Internet Info 1994 March/Internet Info CD-ROM (Walnut Creek) (March 1994).iso/answers/rec/table-tennis/7_ITTF-rules

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From: [e-mail] (Table Tennis)
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Subject: rec.sport.table-tennis FAQ: ITTF-rules [Part 7/8]
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Date: 8 Mar 1994 02:31:48 GMT
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Summary: This posting contains a list of Frequently Asked Questions (and their answers) about Table Tennis ("Ping Pong").  It should be read by anyone who wishes to post to the rec.sport.table-tennis newsgroup.
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rec.sport.table-tennis answers to Frequently Asked Questions and other
news, posted monthly, now in mail folder digest format. New items preceded
with +:

Table of Contents:
==================
   7.1. ITTF RULES 1991-93
   7.1.1 1: Constitution
   7.1.2 2: Disciplinary Regulations
   7.1.3 3: The Laws of Table Tennis
   7.1.4 4: Regulations for International Competitions
   7.1.5 5: Regulations for World Championships
   7.1.6 6: Regulations for Other World Title Competitons
   7.1.7 Directives: Match Officials at Wld Title Competitions
   7.2. ITTF Rule changes

Send comments, suggestions, contributions, revisions and criticisms
regarding this FAQ list via e-mail to:

    [e-mail]


From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 7.1. ITTF RULES 1991-1993
==================================

From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 7.1.1 CONSTITUTION
===========================

From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 1.1 Name

1.1.1 The Federation shall be called The International Table Tennis Federation,
      referred to elsewhere in these Rules by its abbreviated title "ITTF".

From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 1.2 Composition

1.2.1 The ITTF shall consist of the affiliated table tennis organisations,
      referred to elsewhere in these Rules as "Associations", controlling
      the sport in accordance with the principles of the ITTF in any territory
      generally regarded as constituting a national, historical or other unity.


From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 1.3 Principles

1.3.1 The principles of the ITTF shall be general unity of action, mutual
      respect of Associations in their dealings with one another and the
      inadmissibility of discrimination against Associations or individuals
      on racial, political, religious or other grounds.

1.3.2 The ITTF shall observe the general and fundamental principles of the
      Olympic Charter and no provision of these Rules shall be deemed to
      conflict with or derogate from those principles.

From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 1.4 Objects

1.4.1 The objects of the ITTF shall be:

1.4.1.1 to uphold the principles of the ITTF and to develop the spirit of
        friendship and mutual assistance among Associations and players;

1.4.1.2 to regulate relations between Associations and between Associations
        and other organisations;

1.4.1.3 to seek continual improvement in the technical standard of table tennis
        and in the extent of participation in the sport throughout the world;

1.4.1.4 to foster friendly sporting competition and to eliminate unfair and
        unsporting practices such as the use of drugs to affect performance;

1.4.1.5 to define the requirements for Olympic eligibility;

1.4.1.6 to establish and maintain the Laws of Table Tennis and the Regulations
        for International Competitions;

1.4.1.7 to publish the standard text, which shall be the English text, of the
        Rules, consisting of the Constitution, the Laws and the Regulations;

1.4.1.8 to encourage the publication of the Rules in other languages and to
        check the accuracy of such publications;

1.4.1.9 to promote and to supervise the World Championships;

1.4.1.10 to employ the funds of the ITTF as may be expedient in the interests
         of international table tennis.


From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 1.5 Management

1.5.1 The governing body of the ITTF shall be the General Meeting, consisting
      of the assembled representatives of Associations.

1.5.2 Each Association in full membership shall be entitled to two
      representatives and each Association in membership "in good standing"
      shall be entitled to one representative.

1.5.3 A General Meeting shall normally be held once every two years and shall
      be known as the "Biennial General Meeting", referred to elsewhere in
      these Rules as "BGM".

1.5.4 Between BGMs the work of the ITTF shall be managed, in accordance with
      policy decided by the BGM, by a Council, which shall administer the
      finances of the ITTF and to which the BGM may delegate any of its powers.


From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 1.6 Officers

1.6.1 The Officers of the ITTF shall be a President, a Deputy President, a
      Treasurer and six Vice-Presidents.

1.6.2 There shall be one Vice-President from each of the continental areas of
      Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America and Oceania and their
      duties shall be to initiate ITTF work devolved on them by the BGM and
      generally to represent the ITTF in their own Continents.

1.6.3 A vacancy in any office other than that of President which arises between
      BGMs shall be filled by the Council but if the President resigns or is
      unable to continue in office he shall be replaced by the Deputy
      President until the next BGM.


From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 1.7 Council

1.7.1 The Council shall consist of the Officers, Continental representatives
      elected at the BGM and members co-opted in accordance with 1.7.5.

1.7.2 The number of representatives from a Continent, in addition to any of
      its members who are Officers, shall be one sixth of the number of its
      member Associations which by 31st December of the year before the BGM
      have paid all subscriptions due by that date, rounded up to the next
      higher whole number.

1.7.3 The representatives of a Continent, other than any of its members who
      are Officers, shall each be from a different Association.

1.7.4 The Council shall meet as required during the period of the BGM and once
      during the year in which there is no BGM, but shall otherwise conduct
      its business by correspondence.

1.7.5 At its first meeting after the BGM the Council shall co-opt as full
      members the Chairmen of Committees other than the Sports Science and
      Standing Orders Committees, if they are not elected members of the
      Council.

1.7.6 The Chairman at a Council meeting shall normally be the President, or,
      in his absence, the Deputy President; if both are absent the members
      present shall elect one of their number as Chairman for that meeting.

1.7.7 Every question at a Council meeting, unless otherwise stated in the
      appropriate rule, shall be decided by a simple majority of the votes
      cast; if there is an equality of votes the Chairman shall have a
      casting vote.

1.7.8 Voting shall be by a show of hands, a roll-call or a ballot, as decided
      by the meeting on a proposition by the Chairman.

1.7.9 In the period between BGMs any vacancy arising in the membership of the
      Council may be filled by simple majority vote at a Council meeting,
      but no temporary substitute shall be permitted to attend a Council
      meeting or to conduct Council business in place of a member absent or
      indisposed.

1.7.10 The Council shall have power to appoint consultants to itself or to any
       special Committee; the responsibilities and rights of these consultants
       shall be defined at the time of appointment.

1.7.11 The ITTF shall pay a proportion of the travel costs of Council members
       attending the meeting held in the year between BGMs, the proportion
       being decided from time to time by the executive board.

From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 1.8 Executive Board

1.8.1 An Executive Board, consisting of the Officers, shall meet at intervals
      of about six months when convened by the President.

1.8.2 The Executive Board shall be responsible for

1.8.2.1 the initiation and review of proposals for the development of table
        tennis;

1.8.2.2 recommending to the BGM or the Council the assignment of funds for
        special projects;

1.8.2.3 recommending to the BGM or the Council distribution policies for
        Olympics revenue;

1.8.2.4 the consideration of other matters referred to it by the BGM or the
        Council.


From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 1.9 Executive Committee

1.9.1 An Executive Committee, consisting of the President, the Deputy President
      and the Treasurer, shall have power to deal with current or urgent
      business, reporting to the Executive Board at its next meeting.

1.9.2 The Executive Committee shall meet during the period of the BGM and
      otherwise when convened by the President.


From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 1.10 Olympics Commission

1.10.1 The Olympics Commission shall consist of the Officers and a
       representative of the country organising the next Olympic Games, but
       any Vice-President may nominate a representative to attend a meeting
       in his place or act on his behalf.

1.10.2 The Commission shall be responsible for:

1.10.2.1 the planning, control and supervision of the table tennis events in
         the Olympic Games;

1.10.2.2 liaison with, as appropriate, the International Olympic Committee
         (IOC), National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and Associations on all
         matters concerning Olympic competitions;

1.10.2.3 enforcement of the eligibility regulations and confirmation of the
         eligibility of entrants for Olympic events;

1.10.2.4 submission to the IOC of amendments to the eligibility regulations,
         as agreed by the BGM;

1.10.2.5 drafting and submission to the BGM of proposals for a qualifying system
         for entry into Olympic events;

1.10.2.6 appointment of a Jury, technical representatives and officials for
         the table tennis events;

1.10.2.7 generally ensuring that the table tennis events at Olympic Games
         comply with the letter and the spirit of the Olympic Charter.

