2.4.6 Both sides of the racket, whether covered or not, must be lusterless and one side must be bright red and the other side black.
Attached to the latest Rules of Table Tennis
Latest Rules of Table Tennis
I. The contents of the Rules of Table Tennis are divided into three parts:
1. Rules of Table Tennis
2. Rules of International Competition
3. Regulations of Table Tennis Competition
1. >Table Tennis Rules
2.1 The Table
2.1.1 The upper surface of the table, called the playing surface, shall be a rectangle parallel to the horizontal plane, 2.74 meters long, 1.525 meters wide and 76 centimeters high above the ground.
2.1.2 The playing surface does not include the sides that are perpendicular to the table surface.
2.1.3 The playing surface may be made of any material and shall be uniformly elastic, i.e., when a standard ball is dropped from a height of 30 centimeters above the surface of the table to the surface of the table, it shall bounce to a height of approximately 23 centimeters.
2.1.4 The playing surface shall be of a uniform dark color, with no gloss, and shall have a white border line 2 cm wide along the edge of each 2.74 m playing surface and a white end line 2 cm wide along the edge of each 1.525 m playing surface.
2.1.5 The playing surface shall be divided into two equal table areas by a vertical net parallel to the end lines, and the entire area of each table area shall be a single unit.
2.1.6 In doubles, each table area shall be divided into two equal "halves" by a white center line 3 mm wide. The center line is parallel to the side lines and shall be considered part of the right half of the zone.
2.2 Net Equipment
2.2.1 The net equipment consists of the net, the suspension ropes, the posts and the clamps that hold them to the table.
2.2.2 The net shall be suspended from a rope, the ends of which are tied to upright net posts 15.25 centimeters high, with the outer edges of the posts 15.25 centimeters away from the outer edges of the sidelines.
2.2.3 The top of the entire net shall be 15.25 centimeters from the playing surface.
2.2.4 The bottom edge of the net shall be as close as possible to the playing surface and the ends shall be as close as possible to the posts.
2.3 Ball
2.3.1 The ball shall be a round sphere with a diameter of 40 mm.
2.3.2 The ball shall weigh 2.7 grams.
2.3.3 The ball shall be made of celluloid or similar material, be white or orange in color, and have no luster.
2.4 Rackets
2.4.1 The racket shall be of any size, shape and weight. However, the backboard should be flat and hard.
2.4.2 The thickness of the backboard should be at least 85% natural wood. The bonding layers to reinforce the baseboards may be made of fibrous materials such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, or compressed paper, with each bonding layer not exceeding 7.5% of the total thickness of the baseboards or 0.35 mm.
2.4.3 The face of the racket used for hitting shall be covered with a layer of regular granular adhesive with the granules facing outward, together with the adhesive, not exceeding 2 millimeters in thickness, or with sponge adhesive with the granules facing inward or outward, together with the adhesive, not exceeding 4 millimeters in thickness.
2.4.3.1 "Ordinary granular adhesive" is a layer of non-foamed natural or synthetic rubber, the granules of which shall be distributed over the entire surface at an average density of not less than 10 and not more than 50 granules per square centimeter.
2.4.3.2 "Sponge rubber" is a layer of foam rubber covered with a layer of ordinary granular rubber, the thickness of which does not exceed 2 mm.
2.4.4 The covering shall cover the entire racket face, but shall not extend beyond its edges. The part of the racket near the handle and the part of the racket held by the fingers may be left uncovered and may be covered with any material.
2.4.5 The backboard, any interlayer in the backboard, and any coverings and adhesive layers on the side used for hitting shall be of uniform thickness.
2.4.6 Both sides of the racket, with or without coverings, shall be matte-free and bright red on one side and black on the other.
2.4.7 Slight variations in the integrity and color consistency of the racket face due to accidental damage, wear or fading. This is permissible as long as it does not significantly alter the performance of the racket face.
2.4.8 At the beginning of a match and during a match when a player needs to change rackets, he must show his opponent and the referee the racket he is going to use and allow them to inspect it.
2.5 Definitions
2.5.1 "Round": a period of time when the ball is in play.
