THE LAWS OF TABLE TENNIS
2.1 THE TABLE
2.1.1 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.
2.1.2 The playing surface shall not include the vertical sides of the tabletop.
2.1.3 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.
2.1.4 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.
2.1.5 The playing surface shall be divided into 2 equal courts by a vertical net running parallel with the end lines, and shall be continuous over the whole area of each court.
2.1.6 For doubles, each court shall be divided into 2 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.
2.2 THE NET ASSEMBLY
2.2.1 The net assembly shall consist of the net, its suspension and the supporting posts, including the clamps attaching them to the table.
2.2.2 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.
2.2.3 The top of the net, along its whole length, shall be 15.25cm above the playing surface.
2.2.4 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 attached to the supporting posts from top to bottom.
2.3 THE BALL
2.3.1 The ball shall be spherical, with a diameter of 40mm.
2.3.2 The ball shall weigh 2.7g.
2.3.3 The ball shall be made of celluloid or similar plastics material and shall be white or orange, and matt.
2.4 THE RACKET
2.4.1 The racket may be of any size, shape or weight but the blade shall be flat and rigid.
2.4.2 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.
2.4.3 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 2.0mm, or sandwich rubber, with pimples inwards or outwards, having a total thickness including adhesive of not more than 4.0mm.
2.4.3.1 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 cm² and not more than 30 per cm².
2.4.3.2 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 2.0mm.
2.4.4 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.
2.4.5 The blade, any layer within the blade and any layer of covering material or adhesive on a side used for striking the ball shall be continuous and of even thickness.
2.4.6 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 matt, bright red on one side and black on the other.
2.4.7 The racket covering shall be used without any physical, chemical or other treatment.
2.4.7.1 Slight deviations from continuity of surface or uniformity of colour due to accidental damage or wear may be allowed provided that they do not significantly change the characteristics of the surface.
2.4.8 Before the start of a match and whenever he or she changes his or her racket during a match a player shall show his or her opponent and the umpire the racket he or she is about to use and shall allow them to examine it.
2.5 DEFINITIONS
2.5.1 A rally is the period during which the ball is in play.
2.5.2 The ball is in play from the last moment at which it is stationary on the palm of the free hand before being intentionally projected in service until the rally is decided as a let or a point.
2.5.3 A let is a rally of which the result is not scored.
2.5.4 A point is a rally of which the result is scored.
2.5.5 The racket hand is the hand carrying the racket.
2.5.6 The free hand is the hand not carrying the racket; the free arm is the arm of the free hand.
2.5.7 A player strikes the ball if he or she touches it in play with his or her racket, held in the hand, or with his or her racket hand below the wrist.
2.5.8 A player obstructs the ball if he or she, or anything he or she wears or carries, touches it in play when it is above or travelling towards the playing surface, not having touched his or her court since last being struck by his or her opponent.
2.5.9 The server is the player due to strike the ball first in a rally.
2.5.10 The receiver is the player due to strike the ball second in a rally.
2.5.11 The umpire is the person appointed to control a match.
2.5.12 The assistant umpire is the person appointed to assist the umpire with certain decisions.
2.5.13 Anything that a player wears or carries includes anything that he or she was wearing or carrying, other than the ball, at the start of the rally.
2.5.14 The end line shall be regarded as extending indefinitely in both directions.
2.6 THE SERVICE
2.6.1 Service shall start with the ball resting freely on the open palm of the server's stationary free hand.
2.6.2 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 and then falls without touching anything before being struck.
2.6.3 As the ball is falling the server shall strike it so that it touches first his or her court and then touches directly the receiver's court; in doubles, the ball shall touch successively the right half court of server and receiver.
2.6.4 From the start of service until it is struck, the ball shall be above the level of the playing surface and behind the server's end line, and it shall not be hidden from the receiver by the server or his or her doubles partner or by anything they wear or carry.
2.6.5 As soon as the ball has been projected, the server’s free arm and hand shall be removed from the space between the ball and the net.
The space between the ball and the net is defined by the ball, the net and its indefinite upward extension.
2.6.6 It is the responsibility of the player to serve so that the umpire or the assistant umpire can be satisfied that he or she complies with the requirements of the Laws, and either may decide that a service is incorrect.
2.6.6.1 If either the umpire or the assistant umpire is not sure about the legality of a service he or she may, on the first occasion in a match, interrupt play and warn the server; but any subsequent service by that player or his or her doubles partner which is not clearly legal shall be considered incorrect.
2.6.7 Exceptionally, the umpire may relax the requirements for a correct service where he or she is satisfied that compliance is prevented by physical disability.
2.7 THE RETURN
2.7.1 The ball, having been served or returned, shall be struck so that it touches the opponent's court, either directly or after touching the net assembly.
2.8 THE ORDER OF PLAY
2.8.1 In singles, the server shall first make a service, the receiver shall then make a return and thereafter server and receiver alternately shall each make a return.
2.8.2 In doubles, except as provided in 2.8.3, the server shall first make a service, the receiver shall then make a return, the partner of the server shall then make a return, the partner of the receiver shall then make a return and thereafter each player in turn in that sequence shall make a return.
2.8.3 In doubles, when at least one player of a pair is in a wheelchair due to a physical disability, the server shall first make a service, the receiver shall then make a return but thereafter either player of the disabled pair may make returns. However, no part of a player’s wheelchair nor a foot of a standing player of this pair shall protrude beyond the imaginary extension of the centre line of the table. If it does, the umpire shall award the point to the opposing pair.
2.9 A LET
2.9.1 The rally shall be a let:
2.9.1.1 if in service the ball touches the net assembly, provided the service is otherwise correct or the ball is obstructed by the receiver or his or her partner;
2.9.1.2 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;
2.9.1.3 if failure to make a service or a return or otherwise to comply with the Laws is due to a disturbance outside the control of the player;
2.9.1.4 if play is interrupted by the umpire or assistant umpire;
2.9.1.5 if the receiver is in wheelchair owing to a physical disability and in service the ball, provided that the service is otherwise correct,
2.9.1.5.1 after touching the receiver’s court returns in the direction of the net;
2.9.1.5.2 comes to rest on the receiver's court;
2.9.1.5.3 in singles leaves the receiver’s court after touching it by either of its sidelines.
2.9.2 Play may be interrupted
2.9.2.1 to correct an error in the order of serving, receiving or ends;
2.9.2.2 to introduce the expedite system;
2.9.2.3 to warn or penalise a player or adviser;
2.9.2.4 because the conditions of play are disturbed in a way which could affect the outcome of the rally.
2.10 A POINT
2.10.1 Unless the rally is a let, a player shall score a point
2.10.1.1 if an opponent fails to make a correct service;
2.10.1.2 if an opponent fails to make a correct return;
2.10.1.3 if, after he or she has made a service or a return, the ball touches anything other than the net assembly before being struck by an opponent;
2.10.1.4 if the ball passes over his or her court or beyond his or her end line without touching his or her court, after being struck by an opponent;
2.10.1.5 if the ball, after being struck by an opponent, passes through the net or between the net and the net post or between the net and playing surface;
2.10.1.6 if an opponent obstructs the ball;
2.10.1.7 if an opponent deliberately strikes the ball twice in succession;
2.10.1.8 if an opponent strikes the ball with a side of the racket blade whose surface does not comply with the requirements of 2.4.3, 2.4.4 and 2.4.5;
2.10.1.9 if an opponent, or anything an opponent wears or carries, moves the playing surface;
2.10.1.10 if an opponent, or anything an opponent wears or carries, touches the net assembly;
2.10.1.11 if an opponent's free hand touches the playing surface;
2.10.1.12 if a doubles opponent strikes the ball out of the sequence established by the first server and first receiver;
2.10.1.13 as provided under the expedite system (2.15.4).
2.10.1.14 if both players or pairs are in a wheelchair due to a physical disability and 2.10.1.14.1 his or her opponent does not maintain a minimum contact with the seat
or cushion(s), with the back of the thigh, when the ball is struck;
2.10.1.14.2 his or her opponent touches the table with either hand before striking the ball;
2.10.1.14.3 his or her opponent’s footrest or foot touches the floor during play.
2.10.1.15 as provided under the order of play (2.8.3).
2.11 A GAME
2.11.1 A game shall be won by the player or pair first scoring 11 points unless both players or pairs score 10 points, when the game shall be won by the first player or pair subsequently gaining a lead of 2 points.
2.12 A MATCH
2.12.1 A match shall consist of the best of any odd number of games.
2.13 THE ORDER OF SERVING, RECEIVING AND ENDS
2.13.1 The right to choose the initial order of serving, receiving and ends shall be decided by lot and the winner may choose to serve or to receive first or to start at a particular end.
2.13.2 When one player or pair has chosen to serve or to receive first or to start at a particular end, the other player or pair shall have the other choice.
2.13.3 After each 2 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, unless both players or pairs score 10 points or the expedite system is in operation, when the sequences of serving and receiving shall be the same but each player shall serve for only 1 point in turn.
2.13.4 In each game of a doubles match, the pair having the right to serve first shall choose which of them will do so and in the first game of a match the receiving pair shall decide which of them will receive first; in subsequent games of the match, the first server having been chosen, the first receiver shall be the player who served to him or her in the preceding game.
2.13.5 In doubles, at each change of service the previous receiver shall become the server and the partner of the previous server shall become the receiver.
2.13.6 The player or pair serving first in a game shall receive first in the next game of the match and in the last possible game of a doubles match the pair due to receive next shall change their order of receiving when first one pair scores 5 points.
2.13.7 The player or pair starting at one end in a game shall start at the other end in the next game of the match and in the last possible game of a match the players or pairs shall change ends when first one player or pair scores 5 points.
2.14 OUT OF ORDER OF SERVING, RECEIVING OR ENDS
2.14.1 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.
2.14.2 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.
2.14.3 In any circumstances, all points scored before the discovery of an error shall be reckoned.
2.15 THE EXPEDITE SYSTEM
2.15.1 Except as provided in 2.15.2, the expedite system shall come into operation after 10 minutes’ play in a game or at any time when requested by both players or pairs.
2.15.2 The expedite system shall not be introduced in a game if at least 18 points have been scored.
2.15.3 If the ball is in play when the time limit is reached and the expedite system is due to come into operation, play shall be interrupted by the umpire and shall resume with service by the player who served in the rally that was interrupted; if the ball is not in play when the expedite system comes into operation, play shall resume with service by the player who received in the immediately preceding rally.
2.15.4 Thereafter, each player shall serve for 1 point in turn until the end of the game, and if the receiving player or pair makes 13 correct returns in a rally the receiver shall score a point.
2.15.5 Introduction of the expedite system shall not alter the order of serving and receiving in the match, as defined in 2.13.6.
2.15.6 Once introduced, the expedite system shall remain in operation until the end of the match.
3
REGULATIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS
3.1 SCOPE OF LAWS AND REGULATIONS
3.1.1 Types of Competition
3.1.1.1 An international competition is one that may include the players of more than one Association.
3.1.1.2 An international match is a match between teams representing Associations.
3.1.1.3 An open tournament is one that is open to the players of all Associations.
3.1.1.4 A restricted tournament is one that is restricted to specified groups of players other than age groups.
3.1.1.5 An invitation tournament is one that is restricted to specified Associations or players, individually invited.
3.1.2 Applicability
3.1.2.1 Except as provided in 3.1.2.2, the Laws (Chapter 2) shall apply to World, Continental, Olympic and Paralympic title competitions, open tournaments and, unless otherwise agreed by the participating Associations, to international matches.
3.1.2.2 The Board of Directors shall have power to authorise the organiser of an open tournament to adopt experimental law variations specified by the Executive Committee.
3.1.2.3 The Regulations for International Competitions shall apply to:
3.1.2.3.1 World, Olympic and Paralympic title competitions, unless otherwise authorised by the Board of Directors and notified in advance to the participating Associations;
3.1.2.3.2 Continental title competitions, unless otherwise authorised by the appropriate Continental Federation and notified in advance to the participating Associations;
3.1.2.3.3 Open International Championships (3.7.1.2), unless otherwise authorised by the Executive Committee and notified in advance to the participants in accordance with 3.1.2.4;
3.1.2.3.4 open tournaments, except as provided in 3.1.2.4.
3.1.2.4 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 acceptance of the conditions of the competition, including such variations.
3.1.2.5 The Laws and Regulations are recommended for all international competitions but, provided that the Constitution is observed, international restricted and invitation tournaments and recognised international competitions organised by unaffiliated bodies may be held under rules laid down by the organising authority.
3.1.2.6 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.
3.1.2.7 Detailed explanations and interpretations of Rules, including equipment specifications for International Competitions, shall be published as Technical or Administrative Leaflets by the Board of Directors; practical instructions and implementation procedures may be issued as Handbooks or Guides by the Executive Committee. These publications may include mandatory parts as well as recommendations or guidance.
3.2 EQUIPMENT AND PLAYING CONDITIONS
3.2.1 Approved and Authorised Equipment
3.2.1.1 The approval and authorisation of playing equipment shall be conducted on behalf of the Board of Directors by the Equipment Committee; an approval or authorisation may be suspended by the Executive Committee at any time and subsequently the approval or authorisation may be withdrawn by the Board of Directors.
