (5 ft.) edges or ends shall be termed end lines.

 1.3.2 The lines along the 274 cm. (9 ft.) edges or sides shall be termed side lines.

 1.4 For doubles, the playing surface shall be divided into halves by a white line 3 mm. (1/8 in.) wide, running parallel with the side lines, termed the center line. Permanent marking of the center line shall not invalidate the table for singles play. The center line shall be regarded as part of each right hand court.

 1.5 The playing surface shall be considered to include the top edges of the table, but not the sides of the table top below the edge.

 1.6 Advertisements on tables are allowed only on the sides and ends of the table top and each shall be contained within a total area on any face of 200 so cm. Permanent advertisements are limited to the maker's trademark, symbol, or name once on each half of a side, but the organizing authority of a competition may grant permission for other temporary advertisements, one on each side and one on each end.

2. THE NET

2.1 The playing surface shall be divided into two "courts" of equal size by a vertical net running parallel to the end lines.

 2.2 The net assembly shall consist of the net, its suspension, and the supporting posts, including the clamps attaching them to the table.

 2.3 The net shall be suspended by a cord attached at each end to an upright post 15.25 cm. (6 in.) high, the outside limits of the post being 15.25 cm. outside the side lines.

 2.4 The net, with its suspension, shall be 183 cm. (6 ft.) long and its top, along its whole length, shall be 15.25 cm. (6 in.) above the playing surface. The bottom of the net, along its whole length, shall be as close as possible to the playing surface and the ends of the net shall be as close as possible to the supporting posts.

3. THE BALL

3.1 The ball shall be spherical, with a diameter of 38 mm.

 3.2 The ball shall weigh 2.5 gm.

 3.3 The ball shall be made of celluloid or similar plastic material and shall be white, yellow, or orange and matt.

 3.4 The standard bounce required shall be not less than 23.5 cm. (9 7/32 in.) nor more than 25.5 cm. (10 3/8 in.) when dropped from a height of 30.5 cm. (12 in.) on a specially designed steel block. These heights are measured from the bottom of the ball.

 3.4.1 The standard bounce required shall not be less than 22 cm. (8 3/4 in.) nor more than 25 cm. (9 3/4 in.) when dropped from a height of 30.5 cm. (12 in.) on an approved table.

4. THE RACKET

4.1 The racquet may be of any size, shape, or weight.

 4.2 The blade shall be continuous, of even thickness, flat, and rigid.

 4.2.1 At least 85% of the blade by thickness shall be of natural wood.

 4.2.2 An adhesive layer within the blade may be reinforced with fibrous material such as carbon fiber, glass fiber, or compressed paper but shall not be thicker than 7.5% of the total thickness or 0.35 mm, whichever is the smaller.

 4.3 The visible surface of each side of the blade, whether used for striking the ball or not, shall be uniformly dark colored and matt. Any trimming or binding around the edge of the blade shall not be either wholly or partly white or brightly reflecting.

 4.4 A side of the blade used for striking the ball shall be covered with either ordinary pimpled rubber with pimples outward having a total thickness including adhesive of not more than 2 mm. or sandwich rubber with pimples inwards or outward having a total thickness including adhesive of not more than 4 mm.

 4.4.1 Only adhesives that have been approved by the ITTF for this purpose may be used to attach the rubber to the blade.

 4.4.2 After August 1, 1995, no adhesive that uses any solvent may be used to attach the rubber to the blade.

4.5 Equipment Definitions:

4.5.1 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/sq. cm. and not more than 50/ sq. cm.

 4.5.2 Sandwich rubber is a single layer of cellular rubber covered with a single outer layer of ordinary pimpled rubber, the thickness of the pimpled rubber not being more than 2 mm.

 4.6 The covering material shall extend up to but not beyond the limits of the blade, except that the part nearest the handle and gripped by the fingers may be left uncovered or covered with any material and may be considered part of the handle.

 4.7 The blade, any layer within the blade, and any layer of covering material or adhesive shall be continuous and of even thickness.

 4.8 The two surfaces of the racquet blade shall be of clearly different colors, namely black and bright red, as defined in the ITTF Technical Leaflets.

 4.9 It is the responsibility of the player to ensure that the racquet covering can be identified as an authorized brand and type and that the colors of the two surfaces of the blade are clearly distinguishable under normal playing conditions.

 4.10 Subject to the requirements of Rule 4.3, a side of the blade not intended for striking the ball may be painted or covered with any material; but if a player strikes the ball in play with a side of the blade whose surface does not comply with the requirements of Rules 4.4-4.9, he shall lose the point.