2.5.2 "Ball in Match Condition", from the last moment the ball was stationary in the palm of the non-handling hand before the conscious serve to the point at which the round is awarded a point or a re-serve.
2.5.3 "Re-serve": a round in which no point is awarded.
2.5.4 "One point": a round in which a point is awarded.
2.5.5 "Racket Hand": the hand that is holding the racket.
2.5.6 "Non-Racket Hand": the hand that is not holding the racket.
2.5.7 "Striking the ball": touching the ball with the racket in the hand or with the hand below the wrist.
2.5.8 "Blocking": touching a player or anything worn by a player of the home team if the ball has traveled over the table or is moving in the direction of the playing table since the last stroke of the opponent's ball that touched the home team's area, before it has touched the home team's area and before it has crossed the end line.
2.5.9 "Starter": the player who hits the ball first in a round.
2.5.10 "Receiver": the player who hits the ball second in an over.
2.5.11 "Umpire: the person appointed to manage a match.
2.5.12 "Deputy Umpire": a person appointed to assist the umpire in some way.
2.5.13 "Worn or Dressed" Item: Any item worn or dressed by a Player at the start of a Round, excluding the match ball.
2.5.14 "OVER OR AROUND NET DEVICE": the ball shall be deemed to have "over or around" the net device except when it passes between the net and the playing surface and between the net and the netting.
2.5.15 "End Line" of the table: This includes the end line of the table and the infinite extensions of both ends of the end line.
2.6 Legal Serve
2.6.1 The ball shall be served with the ball resting in the palm of the non-handling hand, which is open and flat. The ball shall be stationary, behind the serve side's end line and above the level of the playing surface.
2.6.2 The server shall throw the ball upward almost vertically with his hands, without spinning the ball, and so that the ball rises not less than 16 centimetres after it leaves the palm of the hand of the hand not holding the racket, and the ball shall not touch any object until it descends to the point where it is struck.
2.6.3 When the ball has descended from the highest point of the throw, the player serving may strike the ball so that it first touches his own side of the table, then goes over or around the netting device and then touches the receiver's side of the table. In doubles, the ball shall touch the right half of the tee of the server and the right half of the receiver successively.
2.6.4 The ball and racket shall be above the level of the playing surface of the table from the last moment the ball was stationary before the throw to the time of the stroke.
2.6.5 When the ball is struck, it shall be behind the end line of the serving side, but not beyond the part of the player's body (other than arms, head or legs) furthest from the end line.
2.6.6 When a player serves the ball, he shall allow the Referee or Deputy Referee to see that he serves the ball in accordance with a legal serve.
2.6.6.1 If the referee doubts the correctness of a serve and neither he nor the assistant referee is satisfied that the serve is not legal, the referee may warn the player without awarding a point the first time this occurs in a match.
2.6.6.2 If, in the same match, the correctness of the serve of the player or his doubles partner is again in doubt, a point is awarded to the receiving team, whether for the same reason or not.
2.6.6.3 Whether or not for the first time or at any time, whenever it becomes apparent that the server has not served in accordance with a legal serve, he shall be awarded a point lost without warning.
2.6.7 When a player is unable to comply strictly with certain provisions of the legal serve because of a physical injury or illness, the decision to waive them may be made by the referee, provided that this is made clear to the referee prior to the match.
2.7 LEGAL RETURNS
2.7.1 After the opponent has served or returned the ball, the player of his side must hit the ball so that it goes directly over or around the net device, or touches the net device and then touches the opponent's table area.
2.8 Order of Play
2.8.1 In singles, the serve is first legally served by the player who serves, then legally returned by the player who receives the serve, and then legally returned by both alternately.
2.8.2 In doubles, the serve is first legally served by the player who serves, then legally returned by the receiver, then legally returned by the partner of the player who serves, then legally returned by the partner of the receiver, and thereafter the players take turns legally returning the serve in this order.
2.9 RETURNS
2.9.1 The following shall be awarded in a round:
2.9.1.1 If a ball sent by a player from the server, over or around the net device, touches the net device, and thereafter becomes a legal serve or is blocked by the receiver or his/her partner.