3.2.1.2 The entry form or prospectus for an open tournament shall specify the brands and colours of table, net assembly, flooring and ball to be used; the choice of table, net assembly and ball shall be as laid down by the ITTF or by the Association in whose territory the competition is held, selected from brands and types currently approved by the ITTF; for selected ITTF sanctioned tournaments, the flooring shall be of a brand and type currently approved by ITTF.
3.2.1.3 Any ordinary pimpled rubber or sandwich rubber covering the racket shall be currently authorised by the ITTF and shall be attached to the blade so that the ITTF logo, the ITTF number (when present), the supplier and brand names are clearly visible nearest the handle.
Lists of all approved and authorised equipment and materials are maintained by the ITTF Office and details are available on the ITTF website.
3.2.1.4 Table legs shall be at least 40cm from the end line of the table for wheelchair players.
3.2.2 Playing Clothing
3.2.2.1 Playing clothing shall consist of a short-sleeved or sleeveless shirt and shorts or skirt or one-part sports outfits, socks and playing shoes; other garments, such as part or all of a tracksuit, shall not be worn during play except with the permission of the referee.
3.2.2.2 The main colour of a shirt, skirt or shorts, other than sleeves and collar of a shirt shall be clearly different from that of the ball in use.
3.2.2.3 Clothing may bear numbers or lettering on the back of the shirt to identify a player, his or her Association or, in club matches, his or her club, and advertisements in accordance with the provisions of 3.2.5.10; if the back of a shirt bears the player’s name, this shall be situated just below the collar.
3.2.2.4 Any numbers required by organisers to identify a player shall have priority over advertisements on the centre part of the back of a shirt; such numbers shall be contained within a panel having an area not greater than 600cm2.
3.2.2.5 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.
3.2.2.6 Clothing shall not carry designs or lettering which might cause offence or bring the game into disrepute.
3.2.2.7 The players of a team taking part in a team match, and players of the same Association forming a doubles pair in a World, Olympic or Paralympic Title Competition, shall be dressed uniformly, with the possible exception of socks, shoes and the number, size, colour and design of advertisements on clothing. Players of the same Association forming a doubles pair in other international competitions may wear clothes of different manufacturers, if the basic colours are the same and their National Association authorises this procedure.
3.2.2.8 Opposing players and pairs shall wear shirts that are of sufficiently different colours to enable them to be easily distinguished by spectators.
3.2.2.9 Where opposing players or teams have a similar shirt and cannot agree which of them will change, the decision shall be made by the umpire by lot.
3.2.2.10 Players competing in a World, Olympic or Paralympic title competition or Open International Championships shall wear shirt and shorts or skirt of types authorised by their Association.
3.2.3 Playing Conditions
3.2.3.1 The playing space shall be rectangular and not less than 14m long, 7m wide and 5m high, but the 4 corners may be covered by surrounds of not more than 1.5m length; for wheelchair events, the playing space may be reduced, but shall not be less than 8m long and 6m wide.
3.2.3.2 The following equipment and fittings are to be considered as part of each playing area: The table including the net assembly, printed numbers identifying the table, flooring, umpires tables and chairs, score indicators, towel and ball boxes, surrounds, boards on the surrounds indicating the names of players or Associations, and small technical equipment which shall be fitted in a way that does not affect play.
3.2.3.3 The playing area shall be enclosed by surrounds about 75cm high, all of the same dark background colour, separating it from adjacent playing areas and from spectators.
3.2.3.4 In World, Olympic and Paralympic title competitions the light intensity, measured at the height of the playing surface, shall be at least 1000 lux uniformly over the whole of the playing surface and at least 500 lux elsewhere in the playing area; in other competitions the intensity shall be at least 600 lux uniformly over the playing surface and at least 400 lux elsewhere in the playing area.
3.2.3.5 Where several tables are in use, the lighting level shall be the same for all of them, and the level of background lighting in the playing hall shall not be greater than the lowest level in the playing area.
3.2.3.6 The light source shall not be less than 5m above the floor.
3.2.3.7 The background shall be generally dark and shall not contain bright light sources or daylight through uncovered windows or other apertures.
3.2.3.8 The flooring shall not be light-coloured, brightly reflecting or slippery and it shall be resilient; the flooring may be rigid for wheelchair events.
3.2.3.8.1 In World, Olympic and Paralympic title competitions the flooring shall be of wood or of a brand and type of rollable synthetic material authorised by the ITTF.
3.2.3.9 Technical equipment on the net assembly shall be considered part of it.
3.2.4 Racket Control
3.2.4.1 It is the responsibility of each player to ensure that racket coverings are attached to their racket blade with adhesives that do not contain harmful volatile solvents.
3.2.4.2 A racket control centre shall be established at all ITTF World Title, Olympic and Paralympic competitions as well as at a select number of ITTF World Tour and Junior Circuit competitions and may be established at Continental and Regional competitions.
3.2.4.2.1 The racket control centre shall test rackets, according to the policy and procedure established by the Executive Committee on recommendation of the Equipment Committee and Umpires and Referees Committee, to ensure that rackets abide by all ITTF regulations including, but not limited
to, racket covering thickness, flatness and presence of harmful volatile substances.
3.2.4.2.2 The racket control test shall be carried out after the match at random only where the player does not submit the racket for a before match test.
3.2.4.2.3 Rackets that do not pass the racket control test before the match cannot be used but may be replaced by a second racket which which may be tested immediately if time permits, but if not, will be tested after the match; in the case where rackets do not pass a random racket control test after the match, the offending player will be liable to penalties.
3.2.4.2.4 All players are entitled to have their rackets tested voluntarily without any penalties before the match.
3.2.4.3 Following 4 accumulated failures on any aspect of racket testing in a period of four years, the player may complete the event, but subsequently the Executive Committee will suspend the offending player for 12 months.
3.2.4.3.1 The ITTF shall inform the suspended player in writing of such suspension.
3.2.4.3.2 The suspended player may appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport within 21 days of the receiving of the letter of suspension; should such an appeal be submitted, the player’s suspension would remain in force.
3.2.4.4 The ITTF shall maintain a register of all racket control failures with effect from 1 September 2010.
3.2.4.5 A properly ventilated area shall be provided for the attachment of racket coverings to rackets, and liquid adhesives shall not be used anywhere else at the playing venue.
“Playing venue” means that part of the building used for table tennis and its related activities, facilities and public area.
3.2.5 Advertisements and Markings
3.2.5.1 Inside the playing area, advertisements shall be displayed only on equipment or fittings listed in 3.2.3.2 and there shall be no special additional displays.
3.2.5.1.1 Advertisements or markings in or next to the playing area shall not be for tobacco goods, alcoholic drinks, harmful drugs or illegal products and they shall be without negative discrimination or connotation on the grounds of race, xenophobia, gender, religion, disabilities or other forms of discrimination.
3.2.5.2 At Olympic and Paralympic Games advertisements on playing equipment, on playing clothing and on umpires’ clothing shall be according to IOC and IPC regulations respectively.
3.2.5.3 With the exception of LED (light-emitting diode) and similar devices advertisements on the surrounds of the sides of the playing area, fluorescent,
luminescent or glossy colours shall not be used anywhere in the playing area and the background colour of the surrounds shall remain dark.
3.2.5.3.1 Advertisements on surrounds shall not change during a match from dark to light and vice versa.
3.2.5.3.2 LEDs and similar devices on surrounds shall not be so bright as to disturb players during the match and shall not change when the ball is in play.
3.2.5.3.3 Advertisements on LED and similar devices shall not be used without prior approval from ITTF.
3.2.5.4 Lettering or symbols on the inside of surrounds shall be clearly different from the colour of the ball in use, not more than two colours and shall be contained within a height of 40cm.
3.2.5.5 There may be up to 4 advertisements on the floor of the playing area, 1 at each end, each contained within an area of 5m2, and 1 at each side of the table, each contained within an area of 2.5m²; they shall not be less than 1m from the surrounds and those at the ends shall not be more than 2m from the surrounds.
3.2.5.6 There may be 1 permanent advertisement of the manufacturer’s or supplier’s name or logo and 1 temporary advertisement on each half of each side of the tabletop and 1 on each end, and each contained within a total length of 60cm. The temporary advertisements shall be clearly separated from any permanent advertisements; they shall not be for other table tennis equipment suppliers and there shall be no advertisement, logo, name of table or name of the manufacturer or supplier of the table on the undercarriage, except if the table manufacturer or supplier is the title sponsor of the tournament.
3.2.5.7 There may be 2 advertisements on nets on each side of the table which shall be clearly different from the colour of the ball in use, shall not be within 3cm of the tape along the top edge; advertisements placed on parts of the net within the vertical extensions of the side lines of the table shall not obscure visibility through the mesh.
3.2.5.8 Advertisements on umpires' tables or other furniture inside the playing area shall be contained within a total area on any face of 750cm2.
3.2.5.9 Advertisements on playing clothing shall be limited to
3.2.5.9.1 the maker's normal trademark, symbol or name contained within a total area of 24cm2;
3.2.5.9.2 not more than 6 clearly separated advertisements, contained within a combined total area of 600cm2, on the front, side or shoulder of a shirt, with not more than 4 advertisements on the front;
3.2.5.9.3 not more than 2 advertisements, contained within a total area of 400cm2, on the back of a shirt;
3.2.5.9.4 not more than 2 advertisements, contained within a combined total area of 120cm2, only on the front and the sides of shorts or skirt.
3.2.5.10 Advertisements on players' numbers shall be contained within a total area of 100cm2.
3.2.5.11 Advertisements on umpires' clothing shall be contained within a total area of 40cm2.
3.2.5.12 There shall be no advertisements on players' clothing or numbers for tobacco goods, alcoholic drinks or harmful drugs.
3.2.6 Doping Control
3.2.6.1 All players participating in international competitions, including Junior competitions, shall be subject to in-competition testing by the ITTF, the player’s National Association and any other Anti-Doping Organisation responsible for testing at a competition in which they participate.
3.3 MATCH OFFICIALS
3.3.1 Referee
3.3.1.1 For each competition as a whole a referee shall be appointed and his or her identity and location shall be made known to the participants and, where appropriate, to the team captains.
3.3.1.2 The referee shall be responsible for
3.3.1.2.1 the conduct of the draw;
3.3.1.2.2 the scheduling of the matches by time and table;
3.3.1.2.3 the appointment of match officials;
3.3.1.2.4 conducting a pre-tournament briefing for match officials;
3.3.1.2.5 checking the eligibility of players;
3.3.1.2.6 deciding whether play may be suspended in an emergency;
3.3.1.2.7 deciding whether players may leave the playing area during a match;
3.3.1.2.8 deciding whether statutory practice periods may be extended;
3.3.1.2.9 deciding whether players may wear track suits during a match;
3.3.1.2.10 deciding any question of interpretation of Laws or Regulations, including the acceptability of clothing, playing equipment and playing conditions;
3.3.1.2.11 deciding whether, and where, players may practise during an emergency suspension of play;
3.3.1.2.12 taking disciplinary action for misbehaviour or other breaches of regulations.
3.3.1.3 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 captains.
3.3.1.4 The referee, or a responsible deputy appointed to exercise authority in his or her absence, shall be present at all times during play.
3.3.1.5 Where the referee is satisfied that it is necessary to do so he or she may replace a match official with another at any time, but he or she may not alter a decision already made by the replaced official on a question of fact within his or her jurisdiction.
3.3.1.6 Players shall be under the jurisdiction of the referee from the time at which they arrive at the playing venue until they leave it.
3.3.2 Umpire, Assistant Umpire and Stroke Counter
3.3.2.1 An umpire and an assistant umpire shall be appointed for each match.
3.3.2.2 The umpire shall sit or stand in line with the net and the assistant umpire shall sit directly facing him or her, at the other side of the table.
3.3.2.3 The umpire shall be responsible for:
3.3.2.3.1 checking the acceptability of equipment and playing conditions and reporting any deficiency to the referee;
3.3.2.3.2 taking a ball at random as provided in 3.4.2.1.1-2;
3.3.2.3.3 conducting the draw for the choice of serving, receiving and ends;
3.3.2.3.4 deciding whether the requirements of the service law may be relaxed for a player with physical disability;
3.3.2.3.5 controlling the order of serving, receiving and ends and correcting any errors therein;
3.3.2.3.6 deciding each rally as a point or a let;
3.3.2.3.7 calling the score, in accordance with specified procedure;
3.3.2.3.8 introducing the expedite system at the appropriate time;
3.3.2.3.9 maintaining the continuity of play;
3.3.2.3.10 taking action for breaches of the advice or behaviour regulations;
3.3.2.3.11 drawing by lot which player, pair or team shall change their shirt, should opposing players or teams have a similar shirt and cannot agree which of them will change.
3.3.2.3.12 ensuring that only authorised persons are at the playing area.
3.3.2.4 The assistant umpire shall:
3.3.2.4.1 decide whether or not the ball in play touches the edge of the playing surface at the side of the table nearest him or her;
3.3.2.4.2 inform the umpire for breaches of the advice or behaviour regulations.