 4.11 Slight deviations from uniformity of color or continuity of covering due to fading, wear, or accidental damage may be ignored provided they do not significantly change the characteristics of the surface.

 4.12 At the start of a match and whenever he changes his racquet during a match, a player shall show his opponent and the umpire the racquet he is about to use and shall allow them to examine it.

5. DEFINITIONS

5.1 A rally is the period during which the ball is in play.

 5.2 A let is a rally of which the result is not scored.

 5.3 A point is a rally of which the result is scored.

 5.4 The racquet hand is the hand carrying the racquet.

 5.5 The free hand is the hand not carrying the racquet.

 5.6 A player strikes the ball if he touches it with his racquet, held in the racquet hand, or with his racquet hand below the wrist.

 5.7 A player obstructs the ball if he, his racquet, or anything he wears or carries touches it in play when it has not passed over his court or an imaginary extension of his end line, and where it has not touched his court since last being struck by his opponent.

 5.8 The server is the player due to strike the ball first in a rally.

 5.9 The receiver is the player due to strike the ball second in a rally.

 5.10 The umpire is the person appointed to decide the results of each rally.

 5.11 The assistant umpire is the person appointed to assist the umpire.

5.12 The stroke counter is the person appointed to count strokes under the expedite system.

5.13 Anything that a player wears or carries includes anything that he was wearing or carrying at the start of the rally.

 5.14 The ball shall be regarded as passing over or around the net 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.

 5.15 The part of the playing surface nearest the server and to his right shall be called the server's right hand court and to his left the server's left hand court. The part of the playing surface on the other side of the net from the server and to his left of the center line shall be called the receiver's right hand court and on the server's right the receiver's left hand court.

6. THE ORDER OF PLAY

6.1 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.

 6.2 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 alternately in that sequence shall make a good return.

7. SERVICE

7.1 At the start of service, the ball shall rest freely on the open, flat palm of the free hand and shall be stationary, above the level of the playing surface, and behind the server's end line.

 7.2 The ball and the racquet shall be above the level of the playing surface and behind the end line of the server's court or an imaginary extension thereof from the last moment at which the ball is stationary on the palm of the free hand until the ball is struck in service.

 7.3 The server shall then project the ball near vertically upwards, by hand only and without imparting spin, so that it rises at least 6 inches after leaving the palm of the hand.

 7.4 As the ball is then descending from the height of its trajectory, the server shall strike it so that it touches first his own court and then, passing directly over the net or around or under the projection of the net and its supports outside the table, touches the receiver's court.

 7.4.1 In doubles, the points of contact of the ball with the playing surface shall be the server's right hand court and then the receiver's right hand court.

 7.4.2 If, in attempting to serve, a player fails to strike the ball while it is in play, he shall lose a point.

 7.5 When the ball is struck in service, it shall be behind the end line of the server's court or an imaginary extension thereof, but not farther back than the part of the server's body, other than his arm, leg, or head, whichever is farthest from the net.

 7.6 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.

 7.6.1 If the umpire is doubtful about the correctness of a player's service but neither he nor the assistant umpire is sure it is illegal, he may on the first occasion in a match interrupt play and warn the server without awarding a point. On any subsequent occasion in the same match at which the same player's service is of doubtful correctness, for the same or any other reason, the player shall not be given the benefit of the doubt and shall lose the point.

 7.6.2 Where, however, there is a clear failure to comply with the requirements for a good service no warning should be given and a point should be awarded against the server.

 7.7 Exceptionally, strict observance of the prescribed method of service may be waived where the umpire is notified, before play begins, that compliance is prevented by physical disability.

8. A GOOD RETURN

8.1 The ball, having been served or returned in play, shall be struck so that it passes directly over or around the net and its supports and touches the opponent's court, except that:

 8.1.1 If the ball, having been served or returned in play, returns with its own impetus over the net, it may be struck so that it touches directly the opponent's court.

 8.1.2 If the ball, in passing over or around the net, touches the net or its supports, it shall be considered to have passed directly.

9. IN PLAY

9.1 The ball shall be in play from the last moment at which it is stationary before being projected in service until:

 9.1.1 It touches something other than the playing surface, the net assembly, the racquet held in the hand or the racquet hand below the wrist.

 9.1.2 The rally is otherwise decided as a let or a point.

10. A LET

10.1 A rally is a let:

10.1.1 If the ball served, in passing over or around the net, touches it or its supports, provided the serve is otherwise good or is volleyed by the receiver or his partner.