1.10.3 The Commission shall meet during the period of the BGM and at other
       times when convened by the President.

1.10.4 The Secretary-General shall attend all meetings of the Commission and
       shall draft its Minutes and Reports.

1.10.5 The Commission shall submit a written report to the BGM and, in the
       intervening years, to the Council.


From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 1.11 Secretary-General

1.11.1 The Council shall appoint a Secretary-General on agreed terms and
       conditions, on the recommendation of the Executive Committee.

1.11.2 The Secretary-General shall be responsible to the Executive Committee
       for the work of the ITTF Secretariat, the engagement and supervision
       of ITTF staff and the general administration of the ITTF.

1.11.3 The Secretary-General shall submit an annual report to the Council.


From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 1.12 Special Committees

1.12.1 The BGM shall appoint special Committees to study particular aspects of
       the work of the ITTF and to advise and assist the Council in dealing
       with these aspects.

1.12.2 The composition of  the Standing Orders Committee shall be recommended
       to the BGM by the Executive Board; the composition of other Committees
       shall be decided at the BGM on the basis of lists recommended by the
       Standing Orders Committee, but additions to or deletions from these
       lists may be proposed at the BGM.

1.12.3 With the exception of the Sports Science Committee, which may have up
       to sixteen corresponding members, no Committee shall have more than
       eight full members and six corresponding members.

1.12.4 The Chairman of each Committee shall be appointed by the Council from
       among the full members elected to that Committee.

1.12.5 The Chairman of a Committee may appoint one of its members Vice-Chairman
       or Secretary and allocate specific duties to him.

1.12.6 Committees shall normally meet during the period of the BGM and shall
       otherwise conduct their business by correspondence.

1.12.7 A Committee may set up sub-committees of its members to deal with
       specific areas of work; any reports or recommendations of such
       sub-committees shall be subject to endorsement by the full Committee
       before publication or submission to the BGM or the Council.

1.12.8 A member of a Committee who does not, within a reasonable specified
       period, express in writing an opinion on a written proposal circulated
       by or on behalf of the Chairman of that Committee shall be considered
       to have agreed to any resulting recommendation submitted in the name
       of the Committee.

1.12.9 The Chairman of each Committee shall submit to the Council an annual
       report of the activities of the Committee, drawing attention to any
       recommendations which the Committee wishes to make;  acceptance of the
       report shall not automatically imply acceptance of such recommendations.

1.12.10 Any recommendation by a Committee which would lead to a rule change
        shall be subject to specific approval by the Council and where such a
        rule change requires ratification by the BGM a proposition embodying
        the change shall be included in the agenda of the BGM in the name of
        the Council.

1.12.11 Committees may, where so authorised, act on behalf of the Council but
        the extent of this authority and its duration shall be specified by
        the Council and shall be reviewed not later than at the next meeting
        of the Council.

1.12.12 All members of Committees shall be entitled to attend General Meetings,
        but without vote unless representing an Association.

1.12.13 The duties of the Equipment Committee shall be:

1.12.13.1 to advise the Council on equipment and playing conditions;

1.12.13.2 to draft technical specifications and guidance documents for
          equipment and playing conditions;

1.12.13.3 to conduct or arrange for tests of equipment items submitted for
          approval and to make recommendations to the Council on acceptance;

1.12.13.4 to co-operate with the Technical Committee in advising the
          organisers of World and Olympic title competitions on matters
          concerning equipment and playing conditions.


1.12.14 The duties of the Media Committee shall be:

1.12.14.1 to advise the Council on relations with the Press and television;

1.12.14.2 to encourage the publication of journals, books and films relating
          to table tennis and to promote the exchange of such information;

1.12.14.3 to set up a roster of its members so that at least one of them is
          available in the press centre on each day of the World Championships
          during all hours of play.


1.12.15 The duties of the Ranking Committee shall be:

1.12.15.1 to prepare ranking lists for use in seeding men's and women's singles
          events in open tournaments which include players from more than one
          Continent;

1.12.15.2 to publish one such list as soon as possible after the World
          Championships and another at the end of the subsequent playing season,
          and to review the list as necessary for the draw of the next World
          Championships and the draw of the Olympic Games, taking account of the
          current ranking lists of Continental Federations;

1.12.15.3 to prepare ranking lists of men's and women's doubles pairs to be
          used in the selection of entries for the World Doubles Cup;

1.12.15.4 to prepare, from the entries received, a seeding list for the doubles
          events of the World Title competitions and Olympic Games;

1.12.15.5 to advise the organisers of World and Olympic title competitions on
          any question of seeding or the assignment of entrants to qualifying
          stages of the individual events.


1.12.16 The duties of the Rules Committee shall be:

1.12.16.1 to advise the Council on any question of interpretation of rule;

1.12.16.2 in co-operation with the Technical Committee to assist the referee
          in any question of interpretation of rule at the World Championships;

1.12.16.3 to review and, where appropriate, improve the wording of Laws and
          Regulations and amendments thereto, in accordance with principles
          agreed by the BGM or the Council and to make consequential amendments;

1.12.16.4 to co-ordinate and assist the work of umpires and referees and to be
          responsible for the qualification and assessment of International
          Umpires and International Referees;

1.12.16.5 to issue directives on the interpretation and application of Laws and
          Regulations to International Umpires and International Referees,
          through their national Associations;

1.12.16.6 to set up a roster of its members so that at least one of them is
          available in the playing hall on each day of the World Championships
          during all hours of play.


1.12.17 The duties of the Sports Science Committee shall be:

1.12.17.1 to advise the Council on medicine, physiology and hygiene relating
          to table tennis;

1.12.17.2 to prepare guidance documents for players, trainers and officials on
          matters such as medical services, training and diet relating to table
          tennis;

1.12.17.3 to prepare instructions concerning doping substances and the
          application of anti-doping controls;

1.12.17.4 to sponsor and to review research into the scientific aspects of
          table tennis.


1.12.18 The duties of the Standing Orders Committee shall be:

1.12.18.1 to recommend to General Meetings the order and times of sessions and
          the business to be dealt with at each session;

1.12.18.2 to consider the admissibility of propositions and resolutions received
          after the specified closing date and to recommend to the BGM their
          acceptance or rejection;

1.12.18.3 to consider applications to organise the World Championships and to
          report to the BGM;

1.12.18.4 to consider nominations for appointment to  Committees other than
          the Standing Orders Committee, and to recommend to the BGM the
          composition of Committees, taking account of the views of the retiring
          Chairmen and the Vice-Presidents.


1.12.19 The duties of the Technical Committee shall be:

1.12.19.1 to advise the Council on the organisation of the World Title
          competitions and to make recommendations of the system of play;

1.12.19.2 to provide advice and assistance to the World Championships
          organisers in the organisation and management of the World
          Championships;

1.12.19.3 to appoint the Chairman of the World Championships Jury;

1.12.19.4 in co-operation with the Rules Committee to assist the referee in
          any question of interpretation of rule at the World Championships;

1.12.19.5 to be responsible for the World Championships draw;

1.12.19.6 to approve the playing schedule prepared by the World Championships
          organisers;

1.12.19.7 to set up a roster of its members so that at least one of them is
          available in the playing hall on each day of the World Championships
          during all hours of play.


From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 1.13 Eligibility for Office

1.13.1 Nominations for ITTF Officers and for members of the Council, Olympics
       Commission and Committees may be made only with the consent of the
       Association of which the nominee is a member;  if the consent is
       revoked after the nominee has been appointed he may be removed from
       his post only by agreement of a two thirds majority vote of the Council.

1.13.2 A member of an Association whose subscription is in arrears shall not
       be eligible for election or co-option.

1.13.3 No person shall at one time serve as a full member of more than one
       special Committee other than the Sports Science and Standing Orders
       Committees, and no more than three such posts shall be occupied by the
       members of one Association.

1.13.4 No Officer or elected Council member shall be eligible to serve on a
       Committee without the specific permission of the Executive Board.