3.3.2.5 Either the umpire or the assistant umpire may:
3.3.2.5.1 decide that a player's service action is illegal;
3.3.2.5.2 decide that, in an otherwise correct service, the ball touches the net assembly;
3.3.2.5.3 decide that a player obstructs the ball;
3.3.2.5.4 decide that the conditions of play are disturbed in a way that may affect the outcome of the rally;
3.3.2.5.5 time the duration of the practice period, of play and of intervals.
3.3.2.6 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.
3.3.2.7 A decision made by the assistant umpire in accordance with the provisions of
3.3.2.5 may not be overruled by the umpire.
3.3.2.8 Players shall be under the jurisdiction of the umpire from the time at which they arrive at the playing area until they leave it.
3.3.3 Appeals
3.3.3.1 No agreement between players, in an individual event, or between team captains, in a team event, can alter a decision on a question of fact by the responsible match official, on a question of interpretation of Laws or Regulations by the responsible referee or on any other question of tournament or match conduct by the responsible management committee.
3.3.3.2 No appeal may be made to the referee against a decision on a question of fact by the responsible match official or to the management committee on a question of interpretation of Laws or Regulations by the referee.
3.3.3.3 An appeal may be made to the referee against a decision of a match official on a question of interpretation of Laws or Regulations, and the decision of the referee shall be final.
3.3.3.4 An appeal may be made to the competition management committee against a decision of the referee on a question of tournament or match conduct not covered by the Laws or Regulations, and the decision of the management committee shall be final.
3.3.3.5 In an individual event an appeal may be made only by a player participating in the match in which the question has arisen; in a team event an appeal may be made only by the captain of a team participating in the match in which the question has arisen.
3.3.3.6 A question of interpretation of Laws or Regulations arising from the decision of a referee, or a question of tournament or match conduct arising from the decision of a competition management committee, may be submitted by the player or team captain eligible to make an appeal, through his or her parent Association, for consideration by the ITTF Rules Committee.
3.3.3.7 The Rules Committee shall give a ruling as a guide for future decisions, and this ruling may also be made the subject of a protest by an Association to the Board of Directors or a General Meeting, but it shall not affect the finality of any decision already made by the responsible referee or management committee.
3.4 MATCH CONDUCT
3.4.1 Score Indication
3.4.1.1 The umpire shall call the score as soon as the ball is out of play at the completion of a rally, or as soon as is practicable thereafter.
3.4.1.1.1 In calling the score during a game the umpire shall call first the number of points scored by the player or pair due to serve in the next rally of the game and then the number of points scored by the opposing player or pair.
3.4.1.1.2 At the beginning of a game and when a change of server is due, the umpire shall point to the next server, and may also follow the score call with the next server’s name.
3.4.1.1.3 At the end of a game the umpire shall call the number of points scored by the winning player or pair followed by the number of points scored by the losing player or pair and may then name the winning player or pair.
3.4.1.2 In addition to calling the score the umpire may use hand signals to indicate his or her decisions.
3.4.1.2.1 When a point has been scored, he or she may raise his or her arm nearer to the player or pair who won the point so that the upper arm is horizontal and the forearm is vertical with the closed hand upward.
3.4.1.2.2 When for any reason the rally is a let, he or she may raise his or her hand above his or her head to show that the rally has ended.
3.4.1.3 The score and, under the expedite system, the number of strokes shall be called in English or in any other language acceptable to both players or pairs and to the umpire.
3.4.1.4 The score shall be displayed on mechanical or electronic indicators so that it is clearly visible to the players and the spectators.
3.4.1.5 When a player is formally warned for bad behaviour, a yellow marker shall be placed on or near the score indicator.
3.4.2 Equipment
3.4.2.1 Players shall not choose balls in the playing area.
3.4.2.1.1 Wherever possible players shall be given the opportunity to choose one or more balls before coming to the playing area and the match shall be played with the ball chosen by the players.
3.4.2.1.2 If a ball has not been chosen before players come to the playing area, or the players cannot agree on the ball to be used, the match shall be played with a ball taken at random by the umpire from a box of those specified for the competition.
3.4.2.1.3 If a ball is damaged during a match, it shall be replaced by another of those chosen before the match or, if such a ball is not available, by one taken at random by the umpire from a box of those specified for the competition.
3.4.2.2 The racket covering shall be used as it has been authorised by the ITTF without any physical, chemical or other treatment, changing or modifying playing properties, friction, outlook, colour, structure, surface, etc.; in particular, no additives shall be used.
3.4.2.3 A racket shall successfully pass all parameters of the racket control tests.
3.4.2.4 A racket shall not be replaced during an individual match unless it is accidentally damaged so badly that it cannot be used; if this happens the damaged racket shall be replaced immediately by another which the player has brought with him or her to the playing area or one which is handed to him or her in the playing area.
3.4.2.5 Unless otherwise authorised by the umpire, players shall leave their rackets on the table during intervals; but if the racket is strapped to the hand, the umpire shall allow the player to retain his or her racket strapped to the hand during intervals.
3.4.3 Practice
3.4.3.1 Players are entitled to practise 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.
3.4.3.2 During an emergency suspension of play the referee may allow players to practise on any table, including the match table.
3.4.3.3 Players shall be given reasonable opportunity to check and to familiarise themselves with any equipment which they are to use, but this shall not automatically entitle them to more than a few practice rallies before resuming play after the replacement of a damaged ball or racket.
3.4.4 Intervals
3.4.4.1 Play shall be continuous throughout an individual match except that any player is entitled to:
3.4.4.1.1 an interval of up to 1 minute between successive games of an individual match;
3.4.4.1.2 brief intervals for towelling after every 6 points from the start of each game and at the change of ends in the last possible game of an individual match.
3.4.4.2 A player or pair may claim one time-out period of up to 1 minute during an individual match.
3.4.4.2.1 In an individual event the request for a time-out may be made by the player or pair or by the designated adviser; in a team event it may be made by the player or pair or by the team captain.
3.4.4.2.2 If a player or pair and an adviser or captain disagree whether a time-out is to be taken, the final decision shall be made by the player or pair in an individual event and by the captain in a team event.
3.4.4.2.3 The request for a time-out, which can be made only between rallies in a game, shall be indicated by making a "T" sign with the hands.
3.4.4.2.4 On receiving a valid request for a time-out the umpire shall suspend play and shall hold up a white card with the hand on the side of the player or pair who requested it; the white card or another appropriate marker shall be placed on the court of that player or pair.
3.4.4.2.5 The white card or marker shall be removed and play resumed as soon as the player or pair making the request is ready to continue or at the end of 1 minute, whichever is the sooner.
3.4.4.2.6 If a valid request for a time-out is made simultaneously by or on behalf of both players or pairs, play will resume when both players or pairs are ready or at the end of 1 minute, whichever is the sooner, and neither player or pair shall be entitled to another time-out during that individual match.
3.4.4.3 There shall be no intervals between successive individual matches of a team match except that a player who is required to play in successive matches may claim an interval of up to 5 minutes between those matches.
3.4.4.4 The referee may allow a suspension of play, of the shortest practical duration, and in no circumstances more than 10 minutes, if a player is temporarily incapacitated by an accident, provided that in the opinion of the referee the suspension is not likely to be unduly disadvantageous to the opposing player or pair.
3.4.4.5 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.
3.4.4.6 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.
3.4.4.7 Players shall remain in or near the playing area throughout an individual match, except with the permission of the referee; during intervals between games and time-outs they shall remain within 3 metres of the playing area, under the supervision of the umpire.
3.5 DISCIPLINE
3.5.1 Advice
3.5.1.1 In a team event, players may receive advice from anyone authorised to be at the playing area.
3.5.1.2 In an individual event, a player or pair may receive advice only from one person, designated beforehand to the umpire, except that where the players of a doubles pair are from different Associations each may designate an adviser, but with regard to 3.5.1 and 3.5.2 these two advisors shall be treated as a unit; if an unauthorised person gives advice the umpire shall hold up a red card and send him or her away from the playing area.
3.5.1.3 Players may receive advice at any time except during rallies provided play is not thereby delayed (3.4.4.1); if any authorised person gives advice illegally the umpire shall hold up a yellow card to warn him or her that any further such offence will result in his or her dismissal from the playing area.
3.5.1.4 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 or her away from the playing area, whether or not he or she was the person warned.
3.5.1.5 In a team match the dismissed adviser shall not be allowed to return, except when required to play, and he or she shall not be replaced by another adviser until the team match has ended; in an individual event he or she shall not be allowed to return until the individual match has ended.
3.5.1.6 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.
3.5.1.7 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.
3.5.2 Misbehaviour
3.5.2.1 Players and coaches or other advisers shall refrain from behaviour that may unfairly affect an opponent, offend spectators or bring the sport into disrepute, such as abusive language, deliberately breaking the ball or hitting it out of the playing area, kicking the table or surrounds and disrespect of match officials.
3.5.2.2 If at any time a player, a coach or another adviser 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.
3.5.2.3 Except as provided in 3.5.2.2 and 3.5.2.5, if a player who has been warned commits a second offence in the same individual match or team match, the umpire shall award 1 point to the offender's opponent and for a further offence he or she shall award 2 points, each time holding up a yellow and a red card together.
3.5.2.4 If a player against whom 3 penalty points have been awarded in the same individual match or team match continues to misbehave, the umpire shall suspend play and report immediately to the referee.
3.5.2.5 If a player changes his or her racket during an individual match when it has not been damaged, the umpire shall suspend play and report to the referee.
3.5.2.6 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.
3.5.2.7 Except as provided in 3.5.2.2, if a coach or another adviser who has been warned commits a further offence in the same individual match or team match, the umpire shall hold up a red card and send him or her away from the playing area until the end of the team match or, in an individual event, of the individual match.
3.5.2.8 The referee shall have power to disqualify a player from a match, an event or a competition for seriously unfair or offensive behaviour, whether reported by the umpire or not; as he or she does so he or she shall hold up a red card; for less serious offenses which do not justify disqualification, the referee may decide to report such an offense to a Disciplinary Panel (3.5.2.13).
3.5.2.9 If a player is disqualified from 2 matches of a team or individual event he or she shall automatically be disqualified from that team event or individual competition.
3.5.2.10 The referee may disqualify for the remainder of a competition anyone who has twice been sent away from the playing area during that competition.
3.5.2.11 If a player is disqualified from an event or competition for any reason, he or she shall automatically forfeit any associated title, medal, prize money or ranking points.
3.5.2.12 Cases of very serious misbehaviour shall be reported to the offender's Association.
3.5.2.13 A Disciplinary Panel appointed by the Executive Committee, consisting of 4 members and a chair, shall decide on appropriate sanctions for offences reported by the referee of an event within 14 days of the end of the event. The Disciplinary Panel shall decide according to directives given by the Executive Committee.
3.5.2.14 An appeal against the Disciplinary Panel´s decision may be made by the disciplined player, adviser or official within 15 days to the ITTF Executive Committee, whose decision on the matter shall be final.
3.5.3 Good Presentation
3.5.3.1 Players, coaches and officials shall uphold the object of good presentation of the sport and safeguard its integrity by refraining from any attempt to influence the elements of a competition in a manner contrary to sporting ethics:
3.5.3.1.1 Players have to do their utmost to win a match and shall not withdraw except for reasons of illness or injury.
3.5.3.1.2 Players, coaches and officials shall not participate in any form of or support betting or gambling related to their own matches and competitions.
3.5.3.2 Any player who deliberately fails to comply with these principles shall be disciplined by total or partial loss of prize money in prize events and/or by suspension from ITTF events.
3.5.3.3 In the event of complicity proven against any adviser or official the relevant national Association is also expected to discipline this person.
3.5.3.4 A Disciplinary Panel appointed by the Executive Committee, consisting of 4 members and a chair, shall decide on whether an infringement committed and if necessary on appropriate sanctions; this Disciplinary Panel shall decide according to directives given by the Executive Committee.
3.5.3.5 An appeal against the Disciplinary Panel’s decision may be made by the disciplined player, adviser or official within 15 days to the ITTF Executive Committee whose decision on the matter shall be final.
3.6 DRAW FOR KNOCK-OUT COMPETITIONS
3.6.1 Byes and Qualifiers
3.6.1.1 The number of places in the first round proper of a knockout event shall be a power of 2.
3.6.1.1.1 If there are fewer entries than places, the first round shall include enough byes to make up the required number.
3.6.1.1.2 If there are more entries than places, a qualifying competition shall be held such that the number of qualifiers and the number of direct entries together make up the required number.
3.6.1.2 Byes shall be distributed as evenly as possible throughout the first round, being placed first against seeded places, in seeding order.
3.6.1.3 Qualifiers shall be drawn as evenly as possible among the halves, quarters, eighths or sixteenths of the draw, as appropriate.
