Regulamentul jocului "Tenis de Masa" publicat de ITTF

Regulamentul federatiei si al jocului pot fi descarcate in limba engleza de aici.

1. Masa
1.1. Masa trebuie sa aibe o forma freptunghiulara cu o lungime de 274 cm. si o latime de 152.5 cm. Masa trebuie sprijinita astfel incit suprafata de deasupra, numita suprafata de joc, sa fie in plan orizontal la 76 cm. deasupra podelei.
1.2. Masa trebuie sa fie facuta dintr-un material care sa ofere in mod uniform un salt de 23 cm. al unei mingii cand este lasata sa cada de la o inaltime de 30 cm. de deasupra suprafetei de joc.
1.3. Suprafata de joc trebuie sa fie colorata intr-o culoare inchisa si mata, cu o linie de 2 cm. in lungul fiecarei margini.
1.3.1. Liniile de pe muchiile de 152.5 cm. vor fi numite linii de terminare si se va considera ca se prelungesc la infinit.
1.3.2. Liniile de 274 cm. se vor numi margini.
1.4. Pentru jocurile de dublu, suprafata de joc trebuie impartita in doua jumatati de o linie alba de 3 mm. latime care este trasata paralel cu marginile mesei si de va numi linie de centru. Daca linia de centru este marcata permanent nu invalideaza masa pentru jocul de simplu. Linia de centru este considerata ca facand parte din fiecare parte dreapta a fiecarei jmatati de masa.
1.5. Se considera ca suprafata de joc include muchiile superioare ale mesei dar nu include marginea mesei de sub muchia superioara.

2. Fileul
2.1. Suprafata de joc este impartita in doua terenuri de marime egala de un fileu care este intins paralel cu liniile de terminare.
2.2. Fileul este compus dintr-o plasa, stalpi si ansamblul de prindere de masa.
2.3. Fileul este suspendat de un snur prins la fiecare capat de stalpi inalti de 15.25 cm. Limita exterioara a fileului este de 15.25 cm. in afara liniilor de margine.
2.4. Fileul pe toata lungimea lui trebuie sa fie la 15.25. cm. deasupra suprafetei de joc. Marginea de jos a fileului, pe intreaga lungime a sa, trebuie sa fie ct mai aproape de suprafata de joc iar marginile laterale ale fileului trebuie sa fie cit mai aproape de stalpi de sprijin.

3. Mingea
3.1. Mingea trebuie sa fie sferica cu un diametru de 40 mm. si trebuie sa cintareasca 2.7 grame.
3.2. Mingea trebuie sa fie facuta din celuloid sau material plastic si trebuie sa fie alba sau portocalie si mata.