1.13.5 A person connected in any way with the manufacture, sale or endorsement
       of table tennis equipment or with consultation on such equipment:

1.13.5.1  shall not be eligible as a member of the Executive Committee;

1.13.5.2  may serve on a Committee or otherwise represent an Association but
          shall withdraw from a meeting or abstain from voting on an issue if
          so  requested by a majority of the meeting which he is attending.

1.13.6 A paid official of the ITTF shall not serve as an Officer or as a
       member of the Council, the Olympics Commission or a Committee.

1.13.7 The Chairman of the Standing Orders Committee shall not be eligible as
       chairman of a General Meeting.

1.13.8 All Officers and members of the Council, the Olympics Commission and
       Committees shall retire at the BGM but shall be eligible for re-election.


From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 1.14 Administration

1.14.1 Office

1.14.1.1 The Office of the ITTF shall be in a place appointed by resolution
         of the BGM or, in emergency, of the Council.

1.14.2 Languages

1.14.2.1 The correspondence and proceedings of the ITTF shall be conducted in
         such languages convenient for appropriate tasks and within the
         resources of the ITTF, as may be determined from time to time by the
         Council, having particular regard to Arabic, English, French, German,
         Russian and Spanish.

1.14.2.2 All languages of ITTF members are equally official and representatives
         shall be entitled to address meetings of the ITTF in their own
         language, subject to their provision of interpretation into one of
         the working languages fixed for use at that meeting.

1.14.3 Publications

1.14.3.1 The ITTF shall from time to time publish its official Handbook as
         directed by the BGM, and other pamphlets and leaflets of guidance;
         ten copies of each such publication shall be supplied free to each
         Association.

1.14.3.2 The ITTF shall publish also its official Bulletin, supplying one copy
         of each issue free to each Association.

1.14.3.3 Each Association shall supply to the Secretary-General the results of
         its Open International Championships and international matches.

1.14.3.4 Each Association shall appoint a special representative, notifying
         his name and address to the Secretary-General, to co-operate with the
         latter in the supply of news.

1.14.3.5 The official journals of all Associations shall, if notified to the
         Secretary-General, be listed in the ITTF Handbook.

1.14.3.6 A copy of each issue of each official journal shall be forwarded by
         the publishing Association to the Secretary-General and to every other
         Association that shall supply the publishing Association with an
         address for that purpose.


From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 1.15 Finance

1.15.1 Accounts

1.15.1.1 The financial year of the ITTF shall end on 31st December.

1.15.1.2 The Treasurer shall prepare an annual statement of accounts, which
         shall be audited by professional auditors.

1.15.1.3 The Treasurer shall prepare an annual estimate of income and
         expenditure for the succeeding year.

1.15.1.4 The bank accounts of the ITTF shall be held at banks appointed by
         resolution of the BGM or, in emergency, of the Council.

1.15.2 Trustees

1.15.2.1 The President, Deputy President and Treasurer for the time being
         shall be and are hereby appointed Trustees for the purpose of
         purchasing, selling, leasing or otherwise dealing with any freehold or
         leasehold property or other assets of whatever kind required by the
         Council for the purposes of the ITTF.

1.15.2.2 The Trustees shall be authorised to use the funds of the ITTF in the
         purchase of such freehold or leasehold property and assets and the
         same shall be vested in the Trustees upon trust for sale and they shall
         stand possessed thereof and of the proceeds of sale thereof upon trust
         for the ITTF in such manner in all respects as the Council may from
         time to time by resolution direct.

1.15.2.3 The Trustees shall comply with the laws, statutes and requirements of
         the countries in which such trust property may be situated insofar as
         they relate to the purchase, sale and management of such property and
         the duties of Trustees in connection herewith.

1.15.2.4 The Trustees and each of them and their respective estates and effects
         shall be fully and effectually indemnified from and against all
         personal risk and expense arising as a result of their appointment as
         such Trustees out of the property and funds of the ITTF.

1.15.2.5 The Trustees shall cease to act in such capacity upon ceasing for
         whatever reason to hold office as the President, Deputy President and
         Treasurer respectively of the ITTF and they or their survivors shall
         thereupon execute a Deed of Appointment of new Trustees in favour of
         their successors in such office.

1.15.2.6 Any statement of fact in such Deed of Appointment shall in favour of a
         person dealing bona fide and for value with the Trustees be conclusive
         evidence of such fact as stated.

1.15.2.7 A Minute signed by the President and Secretary-General shall be
         conclusive evidence of a resolution of the Council.

1.15.3 Subscriptions

1.15.3.1 Each Association shall pay an annual subscription of #100 or the
         equivalent.

1.15.3.2 The first subscription shall be paid with the application for
         membership and subsequent subscriptions shall be due on 1st January of
         each year.

1.15.3.3 A representative of an Association whose subscription is in arrears
         shall not be entitled to vote at a General Meeting, either for his own
         Association or as a proxy, to serve on the Council or a committee or
         to play in World Championships.  ("In arrears" means owing more than
         one year's subscription).


From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 1.16 Membership

1.16.1 Eligibility

1.16.1.1 Any organisation representative of table tennis in a territory and
         observing the principles of the ITTF may be elected a member but it
         shall be recognised as representative only of the territory in which
         it controls the sport.

1.16.1.2 Where one or more Associations in membership represent table tennis in
         only part of an area generally regarded as constituting a unity, an
         Association representing the sport in any other part of the same unity
         may apply for membership, provided that its separateness is due to
         circumstances outside the sport and outside the control of the players
         concerned, that the jurisdiction it claims is clearly limited, in title
         and constitution, to the territory in which it controls the sport and
         that it is otherwise qualified for membership. In the consideration of
         an application from such an organisation the views of any Association
         already in membership from the same unity shall be taken into account.

1.16.1.3 Where there is doubt whether an organisation, otherwise qualified for
         membership, fully controls table tennis in a territory, that
         organisation may be elected to "membership in good standing"; such
         membership shall carry all the rights and obligations of full
         membership, except that the Association shall have only one vote at a
         General Meeting and membership shall be subject to review at each BGM.

1.16.1.4 Where a member in good standing shall have shown itself loyal to the
         principles of the ITTF, where there is no other body operating in the
         territory in accordance with these principles and where the limitation
         of its whole conduct of the sport in the territory is due to
         circumstances outside its control, the membership in good standing may
         be changed to full membership at review.

1.16.1.5 In no circumstances shall two Associations be recognised as exercising
         authority over the same territory.

1.16.1.6 An organisation located outside the territory of any Association may
         be granted temporary attachment to an Association for the purpose of
         receiving aid in development and competition;  the extended territory
         shall be regarded as being within the member's control, but approval
         of attachment shall be reviewed at each BGM and shall not be renewed
         indefinitely.

1.16.2 Application and Election

1.16.2.1 Applications for membership shall be made on a form approved by the
         Council.

1.16.2.2 All applications shall be submitted not later than six calendar months
         before the date of the General Meeting at which the application is to
         be considered.

1.16.2.3 The Executive Board shall review all applications on behalf of the
         Council and make recommendations on acceptance.

1.16.2.4 Applications for membership shall be considered by the next BGM and
         shall be accepted if they receive at least two-thirds of the votes
         cast. In the consideration of an application in respect of an area for
         which there is a recognised Continental Federation, the views of that
         Federation shall be taken into account.

1.16.2.5 In the consideration of applications for combined membership by
         Associations formerly in separate membership, or for separate
         membership by Associations which were formerly components of an
         Association which has divided, or for recognition of changes in the
         territory in which an Association controls the sport, the views of the
         players and organisations concerned and any circumstances outside their
         control shall be taken into account; secession in other circumstances
         is not to be encouraged.

1.16.2.6 The Council may, by a two-thirds majority of the votes cast, elect an
         applicant to "provisional membership", which shall entitle the
         Association to attend the next BGM, without voice or vote, and to
         compete meanwhile in all events except World Championships.

1.16.2.7 An Association in provisional membership may compete also in the
         following World Championships, subject to the assent of the Association
         organising these Championships, provided that no vote is cast against
         the election and that the application is received not later than six
         calendar months before the opening date of the Championships.

1.16.2.8 The representatives of an Association elected to membership at a
         General Meeting shall be entitled to attend the meeting and to vote
         after election.