3.6.2 Seeding by Ranking
3.6.2.1 The highest ranked entries in an event shall be seeded so that they cannot meet before the closing rounds.
3.6.2.2 The number of entries to be seeded shall not exceed the number of entries in the 1st round proper of the event.
3.6.2.3 The entry ranked 1 shall be placed at the top of the first half of the draw and the entry ranked 2 at the bottom of the second half, but all other seeded entries shall be drawn among specified places in the draw, as follows:
3.6.2.3.1 the entries ranked 3 and 4 shall be drawn between the bottom of the first half of the draw and the top of the second half;
3.6.2.3.2 the entries ranked 5-8 shall be drawn among the bottom places of the odd- numbered quarters of the draw and the top places of the even-numbered quarters;
3.6.2.3.3 the entries ranked 9-16 shall be drawn among the bottom places of the odd-numbered eighths of the draw and the top places of the even- numbered eighths;
3.6.2.3.4 the entries ranked 17-32 shall be drawn among the bottom places of the odd-numbered sixteenths of the draw and the top places of the even- numbered sixteenths.
3.6.2.4 In a team knockout event only the highest ranked team from an Association shall be eligible for seeding by ranking.
3.6.2.5 Seeding by ranking shall follow the order of the latest ranking list published by the ITTF except that:
3.6.2.5.1 where all the entries eligible for seeding are from Associations belonging to the same Continental Federation the latest list published by that Federation shall take precedence;
3.6.2.5.2 where all the entries eligible for seeding are from the same Association the latest list published by that Association shall take precedence.
3.6.3 Seeding by Association Nomination
3.6.3.1 Nominated players and pairs of the same Association shall, as far as possible, be separated so that they cannot meet before the closing rounds of an event.
3.6.3.2 Associations shall list their nominated players and pairs in descending order of playing strength, starting with any players included in the ranking list used for seeding, in the order of that list.
3.6.3.3 The entries ranked 1 and 2 shall be drawn into different halves and those ranked 3 and 4 into quarters other than those occupied by the first two.
3.6.3.4 The entries ranked 5-8 shall be drawn as evenly as possible into eighths other than those occupied by the first four.
3.6.3.5 The entries ranked 9-16 shall be drawn as evenly as possible into sixteenths other than those occupied by higher ranked players or pairs and so on, until all the entries have been allocated.
3.6.3.6 A men's or women's doubles pair consisting of players from different Associations shall be considered a pair of the Association of the player ranked higher in the World Ranking List, or, if neither player is in this list, in the appropriate Continental Ranking List; if neither player is included in a World or Continental Ranking List, the pair shall be considered a member of the Association whose team is ranked higher in the appropriate World Team Ranking List.
3.6.3.7 A mixed doubles pair consisting of players from different Associations shall be considered a pair of the Association to which the man belongs.
3.6.3.8 Alternatively, any doubles pair consisting of players from different Associations may be considered a pair of both of these Associations.
3.6.3.9 In a qualifying competition, entries from the same Association, up to the number of qualifying groups, shall be drawn into separate groups in such a way that qualifiers are, as far as possible, separated in accordance with the principles of 3.6.3.3-5.
3.6.4 Alterations
3.6.4.1 A completed draw may be altered only with the permission of the responsible management committee and, where appropriate, the agreement of the representatives of Associations directly concerned.
3.6.4.2 The draw may be altered only to correct errors and genuine misunderstandings in the notification and acceptance of entry, to correct
serious imbalance, as provided in 3.6.5, or to include additional players or pairs, as provided in 3.6.6.
3.6.4.3 No alterations other than necessary deletions shall be made to the draw of an event after it has started; for the purpose of this regulation a qualifying competition may be regarded as a separate event.
3.6.4.4 A player shall not be deleted from the draw without his or her permission, unless he or she is disqualified; such permission must be given either by the player if he or she is present or, if he or she is absent, by his or her authorised representative.
3.6.4.5 A doubles pair shall not be altered if both players are present and fit to play, but injury, illness or absence of one player may be accepted as justification for an alteration.
3.6.5 Re-draw
3.6.5.1 Except as provided in 3.6.4.2, 3.6.4.5 and 3.6.5.2, a player shall not be moved from one place in the draw to another and if for any reason the draw becomes seriously unbalanced the event shall, wherever possible, be completely re- drawn.
3.6.5.2 Exceptionally, where the imbalance is due to the absence of several seeded players or pairs from the same section of the draw, the remaining seeded players or pairs only may be re-numbered in ranking order and re-drawn to the extent possible among the seeded places, taking account as far as is practicable of the requirements for seeding by Association nomination.
3.6.6 Additions
3.6.6.1 Players not included in the original draw may be added later, at the discretion of the responsible management committee and with the agreement of the referee.
3.6.6.2 Any vacancies in seeded places shall first be filled, in ranking order, by drawing into them the strongest new players or pairs; any further players or pairs shall be drawn into vacancies due to absence or disqualification and then into byes other than those against seeded players or pairs.
3.6.6.3 Any players or pairs who would have been seeded by ranking if they had been included in the original draw may be drawn only into vacancies in seeded places.
3.7 ORGANISATION OF COMPETITIONS
3.7.1 Authority
3.7.1.1 Provided the Constitution is observed, any Association may organise or authorise open, restricted or invitation tournaments within its territory or may arrange international matches.
3.7.1.2 Players from affiliated ITTF member Associations, when competing internationally, can only participate in ITTF events, ITTF approved events and ITTF registered events entered through their national Association, as well as in ITTF recognised events entered through their National Olympic Committee or National Paralympic Committee respectively. Participation in any other type of event can only be allowed with the express written permission of the national Association of the player or the ITTF; permission to players will be considered given unless a specific or general notification is made by the national Association of the player or the ITTF withholding the permission to participate in an event or series of events.
3.7.1.3 A player or team may not take part in an international competition if he or she or it is suspended by his or her or its Association or Continental Federation.
3.7.1.4 No event may use a World title without the permission of the ITTF, or a Continental title without the permission of the appropriate Continental Federation.
3.7.2 Representation
3.7.2.1 Representatives of all Associations whose players are taking part in an Open International Championships event shall be entitled to attend the draw and shall be consulted on any alterations to the draw or any decisions of appeal that may directly affect their players.
3.7.3 Entries
3.7.3.1 Entry forms for Open International Championships shall be sent to all Associations not later than 2 calendar months before the start of the competition and not later than 1 calendar month before the date for the close of entries.
3.7.3.2 All entries nominated by Associations for open tournaments shall be accepted but the organisers shall have power to allocate entries to a qualifying competition; in deciding this allocation they shall take account of the relevant ITTF and Continental ranking lists and of any ranking order of entries specified by the nominating Association.
3.7.4 Events
3.7.4.1 Open International Championships shall include men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles and women's doubles and may include mixed doubles and international team events for teams representing Associations.
3.7.4.2 In world title competitions, players in youth, junior and cadet events must be under 21, under 18 and under 15 respectively on 31st December immediately before the calendar year in which the competition takes place; these age limits are recommended for corresponding events in other competitions.
3.7.4.3 It is recommended that team matches at Open International Championships be played according to one of the systems specified in 3.7.6; the entry form or prospectus shall show which system has been chosen.
3.7.4.4 Individual events proper shall be played on a knockout basis, but team events and qualifying rounds of individual events may be played on either a knockout or a group basis.
3.7.5 Group Competitions
3.7.5.1 In a group, or "round robin", competition, all members of the group shall compete against each other and shall gain 2 match points for a win, 1 for a loss in a played match and 0 for a loss in an unplayed or unfinished match; the ranking order shall be determined primarily by the number of match points gained. If a player is defaulted after the completion of a match for any reason, he or she shall be deemed to have lost the match, which shall subsequently be recorded as a loss in an unplayed match.
3.7.5.2 If two or more members of the group have gained the same number of match points their relative positions shall be determined only by the results of the matches between them, by considering successively the numbers of match points, the ratios of wins to losses first in individual matches (for a team event), games and points, as far as is necessary to resolve the order.
3.7.5.3 If at any step in the calculations the positions of one or more members of the group have been determined while the others are still equal, the results of matches in which those members took part shall be excluded from any further calculations needed to resolve the equalities in accordance with the procedure of 3.7.5.1 and 3.7.5.2.
3.7.5.4 If it is not possible to resolve equalities by means of the procedure specified in 3.7.5.1-3 the relative positions shall be decided by lot.
3.7.5.5 Unless otherwise authorised by the Jury, if 1 player or team is to qualify the final match in the group shall be between the players or teams numbered 1 and 2, if 2 are to qualify the final match shall be between the players or teams numbered 2 and 3 and so on.
3.7.6 Team Match Systems
3.7.6.1 Best of 5 matches (New Swaythling Cup system, 5 singles)
3.7.6.1.1 A team shall consist of 3 players.
3.7.6.1.2 The order of play shall be
1) A v X
2) B v Y
3) C v Z
4) A v Y
5) B v X
3.7.6.2 Best of 5 matches (Corbillon Cup system, 4 singles and 1 doubles)
3.7.6.2.1 A team shall consist of 2, 3 or 4 players.
3.7.6.2.2 The order of play shall be
1) A v X
2) B v Y
3) doubles
4) A v Y
5) B v X
3.7.6.2.3 In Para TT events, the order of play may be as in 3.7.6.2.2 except that the doubles match may be played last.
3.7.6.3 Best of 5 matches (Olympic system, 4 singles and 1 doubles).
3.7.6.3.1 A team shall consist of 3 players; each player shall compete in a maximum of 2 individual matches.
3.7.6.3.2 The order of play shall be
1) A v X
2) B v Y
3) doubles C & A or B v Z & X or Y
4) B or A v Z
5) C v Y or X
3.7.6.4 Best of 7 matches (6 singles and 1 doubles)
3.7.6.4.1 A team shall consist of 3, 4 or 5 players.
3.7.6.4.2 The order of play shall be
1) A v Y
2) B v X
3) C v Z
4) doubles
5) A v X
6) C v Y
7) B v Z
3.7.6.5 Best of 9 matches (9 singles)
3.7.6.5.1 A team shall consist of 3 players.
3.7.6.5.2 The order of play shall be
1) A v X
2) B v Y
3) C v Z
4) B v X
5) A v Z
6) C v Y
7) B v Z
8) C v X
9) A v Y
3.7.7 Team Match Procedure
3.7.7.1 All players shall be selected from those nominated for the event.
3.7.7.2 The name of the team captain, playing or non-playing, shall be designated beforehand to the umpire.
3.7.7.3 Before a team match the right to choose A, B, C or X, Y, Z shall be decided by lot and the captains shall name their teams to the referee or his or her representative, assigning a letter to each singles player.
3.7.7.4 The pairs for a doubles match need not be nominated until the end of the immediately preceding singles match.
3.7.7.5 A team match shall end when one team has won a majority of the possible individual matches.
3.7.8 Results
3.7.8.1 As soon as possible after the end of a competition and not later than 7 days thereafter the organising Association shall send to the ITTF Secretariat and to the Secretary of the appropriate Continental Federation details of the results, including points scores, of international matches, of all rounds of Continental and Open International Championships and of the closing rounds of national championships.
3.7.9 Television and Streaming
3.7.9.1 An event other than World, Continental, Olympic or Paralympic title competitions may be broadcast by television only with the permission of the Association from whose territory the broadcast is made.
3.7.9.2 Participation in an international event presumes the consent of the Association controlling the visiting players to the televising of that event; in
World, Continental, Olympic or Paralympic title competitions such consent is presumed for the showing anywhere of live or recorded television during the period of the event and within 1 calendar month afterwards.
3.7.9.3 All streaming of ITTF events (all categories) shall be subject to compliance with the ITTF streaming certification process and a Streaming Certification Fee (SCF) shall be charged to the rights holder of the event.
3.8 INTERNATIONAL ELIGIBILITY
3.8.1 Eligibility in Olympic title competitions is regulated separately by 4.5.1 and eligibility in Paralympic title competitions is regulated separately by the IPC and 4.6.1; additional eligibility regulations apply to World title events (4.1.3, 4.2.3, 4.3.6, 4.4.3).
3.8.2 A player shall be regarded as representing an Association if he or she accepted to be nominated by this Association and subsequently participates in a competition listed in 3.1.2.3 or in regional championships other than individual events at Open International Championships.
3.8.3 A player is eligible to represent an Association only if he or she is a national of the country in which that Association has jurisdiction, except that a player who has already represented an Association of which he or she was not a national in accordance with previous rules may retain that eligibility.
3.8.3.1 Where the players of more than one Association have the same nationality, a player may represent one of these Associations only, if he or she is born in or has his or her main residence in the territory controlled by that Association.
3.8.3.2 A player who is eligible to represent more than 1 Association shall have the right to choose which of the relevant Associations he or she will represent.
3.8.4 A player is eligible to represent a Continental Federation (1.18.1) in an event of continental teams only if he or she is eligible to represent a member Association of this Continental Federation according to 3.8.3.
3.8.5 A player shall not represent different Associations within a period of 3 years.
3.8.6 An Association may nominate a player under its jurisdiction (1.21) to enter any individual events of Open International Championships; such nomination may be indicated in results lists and ITTF publications but does not affect the eligibility of this player according to 3.8.2.
3.8.7 A player or his or her Association shall, if so requested by the referee, provide documentary evidence of his or her eligibility and his or her passport.
3.8.8 Any appeal on a question of eligibility shall be referred to an Eligibility Commission, consisting of the Executive Committee, the chair of the Rules Committee and the chair of the Athletes’ Commission, whose decision shall be final.
