The latest rules & regulations of the ITTF can be found in the 2022 ITTF Handbook. It can be viewed on the links below:

• 2022-01-01 2021 ITTF Handbook – PDF version. Release 1 – Clean version.
• 2022-01-01 2021 ITTF Handbook – PDF version. Release 1 – Version with tracked changes.

Previous versions

• Previous editions of the Handbook

The International Table Tennis Federation

 

Handbook

2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Publication of the ITTF Handbook:

 

First edition	1927
Further editions	1928, 1930, 1932, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1937, 1946, 1947,
	1948, 1951, 1954, 1956, 1959, 1967, 1975, 1979, 1981,
	1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999,
	2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008,
	2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018,
	2019, 2020, 2021
Fiftieth edition	2022

 

 

Published by:

 

The International Table Tennis Federation Avenue de Rhodanie 54

1007 Lausanne Switzerland

 

CONTENTS                                                        Page

 

 

• Constitution 4
• The Laws of Table Tennis 35
• Regulations for International Competitions 42
• Regulations for World, Olympic, and Paralympic Title Competitions 64
• Anti-Doping Rules 97
• Code of Ethics 161
• Anti-Harassment Policy and Procedures 195
• ITTF Tribunal 199
• ITTF Integrity Regulations 220
• ITTF Electoral and Appointment Regulations 248

Code of Conduct on sports betting for players and officials        261

Index                                                                                      263

 

 

 

 

 

Paragraphs which have been introduced or significantly amended as a result of decisions made at the 2021 Annual General Meeting or the 2021 Board of Directors Meeting are shown as green shaded (additions) or scratched (deletions) in this version with tracked changes. A clean version is also available.

 

 

 

ITTF website (ITTF.com)

The current ITTF Handbook is available in its entirety on the ITTF website for printing or downloading. Please consider the environment before printing it.

 

1                             

CONSTITUTION

 

 

CONTENTS

 

• GENERAL PROVISIONS
  • Name
  • Composition
  • Principles
  • Objectives
  • Legal status

 

1.2                        MEMBERSHIP

• Eligibility
• Application and election
• Suspension, termination, and other sanctions
• Rights of the Associations
• Obligations of the Associations

 

1.3                        ASSOCIATED ORGANISATIONS

• Continental Federations
• Continental Federations affiliation
• Other groups of Associations

 

1.4                        HONORARY POSITIONS

• Honorary President
• President’s Advisory Council
• Personal Honorary Membership

 

1.5                        GOVERNANCE

• Annual General Meeting (referred as "AGM")
• Extraordinary General Meeting (referred as “EGM”)
• Board of Directors (referred as "Board")
• Executive Committee
• ITTF Integrity Unit
• ITTF Continental Council Olympic and Paralympic Commission 1.5.7 Development and Continental Council
• 8 Committees and Commissions
• 9 Other appointments
• 10 Eligibility for office
• 11 Conflict of interest
• 12 Changes to rules
• Application of Electoral and Appointment Regulations

 

 

 

 

1.6                        ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES

• Management Staff
• Administration

 

1.7                        FINANCIAL PROVISIONS

• Accounts
• Trustees
• Subscriptions

 

1.8                        JUDICIAL PROVISIONS

• Judicial bodies of the ITTF
• ITTF Tribunal
• Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)
• Jurisdiction of Associations
• Unaffiliated players and organisations

 

1.9                        FINAL PROVISIONS

• Dissolution
• Concluding provisions

 

1.1                            GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

• NAME
  • The Federation shall be called the International Table Tennis Federation, referred to elsewhere in this Constitution by its abbreviated title "ITTF".

 

1.1.2                      COMPOSITION

• The ITTF shall consist of the affiliated table tennis organisations, referred to elsewhere in the Rules as "Associations", governing the sport in accordance with the principles of the ITTF in any territory generally regarded as constituting a national, historical or other
• Associations shall not be regarded as agents of the

 

1.1.3                      PRINCIPLES

• The principles of the ITTF shall be general unity of action, mutual respect of Associations in their dealings with one another and the inadmissibility of discrimination against Associations or individuals on racial, political, religious, gender or other
• The ITTF is committed to providing a sport and work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and Each individual has the right to participate and work in an environment which promotes equal opportunities and prohibits discriminatory practices.
• The ITTF is committed to providing a sport environment free of harassment on any basis without
  • The ITTF Tribunal shall has jurisdiction to impose appropriate disciplinary sanctions from warnings to exclusions from all kind of activity in the ITTF, when a complaint of harassment has been substantiated or The same disciplinary sanctions shall be imposed if a false accusation has been substantiated.
• The ITTF is committed to take a responsible approach to safeguarding the environment and managing resources through its practices in hosting events and in managing its
• The ITTF shall observe the general and fundamental principles of the Olympic Charter, including, but not limited to, the Code of Ethics and Compliance; the Code of Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions, the Olympic Movement Medical Code and the IPC Handbook; and no provision of this Constitution shall be deemed to conflict with or derogate from those
• The ITTF shall co-operate with the IOC, ASOIF, GAISF, IPC, and other organisations that recognise it as the controlling and governing authority for table tennis throughout the

 

1.1.4                      OBJECTIVES

• The objectives of the ITTF shall be:
  • to uphold the principles of the ITTF and to develop the spirit of friendship and mutual assistance among Associations and players;
  • to regulate relations between Associations and between Associations and other organisations;
  • to seek continual improvement in the technical standard of table tennis and in the extent of participation in the sport throughout the world;
  • to foster friendly sporting competition and to eliminate unfair and unsporting practices such as match fixing, match corruption, irregular and illegal betting, doping or illegal equipment to enhance performance;
  • to establish and enforce the Constitution, the Laws of Table Tennis, the Regulations for International Competitions, the Regulations for World, Olympic and Paralympic Title Competitions, the Anti-Doping Rules, the Code of Ethics, the Anti-Harassment Policy and Procedures, the ITTF Tribunal Regulations, the ITTF Integrity Regulations, the ITTF Electoral and Appointment Regulations, and any other ITTF regulations;
  • to publish the English standard text of the Laws, Rules and regulations mentioned in 1.4.1.5;
  • to encourage the publication of the regulations mentioned in 1.1.4.1.5 in other languages and to check the accuracy of such publications;
  • to promote and to supervise World, Olympic, Paralympic and ITTF Continental title competitions;
  • to employ the funds of the ITTF as may be expedient in the interests of international table tennis;
  • to endeavour to increase participation at all levels, to enhance the popularity of the sport, to develop new sources of revenue, and to manage the sport through a systematic planning process;
  • to encourage players, coaches and officials to present the sport positively in the best ways so as to enhance its image;
  • to promote gender-parity and equity in all levels of table tennis; encourage and to support the promotion of women in sport at all levels and to ensure significant representation of women in ITTF committees, commissions and working
  • to promote Para Table Tennis;
  • to advocate for the physical and mental health of players and officials; 1.1.4.1.15 to represent the sport of table tennis before the International Olympic

Committee, the International Paralympic Committee, and other

international organisations;

• to direct, develop, regulate, control and discipline any and all virtual / electronic table tennis activities and competitions under all forms worldwide and to organise World Championships of which it is the sole holder and owner;
• to promote and respect the Athletes’ Rights and Responsibilities Declaration.

 

1.1.5                    LEGAL STATUS

• The ITTF is a not-for-profit organisation governed by Article 60ff. of the Swiss Civil Code;
• The ITTF is endowed with legal status and its members, officers and employees shall not be responsible for its debts, unless it is by a grossly negligent or wilful

 

 

1.2                            MEMBERSHIP

 

• ELIGIBILITY
  • An Association complying with 1.1.2.1 may be elected a member but it shall be recognised as representative only of the territory in which it controls and governs the
  • Where one or more Associations represent table tennis in only part of an area generally regarded as constituting a unity, an Association representing the sport in any other part of the same unity may apply for membership, provided that
    • its separateness is due to circumstances outside the sport and of the players concerned;
    • the jurisdiction it claims is clearly limited, in title and constitution, to the territory in which it controls the sport;
    • it is otherwise qualified for
  • In the consideration of such an application, the views of any Association already in membership from the same unity shall be taken into account and in no circumstances shall two Associations be recognised as exercising authority over the same
  • An organisation located outside the territory of any Association may be granted temporary attachment to an Association for the purpose of receiving aid in development and competition; the extended territory shall be regarded as being within the member’s control, but approval of the attachment shall be reviewed at each AGM and shall not be renewed indefinitely.

 

1.2.2                      APPLICATION AND ELECTION

• Applications for membership shall be made on a form approved by the Executive
• All applications shall be submitted not later than 6 calendar months before the date of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) at which the application is to be considered, except applications from previous member Such applications may be accepted with immediate effect at the discretion of the Executive Committee, without the need to allow the 6 calendar months. Any such acceptance must shall be ratified at the next AGM.
• The Executive Committee shall review all applications on behalf of the AGM and make recommendations on

 

• Applications for membership shall be considered by the next AGM and shall be accepted if they receive at least 2/3 of the votes
  • In the consideration of an application in respect of an area for which there is a recognised Continental Federation, the views of that Federation shall be taken into
• In the consideration of applications for combined membership by Associations formerly in separate membership, or for separate membership by Associations which were formerly components of an Association which has divided, or for recognition of changes in the territory in which an Association controls the sport, the views of the organisations concerned and any circumstances outside their control shall be taken into account; secession in other circumstances is not to be
• The representatives of an Association elected to membership at an AGM shall be entitled to attend the
• Election and membership of an Association shall not carry any implications in respect of the political, diplomatic or national status of the area concerned, but only to its conduct of table tennis

 

1.2.3                      SUSPENSION, TERMINATION AND OTHER SANCTIONS

• An Association wishing to resign from the ITTF shall give notice in writing to the Secretariat; the resignation may take effect at any time from the receipt of such notice until the 31st December of the same year, but the Association shall be liable for the subscription due for that year. The written resignation must detail the reason for resignation, proposed timing and all efforts that have made toward retaining The Association and the ITTF must have first engaged in either direct or mediate discussions with the purpose of affiliation being retained.
• An Association which fails to pay its subscription for 3 successive years shall automatically be suspended from membership; it shall not be liable for subscriptions during the period of suspension and may be re-admitted to membership on payment of part or all of the subscriptions previously due, at the discretion of the Executive Committee; the suspension in this case is a full
• An Association that is suspended from membership shall, including but not limited to, not be entitled to nominate or enter players for any event held under the jurisdiction of the ITTF nor to attend or be represented at an AGM or EGM (Extraordinary General Meeting) nor to nominate any person for election to the Executive Committee, Board of Directors (referred to elsewhere in this Constitution as “Board”), any committee, commission or working group nor shall any individual nominated by the Association be entitled to participate in the activities of the Executive Committee, Board, any committee, commission or working group; further:
  • no match official nominated by the Association shall officiate at any ITTF sanctioned event;
  • the Association shall not be entitled to receive any benefit from the ITTF including but not limited to participation in development activities nor to receive any grants from the ITTF;

 

• the Association shall not be entitled to host an ITTF sanctioned event save that where an ITTF sanctioned event has been approved prior to the suspension, the Executive Committee may establish a committee to oversee the organisation of such sanctioned event under conditions approved by the Executive Committee, at its

• An Association which seriously and persistently fails to maintain is in serious, repeated, or continuous breach of this Constitution, any other rule or regulation of the ITTF Handbook, any decision of the Executive Committee, or any decision of any judicial body, the principles or to respect the Constitution and decisions of the ITTF may be censured, fined, suspended or expelled by an AGM or EGM by a two-thirds majority. ; a suspension may be cancelled by an AGM or EGM by a two-thirds
  • A suspension pursuant to 1.2.3.4 may be lifted by an AGM or EGM by a two thirds
  • 1In a case of a suspension, the AGM or EGM may allow players from the suspended Association to compete in events under the jurisdiction and flag of the
• Before the AGM or EGM suspends an Association, the Association must have been sent notice in writing of the proposed suspension at least one month before the AGM or EGM at which the suspension is to be considered; the Association shall be afforded an opportunity to present its case at the AGM or
• The ITTF Tribunal Executive Committee may act to propose the termination to the AGM, suspend or otherwise sanction an Association if it infringes the ITTF Constitution, other Regulations, and ITTF Tribunal decisions. Such decision is subject to an appeal to the ITTF
• The Association which has been suspended or expelled may appeal to the Court of Arbitration of Article 1.2.3 is in addition to and does not limit any other powers that exist under the Constitution or any other rule or regulation of the ITTF Handbook to suspend, remove, or otherwise sanction any Association.

 

1.2.4                      RIGHTS OF THE ASSOCIATIONS

• The Associations have the following rights:
  • To appoint up to 2 delegates to take part in the AGM or EGM in which each Association has one vote
  • To submit proposals or resolutions for inclusion in the agenda of the AGM or EGM or the
  • To nominate candidates for election or appointment within the ITTF according to the specific
  • To enter players for participation in competitions organised under the authority of the ITTF according to the specific qualification rules of each competition.
  • To take part in and benefit from ITTF’s assistance, development and educational programmes organised directly or through the Continental Federations.

 

• To exercise all other rights arising from the Constitution or from any other ITTF Laws and

 

1.2.5                      OBLIGATIONS OF THE ASSOCIATIONS

• The Associations have the following obligations:
  • To fully comply with all duties and provisions of the Constitution, Laws and Regulations established by the ITTF as well as with all decisions taken in accordance
  • To apply the ITTF Anti-Doping Rules, the ITTF Code of Ethics, and the Anti-Harassment Policy and Procedures, the ITTF Tribunal Regulations and the ITTF Tribunal
  • To immediately notify the ITTF about any major change on the Association (Constitution, change of President and/or Secretary General, its address and/or contact details)
  • To request their own members to comply with the ITTF Laws and Regulations established by the ITTF.
  • To fulfil at all times the requirements necessary for eligibility to membership
  • To pay the annual subscription to the
  • In the event of any dispute leading to disaffiliation, the ITTF retains all the rights as the international governing body, as if the association was affiliated for the purpose of calling for information and/or specific obligation to be fulfilled by the

 

 

1.3                            ASSOCIATED ORGANISATIONS

 

• CONTINENTAL FEDERATIONS
  • There shall be five Continental Federations, one each from the geographical regions of Africa, America, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Associations may group themselves into Continental Federations for the purpose of promoting and regulating table tennis within a given continental area; s Such Federations shall be supported and encouraged by the ITTF, which shall co-operate with them in all matters, provided that the constitution, general principles, rules and policy of the Continental Federation conform to those of the
  • Each Continental Federation shall provide the Secretariat with a copy of its Constitution and with details of any subsequent changes not later than 3 calendar months after the meeting at which they are
  • Upon request by a Continental Federation and approval by the Executive Committee, a Continental Federation may be allowed to use the ITTF name and logo as part of the “brand name” of the Continental
  • Membership of the Continental Federation shall be open to Associations whose address in the ITTF Directory is situated within the appropriate Continental area except where, for reasons outside the control of sport,

 

an Association is not acceptable to its appropriate Continental Federation; in such circumstances, which shall not necessarily prevent recognition of the Continental Federation concerned, the Association failing to secure membership shall have the right to appeal to the ITTF to assist in securing membership or, failing that, attachment to another adjacent Continental Federation.

• Organisations eligible for membership of the ITTF but not yet having applied for membership may, with the consent of the Board, be included in the appropriate Continental Federation for a period not exceeding 1 year but renewable by each AGM; the players of such an organisation shall enjoy the privileges of players of a member Association but only in the Continent
• Parts of an Association which lie wholly within a Continental area other than that in which the address of that Association in the ITTF Directory is situated may, with the permission of the Board and the consent of their Association, be attached to the Continental Federation in whose area they lie for the purpose of competition and the encouragement of table tennis; with the same permission and for the same purposes, Associations lying wholly outside but adjacent to the Continental area concerned may similarly be attached, with the consent of the Federation of the Continent of which they form a
• The championship title competitions of a Continental Federation shall be open only to the players of its member and attached Associations and the ITTF shall recognise such competitions as the sole Continental title championships for that

 

1.3.2                      CONTINENTAL FEDERATIONS AFFILIATION

• The Continental Federations shall be affiliated to the ITTF according to established criteria, proposed by the Board following a proposal of the Continental and Development
• The affiliated Continental Federations will renew every 4 years, in the year after the Olympic Games, specific strategic quadrennial agreements with the
• The affiliation of the Continental Federations has the following goals:
  • increase cooperation in events and marketing as well to develop table tennis
  • legalise the status of continental federations within the ITTF
  • provide development funding agreements to the affiliated continental federations.
  • provide the use of the ITTF brand and customised continental
  • ensure marketing support and commercial strategic agreements through contractual Memorandums of Understanding with the
  • link continental events to the ITTF world title events to reinforce greater marketing value and ensuring the participation of the top

 

1.3.3                      OTHER GROUPS OF ASSOCIATIONS

• A group of Associations shall, in principle, include associations that share common objectives (promotion of table tennis in any of its forms or categories, organisation of competitions for specific titles or for areas united by language, history and/or culture)
• Each recognised group of Associations shall have the right to organise specific competitions open to all the Associations of the group provided that the Constitution is observed in respect of play with unaffiliated organisations.
• Each recognised group of Associations shall have the following obligations:
  • To fully comply with all duties and provisions of the Constitution, Laws and regulations established by the ITTF, as well as with all decisions taken in accordance
  • To apply the ITTF Anti-Doping Rules, the ITTF Regulations against illegal betting and corruption and the ITTF Code of
  • To immediately notify the ITTF about any change on the membership of the group (Constitution, change of President and/or Secretary General, its address and/or contact details).
  • To ensure their own members comply with the ITTF Constitution, Laws and regulations established by the

 

 

1.4                            HONORARY POSITIONS

 

• The ITTF defines the following Honorary positions. In order to obtain or maintain it’s the Honorary positions defined in 1.4.2, 1.4.3 and 1.4.4, individuals may conduct or be subject to, under the request of the ITTF Ethics Commission Integrity Unit, annual checks, including but not limited to the signature of conflict-of-interest declarations, and remain available for background checks as required by the ITTF Ethics Commission Integrity Unit. In the occurrence of a lack of cooperation, the Ethics Commission may refer the case to the ITTF Integrity Unit for prosecution before the ITTF Tribunal. may take further actions pursuant to the ITTF Integrity Regulations. If the case of a lack of cooperation is made out, the ITTF Tribunal may issue sanctions in accordance with the ITTF Tribunal Regulations.

 

1.4.2                    HONORARY PRESIDENT

• Any past President of the ITTF shall be automatically bestowed the title of “ITTF Honorary President” with a set of privileges decided by the Executive Committee from time to time. This title can only be revoked by a majority vote of the AGM or by a decision of the ITTF

 

1.4.3                    PRESIDENT’S ADVISORY COUNCIL

 

• The President may appoint a President’s Advisory Council (PAC) to advise him or her on various matters. Members of the President’s Advisory Council shall be invited to attend the AGM and EGM as observers, and they will have a set of privileges decided by the Executive Committee from time to
• The terms of office of the President 's Advisory Council shall coincide with that of the Executive
• President’s Advisory Council appointments can be revoked by decision of the ITTF

 

1.4.4                    PERSONAL HONORARY MEMBERSHIP

• A person who has given long, outstanding service to the ITTF may, on retirement, be appointed a Personal Honorary Member (PHM) for his or her lifetime by the AGM on a recommendation by the
• Personal Honorary Members shall be entitled to attend World Championships, with free hospitality, and to attend the AGM and the EGM with the right to speak but not to
• Personal Honorary Membership can be revoked by decision of the ITTF Tribunal.

 

 

1.5                            GOVERNANCE

 

• ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
  • The Annual General Meeting, referred to elsewhere in this Constitution as AGM, is the supreme governing body of the ITTF and consists of the assembled representatives of the
  • The AGM has the following functions and powers:
    • to amend the Constitution and the Laws of Table Tennis; .
    • to elect the ITTF President, the ITTF Executive Vice-Presidents and all members of the Board, at an AGM held every four years. All members elected shall serve for a four-year term and shall be eligible for re-election not more than twice in the same After 3 full terms any member should have 1 waiting period term before opting for the same role; .
    • to appoint, in odd numbered years, the full and corresponding members of committees and commissions, on the recommendation of the Nominations Committee; except for the Nominations Committee which shall be appointed in even numbered years by the Executive
    • to designate the host Association of the ITTF World Championships;
    • to delegate any of its powers to the Board or to the Executive Committee, on the request of at least one-quarter (1/4) of the Associations not in arrears; .
    • to ratify the work done by the Board and the Executive Committee since the last AGM; .

 

• to decide to deal with a matter normally delegated to another ITTF body or decided upon by this body; .
• all the other functions and responsibilities mentioned from 1.5.1.8.1.1 to 1.5.1.8.1.14.

• Representation of Members and attendance
  • Each Association shall be entitled to 2 representatives, referred to elsewhere in this Constitution as “delegates” at an
  • The Executive Committee members, the Board members, the ITTF senior staff, the Honorary Presidents, the Personal Honorary Members and the President's Advisory Council members are also allowed to attend the AGM with the right to speak but not to vote. All members of committees and commissions shall be entitled to attend the AGM as observers, without speaking or voting privileges unless representing an Association. The Committee and Commissions Chairs and the Technical, Junior and Gender Commissioners, as expert advisers, will have the right to speak. The AGM Chair, exceptionally, can allow special guests to attend and speak at the AGM
  • Representation by letter or proxy is not
• Delegates
  • Delegates shall be appointed by the appropriate body of the Association they represent; they shall either carry the citizenship (passport) of this Association or shall have their main residence in the territory controlled by this Association for no less than 12 months. Delegates of Associations belonging to the same state unity, with the same kind of national passport, must have their main residence for no less than 12 months in the territory where the Association has the jurisdiction. The Executive Committee, under special circumstances, can grant exceptions from this rule in a case- by-case
  • The ITTF will cover the cost of travel and accommodation for one delegate from each Association not in arrears to attend the AGM the year of elections of the Executive Committee members according to the guidelines approved by the Executive
• Place and Time
  • An AGM shall be held at the place and date decided by the previous AGM or EGM, and in case of emergency at such other place and date as the Executive Committee may
  • An AGM can be convened remotely (wholly or partly) if considered appropriate.
• Notice of Meeting
  • Notice of the meeting, giving details of the place, date and time and the business to be transacted, shall be sent by post or e-mail to:
    • each Association;
    • the Executive Committee members; 1.5.1.6.1.3 the Board members, the ITTF senior staff; 1.5.1.6.1.4   the Honorary Presidents;

 

1.5.1.6.1.5    the Personal Honorary Members; and 1.5.1.6.1.6        the President's Advisory Council members; and 1.5.1.6.1.7    the Committee Chairs and Commissioners.