1.16.2.9 Election and membership of an Association shall not carry any
         implications in respect of the political, diplomatic or national status
         of the area concerned, but only to its conduct of table tennis therein.

1.16.3 Suspension and Termination

1.16.3.1 An Association wishing to resign from the ITTF shall give notice in
         writing to the Secretary-General;  the resignation may take effect at
         any time from the receipt of such notice until the 31st December of the
         same year but the Association shall be liable for the subscription due
         for that year.

1.16.3.2 An Association which fails to pay its subscription for three successive
         years shall automatically be suspended from membership; it shall not be
         liable for subscriptions during the period of suspension and may be
         re-admitted to membership on payment of part or all of the
         subscriptions previously due, at the discretion of the Council.

1.16.3.3 An Association which is suspended from membership shall not have the
         right to enter or nominate players for any event held under the
         jurisdiction of the ITTF nor to attend or be represented at a General
         Meeting;

1.16.3.4 An Association which seriously and persistently fails to maintain the
         principles or to respect the regulations and decisions of the ITTF may
         be expelled by a majority of three fourths of the votes cast at a
         General Meeting.

1.16.4 Personal Honorary Membership

1.16.4.1 Officials who have given long, outstanding service to the ITTF may,
         on retirement, be appointed Personal Honorary Members for their
         life-time by the BGM on a recommendation by the Council.

1.16.4.2 Personal Honorary Members shall be entitled to attend World
         Championships, with free hospitality, and to attend General Meetings
         with the right to speak but not to vote.


From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 1.17 Associated Organisations

1.17.1 Continental Federations

1.17.1.1 Associations may group themselves into Continental Federations for the
         purpose of promoting and regulating table tennis within a given
         continental area; such Federations shall be supported and encouraged
         by the ITTF, which shall co-operate with them in all matters, provided
         that the constitution, general principles, rules and policy of the
         Continental Federation conform to those of the ITTF.

1.17.1.2 Membership of the Continental Federation shall be open to Associations
         whose address in the ITTF Handbook is situated within the appropriate
         Continental area except where, for reasons outside the control of
         sport, an Association is not acceptable to its appropriate Continental
         Federation; in such circumstances, which shall not necessarily prevent
         recognition of the Continental Federation concerned, the Association
         failing to secure membership shall have the right to appeal to the ITTF
         to assist in securing membership or, failing that, attachment to
         another adjacent Continental Federation.

1.17.1.3 Organisations eligible for membership of the ITTF but not yet having
         applied for membership may, with the consent of the Council, be
         included in the appropriate Continental Federation for a period not
         exceeding two years but renewable by each BGM; the players of such an
         organisation shall enjoy the privileges of players whose Association
         is in membership of the ITTF but only in the Continent concerned.

1.17.1.4 Parts of an Association which lie wholly within a Continental area
         other than that in which the address of that Association in the ITTF
         Handbook is situated may, with the permission of the Council and the
         consent of their Association, be attached to the Continental Federation
         in whose area they lie for the purpose of competition and the
         encouragement of table tennis; with the same permission and for the
         same purposes, Associations lying wholly outside but adjacent to the
         Continental area concerned may similarly be attached, with the consent
         of the Federation of the Continent of which they form a part.

1.17.1.5 The championship title competitions of a Continental Federation shall
         be open only to the players of its member and attached Associations and
         the ITTF shall recognise such competitions as the sole Continental
         title championships for that Continent.

1.17.2 Other Regional Groups

1.17.2.1 Associations may group themselves into non-Continental regional
         organisations for the purpose of competition provided that, where the
         competition is for a regional title, the event is open to all
         Associations in the region and that, in respect of play with
         unaffiliated organisations or players, the Constitution and
         Disciplinary Regulations are observed.


From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 1.18 General Meetings

1.18.1 Place and Time

1.18.1.1 A BGM shall be held at the place, and during the period, of the World
         Championships or, if the World Championships is not held at the due
         time, at such other place and date between one and three years since
         the last BGM as the Council may determine.

1.18.1.2 The BGM shall normally comprise at least two sessions, one after the
         beginning of the World Championships and the second near their end; so
         far as is practicable, the sessions shall be held at times other than
         those scheduled for finals and other closing stages of events in the
         Championships.

1.18.1.3 An Extraordinary General Meeting may be convened at any time by the
         Council and shall be convened by the Secretary-General within ten
         weeks of his receiving a requisition in writing to that effect given
         by not less than one quarter of the Associations in membership and not
         in arrears of subscription.

1.18.2 Notice of Meeting

1.18.2.1 Notice of the meeting, giving details of the place, date and time and
         the business to be transacted, together with a proxy form, shall be
         sent by post to each Association;  the person and address to which the
         notice is sent shall be as last notified by each Association to the
         Secretary-General.

1.18.2.2 For a BGM the notice shall be sent not later than two calendar months
         before the date of the meeting.

1.18.2.3 For an Extraordinary General Meeting the notice shall be sent not later
         than one calendar month before the date of the meeting.

1.18.3 Notice of Business

1.18.3.1 Details in writing of business and propositions to be brought forward
         at a BGM must reach the Secretary-General not later than four calendar
         months before the date of the meeting.

1.18.3.2 Notice of the actual closing date in each year for the receipt of
         business and propositions shall be sent to all Associations by the
         Secretary-General not later than six calendar months before the date
         of the meeting.

1.18.3.3 Business and propositions of which due notice has not been given but
         which, in the opinion of the Standing Orders Committee, relate to the
         business in hand without introducing a new principle or relate to an
         emergency may be admitted by a vote in favour of two-thirds of the
         votes cast at the BGM; a recommendation by the Standing Orders
         Committee to exclude such business or propositions may be challenged.

1.18.3.4 The requisition for an Extraordinary General Meeting shall specify
         the business for which the meeting is to be convened and no other
         business except the confirmation of the Minutes of the previous General
         Meeting shall be transacted at such a meeting.

1.18.4 Proxies

1.18.4.1 If an Association wishes to appoint a proxy to represent it at a
         General Meeting, notice of the appointment together with a declaration
         that the Agenda and the necessary instructions as indicated in the form
         of appointment have been given to the proxy must reach the Secretary-
         General not later than two weeks before the date of the meeting.

1.18.4.2 No Association shall give a proxy to another Association where the
         territories over which both exercise authority form part of the same
         state unity.

1.18.4.3 No Association shall hold more than one proxy on behalf of other
         Associations, but in addition each member of the Council may hold a
         proxy in his own right.

1.18.5 Business

1.18.5.1 All business and propositions received in due time or later admitted
         shall be examined by the Council and may be referred for consideration
         by an appropriate Committee;  any such reference shall be reported to
         the first session of the BGM.

1.18.5.2 All competent business and propositions shall be referred to the BGM
         in due course, together with the reports of any Committee that has
         studied them.

1.18.5.3 Proceedings at a BGM shall include:

1.18.5.3.1 the appointment of a Chairman;

1.18.5.3.2 the adoption of the report of the Standing Orders Committee;

1.18.5.3.3 a roll-call of the Associations present and the verification of
           proxies;

1.18.5.3.4 the appointment of scrutineers;

1.18.5.3.5 the confirmation of the Minutes of the previous General Meeting;

1.18.5.3.6 the consideration of applications for membership;

1.18.5.3.7 the receipt of reports from Officers which, with the exception of
           that from the President, shall be given in writing;

1.18.5.3.8 the receipt of reports from Committees and the Olympics Commission;

1.18.5.3.9 the receipt of the audited statement of accounts for the previous
           two years;

1.18.5.3.10 the consideration of propositions and other competent business;

1.18.5.3.11 the election of Officers, the Council, the Olympics Commission,
            Committees and Auditors;

1.18.5.3.12 the consideration of arrangements for future World Championships.

1.18.6 Procedure

1.18.6.1 No speaker shall speak more than once on a proposition except that
         the proposer shall have the right of reply and that the Chairman may,
         at his discretion, allow a speaker to speak more than once to answer a
         query arising from his original speech.

1.18.6.2 The Chairman shall decide how many speakers will be permitted to speak
         on a proposition and when the vote shall be taken, except that a motion
         "that the question now be put" shall be voted on immediately, without
         further discussion;  if such a motion is carried the proposition or any
         amendment before the meeting shall then be voted on immediately,
         without further discussion, subject to the right of reply by the mover
         of the substantive proposition.