4 REGULATIONS FOR WORLD, OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC TITLE COMPETITIONS
4.1 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
4.1.1 Authority for Organisation
4.1.1.1 The title "World Championships", referred to in this Section as "Championships", shall be bestowed by the AGM on the championship events at a tournament organised by an Association entrusted with the task.
4.1.1.2 The closing date for applications to stage Championships shall be specified by the Executive Committee and notified to all Associations, giving at least 6 months’ notice.
4.1.1.3 All applications shall be considered by the Executive Committee and shall be submitted to the AGM, together with the report of the Selection Committee, if applicable, on venues for the occasion in question.
4.1.1.4 Where necessary, the AGM or the Executive Committee may ask one or more members of the appropriate Committee to visit the country of an Association applying for the right to organise the Championships to satisfy themselves as to the adequacy of the proposed playing and other arrangements; the cost of such visits shall be borne by that Association.
4.1.1.5 If, after an option has been granted, circumstances change in such a way as to be likely to prejudice the satisfactory conduct of the Championships, the option may be revoked by a 2/3 majority vote at an AGM prior to the Championships; between AGMs the Board of Directors shall have power to transfer the Championships or to take any other appropriate action.
4.1.2 Responsibilities of Organisers
4.1.2.1 An Association granted the right to organise the Championships, hereafter referred to as the "organisers" shall be responsible for conducting them in accordance with the Laws of Table Tennis, the Regulations for International Competitions and the Regulations for World Title Competitions, as modified or supplemented by any directives authorised by the Board of Directors.
4.1.2.2 Organisers shall provide accommodation and meals from lunch on the day before the Championships begin until breakfast on the day after the Championships end for:
4.1.2.2.1 not more than 2 men and 2 women players nominated by an Association;
4.1.2.2.2 1 delegate to the AGM from each Association if he is not already included in the nominated players listed above;
4.1.2.2.3 members of the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors and the Olympic and Paralympic Commission, full members of committees and the Technical and Women in Sport Commissioners;
4.1.2.2.4 up to 3 members of the Doping Control Panel appointed by the Sports Science and Medical Committee;
4.1.2.2.5 members of the Athletes' Commission not already included in the nominated players’ lists;
4.1.2.2.6 Honorary Presidents;
4.1.2.2.7 Personal Honorary Members;
4.1.2.2.8 members of the President’s Advisory Council;
4.1.2.2.9 International Umpires, Referees and Evaluators from other Associations invited in accordance with the ITTF directives for match officials at World Title Competitions;
4.1.2.2.10 up to 7 members of the ITTF staff including 1 assisting the Doping Control Panel.
4.1.2.3 If the business of the ITTF extends outside the period of the Championships the period of hospitality for those entitled to participate in such business shall be extended correspondingly.
4.1.2.4 Organisers shall provide free medical care and medicine for all participants, but each Association is recommended to insure its players and officials against illness and injury for the duration of the Championships.
4.1.2.5 Organisers shall meet the cost of transport between the place of accommodation and the playing hall.
4.1.2.6 Organisers shall request their national authorities to waive visa charges for all participants.
4.1.2.7 Organisers shall ensure free access to the playing hall and free circulation therein for all the players, officials and members listed in 4.1.2.2, for any additional players and committee members and for any interpreter, doctor or medical adviser appointed by the ITTF.
4.1.2.8 Organisers shall provide first-class interpreting in at least four languages, preferably by simultaneous translation with the appropriate equipment.
4.1.2.9 Organisers shall provide the ITTF with offices at the venue of the Championships and place at its disposal translation, computer, internet, telephone, telefax and duplicating facilities.
4.1.2.10 Organisers shall publish a prospectus giving the main details of the organisation of the Championships, including:
4.1.2.10.1 the dates and place of the Championships;
4.1.2.10.2 the events to be held;
4.1.2.10.3 the equipment to be used;
4.1.2.10.4 the procedure for entry, the entry fees and the undertakings required;
4.1.2.10.5 the date and place of the draw;
4.1.2.10.6 the dates of Jury meetings and of AGM sessions;
4.1.2.10.7 the extent of hospitality for players and officials;
4.1.2.10.8 any directives authorised by the Board of Directors for the Championships.
4.1.2.11 During the Championships Organisers shall make available promptly to members of the ITTF Executive Committee, Board of Directors members and team captains details of results, including points scores; as soon as possible after the completion of the Championships Organisers shall publish the complete results, including points scores, and circulate them to all Associations.
4.1.3 Eligibility
4.1.3.1 Only an Association which is not in arrears (1.16.3.3) and has taken part with at least one player or team (an entry) in its preceding Continental Championships, including qualification tournaments, or Continental Games, shall be eligible to enter teams or individual players in the Championships.
4.1.3.2 In addition to provisions of 3.8, players who have acquired a new nationality and wish to represent the association corresponding to the new nationality shall register with ITTF through this new Association.
4.1.3.3 Such player shall not represent the new Association before:
4.1.3.3.1 3 years after the date of registration, if the player is under the age of 15 when registered, but only 1 year after the date of registration if the player has never represented another association;
4.1.3.3.2 5 years after the date of registration, if the player is under the age of 18 but at least 15 years of age when registered;
4.1.3.3.3 7 years after the date of registration, if the player is under the age of 21 but at least 18 years of age when registered.
4.1.3.4 Players being 21 years of age or older will not be registered with the ITTF and will not be eligible to represent a new association at World Championships.
4.1.4 Entry Fees and Levy
4.1.4.1 The entry fees shall be US$100 for each entry in a team event, US$50 for each pair in a doubles event and US$25 for each entry in a singles event.
4.1.4.2 The entry fees shall be paid to the organisers at the time of entry and shall be shared equally between the organisers and the ITTF.
4.1.4.3 Fees for entries from an Association are due from that Association and shall always be payable, except that the Board of Directors may waive the fees
where an Association is prevented from participating in the Championships by circumstances outside its control.
4.1.5 Submission of Entries
4.1.5.1 The intention to enter teams or players shall be notified to the ITTF in a preliminary notification form provided by the Secretariat; the closing date for the receipt of this form shall be not later than 4 calendar months before the start of the Championships.
4.1.5.2 Information shall be distributed, together with the prospectus, by the Competition Department and entries shall be submitted as required.
4.1.5.3 The closing date for the final entries shall be not later than 2 calendar months before the start of the Championships.
4.1.5.4 An Association may nominate up to 5 players and a non-playing captain for a team event; if a non-playing captain is not appointed one of the team players shall be designated as captain.
4.1.5.5 An Association shall rank its nominated players and pairs in order of playing strength, which shall be consistent with their current world ranking.
4.1.5.6 The ITTF may accept only formal nominations by an eligible Association, which are received, properly signed by a responsible representative of the nominating Association, on or before the closing date.
4.1.6 Modification of Entries
4.1.6.1 Modified entries shall be accepted, if notified by a representative of the nominating Association, at any time up to the day before the first official draw at World Championships (for individual events).
4.1.6.2 Change the composition of a team may be accepted if notified by a representative of the nominating Association up to the time of the Jury meeting preceding the World Team Championships; no further changes will be accepted after this deadline.
4.1.6.3 As soon as he or she arrives at the Championships venue, the representative of an Association requesting a change to the draw in consequence of any error or absence shall notify the referee or his or her deputy, or confirm any change already notified, on a form provided for the purpose.
4.1.6.4 A request for modification of an entry cannot be considered unless it is made or confirmed by the representative of an Association immediately on arrival, other than a request based on the subsequent absence, illness or injury of one player of a doubles pair, which shall be made as soon as the contingency arises.
4.1.6.5 All alterations that are authorised shall be notified immediately to team captains and, where appropriate, to Association representatives.
4.1.7 Entry Obligations
4.1.7.1 The entry form shall contain a statement, to be signed by a responsible representative of the nominating Association on behalf of all its nominated players and captains, that they understand and accept the conditions of the Championships and that they are prepared to compete against all other teams and individuals participating; no entry shall be valid unless accompanied by this declaration.
4.1.7.2 In individual events all entrants are accepted as individual competitors; they shall be bound to do their utmost to win the events for which they are entered, irrespective of whether other entrants from the same Association have been accepted to take part, and they shall not withdraw except for reasons of illness or injury.
4.1.8 Jury
4.1.8.1 The Jury shall consist of the Technical Commissioner, Chairs of the Technical, Rules and the Umpires’ and Referees’ Committees, a representative of the Competition Department, a representative of the organising committee and the referee; the referee shall have the right to speak but not to vote.
4.1.8.2 If any of the nominated Chairs is unable to attend a meeting of the Jury he or she may nominate to attend in his or her place another member of his or her Committee, who shall have the right to speak and to vote.
4.1.8.3 The Chair of the Jury shall be appointed by the members of the Jury.
4.1.8.4 Any Association directly affected by a matter under consideration at a Jury meeting shall be entitled to be represented at that meeting but shall not be entitled to vote.
4.1.8.5 The Jury shall have power to decide any question of appeal within the jurisdiction of a tournament management committee and to authorise team changes.
4.1.8.6 The Jury shall meet before the start of the Championships to be informed of all draw alterations requested up to that time and to decide any requests for changes in the composition of teams; any subsequent questions of draw alteration shall be decided by the Technical Commissioner in conjunction with a representative of the Competition Department and the Jury shall meet again only when convened by the Chair to consider appeals against its administrative decisions or decisions of the referee.
4.1.9 Events
4.1.9.1 In even numbered years, the Championships shall include men's team and women's team events; while in odd numbered years the Championships shall include men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles, women's doubles and mixed doubles events.
4.1.9.2 In doubles events, both players may be from different Associations.
4.1.9.3 The system of play in team and individual events, the system of qualification in the team event and their implementation dates shall be decided by the Board of Directors, on the recommendation of the Technical Commissioner and the Competition Program.
4.1.9.4 Team matches shall be the best of 5 singles, as provided in 3.7.6.1.
4.1.9.5 There shall not be more than 128 places in the first round proper of a singles and not more than 64 places in the first round proper of a men’s, women’s and mixed doubles event, unless otherwise authorised by the Executive Committee.
4.1.9.6 Each Association shall be entitled to enter 3 men and 3 women players in each singles event, with one additional player ranked in the top 100 and one additional player ranked in the top 20 of the ITTF world ranking list issued in January of the year of the Championships to a maximum of 5 men and 5 women. The maximum entry for each association is 2 men’s doubles, 2 women’s doubles and 2 mixed doubles; all players may be different.
4.1.9.6.1 The host Association may enter up to 6 men and 6 women in each singles event, 3 men’s doubles, 3 women’s doubles and 3 mixed doubles regardless of ranking.
4.1.9.7 Players of the same Association shall be separated according to 3.6.3.1, 3.6.3.3, 3.6.3.4 and 3.6.3.5 only in preliminary rounds and groups and in the first round of the draw but not in further rounds.
4.1.10 Default
4.1.10.1 An Association whose team is entered in the draw but which fails to compete in the event without adequate justification may be subject to disciplinary action by the AGM.
4.1.10.2 A team may begin, continue and complete a team match only with the full complement of players specified for the event, except that the referee may, at his or her discretion, allow a team to play with one player absent or an individual match to be omitted from the sequence where he or she is satisfied that the absence is due to accident, illness, injury or other circumstances outside the control of the player or the Association concerned, including disqualification by the referee in accordance with his or her authority.
4.1.10.3 An Association whose team begins to play in the event but which fails to complete its schedule of matches shall be liable to forfeit its entitlement to hospitality for its representatives at the Championships; an appeal against forfeit may be made to the Jury, whose decision shall be final.
4.1.11 Doping Control
4.1.11.1 Doping control shall be carried out in accordance with ITTF Anti-Doping rules (Chapter 5).
4.1.12 Awards and Presentations
4.1.12.1 The permanent Championship trophies shall be:
4.1.12.1.1 the Swaythling Cup for the men's team event;
4.1.12.1.2 the Marcel Corbillon Cup for the women's team event;
4.1.12.1.3 the St Bride Vase for the men's singles event;
4.1.12.1.4 the G Geist Prize for the women's singles event;
4.1.12.1.5 the Iran Cup for the men's doubles event;
4.1.12.1.6 the W J Pope Trophy for the women's doubles event;
4.1.12.1.7 the Heydusek prize for the mixed doubles event.
4.1.12.2 The Association whose team wins a team event, and the winner of an individual event, shall be entitled to hold the appropriate trophy until 31st December in the year following that in which it is won; the pair winning a doubles event shall agree or decide by lot the order in which each of them shall hold the trophy for half of the specified period.
4.1.12.3 A player who wins the men's or women's singles event 3 times in succession or 4 times in all shall receive from the ITTF a half-size replica of the appropriate trophy as a permanent possession.
4.1.12.4 In both team and individual events the winners shall receive gold medals, the losing finalists silver medals and the losing semi-finalists bronze medals.
4.1.12.5 At presentation ceremonies for both team and individual events the national flags of the gold, silver and bronze medal winners shall be raised and the national anthem of the gold medal winner shall be played.
