TABLE TENNIS ETIQUETTE
Wait for the Umpire
As with all competitive sports, the umpires run the match. At the start of match the umpire should announce that play is starting and indicate who is serving. Players should wait for the umpire to adjust the scoreboard and announce the updated score before starting the next point.
Don’t Rush (Grounds for a Let)
Rushing to serve is both inconsiderate and may be grounds for a let. The rule says that if the service is delivered when the receiving player or pair is not ready, provided that neither the receiver nor his or her partner attempts to strike the ball, then the serve is a let.
Don’t Delay (Continuous Play principle).
According to Table Tennis Australia (TTA) the overarching principle is that table tennis play must be continuous. Long pauses at the table and waiting for an unreasonable amount of time before serving or preparing to receive is not acceptable and should be called out by the umpire.
Serve
Each player should aim to serve legally. (i.e. throw ball up out of the palm of the hand and at least the width of a table tennis bat), Your opponent should not call you out for illegal serves but can register concern with umpire at the end of a game to ensure principal of continuous play is not compromised. Umpires may intervene as they deem appropriate but with due consideration to the principle of continuous play.
Stray Balls
When the ball goes into an adjoining court, players should wait for the other umpire to call a let and for one of the players to return the ball. An acknowledgment is always appreciated. Common sense applies if it is more practical to recover the ball yourself, but never during play.
Respect Others
SETTA players MUST show respect to the opponent, and the umpire. Please note it is considered disrespectful to your opponents if you over celebrate a point won or highlight any unforced errors that your opponent may have made.
Distracting Activities
- Players should be respectful of other matches. After a match, players should refrain from talking in areas close to other matches and ensure they do not distract other players at adjoining tables who may still be playing.
-Spectators should be respectful of all matches. During matches spectators should take care not to talk loudly or cause distractions on the courts. Mobile phones should be silenced, and as with players, spectators should refrain from cheering for unforced errors.
-Mobile phones must be switched off, or set to silent, when players are in any of the playing venues.
- If a player wishes to make a phone call, they must leave the court area so that there is no interruption to any other matches.
Scoreboards
Scoreboards should be held at an angle that makes it easy to see for all participating players.
Verbal and Equipment Abuse
Verbal and equipment abuse such as hitting the table or throwing the racquet will not be tolerated and are grounds for a warning, penalty or disciplinary action. Players should be aware of the Disciplinary and Grievance procedures that relate to such actions.