1.18.6.3 A question once decided may not be reverted to for re-discussion and
         re-vote unless the Chairman rules, as a matter of urgency, that a case
         has been made for supposing that the decision taken may jeopardise the
         whole welfare of the ITTF;  a motion to challenge the Chairman's ruling
         that the matter is not of sufficient urgency to justify reconsideration
         must be taken whenever it may be moved.

1.18.7 Voting

1.18.7.1 Each Association in full membership shall have two votes and each
         Association in membership "in good standing" shall have one vote.

1.18.7.2 Questions at a General Meeting shall be decided by a simple majority
         of the votes cast except that:

1.18.7.2.1 the acceptance of belated or emergency business or propositions and
           the revocation of a World Championships option require a majority of
           two-thirds of the votes cast;

1.18.7.2.2  expulsions from membership, changes to the Laws of Table Tennis and
            variations of penalties require a three-fourths majority of the
            votes cast;

1.18.7.2.3  dissolution of the ITTF requires a four-fifths majority of the
            votes cast.

1.18.7.3 If there is an equality of votes on an administrative or financial
         matter the Chairman shall have a casting vote; if there is an equality
         of votes on any other matter the motion shall fail and the meeting
         shall proceed with the next business.

1.18.7.4 Voting other than in elections shall be by roll-call in alphabetical
         order, starting with a name drawn at random, except where the Chairman
         is satisfied after a show of hands that such procedure is not
         necessary.

1.18.7.5 Each Vice-President shall nominate two persons from his Continent,
         for approval by the General Meeting, to form a list of scrutineers.

1.18.7.6 For each vote requiring scrutineers, including elections, names shall
         be taken from the list in alphabetical order, omitting the
         representative of any Association having a particular interest in the
         item which is the subject of the vote.

1.18.8 Elections

1.18.8.1 Officers and members of the Council shall be elected by secret ballot.

1.18.8.2 In the election of Vice-Presidents and of Continental representatives
         to the Council only Associations from the appropriate Continent shall
         be entitled to nominate and vote;  in all other elections all
         Associations shall be entitled to nominate and vote.

1.18.8.3 If there is an equality of votes in the first ballot there shall be a
         second ballot among those equal;  if there is still an equality of
         votes preference shall be given to the appointment of a representative
         of an Association which is otherwise unrepresented and, where this is
         not decisive the outcome shall be determined by lot.


From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 1.19 Changes to Rules

1.19.1 Amendments or additions to the Constitution and the Laws of Table
       Tennis shall be made only at a General Meeting.

1.19.2 Amendments or additions to other Regulations shall be made only at a
       meeting of the Council.

1.19.3 Details of all rule change proposals shall be published in the agenda
       of the meeting at which they are to be considered.

1.19.4 Unless specifically decided otherwise at the time of the change, a change
       affecting finance shall take effect from the first day of the next ITTF
       financial year, and any other change shall take effect from the first
       day of the next playing season, which in the northern hemisphere shall
       be 1st September.


From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 1.20 Penalties

1.20.1 A General Meeting may caution, censure, fine or suspend an Association
       which contravenes the Constitution, Regulations or decisions of the
       ITTF.

1.20.2 The cancellation of a suspension may be decided only by a General Meeting
       or, in emergency, by a majority of three-fourths of the votes cast at
       a Council meeting, subject to ratification by the next General Meeting.


From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 1.21 Dissolution

1.21.1 The ITTF shall not be dissolved except at a General Meeting specially
       convened for the purpose and by a resolution supported by a majority
       of four-fifths of the votes cast.

1.21.2 The balance of funds in hand at the time of dissolution shall be
       divided equally among the Associations not at that time in arrears.

From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 7.1.2 Disciplinary Regulations
=======================================

From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 2.1 Jurisdiction of Associations

2.1.1 Membership and Representation

2.1.1.1 For the purpose of these regulations a player shall be regarded as
        resident in a territory if his normal or main residence or base is in
        that territory; residence shall not be determined by continuity or by
        duration.

2.1.1.2 Before accepting a player into membership an Association shall satisfy
        itself that he is or intends to be resident in its territory and it
        shall not retain him if he terminates such residence.

2.1.1.3 Unless notified of any suspension or expulsion in accordance with the
        provisions of 2.1.3, Associations shall be entitled to regard any player
        or organisation resident in the territory of an Association and known
        to have been affiliated to it as eligible for play.

2.1.1.4 No Association shall make a resident in a territory controlled by
        another Association or, except after a genuine change of residence, a
        member of another Association, a member or representative of itself
        without the prior permission of the other Association except as provided
        in 2.1.1.5.

2.1.1.5 An Association may nominate as its representative at a General Meeting
        a resident of the territory in which the meeting takes place, provided
        that he has never been a member of another Association; such a nominee
        may be admitted as a representative by majority vote at the General
        Meeting for which he is nominated.

2.1.1.6 Any dispute under these regulations shall be referred to the Council.

2.1.2  Extent of Jurisdiction

2.1.2.1 In administering and interpreting its own regulations and decisions an
        Association shall exercise jurisdiction over:

2.1.2.1.1 players resident in its territory, while they are in that territory
          or in any  other territory;

2.1.2.1.2 visiting players, while they are in its territory, except as provided
          in  2.1.4.1;

2.1.2.1.3 players representing it in a competition who are normally resident in
          the territory of another Association, but only while they are taking
          part  in that competition;

2.1.2.1.4 a resident of a territory in which a General Meeting takes place
          acting  as its representative at the General Meeting, as provided in
          2.1.1.5.

2.1.3 Extension of Penalties

2.1.3.1 If an Association imposes a penalty of suspension or expulsion on a
        player under its jurisdiction and wishes this penalty to be enforced
        by other Associations it shall notify the Secretary-General who shall
        then notify all other Associations.

2.1.3.2 On receipt of such notification an Association shall enforce the penalty
        and shall not permit the player suspended or expelled to participate in
        any competition, exhibition or coaching in its territory or with its
        players until notified of the termination of the penalty or of its
        lapse.

2.1.3.3 A suspension may be renewed annually by notice to the Secretary-General
        but in the absence of such notice the suspension shall automatically
        lapse.

2.1.3.4 A list of players currently suspended or expelled shall be sent annually
        to all Associations by the Secretary-General, and additions to this list
        and reinstatements shall be notified as they occur.

2.1.3.5 If a player who has been suspended or expelled by an Association changes
        his residence to a territory controlled by another Association, the
        Association in whose territory he is resident may ask the Association
        which imposed the penalty, not sooner than one year after the player has
        left the territory of that Association, to review the penalty.

2.1.3.6 If the two Associations cannot agree on continuation or termination of
        the penalty the matter shall be referred to the Council.

2.1.3.7 A player who participates in any competition, exhibition or coaching
        with a player who is suspended or expelled shall be liable to
        disciplinary action.

2.1.4 Visiting Players

2.1.4.1 If a visiting player is officially representing his Association as a
        result of an invitation by the visited Association, the visited
        Association shall acquire no rights of penalty.

2.1.4.2 The responsible competition management committee shall have jurisdiction
        over the conduct of the event but no subsequent penalty shall be imposed
        on a visiting player for any offence committed in connection with that
        event.

2.1.4.3 The visited Association may protest to the visiting player's Association
        about such an offence, but his own Association shall retain sole
        jurisdiction over him and the right to impose a penalty.

2.1.4.4 If a visiting player participates in table tennis activities other than
        as an official representative of his Association, whether or not his
        visit is the result of an invitation by the visited Association, he
        shall be subject also to the jurisdiction of the visited Association.

2.1.4.5 The visited Association shall have the right to impose a penalty for any
        offence committed in connection with such activities but if the penalty
        is to operate outside the territory of the visited Association the
        visiting player's Association shall have the right to protest against
        the decision.

2.1.4.6 No such penalty shall come into operation until at least one calendar
        month after its notification with an account of all the circumstances,
        to the visiting player's Association.

2.1.4.7 If the visiting player's Association makes no protest within one
        calendar month of being notifiied the penalty may be imposed and may
        be extended in accordance with the provisions of 2.1.3.