4. Paleta
4.1. Paleta poate fi de orce marime, forma si greutate dar "lemnul" (partea de lovire) trebuie sa fie plana si rigida.
4.2. Cel putin 85% din grosimea "lemnului" trebuie sa fie din lemn natural. Un strat adeziv din "lemn" poate fi intarit cu materiale fibroase ca fibra de carbon, fibra de sticla sau hartie comprimata dar nu trebuie sa fie mai gros de 7.5% din grosimea totala sau 0.35 mm.
4.3. Partea "lemnului" care se foloseste pentru lovirea mingei trebuie sa fie acoperita cu cauciuc normal care are cosuri in afara si are o grosime totala incluzand adezivul de cel mult 2 mm. sau sandvis care are cosurile in interior sau exterior care nu depaseste cu tot cu adeziv o grosime de 4 mm.
4.3.1. Cauciucul normal cu cosuri este un singur strat de cauciuc necelular, natural sau sintetic, cu cosuri uniform distribuite pe suprafata cu o densitare intre 10 si 50 pe cm patrat.
4.3.2. Cauciucul sandvis este un singur strat de cauciuc celular acoperit cu un singur strat exterior de cauciuc normal cu cosuri, grosimea cauciucului normal nu poate depasi 2 mm.
4.4. Materialul acoperitortrebuie sa fie intins pana la marginea "lemnului" dar nu peste aceasta, exceptie face partea cea mai apropiata de maner care poate fi lasata neacoperita sau acoperita cu orice alt material si va fi considerata ca facand parte din maner.
4.5. "Lemnul", orice strat al "lemnului", orice strat din materialul de acoperire sau adeziv trebuie sa fie continuu si de grosime uniforma.
4.6. Suprafata materialului care acopera o fata a "lemnului" sau o fata ramasa neacoperita trebuie sa fie mata si rosie iar cealalta neagra.
4.7. Micile abateri de la uniformitatea culorii sau a continuitatii stratului acoperitor datorate decolorarii, uzurii sau deteriorarii accidentale pot fi ignorate considerandu-se ca nu modifica semnificativ caracteristicile suprafetei.
4.8. La inceputul meciului sau daca schimba paleta in timpul meciului, jucatorul trebuie sa arate adversarului si arbitrului paleta pe care o va folosi si trebuie sa ii lasa sa o examineze.
4.9. Daca un jucator deterioreaza paleta in timpul jocului trebuie sa o inlocuiasca imediat cu alta paleta pe care a adus-o cu el in arena de joc ori ii este adusa in arena de joc. Paleta nu poate fi schimbata intr-un meci decit daca este deteriorata intr-un mod care nu permite jucatorului folosirea in continuare. Daca un jucator schimba paleta intr-un meci fara notificate, arbitrul poate suspenda meciul.
4.10. Materialul care acopera fetele lamei folosite pentru lovirea mingei trebuie sa fieaprobate forurile abilitate si trebuie sa aibe atasata vizibil emblema ITTF.
4.11. Daca un jucator loveste mingea in timpul jocului cu o parte a lamei a carei suprafata nu este in conformitate cu regulamentul, adversarul sau primeste un punct.

5. Definitii
5.1. Joc se numeste perioada in care mingea se afla in joc.
5.2. Mingea este in joc din ultimul moment in care sta in palma mainii libere inainte de a fi intentionat aruncata in serviciu inainte sa atinga orice altceva decat suprafata de joc, fileul, paleta, manerul sau inainte de a se decide daca s-a jucat un punct.
5.3. A let este un joc in care nu se contorizeaza scorul.
5.4. Un punct este un joc in care se contorizeaza scorul.
5.5. Mana cu paleta este mana in care jucatorul tine paleta.
5.6. Mana libera este mana in care jucatorul nu tine paleta.
5.7. Un jucator loveste mingea daca o atinge cu paleta ori cu mana cu paleta mai jos de inchietura mainii.
5.8. Un jucator impiedica mingea daca el sau orice poarta sau foloseste atinge in timpul jocului cand se deplaseaza pe linga suprafata de joc si nu a depasit linia de terminare, nu a atins terenul sau de cand a fost lovita de adversarul sau.
5.9. Jucatorul la serviciu este cel care loveste primul mingea intr-un joc.
5.10. Jucatorul la primire este cel care loveste mingea al doile intr-un joc.
5.11. Arbitrul este persoana desemnat sa decida rezultatul fiecarui joc.
5.12. Arbitrul asistent estepersoana desemnata sa ajute arbitrul. Numaratorul de lovituri este persoana care numara loviturile prompt. (The stroke counter is the person appointed to count strokes under the expedite system)
5.13. Orice poarta sau foloseste jucatorul reprezinta tot ce poarta sau foloseste jucatorul la inceputul unui joc.
5.14. Mingea este privita ca trecand peste sau pe langa fileu daca trece pe sub sau prin afara proiectiei fileului in afara mesei.