4.1.12.6 The Association whose team or player wins a trophy shall acknowledge its receipt in writing and at the end of the specified period shall deliver it, within 14 days of a formal notification by the Secretariat, at an agreed time and to an agreed place.
4.1.12.7 The Association acknowledging receipt of a trophy shall be responsible for its safe keeping including the arrangement of insurance. The cost of insurance and of inscription of winners' names, which in team events should include any
non-playing captain, shall be borne by the Association whose team or players wins a trophy.
4.1.12.8 If a trophy is lost while in the possession of an Association, that Association shall be responsible for the provision of a similar replacement.
4.1.12.9 At the closing ceremony the Egypt Cup, the symbol of the friendship of the Championships, shall be handed over to a representative of the city in which the next Championships will take place; this city shall hold the Egypt Cup until the next Championships.
4.1.13 Commercial Rights
4.1.13.1 The ITTF exclusively owns and controls all commercial rights in and to the Championships. Such Commercial Rights to include, without limitation and in each case on a worldwide basis, all:
4.1.13.1.1 audio, visual and audio-visual and data rights (in every medium, whether or not existing as at the date of these regulations);
4.1.13.1.2 sponsorship, advertising, merchandising, marketing and other forms of rights of association;
4.1.13.1.3 ticketing, hospitality and other concession rights; and
4.1.13.1.4 other rights to commercialise the Championships (including without limitation any so-called "event rights" and any right to authorise the taking of bets on the Championships.
4.1.13.2 The ITTF shall be entitled to exploit the Commercial Rights in such manner as it considers appropriate, including granting licences in respect of the same (or part thereof) to the relevant Association or to other third party(ies) from time to time.
4.1.13.3 Each Association shall ensure that their members (officials, players, delegates and other affiliates) shall:
4.1.13.3.1 comply with any and all rules, regulations and/or guidelines in relation to the exploitation of the Commercial Rights which may be issued from time to time by or on behalf of the ITTF; and
4.1.13.3.2 provide such rights, facilities and services as are required to enable the ITTF and/or the relevant third party to fulfil their obligations under any arrangements for the exploitation of any of the Commercial Rights and shall not by any act or omission infringe any exclusive rights granted there under or otherwise cause any breach thereof to occur. For the avoidance of doubt only the ITTF may enforce this rule against an Association and no third party shall be entitled to do so.
4.2 WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS
4.2.1 Authority for Organisation
4.2.1.1 The title "World Junior Championships", referred to in this Section as "Championships", shall be bestowed by the AGM on the championship events at a tournament organised by an Association entrusted with the task.
4.2.1.2 The closing date for applications to stage Championships shall be specified by the Executive Committee and notified to all Associations, giving at least 6 months’ notice; applications shall be accepted only for the next 2 Championships.
4.2.1.3 All applications shall be considered by the Executive Committee and shall be submitted to the Board, together with details on venues for the occasion in question.
4.2.1.4 Where necessary, the Board or the Executive Committee may ask one member of the Junior Commission to visit the country of an Association applying for the right to organise the Championships to satisfy themselves as to the adequacy of the proposed playing and other arrangements; the cost of such visits shall be borne by that Association.
4.2.1.5 If, after an option has been granted, circumstances change in such a way as to be likely to prejudice the satisfactory conduct of the Championships, the option may be revoked by a 2/3 majority vote at the AGM preceding the Championships; between AGMs the Board of Directors shall have power to transfer the Championships or to take any other appropriate action.
4.2.2 Responsibilities of Organisers
4.2.2.1 An Association granted the right to organise the Championships, hereafter referred to as the "organisers" shall be responsible for conducting them in accordance with the Laws of Table Tennis, the Regulations for International Competitions and the Regulations for World Junior Championships, as modified or supplemented by any directives authorised by the Board of Directors.
4.2.2.2 Organisers shall provide accommodation and meals from lunch on the day before the Championships begin until breakfast on the day after the Championships end for
4.2.2.2.1 not more than 2 boys players nominated by an Association eligible for the boys team event;
4.2.2.2.2 not more than 2 girls players nominated by an Association eligible for the girls team event;
4.2.2.2.3 not more than 1 coach of an Association participating in 1 or 2 team events;
4.2.2.2.4 members of the ITTF Executive Committee and the Junior Commissioner;
4.2.2.2.5 up to 2 members of the Doping Control Panel appointed by the Sports Science Committee;
4.2.2.2.6 up to 2 ITTF Committee or Commission Chairs nominated by the Executive Committee;
4.2.2.2.7 International Umpires, Referees and Evaluators from other Associations invited in accordance with the ITTF directives for match officials at World Title Competitions;
4.2.2.2.8 up to 7 members of the ITTF staff.
4.2.2.3 Organisers shall provide free medical care and medicine for all participants, but each Association is recommended to insure its players and officials against illness and injury for the duration of the Championships.
4.2.2.4 Organisers shall meet the cost of transport between the place of accommodation and the playing hall.
4.2.2.5 Organisers shall request their national authorities to waive visa charges for all participants.
4.2.2.6 Organisers shall ensure free access to the playing hall and free circulation therein for all the players, officials and members listed in 4.2.2.2, for any additional players and ITTF officials and for any interpreter, doctor or medical adviser appointed by the ITTF.
4.2.2.7 Organisers shall provide the ITTF with offices at the venue of the Championships and place at its disposal translation, computer, internet, telephone, telefax and duplicating facilities.
4.2.2.8 Organisers shall publish a prospectus giving the main details of the organisation of the Championships, including
4.2.2.8.1 the dates and place of the Championships;
4.2.2.8.2 the events to be held;
4.2.2.8.3 the equipment to be used;
4.2.2.8.4 the procedure for entry, the entry fees and the undertakings required;
4.2.2.8.5 the date and place of the draw;
4.2.2.8.6 the dates of Jury meetings;
4.2.2.8.7 the extent of hospitality for players and officials;
4.2.2.8.8 any directives authorised by the Board of Directors for the Championships.
4.2.2.9 During the Championships Organisers shall make available promptly to members of the ITTF Executive Committee, Board of Directors members and team captains details of results, including points scores; as soon as possible after the completion of the Championships Organisers shall publish the complete results, including points scores, and circulate them to all Associations.
4.2.3 Eligibility
4.2.3.1 Only an Association which is not in arrears (1.16.3.3) shall be eligible to enter teams or individual players in the Championships.
4.2.3.2 The system of qualification for team and individual events shall be determined by the Board not later than 18 months before the start of the Championships.
4.2.3.3 All players shall be juniors according to 3.7.4.2.
4.2.3.4 In addition to provisions of 3.8, players who have acquired a new nationality and wish to represent the association corresponding to the new nationality shall register with ITTF through this new Association.
4.2.3.5 Such player shall not represent the new Association before 3 years after the date of registration, if the player is under the age of 15 when registered, but only 1 year after the date of registration if the player has never represented another association.
4.2.3.6 Players being 15 years of age or older at the date of registration cannot represent their new Association at World Junior Championships.
4.2.4 Entry Fees
4.2.4.1 The entry fees shall be US$50 for each entry in a team event, US$30 for each pair in a doubles event and US$15 for each entry in a singles event.
4.2.4.2 The entry fees shall be paid to the organisers at the time of entry and shall be shared equally between the organisers and the ITTF.
4.2.4.3 Fees for entries from an Association are due from that Association and shall always be payable, except that the Board of Directors may waive the fees where an Association is prevented from participating in the Championships by circumstances outside its control.
4.2.5 Qualification and Entries
4.2.5.1 The intention of an Association qualified to enter teams or players shall be notified to the organisers and the ITTF in a preliminary notification form provided by the Secretariat; the closing date for the receipt of this form shall be not later than 4 calendar months before the start of the Championships.
4.2.5.2 Information shall be distributed, together with the prospectus, by the Competition Department and entries shall be submitted as required.
4.2.5.3 Two sets of these entry forms shall be returned to the organisers and one set to the Secretariat; the closing date for the receipt of these forms shall be not later than 2 calendar months before the start of the Championships.
4.2.5.4 An Association may nominate up to 4 qualified boys and up to 4 qualified girls players.
4.2.5.5 An Association shall rank its nominated players and pairs in order of playing strength, which shall be consistent with their current ranking in the World Junior Ranking List.
4.2.5.6 Organisers may accept only formal nominations by an eligible Association, which are received, properly signed by a responsible representative of the nominating Association, on or before the closing date.
4.2.6 Modification of Entries
4.2.6.1 The nominating Association may change the composition of a team by notifying the organisers up to the time of the Jury meeting preceding the Championships, but in no circumstances after the start of the event.
4.2.6.2 As soon as he or she arrives at the Championships venue, the representative of an Association requesting a change to the draw in consequence of any error or absence shall notify the referee or his or her deputy, or confirm any change already notified, on a form provided for the purpose.
4.2.6.3 A request for modification of an entry cannot be considered unless it is made or confirmed by the representative of an Association immediately on arrival, other than a request based on the subsequent absence, illness or injury of one player of a doubles pair, which shall be made as soon as the contingency arises.
4.2.6.4 All alterations that are authorised shall be notified immediately to team captains and, where appropriate, to Association representatives.
4.2.7 Entry Obligations
4.2.7.1 The entry form shall contain a statement, to be signed by a responsible representative of the nominating Association on behalf of all its nominated players and captains, that they understand and accept the conditions of the Championships and that they are prepared to compete against all other teams and individuals participating; no entry shall be valid unless accompanied by this declaration.
4.2.7.2 In individual events all entrants are accepted as individual competitors; they shall be bound to do their utmost to win the events for which they are entered, irrespective of whether other entrants from the same Association have been accepted to take part, and they shall not withdraw except for reasons of illness or injury.
4.2.8 Jury
4.2.8.1 The Jury shall consist of the Chair of the ITTF Junior Commission, a representative of the ITTF Competition Department, a representative of the ITTF World Junior Program, the Championships Director (or his or her equivalent), a representative of the organising committee and the referee; the referee shall have the right to speak but not to vote.
4.2.8.2 If the Chair of the ITTF Junior Commission is unable to attend a meeting of the Jury he or she may nominate an appointee to attend in his or her place who shall have the right to speak and to vote.
4.2.8.3 The Chair of the Jury shall be appointed by the Chair of the ITTF Junior Commission or in his or her absence by the representative of the ITTF World Junior Program.
4.2.8.4 Any Association directly affected by a matter under consideration at a Jury meeting shall be entitled to be represented at that meeting but shall not be entitled to vote.
4.2.8.5 The Jury shall have power to decide any question of appeal within the jurisdiction of a tournament management committee.
4.2.8.6 The Jury shall meet before the start of the Championships to be informed of all draw alterations requested up to that time; any subsequent questions of draw alteration shall be decided by the ITTF Junior Commission and the Jury shall meet again only when convened by that Commission to consider appeals against its administrative decisions or decisions of the referee.
4.2.9 Events
4.2.9.1 The Championships shall include boys’ team and girls’ team events as well as boys’ singles and doubles, girls’ singles and doubles and mixed doubles events.
4.2.9.1.1 With the exception of mixed doubles events, both players of a doubles shall be from the same Association.
4.2.9.2 The system of play in the team and individual events, in groups and stages, shall be decided by the Board of Directors, on the recommendation of the Junior Commission, and shall be notified to all Associations not later than 6 calendar months before the start of the Championships.
4.2.10 Default
4.2.10.1 An Association whose team is entered in the draw but which fails to compete in the event without adequate justification may be subject to disciplinary action by the AGM.
4.2.10.2 A team may begin, continue and complete a team match only with the full complement of players specified for the event, except that the referee may, at his or her discretion, allow a team to play with one player absent or an individual match to be omitted from the sequence where he or she is satisfied that the absence is due to accident, illness, injury or other circumstances outside the control of the player or the Association concerned, including disqualification by the referee in accordance with his or her authority.
4.2.10.3 An Association whose team begins to play in the event but which fails to complete its schedule of matches shall be liable to forfeit its entitlement to hospitality for its representatives at the Championships; an appeal against forfeit may be made to the Jury, whose decision shall be final.
4.2.11 Doping Control
4.2.11.1 Doping control shall be carried out in accordance with ITTF Anti-Doping rules (Chapter 5).
4.2.12 Awards and Presentations
4.2.12.1 In both team and individual events the winners shall receive gold medals, the losing finalists silver medals and the losing semi-finalists bronze medals.
4.2.12.2 At presentation ceremonies for both team and individual events the national flags of the gold, silver and bronze medal winners shall be raised and the national anthem of the gold medal winner shall be played.
4.2.13 Commercial Rights
4.2.13.1 The ITTF exclusively owns and controls all commercial rights in and to the Championships. Such Commercial Rights to include, without limitation and in each case on a worldwide basis, all:
4.2.13.1.1 audio, visual and audio-visual and data rights (in every medium, whether or not existing as at the date of these regulations);
4.2.13.1.2 sponsorship, advertising, merchandising, marketing and other forms of rights of association;
4.2.13.1.3 ticketing, hospitality and other concession rights; and
4.2.13.1.4 other rights to commercialise the Championships (including without limitation any so-called "event rights" and any right to authorise the taking of bets on the Championships.