2.1.4.8 If a protest is submitted within one calendar month the matter shall be
        referred to the Council and the penalty shall not come into operation
        before the Council has made its decision.

2.1.5 Payments to Players

2.1.5.1 Except when acting under the direct instructions of his Association as
        its representative, a player may accept payment, reward, benefit or
        allowances for playing in any competition other than World Championships
        or Olympic Games, or for exhibition or coaching, providing that he has
        previously obtained permission:

2.1.5.1.1 for the payment of such expenses, from the Association in whose area
          the event is to take place, except where the payments are to be made
          by that Association, and

2.1.5.1.2 for the receipt of such expenses, from the Association having
          jurisdiction over him.

2.1.5.2 Subject to any over-riding provisions of 2.1.5.1, each Association shall
        have absolute discretion to determine and regulate its own policy for
        payments, rewards, benefits and allowances in respect of players and
        events under its jurisdiction.

2.1.6 Television

2.1.6.1 An event other than World, Continental or Olympic title competitions may
        be broadcast by television only with the permission of the Association
        from whose territory the broadcast is made.

2.1.6.2 Participation in an international event presumes the consent of the
        Association controlling the visiting players to the televising of that
        event; in World, Continental or Olympic title competitions such consent
        is presumed for the showing anywhere of live or recorded television
        during the period of the event and within one month afterwards.

2.1.6.3 The right to televise the World Championships shall be vested in the
        ITTF which shall receive a levy on any fees paid of 20,000 Swiss francs
        or 10% of the fees, whichever is the greater, unless otherwise agreed
        by the Executive Committee.



From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 2.2 Unaffiliated Players and Organisations

2.2.1 The purpose of these regulations is to control, but not to prevent, play
      between affiliated and unaffiliated players; only players and teams
      nominated by Associations shall participate in World and Continental
      Championships but otherwise such play will, when not contrary to the
      principles of the ITTF or to the interests of its members, generally
      be permitted provided due application is made.

2.2.2 A player affiliated to an Association shall not take part in any
      competition, exhibition or coaching

2.2.2.1 in the territory of another Association, unless the body under whose
        auspices the activity takes place is affiliated to and in good standing
        with the Association of the visited territory, except with the prior
        permission of that Association;

2.2.2.2 in a territory not having an Association or whose governing organisation
        is not affiliated to the ITTF, except with the permission of the
        Executive Committee, unless the Council has previously given permission
        for the governing organisation to be included temporarily in the
        appropriate Continental Federation pending an application for
        membership.

2.2.2.3 organised by an unaffiliated body, unless permission for the event has
        been given by the Executive Committee, except as provided in 2.2.6.

2.2.3 The Association controlling the territory in which a player is resident
      shall be responsible for ensuring that he complies with the requirements
      of 2.2.2.

2.2.4 A player resident in a territory which has no governing organisation or
      whose governing organisation is not affiliated to the ITTF shall not
      take part in any competition, exhibition or coaching in the territory
      of an Association, except with the permission of the Executive
      Committee, unless the Council has previously given permission for the
      governing organisation to be included temporarily in the appropriate
      Continental Federation pending an application for membership.

2.2.5 The Executive Committee may give permission for a table tennis event to
      be organised by an unaffiliated body provided that

2.2.5.1 the organising body has undertaken to comply with the ITTF regulations
        appropriate to the event;

2.2.5.2 the organising body has undertaken not to include affiliated players
        in the event unless their Associations have given permission;

2.2.5.3 the organising body has undertaken not to include unaffiliated players
        in the event unless the Executive Committee has given permission;

2.2.5.4 the application to organise the event is supported by the Association,
        if any, controlling the territory in which the event is to take place;

2.2.5.5 the supporting Association has accepted responsibility for ensuring that
        the organising body observes the requirements of 2.2.5.1, 2.2.5.2  and
        2.2.5.3.

2.2.6 Where an Association is itself prepared to accept responsibility for the
      conduct of an event organised in its territory by an unaffiliated
      organisation no special permission is required, but the Association
      shall notify the Secretary-General who will then notify all other
      Associations that the event is in order.


From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 2.3 Eligibility for the Olympic Games

2.3.1 To be eligible to play in the Olympic Games, a player must

2.3.1.1 be nominated, through his NOC, by the Association having jurisdiction
        over him;

2.3.1.2 respect the spirit of fair play and non-violence;

2.3.1.3 refrain from the use of any substance prohibited by the regulations
        of the ITTF or the IOC;

2.3.1.4 agree to undergo any medical tests carried out in accordance with the
        rules of the IOC Medical Commission;

2.3.1.5 accept no reward of any kind for participating in the Olympic Games;

2.3.1.6 carry no advertisements on his clothing or equipment at the Olympic
        Games, other than trademarks authorised by the IOC;

2.3.1.7 comply with all appropriate ITTF regulations and the rules of the IOC.

2.3.2 The observation of the eligibility regulations shall be the responsibility
      of the Olympics Commission and the NOCs concerned, acting in accordance
      with the direction of the IOC Eligibility Commission.

2.3.3 Any alleged infringement of the eligibility regulations shall be notified
      to the IOC by the Olympics Commission or the NOC concerned, to be taken
      into consideration by the IOC Eligibility Commission.

2.3.4 A player accused of an infringement of the eligibility regulations shall
      have the right to request a hearing by the IOC Executive Board, whose
      decision shall be final.

From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 7.1.3 THE LAWS OF TABLE TENNIS
=======================================

From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 3.1   The Table

3.1.1 The upper surface of the table, known as the playing surface, shall be
      rectangular, 2.74m long and 1.525m wide, and shall lie in a horizontal
      plane 76cm above the floor.

3.1.2 The playing surface shall include the top edges of the table but not the
      sides of the table top below the edges.

3.1.3 The playing surface may be of any material and shall yield a uniform
      bounce of about 23cm when a standard ball is dropped on to it from a
      height of 30cm.

3.1.4 The playing surface shall be uniformly dark coloured and matt, but with
      a white side line, 2cm wide, along each 2.74m edge and a white end
      line, 2cm wide, along each 1.525m edge.

3.1.5 The playing surface shall be divided into two equal courts by a vertical
      net running parallel with the end lines, and shall be continuous over
      the whole area of each court.

3.1.6 For doubles, each court shall be divided into two equal half-courts by
      a white centre line, 3mm wide, running parallel with the side lines;
      the centre line shall be regarded as part of each right half-court.


From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 3.2   The Net Assembly

3.2.1 The net assembly shall consist of the net, its suspension and the
      supporting posts.

3.2.2 The net shall be suspended by a cord attached at each end to an upright
      post 15.25cm high, the outside limits of the post being 15.25cm outside
      the side line.

3.2.3 The top of the net, along its whole length, shall be 15.25cm above the
      playing surface.

3.2.4 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.


From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 3.3   The Ball

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

3.3.2 The ball shall weigh 2.5 gm.

3.3.3 The ball shall be made of celluloid or similar plastics material and
      shall be white or yellow, and matt.


From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 3.4   The Racket

3.4.1 The racket may be of any size, shape or weight but the blade shall be
      flat and rigid.

3.4.2 At least 85% of the blade by thickness shall be of natural wood; an
      adhesive layer within the blade may be reinforced with fibrous material
      such as carbon fibre, glass fibre or compressed paper, but shall not
      be thicker than 7.5% of the total thickness or 0.35mm, whichever is
      the smaller.

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

3.4.3.1 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 per sq cm and not more than 50 per sq
        cm.

3.4.3.2 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 not being more than 2 mm.

3.4.4 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.

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

3.4.6 The surface of the covering material on a side of the blade, or of a
      side of the blade if it is left uncovered, shall be uniformly dark-
      coloured and matt;  any trimming round the edge of the blade shall be
      matt and no part of it shall be white.

3.4.7 Slight deviations from continuity of surface or uniformity of colour due
      to accidental damage, wear or fading may be allowed provided that they
      do not significantly change the characteristics of the surface.

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


From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 3.5 Definitions

3.5.l A rally is the period during which the ball is in play.