6. Serviciul
6.1. Serviciul trebuie sa inceapa cu mingea stand in palma deschisa a jucatorului care serveste.
6.2. Jucatorul care serveste trebuie sa arunce mingea vertical fara a invarti-o astfel incat sa se inalte cel putin 16 cm dupa ce paraseste palma jucatorului si fara sa atinga nimic in cadere.
6.3. Cand mingea cade jucatorul trebuie sa o loveasca asftel incat mingea sa loveasca mai intai terenul sau si apoi trecand peste sau pe langa fileu terenul adversarului. In meciurile de dublu mingea trebuie sa loveasca succesiv cele doua parti din dreapta ale celor doua terenuri.
6.4. De la inceputul serviciului pana cand mingea este lovita, aceasta trebuie sa se afle deasupra suprafetei de joc si in spatele liniei de terminare a terenului. Mingea nu trebuie ascunsa jucatorului care primeste serviciul de nici o parte a corpului sau de imbracamintea jucatorului care serveste sau a partenerului de echipa in cazul jocului de dublu.
6.5. Cade in responsabilitatea jucatorul care serveste ca arbitrul sau ajutorul de arbitru sa vada daca serviciul este regulamentar.
6.5.1. Daca nu exista ajutor de arbitru iar arbitrul nu este sigur cu privire la corectitudinea serviciului acesta poate, prima data intr-un meci, sa avertizeze jucatorul la serviciu fara a-l penaliza cu un punct.
6.5.2. Daca in situatii repetate intr-un meci serviciul unui jucator sau a partenerului de dublu este greu de stabilit daca este corect jucatorul care primeste serviciul primeste un punct.
6.5.3. Daca serviciul este gresit si nici nu este un serviciu corect jucatorul care primeste serviciul primeste un punct iar cel care serveste nu primeste advertisment.
6.5.4. In mod exceptional, arbitrul poate relaxa conditiile de serviciu daca incalcarea serviciului se datoreaza unui handicap fizic al jucatorului.
6.6. Daca incercand sa serveasca jucatorul nu loveste mingea in timp ce este in joc, oponentul primeste un punct.

7. Intoarcere (retur) buna
7.1. Mingea, servita sau intoarsa in joc, trebuie lovita si aruncata direct peste sau pe linga fileu in terenul adversarului, chiar daca mingea atinge fileul.
7.1.1. Daca mingea, servita sau intoarsa in joc, se intoarce din impuls propriu peste fileu aceasta trebuie lovita asftel incat sa mearga direct in terenul adversarului.

8. Ordinea de joc
8.1. In jocul de simplu, jucatorul care serveste executa un serviciu bun, jucatorul care primeste trebuie sa execute un retur bun si apoi jucatorii trebuie sa execute retururi bune.
8.2. In jocul de dublu, jucatorul care serveste trebuie sa execute un serviciu bun, jucatorul care primeste serviciul trebuie sa execute un retur bun, partenerul jucatorului care serveste trebuie sa execute un retur bun, partenerul jucatorului care primeste trebuie sa execute un retur bun si apoi toti jucatorii trebuie sa execute retururi bune dupa aceeasi regula.

9. A Let
9.1. Daca in serviciu mingea in trecerea peste fileu il atinge dar serviciul este bun sau este impiedicata de jucatorul care primeste sau partenerul sau.
9.2. Daca serviciul este executat cand jucatorul la primire nu este pregatit, adica daca nici unul dintre adversari nu inceasrca sa loveasca mingea.
9.3. Daca se greseste serviciul sau returul din cauza unei perturbari in afara controlului jucatorului.
9.4. Daca jocul este intrerupt de arbitru sau ajutorul de arbitru.
9.4.1. Pentru a corecta o eroare.
9.4.2. Pentru a “introduce expedite system”.
9.4.3. Pentru a atentiona sau a penaliza un jucator.
9.4.4. Daca conditiile de joc sunt perturbate intr-un mod in care se poate afecta jocul.

10. Un Punct – daca jocul nu este “a let” jucatorul puncteaza
10.1. Daca adversarul greseste serviciul.
10.2. Daca adversarul greseste returul.
10.3. Daca, dupa ce executa un serviciu sau un retur corect, mingea atinge altceva decat fileul inainte de a fi lovita de adversar.
10.4. Daca mingea trece peste linia de terminare fara sa atinga terenul sau dupa ce a fost lovita de adversar.
10.5. Daca adversarul impiedica mingea, vezi regula 9.1.
10.6. Daca adversarul loveste mingea de doua ori succesiv.
10.7. Daca adversarul loveste mingea cu o parte a paletea care nu are o suprafata logala.
10.8. Daca adversarul sau orice altceva ce poarta sau foloseste misca suprafata de joc.
10.9. Daca adversarul sau orice altceva ce poarta sau foloseste atinge fileul.
10.10. Daca mana libera a adversarului atinge suprafata de joc.
10.11. Daca in jocul de dublu loveste mingea in afara secventei corecte de joc stabilita de primul jucator care serveste si primul jucator care primeste serviciul.
10.12. “As provided under the expedite system”.
10.13. Daca arbitrul penalizeaza adversarul cu un punct.