• The notice shall be sent not later than 2 calendar months before the date of the

• Notice of Business
  • Details in writing of propositions and resolutions to be dealt with at an AGM must reach the Secretariat not later than 3 calendar months before the date of the
  • Notice of the actual closing date in each year for the receipt of business and propositions shall be sent to all Associations by the Secretariat not later than 6 calendar months before the date of the
  • Propositions and resolutions, other than changes to the Constitution or the Laws, of which due notice has not been given but which, in the opinion of the Executive Committee, relate to the business in hand or relate to an emergency may be admitted by a vote in favour of 2/3 of the votes cast at the
• Procedure
  • The agenda for an AGM shall include:
    • the appointment of a Chair; 1.5.1.8.1.2 a roll call of the Associations present; 1.5.1.8.1.3    the appointment of scrutineers;

1.5.1.8.1.4    the confirmation of the Minutes of the previous AGM or EGM; 1.5.1.8.1.5    the consideration of applications for membership;

• the receipt of the Strategic Plan of the ITTF and the Annual General Report, including reports from the Executive Committee members, the Continental Presidents, the Committee Chairs, the CEO and the Secretary General;
• the receipt of reports from the Olympic and Paralympic Commission, the Development and ITTF Continental Council, and the Ethics Commission the ITTF Integrity Unit, and the ITTF Tribunal;
• the receipt of the financial report, the audited statement of accounts for the previous year, the consideration of the next year and quadrennial estimate of income and expenditure and the appointment of Auditors;
• the consideration of propositions and resolutions and the reports of the Committees or Commissions that have studied them;
• when appropriate, the election of President, Executive Vice-Presidents and the composition of Committees;
• the consideration of arrangements for future World Championships; 1.5.1.8.1.12 the ratification of the work done by the Board and the Executive

Committee since the last AGM;

• the announcement of the place and date of the next General Meeting (AGM or EGM);
• the consideration of any other

 

• No speaker shall speak more than once on a proposition except that the proposer shall have the right of reply and that the Chair may, at his or her discretion, allow a speaker to speak more than once to answer a query arising from his or her original
• The Chair shall decide how many speakers will be permitted to speak on a proposition and when the vote shall be taken, except that a motion "that the question now be put" shall be voted on immediately, without further discussion; if such a motion is carried the proposition or any amendment before the meeting shall then be voted on immediately, without further discussion, subject to the right of reply by the mover of the substantive
• A question once decided may not be reverted to for re-discussion and re-vote unless the Chair rules, as a matter of urgency, that a case has been made for supposing that the decision taken may jeopardise the whole welfare of the ITTF; a motion to challenge the Chair's ruling that the matter is not of sufficient urgency to justify reconsideration shall must be taken whenever it is

• Voting
  • Each Association present not in arrears shall have 1
  • Questions shall be decided by a simple majority of the votes cast except that:
    • changes to the Constitution, suspensions or expulsions from membership, the acceptance of belated or emergency business or propositions and the revocation of a World Championships option require a majority of 2/3 of the votes cast;
    • changes to the Laws of Table Tennis require a 3/4 majority of the votes cast;
    • dissolution of the ITTF requires a 4/5 majority of the votes
  • If there is an equality of votes on an administrative or financial matter the Chair shall have a casting vote; if there is an equality of votes on any other matter the motion shall fail, and the meeting shall proceed with the next business.
  • Voting other than in elections shall be either by a show of hands, by electronic device, by roll call or by secret ballot, as decided by the meeting on a proposition by the
  • Each President of a Continental Federation shall nominate 2 persons from his or her Continent, for approval by the meeting, to form a list of scrutineers.
  • For each vote requiring scrutineers, including elections, names shall be taken from the list in alphabetical order, omitting the representative of any Association having a particular interest in the item, which is the subject of the
• Elections
  • Where there are more candidates or options for a post or posts than the number of vacancies, as long as the simple majority (more than 50%) is not reached, additional ballots will be In this case, the

 

candidate or option obtaining the smallest number of votes shall be eliminated.

• If there is a tie for the lowest number of votes, a further vote shall be held amongst them to determine who is eliminated
• Consecutive ballots will be organised until the election is
• At an election a ballot paper shall be considered valid only if the number of votes cast on this ballot equals the number of

 

1.5.2                      EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING

• The provisions that apply to the AGM will apply to the EGM correspondingly, unless otherwise stated in the provisions below (i.e., with any amendments deemed to have been made that are necessary to take account of the different context).
• An Extraordinary General Meeting, "EGM" shall be convened either by resolution of the previous AGM or within 10 weeks of receipt by the Secretariat of a requisition in writing submitted by not less than 1/4 of the Associations not in arrears, representing at least 2 Continents, or in case of emergency, by decision of the Executive
• For an EGM the notice shall be sent not later than 1 calendar month before the date of the
• The requisition for an EGM shall specify the business for which the meeting is to be convened and no other business except the confirmation of the Minutes of the previous AGM or EGM shall be transacted at such a meeting.
• An EGM can be convened remotely (wholly or partly) if considered appropriate.

 

1.5.3                      THE BOARD

• The Board is a legislative authority of the ITTF dealing amongst other responsibilities with all ITTF regulations, except the Constitution and the Laws of Table Tennis. The Board has also the following functions and powers:
  • to receive and consider reports from Commissioners and all Committees and Commissions other than the Finance and Audit Committee, the Olympic and Paralympics Commission and the Development and Continental Council;
  • to appoint the Committee Chairs according to 5.3.6 1.5.3.7 and all the members of the Finance and Audit Committee and all the members of the Ethics Commission Integrity Board with voting rights; .
  • to consider propositions regarding ITTF regulations, other than the Constitution and Laws of Table Tennis; .
  • to award the host Association of the World Junior Championships, and other events, excluding the World Championships; .
  • to approve the ITTF Administrative and Technical Leaflets; .
  • to determine the number of full and corresponding members of each

 

Committee; .

• to delegate any of its powers to the Executive

• The Board shall consist of the President, the Executive Vice-Presidents, the Presidents of Continental Federations, the Chair of the Athletes Commission or his or her appointee and 32 Continental representatives elected by each Continental Federation and confirmed by the
• Continental Federations whose President is also member of the ITTF Executive Committee may appoint another member of their highest Executive Body for the ITTF
• 3 IOC members being players or officials of an Association, or a Continental Federation, shall become ex officio members of the
• 4 All Chairs of committees and commissions and the Technical, Junior and Gender Commissioners shall be entitled to attend the Board meetings as expert advisers, without voting privileges but with the right to
• 5 The number of Continental representatives shall be proportional to the number of the Continental Federation's member Associations not in arrears and shall not exceed
• 6 The Board shall appoint, in odd numbered years, the Chairs of committees and commissions, on the recommendation of the Executive Committee; except the Chair of the Nominations Committee who shall be appointed by the Executive Committee in even numbered years and the Athletes’ Commission whose Chair would be elected by the
• 7 The Board shall meet at the place and date decided during the last Board meeting and in case of emergency, or if not decided during the last meeting, at such other place and date as the Executive Committee may determine but shall otherwise conduct its business by correspondence. A Board meeting may be convened remotely (wholly or partly) if considered appropriate.
• 8 Any vacancy occurring in the membership of the Board may be filled by simple majority vote at a Board meeting, but no temporary substitute shall be permitted to attend a Board meeting or to conduct Board business in place of a member absent or
• 9 Board meetings procedure
  • The agenda for a Board meeting shall be sent to all its members not later than 1 calendar month before the date of the
  • At its meeting the Board shall review all propositions and resolutions submitted to the Board and, where appropriate, refer them for consideration by
  • The Chair at a Board meeting shall be the President, or, in his or her absence, the Deputy President; if both are absent the members present shall elect one of their members as Chair for that
  • Every question at a Board meeting shall be decided by a simple majority of the votes cast; if there is an equality of votes the Chair shall have a casting
  • Voting shall be by a show of hands, a roll call or a ballot, as decided by the meeting on a proposition by the

 

• The ITTF shall pay a proportion of the travel costs of its members attending Board meetings, the proportion being decided from time to time by the Executive
• The proposer of a proposition or resolution is invited to speak in the same way as indicated for the AGM under 5.1.8.2.

 

1.5.4                      EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

• The Executive Committee is the executive body of the ITTF with the power to handle the following duties:
  • T to approve the internal Organisation rules of the ITTF T to
  • T to appoint the CEO of the ITTF; .
  • T to appoint the Chair of the Nominations Committee and all Commissioners and Panels or Working groups; .
  • T to determine the terms of reference for all committees, commissions, working groups or panels that the Board or the Executive Committee may establish from time to time; .
  • T to approve the ITTF strategic plan to be submitted to the AGM; .
  • T to appoint the bank accounts of the ITTF and the persons with signature on them; .
  • T to approve the remuneration of the President or any elected officer, if applicable. Such decisions shall be minuted with specific mention of the names and amounts and shall be reflected in the annual statement of the accounts; .
  • T to   review    all    applications    for    new      membership and make recommendations on acceptance; .
  • T to submit rules changes, propositions and resolutions to the AGM or to the Board; .
  • T to define the use of the ITTF name and logo; .
  • T to, notwithstanding any other provisions within the ITTF Handbook, decide on all other current or urgent business in exceptional circumstances which cannot be decided by the appropriate body promptly, and to assume all responsibilities which are not expressly attributed to another body within the ITTF; .
• Powers of the Executive Committee
  • The powers vested in the Executive Committee pursuant to 1.5.4.2. shall be exercised by way of a simple majority of the Executive
  • Despite 1.5.4.2.1, unless otherwise expressly provided under this Constitution, the Executive Committee may delegate any of its powers to any of its members or other persons within ITTF expressly or impliedly, and any such delegation of power may be revoked (fully or partially) by the Executive Committee at any
• Duties of the Executive Committee
  • The Executive Committee members shall at all times:
    • promote the principles of the ITTF and advance its objectives;

 

• act in good faith and carry out their responsibilities in the best interests of the ITTF and the ITTF Member Associations as a whole;
• comply, and ensure that the ITTF complies with applicable laws, this Constitution, any other rule or regulation of the ITTF Handbook, and decisions of any judicial body;
• not engage in any act of dishonesty, gross misconduct, or wilful neglect of duty;
• not do anything (by act or omission) that is likely to bring the ITTF or the sport of table tennis into disrepute or that is contrary to the best interests of the ITTF or the sport of table tennis;
• exercise the care, diligence and skill that any reasonable Executive Committee member would exercise in the same circumstances;
• disclose to the Executive Committee and the ITTF Integrity Unit the nature and extent of any interest that they have (or any person connected with them has) in a transaction or proposed transaction of or involving the ITTF as soon as they become aware of such interest or such transaction and refrain from making an opinion and voting on any connected resolution;
• maintain confidentiality as to the communications and affairs of the Executive Committee and confidential information (except as needed to be disclosed through its meeting minutes) and not disclose it to any other person, unless for the benefit of the ITTF, as agreed by the Executive Committee, or as required by Law or the ITTF Handbook; and
• make reasonable efforts to attend and actively participate in all Executive Committee

• 2 The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, the Chair two members of the Athletes Commission from different genders, and 8 Executive Vice-Presidents of which one shall be appointed by the President as Deputy President and another one shall be appointed for finances. In addition, any IOC member may be an ex-officio Executive Committee member by decision of the Executive
• 3 Meetings of the Executive Committee and conduct of business outside meetings The Executive Committee shall meet during the period of the World Championships and otherwise when convened by the President.
  • The Executive Committee shall meet during the period of the World Championships and otherwise when convened by the President or by a simple majority of the Executive
  • The quorum for any Executive Committee meeting shall be more than 50% of the members of the Executive Committee then in office and entitled to vote.
  • Meetings of the Executive Committee may be conducted remotely through, without limitation, telephone or
  • Each Executive Committee member present and entitled to vote shall have one vote, provided that any Executive Committee member having a conflict of interest on any motion shall not vote on that

 

• Unless otherwise specified in this Constitution, motions of the Executive Committee require a simple majority of the Executive Committee then in office and entitled to vote in order to be In the event of an equality of votes, the President will have the casting vote.
• Motions of the Executive Committee may be passed by correspondence, without conducting any physical or remote meeting, and the use of electronic mail and other generally acceptable electronic communication means is permissible for such
• A written motion that is signed or consented to by electronic mail or other generally acceptable electronic communication means by a simple majority of the Executive Committee will be valid as if it had been passed at an Executive Committee Any such motion may be made up of several documents in substantially similar form, each signed or consented to by one or more Executive Committee members.
• Unless specified otherwise above, the Executive Committee may regulate the conduct of its meetings and all other matters concerning its meetings through its Terms of Reference or relevant

• 4 Vacancies at the Executive Committee
  • If the President resigns or is unable to continue in office, he or she shall be replaced by the Deputy
  • A vacancy arising in the post of Deputy President or in the Executive Vice- President – Finance position shall be filled by an Executive Vice-President nominated by the President appointed by a simple majority of the Executive Committee.
  • A vacancy arising in the posts of any Executive Vice-Presidents during the first three years of the running term of office shall be filled by simple majority vote at the next AGM (or EGM) for the remaining years of the running
  • A vacancy arising in the post of the Chair of the Athletes Commission shall be filled by one of the Deputy Chairs elected by this
• Suspension or removal of Executive Committee members
  • The Executive Committee may, by two-thirds majority, pass a motion to suspend any Executive Committee member, subject to such terms it deems appropriate, if that member:
    • is charged with commission of a criminal or a disciplinary offence, such as violation of the ITTF Code of Ethics or breach of the rules of an ITTF Member Association or ITTF associated organisation and in the

 Executive Committee’s reasonable opinion, there is a real risk that the integrity of the sport of table tennis or public confidence could be seriously undermined; or

• is, in the Executive Committee’s reasonable opinion, in breach of one or more of their duties under 1.5.4.3 of this

• If a suspension pursuant to 1.5.4.7.1.1 is imposed, such suspension will remain in place pending the outcome of such charges before the ITTF Tribunal or such other judicial

 

• The Executive Committee may by two-thirds majority pass a motion to remove any Executive Committee member before the end of their term of office, subject to such terms it deems appropriate, if that member:
  • is clearly, in the Executive Committee’s reasonable opinion, in serious, repeated, or continuous breach of one or more of their duties under 1.5.4.3 of this Constitution; or
  • fails to meet the terms imposed by the Executive Committee for lifting a suspension imposed under 5.4.7.1.
• Before suspending or removing any Executive Committee member pursuant to 1.5.4.7, the Executive Committee shall provide that member with:
  • written notice of the proposed suspension or removal, including the reasons for such proposal; and
  • the opportunity to present their case to the Executive Committee within a reasonable period (not less than 48 hours).
• Any Executive Committee member who is suspended or removed pursuant to 1.5.4.7 shall automatically be suspended or removed (as applicable) from any position which they hold ex officio in relation to their membership in the Executive
• This Article 5.4.7 is in addition to and does not limit any other powers that exist under this Constitution or any other rule or regulation of the ITTF Handbook to suspend or remove any Executive Committee member from office.
• Any Executive Committee member who is suspended or removed pursuant to 1.5.4.7 may appeal such suspension or removal to the ITTF Tribunal.

 

1.5.5                      ITTF INTEGRITY UNIT

• The ITTF Integrity Unit is an independent unit of the ITTF with the following responsibilities:
  • to investigate and prosecute infringement of the matters relating to compliance, discipline and integrity before the ITTF Tribunal or such other competent and recognised judicial body;
  • to educate table tennis parties on integrity matters; and
  • to otherwise protect and uphold the integrity of table
• The ITTF Integrity Unit shall be supervised by the Integrity Board and shall consist of the Head of Integrity and such other officers necessary for the ITTF Integrity Unit to carry out its
• As an independent unit of the ITTF, the ITTF Integrity Unit shall directly report to the ITTF President, subject to Article 1.5.5.4 be directly accountable to the AGM (or EGM).
• Where a case under investigation or prosecution involves the ITTF President, the ITTF Integrity Unit shall report to the Board of Directors. Where a case under investigation or prosecution involves a Board of Directors member or an Executive Committee member other than the ITTF

 

President, the ITTF Integrity Unit will report to the ITTF President and the AGM (or EGM). The ITTF Integrity Unit shall carry out its duties and exercise its powers and authority in accordance with the ITTF Integrity Regulations.

 

1.5.6                      CONTINENTAL COUNCIL OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC COMMISSION

• The Commission shall consist of the members of the Executive Committee, Presidents of Continental Federations or their appointees, the Chair of the Para Table Tennis Committee or his or her appointee and a representative of the organising committees of the next Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Continental Council is an extended arm of the Executive Committee and shall meet on a set yearly schedule approved by the Executive Committee and at other times when convened by the ITTF President. The Continental Council consists of the members of the Executive Committee and the Presidents or their representatives from the Continental Federations.
• The Commission Continental Council shall be responsible for:
  • planning, control and supervision of the table tennis events in the Olympic and the Paralympic Games;
  • co-opting and call upon relevant technical experts, representatives for the ITTF Para TT Committee and the Olympic Games organisers to join one or several Continental Council meetings on a per need basis decided by the ITTF Executive Committee;
  • 2 liaising with the International Olympic and Paralympic Committees, National Olympic and Paralympic Committees and Associations on all matters concerning Olympic and Paralympic competitions;
  • 3 enforcement of the eligibility regulations and confirmation of the eligibility of entrants for Olympic and Paralympic events;
  • drafting and submission to the Board of proposals for a qualifying system for entry into Olympic and Paralympic events;
  • appointing a Jury, Technical Representatives and all match officials for the Olympic and Paralympic table tennis events;
  • ensuring that the table tennis events at Olympic and Paralympic Games comply with the letter and the spirit of the Olympic Charter and IPC Handbook respectively;
  • initiating and reviewing proposals for the table tennis events at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
  • providing input and strategic guidance related to the building of the international calendar of events;
  • drafting and submission of proposals for qualifying systems and pathways for entry into Olympic and Paralympic and ITTF World Title Events applying to all Continental Federations and designated qualification pathways;
  • co-opting and calling relevant technical experts, representatives for the ITTF major World Title events organisers to join one or several Continental

 

Council meetings at times requested by the Executive Committee; 1.5.6.3        The Commission shall meet during the period of the AGM and at other

times when convened by the President.

• A member of the ITTF staff, appointed by the President, shall attend all meetings of the Commission and shall draft its minutes and
• The Commission shall submit a written report to the

 

• DEVELOPMENT AND CONTINENTAL COUNCIL
  • The Development and Continental Council shall be composed of the President, the Executive Vice-President in charge of Development and the Presidents of Continental Federations or their
  • The Development and Continental Council shall

youth development and member associations’ rights and duties

• proposing Development Programme and High-Performance related initiatives to support the and future overall development orientations of the ITTF, giving specific consideration to the promotion of gender equity,

in

cooperation with Continental Federations; .

• The Development and Continental Council shall also
  • discussing all other matters of common interest to the Continental Federations and the ITTF; .
• The Development and Continental Council shall meet at the same occasion as the Olympic and Paralympic

1.5.6.3  One or several members of the ITTF staff, appointed by the President,  shall attend all meetings of the Continental Council and shall draft its minutes and reports.

1.5.7.5 The Development and Continental Council shall submit a written report to the AGM.

1.5.6.4 The meetings of the Continental shall be minuted with a yearly report submitted to the AGM.

 

1.5.7    8 COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS

• Permanent Committees and Commissions
  • The Equipment Committee, the Media Committee, the Para Table Tennis Committee, the Rules Committee, the Sports Science Committee, the Umpires and Referees Committee, the Veterans Committee and the Athletes Commission are further permanent Committees and Commissions.
  • The number of persons serving as full and corresponding members on each committee shall be determined by the Board a year before the nomination of committee
  • Committees shall normally meet during the period of the World Championships and shall otherwise conduct their business by correspondence.
  • A committee may set up sub-committees of its members to deal with

 

specific areas of work; any reports or recommendations of such sub-committees shall be subject to endorsement by the full committee before publication or submission to the AGM or the Board.

• Each committee shall take interest in Continental and Regional Federations’ activities in their various fields and shall advise the Federations through the Executive Committee on ideas for further development.
• A member of a committee who does not, within a reasonable specified period, express in writing an opinion on a written proposal circulated by or on behalf of the Chair of that committee shall be considered to have agreed to any resulting recommendation submitted in the name of the committee.
• The Chair of each committee shall submit to the Board an annual report of the activities of the committee, drawing attention to any recommendations that the committee wishes to make; acceptance of the report shall not automatically imply acceptance of such
• A committee may be authorised to act on behalf of the Board but the extent and duration of this authority shall be specified by the Board and shall be reviewed not later than at the next meeting of the
• As far as possible all committee and commission meetings shall be opened to AGM delegates to attend as

• The Nominations Committee
  • The Nominations Committee shall be composed of at least 6 members determined and appointed by the Executive Committee including significant gender representation from nominations received from Member national aAssociations in even numbered years with an Executive Vice- President and all Presidents of Continental Federations as ex-officio members.
  • The Nominations Committee shall check the qualification and validity of nominations for office, shall supervise the allocation of nominees to committees and shall recommend to the AGM the composition of committees and commissions; provided that sufficient number of female nominations is made for a committee, at least 25% of the number of full members of that Committee or Commission shall be selected out of female nominees.
• The Finance and Audit Committee
  • The Finance and Audit Committee shall be composed of at least 3 independent members plus one Board member appointed by the Board, the Executive Vice-President in charge of Finance plus one ITTF staff (without vote).
  • The terms of office of the Finance and Audit Committee shall coincide with that of the Executive Committee
• The Ethics Commission Integrity Board
  • The Ethics Commission Integrity Board shall be composed of at least 3 independent members (each with voting rights) appointed by the Board plus one ITTF staff (without vote). , one member of the ITTF Executive Committee (without voting rights) and the ITTF Head of Integrity (without

 

voting rights).

1.5.8.4.2   The terms of office of the Ethics Commission shall coincide with that of the Executive Committee.

 

1.5.8    9 OTHER APPOINTMENTS

• The Board may appoint other commissions, working groups or panels as may be needed from time to time.
• The Executive Committee shall appoint:
  • A Technical Commissioner, whose term of office shall coincide with that of the Executive Committee, plus 1 technical representative nominated by each Continental Federation and not from the same continent as the ITTF Technical Commissioner, for a total of six
  • A Gender Commissioner, whose term of office shall coincide with that of the Executive
  • A Junior Commissioner plus one Continental Junior Commissioner nominated by each Continental Federation and not from the same continent as the ITTF Junior Commissioner, for a total of six persons, whose term of office shall coincide with that of the Executive

 

1.5.9    10    ELIGIBILITY FOR OFFICE

• Nominations for President, Executive Vice-Presidents and members of the Board or committees may be made only by the Association of which the nominee is a member; if this nomination is withdrawn after the nominee has been elected or appointed, he or she may be removed from his or her post only by a 2/3 majority vote of the
• Nominations for President, Executive Vice-Presidents, members of the Board and Permanent Committees should be made no later than 90 days before the date of the AGM where the elections are to be
• No more than 1 person from an Association shall be nominated for the Executive Committee and no-one shall be nominated for more than 1 post of the Executive
• A member of an Association that is in arrears shall not be eligible for election.
• Continental representatives on the Board shall each be from a different Association.

1.5.10.6 No person shall at the same time serve as a member of the Executive Committee and as a President of a Continental Federation.