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

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

3.5.4 The racket hand is the hand carrying the racket.

3.5.5 The free hand is the hand not carrying the racket.

3.5.6 A player strikes the ball if he touches it with his racket, held in the
      hand, or with his racket-hand below the wrist.

3.5.7 A player volleys the ball if he strikes it in play when it has not touched
      his court since last being struck by his opponent.

3.5.8 A player obstructs the ball if he, or anything he wears or carries,
      touches it in play when it has not passed over the playing surface or
      his end line, not having touched his court since last being struck by
      his opponent.

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

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

3.5.11 The umpire is the person appointed to control a match.

3.5.12 The assistant umpire is the person appointed to assist the umpire with
       certain duties.

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

3.5.14 The ball shall 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 or if, in a return, it is struck after it has bounced back
       over the net.

3.5.15 The end line shall be regarded as extending indefinitely in both
       directions.


From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 3.6   Service

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

3.6.2 The server shall then project the ball near vertically upwards, without
      imparting spin, so that it rises at least 16cm after leaving the palm of
      the free hand.

3.6.3 As the ball is falling from the highest point of its trajectory the
      server shall strike it so that it touches first his court, passes over
      or around the net assembly and touches the receiver's court; in doubles,
      the ball shall touch the right half court of server and receiver.

3.6.4 Both the ball and the racket shall be above the level of the playing
      surface from the last moment at which the ball is stationary until it
      is struck.

3.6.5 When the ball is struck it shall be behind the server's end line but
      not farther back than the part of the server's body, other than his
      arm, head or leg, which is farthest from  his end line.

3.6.6 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.

3.6.6.1 If the umpire or assistant umpire is doubtful of the legality of a
      service but neither is sure that it is illegal the server may, on the
      first occasion in a match, be warned without losing a point.

3.6.6.2 If subsequently in the match the same player's service is of doubtful
      legality, for the same or for any other reason, he shall not be given
      the benefit of the doubt and shall lose a point.

3.6.6.3 Whenever there is a clear failure to comply with the requirements for
      a good service no warning shall be given and the server shall lose a
      point, on the first as on any other occasion.

3.6.7 Exceptionally, strict observance of any of the requirements for a good
      service may be waived where the umpire is notified, before play begins,
      that compliance is prevented by physical disability.


From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 3.7   A Good Return

3.7.1 The ball, having been served or returned, shall be struck so that it
      passes over or around the net assembly and touches the opponent's court,
      either directly or after touching the net assembly.


From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 3.8   The Order of Play

3.8.1 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.

3.8.2 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 in turn in that sequence shall make a good
      return.


From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 3.9   In Play

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

3.9.1.1 it touches anything other than the playing surface, the net assembly,
        the racket held in the hand or the racket hand below the wrist, or

3.9.1.2 the rally is otherwise decided as a let or a point.


From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 3.10   A Let

3.10.1 The rally shall be a let

3.10.1.1 if in service the ball, in passing over or around the net assembly,
         touches it, provided the service is otherwise good or the ball is
         volleyed or obstructed by the receiver or his partner;

3.10.1.2 if the service is delivered when the receiving player or pair is not
         ready, provided that neither the receiver nor his partner attempts to
         strike the ball;

3.10.1.3 if 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;

3.10.1.4 if play is interrupted by the umpire or assistant umpire.

3.10.2   Play may be interrupted

3.10.2.1 to correct an error in the order of serving, receiving or ends;

3.10.2.2 to introduce the expedite system;

3.10.2.3 to warn or penalise a player;

3.10.2.4 because the conditions of play are disturbed in a way which could
         affect the outcome of the rally.


From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 3.11 A Point

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

3.11.1.1 if he fails to make a good service;

3.11.1.2 if he fails to make a good return;

3.11.1.3 if he volleys or obstructs the ball, except as provided in 3.10.1.1;

3.11.1.4 if he strikes the ball twice successively;

3.11.1.5 if the ball touches his court twice successively;

3.11.1.6 if he strikes the ball with a side of the racket blade whose surface
          does not comply with the requirements of 3.4.3;

3.11.1.7 if he, or anything he wears or carries, moves the playing surface;

3.11.1.8 if his free hand touches the playing surface;

3.11.1.9 if he, or anything he wears or carries, touches the net assembly;

3.11.1.10 if in doubles, except in serving or receiving, he strikes the ball
          out of proper sequence;

3.11.1.11 if, under the expedite system, he serves and the receiving player or
          pair makes thirteen successive good returns.



From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 3.12   A Game

3.12.1 A game shall be won by the player or pair first scoring 21 points unless
       both players or pairs score 20 points, when the game shall be won by
       the player or pair first scoring subsequently 2 points more than the
       opposing player or pair.


From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 3.13 A Match

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

3.13.2 Play shall be continuous throughout a match except that any player shall
       be entitled to claim an interval of not more than two minutes between
       successive games.


From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 3.14   The Choice of Serving, Receiving and Ends

3.14.1 The right to make first choice shall be decided by lot.

3.14.2 The player or pair winning this right may

3.14.2.1 choose to serve or to receive first, when the loser shall have the
         choice of ends;

3.14.2.2 choose an end, when the loser shall have the choice of serving or
         receiving first;

3.14.2.3 require the loser to make the first choice, when the winner shall
         have whichever choice is not made by the loser.

3.14.3 In doubles, the pair having the right to serve first in each game shall
       decide which of them will do so and

3.14.3.1 in the first game of a match, the opposing pair shall then decide
         which of them will receive first;

3.14.3.2 in subsequent games of the match, the first receiver will be determined
         by the choice of server, as provided in 3.15.5.


From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 3.15   The Order of Serving, Receiving and Ends

3.15.1 After 5 points have been scored the receiving player or pair shall
       become the serving player or pair and so on until the end of the game,
       or until each player or pair has scored 20 points or until the
       introduction of the expedite system.

3.15.2 In doubles,

3.15.2.1 the first server shall be the selected player of the pair having the
         right to serve first and the first receiver shall be the appropriate
         player of the opposing pair;

3.15.2.2 the second server shall be the player who was the first receiver and
         the second receiver shall be the partner of the first server;

3.15.2.3 the third server shall be the partner of the first server and the third
         receiver shall be the partner of the first receiver;

3.15.2.4 the fourth server shall be the partner of the first receiver and the
         fourth receiver shall be the first server;

3.15.2.5 the fifth server shall be the player who was the first server and the
         players shall thereafter serve in the same sequence until the end of
         the game.

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

3.15.4 The player or pair who served first in a game shall receive first in
       the immediately subsequent game of the match.

3.15.5 In each game of a doubles match after the first, the first server having
       been chosen, the first receiver shall be the player who served to him
       in the immediately preceding game.

3.15.6 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.

3.15.7 The player or pair starting at one end in a game shall start at the other
       end in the immediately subsequent game of the match.

3.15.8 In the last possible game of a match the players shall change ends when
       first either player or pair scores 10 points.


From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 3.16 Out of Order of Serving, Receiving and Ends

3.16.1 If a player serves or receives out of turn, play shall be interrupted
       by the umpire as soon as the error is discovered and shall resume with
       those players serving and receiving who should be server and 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 of serving chosen by the pair having the right to serve first
       in the game during which the error is discovered.

3.16.2 If the players have not changed ends when they should have done so, play
       shall be interrupted by the umpire as soon as the error is discovered
       and shall resume with the players at the ends at which they should be
       at the score that has been reached, according to the sequence
       established at the beginning of the match.

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


From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 3.17   The Expedite System

3.17.1 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.

3.17.1.1 If the ball is in play when the time limit is reached, play shall be
         interrupted by the umpire and shall resume with service by the player
         who served in the rally that was interrupted.

3.17.1.2 If the ball is not in play when the time limit is reached, play shall
         resume with service by the player who received in the immediately
         preceding rally of the game.

3.17.2 Thereafter, each player shall serve for one point in turn until the end
       of the game and if the receiving player or pair makes thirteen good
       returns the server shall lose a point.

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

From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 7.1.4  REGULATIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS
==========================================================
From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 4.1    Scope of Laws and Regulations

4.1.1  Types of Competition

4.1.1.1 An "international competition" is a competition which may include the
        players of more than one Association.