11. Set
11.1. Un set este castigat de primul jucator sau pereche care castiga 11 puncte inainte ca ambii jucatori sau perechi sa castige 10 puncte, cand jocul va fi castigat de primul jucator sau perche care castiga 2 puncte mai mult.

12. Meciul
12.1. Un meci reprezinta cel mai bun dintr-un numar impar de seturi.
12.2. Jucarea trebuie sa fie continua exceptand pauzele autorizate.

13. Pauzele
13.1. Pauze de 1 minut intre seturile succesive ale unui meci.
13.2. Pauze scurte dupa primele 6 puncte de la inceputul fiecarui set.
13.3. Un jucator sau pereche poate cere o pauza de cel mult 1 minut pe durata unui meci.
13.3.1. In meciuri individuale pauza poate fi solicitata de un jucator sau de o pereche sau de o persoana desemnata. In meciurile pe echipe solicitarea de pauza poate fi ceruta si de capitanul de echipa.
13.3.2. Pauza poate fi ceruta numai cand mingea este in fara jocului si trebuie semnalata printr-un semn “T” facut cu mainile.
13.3.3. Cand primeste o cerere valida pentru pauza, arbitrul va intrerupe jocul. Jocul va continua in momentul in care jucatorul sau perechea care a solicitat pauza este pregatita sa continue meciul sau la sfarsitul unui minut (care dintre aceste conditii se indeplineste prima).
13.4. Arbitrul poate permite intreruperea meciului pentru cea mai scurta durata posibila, si in nici un caz mai mult de 10 minute, daca un jucator este in incapacitate de a juca din cauza unui accident. Arbitrul va avea grija ca pauza solicitata sa nu fie exagerat de dezavantajoasa pentru oponenti.
13.5 A suspension shall not be allowed for a disability which was present or was reasonably to be expected at the beginning of the match, or where it is due to the normal stress of play. Disability such as cramp or exhaustion, caused by the player's current state of fitness or by the manner in which play has proceeded, does not justify such an emergency suspension, which may be allowed only for incapacity resulting from an accident, such as injury caused by a fall.
13.6 If anyone in the playing area is bleeding, play shall be suspended immediately and shall not resume until that person has received medical treatment and all traces of blood have been removed from the playing area.
13.7 Players shall remain in or near the playing area throughout a match except with the permission of the referee. During intervals between games they shall remain within 3 meters of the playing area under the supervision of the umpire.

14. Alegerea terenului si a serviciului
14.1. Alegerea terenului si a dreptului de a servi primul se stabileste prin tragere la sorti iar castigatorul trebuie sa aleaga sa serveasca primul sau sa ocupe unul dintre terenuri.
14.2. Cand un jucator sau o echipa alege sa serveasca primul sau alege unul dintre terenuri oponentul poate folosi cealalta alegere.
14.3. Dupa jucarea a 2 puncte jucatorul sau echipa care a primit serviciul va servi si tot asa pana la sfirsitul setului. In cazul in care oponentii au marcat cate 10 puncte serviciul se va schimba la fiecare punct adjudecat.
14.4. In primul set dintr-un meci perechea care va servi prima, va decide care dintre jucatori va servi primul iar oponentii vor stabili cine va primi serviciul primul. In urmatoarele seturi, se va alege primul jucator ce va servi si de receptionat va receptiona jucatorul care i-a servit in setul anterior.
14.5. In jocul de dublu, la fiecare schimb de serviciu cel care a receptionat serviciul va servi si partenerul celui care a servit va receptiona.
14.6. Jucatorul sau perechea care a servit primul intr-un meci va receptiona in urmatorul set. In setul decisiv cei care receptioneaza vor schimba ordinea dupa ce o pereche acumuleaza 5 puncte.
14.7. La inceputul fiecarui set se schimba terenurile. In setul decisiv se vor schimba terenurile dupa ce o pereche acumuleaza 5 puncte.