4.2.13.2 The ITTF shall be entitled to exploit the Commercial Rights in such manner as it considers appropriate, including granting licences in respect of the same (or part thereof) to the relevant Association or to other third party(ies) from time to time.
4.2.13.3 Each Association shall ensure that their members (officials, players, delegates and other affiliates) shall:
4.2.13.3.1 comply with any and all rules, regulations and/or guidelines in relation to the exploitation of the Commercial Rights which may be issued from time to time by or on behalf of the ITTF; and
4.2.13.3.2 provide such rights, facilities and services as are required to enable the ITTF and/or the relevant third party to fulfil their obligations under any arrangements for the exploitation of any of the Commercial Rights and shall not by any act or omission infringe any exclusive rights granted there under or otherwise cause any breach thereof to occur. For the avoidance of doubt only the ITTF may enforce this rule against an Association and no third party shall be entitled to do so.
4.3 WORLD CUP
4.3.1 Composition
4.3.1.1 A World Cup for Men and a World Cup for Women shall be held on an annual basis or every 2 years in even numbered years and Continental World Cups or an equivalent shall serve as the qualification for the World Cups. The qualification and playing system will be an integral part of the ITTF’s Competition Program.
4.3.1.2 Participants will be provided with free meals and accommodation from dinner on the evening before the start of the competition to breakfast on the morning after it ends; continental representatives will also be provided with free return travel tickets to the venue.
4.3.2 Authority
4.3.2.1 The ITTF shall be the sole owner of the World Cup title and tournaments.
4.3.2.2 An Association may be granted permission to organise the tournament; submission of an application to do so shall be regarded as implying knowledge and acceptance of these and all other applicable regulations.
4.3.2.3 Organisers shall not, without prior consent of the ITTF, delegate any of their authority nor make any contract or agreement with any other body, such as a Regional Association, a municipal authority or a sponsor.
4.3.2.4 Any agreement made between the organisers and any other body shall not conflict with nor derogate from the principle of these regulations; in case of any dispute the authority of the ITTF, as exercised through its representatives, shall be paramount.
4.3.2.5 The ITTF may enter into contracts with promoters or sponsors.
4.3.3 Appointments
4.3.3.1 For each tournament the ITTF Competition Department shall appoint a Tournament Director and a Competition Manager.
4.3.3.2 The Tournament Director shall be responsible to the ITTF Competition Department for ensuring observance of the conditions laid down for the tournament, including approval of the arrangements made by the organisers for ceremonies and presentations, protocol and seating arrangements at ceremonies and social functions and the presentation of play.
4.3.3.3 The Competition Manager shall be responsible to the ITTF for ensuring the adequacy of equipment and playing conditions, supervising the draw and scheduling matches.
4.3.4 Doping Control
4.3.4.1 Doping control shall be carried out in accordance with ITTF Anti-Doping rules (Chapter 5).
4.3.5 Playing System
4.3.5.1 The playing system will be determined by the Executive Committee on recommendation by the Competition Department. The selected players and their associations will be informed of the playing system to be used in the prospectus at the same time as the issuance of the invitation to the participants.
4.3.6 Eligibility
4.3.6.1 In addition to provisions of 3.8, players who have acquired a new nationality and wish to represent the association corresponding to the new nationality shall register with ITTF through this new Association.
4.3.6.2 Such player shall not represent the new Association before:
4.3.6.2.1 3 years after the date of registration, if the player is under the age of 15 when registered, but only 1 year after the date of registration if the player has never represented another association;
4.3.6.2.2 5 years after the date of registration, if the player is under the age of 18 but at least 15 years of age when registered;
4.3.6.2.3 7 years after the date of registration, if the player is under the age of 21 but at least 18 years of age when registered.
4.3.6.3 Players being 21 years of age or older will not be registered with the ITTF and will not be eligible to represent a new association at the World Cup.
4.3.7 Jury
4.3.7.1 The Jury shall consist of the ITTF Executive Vice-President responsible for the World Cup, the ITTF Director of Competition, a representative of the organising committee and the referee; the referee shall have the right to speak but not to vote.
4.3.7.2 If either the ITTF Executive Vice-President responsible for the World Cup or the ITTF Director of Competition is unable to attend a meeting of the Jury he or she may nominate an appointee to attend in his or her place who shall have the right to speak and to vote.
4.3.7.3 The Chair of the Jury shall be appointed by the ITTF Executive Vice-President responsible for the World Cup.
4.3.7.4 Any Association directly affected by a matter under consideration at a Jury meeting shall be entitled to be represented at that meeting but shall not be entitled to vote.
4.3.7.5 The Jury shall have power to decide any question of appeal within the jurisdiction of a tournament management committee.
4.3.7.6 The Jury shall meet before the start of the tournament to be informed of all draw alterations requested up to that time and the Jury shall meet again only when it has to consider appeals against its administrative decisions or decisions of the referee.
4.3.8 Commercial Rights
4.3.8.1 The ITTF exclusively owns and controls all commercial rights in and to the Championships. Such Commercial Rights to include, without limitation and in each case on a worldwide basis, all:
4.3.8.1.1 audio, visual and audio-visual and data rights (in every medium, whether or not existing as at the date of these regulations);
4.3.8.1.2 sponsorship, advertising, merchandising, marketing and other forms of rights of association;
4.3.8.1.3 ticketing, hospitality and other concession rights; and
4.3.8.1.4 other rights to commercialise the Championships (including without limitation any so-called "event rights" and any right to authorise the taking of bets on the Championships.
4.3.8.2 The ITTF shall be entitled to exploit the Commercial Rights in such manner as it considers appropriate, including granting licences in respect of the same (or part thereof) to the relevant Association or to other third party(ies) from time to time.
4.3.8.3 Each Association shall ensure that their members (officials, players, delegates and other affiliates) shall:
4.3.8.3.1 comply with any and all rules, regulations and/or guidelines in relation to the exploitation of the Commercial Rights which may be issued from time to time by or on behalf of the ITTF; and
4.3.8.3.2 provide such rights, facilities and services as are required to enable the ITTF and/or the relevant third party to fulfil their obligations under any arrangements for the exploitation of any of the Commercial Rights and shall not by any act or omission infringe any exclusive rights granted there under or otherwise cause any breach thereof to occur. For the avoidance of doubt only the ITTF may enforce this rule against an Association and no third party shall be entitled to do so.
4.4 WORLD TEAM CUP
4.4.1 Composition
4.4.1.1 A World Team Cup shall be staged every 2 years in odd numbered years and the Continental Team Champions shall be invited to take part. The qualification and playing systems will be an integral part of the ITTF’s Competition Program.
4.4.1.2 If the team of the host Association is qualified by its ranking at the preceding World Team Championships then the team placing 8th at these World Team Championships shall participate.
4.4.1.3 Participants will be provided with free meals and accommodation from dinner on the evening before the start of the competition to breakfast on the morning after it ends.
4.4.2 Authority
4.4.2.1 The ITTF shall be the sole owner of the World Team Cup title and tournament.
4.4.2.2 An Association may be granted permission to organise the tournament; submission of an application to do so shall be regarded as implying knowledge and acceptance of these and all other applicable regulations.
4.4.2.3 Organisers shall not, without prior consent of the ITTF, delegate any of their authority nor make any contract or agreement with any other body, such as a Regional Association, a municipal authority or a sponsor.
4.4.2.4 Any agreement made between the organisers and any other body shall not conflict with nor derogate from the principle of these regulations; in case of any dispute the authority of the ITTF, as exercised through its representatives, shall be paramount.
4.4.2.5 The ITTF may enter into contracts with promoters or sponsors.
4.4.3 Appointments
4.4.3.1 For each tournament the ITTF Competition Department shall appoint a Tournament Director and a Competition Manager.
4.4.3.2 The Tournament Director shall be responsible to the ITTF Competition Department for ensuring observance of the conditions laid down for the tournament, including approval of the arrangements made by the organisers for ceremonies and presentations, protocol and seating arrangements at ceremonies and social functions and the presentation of play.
4.4.3.3 The Competition Manager shall be responsible to the ITTF for ensuring the adequacy of equipment and playing conditions, supervising the draw and scheduling matches.
4.4.4 Doping Control
4.4.4.1 Doping control shall be carried out in accordance with ITTF Anti-Doping rules (Chapter 5).
4.4.5 Playing System
4.4.5.1 The playing system shall be determined by the Executive Committee on recommendation by the Competition Program. The selected teams and their Associations shall be informed of the playing system to be used in the prospectus at the same time as the issuance of the invitation to the participants.
4.4.6 Eligibility
4.4.6.1 In addition to provisions of 3.8, players who have acquired a new nationality and wish to represent the association corresponding to the new nationality shall register with ITTF through this new Association.
4.4.6.2 Such player shall not represent the new Association before
4.4.6.2.1 3 years after the date of registration, if the player is under the age of 15 when registered, but only 1 year after the date of registration if the player has never represented another association;
4.4.6.2.2 5 years after the date of registration, if the player is under the age of 18 but at least 15 years of age when registered;
4.4.6.2.3 7 years after the date of registration, if the player is under the age of 21 but at least 18 years of age when registered.
4.4.6.3 Players being 21 years of age or older will not be registered with the ITTF and will not be eligible to represent a new association at the World Team Cup.
4.4.7 Jury
4.4.7.1 The Jury shall consist of the ITTF Executive Vice-President responsible for the World Team Cup, the ITTF Director of Competition, a representative of the organising committee and the referee; the referee shall have the right to speak but not to vote.
4.4.7.2 If either the ITTF Executive Vice-President responsible for the World Team Cup or the ITTF Director of Competition is unable to attend a meeting of the Jury he may nominate an appointee to attend in his place who shall have the right to speak and to vote.
4.4.7.3 The Chair of the Jury shall be appointed by the ITTF Executive Vice-President responsible for the World Team Cup.
4.4.7.4 Any Association directly affected by a matter under consideration at a Jury meeting shall be entitled to be represented at that meeting but shall not be entitled to vote.
4.4.7.5 The Jury shall have power to decide any question of appeal within the jurisdiction of a tournament management committee and to authorise team changes.
4.4.7.6 The Jury shall meet before the start of the tournament to be informed of all draw alterations requested up to that time and the Jury shall meet again only when it has to consider appeals against its administrative decisions or decisions of the referee.
4.4.8 Commercial Rights
4.4.8.1 The ITTF exclusively owns and controls all commercial rights in and to the Championships. Such Commercial Rights to include, without limitation and in each case on a worldwide basis, all:
4.4.8.1.1 audio, visual and audio-visual and data rights (in every medium, whether or not existing as at the date of these regulations);
4.4.8.1.2 sponsorship, advertising, merchandising, marketing and other forms of rights of association;
4.4.8.1.3 ticketing, hospitality and other concession rights; and
4.4.8.1.4 other rights to commercialise the Championships (including without limitation any so-called "event rights" and any right to authorise the taking of bets on the Championships.
4.4.8.2 The ITTF shall be entitled to exploit the Commercial Rights in such manner as it considers appropriate, including granting licences in respect of the same (or part thereof) to the relevant Association or to other third party(ies) from time to time.
4.4.8.3 Each Association shall ensure that their members (officials, players, delegates and other affiliates) shall:
4.4.8.3.1 comply with any and all rules, regulations and/or guidelines in relation to the exploitation of the Commercial Rights which may be issued from time to time by or on behalf of the ITTF; and
4.4.8.3.2 provide such rights, facilities and services as are required to enable the ITTF and/or the relevant third party to fulfil their obligations under any arrangements for the exploitation of any of the Commercial Rights and shall not by any act or omission infringe any exclusive rights granted there under or otherwise cause any breach thereof to occur. For the avoidance of doubt only the ITTF may enforce this rule against an Association and no third party shall be entitled to do so.
4.5 OLYMPIC COMPETITIONS
4.5.1 Eligibility
4.5.1.1 To be eligible for participation in the Olympic Games a player, coach or official shall comply with the Olympic Charter as well as with the ITTF rules. In particular the above mentioned persons shall
4.5.1.1.1 be entered by their National Olympic Committee (NOC);
4.5.1.1.2 respect the spirit of fair play and non violence, and behave accordingly on the field of play;
4.5.1.1.3 respect and comply in all aspects with the World Anti-Doping Code;
4.5.1.1.4 not allow their person, name, picture or sports performances to be used for advertising purposes during the Olympic Games, except as permitted by the IOC Executive Board.
4.5.1.2 The entry or participation of a player in the Olympic Games shall not be conditional on any financial consideration.
4.5.1.3 Any player shall be a national of the country of the NOC which is entering him or her.
4.5.1.3.1 A player who is a national of 2 or more countries at the same time may represent either one of them, as he or she may elect.
4.5.1.3.2 After having represented one country in the Olympic Games, in continental or regional games or in world or regional championships recognised by the ITTF, a player may not represent another country unless he or she meets the conditions set forth in 4.5.1.3.3.
4.5.1.3.3 A player who has represented one country in the Olympic Games, in continental or regional games or in world or regional championships recognised by the ITTF and who has changed his or her nationality or acquired a new nationality, may participate in the Olympic Games to represent his or her new country provided that at least 3 years have passed since the player last represented his or her former country.