4.1.1.2 An "international match" is a match between teams representing
        Associations.

4.1.1.3 An "open tournament" is a tournament which is open for entry to the
        players of all Associations.

4.1.1.4 A "restricted tournament" is a tournament which is restricted for entry
        to specified groups of players, other than age groups.

4.1.1.5 An "invitation tournament" is a tournament which is restricted for entry
        to specified players, individually invited.

4.1.2   Applicability

4.1.2.1 The Laws (Chapter Three) shall apply to World, Continental and Olympic
        title competitions, open tournaments and, unless otherwise agreed by
        the participating Associations, to international matches.

4.1.2.2 The Laws are recommended for all other international competitions and
        Associations are recommended to adopt the Laws for their domestic
        competitions.

4.1.2.3 The Regulations for International Competitions shall apply, subject to
        any limitation specified in a particular Regulation, to:

4.1.2.3.1 World and Olympic title competitions, unless otherwise authorised by
          the Council and notified in advance to the participating Associations;

4.1.2.3.2 Continental title competitions, unless otherwise authorised by the
          appropriate Continental Federation and notified in advance to the
          participating Associations;

4.1.2.3.3 Open International Championships (4.6.1.2), unless otherwise
          authorised by the ITTF and agreed by the participants in accordance
          with 4.1.2.4;

4.1.2.4 Where an open tournament does not comply with any of these regulations
        the nature and extent of the variation shall be specified in the entry
        form;  completion and submission of an entry form shall be regarded as
        signifying agreement by the entrant to the conditions of the
        competition, including such variations.

4.1.2.5 These regulations are recommended for all other international
        competitions but, provided that the Constitution and Disciplinary
        Regulations are observed :

4.1.2.5.1 regional competitions other than Continental Championships may be
          held under rules laid down from time to time by the appropriate
          regional authority;

4.1.2.5.2 international restricted and invitation tournaments and recognised
          international competitions organised by unaffiliated bodies may be
          held under rules laid down by the organising authority or jointly
          agreed;

4.1.2.5.3 competitions restricted to the players of one Association may be
          held under rules laid down by that Association.

4.1.2.6 In general, the Laws and the Regulations for International Competitions
        shall be presumed to apply unless variations have been agreed in advance
        or are made clear in the published rules of the competition.

4.1.2.7 Detailed explanations of regulations, including equipment
        specifications, shall be published in the form of Technical Leaflets
        authorised by the Council and in the Handbook for Match Officials.


From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 4.2   Equipment and Playing Conditions

4.2.1 Playing Equipment

4.2.1.1 The table, the net assembly and the ball shall each be of a brand and
        type currently approved by the ITTF;

4.2.1.2 The covering material on a side of the blade used for striking the
        ball shall be of a brand and type currently authorised by the ITTF and
        shall be attached to the blade in such a way that the trademark and
        the ITTF logo are clearly visible near the edge of the striking surface.

4.2.1.3 The surface of one side of the racket  shall be bright red and the
        surface  of the other side shall be black, whether or not both sides
        are used for striking the ball.

4.2.1.4 It is the responsibility of the player to ensure that the racket he
        uses can be seen to comply with the requirements of the relevant Laws
        and Regulations.

4.2.1.5 The approval and authorisation of playing equipment shall be conducted
        in accordance with directives agreed by the Council.

4.2.2   Clothing

4.2.2.1 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.

4.2.2.2 Clothing may be of any colour except that, where a white ball is in use,
        only the collar and sleeves of a shirt and trimmings along sideseams or
        near the edges of shirt, shorts or skirt may be white and, where a
        yellow ball is in use, only these parts may be yellow.

4.2.2.3 Clothing may carry

4.2.2.3.1 a badge or lettering, other than advertisment, on the front or side,
          contained within a total area or 64 sq cm;

4.2.2.3.2 numbers or lettering on the back of the shirt to identify a player,
          his Association or, in club matches, his club;

4.2.2.3.3 advertisments in accordance with the provisions of 4.2.4.6.

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

4.2.2.5 Clothing shall not carry designs or lettering which might cause offence
        or bring the game into disrepute.

4.2.2.6 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 authorised by the ITTF.

4.2.2.7 The players of a team taking part in a team match, and players nominated
        by the same Association forming a doubles pair, shall be dressed
        uniformly, with the possible exception of socks and shoes.

4.2.2.8 Opposing players and pairs shall wear clothing that is sufficiently
        different to enable them to be easily distinguished by spectators.

4.3.3   Playing Conditions

4.2.3.1 The playing space shall not be less than 14m long, 7m wide and 4m high.

4.2.3.2 The playing area shall be enclosed by surrounds about 75 cm high, all
        of the same dark background colour, separating it from adjacent playing
        areas and from spectators.

4.2.3.3 The light intensity, measured at the height of the playing surface,
        shall not be less than 1000 lux uniformly over the whole of the playing
        surface and the intensity at any other part of the playing area shall
        not be less than half the intensity over the playing surface.

4.2.3.4 The light source shall not be less than 4m above the floor.

4.2.3.5 The background shall be generally dark and shall not contain bright
        light sources nor daylight through uncovered windows or other apertures.

4.2.3.6 The floor shall not be light-coloured nor brightly reflecting and its
        surface shall not be of brick, concrete or stone.

4.2.4   Advertisments

4.2.4.1 Inside the playing area advertisements shall be displayed only on
        equipment or fittings which are normally present and there shall be no
        special additional displays.

4.2.4.2 Fluorescent or luminescent colours shall not be used anywhere in the
        playing area.

4.2.4.3 Lettering or symbols on the inside of surrounds shall not be white nor
        of more than two colours and shall be contained within a total height
        of 40 cm.

4.2.4.4 Advertisements on tables are allowed only on the longer sides and ends
        of the table top and each shall be contained within a total area of 200
        sq cm; permanent advertisments are limited to the maker's trademark,
        symbol or name, once on each half of a side, but the organising
        authority of a competition may grant permission for other temporary
        advertisments, one on each side and one on each end.


4.2.4.5 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.

4.2.4.6 Advertisements on players' clothing, other than on players' numbers,
        shall not be white and shall be limited to

4.2.4.6.1 the maker's normal trademark, symbol or name contained within a
          total area of 24 sq cm;

4.2.4.6.2 not more than two advertisments, each contained within a total area
          of 40 sq cm and clearly separated from each other, on the front or
          side of a shirt;

4.2.4.6.3 one advertisment, contained within a total area of 40 sq cm, on shorts
          or skirt;

4.2.4.6.4 one advertisment, contained within a total area of 200 sq cm, on
          the back of a shirt.

4.2.4.7 There shall be no advertisements on players' clothing or numbers for
        tobacco goods, alcoholic drinks or harmful drugs.

4.2.4.8 Advertisements on players' numbers shall be contained within a total
        area of 100 sq cm.

4.2.4.9 Advertisments on umpires' clothing shall be contained within an area
        of 40 sq cm.

4.2.4.10 At World Championships, advertisements within the playing area other
         than for table tennis equipment shall be subject to the approval of
         the Council or of the Executive Committee acting on behalf of the
         Council.

From [e-mail] Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 4.3     Jurisdiction of Officials

4.3.1   Referee

4.3.1.1 For each competition as a whole a referee shall be appointed and his
        identity and location shall be made known to the participants and,
        where appropriate, to the team captains.

4.3.1.2 The referee shall be responsible for

4.3.1.2.1 the conduct of the darw;

4.3.1.2.2 the scheduling of the matches by time and table;

4.3.1.2.3 the appointment of match officials;

4.3.1.2.4 deciding any question of interpretation of Laws or Regulations,
          including the legality of clothing and other equipment;

4.3.1.2.5 deciding whether players may wear track suits during a match;

4.3.1.2.6 deciding whether play may be suspended in an emergency

4.3.1.2.7 deciding whether players may leave the playing area during a match;

4.3.1.2.8 deciding whether statutory practice periods may be extended;

4.3.1.2.9 taking disciplinary action for misbehavior or other breaches of
          regulations.

4.3.1.3 Where, with the agreement of the competition management committee, any
        of the duties of the referee are delegated to other persons, the
        specific responsibilities and locations of each of these persons shall
        be made known to the participants and, where appropriate, to the team