15. Serviciu in afara randului sau alegerea gresita a terenului
15.1. Daca un jucator serveste in afara randului sau, jocul va fi intrerupt si se va continua in mod corect din punct de vedere al regulamentului.
15.2. Daca jucatorii nu schimba terenurile atunci cand ar trebui, jocul este intrerupt deindata ce gresala ste descoperita si jucatorii vor schimba terenurile.
15.3. In orice caz, punctele marcate inainte de descoperirea greselii vor fi socotite.

16. The Expedite System
16.1 Except where both players or pairs have scored at least 9 points, the expedite system shall come into operation if a game is unfinished after 10 minutes play or at any earlier time at the request of both players or pairs.
16.1.1 If the ball is in play when the game is interrupted, play shall restart with service by the player who served in the rally that was interrupted.
16.1.2 If the ball was not in play when the game was interrupted, play shall restart with service by the player who received service in the immediately preceding rally.
16.2 Thereafter, each player shall serve 1 point in turn. If the receiving player or pair makes thirteen successive good returns, the receiver shall score a point.
16.3 If the expedite system is introduced, or if a game lasts longer than 10 minutes, all subsequent games of the match shall be played under the expedite system.

17. Echipamnetul
17.1. Jucatorii nu pot alege mingiile in zona de joc.
17.1.1. Cand este posibil jucatorii vor alege una sau mai multe mingii inainte de intrarea in zona de joc. Meciul se va disputa cu una dintre aceste mingii alese la intamplare de catre arbitru.
17.1.2. Daca nu a fost aleasa nici o minge inainte de intrarea in zona de joc, meciul se va disputa cu una aleasa la intamplare de catre arbitru.
17.1.3. Daca o minge trebuie inlocuita in timpul meciului, inlocuirea se va face in conformitate cu prevederile articolelor 17.1.1 si 17.1.2.
17.2. In timpul pauzelor jucatorii trebuie sa lase paletele pe masa.

18. Practice
18.1 Players are entitled to practice on the match table for up to 2 minutes immediately before the start of a match but not during normal intervals. The specified practice period may be extended only with the permission of the referee.
18.2 During an emergency suspension of play, the referee may allow players to practice on any table, including the match table.
18.3 Players shall be given reasonable opportunity to check and familiarize themselves with any equipment, which they are to use. However, this shall not automatically entitle them to more than a few practice rallies before resuming play after the replacement of a damaged ball or racquet.

