Table Tennis Bats
Rules and Regulations

by courtesy of the ITTF

Prior to 2008 the ITTF were aware that some players were not abiding by the existing Laws and Regulations relating to the racket.

However, they were unable to accurately and precisely check rackets for compliance.

So in 2008 they introduced some new Laws (rules) and Regulations specifically about the table tennis racket.

They...

1. clarified what was authorised and
   
   
2. introduced a new system for testing rackets to ensure that they complied with all the new and existing rules and regulations

So let's take a look at what they did...

Firstly, they introduced a new Law (now 2.04.07) which stated...

The racket covering shall be used without any physical, chemical or other treatment.

And secondly, they introduced a new Regulation (3.02.04) which stated that...

Racket coverings can only be attached to the racket blade with adhesives that do not contain harmful volatile solvents

and that...

Racket testing will take place at ITTF events to ensure that rackets abide by all ITTF regulations

Note: "Racket Covering" is the official term for the table tennis rubber on your racket.

Event organisers are now testing rackets for compliance with these rules and regulations and maintaining detailed records of any infractions.

These include...

1. Testing for use of unauthorised glue

   

   During the 1980s, table tennis players were experimenting with different types of glue to affix their rubbers to their table tennis bats.

   It was discovered that certain types of glue had the effect of increasing the speed of the table tennis rubber and this enabled a player to propel the ball much faster than usual.

   This created a significant advantage for an attacking / offensive style of play.

   However, the effect was only temporary, so the player needed to remove and re-glue the rubber at frequent intervals.

   The problem with re-gluing is that this type of glue contains Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) which give off a distinctive odour.

   And this odour is now considered harmful to a players health.

   In addition, table tennis manufacturers had started producing "speed glue" (which also contained these harmful VOCs) to meet increasing demand.

    

   Mini-RAE Lite^® device

   The ITTF therefore decided that glues containing VOCs would not be authorised, and they started testing rubbers for the presence of VOCs at ITTF events.

   Since 7 October 2009, a device called a Mini-RAE Lite^®, which can detect very small amounts of solvents, has been used to test rackets.

   This device can detect whether racket rubbers have been affixed to the blade using glues containing harmful VOCs, contrary to ITTF Regulations.

   However, as these Regulations are not used at all levels of play, it may not apply at some lower levels of play. But players should still abide by this Regulation for the sake of their own health.

    

   ^ Top of page ^

    

2. Boosters and Tuners

   

   Table tennis manufacturers had also started producing various liquids and sprays to rejuvinate table tennis rubbers - often referred to as boosters or tuners.

   But boosters and tuners also contain VOCs ... so they're not authorised either.

   To comply with Law 2.04.07, your rubber must be used exactly as it was when it was authorised by the ITTF.

   This means you're not allowed to change or modify its playing characteristics by using chemical or other treatments, nor change its friction, outlook, colour, structure, surface, etc.

   If you want to clean your table tennis rubber you can only use plain water.

   And as cleaning of your rubbers is covered by Law 2.04.07, this means that this applies to every level of table tennis, not just higher level events.

    

   ^ Top of page ^

    

3. 4mm thickness for sandwich rubbers

   by courtesy of the ITTF

   Law (rule) 2.04.03 states that a table tennis bat with sandwich rubber must have a total thickness, including adhesive, of less than 4.05mm.

   However, umpires were never able to accurately check this ... until now.

   A new measurement device has now been developed and it's used to check the thickness of your table tennis rubbers.

    

   Umpires can also perform a quick check, prior to play, by using a net measurement gauge which has a notch on one side for this purpose.

   It's not as accurate, but it will indicate if further tests are required.

   

   As the thickness of your rubber is covered by the Laws of Table Tennis, this means that this requirement applies to every level of table tennis, not just higher level events.

    

   ^ Top of page ^

    

4. Authorisation logos on rubbers

   

   Regulation 3.02.01 was also amended to state that your rubbers must be attached to your blade so that the ITTF logo and ITTF authorisation number, in addition to the supplier and brand names, are clearly visible near the handle of the blade so that they can be verified against the official list of authorised racket coverings.

    

   Here's an example of the details you'll see on the lower portion of Butterfly Tenergy 05 rubbers.

   

   However, as this Regulation is not used at all levels of play, it may not apply at some lower levels.

    

   ^ Top of page ^

    

These rules and regulations, introduced in 2008 and refined in subsequent years, mean that racket testing now takes place at all events where the regulations are being used and the player is responsible for using a clean racket, i.e. without VOCs and with the correct rubber thickness.

So it's important that you don't add anything which is not authorised onto your racket, even if you're playing at lower level events.

However, all players are entitled to have their rackets tested voluntarily, without any penalties, before their match.

Rackets that don't pass the racket control test before their match can't be used, but they can be replaced by a second racket - which which may be tested immediately if time permits, but if not, will be tested after their match.

Where rackets don't pass a racket control test after their match, the offending player will be liable to penalties.

In addition, this new regulation states that the ITTF will maintain a register of all racket control failures.

Following the introduction of these new rules and regulations, the ITTF issued the following advice to players...

As a precaution you should take the following steps:

• Air your new rubber outside the plastic bag for at least 72 hours before gluing it to your table tennis bat
  
  
• Only use water based glue or VOC-free, Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) sheets
  
  
• Only clean your table tennis bat with water - don't use any other substances
  
  
• Do not add natural substances such as oils etc. to your rubber
  
  
• Do not stretch your rubber. You must use the rubber as it's been approved by the ITTF and as it comes from the producer
  
  
• You should use a thin layer of glue to avoid exceeding the 4mm thickness limit. Make sure the surface is flat and does not bulge. Sometimes the rubber is too thick when it comes from the factory. It's your responsibility not to use it
  
  
• Always carry a spare table tennis bat if you can

The ITTF intends to impose the strictest penalties on those that break the rules. This includes players, coaches, National Associations and manufacturers.

So, take care of your table tennis bat and don't break the rules - you have been warned!

Need your questions about the Rules and Regulations answered SIMPLY and CLEARLY?
Take a look at this fully up-to-date downloadable book. You'll find everything you need.
Get all the details here...