2.9.1.2 If the ball is served when the receiver or receiving team is not ready and the receiver or receiving team makes no attempt to hit the ball.
2.9.1.3 If a player fails to serve legally, return legally or comply with a Rule because of interference beyond the player's control.
2.9.1.4 The referee or deputy referee suspends play.
2.9.2 A match may be suspended in the following circumstances:
2.9.2.1 due to the correction of an error in the sequence or orientation of serves, serve-receive, or direction;
2.9.2.2 due to the implementation of the rotational serve method;
2.9.2.3 due to a warning or sanction of a player;
2.9.2.4 due to interference with the playing environment such that the result of the round may be in jeopardy;
2.9.2.4 because of the interference with the environment. interference so that the result of the Round is likely to be affected.
2.10 One Point
2.1O.1 Except for a round in which a reroll is awarded, a player scores a point if:
2.10.1.1 The opposing player fails to serve legally;
2.1O.1.2 The opposing player fails to return a legal return of serve;
2.1O.1.3 The player fails to return a legal return of serve or return of serve before the ball has been touched and before the ball has been hit by the opposing player. player hits the ball before the ball touches anything other than the net device;
2.10.1.4 the opposing player hits the ball and the ball crosses the home end line without touching the home table area;
2.10.1.5 the opposing player blocks;
2.10.1.6 the opposing player connects with a shot;
2.10.1.7 the opposing player hits the ball with a ball that does not comply with 1.4.3 1.4.4, 1.4.4 and 1.4.5;
2.10.1.8 the opposing player or anything he wears moves the table;
2.10.1.9 the opposing player or anything he wears touches the netting device;
2.10.1.10 the opposing player's unarmed hand touches the playing surface;
2.10.1.12 Clause 1.15.2 occurs during the execution of the rotational serve method.
2.11 One Game
2.11.1 In a one-game match, the first player to score 11 points is the winner; after a tie-break of 10 points, the first player to score 2 more points is the winner.
2.12 A Match
2.12.1 A match consists of an odd number of innings.
2.12.2 A match shall be played consecutively, except for permitted intervals.
2.13 Choice of serve, serve by serve and side
2.13.1 The choice of serve, serve receive and the power of this side and that side shall be determined by the drawing of lots. The winner of the draw may choose to serve or receive first, or to be on a particular side first.
2.13.2 When a player of one side has chosen to serve or receive first, or to be on a side first, the player of the other side must have another choice.
2.13.3 After each two points have been scored, the receiving team becomes the serving team and so on until the end of the set, or until both teams have reached a score of 10 points or until the rotation method of serving has been introduced, at which time the order of serving and receiving remains the same but each player serves one point in turn only.
2.13.4 In the first set of a doubles match, the team that serves first determines the first server, and then the team that receives first determines the first receiver. In subsequent sets, after the first server has been determined, the first receiver shall be the player to whom the ball was served in the previous set.
2.13.5 In doubles, at each change of serve, the receiver in front of him shall become the server and the partner of the server in front of him shall become the receiver.
2.13.6 The side that serves first in a set shall be the first to receive serve in the next set on that court. In a doubles tie-break, when one side scores the first five points, the receiving side shall exchange the order of serve.
2.13.7 The side playing in one position in a set shall change to the other position in the next set on that court. In a tie-break, when a side scores the first five points, the sides shall exchange sides.
2.14 Errors in Serve and Receive Order and Orientation
2.14.1 Whenever the referee discovers an error in the order of serve and receive, the match shall be suspended immediately and the player who should serve or receive shall serve or receive in the order established at the beginning of the match, according to the score on the court, or, in the case of doubles, in the order established by the player who had the right to serve first in the set at the time of discovery of the error. The order established at the time the error is discovered is corrected and play continues.
2.14.2 As soon as the referee discovers that the players should have exchanged positions but have not done so, he or she shall immediately suspend play and correct the correct position in which the players should have stood according to the score on the court in accordance with the order established at the beginning of that game before continuing play.