19. Discipline
19.1 Advice.
19.1.1 In a team event, players may receive advice from anyone.
19.1.2 In an individual event, a player or pair may receive advice only from one person, designated beforehand to the umpire. If the players of a doubles pair are from different associations, each may designate an adviser. If an unauthorized person gives advice, the umpire shall hold up a red card and send him away from the playing area.
19.1.3 Players may receive advice only during the intervals between games, during a time-out or during other authorized suspension of play. If any authorized person gives advice at other times, the umpire shall hold up a yellow card to warn him that any further such offense will result in his dismissal from the playing area.
19.1.4 After a warning has been given, if in the same team match or the same match of an individual event anyone again gives advice illegally, the umpire shall hold up a red card and send him away from the playing area, whether or not he was the person warned.
19.1.5 In a team match, the dismissed adviser shall not be allowed to return, except when required to play, until the team match has ended. In an individual event, he shall not be allowed to return until the individual match has ended.
19.1.6 If the dismissed adviser refuses to leave or returns before the end of the match, the umpire shall suspend play and report to the referee.
19.1.7 These regulations shall apply only to advice on play and shall not prevent a player or captain, as appropriate, from making a legitimate appeal nor hinder a consultation with an interpreter or association representative on the explanation of a juridical decision.
19.2 Misbehavior
19.2.1 Players and coaches shall refrain from conduct that may unfairly affect an opponent, offend spectators or bring the game into disrepute. Examples are: abusive language, deliberately breaking the ball or hitting it out of the playing area, kicking the table or surrounds or disrespect to match officials.
19.2.2 If at any time a player or coach commits a serious offence the umpire shall suspend play and report immediately to the referee. For less serious offences the umpire may, on the first occasion, hold up a yellow card and warn the offender that any further offence is liable to incur penalties.
19.2.3 If a player who has been warned commits a second offence in the same individual or team match, the umpire shall award one point to the player's opponent and after a further offence he shall award two points to his opponent, each time holding up a yellow and a red card together.
19.2.4 If a player against whom 3 penalty points have been awarded in the same individual or team match continues to misbehave the umpire shall suspend play and report immediately to the referee.
19.2.5 A warning or penalty incurred by either player of a doubles pair shall apply to the pair, but not to the non-offending player in a subsequent individual match of the same team match. At the start of a doubles match the pair shall be regarded as having incurred the higher of any warnings or penalties incurred by either player in the same team match.
19.2.6 If a coach who has been warned commits a further offence in the same individual or team match the umpire shall hold up a red card and send him away from the playing area until the end of the team match, or in an individual event, the end of the individual match.
19.2.7 The referee shall have power to disqualify a player from a match, an event, or a competition for seriously unfair or offensive behavior whether reported by the umpire or not. As he does so he shall hold up a red card.
19.2.8 A player who is disqualified from 2 individual matches of a team or individual event shall automatically be disqualified from that team event or individual competition.
19.2.9 The referee may disqualify for the remainder of a competition anyone who has twice been sent away from the playing area during that competition.
19.2.10 Cases of serious misbehavior shall be reported by the referee to the USATT disciplinary committee.

20. Clothing (Dress Code)
20.1 Playing clothing shall normally consist of a short-sleeved shirt and shorts or skirt, socks, and playing shoes; other garments, such as part or all of a track suit, shall not be worn during play except with the permission of the referee.
20.2 Clothing may be of any color or colors except that:
20.2.1 The main color of a shirt, skirts, or shorts, other than sleeves or collar of a shirt and trimming along side seams or near the edges, shall be clearly different from that of the ball in use.
20.3 A playing garment may carry:
20.3.1 The maker's normal trademark, symbol, or name contained within a total area of 24 sq. cm.
20.3.2 Not more than 3 clearly-separated advertisements contained within a combined total area of 200 sq. cm. on the front or side of a shirt and one advertisement, contained within a total area of 200 sq. cm. on the back of a shirt.
20.3.3 Not more than two advertisements contained within a combined total area of 80 sq. cm. on shorts or a skirt.
20.4 Any markings or trimming on the front or side of a playing garment and any objects such as jewelry worn by a player shall not be so conspicuous or brightly reflecting as to unsight an opponent.
20.5 Players must wear socks and soft-soled shoes.
20.6 Clothing shall not carry designs or lettering which might cause offense or bring the game into disrepute. Absolutely no playing without a shirt, no cutoffs, no jeans, and no tank shirts. Women may wear sleeveless blouses.
20.7 Opposing players and pairs shall wear clothing that is sufficiently different to enable them to be easily distinguished by spectators. If the players or pairs cannot agree on who will change if necessary, the umpire will decide by toss.
20.8 Any question of the legality or acceptability of playing clothing shall be decided by the referee.
20.9 Warm-up suits should not be worn during play unless with special permission of the referee. It is his discretion of conformity to the above requirements.