• 7 No person shall serve at the same time as a member of more than 1 permanent committee and no more than 4 such posts shall be occupied by members of one
• 8 No member of the Executive Committee shall serve on a permanent committee.
• 9 A person connected in any way with the manufacture, sale or endorsement of table tennis equipment or with consultation on such equipment:

 

• shall not be eligible as a member of the Executive Committee; with the exception of the Athlete Commission Chair;
• may serve on a committee but shall withdraw from a meeting or abstain from voting on an issue if so requested by a majority of the meeting that he or she is

 

1.5.10     11 CONFLICT OF INTEREST

• The ITTF, all its members (Member Associations), affiliated organisations (Continental Federations and other groups of associations) as well as all the aforesaid parties’ officials, decision-making bodies, honorary members, officers, employees, services providers, delegated third parties and their employees, players, players’ entourages and such other persons involved in the aforesaid parties’ operations shall avoid any conflict of interest (as defined in the ITTF Code of Ethics). Any type of conflict of interest shall must be declared, and each individual shall take action to remove him/herself from the situation where a conflict may It is the personal responsibility of each person to avoid any case of conflict of interest.
• The ITTF conflicts of interest policy will set out the procedure for identifying and managing conflicts and potential conflicts of interests or duty affecting all persons involved in the ITTF and its

 

1.5.11     2 CHANGES TO RULES

• Rule change propositions and resolutions may be submitted to:
  • the AGM or the Board by Associations, the Executive Committee, Continental Federations, Committees, and Commissions, the ITTF Integrity Unit and the ITTF Tribunal; and
  • to the AGM by the
• Rule change propositions to be considered at an AGM, EGM or a Board meeting must reach the ITTF not later than 3 months before the date of the
• Amendments to the Constitution and the Laws of Table Tennis shall be made only at an AGM or EGM; amendments to other Regulations shall be made only at a meeting of the Board, with the exception of amendments to the Anti-Doping Rules, that can be made also by the Executive Committee, if necessary, to maintain WADA
• Details of all rule change propositions shall be published in the agenda of the meeting at which they are to be
• The implementation date of each change shall be specified; if there is no such specification, the change shall take effect from 1st January of the following year once a decision is taken. Anti-doping rules may have a different implementation date if it is requested by WADA and/or approved by the Executive

 

1.5.12                  APPLICATION OF ELECTORAL AND APPOINTMENT REGULATIONS

 

• The election or appointment of individuals to the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Permanent Committees, Integrity Board, ITTF Tribunal or such other key bodies or key individual roles (such as Commissioners) are subject to such terms as specified in the ITTF Electoral and Appointment

 

1.6                            ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES

 

• MANAGEMENT STAFF
  • The Executive Committee shall appoint management staff on agreed terms and conditions and in accordance with the management plan approved by the Board from time to
  • A Chief Executive Officer (CEO) shall be appointed by the Executive Committee and shall be responsible for the direction and supervision of the ITTF’s professional structure and
  • The CEO shall appoint a staff member to serve as coordinator of each committee.
  • The CEO shall employ such other staff as are deemed necessary following the Executive Committee approval, taking into consideration the ITTF annual budget and according to the ITTF open recruitment

 

1.6.2                      ADMINISTRATION

• Office
  • The Head Office of the ITTF shall be proposed by the Executive Committee and shall be in a place appointed by resolution of the AGM or EGM, or, in emergency, of the

 

1.6.2.2                            Languages

• The correspondence and proceedings of the ITTF shall be conducted in English or in such languages convenient for appropriate tasks and within the resources of the ITTF as may be determined from time to time by the Board, having particular regard to Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Russian and
• All languages of ITTF members are equally official and representatives shall be entitled to address meetings of the ITTF in their own language, subject to their provision of interpretation into one of the working languages fixed for use at that

 

 

1.7                            FINANCIAL PROVISIONS

 

• ACCOUNTS
  • The financial year of the ITTF shall be from January to 31st December.
  • The Executive Vice-President responsible for finance shall ensure that an

 

annual statement of accounts be prepared, which shall be audited by professional auditors, and that a yearly and quadrennial estimate of income and expenditure be presented.

• The bank accounts of the ITTF shall be held at banks appointed by resolution of the Executive
• The power of signature on the ITTF bank accounts should be restricted to the ITTF Trustees and the ITTF operational staff and decided by the Executive Committee. Individual signatures on any ITTF bank account shall be avoided.

 

1.7.2                      TRUSTEES

• The President, Deputy President and Executive Vice-Presidents shall be Trustees for the purpose of purchasing, selling, leasing or otherwise dealing with any freehold or leasehold property or other assets required by the AGM or the Board for the purposes of the
• The Trustees shall be authorised to use the funds of the ITTF in the purchase of such property and assets and shall stand possessed thereof and of the proceeds of sale thereof upon trust for the ITTF in such manner as the Board may from time to time
• The Trustees shall comply with any laws, statutes and requirements of the countries in which such trust property may be situated which relate to the purchase, sale and management of such property and the duties of Trustees in connection
• The Trustees and their estates and effects shall be fully indemnified by the ITTF against all personal risk and expense arising as a result of their appointment as
• The Trustees shall cease to act in such capacity upon ceasing to hold office as President, Deputy President or Executive Vice-Presidents.
• A Minute signed by the President and a member of the Management Staff shall be conclusive evidence of a decision of any ITTF

 

1.7.3                      SUBSCRIPTIONS

• Each Association shall pay an annual subscription of US$150.
• The first subscription shall be paid with the application for membership and subsequent subscriptions shall be due on 1st January of each
• An Association shall be in arrears if its subscription has not been paid by 31st December of the year in which it is

 

 

1.8                            JUDICIAL PROVISIONS

 

• JUDICIAL BODIES OF THE ITTF
  • The judicial powers of the ITTF shall include:
    • the AGM and the

 

• the ITTF Tribunal.
• the Eligibility Commission according to the ITTF Regulations for International
• the ITTF Protest Panel for Para Table Tennis
• the International Testing Agency (ITA) and the Court of Arbitration of Sport Anti-Doping Division (CAS ADD) depending on the circumstances and according to the ITTF Anti-Doping rules
• the Board of Appeal of Classification of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC BAC) for Para Table Tennis classification

 

1.8.2                      ITTF TRIBUNAL

• The ITTF Tribunal is composed of up to eight
• The ITTF Tribunal shall have a Chairperson, a Deputy Chairperson, and up to six other members at large.
• The organisation of the ITTF Tribunal is regulated through chapter 8 of the ITTF Handbook.

 

1.8.3                      COURT OF ARBITRATION FOR SPORT (CAS)

• The ITTF recognises the independent Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) with headquarters in Lausanne (Switzerland) to resolve disputes arising from this Constitution or other ITTF rules and regulations, or decisions of the ITTF which cannot be settled by the ITTF internal or external appeals dispute resolution processes (including the ITTF Tribunal) as established in these regulations except for ITTF Para Table Tennis classification matters, which final appeal body shall be the International Paralympic Committee Board of Appeal of Classification (IPC BAC). The parties concerned shall undertake to comply with the Statutes and procedural rules of this Court of Arbitration for Sport and to accept and enforce its decisions, which are

 

1.8.4                      JURISDICTION OF ASSOCIATIONS

• Membership and Representation
  • A player shall be regarded as resident in a territory if his or her normal or main residence or base is in that territory; residence shall not be determined by continuity or by
  • Before accepting a player into membership an Association shall satisfy itself that he or she is or intends to be resident in its territory and it shall not retain him or her if he or she terminates such
  • Unless notified of any suspension or expulsion, Associations shall be entitled to regard any player or organisation resident in the territory of an Association and known to have been affiliated to it as eligible for participation.
  • No Association shall make a resident in a territory controlled by another Association or, except after a genuine change of residence, a member of another Association, a member or representative of itself without the prior

 

permission of the other Association,

1.8.4.1.6 Any dispute under these regulations shall be referred to the Executive Committee.

• Extent of Jurisdiction
  • In administering and interpreting its own regulations and decisions an Association shall exercise jurisdiction over:
    • players resident in its territory, while they are in that territory or in any other territory;
    • visiting players, while they are in its territory, except as provided in 1.8.4.3.1;
    • players representing it in a competition who are normally resident in the territory of another Association, but only while they are taking part in that competition;
  • Visiting Players
    • If a visiting player is officially representing his or her Association or the ITTF in Veterans events as a result of an invitation by the visited Association, the visited Association shall acquire no rights of
      • The responsible management committee shall have jurisdiction over the conduct of the competition, but no subsequent penalty shall be imposed on a visiting player for any offence committed in connection with that
      • The visited Association may protest to the visiting player's Association or the ITTF in Veterans events about such an offence, but his or her own Association shall retain sole jurisdiction over him or her and the right to impose a
    • If a visiting player participates in table tennis activities other than as an official representative of his or her Association, whether or not his or her visit is the result of an invitation by the visited Association, he or she shall be subject also to the jurisdiction of the visited Association, which shall have the right to impose a penalty for any offence committed in connection with such
      • No such penalty shall come into operation until at least 1 calendar month after its notification with an account of all the circumstances, to the visiting player's
      • If the visiting player's Association makes no appeal within 1 calendar month of being notified the penalty may be
      • If an appeal is submitted within 1 calendar month the matter shall be referred to the Board and the penalty shall not come into operation before the appeal has been
    • Payments to Players
      • Except when acting under the direct instructions of his or her Association as its representative, a player may accept payment, reward, benefit or allowances for playing in any competition other than Olympic and Paralympic Games, or for exhibition or coaching,
      • Subject to any over-riding provisions of 8.4.4.1, each Association shall

 

have absolute discretion to determine and regulate its own policy for payments, rewards, benefits and allowances in respect of players and events under its jurisdiction.

 

1.8.5                      UNAFFILIATED PLAYERS AND ORGANISATIONS

• The object is to control, but not to prevent, play between affiliated and unaffiliated players; only teams and players nominated by Associations shall participate in World and Continental Championships, but otherwise such player will, when not contrary to the principles of the ITTF or to the interests of its members, generally be permitted provided due application is
• A player affiliated to an Association shall not take part in any competition, exhibition or coaching:
  • in the territory of another Association, unless the body under whose auspices the activity takes place is affiliated to and in good standing with the Association of the visited territory, except with the prior permission of that Association or the ITTF in Veterans events;
  • in a territory not having an Association or whose governing organisation is not affiliated to the ITTF, except with the permission of the Executive Committee, unless the Board has previously given permission for the governing organisation to be included temporarily in the appropriate Continental Federation pending an application for membership;
  • organised by an unaffiliated body, unless permission for the event has been given by the Executive Committee, except as provided in 8.5.6.
• The Association controlling the territory in which a player is resident shall be responsible for ensuring that he or she complies with the requirements of 8.5.2.
• A player resident in a territory which has no governing organisation or whose governing organisation is not affiliated to the ITTF shall not take part in any competition, exhibition or coaching in the territory of an Association, except with the permission of the Executive Committee, unless the Board has previously given permission for the governing organisation to be included temporarily in the appropriate Continental Federation pending an application for
• The Executive Committee may give permission for a table tennis competition to be organised by an unaffiliated body provided that:
  • the organising body has undertaken to comply with the appropriate ITTF regulations;
  • the organising body has undertaken not to include affiliated players in the event unless their Associations have given permission;
  • the organising body has undertaken not to include unaffiliated players in the event unless the Executive Committee has given permission;
  • the application to organise the event is supported by the Association, if any, controlling the territory in which the competition is to take place;
  • the supporting Association has accepted responsibility for ensuring that the organising body observes the requirements of 8.5.5.1-3.

 

• Where an Association is prepared to accept responsibility for the conduct of an event organised in its territory by an unaffiliated organisation no special permission is required, but the Association shall notify the Secretariat, which will advise all other Associations that the event is in order.
• Where no organising Association is available, the ITTF Executive Committee may allocate an event to an unaffiliated body, but shall cooperate with the Association controlling the event's

 

 

1.9    FINAL PROVISIONS

 

• DISSOLUTION

 

• The ITTF shall not be dissolved other than at an EGM specially convened for the
• The balance of funds in hand at the time of dissolution shall be divided equally among the Associations not at that time in

 

2                           

THE LAWS OF TABLE TENNIS

 

2.1                          THE TABLE

• The upper surface of the table, known as the playing surface, shall be rectangular, 74m long and 1.525m wide, and shall lie in a horizontal plane 76cm above the floor.
• The playing surface shall not include the vertical sides of the
• 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.
• The playing surface shall be uniformly dark coloured and matt, but with a white side line, 2cm wide, along each 74m edge and a white end line, 2cm wide, along each 1.525m edge.
• 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
• 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

• The net assembly shall consist of the net, its suspension and the supporting posts, including the clamps attaching them to the
• 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
• The top of the net, along its whole length, shall be 15.25cm above the playing
• 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

 

 

2.3                          THE BALL

• The ball shall be spherical, with a diameter of
• The ball shall weigh 7g.
• The ball shall be made of celluloid or similar plastics material and shall be white or orange, and

 

2.4                          THE RACKET

• The racket may be of any size, shape or weight but the blade shall be flat and
• 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 5% of the total thickness or 0.35mm, whichever is the smaller.
• 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 0mm.
  • 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.
  • 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 0mm.
• 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. Material suitable to shape a handle for holding the racket may be added
• 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
• 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

With effect 1st October 20211, tThe 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, black on one side, and of a bright colour clearly distinguishable from black and from the colour of the ball on the other.

• The racket covering shall be used without any physical, chemical or other treatment.
  • Slight deviations from continuity of surface or uniformity of colour due to accidental damage or wear as well as helpful or protective fittings may be allowed provided that they do not significantly change the characteristics of the
• 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.

 

 

 

 

¹ Effective after Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games

 

2.5                          DEFINITIONS

• A rally is the period during which the ball is in
• 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
• A let is a rally of which the result is not
• A point is a rally of which the result is
• The racket hand is the hand carrying the
• The free hand is the hand not carrying the racket; the free arm is the arm of the free
• 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
• 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
• The server is the player due to strike the ball first in a
• The receiver is the player due to strike the ball second in a
• The umpire is the person appointed to control a
• The assistant umpire is the person appointed to assist the umpire with certain
• 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
• The end line shall be regarded as extending indefinitely in both

 

 

2.6                          THE SERVICE

• Service shall start with the ball resting freely on the open palm of the server's stationary free
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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

The space between the ball and the net is defined by the ball, the net and its indefinite upward extension.

 

• 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
  • 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.
• 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

• 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

 

 

2.8                          THE ORDER OF PLAY

• 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.
• In doubles, except as provided in 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.
• 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

 

2.9                          A LET

• The rally shall be a let:
  • 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;
  • 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;
  • 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;
  • if play is interrupted by the umpire or assistant umpire;
  • if the receiver is in wheelchair owing to a physical disability and in service the ball, provided that the service is otherwise correct,

 

• after touching the receiver’s court returns in the direction of the net;
• comes to rest on the receiver's court;
• in singles leaves the receiver’s court after touching it by either of its sidelines.

• Play may be interrupted
  • to correct an error in the order of serving, receiving or ends;
  • to introduce the expedite system;
  • to warn or penalise a player or adviser;
  • because the conditions of play are disturbed in a way which could affect the outcome of the

 

 

2.10                      A POINT

• Unless the rally is a let, a player shall score a point
  • if an opponent fails to make a correct service;
  • if an opponent fails to make a correct return;
  • 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;
  • 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;
  • 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;
  • if an opponent obstructs the ball;
  • if an opponent deliberately strikes the ball more than once in succession;
  • if an opponent strikes the ball with a side of the racket blade whose surface does not comply with the requirements of 4.3, 2.4.4 and 2.4.5;
  • if an opponent, or anything an opponent wears or carries, moves the playing surface;
  • if an opponent, or anything an opponent wears or carries, touches the net assembly;
  • if an opponent's free hand touches the playing surface;
  • if a doubles opponent strikes the ball out of the sequence established by the first server and first receiver;
  • as provided under the expedite system (2.15.4).
  • if both players or pairs are in a wheelchair due to a physical disability and
    • 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;
    • his or her opponent touches the table with either hand before striking the ball;
    • his or her opponent’s footrest or foot touches the floor during

 

• if, where an opposing doubles pair includes at least one player in a wheelchair, any part of the wheelchair or a foot of a standing player crosses an imaginary extension of the centre line of the table

 

 

2.11                      A GAME

• 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

 

 

2.12                      A MATCH

• A match shall consist of the best of any odd number of

 

 

2.13                      THE ORDER OF SERVING, RECEIVING AND ENDS

• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• In doubles, at each change of service the previous receiver shall become the server and the partner of the previous server shall become the
• 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
• 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

• 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
• 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
• In any circumstances, all points scored before the discovery of an error shall be

 

 

2.15                      THE EXPEDITE SYSTEM

• Except as provided in 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.
• The expedite system shall not be introduced in a game if at least 18 points have been
• 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
• 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
• Introduction of the expedite system shall not alter the order of serving and receiving in the match, as defined in 13.6.
• Once introduced, the expedite system shall remain in operation until the end of the

 

3                           

REGULATIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS

 

3.1                          SCOPE OF LAWS AND REGULATIONS

 

• Types of Competition
  • An international competition is one that may include the players of more than one
  • An international    match   is   a   match   between        teams             representing
  • An open tournament is one that is open to the players of all
  • A restricted tournament is one that is restricted to specified groups of players other than age
  • An invitation tournament is one that is restricted to specified Associations or players, individually

 

3.1.2                    Applicability

• 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
• The Executive Committee shall have power to authorise the organiser of an open tournament to adopt temporary law
• The Regulations for International Competitions shall apply to:
  • World, Olympic and Paralympic title competitions, unless otherwise authorised by the Board of Directors and notified in advance to the participating Associations;
  • Continental title competitions, unless otherwise authorised by the appropriate Continental Federation and notified in advance to the participating Associations;
  • Open International Championships (3.7.1.2), unless otherwise authorised by the Executive Committee and notified in advance to the participants in accordance with 1.2.4;
  • open tournaments, except as provided in 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
• 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.

• 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
• 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

 

 

3.2                          EQUIPMENT AND PLAYING CONDITIONS

 

• Approved and Authorised Equipment
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

Lists of all approved and authorised equipment and materials are maintained by the ITTF Office and details are available on the ITTF website.

• Table legs shall be at least 40cm from the end line of the table for wheelchair players.

 

3.2.2                    Playing Clothing

• 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
• 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

 

• 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 2.5.9; if the back of a shirt bears the player’s name, this shall be situated just below the collar.
• 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.
• 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
• Clothing shall not carry designs or lettering which might cause offence or bring the game into
• 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.
• Opposing players and pairs shall wear shirts that are of sufficiently different colours to enable them to be easily distinguished by
• 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
• Players competing in a World, Olympic or Paralympic title competition shall wear shirt and shorts or skirt of types authorised by their

 

3.2.3                    Playing Conditions

• 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 5m length; for wheelchair events, the playing space may be reduced, but shall not be less than 8m long and 6m wide; for Veteran events, the playing space may be reduced, but shall not be less than 10m long and 5m wide.
• 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
• 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
• In World, Olympic and Paralympic title competitions the light intensity, measured at the height of the playing surface, shall be at least 1500 lux uniformly over the whole of the playing surface and at least 1000 lux elsewhere in the playing area; in other competitions the intensity shall be at least 1000 lux uniformly over the playing surface and at least 600 lux elsewhere in the playing

 

• 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
• The light source shall not be less than 5m above the
• The background shall be generally dark and shall not contain bright light sources or daylight through uncovered windows or other
• The flooring shall not be light-coloured, brightly reflecting or slippery and it shall be resilient; the flooring may be rigid for wheelchair
  • 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
• Technical equipment on the net assembly shall be considered part of

 

3.2.4                    Racket Control

• 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
• A racket control centre shall be established at all ITTF World Title, Olympic and Paralympic competitions as well as at a select number of other ITTF competitions and may be established at Continental and Regional competitions.
  • 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, flatness, racket covering thickness, even thickness and continuity of layers, flatness and presence of harmful or volatile substances.
  • Normally, 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 before the match. After-match tests shall only be conducted, where the racket was not submitted on time for a before-match test or for tests or inspections that could not be performed before the
  • Rackets that do not pass the racket control test before the match cannot be used but may be replaced by a second racket 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
  • All players are entitled to have their rackets tested voluntarily without any penalties before the
• 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
  • The ITTF shall inform the suspended player in writing of such suspension.

 

• The suspended player may appeal to the ITTF Tribunal within 21 days of the receiving of the letter of suspension; should such an appeal be submitted, the player’s suspension would remain in

• The ITTF shall maintain a register of all racket control failures with effect from 1 September
• 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

“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

• Inside the playing area, advertisements shall be displayed only on equipment or fittings listed in 2.3.2 or on playing clothing, umpires’ clothing or players’ numbers and there shall be no special additional displays.
  • Advertisements or markings in or next to the playing area, on playing clothing or numbers and on umpires’ clothing, 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; however, for competitions not explicitly organised for players under 18 years of age, the ITTF may allow advertisements or markings for non-distilled alcoholic drinks on equipment and fittings in or next to the playing area, provided the local law
• At Olympic and Paralympic Games advertisements on playing equipment, on playing clothing and on umpires’ clothing shall be according to IOC and IPC regulations
• 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.
  • Advertisements on surrounds shall not change during a match from dark to light and vice
  • 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
  • Advertisements on LED and similar devices shall not be used without prior approval from
• 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
• There may be up to 6 advertisements on the floor of the playing area; such markings
  • may be placed 2 at each end, each contained within an area of 5m2, and 1 at each side of the table, each contained within an area of 5m2;

 

• at the end shall not be less than 3m from the table’s end line next to the marking;
• shall be of the same uniform colour different from the colour of the ball in use, unless other colours have been agreed in advance with the ITTF;
• shall not alter significantly the surface friction of the flooring;
• shall consist only of a logo, wordmark or other icons, and shall not include any

• Advertisements on the table shall comply with the following requirements:
  • There may be 1 permanent advertisement of the manufacturer’s or supplier’s name or logo on each half of each side of the table top and on each
  • There may be 1 temporary advertisement, which also can be of the manufacturer's or supplier's name or logo, on each half of each side of the table top and on each
  • Each permanent and each temporary advertisement shall be contained within a total length of
  • Temporary advertisements shall be clearly separated from any permanent advertisements.
  • Advertisements shall not be for other table tennis equipment
  • There shall be no advertisement, name of table, name or logo of the manufacturer or supplier of the table on the undercarriage, except if the table manufacturer or supplier is the title sponsor of the
• There may be 2 temporary 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 be a logo, wordmark or other
• Advertisements on umpires' tables or other furniture inside the playing area shall be contained within a total area on any face of 750cm2.
• Advertisements on playing clothing shall be limited to
  • the maker's normal trademark, symbol or name contained within a total area of 24cm2;
  • 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;
  • not more than 2 advertisements, contained within a total area of 400cm2, on the back of a shirt;
  • not more than 2 advertisements, contained within a combined total area of 120cm2, only on the front and the sides of shorts or
• Advertisements on players' numbers shall be contained within a total area of 100cm2; if such numbers are not used there may be additional temporary advertisements for tournament sponsors within a total area of 100 cm².
• Advertisements on umpires' clothing shall be contained within a total area of 40cm2.

 

 

 

 

3.2.6                    Doping Control

• All players participating in international competitions, including Junior competitions, shall be subject to in-competition testing by the ITTF, the player’s Member National Association and any other Anti-Doping Organisation responsible for testing at a competition in which they participate.