10.1.2 If the service is delivered when, in the opinion of the umpire, the receiving player or pair is not ready, provided that neither the receiver or his partner attempts to strike the ball.

10.1.3 If, in the opinion of the umpire or assistant umpire, 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.

10.1.4 If it is interrupted for correction of an error in playing order or ends.

10.1.5 If it is interrupted for introduction of the expedite system.

10.1.6 If it is interrupted for warning a player for a service of doubtful correctness or that he has failed to notify a change of racquet. If a player fails to notify the umpire and his opponent when he changes his racquet , the umpire shall immediately report this to the referee. On the first occasion, the referee shall warn the player; on any subsequent occasion, the referee shall disqualify him.

10.1.7 If the conditions of play are disturbed in a way which, in the opinion of the umpire or assistant umpire, is likely to affect the outcome of the rally.

11. A POINT

Unless the rally is a let, a player shall lose the point:

11.1 If he fails to make a good service.

11.2 If he fails to make a good return.

11.3 If he obstructs the ball, except as provided in Rule 10.1.1.

11.4 If the ball touches his court and then again the playing surface.

11.5 If he strikes the ball twice successively.

11.6 If he strikes the ball with a side of the racquet blade having an illegal surface.

11.7 If he, or anything he wears or carries, moves the playing surface while the ball is in play.

11.8 If his free hand touches the playing surface while the ball is in play.

11.9 If he, or anything he wears or carries, touches the net or its supports while the ball is in play.

11.10 If, in doubles, he strikes the ball out of sequence, except where there has been a genuine error in playing order.

11.11 If, under the expedite system, he serves and the receiving player or pair make thirteen successive good returns.

11.12 If the umpire assesses a penalty point against him.

12. A GAME

12.1 A game shall be won by the player or pair first scoring 21 points unless both players or pairs have scored 20 points. In this case, the winner shall be the player or pair first scoring 2 points more than the opposing player or pair.

13. A MATCH

13.1 A match shall consist of the best of three games or the best of five games.

13.2 Play shall be continuous throughout, except that any player shall be entitled to claim an interval of not more than 2 minutes between any successive games, except:

13.2.1 The referee may allow a suspension of play of the shortest practical duration (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.

13.3 Short reasonable pauses for such purposes as toweling may be taken, but only after every 5 points or at the change of ends in the last possible game of a match.

13.4 A player who breaks his racquet shall immediately resume play with a spare racquet kept close to the playing area or one handed to him in the playing area.

13.5 Doubles matches, regardless of the format of the competition or position of the match in the draws (semi-finals, finals, etc.) shall be two of three games.

14. THE CHOICE OF ENDS AND SERVES

14.1 The choice of ends and the right to serve or receive first in a match shall be decided by toss.

 14.2 The winner of the toss may:

 14.2.1 Choose to serve or receive first and then the loser shall have the choice of ends.

 14.2.2 Choose an end and then the loser shall have the right to choose to serve or receive first.

 14.3 In doubles, the pair who has the right to serve first in any game shall decide which partner shall do so.

 14.3.1 In the first game of a match, the opposing pair shall then decide which partner will receive first.

 14.3.2 In subsequent games of a match, the serving pair will choose their first server and the first receiver will then be established automatically to correspond to the first server as provided in Rule 16.6.

15. THE CHANGE OF ENDS

15.1 The player or pair who started at one end in a game shall start at the other end in the immediately subsequent game and so on until the end of the match.

 15.2 In the last possible game of a match, the players or pairs shall change ends when first either player or pair reaches the score of 10.

16. THE CHANGE OF SERVICE

16.1 In singles: After five points, the receiver shall become the server and so on until the end of the game, the score 20-20, or the introduction of the expedite system.

 16.2 In doubles:

 16.2.1 The first five services shall be delivered by the selected partner of the pair who has the right to serve and shall be received by the appropriate partner of the opposing pair.

 16.2.2 The second five services shall be delivered by the receiver of the first five services and shall be received by the partner of the first server.

 16.2.3 The third five services shall be delivered by the partner of the first server and shall be received by the partner of the first receiver.

 16.2.4 The fourth five services shall be delivered by the partner of the first receiver and shall be received by the first server.

16.2.5 The fifth five services shall be delivered by the first server and the players shall thereafter serve and receive in the same sequence until the end of the game.

16.3 If both players or pairs have scored 20 points or if the expedite system is in operation, the sequence of serving and receiving shall remain the same but each player shall serve only one point in turn until the end of the game.