21. Disabled Competition
21.1 Disabled table tennis players are divided into ten divisions or classes using a functional classification system.
21.2 Classes one to five compete in wheelchairs and classes six to ten play standing.
21.3 Separate events may be held for each class and sex or various combinations may be used.
21.4 For more information on classification of disabled athletes, contact the USATT Disabled Players Committee.
21.5 Standing disabled players follow all standard rules; there are a few modifications for wheelchair play.
Wheelchair Rules
21.6 The table shall allow access to wheelchairs without obstructing player's legs and shall allow access to two wheelchairs for doubles matches (no cross bars between end legs).
21.7 The court length may be reduced, but should not be less than 8 meters long and must be enclosed by surrounds.
21.8 A service in singles shall be as in Paragraph 6 except that a let shall be called if in service the ball:
21.8.1 Leaves the table by either of the receiver's side lines (on one or more bounces) or
21.8.2 On bouncing on the receiver's side returns in the direction of the net or
21.8.3 Comes to rest on the receiver's side of the playing surface.
21.9 However, if the receiver strikes the ball before it crosses a side line or takes a second bounce on his side of the playing surface, the service shall be considered good and no let shall be called.
21.10 Class 1 and 2 players are not required to project the ball upward from the palm of the free hand. Players in these classes may hold the ball and project it upward in any manner. Regardless of the method, no spin may be imparted to the ball and the ball still must rise at least 6 inches from the hand.
21.11 Responsibility still rests with the server to serve so that the umpire or assistant umpire can check the legality of the serve.
21.12 During play, a player may touch the playing surface with the free hand, only to restore balance after striking the ball (provided the playing surface is not moved).
21.13 The playing surface shall not be used as a support with the free hand while playing the ball.
21.14 A player or pair shall score a point if the footrest or a foot of their opponent touch the floor during play.
21.15 In team and class singles events, no part of the body above the knees may be attached to the chair, as this could improve balance. Below knees, strapping is allowed.
21.16 Should a player require some strapping or binding for medical reasons, this should be noted on their classification card and will be taken into account when assessing the player's class.
21.17 In open events, strapping and other aids are allowed.
21.18 No player shall compete in a wheelchair event unless he has been given an appropriate disabled classification.
Wheelchair Doubles
21.19 Service shall be as above for singles play, but the ball may leave the table by the side line of the receiver's right half-court.
21.20 The server shall first make a good service and the receiver shall make a good return, and thereafter either player of a pair may return the ball.
21.21 During play, no part of a player's wheelchair shall cross the vertical plane of an imaginary extension of the table's center line. If it does, the opposing pair shall score a point.

22. Playing Conditions
22.1 Space. The normal playing space for each table should be 14 m. (46 ft.) long, 7 m. (23 ft.) wide and 5 m. (16 ft.) high.
22.2 For further information on Playing Conditions, please refer to the USATT Tournament Guide.

23. Match Officials
23.1 For every competition as a whole as referee shall be appointed. The referee shall be responsible for
23.1.1 Interpretation of laws and regulations for competition.
23.1.2 Assignment and, if necessary, replacement of match officials.
23.2 An umpire shall be appointed for each match or at the request of any player or pair in that match. Where practical an assistant umpire will also be appointed.
23.2.1 The umpire shall sit or stand in line with the net and the assistant umpire shall sit directly facing him, at the other side of the table.
23.2.2 The umpire shall be responsible for:
23.2.2.1 Checking the acceptability of equipment and playing conditions and reporting any deficiency to the referee.
23.2.2.2 Taking a ball at random in accordance with the rules.
23.2.2.3 Conducting the draw for choice of serving, receiving and ends.
23.2.2.4 Controlling the order of serving, receiving and ends and correcting any errors therein.
23.2.2.5 Deciding each rally as a point or a let.
23.2.2.6 Calling the score in accordance with specified procedure.
23.2.2.7 Introducing the expedite system at the appropriate time.
23.2.2.8 Maintaining the continuity of play.
23.2.2.9 Taking action for breaches of the advice or behavior regulations.
23.3 The assistant umpire shall decide whether the ball in play touches the edge of the playing surface at the side of the table top nearest to him.
23.4 Either the umpire or the assistant umpire may decide:
23.4.1 That a player's service action is illegal.
23.4.2 That, in an otherwise good service, the ball touches the net assembly while passing over or around it.
23.4.3 That a player obstructs the ball.
23.4.4 That the conditions of play are disturbed in a way that may affect the outcome of the rally.
23.4.5 Time the duration of the practice period, of play, and of any intervals.
23.5 Either the assistant umpire or a separate official may act as stroke counter to count the strokes of the receiving player or pair when the expedite system is in operation.
23.6 The umpire may not overrule the assistant umpire or stroke counter on a decision of fact made within their area of responsibility.

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