 

3.2.7                    Table Tennis Review

• An electronic table tennis review system (TTR) may be used, and it will come into effect when an appeal is made by a player against a decision of a responsible match official on a question of fact. TTR will provide a replay of the circumstances leading to a decision subject to a review, with the final decision to the appeal made by a TTR

 

 

3.3                          MATCH OFFICIALS

 

• Referee
  • 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
  • The referee shall be responsible for
    • the conduct of the draw;
    • the scheduling of the matches by time and table;
    • the appointment of match officials;
    • conducting a pre-tournament briefing for match officials;
    • checking the eligibility of players;
    • deciding whether play may be suspended in an emergency;
    • deciding whether players may leave the playing area during a match;
    • deciding whether statutory practice periods may be extended;
    • deciding whether players may wear track suits during a match;
    • deciding any question of interpretation of Laws or Regulations, including the acceptability of clothing, playing equipment and playing conditions;
    • deciding whether, and where, players may practise during an emergency suspension of play;
    • taking disciplinary action for misbehaviour or other breaches of regulations.
  • 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

 

• The referee, or a responsible deputy appointed to exercise authority in his or her absence, shall be present at all times during
• 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
• Players shall be under the jurisdiction of the referee from the time at which they arrive at the playing venue until they leave

 

3.3.2                    Umpire,  Assistant  Umpire,  and Stroke  Counter                                                                                    and Table Tennis Review (TTR) official

• An umpire and an assistant umpire shall be appointed for each
• 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
• The umpire shall be responsible for:
  • checking the acceptability of equipment and playing conditions and reporting any deficiency to the referee;
  • taking a ball at random as provided in 4.2.1.1-2;
  • conducting the draw for the choice of serving, receiving and ends;
  • deciding whether the requirements of the service law may be relaxed for a player with physical disability;
  • controlling the order of serving, receiving and ends and correcting any errors therein;
  • deciding each rally as a point or a let;
  • calling the score, in accordance with specified procedure;
  • introducing the expedite system at the appropriate time;
  • maintaining the continuity of play;
  • taking action for breaches of the advice or behaviour regulations;
  • 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
  • ensuring that only authorised persons are at the playing
• The assistant umpire shall:
  • 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;
  • inform the umpire for breaches of the advice or behaviour
• Either the umpire or the assistant umpire may:
  • decide that a player's service action is illegal;
  • decide that, in an otherwise correct service, the ball touches the net assembly;
  • decide that a player obstructs the ball;

 

• decide that the conditions of play are disturbed in a way that may affect the outcome of the rally;
• time the duration of the practice period, of play and of

• 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
• A decision made by the assistant umpire in accordance with the provisions of 3.3.2.5 may not be overruled by the
• When Table Tennis Review (TTR) is in operation, a decision made by either the umpire or assistant umpire may be overruled by the TTR
• 8 Players shall be under the jurisdiction of the umpire from the time at which they arrive at the playing area until they leave

 

3.3.3                    Appeals

• 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
• 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
• When Table Tennis Review (TTR) is in operation, an appeal may be made to the TTR official against a decision of a responsible match official on a question of fact, and the decision of the TTR official shall be
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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

 

• Score Indication
  • 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
    • 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
    • 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
    • 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
  • In addition to calling the score the umpire may use hand signals to indicate his or her
    • 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
    • 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
  • 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
  • The score shall be displayed on mechanical or electronic indicators so that it is clearly visible to the players and the
  • When a player is formally warned for bad behaviour, a yellow marker shall be placed on or near the score

 

3.4.2                    Equipment

• Players shall not choose balls in the playing
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
• 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, ; in particular, no additives shall be used.

 

• A racket shall successfully pass all parameters of the racket control
• 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
• 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

 

3.4.3                    Practice

• 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
• During an emergency suspension of play the referee may allow players to practise on any table, including the match
• 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

 

3.4.4                    Intervals

• Play shall be continuous throughout an individual match except that any player is entitled to:
  • an interval of up to 1 minute between successive games of an individual match;
  • 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.
• A player or pair may claim one time-out period of up to 1 minute during an individual
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

 

• 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
• 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.

• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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

 

 

3.5                          DISCIPLINE

 

• Advice
  • In a team event, players may receive advice from anyone authorised to be at the playing
  • 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 advisers 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
  • 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.

• 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
• 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
• If the dismissed adviser refuses to leave, or returns before the end of the match, the umpire shall suspend play and report to the
• 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

 

3.5.2                    Misbehaviour

• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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.

• 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 the ITTF Integrity
• 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.
• The referee may disqualify for the remainder of a competition anyone who has twice been sent away from the playing area during that
• 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
• Cases of very serious misbehaviour shall be reported to the offender's Association.
• Sanctions for offences under the provisions of 3.5.2 may be presented by the ITTF Integrity Unit to the ITTF Tribunal in accordance with the ITTF Tribunal The ITTF Integrity Unit may take further action for any serious, repeated or continuous violation of any provision under Article 3.5.2 and seek an imposition of one or more sanctions pursuant to the ITTF Integrity Regulations or the ITTF Tribunal Regulations.

 

3.5.3                    Good Presentation

• 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:
  • Players have to do their utmost to win a match and shall not withdraw except for reasons of illness or
  • Players, coaches and officials shall not participate in any form of or support betting or gambling related to their own matches and competitions.
• 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
• In the event of complicity proven against any adviser or official the relevant Member national Association is also expected to discipline this
• Sanctions for offences under the provisions of 3.5.3 may be presented by the ITTF Integrity Unit to the ITTF Tribunal in accordance with the ITTF Tribunal The ITTF Integrity Unit may take further action for any serious, repeated or continuous violation of any provision under Article 3.5.3 and seek an imposition of one or more sanctions pursuant to the ITTF Integrity Regulations or the ITTF Tribunal Regulations.

 

3.6                          DRAW FOR KNOCKOUT COMPETITIONS

 

• Byes and Qualifiers
  • The number of places in the first-round proper of a knockout event shall be a power of
    • If there are fewer entries than places, the first round shall include enough byes to make up the required
    • 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
  • Byes shall be distributed as evenly as possible throughout the first round, being placed first against seeded places, in seeding
  • Qualifiers shall be drawn as evenly as possible among the halves, quarters, eighths or sixteenths of the draw, as

 

3.6.2                    Seeding by Ranking

• The highest ranked entries in an event shall be seeded so that they cannot meet before the closing
• The number of entries to be seeded shall not exceed the number of entries in the 1st round proper of the
• 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:
  • 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;
  • 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;
  • 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;
  • 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
• In a team knockout event only the highest ranked team from an Association shall be eligible for seeding by
• Seeding by ranking shall follow the order of the latest ranking list published by the ITTF except that:
  • 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;
  • where all the entries eligible for seeding are from the same Association the latest list published by that Association shall take

 

3.6.3                    Seeding by Association Nomination

• Nominated players and pairs of the same Association shall, as far as possible, be separated according to 3.6.3.3 and 3.6.3.4 unless otherwise stated in the specific regulations for such particular event or group of
• 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
• 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
• Remaining entries shall be separated only in groups and in the first round of the qualification draw for knockouts and the main draw, but not in further rounds.
• 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
• A mixed doubles pair consisting of players from different Associations shall be considered a pair of the Association to which the man
• Alternatively, any doubles pair consisting of players from different Associations may be considered a pair of both of these
• 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 6.3.3-4.

 

3.6.4                    Alterations

• 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
• 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 6.6.
• 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
• 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
• 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

 

3.6.5                    Re-draw

• 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.
• 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

 

3.6.6                    Additions

• 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
• 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
• 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

 

 

3.7                          ORGANISATION OF COMPETITIONS

 

• Authority
  • Provided the Constitution is observed, any Association may organise or authorise open, restricted or invitation tournaments within its territory or may arrange international
  • Except for Veteran events, 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 Member national Association, as well as in ITTF recognised events entered through their National Olympic Committee or National Paralympic Committee Participation in any other type of event can only be allowed with the express written permission of the Member 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.
  • 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.

 

• 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

• 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

 

3.7.3                    Entries

• 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
• 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

 

3.7.4                    Events

• 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
• In world title competitions, players in youth events shall be under 19 and under 15 in age on 31st December immediately before the calendar year in which the competition takes place. The following age limits are recommended for corresponding events in other youth competitions: U21, U19, U17, U15, U13,
• It is recommended that team matches at Open International Championships be played according to one of the systems specified in 7.6; the entry form or prospectus shall show which system has been chosen.
• 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

 

3.7.5                    Group Competitions

• 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 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.

 

• 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
• 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 7.5.2.
• 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
• 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

 

3.7.6                    Team Match Systems

• Best of 5 matches (New Swaythling Cup system, 5 singles)
  • A team shall consist of 3
  • The order of play shall be
    • A v X
    • B v Y
    • C v Z
    • A v Y
    • B v X

 

• Best of 5 matches (Corbillon Cup system, 4 singles and 1 doubles)
  • A team shall consist of 2, 3 or 4
  • The order of play shall be
    • A v X
    • B v Y
    • doubles
    • A v Y
    • B v X

 

• 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

• Best of 5 matches (Olympic system, 4 singles and 1 doubles).
  • A team shall consist of 3 players; each player shall compete in a maximum of 2 individual

 

• The order of play shall be
  • doubles B & C v Y & Z
  • A v X
  • C v Z
  • A v Y
  • B v X

 

• Best of 7 matches (6 singles and 1 doubles)
  • A team shall consist of 3, 4 or 5
  • The order of play shall be
    • A v X
    • B v Y
    • C v Z
    • doubles
    • A v Y
    • C v X
    • B v Z

 

• Best of 9 matches (9 singles)
  • A team shall consist of 3
  • The order of play shall be
    • A v X
    • B v Y
    • C v Z
    • B v X
    • A v Z
    • C v Y
    • B v Z
    • C v X
    • A v Y

 

3.7.7                    Team Match Procedure

• All players shall be selected from those nominated for the
• The name of the team captain, playing or non-playing, shall be designated beforehand to the
• 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
• The pairs for a doubles match need not be nominated until the end of the immediately preceding singles

 

• A team match shall end when one team has won a majority of the possible individual

 

3.7.8                    Results

• 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

 

3.7.9                    Television and Streaming

• 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
• 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
• 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

 

 

3.8                          INTERNATIONAL ELIGIBILITY

 

• 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, 4.3).
• 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
• 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
  • 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.
  • 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

 

• A player is eligible to represent a Continental Federation (1.3.1) in an event of continental teams only if he or she is eligible to represent a member Association of this Continental Federation according to 8.3.
• A player shall not represent different Associations within a period of 3
• An Association may nominate a player under its jurisdiction (1.8.4) 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 8.2.
• 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.
• 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

 

4                            REGULATIONS FOR WORLD, OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC TITLE COMPETITIONS

 

 

4.1                          WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

 

• Authority for Organisation
  • 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
  • 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’
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

 

4.1.2                    Responsibilities of Organisers

• 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
• 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:
  • not more than 2 men and 2 women players nominated by an Association;
  • 1 delegate to the AGM from each Association if he is not already included in the nominated players listed above;

 

• members of the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors and the Olympic and Paralympic Commission Continental Council, full members of committees and the Technical and Gender Commissioners;
• up to 3 Doping Control Supervisors appointed by the Sports Science and Medical Committee;
• members of the Athletes' Commission not already included in the nominated players’ lists;
• Honorary Presidents;
• Personal Honorary Members;
• members of the President’s Advisory Council;
• International Umpires, Referees and Evaluators from other Associations invited in accordance with the ITTF directives for match officials at World Title Competitions;
• up to 7 members of the ITTF staff including 1 assisting the Doping Control

• 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
• 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
• Organisers shall meet the cost of transport between the place of accommodation and the playing
• Organisers shall request their national authorities to waive visa charges for all
• 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
• Organisers shall provide first-class interpreting in at least four languages, preferably by simultaneous translation with the appropriate
• 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
• Organisers shall publish a prospectus giving the main details of the organisation of the Championships, including:
  • the dates and place of the Championships;
  • the events to be held;
  • the equipment to be used;
  • the procedure for entry, the entry fees and the undertakings required;
  • the date and place of the draw;
  • the dates of Jury meetings and of AGM sessions;
  • the extent of hospitality for players and officials;

 

• any directives authorised by the Board of Directors for the

• During the Championships Organisers shall make available promptly to members of the ITTF Executive Committee, Board of Directors members and team captain’s 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

• Only an Association which is not in arrears (1.7.3.3) 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
• In addition to provisions of 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. A player is considered as registered either from the date of ITTF player registration confirmation or from the date the player is granted his or her new nationality, whichever is earlier.
• 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;
  • 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;
  • 7 years after the date of registration, if the player is under the age of 21 but at least 18 years of age when
  • 9 years after the date of registration, if the player is at least 21 years old when
• A player having participated already in World Championships shall retain his or her

 

4.1.4                    Entry Fees and Levy

• 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
• The entry fees shall be paid to the organisers at the time of entry and shall be shared equally between the organisers and the
• 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

 

4.1.5                    Submission of Entries

• 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
• Information shall be distributed, together with the prospectus, by the Competition Department and entries shall be submitted as
• The closing date for the final entries shall be not later than 2 calendar months before the start of the
• 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
• An Association shall rank its nominated players and pairs in order of playing strength, which shall be consistent with their current world
• 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

 

4.1.6                    Modification of Entries

• 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).
• 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
• 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.
• 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
• All alterations that are authorised shall be notified immediately to team captains and, where appropriate, to Association

 

4.1.7                    Entry Obligations

• 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.

• 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

 

4.1.8                    Jury

• 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
• 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
• The Chair of the Jury shall be appointed by the members of the
• 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
• The Jury shall have power to decide any question of appeal within the jurisdiction of a tournament management committee and to authorise team changes.
• 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

 

4.1.9                    Events

• 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
• In doubles events, both players may be from different
• 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
• Team matches shall be the best of 5 singles, as provided in 7.6.1.
• 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.

• 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 4 players for men’s doubles, 4 players for women’s doubles and 2 men and 2 women for mixed doubles; all players may be different, however, each association can only enter a maximum of 2 combined pairs (players from different associations) per doubles
  • 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
• Players of the same Association shall be separated according to 3.6.3.1, only in preliminary rounds and groups and in the first round of the draw but not in further

 

4.1.10                Default

• 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
• 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
• 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

 

4.1.11                Doping Control

• Doping control shall be carried out in accordance with ITTF Anti-Doping rules (Chapter 5).

 

4.1.12                Awards and Presentations

• The permanent Championship trophies shall be:
  • the Swaythling Cup for the men's team event;
  • the Marcel Corbillon Cup for the women's team event;
  • the St Bride Vase for the men's singles event;
  • the G Geist Prize for the women's singles event;

 

• the Iran Cup for the men's doubles event;
• the W J Pope Trophy for the women's doubles event;
• the Heydusek prize for the mixed doubles

• 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
• 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
• In both team and individual events the winners shall receive gold medals, the losing finalists silver medals and the losing semi-finalists bronze
• 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
• 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
• 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
• If a trophy is lost while in the possession of an Association, that Association shall be responsible for the provision of a similar
• 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

 

4.1.13                Commercial Rights

• 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:
  • audio, visual and audio-visual and data rights (in every medium, whether or not existing as at the date of these regulations);
  • sponsorship, advertising, merchandising, marketing and other forms of rights of association;
  • ticketing, hospitality and other concession rights; and
  • 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

 

• 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
• Each Association shall ensure that their members (officials, players, delegates and other affiliates) shall:
  • 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
  • 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

 

 

4.2                          WORLD YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS

 

• Authority for Organisation
  • The title "World Youth Championships", referred to in this Section as "Championships", shall be bestowed by the Board of Directors (Board) AGM on the championship events at a tournament organised by an Association entrusted with the
  • 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.

• 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
• Where necessary, the Board or the Executive Committee may ask the Junior Commissioner 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
• 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

 

4.2.2                    Responsibilities of Organisers

• 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 Youth Championships, as modified or supplemented by any directives authorised by the Board of Directors.
• 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
  • not more than 2 boys players nominated by an Association eligible for the boys team event;
  • not more than 2 girls players nominated by an Association eligible for the girls team event;
  • not more than 1 coach of an Association participating in 1 or 2 team events;
  • members of the ITTF Executive Committee and the Junior Commissioner;
  • up to 2 Doping Control Supervisors appointed by the Sports Science and Committee;
  • up to 2 ITTF Committee or Commission Chairs nominated by the Executive Committee;
  • International Umpires, Referees and Evaluators from other Associations invited in accordance with the ITTF directives for match officials at World Title Competitions;
  • up to 7 members of the ITTF
• 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
• Organisers shall meet the cost of transport between the place of accommodation and the playing
• Organisers shall request their national authorities to waive visa charges for all
• 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
• 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
• Organisers shall publish a prospectus giving the main details of the organisation of the Championships, including
  • the dates and place of the Championships;
  • the events to be held;

 

• the equipment to be used;
• the procedure for entry, the entry fees and the undertakings required;
• the date and place of the draw;
• the dates of Jury meetings;
• the extent of hospitality for players and officials;
• any directives authorised by the Board of Directors for the Championships.

• 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

 

4.2.3                    Eligibility

• Only an Association which is not in arrears (1.7.3.3) shall be eligible to enter teams or individual players in the
• 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.
• All players shall be under 19 and under 15 according to 7.4.2.
• In addition to provisions of 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. A player is considered as registered either from the date of ITTF player registration confirmation or from the date the player is granted his or her new nationality, whichever is earlier.
• 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
• Players being 15 years of age or older at the date of registration cannot represent their new Association at World Youth Championships except that a player having participated already in World Junior/Youth Championships shall retain his or her

 

4.2.4                    Entry Fees

• 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
• The entry fees shall be paid to the organisers at the time of entry and shall be shared equally between the organisers and the
• 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

• 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
• Information shall be distributed, together with the prospectus, by the Competition Department and entries shall be submitted as
• 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
• 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
• 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

 

4.2.6                    Modification of Entries

• 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
• 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.
• 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
• All alterations that are authorised shall be notified immediately to team captains and, where appropriate, to Association

 

4.2.7                    Entry Obligations

• 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

 

• 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

 

4.2.8                    Jury

• The Jury shall consist of the ITTF Junior Commissioner, 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
• If the ITTF Junior Commissioner 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
• The Chair of the Jury shall be appointed by the ITTF Junior Commissioner or in his or her absence by the representative of the ITTF World Junior Program.
• 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
• The Jury shall have power to decide any question of appeal within the jurisdiction of a tournament management
• 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 Commissioner, and the Jury shall meet again only when convened by the Junior Commissioner to consider appeals against its administrative decisions or decisions of the referee.

 

4.2.9                    Events

• 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.
• The system of play and the system of qualification in the team and individual events, shall be decided by the Board of Directors, on the recommendation of the Junior Commissioner, Technical Commissioner, and the Competition Department, and shall be notified to all Associations not later than 6 calendar months before the start of the Championships1.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 Except for 2021 edition, for which it shall be notified exceptionally 4 months before.

 

4.2.10                Default

• 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
• 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
• 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

 

4.2.11                Doping Control

• Doping control shall be carried out in accordance with ITTF Anti-Doping rules (Chapter 5).

 

4.2.12                Awards and Presentations

• In both team and individual events the winners shall receive gold medals, the losing finalists silver medals and the losing semi-finalists bronze
• 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

 

4.2.13                Commercial Rights

• 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:
  • audio, visual and audio-visual and data rights (in every medium, whether or not existing as at the date of these regulations);
  • sponsorship, advertising, merchandising, marketing and other forms of rights of association;
  • ticketing, hospitality and other concession rights; and
  • 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
• 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

 

• Each Association shall ensure that their members (officials, players, delegates and other affiliates) shall:
  • 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
  • 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

 

 

4.3                          WORLD CUP

 

• Composition
  • 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
  • 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

 

4.3.2                    Authority

• The ITTF shall be the sole owner of the World Cup title and
• 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
• 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
• 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
• The ITTF may enter into contracts with promoters or

 

4.3.3                    Appointments

• For each tournament the ITTF Competition Department shall appoint a Tournament Director and a Competition

 

• 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
• The Competition Manager shall be responsible to the ITTF for ensuring the adequacy of equipment and playing conditions, supervising the draw and scheduling

 

4.3.4                    Doping Control

• Doping control shall be carried out in accordance with ITTF Anti-Doping rules (Chapter 5).

 

4.3.5                    Playing System

• The playing system will be determined by the Executive Committee on recommendation by the Competition 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

• In addition to provisions of 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. A player is considered as registered either from the date of ITTF player registration confirmation or from the date the player is granted his or her new nationality, whichever is earlier.
• 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;
  • 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;
  • 7 years after the date of registration, if the player is under the age of 21 but at least 18 years of age when
  • 9 years after the date of registration, if the player is at least 21 years old when
• A player having participated already in the World Cup shall retain his or her eligibility.

 

4.3.7                    Jury

• 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.

• 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
• The Chair of the Jury shall be appointed by the ITTF Executive Vice- President responsible for the World
• 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
• The Jury shall have power to decide any question of appeal within the jurisdiction of a tournament management
• 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

 

4.3.8        Commercial Rights

• 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:
  • audio, visual and audio-visual and data rights (in every medium, whether or not existing as at the date of these regulations);
  • sponsorship, advertising, merchandising, marketing and other forms of rights of association;
  • ticketing, hospitality and other concession rights; and
  • 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
• 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
• Each Association shall ensure that their members (officials, players, delegates and other affiliates) shall:
  • 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
  • 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

 

• Composition
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

 

4.4.2                    Authority

• The ITTF shall be the sole owner of the World Team Cup title and tournament.
• 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
• 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
• 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
• The ITTF may enter into contracts with promoters or

 

4.4.3                    Appointments

• For each tournament the ITTF Competition Department shall appoint a Tournament Director and a Competition
• 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
• The Competition Manager shall be responsible to the ITTF for ensuring the adequacy of equipment and playing conditions, supervising the draw and scheduling

 

4.4.4                    Doping Control

• Doping control shall be carried out in accordance with ITTF Anti-Doping rules (Chapter 5).

 

4.4.5                    Playing System

• 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

• In addition to provisions of 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. A player is considered as registered either from the date of ITTF player registration confirmation or from the date the player is granted his or her new nationality, whichever is earlier.
• 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;
  • 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;
  • 7 years after the date of registration, if the player is under the age of 21 but at least 18 years of age when
  • 9 years after the date of registration, if the player is at least 21 years old when
• A player having participated already in the World Team Cup shall retain his or her

 

4.4.7                    Jury

• 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
• 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
• The Chair of the Jury shall be appointed by the ITTF Executive Vice- President responsible for the World Team

 

• 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
• The Jury shall have power to decide any question of appeal within the jurisdiction of a tournament management committee and to authorise team changes.
• 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

 

4.4.8        Commercial Rights

• 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:
  • audio, visual and audio-visual and data rights (in every medium, whether or not existing as at the date of these regulations);
  • sponsorship, advertising, merchandising, marketing and other forms of rights of association;
  • ticketing, hospitality and other concession rights; and
  • 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
• 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
• Each Association shall ensure that their members (officials, players, delegates and other affiliates) shall:
  • 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
  • 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

 

4.5              OLYMPIC COMPETITIONS

 

• Eligibility
  • 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 In particular the above-mentioned persons shall:
    • be entered by their National Olympic Committee (NOC);
    • respect the spirit of fair play and non-violence, and behave accordingly on the field of play;
    • respect and comply in all aspects with the World Anti-Doping Code;
    • 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
  • The entry or participation of a player in the Olympic Games shall not be conditional on any financial
  • Any player shall be a national of the country of the NOC which is entering him or
    • 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
    • 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 5.1.3.3.
    • In addition to provisions of 3.8, players who have acquired a new nationality and wish to represent the NOC of the new association in the Olympic Games shall register with ITTF through this new Association. A player is considered as registered either from the date of ITTF player registration confirmation or from the date the player is granted his or her new nationality, whichever is
    • A player shall not represent the new NOC 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;
      • 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;
      • 7 years after the date of registration, if the player is under the age of 21 but at least 18 years of age when
      • 9 years after the date of registration, if the player is at least 21 years old when
    • 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.

• A player having participated already in the Olympic Games shall retain his or her
• 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

 

4.5.2                    Events

• The Olympic competition shall include at least men's singles, women's singles, men's team and women's team
• 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 Continental Council, and all Associations shall be notified in accordance with the schedule set by the

4.5.2.3. Players of the same Association shall be separated according to 3.6.3.1 and

3.6.3.3 only in preliminary rounds but not in further rounds.