2.14.3 In all cases, all scores prior to the discovery of the error are valid.
2.15 ROTATION OF SERVES
2.15.1 If a set has not been completed by the end of 10 minutes (except when both players have scored at least 9 points), or at any time prior thereto, at the request of both players, a rotation of serves shall be practiced.
2.15.1.1 When the time limit is reached and the ball is still in play, the referee shall immediately suspend play. The player who served in the suspended round shall serve and play shall continue.
2.15.1.2 When the time limit expires and the ball is not in play, it shall be served by the receiver of the previous round and play shall continue.
2.15.2 Thereafter, each player takes a turn serving a point until the end of the set. If the receiving team makes 13 legal returns, a point is awarded to the serving team.
2.15.3 Once the rotational serve method is in effect, or after a set has been played for 10 minutes, the rotational serve method must be in effect for the remaining sets of that match.
3.1 Scope of Application of Rules and Regulations
3.1.1 Types of Competitions
3.1.1.1 "International Competitions", i.e., competitions in which players from more than one Association participate.
3.1.1.2 "International Competition", i.e. a match between teams from different Associations.
3.1.1.3 "Open Competition", i.e. a competition in which athletes from all Associations may enter.
3.1.1.4 "Restricted Race", i.e. a race that is limited to athletes in specific categories other than age groups.
3.1.1.5 "Invitational", i.e., a competition limited to individually invited, designated Athletes.
3.1.2 Scope of Application
3.1.2.1 Except as otherwise provided in 3.1.2.2, the Rules will apply to World, Continental and Olympic Competitions, Open and International Competitions, unless the participating Associations agree otherwise.
3.1.2.2 The Council may authorize the organizer of an Open Competition to adopt experimental rules awarded by the Executive Committee.
3.1.2.3 The Regulations for International Competitions shall apply to the following competitions:
3.1.2.3.1 World and Olympic competitions, unless the Council authorizes a different regulation and the participating Associations are notified in advance;
3.1.2.3.2 Continental competitions, unless the Federation of the continent concerned authorizes another regulation and the participating Associations are notified in advance;
3.1.2.3.2 Continent competitions, unless the Federation of the continent concerned authorizes another regulation and the participating Associations are notified in advance; and Associations;
3.1.2.3.3 Open Championships (3.7.1.2), unless another protocol has been licensed by the FIDE Executive Committee and agreed to by the competitors in accordance with clause 3.1.2.4;
3.1.2.3.4 Open Championships, except as provided in clause 3.1.2.4.
3.1.2.4 An open tournament held not in accordance with any of the provisions of the regulations shall state the nature and extent of the changes in the entry form; completion and submission of the entry form shall be deemed to constitute the entrant's consent to the conditions of the tournament including the changes.
3.1.2.5 It is recommended that these Regulations should be applied to all international competitions, except that international restricted and invitational competitions organized by non-members and licensed international competitions may be held in accordance with the rules laid down by the sponsoring body, subject to the conditions of the Regulations.
3.1.2.6 These Rules and the International Competition Regulations are deemed to apply to all International Competitions unless changes have been agreed to in advance or are expressly written into the published Regulations for that competition.
3.1.2.7 Detailed descriptions and understandings of the regulations, including descriptions of equipment specifications, shall be published in the form of Technical Instruments, Match Officials' Handbook and Referee's Handbook, as permitted by the Council.
3.2 Equipment and Conditions of Play
3.2.1 Approved and Licensed Equipment
3.2.1.1 Approval or licensing of equipment for the competition shall be carried out by the Equipment Committee acting on behalf of the Council; and the Council may revoke the approval of a product if it is found at any time that its continued manufacture or use is detrimental to the game of table tennis.
3.2.1.2 The Entry Form or Competition Guide for an Open Tournament shall specify in detail the table and net set-up to be used, and the brand and color of the balls; the selection of equipment shall be made by the Association in whose territory the tournament is held from among the brands and models currently approved by the FIDE.
3.2.1.3 The covering of the hitting surface of the racket shall be of a make and model currently licensed by the ITTF and shall bear on its edges the trade mark model number and the ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation) logo in a clearly visible manner.