16.4 The player or pair who served first in a game shall receive first in the immediately subsequent game and so on until the end of the match.

16.5 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.

 16.6 In each game of a doubles match, the initial order of receiving shall be opposite to that in the immediately preceding game.

17. OUT OF ORDER OF SERVING, RECEIVING OR ENDS

17.1 If by mistake the players have not changed ends when ends should have been changed, play shall be interrupted as soon as the error is discovered and the players shall change ends.

 17.2 If by mistake a player serves or receives out of his turn, play shall be interrupted and shall continue with that player serving or receiving who, according to the sequence established at the beginning of the match, should be server or receiver respectively at the score that has been reached.

 17.3 In any circumstances, all points scored before the discovery of an error shall be reckoned.

18. THE EXPEDITE SYSTEM

18.1 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.

 18.2 Under the expedite system each player shall serve for one point in turn. If the receiving player or pair makes thirteen successive good returns, the server shall lose the point.

 18.2.1 If the ball is in play when the game is interrupted, play shall restart with service by the player who served in the rally that was interrupted.

 18.2.2 If the ball was not in play when the game was interrupted, play shall restart with service by the player who received service in the immediately preceding rally.

 18.3 Once introduced, the expedite system shall remain in operation for the remainder of the match.

19. ADVICE TO PLAYERS DURING PLAY

19.1 A player may receive advice from anyone in team events (in individual events, advice may be given only by one person designated before the match to the umpire) between games or during other authorized suspension of play but not at any other time such as during a momentary break for toweling or at the change of ends in the last possible game of a match.

20. CLOTHING (DRESS CODE)

20.1 Playing clothing shall normally consist of a short-sleeved shirt and shorts or skirt, socks, and playing shoes; other garments, such as part or all of a track suit, shall not be worn during play except with the permission of the referee.

 20.2 Clothing may be of any color or colors except that:

 20.2.1 Shirts, shorts, and skirts may be of any color except that the main color of a shirt, skirts, or shorts, other than sleeves or collar of a shirt and trimming along side seams or near the edges, shall be clearly different from that of the ball in use.

 20.3 A playing garment may carry:

 20.3.1 Advertisements as defined in Rule 23.6.

 20.3.2 The ITTF logo, where the design has been authorized by the ITTF.

 20.3.3 Numbers or letters on the back of a playing shirt to identify a player or his Association or, in club matches, his club.

 20.4 Any markings or trimming on the front or side of a playing garment and any objects such as jewelry worn by a player shall not be so conspicuous or brightly reflecting as to unsight an opponent.

 20.5 Players must wear socks and soft-soled shoes.

 20.6 Clothing shall not carry designs or lettering which might cause offense or bring the game into disrepute. Absolutely no playing without a shirt, no cutoffs, no jeans, and no tank shirts. Women may wear sleeveless blouses.

 20.7 Opposing players and pairs shall wear clothing that is sufficiently different to enable them to be easily distinguished by spectators. If the players or pairs cannot agree on who will change if necessary, the umpire will decide by toss.

 20.8 Any question of the legality or acceptability of playing clothing shall be decided by the referee, except that he may not rule illegal or unacceptable a design which has been authorized by the ITTF or USATT.

 20.9 Warm-up suits should not be worn during play unless with special permission of the referee. It is his discretion of conformity to above requirements.

 20.10 Slacks may be worn, but shorts are preferred.

 20.11 At all USATT-sanctioned tournaments the referee is responsible for enforcing the dress code and will default any player who is improperly attired.

21. DISABLED COMPETITION

21.1 Disabled table tennis players are divided into ten divisions or classes using a functional classification system.

21.2 Classes one to five compete in wheelchairs and classes six to ten play standing.

21.3 Separate events may be held for each class and sex or various combinations may be used.

21.4 For more information on classification of disabled athletes, contact the USATT Disabled Players Committee.

 21.5 Standing disabled players follow all standard rules; there are a few modifications for wheelchair play.

WHEELCHAIR COMPETITION

21.6 The table shall allow access to wheelchairs without obstructing player's legs and shall allow access to two wheelchairs for doubles matches (no cross bars tween end legs)

21.7 The court length may be reduced, but should not be less an 8 meters long and must be enclosed by surrounds.

21.8 A service in singles shall be as in Law 7 except that a let shall be called if in service the ball:

 21.8.1 Leaves the table by either of the receiver's side lines (on one or more bounces) or

 21.8.2 On bouncing on the receiver's side returns in the direction of the net or

 21.8.3 Comes to the rest on the receiver's side of the playing surface.

 21.9 However, if the receiver strikes the ball before it crosses a side line or takes a second bounce on his side of the playing surface, the service shall be considered good and no let shall be called.