 

4.5.3                    Doping Control

• Doping control shall be carried out in accordance with IOC rules and the World Anti-Doping

 

 

4.6                          PARALYMPIC COMPETITIONS

 

• Eligibility
  • 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:
    • be entered by their National Paralympic Committee (NPC);
    • respect the spirit of fair play and non-violence, and behave accordingly on the field of play;
    • respect and comply in all aspects with the World Anti-Doping Code;
    • 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
  • The entry or participation of a player in the Paralympic Games shall not be conditional on any financial

 

• Any player shall be a national of the country of the NPC which is entering him or
  • 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
  • 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 6.1.3.3.
  • In addition to provisions of 3.8, players who have acquired a new nationality and wish to represent the NPC of the new association shall register with ITTF through this new Association. A player is considered as registered either from the date of ITTF player registration confirmation or from the date the player is granted his or her new nationality, whichever is
  • A player shall not represent the new NPC 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;
    • 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;
    • 7 years after the date of registration, if the player is under the age of 21 but at least 18 years of age when
    • 9 years after the date of registration, if the player is at least 21 years old when
  • 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
• A player having participated already in the Paralympic Games shall retain his or her
• 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

 

4.6.2                    Events

• 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 Continental Council Olympic and Paralympic Commission (OPC).

 

• 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 Continental Council OPC, and all Associations shall be notified in accordance with the schedule set by the

 

4.6.3                    Doping Control

• Doping control shall be carried out in accordance with IPC rules and the World Anti-Doping

 

4.7                          WORLD PARA TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS

 

• Authority for Organisation
  • The title "World Para Table Tennis Championships", referred to in this Section as "Para TT Championships", shall be bestowed by the Executive Committee on the championship events at a tournament organised by an Association entrusted with the
  • The closing date for applications to stage the Para TT Championships shall be specified by the Executive Committee and notified to all Associations, giving at least 6 months’
  • 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
  • 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 Para TT 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
  • If, after an option has been granted, circumstances change in such a way as to be likely to prejudice the satisfactory conduct of the Para TT Championships, the option may be revoked by the Executive Committee prior to the Para TT

 

4.7.2                    Responsibilities of Organisers

• An Association granted the right to organise the Para TT 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
• Organisers shall provide accommodation and meals from the evening before the Para TT Championships begin until the morning after the Para TT Championships end for:
  • members of the ITTF Executive Committee and the Para Table Tennis Committee;

 

• International Umpires and Referees from other Associations invited in accordance with directives issued by the ITTF;
• five international classifiers invited in accordance with directives issued by the ITTF;
• up to 3 members of the ITTF

• If the business of the ITTF extends outside the period of the Para TT Championships the period of hospitality for those entitled to participate in such business shall be extended
• 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 Para TT
• Organisers shall meet the cost of transport between the place of arrival in the country, the accommodation and the playing
• Organisers shall request their national authorities to waive visa charges for all
• 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
• Organisers shall provide first-class interpreting in at least
• 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
• Organisers shall publish a prospectus giving the main details of the organisation of the Para TT Championships, including:
  • the dates and place of the Para TT Championships;
  • the events to be held;
  • the equipment to be used;
  • the procedure for entry, the entry fees and the undertakings required;
  • the date and place of the draw;
  • the dates of Jury meetings;
  • the extent of hospitality for technical and ITTF officials;
  • accessibility for persons with a disability in the accommodation, transport and venues;
  • maximum numbers of players and officials;
  • any directives authorised by the Board of Directors for the Para TT Championships.
• During the Para TT Championships Organisers shall make available promptly to members of the ITTF Executive Committee, the Para TT Committee and team managers details of results, including points scores; as soon as possible after the completion of the Para TT Championships Organisers shall publish the complete results, including points scores, and circulate them to all

 

4.7.3                    Eligibility

• Only an Association which is not in arrears (1.7.3.3) shall be eligible to enter teams or individual players for the Para TT
• In addition to provisions of 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. A player is considered as registered either from the date of ITTF player registration confirmation or from the date the player is granted his or her new nationality, whichever is earlier.
• 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;
  • 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;
  • 7 years after the date of registration, if the player is under the age of 21 but at least 18 years of age when
  • 9 years after the date of registration, if the player is at least 21 years old when
• A player having participated already in the World Para Table Tennis Championships shall retain his or her

 

4.7.4                    Entry and Capitation Fees

• The entry fees shall be set by the Organisers and approved by the Para TT Committee.
• The entry fees shall be paid to the Organisers at the time of entry and shall include capitation fees set by the Para TT Committee from time to
• 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 Para TT Championships by circumstances outside its

 

4.7.5                    Submission of Entries

• The closing date/s for entries shall be decided by the Organisers and approved by the Para TT Committee but shall not be later than 2 calendar months before the start of the Para TT
• Entries by number and name shall be submitted on forms distributed, together with the prospectus, by the
• An Association may enter up to 3 players per class and 1 team per class per
• An Association shall rank its players in order of playing strength, which shall be consistent with their current world

 

• 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

 

4.7.6                    Modification of Entries

• Entries by an Association may be modified with the approval of the Technical
• Entries may be modified by the referee on the advice of the Chief

 

4.7.7                    Entry Obligations

• 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 Para TT Championships and that they are prepared to compete against all other teams and individuals participating; no entry shall be valid unless accompanied by this
• 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

 

4.7.8                    Jury

• The Jury shall consist of 3 representatives appointed by the Para TT Committee.
• 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
• 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.
• 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

 

4.7.9                    Events

• The Para TT 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 Para TT
• The system of play in events and its implementation date shall be decided by the Para TT Committee, on the recommendation of the Technical Commissioner.

 

4.7.10                Doping Control

• Doping control shall be carried out in accordance with ITTF Anti-Doping rules (Chapter 5).

 

4.7.11                Awards and Presentations

• 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
• 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

 

4.7.12                Commercial Rights

• 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:
  • audio, visual and audio-visual and data rights (in every medium, whether or not existing as at the date of these regulations);
  • sponsorship, advertising, merchandising, marketing and other forms of rights of association;
  • ticketing, hospitality and other concession rights; and
  • 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
• 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
• Each Association shall ensure that their members (officials, players, delegates and other affiliates) shall:
  • 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
  • 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

 

4.8                            WORLD VETERAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

 

• Authority for Organisation

4.8.1.1. The title "World Veteran Championships", referred to in this Section as "Championships", shall be bestowed by the Board of Directors on the championship events at a tournament organised by an Association entrusted with the task.

• The Championship can be organised by other bodies than Associations (area associations, clubs, etc.) if they have the necessary facilities but, an organization outside of the Association must have its sanction. The Association will be the contract partner of the
• 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’
• All applications shall be considered by the Executive Committee and shall be submitted to the Board of Directors, together with the report of the Selection Committee, if applicable, on venues for the occasion in
• Where necessary, the Board of Directors 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
• 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 majority vote at a Board of Directors meeting prior to the Championships; between Board of Directors meetings the Executive Committee shall have power to transfer the Championships or to take any other appropriate

 

4.8.2.                    Responsibilities of Organisers

• 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
• Expenses for two inspection visits – usually within 6 months after the presentations and again within 6 months before the start of the event – by two (2) ITTF Competition Department members (altogether travel expenses and hospitality costs for four persons) are to be met by the organisers. Should any further visits be necessary, details will be discussed and agreed upon with the
• Organisers shall provide free internal transport (between the place of accommodation and the playing venue and between the hotel and the nearest international airport upon arrival and departure) and accommodation and meals from lunch on the day before the

 

Championships begun until breakfast on the day after the Championships end for

• ten (10) participants (preferably 5 men and 5 women) nominated by the Executive Committee after consultation with the Veterans Committee and the Swaythling Club International (SCI);
• three (3) persons (mainly the Computer Experts and the ITTF Competition Manager) starting five (5) days prior to the event for organisational purposes;
• seven (7) persons to be nominated by the SCI Executive Committee, starting three (3) days prior to the event;
• all members of the ITTF Executive Committee and the ITTF Veterans Committee Chair;
• International umpires and referees from other Associations invited in accordance with the ITTF Directives for Match Officials at World Title Competitions; and
• up to four (4) members of the ITTF

• 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
• Organisers shall provide free first aid/medical duty at the playing venue for all participants. All the participants are responsible for their physical and mental fitness and they must have their own health insurance against illness, accidents and injuries for the duration of the
• Organisers shall provide the ITTF and the SCI with offices at the venue of the Championships and place at their disposal translation, computers, internet access, telephone and duplicating facilities
• Organisers shall publish a prospectus giving the main details of the organisation of the Championships, including
  • the dates and place of the Championships;
  • the categories and events to be held;
  • the equipment to be used;
  • the procedure for entry, the entry fees and the undertakings required;
  • the date and place of the draw;
  • the dates of Jury meetings and social activities;
  • the extent of hospitality for technical officials; and
  • any directives authorised by the Board of Directors for the
• During the Championships organisers shall make available promptly and regular public display of all results, including point
  • Immediately after the Championships, the organisers shall present the final standings of the medallists in all age categories to the ITTF, together with photos of all medal awards to the players during the winners’

 

• All results shall be published on the official website for the event and on the ITTF official

 

4.8.3                      Eligibility

• All individuals who are older than 40 years of age or who will be 40 years of age in the year of the Championships are eligible to
• Each competitor is allowed to participate in one singles and one doubles event. In the doubles, not necessarily in one’s own age category but always in the category of the younger player in the

 

4.8.4                      Entry Fees

• The entry fee and the accompanying persons fee shall be decided by the ITTF Executive Committee in conjunction with the selected
• No entry fee will be requested to the 10 invited participants listed in 4.8.2.3.1.
• The entry fees shall be paid to the Organisers at the time of the

 

4.8.5                      Qualification

• The Championships will be held in two stages: the qualifying competition and the competition proper. An optional consolation event will be held for players not qualified for the competition
• The qualifying competition will be played on the first days of the Championships, in groups. The first and second placed in each group will qualify for the competition proper. The others will have the option to play the consolation
• If fewer than 6 players or pairs are entered in one age category the Competition Manager may decide to play a “round robin” in only one The exact system will be published before the start of the competition.
• The competition proper and the consolation event will be played according to the knock-out

 

4.8.6                      Entry Obligations

• The on-line entry form shall contain statements committing the participants to the ITTF Anti-Doping Rules, requesting the acceptance of the ITTF Racket Control Regulations and confirming their availability to compete against all other individuals participating at the
• 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 entered, and they shall not withdraw except for reasons of illness or
• By entering the event, players agree to abide by all ITTF rules and regulations.

All entered individual players agree to be under the auspices of the ITTF and its agents in all matters concerning television coverage, video, internet

 

web casting, motion picture coverage, and photographic coverage of any kind. Participants release all rights, or rights held by their agents or sponsors, in all matters relating to television and web casting coverage, video and motion picture coverage, and photographic coverage of any kind. A participant’s refusal of above listed coverage may be subject to suspension or dismissal from the competition.

 

4.8.7                      Jury

• The Jury shall consist of 3 representatives: the chair of the ITTF Veterans Committee, as chair of the Jury, a representative of the Organising Committee and a representative of the ITTF Competition
• The referee or his/her deputy will be invited to attend the Jury meetings with the right to speak but not to
• The Jury shall have the power to decide any question of appeal within the jurisdiction of a tournament management
• Appeals can be lodged against the decision of the referees only and they have to be submitted in writing immediately after the completion of the match.
• No member of the Jury can take part in the tournament as a

 

4.8.8                      Events

• The Championships shall include at least men’s and women’s singles and men’s and women’s doubles
• Each event shall have the following categories of age: 40 to 44 years (+40),

45 to 49 years (+45),

50 to 54 years (+50),

55 to 59 years (+55),

60 to 64 years (+60),

65 to 69 years (+65),

70 to 74 years (+70),

75 to 79 years (+75),

80 to 84 years (+80),

85 to 89 years (+85)

90 and over (+90)

 

• If fewer than four players enter any one event, the Competition Manager has the right to either cancel the event or introduce a reasonable alternative for all concerned. Players have to be informed regarding any alterations/cancellations as soon as

 

4.8.9                      Default

• Each participant is obliged to compete at the table and time set by the competition
• Each participant is responsible for keeping her/himself informed when and where to

 

4.8.10                  Doping Control

• Doping control shall be carried out in accordance with ITTF Anti-Doping rules (Chapter 5).

 

4.8.11                  Awards and Presentations

• In all the events the winners shall receive gold medals, the losing finalists silver medals and the losers of the semi-finals bronze
• If there is only one group in the qualifying competition of an age category and no matches scheduled for the competition proper, medals will be presented to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd placed players/pairs of the respective group, according to the final standing of the
• Winners and runners-up of the consolation event shall receive a small souvenir and a certificate with their names inscribed

 

4.8.12                  Commercial Rights

• The ITTF exclusively owns and controls all commercial rights in and to the Such commercial rights to include, without limitation and in each case on a worldwide basis, all:
  • audio, visual and audio-visual and data rights (in every medium, whether or not existing as at the date of these regulations);
  • sponsorship, advertising, merchandising, marketing and other forms of rights of association;
  • ticketing, hospitality and other concession rights; and
  • 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
• 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 parties from time to
• All the participants at the Championships (officials, players, delegates and other affiliates) shall:
  • 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
  • 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 a participant and no third party shall be entitled to do so.

 

4.8.13     Transitory provision

• The Executive Committee shall approve the 2022 Event Guidelines in order to preserve the rights and duties for the Organisers of the 2022 World Veteran Championships according to the existing SCI rights and

 

5                           ANTI-DOPING RULES

 

 

INTRODUCTION

Preface

These Anti-Doping Rules are adopted and implemented in accordance with ITTF's responsibilities under the Code, and in furtherance of ITTF's continuing efforts to eradicate doping in sport.

These Anti-Doping Rules are sport rules governing the conditions under which sport is played. Aimed at enforcing anti-doping rules in a global and harmonized manner, they are distinct in nature from criminal and civil laws. They are not intended to be subject to or limited by any national requirements and legal standards applicable to criminal or civil proceedings, although they are intended to be applied in a manner which respects the principles of proportionality and human rights. When reviewing the facts and the law of a given case, all courts, arbitral tribunals and other adjudicating bodies should be aware of and respect the distinct nature of these Anti-Doping Rules, which implement the Code, and the fact that these rules represent the consensus of a broad spectrum of stakeholders around the world as to what is necessary to protect and ensure fair sport.

As provided in the Code, ITTF shall be responsible for conducting all aspects of Doping Control. Any aspect of Doping Control or anti-doping Education may be delegated by ITTF to a Delegated Third Party, such as the International Testing Agency (ITA), however, ITTF shall require the Delegated Third Party to perform such aspects in compliance with the Code, International Standards, and these Anti-Doping Rules. ITTF has delegated its adjudication responsibilities and parts of the Results Management to the CAS Anti-Doping Division.

When ITTF has delegated its responsibilities to implement part or all of Doping Control to the ITA or to other Delegated Third Party, any reference to ITTF in these Rules should be intended as a reference to the ITA or to the other Delegated Third Party, where applicable and within the context of the aforementioned delegation. ITTF shall always remain fully responsible for ensuring that any delegated aspects are performed in compliance with the Code.

Italicized terms in these Anti-Doping Rules are defined terms in Appendix 1.

Unless otherwise specified, references to Articles are references to Articles of these Anti- Doping Rules.

 

Fundamental Rationale for the Code and ITTF's Anti-Doping Rules

Anti-doping programs are founded on the intrinsic value of sport. This intrinsic value is often referred to as "the spirit of sport": the ethical pursuit of human excellence through the dedicated perfection of each Athlete's natural talents.

Anti-doping programs seek to protect the health of Athletes and to provide the opportunity for Athletes to pursue human excellence without the Use of Prohibited Substances and Methods.

 

Anti-doping programs seek to maintain the integrity of sport in terms of respect for rules, other competitors, fair competition, a level playing field, and the value of clean sport to the world.

The spirit of sport is the celebration of the human spirit, body and mind. It is the essence of Olympism and is reflected in the values we find in and through sport, including:

• Health
• Ethics, fair play and honesty
• Athletes' rights as set forth in the Code
• Excellence in performance
• Character and Education
• Fun and joy
• Teamwork
• Dedication and commitment
• Respect for rules and laws
• Respect for self and other Participants
• Courage
• Community and solidarity

The spirit of sport is expressed in how we play true. Doping is fundamentally contrary to the spirit of sport. Scope of these Anti-Doping Rules

These Anti-Doping Rules shall apply to:

• ITTF, including its board members, directors, officers and specified employees, and Delegated Third Parties and their employees, who are involved in any aspect of Doping Control;
• Continental and Regional Federations recognized by the ITTF, including their including its board members, directors, officers and specified employees, and Delegated Third Parties and their employees, who are involved in any aspect of Doping Control;
• each of its Member Associations, including their board members, directors, officers and specified employees, and Delegated Third Parties and their employees, who are involved in any aspect of Doping Control;
• the following Athletes, Athlete Support Personnel and other Persons:
  1. all Athletes and Athlete Support Personnel who are members of ITTF, or of any Member Association, or of any member or affiliate organization of any Member Association (including any clubs, teams, associations, or leagues);
  2. all Athletes and Athlete Support Personnel who participate in such capacity in Events, Competitions and other activities organized, convened, authorized or recognized by ITTF, or any Member Association, or by any member or affiliate organization of any Member Association (including any clubs, teams, associations, or leagues), wherever held;

• any other Athlete or Athlete Support Personnel or other Person who, by virtue of an accreditation, a license or other contractual arrangement, or otherwise, is subject to the authority of ITTF, or of any Member Association, or of any

 

member or affiliate organization of any Member Association (including any clubs, teams, associations, or leagues), for purposes of anti-doping; and

1. Athletes who are not regular members of ITTF or of one of its Member Associations but who want to be eligible to compete in a particular International Event.

 

Each of the abovementioned Persons is deemed, as a condition of his or her participation or involvement in the sport, to have agreed to and be bound by these Anti-Doping Rules, and to have submitted to the authority of ITTF to enforce these Anti-Doping Rules, including any Consequences for the breach thereof, and to the jurisdiction of the hearing panels specified in Article 5.8 and Article 5.13 to hear and determine cases and appeals brought under these Anti-Doping Rules1.

Within the overall pool of Athletes set out above who are bound by and required to comply with these Anti-Doping Rules, the following Athletes shall be considered to be International- Level Athletes for the purposes of these Anti-Doping Rules, and, therefore, the specific provisions in these Anti-Doping Rules applicable to International-Level Athletes (e.g., Testing, TUEs, whereabouts, and Results Management) shall apply to such Athletes:

• For each year, the first 250 Men and 200 Women in the January General List of ITTF World Ranking, available at ittf.com
• For each year, the first 8 Men and 8 Women in each Class in the January Para Table Tennis rating, available on org/rating.
• All Athletes included in the ITTF Registered Testing Pool and any Testing Pool established by the
• Any other Athletes who, at any moment of the year, reach the top 100 in the General World Ranking, or the top 4 in the Para Table Tennis The aforesaid rankings are published on ITTF's website.

 

ARTICLE 5.1          DEFINITION OF DOPING

Doping is defined as the occurrence of one or more of the anti-doping rule violations set forth in Article 5.2.1 through Article 5.2.11 of these Anti-Doping Rules.

 

ARTICLE 5.2          ANTI-DOPING RULE VIOLATIONS

The purpose of Article 5.2 is to specify the circumstances and conduct which constitute anti- doping rule violations. Hearings in doping cases will proceed based on the assertion that one or more of these specific rules have been violated.

 

1 [Comment: Where the Code requires a Person other than an Athlete or Athlete Support Person to be bound by the Code, such Person would of course not be subject to Sample collection or Testing, and would not be subject to an anti-doping rule violation under the Code for Use or Possession of a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method. Rather, such Person would only be subject to discipline for a violation of Code Articles 2.5 (Tampering), 2.7 (Trafficking), 2.8 (Administration), 2.9 (Complicity), 2.10 (Prohibited Association) and 2.11 (Retaliation). Furthermore, such Person would be subject to the additional roles and responsibilities according to Code Article

21.3. Also, the obligation to require an employee to be bound by the Code is subject to applicable law.

 

ITTF shall ensure that, as per Article 5.19 of these Anti-Doping Rules, any arrangements with their board members, directors, officers, and specified employees, as well as with the Delegated Third Parties and their employees – either employment, contractual or otherwise – have explicit provisions incorporated according to which such Persons are bound by, agree to comply with these Anti- Doping Rules, and agree on the ITTF’s authority to solve the anti-doping cases.]

 

Athletes or other Persons shall be responsible for knowing what constitutes an anti-doping rule violation and the substances and methods which have been included on the Prohibited List.

The following constitute anti-doping rule violations:

• Presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers in an

Athlete’s Sample

• It is the Athletes’ personal duty to ensure that no Prohibited Substance enters their bodies. Athletes are responsible for any Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers found to be present in their Samples. Accordingly, it is not necessary that intent, Fault, Negligence or knowing Use on the Athlete’s part be demonstrated in order to establish an anti-doping rule violation under Article 5.2.1.2
• Sufficient proof of an anti-doping rule violation under Article 5.2.1 is established by any of the following: presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers in the Athlete’s A Sample where the Athlete waives analysis of the B Sample and the B Sample is not analysed; or, where the Athlete’s B Sample is analysed and the analysis of the Athlete’s B Sample confirms the presence of the Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers found in the Athlete’s A Sample; or where the Athlete’s A or B Sample is split into two (2) parts and the analysis of the confirmation part of the split Sample confirms the presence of the Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers found in the first part of the split Sample or the Athlete waives analysis of the confirmation part of the split Sample.3
• Excepting those substances for which a Decision Limit is specifically identified in the Prohibited List or a Technical Document, the presence of any reported quantity of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers in an Athlete’s Sample shall constitute an anti-doping rule
• As an exception to the general rule of Article 5.2.1, the Prohibited List, International Standards or Technical Documents may establish special criteria for reporting or the evaluation of certain Prohibited Substances.

• Use or Attempted Use by an Athlete of a Prohibited Substance or a Prohibited Method 4
  • It is the Athletes’ personal duty to ensure that no Prohibited Substance enters their bodies and that no Prohibited Method is Used. Accordingly, it is not

 

² [Comment to Article 5.2.1.1: An anti-doping rule violation is committed under this Article without regard to an Athlete’s Fault. This rule has been referred to in various CAS decisions as “Strict Liability”. An Athlete’s Fault is taken into consideration in determining the Consequences of this anti-doping rule violation under Article 5.10. This principle has consistently been upheld by CAS.]

 

³ [Comment to Article 5.2.1.2: The Anti-Doping Organization with Results Management responsibility may, at its discretion, choose to have the B Sample analysed even if the Athlete does not request the analysis of the B Sample.]

 

⁴ [Comment to Article 5.2.2: It has always been the case that Use or Attempted Use of a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method may be established by any reliable means. As noted in the Comment to Article 5.3.2, unlike the proof required to establish an anti- doping rule violation under Article 5.2.1, Use or Attempted Use may also be established by other reliable means such as admissions by the Athlete, witness statements, documentary evidence, conclusions drawn from longitudinal profiling, including data collected as part of the Athlete Biological Passport, or other analytical information which does not otherwise satisfy all the requirements to establish “Presence” of a Prohibited Substance under Article 5.2.1.

 

For example, Use may be established based upon reliable analytical data from the analysis of an A Sample (without confirmation from an analysis of a B Sample) or from the analysis of a B Sample alone where the Anti-Doping Organization provides a satisfactory explanation for the lack of confirmation in the other Sample.]

 

necessary that intent, Fault, Negligence or knowing Use on the Athlete’s part be demonstrated in order to establish an anti-doping rule violation for Use of a Prohibited Substance or a Prohibited Method.

• The success or failure of the Use or Attempted Use of a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method is not material. It is sufficient that the Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method was Used or Attempted to be Used for an anti-doping rule violation to be 5

• Evading, Refusing or Failing to Submit to Sample Collection by an Athlete

Evading Sample collection; or refusing or failing to submit to Sample collection without compelling justification after notification by a duly authorized Person.6

• Whereabouts Failures by an Athlete

Any combination of three (3) missed tests and/or filing failures, as defined in the International Standard for Results Management, within a twelve (12) month period by an Athlete in a Registered Testing Pool.