3.2.1.4 A list of licensed adhesives for bonding racket coverings to rackets is available from the Secretariat.
3.2.2 Clothing
3.2.2.1 Competition clothing generally consists of a short-sleeved jersey, shorts or skirts, socks, and athletic shoes; other clothing, such as half or full jerseys, may not be worn in competition except with the permission of the Head Referee.
3.2.2.2 The predominant color of the short-sleeved jersey (except sleeves and collar), shorts or skirt shall be distinctly different from the color of the game ball.
3.2.2.3 The back of the short-sleeved jersey may have numbers or lettering to identify the Player, the Player's Association or, in the case of a club match, the Player's Club, as well as advertisements in accordance with clause 3.2.4.9.
3.2.2.4 A number cloth developed by the Organizer to identify the Athlete shall be worn in the middle of the back of the short-sleeved jersey in preference to advertising. This number shall be rectangular in shape and not larger than 600 square centimeters in area.
3.2.2.5 Any markings or decorations on the front or side of the jersey and any items worn by the Athlete, such as jewelry adornments, should not be so conspicuous or reflective as to interfere with the opponent's view.
3.2.2.6 Clothing shall not bear designs or lettering that may be offensive or discredit the sport.
3.2.2.7 Matters relating to the legality and acceptability of the uniform shall be decided by the Referee.
3.2.2.8 Athletes on the same team in a team competition, or in doubles consisting of athletes from the same Association, shall wear the same clothing, except for footwear.
3.2.2.9 Athletes on both sides of a match shall wear sportswear of distinctly different colors so that spectators can easily distinguish between them.
3.2.2.10 When both athletes or teams wear similar colors and neither wishes to change, it shall be determined by lot that one of the teams must change.
3.2.2.11 Athletes participating in World, Olympic or International Open Championships shall wear short-sleeved jerseys, shorts or skirts, etc. of a type approved by their Association.
3.2.3 Competition Conditions
3.2.3.1 The competition area space shall be not less than 14 meters in length, 7 meters in width and 5 meters in height.
3.2.3.2 The race area shall be enclosed by 75 cm high panels of the same dark color to separate adjacent race areas and spectators.
3.2.3.3 In World and Olympic competitions, the illumination measured from the height of the playing surface shall not be less than 1,000 lux and shall be uniform throughout the playing surface, and shall not be less than 500 lux in the rest of the playing area; in other competitions, the illumination shall not be less than 600 lux on the playing surface and shall be uniform throughout the playing surface, and shall not be less than 400 lux in the rest of the playing area. shall not be less than 400 lux.
3.2.3.4 The level of illumination shall be uniform when multiple tables are used, and the background illumination of the playing hall shall not be higher than the minimum illumination level of the playing area.
3.2.3.5 Light sources shall not be less than 5 meters above the floor.
3.2.3.6 The perimeter of the field shall generally be dark, with no bright light sources, or uncovered daylight through windows, etc.
3.2.3.7 The floor shall not be too light in color or strongly reflective or slippery and shall not have a surface of brick, concrete or stone; in World and Olympic competitions, the floor shall be wood or a brand and type of removable plastic floor approved by the FIBT.
3.2.4 ADVERTISING
3.2.4.1 In the tournament area, advertisements shall be displayed only on equipment and fixtures set out in the regulations and not on separate advertisements.
3.2.4.2 Fluorescent or glowing colors are not permitted anywhere in the race area.
3.2.4.3 Lettering and markings on the inside of the baffle are prohibited to be white or yellow, or more than two colors, and should be limited to a total height of 40 centimeters; it is recommended to use a color that is darker or lighter than the base color.
3.2.4.4 Markers on the floor and on the ends and sides of the table shall be darker or lighter than the base color, or black.
3.2.4.5 There may be a maximum of four (4) advertisements on the floor of the playing area, and one (1) advertisement on each side and on each end face of the dugout, with the total area of each advertisement not exceeding 2.5 square meters; the advertisement shall be not less than one (1) meter away from the blocking boards, and the advertisement message boards on each end shall be not more than two (2) meters apart.