 21.10 Class 1 and 2 players are not required to project the ball upward from the palm of the free hand. Players in these classes may hold the ball and project it upward in any manner. Regardless of the method, no spin may be imparted to the ball and the ball still must rise at least 6 inches from the hand.

 21.11 Responsibility still rests with the server to serve so that the legality of the serve can be checked by the umpire.

 21.12 During play, a player may touch the playing surface with the free hand, only to restore balance after striking the ball (provided the playing surface is not moved).

 21.13 The playing surface shall not be used as a support with the free hand while playing the ball.

21.14 The footrests or the feet touching the floor during play shall result in the loss of a point.

21.15 In team and class singles events, no part of the body above the knees may be attached to the chair, as this could improve balance. Below knees strapping is allowed.

21.16 Should a player require some strapping or binding for medical reasons this should be noted on their classification card and will be taken into account when assessing the player's class.

21.17 In open events, strapping and other aids are allowed.

WHEELCHAIR DOUBLES

21.18 Service shall be as above for singles play, but the ball may leave the table by the side line of the receiver's right half-court.

21.19 The server shall first make a good service and the receiver shall make a good return, and thereafter either player of a pair may return the ball.

21.20 During play, no part of a player's wheelchair shall cross the vertical plane of an imaginary extension of the table's center line. If it does, that pair shall lose a point.

22. PLAYING CONDITIONS

22.1 Space. The minimum playing space for each table should be at least 12 m. (40 ft.) long, 6 m. (20 ft.) wide and 3.5 m. (11.5 ft.) high.

22.2 Light. Measured at table height, the light shall be at least 400 lux (38 foot candles) in strength uniformly over the table and not less than half of the table strength over any other part of the playing area (ITTF requires 1000 lux - 95 foot candles).

22.3 Flooring. The floor should be made of hard, non-slippery wood. Stone, concrete, linoleum, tile, etc. are not recommended.

22.4 The light source shall not be less than 3.5 m. above the floor.

22.5 The background shall be generally dark and shall not contain bright light sources nor daylight through uncovered windows.

22.6 The floor shall not be light-colored nor brightly reflecting.

23. ADVERTISEMENTS

23.1 Advertisements shall be displayed only on the floor or equipment or fittings which are normally present inside the playing area and there shall be no special additional displays.

23.2 Fluorescent or luminescent colors shall not be used anywhere within the playing area, and white shall not be used on the inside of surrounds.

23.3 Advertisements on the inside of surrounds shall be only on the longer sides of the playing area and any lettering shall not be white, of more than 2 colors, nor more than 40 cm. in height.

23.4 Advertisements on tables shall be placed only on the ends and sides of the table top and not on the legs or supporting structure, and each will be contained within a total area on any face of 200 sq. cm. Permanent advertisements are limited to the maker's normal trademark, symbol or name, once on each half of a side, but the organizing authority of a competition may grant permission for other temporary advertisements, one on each side and one on each end.

23.5 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.

 23.6 Advertisements on player's clothing, other than on player's numbers, shall not be white and shall be limited to:

 23.6.1 Advertisements on the player's numbers, which shall be contained within a total area of 100 sq. cm.

 23.6.2 Not more than three advertisements, each contained within a total area of 40 sq. cm. or one advertisement having an area of not more than 120 cm. on the front or side of a shirt.

 23.6.3 One advertisement, contained within a total area of 40 sq. cm., on shorts or skirt.

 23.6.4 One advertisement, contained within a total area of 200 sq. cm., on the back of a shirt.

 23.7 There shall be no advertisements in the playing area or on clothing for tobacco goods, alcoholic beverages, or harmful drugs.

 23.8 Advertisements on umpires' clothing shall be contained within an area of 40 sq cm.

 23.9 There may be one advertisement on the floor in each half of the playing area, contained within an area of 32m, of slightly lighter or darker of the same color as the floor.

24. POINT PENALTY SYSTEM

24.1 Conduct which warrants imposition of the point penalty system shall include:

24.1.1 Delay of game (i.e., excessive toweling, deliberately breaking the ball or hitting it out of the playing area, excessive time between games, etc.)