• Tampering or Attempted Tampering with any Part of Doping Control by an Athlete or Other Person
• Possession of a Prohibited Substance or a Prohibited Method by an Athlete or Athlete Support Person
  • Possession by an Athlete In-Competition of any Prohibited Substance or any Prohibited Method, or Possession by an Athlete Out-of-Competition of any Prohibited Substance or any Prohibited Method which is prohibited Out-of- Competition unless the Athlete establishes that the Possession is consistent with a Therapeutic Use Exemption (“TUE”) granted in accordance with Article

5.4.4 or other acceptable justification.

• Possession by an Athlete Support Person In-Competition of any Prohibited Substance or any Prohibited Method, or Possession by an Athlete Support Person Out-of-Competition of any Prohibited Substance or any Prohibited Method which is prohibited Out-of-Competition in connection with an Athlete, Competition or training, unless the Athlete Support Person establishes that the Possession is consistent with a TUE granted to an Athlete in accordance with Article 5.4.4 or other acceptable 7

 

 

⁵ [Comment to Article 5.2.2.2: Demonstrating the "Attempted Use" of a Prohibited Substance or a Prohibited Method requires proof of intent on the Athlete’s part. The fact that intent may be required to prove this particular anti-doping rule violation does not undermine the Strict Liability principle established for violations of Article 5.2.1 and violations of Article 5.2.2 in respect of Use of a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method.

 

An Athlete’s Use of a Prohibited Substance constitutes an anti-doping rule violation unless such substance is not prohibited Out-of- Competition and the Athlete’s Use takes place Out-of-Competition. (However, the presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers in a Sample collected In-Competition is a violation of Article 5.2.1 regardless of when that substance might have been administered.)]

 

⁶ [Comment to Article 5.2.3: For example, it would be an anti-doping rule violation of “evading Sample collection” if it were established that an Athlete was deliberately avoiding a Doping Control official to evade notification or Testing. A violation of “failing to submit to Sample collection” may be based on either intentional or negligent conduct of the Athlete, while “evading” or “refusing” Sample collection contemplates intentional conduct by the Athlete.]

 

⁷ [Comment to Articles 5.2.6.1 and 5.2.6.2: Acceptable justification would not include, for example, buying or Possessing a Prohibited Substance for purposes of giving it to a friend or relative, except under justifiable medical circumstances where that Person had a physician’s prescription, e.g., buying Insulin for a diabetic child.]

 

[Comment to Article 5.2.6.1 and 5.2.6.2: Acceptable justification may include, for example, (a) an Athlete or a team doctor carrying Prohibited Substances or Prohibited Methods for dealing with acute and emergency situations (e.g., an epinephrine auto-injector), or

 

• Trafficking or Attempted Trafficking in any Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method

by an Athlete or Other Person

• Administration or Attempted Administration by an Athlete or Other Person to any Athlete In-Competition of any Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method, or Administration or Attempted Administration to any Athlete Out-of-Competition of any Prohibited Substance or any Prohibited Method that is Prohibited Out-of-Competition
• Complicity or Attempted Complicity by an Athlete or Other Person

Assisting, encouraging, aiding, abetting, conspiring, covering up or any other type of intentional complicity or Attempted complicity involving an anti-doping rule violation, Attempted anti-doping rule violation or violation of Article 5.10.14.1 by another Person.8

• Prohibited Association by an Athlete or Other Person
  • Association by an Athlete or other Person subject to the authority of an Anti- Doping Organization in a professional or sport-related capacity with any Athlete Support Person who:
    • If subject to the authority of an Anti-Doping Organization, is serving a period of

Ineligibility; or

• If not subject to the authority of an Anti-Doping Organization and where Ineligibility has not been addressed in a Results Management process pursuant to the Code, has been convicted  or found in a criminal, disciplinary or professional proceeding to have engaged  in conduct which would have constituted a violation of anti-doping rules if Code-compliant rules had been applicable to such Person. The disqualifying status of such Person shall be in force for the longer of six (6) years from the criminal, professional or disciplinary decision or the duration of the criminal, disciplinary or professional sanction imposed; or
• Is serving as a front or intermediary for an individual described in Article 2.10.1.1 or 5.2.10.1.2.

• To establish a violation of Article 2.10, an Anti-Doping Organization must establish that the Athlete or other Person knew of the Athlete Support Person’s disqualifying status.

The burden shall be on the Athlete or other Person to establish that any association with an Athlete Support Person described in Article 5.2.10.1.1 or

5.2.10.1.2 is not in a professional or sport-related capacity and/or that such association could not have been reasonably avoided.

Anti-Doping Organizations that are aware of Athlete Support Personnel who meet the criteria described in Article 5.2.10.1.1, 5.2.10.1.2, or 5.2.10.1.3 shall submit that information to WADA.9

 

 

(b) an Athlete Possessing a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method for therapeutic reasons shortly prior to applying for and receiving a determination on a TUE.]

 

⁸ [Comment to Article 5.2.9: Complicity or Attempted Complicity may include either physical or psychological assistance.]

⁹ [Comment to Article 5.2.10: Athletes and other Persons must not work with coaches, trainers, physicians or other Athlete Support Personnel who are Ineligible on account of an anti-doping rule violation or who have been criminally convicted or professionally disciplined in relation to doping. This also prohibits association with any other Athlete who is acting as a coach or Athlete Support Person while serving a period of Ineligibility. Some examples of the types of association which are prohibited include: obtaining training, strategy, technique, nutrition or medical advice; obtaining therapy, treatment or prescriptions; providing any bodily products for

 

• Acts by an Athlete or Other Person to Discourage or Retaliate Against Reporting to Authorities

Where such conduct does not otherwise constitute a violation of Article 5.2.5:

• Any act which threatens or seeks to intimidate another Person with the intent of discouraging the Person from the good-faith reporting of information that relates to an alleged anti-doping rule violation or alleged non-compliance with the Code to WADA, an Anti-Doping Organization, law enforcement, regulatory or professional disciplinary body, hearing body or Person conducting an investigation for WADA or an Anti-Doping Organization.
• Retaliation against a Person who, in good faith, has provided evidence or information that relates to an alleged anti-doping rule violation or alleged non- compliance with the Code to WADA, an Anti-Doping Organization, law enforcement, regulatory or professional disciplinary body, hearing body or Person conducting an investigation for WADA or an Anti-Doping Organization.

For purposes of Article 5.2.11, retaliation, threatening and intimidation include an act taken against such Person either because the act lacks a good faith basis or is a disproportionate response.10

 

ARTICLE 5.3 PROOF OF DOPING

• Burdens and Standards of Proof

ITTF shall have the burden of establishing that an anti-doping rule violation has occurred. The standard of proof shall be whether ITTF has established an anti-doping rule violation to the comfortable satisfaction of the hearing panel bearing in mind the seriousness of the allegation which is made. This standard of proof in all cases is greater than a mere balance of probability but less than proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Where these Anti-Doping Rules place the burden of proof upon the Athlete or other Person alleged to have committed an anti-doping rule violation to rebut a presumption or establish specified facts or circumstances, except as provided in Articles 5.3.2.2 and 5.3.2.3, the standard of proof shall be by a balance of probability.11

• Methods of Establishing Facts and Presumptions

 

 

 

 

analysis; or allowing the Athlete Support Person to serve as an agent or representative. Prohibited association need not involve any form of compensation.

 

While Article 5.2.10 does not require the Anti-Doping Organization to notify the Athlete or other Person about the Athlete Support Person’s disqualifying status, such notice, if provided, would be important evidence to establish that the Athlete or other Person knew about the disqualifying status of the Athlete Support Person.]

 

¹⁰ [Comment to Article 5.2.11.2: This Article is intended to protect Persons who make good faith reports, and does not protect Persons who knowingly make false reports.]

 

[Comment to Article 5.2.11.2: Retaliation would include, for example, actions that threaten the physical or mental well-being or economic interests of the reporting Persons, their families or associates. Retaliation would not include an Anti-Doping Organization asserting in good faith an anti-doping rule violation against the reporting Person. For purposes of Article 5.2.11, a report is not made in good faith where the Person making the report knows the report to be false.]

 

¹¹ [Comment to Article 5.3.1: This standard of proof required to be met by ITTF is comparable to the standard which is applied in most countries to cases involving professional misconduct.]

 

Facts related to anti-doping rule violations may be established by any reliable means, including admissions.12 The following rules of proof shall be applicable in doping cases:

• Analytical methods or Decision Limits approved by WADA after consultation within the relevant scientific community or which have been the subject of peer review are presumed to be scientifically valid. Any Athlete or other Person seeking to challenge whether the conditions for such presumption have been met or to rebut this presumption of scientific validity shall, as a condition precedent to any such challenge, first notify WADA of the challenge and the basis of the challenge. The initial hearing body, appellate body or CAS, on its own initiative, may also inform WADA of any such challenge. Within ten (10) days of WADA’s receipt of such notice and the case file related to such challenge, WADA shall also have the right to intervene as a party, appear as amicus curiae or otherwise provide evidence in such proceeding. In cases before CAS, at WADA’s request, the CAS panel shall appoint an appropriate scientific expert to assist the panel in its evaluation of the 13
• WADA-accredited laboratories, and other laboratories approved by WADA, are presumed to have conducted Sample analysis and custodial procedures in accordance with the International Standard for The Athlete or other Person may rebut this presumption by establishing that a departure from the International Standard for Laboratories occurred which could reasonably have caused the Adverse Analytical Finding.

If the Athlete or other Person rebuts the preceding presumption by showing that a departure from the International Standard for Laboratories occurred which could reasonably have caused the Adverse Analytical Finding, then ITTF shall have the burden to establish that such departure did not cause the Adverse Analytical Finding.14

• Departures from any other International Standard or other anti-doping rule or policy set forth in the Code or these Anti-Doping Rules shall not invalidate analytical results or other evidence of an anti-doping rule violation, and shall not constitute a defense to an anti-doping rule violation;15 provided, however,

 

 

¹² [Comment to Article 5.3.2: For example, ITTF may establish an anti-doping rule violation under Article 5.2.2 based on the Athlete’s admissions, the credible testimony of third Persons, reliable documentary evidence, reliable analytical data from either an A or B Sample as provided in the Comments to Article 5.2.2, or conclusions drawn from the profile of a series of the Athlete’s blood or urine Samples, such as data from the Athlete Biological Passport.]

 

¹³ [Comment to Article 5.3.2.1: For certain Prohibited Substances, WADA may instruct WADA-accredited laboratories not to report Samples as an Adverse Analytical Finding if the estimated concentration of the Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers is below a Minimum Reporting Level. WADA’s decision in determining that Minimum Reporting Level or in determining which Prohibited Substances should be subject to Minimum Reporting Levels shall not be subject to challenge. Further, the laboratory’s estimated concentration of such Prohibited Substance in a Sample may only be an estimate. In no event shall the possibility that the exact concentration of the Prohibited Substance in the Sample may be below the Minimum Reporting Level constitute a defence to an anti- doping rule violation based on the presence of that Prohibited Substance in the Sample.]

 

¹⁴ [Comment to Article 5.3.2.2: The burden is on the Athlete or other Person to establish, by a balance of probability, a departure from the International Standard for Laboratories that could reasonably have caused the Adverse Analytical Finding. Thus, once the Athlete or other Person establishes the departure by a balance of probability, the Athlete or other Person’s burden on causation is the somewhat lower standard of proof – “could reasonably have caused.” If the Athlete or other Person satisfies these standards, the burden shifts to ITTF to prove to the comfortable satisfaction of the hearing panel that the departure did not cause the Adverse Analytical Finding.]

 

¹⁵ [Comment to Article 5.3.2.3: Departures from an International Standard or other rule unrelated to Sample collection or handling, Adverse Passport Finding, or Athlete notification relating to whereabouts failure or B Sample opening – e.g., the International Standards for Education, Data Privacy or TUEs – may result in compliance proceedings by WADA but are not a defence in an anti- doping rule violation proceeding and are not relevant on the issue of whether the Athlete committed an anti-doping rule violation.

 

if the Athlete or other Person establishes that a departure from one of the specific International Standard provisions listed below could reasonably have caused an anti-doping rule violation based on an Adverse Analytical Finding or whereabouts failure, then ITTF shall have the burden to establish that such departure did not cause the Adverse Analytical Finding or the whereabouts failure:

• a departure from the International Standard for Testing and Investigations related to Sample collection or Sample handling which could reasonably have caused an anti- doping rule violation based on an Adverse Analytical Finding, in which case ITTF shall have the burden to establish that such departure did not cause the Adverse Analytical Finding;
• a departure from the International Standard for Results Management or International Standard for Testing and Investigations related to an Adverse Passport Finding which could reasonably have caused an anti-doping rule violation, in which case ITTF shall have the burden to establish that such departure did not cause the anti-doping rule violation;
• a departure from the International Standard for Results Management related to the requirement to provide notice to the Athlete of the B Sample opening which could reasonably have caused an anti-doping rule violation based on an Adverse Analytical Finding, in which case ITTF shall have the burden to establish that such departure did not cause the Adverse Analytical Finding;16
• a departure from the International Standard for Results Management related to Athlete notification which could reasonably have caused an anti-doping rule violation based on a whereabouts failure, in which case ITTF shall have the burden to establish that such departure did not cause the whereabouts

• The facts established by a decision of a court or professional disciplinary tribunal of competent jurisdiction which is not the subject of a pending appeal shall be irrebuttable evidence against the Athlete or other Person to whom the decision pertained of those facts unless the Athlete or other Person establishes that the decision violated principles of natural
• The hearing panel in a hearing on an anti-doping rule violation may draw an inference adverse to the Athlete or other Person who is asserted to have committed an anti-doping rule violation based on the Athlete’s or other Person’s refusal, after a request made in a reasonable time in advance of the

 

 

Similarly, ITTF’s violation of the document referenced in Article 20.7.7 of the Code shall not constitute a defence to an anti-doping rule violation.]

 

¹⁶ [Comment to Article 5.3.2.3 (iii): ITTF would meet its burden to establish that such departure did not cause the Adverse Analytical Finding by showing that, for example, the B Sample opening and analysis were observed by an independent witness and no irregularities were observed.]

 

hearing, to appear at the hearing (either in person or telephonically as directed by the hearing panel) and to answer questions from the hearing panel or ITTF.

 

ARTICLE 5.4          THE PROHIBITED LIST

• Incorporation of the Prohibited List

These Anti-Doping Rules incorporate the Prohibited List, which is published and revised by WADA as described in Article 4.1 of the Code.

Unless provided otherwise in the Prohibited List or a revision, the Prohibited List and revisions shall go into effect under these Anti-Doping Rules three (3) months after publication by WADA, without requiring any further action by ITTF or its Member Associations. All Athletes and other Persons shall be bound by the Prohibited List, and any revisions thereto, from the date they go into effect, without further formality. It is the responsibility of all Athletes and other Persons to familiarize themselves with the most up-to-date version of the Prohibited List and all revisions thereto.

ITTF shall provide its Member Associations with the most recent version of the Prohibited List. Each Member Association shall in turn ensure that its members, and the constituents of its members, are also provided with the most recent version of the Prohibited List.17

• Prohibited Substances and Prohibited Methods Identified on the Prohibited List
  • Prohibited Substances and Prohibited Methods

The Prohibited List shall identify those Prohibited Substances and Prohibited Methods which are prohibited as doping at all times (both In-Competition and Out-of-Competition) because of their potential to enhance performance in future Competitions or their masking potential, and those substances and methods which are prohibited In-Competition only. The Prohibited List may be expanded by WADA for a particular sport. Prohibited Substances and Prohibited Methods may be included in the Prohibited List by general category (e.g., anabolic agents) or by specific reference to a particular substance or method.18

• Specified Substances or Specified Methods

For purposes of the application of Article 5.10, all Prohibited Substances shall be Specified Substances except as identified on the  Prohibited  List. No Prohibited Method shall be a Specified Method unless it is specifically identified as a Specified Method on the Prohibited List.¹⁹

 

• Substances of Abuse

 

¹⁷ [Comment to Article 5.4.1: The current Prohibited List is available on WADA's website at https://www.wada-ama.org. The Prohibited List will be revised and published on an expedited basis whenever the need arises. However, for the sake of predictability, a new Prohibited List will be published every year whether or not changes have been made.]

 

¹⁸ [Comment to Article 5.4.2.1: Out-of-Competition Use of a substance which is only prohibited In-Competition is not an anti-doping rule violation unless an Adverse Analytical Finding for the substance or its Metabolites or Markers is reported for a Sample collected In- Competition.]

 

¹⁹ [Comment to Article 5.4.2.2: The Specified Substances and Methods identified in Article 5.4.2.2 should not in any way be considered less important or less dangerous than other doping substances or methods. Rather, they are simply substances and methods which are more likely to have been consumed or used by an Athlete for a purpose other than the enhancement of sport performance.]

 

For purposes of applying Article 5.10, Substances of Abuse shall include those Prohibited Substances which are specifically identified as Substances of Abuse on the Prohibited List because they are frequently abused in society outside of the context of sport.

• WADA’s Determination of the Prohibited List

WADA’s determination of the Prohibited Substances and Prohibited Methods that will be included on the Prohibited List, the classification of substances into categories on the Prohibited List, the classification of a substance as prohibited at all times or In- Competition only, the classification of a substance or method as a Specified Substance, Specified Method or Substance of Abuse is final and shall not be subject to any challenge by an Athlete or other Person including, but not limited to, any challenge based on an argument that the substance or method was not a masking agent or did not have the potential to enhance performance, represent a health risk or violate the spirit of sport.

• Therapeutic Use Exemptions (“TUEs”)
  • The presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers, and/or the Use or Attempted Use, Possession or Administration or Attempted Administration of a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method, shall not be considered an anti-doping rule violation if it is consistent with the provisions of a TUE granted in accordance with the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions.
  • TUE Applications
    • Athletes who are not International-Level Athletes shall apply to their National Anti-Doping Organization for a TUE. If the National Anti-Doping Organization denies the application, the Athlete may appeal exclusively to the national-level appeal body described in Article 13.2.2.
    • Athletes who are International-Level Athletes shall apply to
  • TUE Recognition20
    • Where the Athlete already has a TUE granted by their National Anti-Doping Organization pursuant to Article 4.4 of the Code for the substance or method in question and provided that such TUE has been reported in accordance with Article 5 of the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions, ITTF will automatically recognize it for purposes of international-level Competition without the need to review the relevant clinical information.
    • If ITTF chooses to test an Athlete who is not an International-Level Athlete, ITTF must recognize a TUE granted to that Athlete by their National Anti- Doping Organization unless the Athlete is required to apply for recognition of the TUE pursuant to Articles 5.8 and 7.0 of the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions.

 

 

 

²⁰ [Comment to Article 5.4.4.3: If ITTF refuses to recognize a TUE granted by a National Anti-Doping Organization only because medical records or other information are missing that are needed to demonstrate satisfaction with the criteria in the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions, the matter should not be referred to WADA. Instead, the file should be completed and re-submitted to ITTF.]

 

[Comment to Article 5.4.4.3: ITTF may agree with a National Anti-Doping Organization that the National Anti-Doping Organization will consider TUE applications on behalf of ITTF.]

 

• TUE Application Process 21
  • If the Athlete does not already have a TUE granted by their National Anti- Doping Organization for the substance or method in question, the Athlete must apply directly to
  • An application to ITTF for grant or recognition of a TUE must be made as soon as possible, save where Articles 4.1 or 4.3 of the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions The application shall be made in accordance with Article 6 of the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions as posted on ITTF’s website.
  • ITTF shall stablish a Therapeutic Use Exemption Committee (“TUEC”) to consider applications for the grant or recognition of TUEs in accordance with Article 5.4.4.4.3(a)-(d) below:
    • The TUEC shall consist of a minimum of five (5) members with experience in the care and treatment of Athletes and sound knowledge of clinical, sports and exercise
    • Before serving as a member of the TUEC, each member must sign a conflict of interest and confidentiality The appointed members shall not be employees of ITTF.
    • When an application to ITTF for the grant or recognition of a TUE is made, three (3) members (which may include the Chair) shall be appointed to consider the
    • Before considering a TUE application, each member shall disclose any circumstances likely to affect their impartiality with respect to the Athlete making the application. If a member is unwilling or unable to assess the Athlete’s TUE application, for any reason, a replacement or a new TUEC shall be appointed (e.g., from the pool of members appointed under point (a) above). The Chair cannot serve as a member of the TUEC if there are any circumstances which are likely to affect the impartiality of the TUE
  • The TUEC shall promptly evaluate and decide upon the application in accordance with the relevant provisions of the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions and usually (i.e., unless exceptional circumstances apply) within no more than twenty-one (21) days of receipt of a complete Where the application is made in a reasonable time prior to an Event, the TUEC must use its best endeavours to issue its decision before the start of the Event.
  • The TUEC decision shall be the final decision of ITTF and may be appealed in accordance with Article 5.4.4.7. ITTF TUEC decision shall be notified in writing to the Athlete, and to WADA and other Anti-Doping Organizations in

 

 

²¹ [Comment to Article 5.4.4.4: The submission of falsified documents to a TUEC or ITTF, offering or accepting a bribe to a Person to perform or fail to perform an act, procuring false testimony from any witness, or committing any other fraudulent act or any other similar intentional interference or Attempted interference with any aspect of the TUE process shall result in a charge of Tampering or Attempted Tampering under Article 5.2.5.

 

An Athlete should not assume that their application for the grant or recognition of a TUE (or for renewal of a TUE) will be granted. Any Use or Possession or Administration of a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method before an application has been granted is entirely at the Athlete’s own risk.]

 

accordance with the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions. It shall also promptly be reported into ADAMS.

• If ITTF (or the National Anti-Doping Organization, where it has agreed to consider the application on behalf of ITTF) denies the Athlete’s application, it must notify the Athlete promptly, with reasons. If ITTF grants the Athlete’s application, it must notify not only the Athlete but also their National Anti- Doping Organization. If the National Anti-Doping Organization considers that the TUE granted by ITTF does not meet the criteria set out in the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions, it has twenty-one (21) days from such notification to refer the matter to WADA for review in accordance with Article 5.4.4.7.

If the National Anti-Doping Organization refers the matter to WADA for review, the TUE granted by ITTF remains valid for international-level Competition and Out-of-Competition Testing (but is not valid for national-level Competition) pending WADA’s decision. If the National Anti-Doping Organization does not refer the matter to WADA for review, the TUE granted by ITTF becomes valid for national-level Competition as well when the twenty-one (21) day review deadline expires.

• Retroactive TUE Applications

If ITTF chooses to collect a Sample from an Athlete who is not an International- Level Athlete or a National-Level Athlete, and that Athlete is Using a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method for therapeutic reasons, ITTF must permit that Athlete to apply for a retroactive TUE.