4.5.1.3.4 The 3-years-period mentioned in 4.5.1.3.3 may be reduced or even cancelled, with the agreement of the NOCs concerned and the ITTF Executive Committee, by the IOC Executive Board, which takes into account the circumstances of each case.
4.5.1.3.5 If an associated state, province or overseas department, a country or colony acquires independence, if a country becomes incorporated within another country by reason of a change of border, or if a new NOC is recognised by the IOC, a player may continue to represent the country to which he or she belongs or belonged. However, he or she may, if he or she prefers, choose to represent his or her country or be entered in the
Olympic Games by his or her new NOC if one exists. This particular choice may be made only once.
4.5.1.4 All disputes relating to the determination of the country which a player may represent in the Olympic Games and in particular issue specific requirements relating to nationality, citizenship, domicile or residence of the player, including the duration of any waiting period, shall be resolved by the IOC Executive Board.
4.5.2 Events
4.5.2.1 The Olympic competition shall include at least men's singles, women's singles, men's team and women's team events.
4.5.2.2 The Team Match System in team events and the system of play in both team and individual events including any qualifying competitions shall be decided by the Board of Directors, on the recommendation of the Olympic and Paralympic Commission, and all Associations shall be notified in accordance with the schedule set by the IOC.
4.5.3 Doping Control
4.5.3.1 Doping control shall be carried out in accordance with IOC rules and the World Anti-Doping Code.
4.6 PARALYMPIC COMPETITIONS
4.6.1 Eligibility
4.6.1.1 To be eligible for participation in the Paralympic Games a player, coach or official shall comply with the constitution of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) as well as with the ITTF rules. In particular the above mentioned persons shall:
4.6.1.1.1 be entered by their National Paralympic Committee (NPC);
4.6.1.1.2 respect the spirit of fair play and non violence, and behave accordingly on the field of play;
4.6.1.1.3 respect and comply in all aspects with the World Anti-Doping Code;
4.6.1.1.4 not allow their person, name, picture or sports performances to be used for advertising purposes during the Paralympic Games, except as permitted by the IPC Governing Board.
4.6.1.2 The entry or participation of a player in the Paralympic Games shall not be conditional on any financial consideration.
4.6.1.3 Any player shall be a national of the country of the NPC which is entering him or her.
4.6.1.3.1 A player who is a national of 2 or more countries at the same time may represent either one of them, as he or she may elect.
4.6.1.3.2 After having represented one country in the Paralympic Games, in continental or regional games or in world or regional championships recognised by the ITTF, a player may not represent another country unless he or she meets the conditions set forth in 4.6.1.3.3.
4.6.1.3.3 A player who has represented one country in the Paralympic Games, in continental or regional games or in world or regional championships recognised by the ITTF and who has changed his or her nationality or acquired a new nationality, may participate in the Paralympic Games to represent his or her new country provided that at least 3 years have passed since the player last represented his or her former country.
4.6.1.3.4 The 3-year-period mentioned in 4.5.1.3.3 may be reduced or even cancelled, with the agreement of the NPCs concerned and the ITTF Executive Committee, and subject to confirmation by the Chief Executive Officer of the IPC, taking into account the circumstances of each case.
4.6.1.3.5 If an associated state, province or overseas department, a country or colony acquires independence, if a country becomes incorporated within another country by reason of a change of border, or if a new NPC is recognised by the IPC, a player may continue to represent the country to which he or she belongs or belonged. However, he or she may, if he or she prefers, choose to represent his or her country or be entered in the
Paralympic Games by his or her new NPC if one exists. This particular choice may be made only once.
4.6.1.4 All disputes relating to the determination of the country which a player may represent in the Paralympic Games and in particular issue specific requirements relating to nationality, citizenship, domicile or residence of the player, including the duration of any waiting period, shall be resolved by the IPC Governing Board.
4.6.2 Events
4.6.2.1 The Paralympic competition shall include at least men's and women's class singles, men's and women's team events and any other event included by the IPC Governing Board on the recommendation of the Olympic and Paralympic Commission (OPC).
4.6.2.2 The Team Match System in team events and the system of play in both team and individual events including any qualifying competitions shall be decided by the Board of Directors, on the recommendation of the OPC, and all Associations shall be notified in accordance with the schedule set by the IPC.
4.6.3 Doping Control
4.6.3.1 Doping control shall be carried out in accordance with IPC rules and the World Anti-Doping Code.
4.7 WORLD PARA TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS
4.7.1 Authority for Organisation
4.7.1.1 The title "World Para Table Tennis Championships", referred to in this Section as "PTT Championships", shall be bestowed by the Executive Committee on the championship events at a tournament organised by an Association entrusted with the task.
4.7.1.2 The closing date for applications to stage the PTT Championships shall be specified by the Executive Committee and notified to all Associations, giving at least 6 months’ notice.
4.7.1.3 All applications shall be considered by the Executive Committee together with the report of the Selection Committee, if applicable, on venues for the occasion in question.
4.7.1.4 Where necessary, the Executive Committee may ask one or more members of the appropriate Committee to visit the country of an Association applying for the right to organise the PTT Championships to satisfy themselves as to the adequacy of the proposed playing and other arrangements; the cost of such visits shall be borne by that Association.
4.7.1.5 If, after an option has been granted, circumstances change in such a way as to be likely to prejudice the satisfactory conduct of the PTT Championships, the option may be revoked by the Executive Committee prior to the PTT Championships.
4.7.2 Responsibilities of Organisers
4.7.2.1 An Association granted the right to organise the PTT Championships, hereafter referred to as the "organisers" shall be responsible for conducting them in accordance with the Laws of Table Tennis, the Regulations for International Competitions and the Regulations for World Title Competitions, as modified or supplemented by any directives authorised by the Board of Directors.
4.7.2.2 Organisers shall provide accommodation and meals from the evening before the PTT Championships begin until the morning after the PTT Championships end for:
4.7.2.2.1 members of the ITTF Executive Committee and the Para Table Tennis Division;
4.7.2.2.2 International Umpires and Referees from other Associations invited in accordance with directives issued by the ITTF;
4.7.2.2.3 five international classifiers invited in accordance with directives issued by the ITTF;
4.7.2.2.4 up to 3 members of the ITTF staff.
4.7.2.3 If the business of the ITTF extends outside the period of the PTT Championships the period of hospitality for those entitled to participate in such business shall be extended correspondingly.
4.7.2.4 Organisers shall provide free medical care and medicine for all participants, but each Association must insure its players and officials against illness and injury for the duration of the PTT Championships.
4.7.2.5 Organisers shall meet the cost of transport between the place of arrival in the country, the accommodation and the playing hall.
4.7.2.6 Organisers shall request their national authorities to waive visa charges for all participants.
4.7.2.7 Organisers shall ensure free access to the playing hall and free circulation therein for all the players, officials and members listed in 4.7.2.2, for any additional players and committee members and for any interpreter, doctor or medical adviser appointed by the ITTF.
4.7.2.8 Organisers shall provide first-class interpreting in at least English.
4.7.2.9 Organisers shall provide the ITTF with offices at the venue of the Championships and place at its disposal translation, computer, internet, telephone, telefax and copying facilities.
4.7.2.10 Organisers shall publish a prospectus giving the main details of the organisation of the PTT Championships, including
4.7.2.10.1 the dates and place of the PTT Championships;
4.7.2.10.2 the events to be held;
4.7.2.10.3 the equipment to be used;
4.7.2.10.4 the procedure for entry, the entry fees and the undertakings required;
4.7.2.10.5 the date and place of the draw;
4.7.2.10.6 the dates of Jury meetings;
4.7.2.10.7 the extent of hospitality for technical and ITTF officials;
4.7.2.10.8 accessibility for persons with a disability in the accommodation, transport and venues;
4.7.2.10.9 maximum numbers of players and officials;
4.7.2.10.10 any directives authorised by the Board of Directors for the PTT Championships.
4.7.2.11 During the PTT Championships Organisers shall make available promptly to members of the ITTF Executive Committee, the PTT Division and team managers details of results, including points scores; as soon as possible after the completion of the PTT Championships Organisers shall publish the complete results, including points scores, and circulate them to all Associations.
4.7.3 Eligibility
4.7.3.1 Only an Association which is not in arrears (1.16.3.3) shall be eligible to enter teams or individual players for the PTT Championships.
4.7.3.2 Only players who meet the tournament credit, a minimum requirement for participation in events leading to qualification for the PTT Championships, and whose selection is confirmed by the PTT Division and the Association may enter the PTT Championships.
4.7.4 Entry and Capitation Fees
4.7.4.1 The entry fees shall be set by the Organisers and approved by the PTT Division.
4.7.4.2 The entry fees shall be paid to the Organisers at the time of entry and shall include capitation fees set by the PTT Division from time to time.
4.7.4.3 Fees for entries from an Association are due from that Association and shall always be payable, except that the Board of Directors may waive the fees where an Association is prevented from participating in the PTT Championships by circumstances outside its control.
4.7.5 Submission of Entries
4.7.5.1 The closing date/s for entries shall be decided by the Organisers and approved by the PTT Division but shall not be later than 2 calendar months before the start of the PTT Championships.
4.7.5.2 Entries by number and name shall be submitted on forms distributed, together with the prospectus, by the Organisers.
4.7.5.3 An Association may enter up to 3 players per class and 1 team per class per country.
4.7.5.4 An Association shall rank its players in order of playing strength, which shall be consistent with their current world ranking.
4.7.5.5 The ITTF may accept only formal nominations by an eligible Association, which are received, properly signed by a responsible representative of the nominating Association, on or before the closing date.
4.7.6 Modification of Entries
4.7.6.1 Entries by an Association may be modified with the approval of the Technical Delegate.
4.7.6.2 Entries may be modified by the referee on the advice of the Chief Classifier.
4.7.7 Entry Obligations
4.7.7.1 The entry form shall contain statements committing team members to the ITTF Anti-Doping Rules, the ITTF Classification Code, to be signed by a responsible representative of the nominating Association and all players and officials, that they understand and accept the conditions of the PTT Championships and that they are prepared to compete against all other teams and individuals participating; no entry shall be valid unless accompanied by this declaration.
4.7.7.2 In individual events all entrants are accepted as individual competitors; they shall be bound to do their utmost to win the events for which they are entered, irrespective of whether other entrants from the same Association have been accepted to take part, and they shall not withdraw except for reasons of illness or injury.
4.7.8 Jury
4.7.8.1 The Jury shall consist of 3 representatives appointed by the PTT Division.
4.7.8.2 Any Association directly affected by a matter under consideration at a Jury meeting shall be entitled to be represented at that meeting but shall not be entitled to vote.
4.7.8.3 The Jury shall have power to decide any question of appeal within the jurisdiction of a tournament management committee and to authorise team and classification changes.
4.7.8.4 The Jury shall meet before the start of the Championships to be informed of all draw alterations up to that time and the Jury shall meet again to consider appeals against administrative and classification decisions or decisions of the referee.
4.7.9 Events
4.7.9.1 The PTT Championships shall include at least men's and women's class singles, men's and women's team events and any other event included by PTT Division.
4.7.9.2 The system of play in events and its implementation date shall be decided by the PTT Division, on the recommendation of the Technical Commissioner.
4.7.10 Doping Control
4.7.10.1 Doping control shall be carried out in accordance with ITTF Anti-Doping rules (Chapter 5).
4.7.11 Awards and Presentations
4.7.11.1 In both team and individual events, the winners shall receive gold medals, the losing finalists silver medals and the winners of the bronze medal play-off bronze medals.
4.7.11.2 At presentation ceremonies for both team and individual events the national flags of the gold, silver and bronze medal winners shall be raised and the national anthem of the gold medal winner shall be played.
4.7.12 Commercial Rights
4.7.12.1 The ITTF exclusively owns and controls all commercial rights in and to the Championships. Such Commercial Rights to include, without limitation and in each case on a worldwide basis, all:
4.7.12.1.1 audio, visual and audio-visual and data rights (in every medium, whether or not existing as at the date of these regulations);
4.7.12.1.2 sponsorship, advertising, merchandising, marketing and other forms of rights of association;
4.7.12.1.3 ticketing, hospitality and other concession rights; and
4.7.12.1.4 other rights to commercialise the Championships (including without limitation any so-called "event rights" and any right to authorise the taking of bets on the Championships.
4.7.12.2 The ITTF shall be entitled to exploit the Commercial Rights in such manner as it considers appropriate, including granting licences in respect of the same (or part thereof) to the relevant Association or to other third party(ies) from time to time.
4.7.12.3 Each Association shall ensure that their members (officials, players, delegates and other affiliates) shall:
4.7.12.3.1 comply with any and all rules, regulations and/or guidelines in relation to the exploitation of the Commercial Rights which may be issued from time to time by or on behalf of the ITTF; and
4.7.12.3.2 provide such rights, facilities and services as are required to enable the ITTF and/or the relevant third party to fulfil their obligations under any arrangements for the exploitation of any of the Commercial Rights and shall not by any act or omission infringe any exclusive rights granted there under or otherwise cause any breach thereof to occur. For the avoidance of doubt only the ITTF may enforce this rule against an Association and no third party shall be entitled to do so.