24.1.2 Damage to equipment (intentional damage to the table, net, or other tournament or personal equipment).

24.1.3 Conduct offensive to opponents, officials, or spectators (i.e., audible or visible obscene language or gestures, loud outbursts, or remarks which could disrupt other matches in progress, or deliberately throwing a racquet). In evaluating "loud outbursts", the umpire shall consider the total situation. This rule is not intended to discourage competitive enthusiasm, particularly that displayed in a championship final when there are no other matches being played, in which case reasonable expression will be allowed that does not offend anyone.

 24.1.4 Accepting coaching during a game. Both the player and the coach will be warned at the first recognition of coaching during a game. At the second violation, the player will lose a point and the coach (directed by the umpire) will leave the playing area. 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. If the coach refuses to leave, the umpire will suspend play and report immediately to the referee.

 24.2 Penalties will be imposed as follows for each match:

 24.2.1 First offense: Warning. The umpire will formally notify the player that he is in a penalty point situation by holding up a yellow card. The player cannot protest, play must continue.

 24.2.2 Second offense: Loss of 1 point. The player cannot protest and play must continue. The umpire will notify the player and the referee that a penalty point has been awarded by holding up a yellow card and a red card together; he may also send a messenger to the referee. The referee may, at his discretion, call for a let and ask the umpire why the penalty point was awarded.

24.2.3 Third offense: Loss of 2 points. The player and the referee will be notified as above.

24.2.4 Fourth offense: The umpire will refer the matter to the referee, who may use his normal powers of disqualification. The referee shall display a red card when a player is disqualified.

 24.2.5 After the imposition of a point or game penalty, the next server will be that player who would normally be serving at that score.

 24.3 The referee will still have the authority to default a player from the match or disqualify him from the tournament for gross misconduct.

24.4 The referee will still have the authority to remove an umpire if he deems the umpire's performance to be unsatisfactory.

25. MATCH OFFICIALS

25.1 An umpire shall be appointed for each match. Where practical, 1 or 2 assistant umpires will also be appointed.

 25.2 The umpire shall sit in line with the net and the assistant umpire or umpires shall sit facing him, at the other side of the table. When there is 1 assistant umpire he shall sit in line with the net. When there are 2 assistant umpires, they shall sit in line with the end lines.

 25.3 The umpire shall be responsible for:

 25.3.1 Checking the acceptability of equipment and playing conditions and reporting any deficiency to the referee.

 25.3.2 Taking a ball at random if the players are unable to agree on a choice.

 25.3.3 Controlling the order of serving, receiving and ends and correcting any errors therein.

 25.3.4 Deciding each rally as a point or a let.

 25.3.5 Calling the score in accordance with specified procedure.

 25.3.6 Introducing the expedite system at the appropriate time.

 25.3.7 Maintaining the continuity of play.

 25.3.8 Ensuring observation of the regulations concerning advice to the players and the behavior of players.

 25.4 Except as provided in Rule 25.5, either the umpire or the assistant umpire may decide:

 25.4.1 That a player's service action is illegal.

 25.4.2 That a player obstructs the ball.

 25.4.3 That, in an otherwise good service, the ball touches the net assembly while passing over or around it.

 25.4.4 That the ball in play touches the side of the table top facing him, the top edge of the playing surface on that side, or neither.

 25.4.5 That the conditions of play are disturbed in a way which may affect the outcome of the rally.

 25.5 When there are 2 assistant umpires, each shall make the decisions listed in Rule 25.4 only in respect of a player at his end of the table or the half-side of the table nearest to him.

 25.6 A decision made by either the umpire or an assistant umpire in accordance with the provisions of Rule 25.4 may not be overruled by the other official.

 25.7 Either the umpire or an assistant umpire may time the duration of the practice period, of play, and of any intervals.

 25.8 If there is 1 assistant umpire, a separate official shall act as stroke counter when the expedite system is in operation. If there are 2 assistant umpires, each shall act as stroke counter when the receiver is at his end of the table.

26. DOPING

26.1 There shall be no doping before or during play in any competition. For the purpose of these regulations, doping is the introduction into the body in any way of any of a list of prohibited substances as provided by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and/or the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). A player who fails a doping test shall be subject to disciplinary action per the USATT Bylaws and Standing Rules. It is the athlete's responsibility to remain informed of lists of banned substances through the USOC Drug Hotline. As of this printing, the Hotline number is (800) 233-0393.

27. BETTING

27.1 Players and officials shall not bet on matches.

 27.2 The organizers of a competition shall report any breach of this regulation to the USATT.