• Expiration, Withdrawal or Reversal of a TUE
  • A TUE granted pursuant to these Anti-Doping Rules: (a) shall expire automatically at the end of any term for which it was granted, without the need for any further notice or other formality; (b) will be withdrawn if the Athlete does not promptly comply with any requirements or conditions imposed by the TUEC upon grant of the TUE; (c) may be withdrawn by the TUEC if it is subsequently determined that the criteria for grant of a TUE are not in fact met; or (d) may be reversed on review by WADA or on
  • In such event, the Athlete shall not be subject to any Consequences based on their Use or Possession or Administration of the Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method in question in accordance with the TUE prior to the effective date of expiry, withdrawal, or reversal of the TUE. The review pursuant to Article 5.1.1.1 of the International Standard for Results Management of an Adverse Analytical Finding, reported shortly after the TUE expiry, withdrawal or reversal, shall include consideration of whether such finding is consistent with Use of the Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method prior to that date, in which event no anti-doping rule violation shall be
• Reviews and Appeals of TUE Decisions
  • WADA must review ITTF’s decision not to recognize a TUE granted by the National Anti-Doping Organization that is referred to WADA by the Athlete or the Athlete’s National Anti-Doping Organization. In addition, WADA must review ITTF’s decision to grant a TUE that is referred to WADA by the Athlete’s National Anti-Doping Organization. WADA may review any other TUE decisions at any time, whether upon request by those affected or on its own

 

initiative. If the TUE decision being reviewed meets the criteria set out in the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions, WADA will not interfere with it. If the TUE decision does not meet those criteria, WADA will reverse it.22

• Any TUE decision by ITTF (or by a where it has agreed to consider the application on behalf of ITTF) that is not reviewed by WADA, or that is reviewed by WADA but is not reversed upon review, may be appealed by the Athlete and/or the Athlete’s National Anti-Doping Organization, exclusively to CAS.23
• A decision by WADA to reverse a TUE decision may be appealed by the Athlete, the National Anti-Doping Organization and/or ITTF, exclusively to CAS.
• A failure to render a decision within a reasonable time on a properly submitted application for grant/recognition of a TUE or for review of a TUE decision shall be considered a denial of the application thus triggering the applicable rights of review/appeal.

 

ARTICLE 5.5          TESTING AND INVESTIGATIONS

• Purpose of Testing and Investigations24
  • Testing and investigations may be undertaken for any anti-doping purpose. They shall be conducted in conformity with the provisions of the International Standard for Testing and Investigations and the eventual specific protocols of ITTF supplementing that International Standard.
  • Testing shall be undertaken to obtain analytical evidence as to whether the Athlete has violated Article 5.2.1 (Presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers in an Athlete’s Sample) or Article 5.2.2 (Use or Attempted Use by an Athlete of a Prohibited Substance or a Prohibited Method).
• Authority to Test
  • Subject to the limitations for Event Testing set out in Article 5.3, ITTF shall have In-Competition and Out-of-Competition Testing authority over all Athletes specified in the Introduction to these Anti-Doping Rules (Section “Scope of these Anti-Doping Rules”).
  • ITTF may require any Athlete over whom it has Testing authority (including any Athlete serving a period of Ineligibility) to provide a Sample at any time and at any 25

 

²² [Comment to Article 5.4.4.7.1: WADA shall be entitled to charge a fee to cover the costs of: (a) any review it is required to conduct in accordance with Article 5.4.4.7; and (b) any review it chooses to conduct, where the decision being reviewed is reversed.]

 

²³ [Comment to Article 5.4.4.7.2: In such cases, the decision being appealed is the ITTF’s TUE decision, not WADA’s decision not to review the TUE decision or (having reviewed it) not to reverse the TUE decision. However, the time to appeal the TUE decision does not begin to run until the date that WADA communicates its decision. In any event, whether the decision has been reviewed by WADA or not, WADA shall be given notice of the appeal so that it may participate if it sees fit.]

 

²⁴ [Comment to Article 5.5.1: Where Testing is conducted for anti-doping purposes, the analytical results and data may be used for other legitimate purposes under the Anti-Doping Organization’s rules. See, e.g., Comment to Article 23.2.2 of the Code.]

 

²⁵ [Comment to Article 5.5.2.2: ITTF may obtain additional authority to conduct Testing by means of bilateral or multilateral agreements with other Signatories. Unless the Athlete has identified a sixty (60) minute Testing window between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00

 

• WADA shall have In-Competition and Out-of-Competition Testing authority as set out in Article 20.7.10 of the Code.
• If ITTF delegates or contracts any part of Testing to a National Anti-Doping Organization directly or through a Member Association, that National Anti- Doping Organization may collect additional Samples or direct the laboratory to perform additional types of analysis at the National Anti-Doping Organization’s If additional Samples are collected or additional types of analysis are performed, ITTF shall be notified.

• Event Testing
  • Except as otherwise provided below, only a single organization shall have authority to conduct Testing at Event Venues during an Event Period. At International Events, ITTF (or other international organization which is the ruling body for an Event) shall have authority to conduct Testing. At National Events, the National Anti-Doping Organization of that country shall have authority to conduct Testing. At the request of ITTF (or other international organization which is the ruling body for an Event), any Testing during the Event Period outside of the Event Venues shall be coordinated with ITTF (or the relevant ruling body of the Event).
  • If an Anti-Doping Organization, which would otherwise have Testing authority but is not responsible for initiating and directing Testing at an Event, desires to conduct Testing of Athletes at the Event Venues during the Event Period, the Anti-Doping Organization shall first confer with ITTF (or other international organization which is the ruling body of the Event) to obtain permission to conduct and coordinate such Testing. If the Anti-Doping Organization is not satisfied with the response from ITTF (or other international organization which is the ruling body of the Event), the Anti-Doping Organization may, in accordance with the procedures described in the International Standard for Testing and Investigations, ask WADA for permission to conduct Testing and to determine how to coordinate such Testing. WADA shall not grant approval for such Testing before consulting with and informing ITTF (or other international organization which is the ruling body for the Event). WADA’s decision shall be final and not subject to Unless otherwise provided in the authorization to conduct Testing, such tests shall be considered Out-of- Competition tests. Results Management for any such test shall be the responsibility of the Anti-Doping Organization initiating the test unless provided otherwise in the rules of the ruling body of the Event.26
• Testing Requirements
  • ITTF shall conduct test distribution planning and Testing as required by the

International Standard for Testing and Investigations.

 

 

 

a.m., or has otherwise consented to Testing during that period, ITTF will not test an Athlete during that period unless it has a serious and specific suspicion that the Athlete may be engaged in doping. A challenge to whether ITTF had sufficient suspicion for Testing during this time period shall not be a defence to an anti-doping rule violation based on such test or attempted test.]

 

²⁶ [Comment to Article 5.5.3.2: Before giving approval to a National Anti-Doping Organization to initiate and conduct Testing at an International Event, WADA shall consult with the international organization which is the ruling body for the Event. Before giving approval to an International Federation to initiate and conduct Testing at a National Event, WADA shall consult with the National Anti- Doping Organization of the country where the Event takes place. The Anti-Doping Organization “initiating and directing Testing” may, if it chooses, enter into agreements with a Delegated Third Party to which it delegates responsibility for Sample collection or other aspects of the Doping Control process.]

 

• Where reasonably feasible, Testing shall be coordinated through ADAMS in order to maximize the effectiveness of the combined Testing effort and to avoid unnecessary repetitive Testing.

• Athlete Whereabouts Information
  • ITTF shall establish a Registered Testing Pool of those Athletes who are required to provide whereabouts information in the manner specified in the International Standard for Testing and Investigations and who shall be subject to Consequences for Article 5.2.4 violations as provided in Article 5.10.3.2. ITTF shall coordinate with National Anti-Doping Organizations to identify such Athletes and to collect their whereabouts
  • ITTF shall make available through ADAMS a list which identifies those Athletes included in its Registered Testing Pool by name. ITTF shall regularly review and update as necessary its criteria for including Athletes in its Registered Testing Pool, and shall periodically (but not less than quarterly) review the list of Athletes in its Registered Testing Pool to ensure that each listed Athlete continues to meet the relevant criteria. Athletes shall be notified before they are included in the Registered Testing Pool and when they are removed from that pool. The notification shall contain the information set out in the International Standard for Testing and
  • Where an Athlete is included in an international Registered Testing Pool by ITTF and in a national Registered Testing Pool by their National Anti-Doping Organization, the National Anti-Doping Organization and ITTF shall agree between themselves which of them shall accept that Athlete's whereabouts filings; in no case shall an Athlete be required to make whereabouts filings to more than one of
  • In accordance with the International Standard for Testing and Investigations, each Athlete in the Registered Testing Pool shall do the following: (a) advise ITTF of his/her whereabouts on a quarterly basis; (b) update that information as necessary so that it remains accurate and complete at all times; and (c) make himself or herself available for Testing at such
  • For purposes of Article 5.2.4, an Athlete’s failure to comply with the requirements of the International Standard for Testing and Investigations shall be deemed a filing failure or a missed test, as defined in Annex B of the International Standard for Results Management, where the conditions set forth in Annex B are
  • An Athlete in ITTF’s Registered Testing Pool shall continue to be subject to the obligation to comply with the whereabouts requirements set in the International Standard for Testing and Investigations unless and until (a) the Athlete gives written notice to ITTF that he or she has retired or (b) ITTF has informed him or her that he or she no longer satisfies the criteria for inclusion in ITTF's Registered Testing Pool.
  • Whereabouts information provided by an Athlete while in the Registered Testing Pool will be accessible through ADAMS to WADA and to other Anti- Doping Organizations having authority to test that Athlete as provided in Article

5.5.2. Whereabouts information shall be maintained in strict confidence at all times; it shall be used exclusively for purposes of planning, coordinating or conducting Doping Control, providing information relevant to the Athlete

 

Biological Passport or other analytical results, to support an investigation into a potential anti-doping rule violation, or to support proceedings alleging an anti-doping rule violation; and shall be destroyed after it is no longer relevant for these purposes in accordance with the International Standard for the Protection of Privacy and Personal Information.

• ITTF may, in accordance with the International Standard for Testing and Investigations, collect whereabouts information from Athletes who are not included within a Registered Testing Pool. If it chooses to do so, an Athlete’s failure to provide requested whereabouts information on or before the date required by ITTF or the Athlete’s failure to provide accurate whereabouts information may result in consequences defined in Article 5.5.5.12
• In accordance with the International Standard for Testing and Investigations, ITTF may establish a Testing Pool, which includes Athletes who are subject to less stringent whereabouts requirements than Athletes included in ITTF’s Registered Testing Pool.
• ITTF shall notify Athletes before they are included in the Testing Pool and when they are removed. Such notification shall include the whereabouts requirements and the consequences that apply in case of non-compliance, as indicated in Articles 5.5.5.11 and 5.5.12.
• Athletes included in the Testing Pool shall provide ITTF at least with the following whereabouts information so that they may be located and subjected to Testing:
  • An overnight address;
  • Competition / Event schedule; and
  • Regular training

Such whereabouts information should be filed in ADAMS to enable better Testing coordination with other Anti-Doping Organizations.

• An Athlete’s failure to provide whereabouts information on or before the date required by ITTF or the Athlete’s failure to provide accurate whereabouts information might result in ITTF elevating the Athlete to ITTF’s Registered Testing Pool and additional appropriate and proportionate non-Code Article

5.2.4 consequences, established by ITTF if any.

• Retired Athletes Returning to Competition
  • If an International-Level Athlete or National-Level Athlete in ITTF’s Registered Testing Pool retires and then wishes to return to active participation in sport, the Athlete shall not compete in International Events or National Events until the Athlete has made himself or herself available for Testing, by giving six (6) months prior written notice to ITTF and their National Anti-Doping Organization.

WADA, in consultation with ITTF and the Athlete's National Anti-Doping Organization, may grant an exemption to the six (6) month written notice rule

 

where the strict application of that rule would be unfair to the Athlete. This decision may be appealed under Article 5.13.27

Any competitive results obtained in violation of this Article 5.6.1 shall be Disqualified unless the Athlete can establish that he or she could not have reasonably known that this was an International Event or a National Event.

• If an Athlete retires from sport while subject to a period of Ineligibility, the Athlete must notify the Anti-Doping Organization that imposed the period of Ineligibility in writing of such retirement. If the Athlete then wishes to return to active competition in sport, the Athlete shall not compete in International Events or National Events until the Athlete has made himself or herself available for Testing by giving six (6) months prior written notice (or notice equivalent to the period of Ineligibility remaining as of the date the Athlete retired, if that period was longer than six (6) months) to ITTF and to their National Anti-Doping Organization.

• Independent Observer Program

ITTF and the organizing committees for ITTF’s Events, as well as the Member Associations and the organizing committees for National Events, shall authorize and facilitate the Independent Observer Program at such Events.

 

ARTICLE 5.6          ANALYSIS OF SAMPLES

Samples shall be analysed in accordance with the following principles:

• Use of Accredited, Approved Laboratories and Other Laboratories
  • For purposes of directly establishing an Adverse Analytical Finding under Article 2.1, Samples shall be analysed only in WADA-accredited laboratories or laboratories otherwise approved by WADA. The choice of the WADA- accredited or WADA-approved laboratory used for the Sample analysis shall be determined exclusively by ITTF. 28
  • As provided in Article 5.3.2, facts related to anti-doping rule violations may be established by any reliable means. This would include, for example, reliable laboratory or other forensic testing conducted outside of WADA-accredited or approved
• Purpose of Analysis of Samples and Data

Samples and related analytical data or Doping Control information shall be analysed to detect Prohibited Substances and Prohibited Methods identified on the Prohibited List and other substances as may be directed by WADA pursuant to the monitoring program described in Article 5.4.5 of the Code, or to assist ITTF in profiling relevant parameters in an Athlete’s urine, blood or other matrix, including for DNA or genomic profiling, or for any other legitimate anti-doping purpose.29

 

²⁷ [Comment to Article 5.5.6.1: WADA has developed a protocol and exemption application form that Athletes must use to make such requests, and a decision template that the International Federations must use. Both documents are available on WADA’s website at https://www.wada-ama.org.]

²⁸ [Comment to Article 5.6.1: Violations of Article 5.2.1 may be established only by Sample analysis performed by a WADA-accredited laboratory or another laboratory approved by WADA. Violations of other Articles may be established using analytical results from other laboratories so long as the results are reliable.]

 

²⁹ [Comment to Article 5.6.2: For example, relevant Doping Control-related information could be used to direct Target Testing or to support an anti-doping rule violation proceeding under Article 5.2.2, or both.]

 

 

 

• Research on Samples and Data

Samples, related analytical data and Doping Control information may be used for anti-doping research purposes, although no Sample may be used for research without the Athlete's written consent. Samples and related analytical data or Doping Control information used for research purposes shall first be processed in such a manner as to prevent Samples and related analytical data or Doping Control information being traced back to a particular Athlete. Any research involving Samples and related analytical data or Doping Control information shall adhere to the principles set out in Article 19 of the Code.30

• Standards for Sample Analysis and Reporting

In accordance with Article 6.4 of the Code, ITTF shall ask laboratories to analyse Samples in conformity with the International Standard for Laboratories and Article 4.7 of the International Standard for Testing and Investigations.

Laboratories at their own initiative and expense may analyse Samples for Prohibited Substances or Prohibited Methods not included on the standard Sample analysis menu, or as requested by ITTF. Results from any such analysis shall be reported to ITTF and have the same validity and Consequences as any other analytical result.31

• Further Analysis of a Sample Prior to or During Results Management or Hearing Process

There shall be no limitation on the authority of a laboratory to conduct repeat or additional analysis on a Sample prior to the time ITTF notifies an Athlete that the Sample is the basis for an Article 5.2.1 anti-doping rule violation charge. If after such notification ITTF wishes to conduct additional analysis on that Sample, it may do so with the consent of the Athlete or approval from a hearing body.

• Further Analysis of a Sample After it has been Reported as Negative or has Otherwise not Resulted in an Anti-Doping Rule Violation Charge

After a laboratory has reported a Sample as negative, or the Sample has not otherwise resulted in an anti-doping rule violation charge, it may be stored and subjected to further analyses for the purpose of Article 5.6.2 at any time exclusively at the direction of either the Anti-Doping Organization that initiated and directed Sample collection or WADA. Any other Anti-Doping Organization with authority to test the Athlete that wishes to conduct further analysis on a stored Sample may do so with the permission of the Anti-Doping Organization that initiated and directed Sample collection or WADA, and shall be responsible for any follow-up Results Management. Any Sample storage or further analysis initiated by WADA or another Anti-Doping Organization shall be at WADA’s or that organization's expense. Further analysis of Samples shall conform with the requirements of the International Standard for Laboratories.

 

³⁰ [Comment to Article 5.6.3: As is the case in most medical or scientific contexts, use of Samples and related information for quality assurance, quality improvement, method improvement and development or to establish reference populations is not considered research. Samples and related information used for such permitted non-research purposes must also first be processed in such a manner as to prevent them from being traced back to the particular Athlete, having due regard to the principles set out in Article 19 of the Code, as well as the requirements of the International Standard for Laboratories and International Standard for the Prote ction of Privacy and Personal Information.]

 

³¹  [Comment to Article 5.6.4: The objective of this Article is to extend the principle of “Intelligent Testing” to the Sample analysis menu so as to most effectively and efficiently detect doping. It is recognized that the resources available to fight doping are limited and that increasing the Sample analysis menu may, in some sports and countries, reduce the number of Samples which can be analysed.]

 

• Split of A or B Sample

Where WADA, an Anti-Doping Organization with Results Management authority, and/or a WADA-accredited laboratory (with approval from WADA or the Anti-Doping Organization with Results Management authority) wishes to split an A or B Sample for the purpose of using the first part of the split Sample for an A Sample analysis and the second part of the split Sample for confirmation, then the procedures set forth in the International Standard for Laboratories shall be followed.

• WADA’s Right to Take Possession of Samples and Data

WADA may, in its sole discretion at any time, with or without prior notice, take physical possession of any Sample and related analytical data or information in the possession of a laboratory or Anti-Doping Organization. Upon request by WADA, the laboratory or Anti-Doping Organization in possession of the Sample or data shall immediately grant access to and enable WADA to take physical possession of the Sample or data. If WADA has not provided prior notice to the laboratory or Anti- Doping Organization before taking possession of a Sample or data, it shall provide such notice to the laboratory and each Anti-Doping Organization whose Samples or data have been taken by WADA within a reasonable time after taking possession. After analysis and any investigation of a seized Sample or data, WADA may direct another Anti-Doping Organization with authority to test the Athlete to assume Results Management responsibility for the Sample or data if a potential anti-doping rule violation is discovered.³²

 

ARTICLE 5.7          RESULTS MANAGEMENT: RESPONSIBILITY, INITIAL REVIEW, NOTICE AND PROVISIONAL SUSPENSIONS

Results Management under these Anti-Doping Rules establishes a process designed to resolve anti-doping rule violation matters in a fair, expeditious and efficient manner.

• Responsibility for Conducting Results Management
  • Except as otherwise provided in Articles 5.6.6, 5.6.8 and Code Article 5.7.1, Results Management shall be the responsibility of, and shall be governed by, the procedural rules of the Anti-Doping Organization that initiated and directed Sample collection (or, if no Sample collection is involved, the Anti-Doping Organization which first provides notice to an Athlete or other Person of a potential anti-doping rule violation and then diligently pursues that anti-doping rule violation).
  • In circumstances where the rules of a National Anti-Doping Organization do not give the National Anti-Doping Organization authority over an Athlete or other Person who is not a national, resident, license holder, or member of a sport organization of that country, or the National Anti-Doping Organization declines to exercise such authority, Results Management shall be conducted

 

³² [Comment to Article 5.6.8: Resistance or refusal to WADA taking physical possession of Samples or data could constitute Tampering, Complicity or an act of non-compliance as provided in the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories, and could also constitute a violation of the International Standard for Laboratories. Where necessary, the laboratory and/or the Anti-Doping Organization shall assist WADA in ensuring that the seized Sample or data are not delayed in exiting the applicable country.

 

WADA would not, of course, unilaterally take possession of Samples or analytical data without good cause related to a potential anti- doping rule violation, non-compliance by a Signatory or doping activities by another Person. However, the decision as to whether good cause exists is for WADA to make in its discretion and shall not be subject to challenge. In particular, whether there is good cause or not shall not be a defence against an anti-doping rule violation or its Consequences.]

 

by the applicable International Federation or by a third party with authority over the Athlete or other Person as directed by the rules of the applicable International Federation.

• In the event the Major Event Organization assumes only limited Results Management responsibility relating to a Sample initiated and taken during an Event conducted by a Major Event Organization, or an anti-doping rule violation occurring during such Event, the case shall be referred by the Major Event Organization to the applicable International Federation for completion of Results Management.
• Results Management in relation to a potential whereabouts failure (a filing failure or a missed test) shall be administered by ITTF or the National Anti- Doping Organization with whom the Athlete in question files whereabouts information, as provided in the International Standard for Results Management. If ITTF determines a filing failure or a missed test, it shall submit that information to WADA through ADAMS, where it will be made available to other relevant Anti-Doping Organizations.
• Other circumstances in which ITTF shall take responsibility for conducting Results Management in respect of anti-doping rule violations involving Athletes and other Persons under its authority shall be determined by reference to and in accordance with Article 7 of the Code.
• WADA may direct ITTF to conduct Results Management in particular circumstances. If ITTF refuses to conduct Results Management within a reasonable deadline set by WADA, such refusal shall be considered an act of non-compliance, and WADA may direct another Anti-Doping Organization with authority over the Athlete or other Person, that is willing to do so, to take Results Management responsibility in place of ITTF or, if there is no such Anti- Doping Organization, any other Anti-Doping Organization that is willing to do so. In such case, ITTF shall reimburse the costs and attorney's fees of conducting Results Management to the other Anti-Doping Organization designated by WADA, and a failure to reimburse costs and attorney's fees shall be considered an act of non-compliance.

• Review and Notification Regarding Potential Anti-Doping Rule Violations

ITTF shall carry out the review and notification with respect to any potential anti-doping rule violation in accordance with the International Standard for Results Management.

• Identification of Prior Anti-Doping Rule Violations

Before giving an Athlete or other Person notice of a potential anti-doping rule violation as provided above, ITTF shall refer to ADAMS and contact WADA and other relevant Anti-Doping Organizations to determine whether any prior anti-doping rule violation exists.

• Provisional Suspensions 33
  • Mandatory Provisional Suspension after an Adverse Analytical Finding or

Adverse Passport Finding

 

 

³³ [Comment to Article 5.7.4: Before a Provisional Suspension can be unilaterally imposed by ITTF, the internal review specified in these Anti-Doping Rules and the International Standard for Results Management must first be completed.]

 

If ITTF receives an Adverse Analytical Finding or an Adverse Passport Finding (upon completion of the Adverse Passport Finding review process) for a Prohibited Substance or a Prohibited Method that is not a Specified Substance or a Specified Method, ITTF shall impose a Provisional Suspension on the Athlete promptly upon or after the review and notification required by Article 5.7.2.

A mandatory Provisional Suspension may be eliminated if: (i) the Athlete demonstrates to the CAS Anti-Doping Division (CAS ADD) that the violation is likely to have involved a Contaminated Product, or (ii) the violation involves a Substance of Abuse and the Athlete establishes entitlement to a reduced period of Ineligibility under Article 5.10.2.4.1.

The CAS ADD’s decision not to eliminate a mandatory Provisional Suspension on account of the Athlete’s assertion regarding a Contaminated Product shall not be appealable.

• Optional Provisional Suspension Based on an Adverse Analytical Finding for Specified Substances, Specified Methods, Contaminated Products, or Other Anti-Doping Rule Violations

ITTF may impose a Provisional Suspension for anti-doping rule violations not covered by Article 5.7.4.1 prior to the analysis of the Athlete’s B Sample or final hearing as described in Article 5.8.

An optional Provisional Suspension may be lifted at the discretion of ITTF at any time prior to the CAS ADD’s decision under Article 5.8, unless provided otherwise in the International Standard for Results Management.