3.2.4.6 There may be one temporary advertisement on each 1/2 of the two sides of the table and on the end face, which must not be an advertisement for another Table Tennis Equipment Supplier and must be clearly distinguishable from the permanent advertisements; each advertisement must not be more than 60 centimeters in total length.
3.2.4.7 Advertisements on the net shall be darker or lighter in color than the background, shall be not less than 3 centimeters from the top of the net, and shall not cover the net.
3.2.4.8 Advertisements on referee's tables or other equipment in the playing area shall not exceed a total area of 750 square centimeters on any one side;
3.2.4.9 Advertisements on athletes' apparel shall be subject to the following limitations:
3.2.4.9.1 The manufacturer's normal trademarks, markings, or names, which shall not take up more than a total area of 24 square centimeters;< /p>
3.2.4.9.2 Short-sleeved sweatshirts may not have more than 3 advertisements on the front and sides of the shirt, the total area of the advertisements not exceeding 200 square centimeters, and each of the advertisements must be distinctly separated;
3.2.4.9.3 Short-sleeved sweatshirts may have one advertisement on the back of the shirt not exceeding 200 square centimeters in area;
3.2.4.9.4 On shorts or skirts may have no more than two (2) advertisements with a total area not exceeding 80 square centimeters.
3.2.4.10 Advertisements on the Athlete's number bib may not exceed a total area of 100 square centimeters.
3.2.4.11 The total area of advertising on the referee's clothing must not exceed 40 square centimeters.
3.2.4.12 No advertisements for tobacco products, alcoholic beverages or harmful drugs shall be permitted on the uniforms and number cloths.
3.3 Authority of Referees
3.3.1 Referee
3.3.1.1 A Referee shall be appointed for each competition, and his/her identity and place of work shall be communicated to all participants and captains.
3.3.1.2 The head referee shall be responsible for the following:
3.3.1.2.1 Conducting the drawing of lots;
3.3.1.2.2 Arranging the schedule of competitions;
3.3.1.2.3 Assigning the competition staff;
3.3.1.2.4 Conducting a short pre-competition meeting of the refereeing staff;
3.3.1.2.5 reviewing the eligibility of the referee mobilization;
3.3.1.2.6 deciding whether to interrupt the match in case of an emergency;
3.3.1.2.7 deciding whether an athlete may leave the area of the competition during a match;
3.3.1.2.8 deciding whether the legal practice time may be extended;
3.3. 1.2.9 decide whether athletes may wear long jerseys during a match;
3.3.1.2.10 decide on any question of interpretation of the rules and regulations, including the acceptability of clothing, competition equipment and playing conditions;
3.3.1.2.11 decide whether athletes may practice in the event of an emergency interruption of the competition and where practice may take place;
3.3.1.2.12 take disciplinary action for bad behavior or other violations of protocol.
3.3.1.3 With the consent of the Competition Management Committee, when any of the duties of the Referee are entrusted to a number of other persons, the particular duties and place of work of each of these persons shall be communicated to the competitor and the team captain.
3.3.1.4 The Head Referee or, in his absence, the Deputy Head Referee in charge of the acting, shall be physically present at the playing field from the beginning to the end of the match.
3.3.1.5 The Referee may, if the Referee deems it necessary, change the referee at any time, but shall not alter the determination of a question of fact made by the person being changed within the scope of the Referee's authority.
3.3.2 Referees
3.3.2.1 One Referee and one Deputy Referee shall be assigned to each match.
3.3.2.2 The referee shall sit or stand on one side of the table in line with the net. The Deputy Referee shall sit on the other side of the table facing the Referee.
3.3.2.3 The referee shall be responsible for the following:
3.3.2.3.1 Checking the acceptability of the playing equipment and playing conditions, and reporting to the referee in case of any problem;
3.3.3.2.3.2 Taking a ball at will, as provided for in clauses 3.4.2.1.1 and 3.4.2.1.2;
3.3. 2.3.3 Preside over the drawing of lots to determine serve, serve receive and orientation;
3.3.2.3.4 Determine whether to relax certain provisions of the legal serve due to the athlete's physical disability;
3.3.3.2.3.5 Control the orientation and the sequence of serves and serves and correct errors made in connection with the foregoing;
3.3.3.3.6 Determine the number of points to be scored for each round to score one point or to re-serve the ball;
3.3.2.3.7 to report points in accordance with prescribed procedures;
3.3.2.3.8 to enforce the rotational serving method at the appropriate time;
3.3.2.3.9 to maintain continuity of play;
3.3.2.3.10 to take action against those who violate the rules of off-court instruction or behavior, etc.
3.3.2.4 The deputy referee decides whether a ball in play touches the top edge of the playing surface nearest to him.
3.3.2.5 Either the Referee or the Sub-Referee may rule:
3.3.2.5.1 That a player's serve is not legal;
3.3.2.5.2 That a legal serve is legal in the sense of whether or not the ball has touched the net device as it passes over or around the net device;
3.3.2.5.3 That a player has blocked;
3.3.2.5 .4 Unexpected interference with the playing environment, where the outcome of the round is likely to be affected;
3.3.2.5.5 Mastering of practice time, match time and intervals.
3.3.2.6 When executing the rotational serve method, either the deputy referee or an additionally assigned member of the referee's staff may act as a counter, counting the number of boards hit by the player on the receiving side.
3.3.2.7 The referee shall not overrule a decision made by the deputy referee or the counter under clauses 3.3.2.5 and 3.3.2.6.
3.3.3 Appeals
3.3.3.1 An agreement between two athletes in a single event or between two team captains in a team event does not alter the decision of the referee in that event on a question of fact, or the decision of the head referee on the interpretation of the rules or regulations, or the decision of the Competition Committee on a question of the management of the competition or the match. Nor can it alter the decisions of the Competition Management Committee on matters of competition or match management.
3.3.3.2 A decision of the referee concerned on a question of fact may not be appealed to the referee, nor may a decision of the referee on a question of interpretation of the rules or regulations be appealed to the Board of Management.
3.3.3.3 An appeal against a decision of the referee on a question of interpretation of the rules or regulations may be made to the Chief Referee, whose decision shall be final.
3.3.3.4 Any disagreement with a decision of the Referee on a matter relating to the administration of the competition not covered by the Rules or Regulations may be appealed to the Competition Management Committee, whose decision shall be final.
3.3.3.5 In an individual event, an appeal may be made only by the competing athlete in respect of a question arising in that event; in a team event, an appeal may be made only by the captain of the competing team in respect of a question arising in that event.
3.3.3.6 In the event of continued disagreement with a decision of the Referee on a question of interpretation of the Rules or Regulations or a decision of the Competition Management Committee on a question of the administration of the Competition, the matter may be referred by the Athlete or Team Captain entitled to lodge an appeal to the IIHF Rules Committee for consideration through the Affiliated Association.
3.3.3.7 The Rules Committee will make a ruling on the matter which will serve as a guide for future decisions. An Affiliated Association may still object to the ruling to the Council or Congress without prejudice to any final decision already taken by the Referee or the Competition Management Committee.
3.4 Administration of the Match
3.4.1 Reporting of Scores
3.4.1.1 As soon as the ball has finished its state of play, or as soon as circumstances permit, the Referee shall report the score.
3.4.1.1.1 When reporting the score, the referee shall first report the score of the team about to serve in the next turn, and then the score of the opponent.
3.4.1.1.2 At the beginning of a set and at the exchange of starters, the referee shall, after reporting the score, give the name of the starter for the next turn and indicate the side about to serve with a hand signal.
3.4.1.1.3 At the end of a set, the referee shall announce the name of the winning player, then the score of the winning team, and then the score of the losing team.
3.4.1.2 In addition to announcing the score, the referee may indicate his decision by hand signals.
3.4.1.2.1 When awarding a score, the referee may raise the hand near the scoring team to shoulder height.
3.4.1.2.2 When, for some reason, the round should be awarded a reset, the referee may indicate the end of the round by raising his hand above his head.
3.4.1.3 For the reporting of points, and for the reporting of counts when the rotation method of serving is in force, the referee shall use English or any other language acceptable to both players and the referee.
3.4.1.4 Mechanical or electronic equipment shall be used to display the score in such a way that it is clearly visible to both players and spectators.
3.4.1.5 When an athlete receives an official warning for bad behavior, a yellow card shall be placed on the scoreboard at the point where the athlete scored.
3.4.2 Equipment
3.4.2.1 Athletes shall not be permitted to select game balls in the playing area.
3.4.2.1.1 Before entering the playing area, the athlete shall have the opportunity to select a match ball or balls from which the referee will take one at will for the match.
3.4.2.1.2 If it is not possible to select the match ball(s) before the athlete enters the playing area, the referee shall play the match with any ball(s) he/she wishes to take from a box of match balls designated by the Congress.
3.4.2.1.3 If the ball is damaged during the match, it shall be replaced by another ball selected prior to the match; if there is no ball selected prior to the match, it shall be replaced by the referee by taking any ball from a box of match balls designated by the Congress.
3.4.2.2 Rackets will not be allowed to be replaced during a single match unless they are accidentally and seriously damaged to the extent that they cannot be used. If an athlete damages a racquet during a match, he/she shall immediately replace it with another racquet brought with him/her or handed in from off-court.
3.4.2.3 Players shall leave their racquets on the playing table between matches. Except with special permission from the referee.
3.4.3 PRACTICE
3.4.3.1 Two minutes before the start of a match, a player has the right to practise on the playing table and cannot practise during normal intervals. Only the Head Referee is authorized to extend special practice periods.
3.4.3.2 In the event of an emergency interruption of play, the Head Referee may allow players to practice on any table, including the competition table.
3.4.3.3 Players shall be given a reasonable opportunity to examine and familiarize themselves with the equipment to be used, and after replacing a broken ball or damaged racket, the player may practice a few rounds before resuming play.
3.4.4 Intervals
3.4.4.1 Any player has the right to request:
3.4.4.1.1 A break of not more than one minute between sets;
3.4.4.1.2 A short period of time to wipe off perspiration after not having played a six-point shot in each set, or when exchanging positions in a deciding set.
3.4.4.2 One or a team of doubles players may request one time-out in a match, not to exceed one minute.
3.4.4.2.1 In a single event, the time-out shall be requested by the athlete or the designated off-court coach; in a team event, it shall be requested by the athlete or the team captain.
3.4.4.2.2 A request for a time-out shall be made only when the ball is not in play and shall be indicated by a "T" with both hands.
3.4.4.2.3 After a team has been given a reasonable request for a time-out, the Referee shall suspend play and show the white card, which shall then be placed in the area of the player requesting the time-out.
3.4.4.2.4 When the athlete who requested the time-out is ready to resume play or when the one-minute time-out has expired, whichever is shorter, the white card shall be taken away and play shall resume immediately.
3.4.4.3 When an athlete is temporarily incapacitated by an unforeseen event, the Referee may allow an interruption of the match for as short a time as possible, in any case not exceeding 10 minutes, if the Referee is satisfied that the interruption will not be detrimental to the opposing team.
3.4.4.4 An interruption of a match may not be permitted if the incapacitation has existed for a long time, was reasonably foreseeable before the start of the match, or was caused by the normal tension of the match. If the incapacity was caused by the athlete's physical condition at the time or by the way in which the match was conducted, causing cramps or excessive fatigue, these also cannot be grounds for interrupting the match. Emergency interruptions are only permissible if the incapacity is caused by an accident, such as an injury from a fall.
3.4.4.5 If a person in the playing area is injured and bleeding, the match shall be interrupted immediately and resumed until he has received medical attention and all traces of blood in the area have been wiped clean.
3.4.4.6 Unless permitted by the Referee, a player who has won to remain in or near the playing area during a match shall remain within 3 meters of the playing area under the supervision of the Referee for the duration of the legal break between innings.
3.5 Discipline
3.5.1 Off-court Instruction
3.5.1.1 For team competitions, players may receive off-court instruction from anyone.
3.5.1.2 For a single event, an athlete may receive off-court instruction from only one person, and the identity of this instructor shall be made known to the
referee prior to that match; in the case of a pair of doubles athletes from different associations, a separate authorization may be given to one