• Opportunity for Hearing or Appeal

Notwithstanding Articles 5.7.4.1 and 5.7.4.2, a Provisional Suspension may not be imposed unless the Athlete or other Person is given: (a) an opportunity for a Provisional Hearing, either before or on a timely basis after the imposition of the Provisional Suspension; or (b) an opportunity for an expedited hearing in accordance with Article 5.8 on a timely basis after the imposition of the Provisional Suspension.

The imposition of a Provisional Suspension, or the decision not to impose a Provisional Suspension, may be appealed in an expedited process in accordance with Article 5.13.2.

• Voluntary Acceptance of Provisional Suspension

Athletes on their own initiative may voluntarily accept a Provisional Suspension if done so prior to the later of: (i) the expiration of ten (10) days from the report of the B Sample (or waiver of the B Sample) or ten (10) days from the notice of any other anti-doping rule violation, or (ii) the date on which the Athlete first competes after such report or notice.

Other Persons on their own initiative may voluntarily accept a Provisional Suspension if done so within ten (10) days from the notice of the anti-doping rule violation.

Upon such voluntary acceptance, the Provisional Suspension shall have the full effect and be treated in the same manner as if the Provisional Suspension had been imposed under Article 5.7.4.1 or 5.7.4.2; provided, however, at any

 

time after voluntarily accepting a Provisional Suspension, the Athlete or other Person may withdraw such acceptance, in which event the Athlete or other Person shall not receive any credit for time previously served during the Provisional Suspension.

• If a Provisional Suspension is imposed based on an A Sample Adverse Analytical Finding and a subsequent B Sample analysis (if requested by the Athlete or ITTF) does not confirm the A Sample analysis, then the Athlete shall not be subject to any further Provisional Suspension on account of a violation of Article 5.2.1. In circumstances where the Athlete (or the Athlete's Doubles Pair or Athlete’s team has been removed from an Event based on a violation of Article 5.2.1 and the subsequent B Sample analysis does not confirm the A Sample finding, then, if it is still possible for the Athlete or Doubles Pair or team to be reinserted, without otherwise affecting the Event, the Athlete or Doubles Pair or team may continue to take part in the Event.

• Results Management Decisions

Results Management decisions or adjudications by ITTF must not purport to be limited to a particular geographic area or the ITTF’s sport and shall address and determine without limitation the following issues: (i) whether an anti-doping rule violation was committed or a Provisional Suspension should be imposed, the factual basis for such determination, and the specific Articles that have been violated, and

(ii) all Consequences flowing from the anti-doping rule violation(s), including applicable Disqualifications under Articles 5.9 and 5.10.10, any forfeiture of medals or prizes, any period of Ineligibility (and the date it begins to run) and any Financial Consequences.34

• Notification of Results Management Decisions

ITTF shall notify Athletes, other Persons, Signatories and WADA of Results Management decisions as provided in Article 5.14.2 and in the International Standard for Results Management.

• Retirement from Sport35

If an Athlete or other Person retires while the ITTF’s Results Management process is underway, ITTF retains authority to complete its Results Management process. If an Athlete or other Person retires before any Results Management process has begun, and ITTF would have had Results Management authority over the Athlete or other Person at the time the Athlete or other Person committed an anti-doping rule violation, ITTF has authority to conduct Results Management.

 

 

³⁴ [Comment to Article 5.7.5: Results Management decisions include Provisional Suspensions.

 

Each decision by ITTF should address whether an anti-doping rule violation was committed and all Consequences flowing from the violation, including any Disqualifications other than Disqualification under Article 5.10.1 (which is left to the ruling body for an Event). Pursuant to Article 5.15, such decision and its imposition of Consequences shall have automatic effect in every sport in every country. For example, for a determination that an Athlete committed an anti-doping rule violation based on an Adverse Analytical Finding for a Sample taken In-Competition, the Athlete’s results obtained in the Competition would be Disqualified under Article 5.9 and all other competitive results obtained by the Athlete from the date the Sample was collected through the duration of the period of Ineligibility are also Disqualified under Article 5.10.10; if the Adverse Analytical Finding resulted from Testing at an Event, it would be the Major Event Organization’s responsibility to decide whether the Athlete’s other individual results in the Event prior to Sample collection are also Disqualified under Article 5.10.1.]

 

³⁵ [Comment to Article 5.7.7: Conduct by an Athlete or other Person before the Athlete or other Person was subject to the authority of any Anti-Doping Organization would not constitute an anti-doping rule violation but could be a legitimate basis for denying the Athlete or other Person membership in a sports organization.]

 

 

 

ARTICLE 5.8          RESULTS MANAGEMENT: RIGHT TO A FAIR HEARING AND NOTICE OF HEARING DECISION

For any Person who is asserted to have committed an anti-doping rule violation, ITTF shall provide a fair hearing within a reasonable time by a fair, impartial and Operationally Independent hearing panel in compliance with the Code and the International Standard for Results Management.

• Fair Hearings
  • Fair, Impartial and Operationally Independent Hearing Panel

ITTF has delegated its Article 5.8 responsibilities (first instance hearings, waiver of hearings and decisions) to the CAS Anti-Doping Division (CAS ADD) as an appropriate independent forum. The procedural rules of the arbitration shall be governed by the rules of the CAS ADD. CAS ADD will always ensure that the Athlete or other Person is provided with a fair hearing within a reasonable time by a fair, impartial and Operationally Independent hearing panel in compliance with the Code and the International Standard for Results Management.

• Hearing Process
  • When ITTF sends a notice to an Athlete or other Person notifying them of a potential anti-doping rule violation, and the Athlete or other Person does not waive a hearing in accordance with Article 5.8.3.1 or Article 5.8.3.2, then the case shall be referred to CAS ADD for hearing and adjudication, which shall be conducted in accordance with its procedural rules and the principles described in Articles 8 and 9 of the International Standard for Results Management.
  • Hearings held in connection with Events in respect to Athletes and other Persons who are subject to these Anti-Doping Rules may be conducted by an expedited process where permitted by CAS 36
  • WADA, the Member Association and the National Anti-Doping Organization of the Athlete or other Person may attend the hearing as In any event, ITTF shall keep them fully apprised as to the status of pending cases and the result of all hearings.
• Notice of Decisions
  • At the end of the hearing, or promptly thereafter, CAS ADD shall issue a written decision that conforms with Article 9 of the International Standard for Results Management and which includes the full reasons for the decision, the period of Ineligibility imposed, the Disqualification of results under Article 5.10.10 and, if applicable, a justification for why the greatest potential Consequences were not
  • ITTF shall notify that decision to the Athlete or other Person and to other Anti- Doping Organizations with a right to appeal under Article 5.13.2.3, and shall promptly report it into ADAMS. The decision may be appealed as provided in Article 13.

 

 

³⁶ [Comment to Article 5.8.1.2.4: For example, a hearing could be expedited on the eve of a major Event where the resolution of the anti- doping rule violation is necessary to determine the Athlete's eligibility to participate in the Event, or during an Event where the resolution of the case will affect the validity of the Athlete's results or continued participation in the Event.]

 

 

 

 

• Waiver of Hearing
  • An Athlete or other Person against whom an anti-doping violation is asserted may waive a hearing expressly and agree with the Consequences proposed by
  • However, if the Athlete or other Person against whom an anti-doping rule violation is asserted fails to dispute that assertion within twenty (20) days or the deadline otherwise specified in the notice sent by the ITTF asserting the violation, then they shall be deemed to have waived a hearing, to have admitted the violation, and to have accepted the proposed Consequences.
  • In cases where Article 8.3.1 or 5.8.3.2 applies, a hearing before CAS ADD shall not be required. Instead ITTF shall promptly issue a written decision that conforms with Article 9 of the International Standard for Results Management and which includes the full reasons for the decision, the period of Ineligibility imposed, the Disqualification of results under Article 5.10.10 and, if applicable, a justification for why the greatest potential Consequences were not imposed.
  • ITTF shall notify that decision to the Athlete or other Person and to other Anti- Doping Organizations with a right to appeal under Article 5.13.2.3, and shall promptly report it into ADAMS. ITTF shall Publicly Disclose that decision in accordance with Article 14.3.2.
• Single Hearing Before CAS

Anti-doping rule violations asserted against International-Level Athletes, National- Level Athletes or other Persons may, with the consent of the Athlete or other Person, ITTF (where it has Results Management responsibility in accordance with Article 5.7) and WADA, be heard in a single hearing directly at CAS.37

 

ARTICLE 5.9          AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFICATION OF INDIVIDUAL RESULTS

An anti-doping rule violation in Individual Sports in connection with an In-Competition test automatically leads to Disqualification of the result obtained in that Competition with all resulting Consequences, including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.38

 

ARTICLE 5.10 SANCTIONS ON INDIVIDUALS

• Disqualification of Results in the Event during which an Anti-Doping Rule Violation Occurs

 

 

 

³⁷ [Comment to Article 5.8.4: An Anti-Doping Organization may participate in the CAS hearing as an observer. Nothing set out in Article

5.8.4 precludes the Athlete or other Person and ITTF (where it has Results Management responsibility) to waive their right to appeal by agreement. Such waiver, however, only binds the parties to such agreement and not any other entity with a right of appeal under the Code.]

 

³⁸  [Comment to Article 5.9: For Team Sports, any awards received by individual players will be Disqualified. However, Disqualification  of the team will be as provided in Article 5.11. In sports which are not Team Sports but where awards are given to teams, Disqualification or other disciplinary action against the team when one or more team members have committed an anti-doping rule violation shall be as provided in the applicable rules of the International Federation.]

 

• An anti-doping rule violation occurring during or in connection with an Event may, upon the decision of the ruling body of the Event, lead to Disqualification of all of the Athlete's individual results obtained in that Event with all Consequences, including forfeiture of all medals, points and prizes, except as provided in Article 10.1.2.

Factors to be included in considering whether to Disqualify other results in an Event might include, for example, the seriousness of the Athlete’s anti-doping rule violation and whether the  Athlete tested negative in the  other Competitions.39

• If the Athlete establishes that he or she bears No Fault or Negligence for the violation, the Athlete's individual results in the other Competitions shall not be Disqualified, unless the Athlete's results in Competitions other than the Competition in which the anti-doping rule violation occurred were likely to have been affected by the Athlete's anti-doping rule

• Ineligibility for Presence, Use or Attempted Use, or Possession of a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method

The period of Ineligibility for a violation of Article 5.2.1, 5.2.2 or 5.2.6 shall be as follows, subject to potential elimination, reduction or suspension pursuant to Article 5.10.5, 5.10.6 or 5.10.7:

• The period of Ineligibility, subject to Article 5.10.2.4, shall be four (4) years where:
  • The anti-doping rule violation does not involve a Specified Substance or a Specified Method, unless the Athlete or other Person can establish that the anti-doping rule violation was not 40
  • The anti-doping rule violation involves a Specified Substance or a Specified Method and ITTF can establish that the anti-doping rule violation was intentional.
• If Article 5.10.2.1 does not apply, subject to Article 5.10.2.4.1, the period of

Ineligibility shall be two (2) years.

• As used in Article 5.10.2, the term “intentional” is meant to identify those Athletes or other Persons who engage in conduct which they knew constituted an anti-doping rule violation or knew that there was a significant risk that the conduct might constitute or result in an anti-doping rule violation and manifestly disregarded that An anti-doping rule violation resulting from an Adverse Analytical Finding for a substance which is only prohibited In- Competition shall be rebuttably presumed to be not “intentional” if the substance is a Specified Substance and the Athlete can establish that the Prohibited Substance was Used Out-of-Competition. An anti-doping rule violation resulting from an Adverse Analytical Finding for a substance which is

 

³⁹ [Comment to Article 5.10.1.1: Whereas Article 5.9 Disqualifies the result in a single Competition in which the Athlete tested positive (e.g., the Men’s Singles), this Article may lead to Disqualification of all results in all competitions during the Event (e.g., the World Championships).]

 

⁴⁰ [Comment to Article 5.10.2.1.1: While it is theoretically possible for an Athlete or other Person to establish that the anti-doping rule violation was not intentional without showing how the Prohibited Substance entered one’s system, it is highly unlikely that in a doping case under Article 5.2.1 an Athlete will be successful in proving that the Athlete acted unintentionally without establishing the source of the Prohibited Substance.]

 

only prohibited In-Competition shall not be considered “intentional” if the substance is not a Specified Substance and the Athlete can establish that the Prohibited Substance was Used Out-of-Competition in a context unrelated to sport performance.41

• Notwithstanding any other provision in Article 5.10.2, where the anti-doping rule violation involves a Substance of Abuse:
  • If the Athlete can establish that any ingestion or Use occurred Out-of- Competition and was unrelated to sport performance, then the period of Ineligibility shall be three (3) months Ineligibility.

In addition, the period of Ineligibility calculated under this Article 5.10.2.4.1 may be reduced to one (1) month if the Athlete or other Person satisfactorily completes a Substance of Abuse treatment program approved by ITTF. The period of Ineligibility established in this Article 5.10.2.4.1 is not subject to any reduction based on any provision in Article 5.10.6.42

• If the ingestion, Use or Possession occurred In-Competition, and the Athlete can establish that the context of the ingestion, Use or Possession was unrelated to sport performance, then the ingestion, Use or Possession shall not be considered intentional for purposes of Article 5.10.2.1 and shall not provide a basis for a finding of Aggravating Circumstances under Article 5.10.4.

• Ineligibility for Other Anti-Doping Rule Violations

The period of Ineligibility for anti-doping rule violations other than as provided in Article 5.10.2 shall be as follows, unless Article 5.10.6 or 5.10.7 are applicable:

• For violations of Article 2.3 or 5.2.5, the period of Ineligibility shall be four (4) years except: (i) in the case of failing to submit to Sample collection, if the Athlete can establish that the commission of the anti-doping rule violation was not intentional, the period of Ineligibility shall be two (2) years; (ii) in all other cases, if the Athlete or other Person can establish exceptional circumstances that justify a reduction of the period of Ineligibility, the period of Ineligibility shall be in a range from two (2) years to four (4) years depending on the Athlete or other Person’s degree of Fault; or (iii) in a case involving a Protected Person or Recreational Athlete, the period of Ineligibility shall be in a range between a maximum of two (2) years and, at a minimum, a reprimand and no period of Ineligibility, depending on the Protected Person or Recreational Athlete’s degree of Fault.
• For violations of Article 5.2.4, the period of Ineligibility shall be two (2) years, subject to reduction down to a minimum of one (1) year, depending on the Athlete’s degree of Fault. The flexibility between two (2) years and one (1) year of Ineligibility in this Article is not available to Athletes where a pattern of last- minute whereabouts changes or other conduct raises a serious suspicion that the Athlete was trying to avoid being available for Testing.

 

⁴¹ [Comment to Article 5.10.2.3: Article 5.10.2.3 provides a special definition of “intentional” which is to be applied solely for purposes of Article 5.10.2.]

 

⁴² [Comment to Article 5.10.2.4.1: The determinations as to whether the treatment program is approved and whether the Athlete or other Person has satisfactorily completed the program shall be made in the sole discretion of ITTF. This Article is intended to give ITTF the leeway to apply their own judgment to identify and approve legitimate and reputable, as opposed to “sham”, treatment programs. It is anticipated, however, that the characteristics of legitimate treatment programs may vary widely and change over time such that it would not be practical for WADA to develop mandatory criteria for acceptable treatment programs.]

 

• For violations of Article 5.2.7 or 5.2.8, the period of Ineligibility shall be a minimum of four (4) years up to lifetime Ineligibility, depending on the seriousness of the violation. An Article 5.2.7 or Article 5.2.8 violation involving a Protected Person shall be considered a particularly serious violation and, if committed by Athlete Support Personnel for violations other than for Specified Substances, shall result in lifetime Ineligibility for Athlete Support Personnel. In addition, significant violations of Article 2.7 or 5.2.8 which may also violate non-sporting laws and regulations, shall be reported to the competent administrative, professional or judicial authorities.43
• For violations of Article 5.2.9, the period of Ineligibility imposed shall be a minimum of two (2) years, up to lifetime Ineligibility, depending on the seriousness of the
• For violations of Article 5.2.10, the period of Ineligibility shall be two (2) years, subject to reduction down to a minimum of one (1) year, depending on the Athlete or other Person’s degree of Fault and other circumstances of the case.44
• For violations of Article 5.2.11, the period of Ineligibility shall be a minimum of two (2) years, up to lifetime Ineligibility, depending on the seriousness of the violation by the Athlete or other Person.45

• Aggravating Circumstances which may Increase the Period of Ineligibility

If ITTF establishes in an individual case involving an anti-doping rule violation other than violations under Article 5.2.7 (Trafficking or Attempted Trafficking),

5.2.8 (Administration or Attempted Administration), 5.2.9 (Complicity) or 5.2.11 (Acts by an Athlete or Other Person to Discourage or Retaliate Against Reporting) that Aggravating Circumstances are present which justify the imposition of a period of Ineligibility greater than the standard sanction, then the period of Ineligibility otherwise applicable shall be increased by an additional period of Ineligibility of up to two (2) years depending on the seriousness of the violation and the nature of the Aggravating Circumstances, unless the Athlete or other Person can establish that he or she did not knowingly commit the anti-doping rule violation.46

• Elimination of the Period of Ineligibility where there is No Fault or Negligence

 

 

 

 

 

⁴³ [Comment to Article 5.10.3.3: Those who are involved in doping Athletes or covering up doping should be subject to sanctions which are more severe than the Athletes who test positive. Since the authority of sport organizations is generally limited to Ineligibility for accreditation, membership and other sport benefits, reporting Athlete Support Personnel to competent authorities is an important step in the deterrence of doping.]

 

⁴⁴ [Comment to Article 5.10.3.5: Where the “other Person” referenced in Article 5.2.10 is an entity and not an individual, that entity may be disciplined as provided in Article 5.12.]

 

⁴⁵ [Comment to Article 5.10.3.6: Conduct that is found to violate both Article 5.2.5 (Tampering) and Article 5.2.11 (Acts by an Athlete or Other Person to Discourage or Retaliate Against Reporting to Authorities) shall be sanctioned based on the violation that carries the more severe sanction.]

 

⁴⁶ [Comment to Article 5.10.4: Violations under Articles 5.2.7 (Trafficking or Attempted Trafficking), 5.2.8 (Administration or Attempted Administration), 5.2.9 (Complicity or Attempted Complicity) and 5.2.11 (Acts by an Athlete or Other Person to Discourage or Retaliate Against Reporting to Authorities) are not included in the application of Article 5.10.4 because the sanctions for these violations already build in sufficient discretion up to a lifetime ban to allow consideration of any Aggravating Circumstance.]

 

If an Athlete or other Person establishes in an individual case that he or she bears No Fault or Negligence, then the otherwise applicable period of Ineligibility shall be eliminated.47

• Reduction of the Period of Ineligibility based on No Significant Fault or Negligence
  • Reduction of Sanctions in Particular Circumstances for Violations of Article 5.2.1, 5.2.2 or 2.6.

All reductions under Article 5.10.6.1 are mutually exclusive and not cumulative.

• Specified Substances or Specified Methods

Where the anti-doping rule violation involves a Specified Substance (other than a Substance of Abuse) or Specified Method, and the Athlete or other Person can establish No Significant Fault or Negligence, then the period of Ineligibility shall be, at a minimum, a reprimand and no period of Ineligibility, and at a maximum, two (2) years of Ineligibility, depending on the Athlete’s or other Person’s degree of Fault.

• Contaminated Products

In cases where the Athlete or other Person can establish both No Significant Fault or Negligence and that the detected Prohibited Substance (other than a Substance of Abuse) came from a Contaminated Product, then the period of Ineligibility shall be, at a minimum, a reprimand and no period of Ineligibility, and at a maximum, two (2) years Ineligibility, depending on the Athlete or other Person’s degree of Fault.48

• Protected Persons or Recreational Athletes

Where the anti-doping rule violation not involving a Substance of Abuse is committed by a Protected Person or Recreational Athlete, and the Protected Person or Recreational Athlete can establish No Significant Fault or Negligence, then the period of Ineligibility shall be, at a minimum, a reprimand

 

 

 

⁴⁷ [Comment to Article 5.10.5: This Article and Article 5.10.6.2 apply only to the imposition of sanctions; they are not applicable to the determination of whether an anti-doping rule violation has occurred. They will only apply in exceptional circumstances, for example, where an Athlete could prove that, despite all due care, he or she was sabotaged by a competitor. Conversely, No Fault or Negligence would not apply in the following circumstances: (a) a positive test resulting from a mislabelled or contaminated vitamin or nutritional supplement (Athletes are responsible for what they ingest (Article 5.2.1) and have been warned against the possibility of supplement contamination); (b) the Administration of a Prohibited Substance by the Athlete’s personal physician or trainer without disclosure to the Athlete (Athletes are responsible for their choice of medical personnel and for advising medical personnel that they cannot be given any Prohibited Substance); and (c) sabotage of the Athlete’s food or drink by a spouse, coach or other Person within the Athlete’s circle of associates (Athletes are responsible for what they ingest and for the conduct of those Persons to whom they entrust access to their food and drink). However, depending on the unique facts of a particular case, any of the referenced illustrations could result in a reduced sanction under Article 5.10.6 based on No Significant Fault or Negligence.]

 

⁴⁸ [Comment to Article 5.10.6.1.2: In order to receive the benefit of this Article, the Athlete or other Person must establish not only that the detected Prohibited Substance came from a Contaminated Product, but must also separately establish No Significant Fault or Negligence. It should be further noted that Athletes are on notice that they take nutritional supplements at their own risk. The sanction reduction based on No Significant Fault or Negligence has rarely been applied in Contaminated Product cases unless the Athlete has exercised a high level of caution before taking the Contaminated Product. In assessing whether the Athlete can establish the source of the Prohibited Substance, it would, for example, be significant for purposes of establishing whether the Athlete actually Used the Contaminated Product, whether the Athlete had declared the product which was subsequently determined to be contaminated on the Doping Control form.

 

This Article should not be extended beyond products that have gone through some process of manufacturing. Where an Adverse Analytical Finding results from environment contamination of a “non-product” such as tap water or lake water in circumstances where no reasonable person would expect any risk of an anti-doping rule violation, typically there would be No Fault or Negligence under Article 5.10.5.]

 

and no period of Ineligibility, and at a maximum, two (2) years Ineligibility, depending on the Protected Person or Recreational Athlete’s degree of Fault.

• Application of No Significant Fault or Negligence beyond the Application of Article 5.10.6.1

If an Athlete or other Person establishes in an individual case where Article

5.10.6.1 is not applicable that he or she bears No Significant Fault or Negligence, then, subject to further reduction or elimination as provided in Article 5.10.7, the otherwise applicable period of Ineligibility may be reduced based on the Athlete or other Person’s degree of Fault, but the reduced period of Ineligibility may not be less than one-half of the period of Ineligibility otherwise applicable. If the otherwise applicable period of Ineligibility is a lifetime, the reduced period under this Article may be no less than eight (8) years.⁴⁹

• Elimination, Reduction, or Suspension of Period of Ineligibility or Other

Consequences for Reasons Other than Fault

• Substantial Assistance in Discovering or Establishing Code Violations50
  • ITTF may, prior to an appellate decision under Article 13 or the expiration of the time to appeal, suspend a part of the Consequences (other than Disqualification and mandatory Public Disclosure) imposed in an individual case where the Athlete or other Person has provided Substantial Assistance to an Anti-Doping Organization, criminal authority or professional disciplinary body which results in: (i) the Anti-Doping Organization discovering or bringing forward an anti-doping rule violation by another Person; or (ii) which results in a criminal or disciplinary body discovering or bringing forward a criminal offense or the breach of professional rules committed by another Person and the information provided by the Person providing Substantial Assistance is made available to ITTF or other Anti-Doping Organization with Results Management responsibility; or (iii) which results in WADA initiating a proceeding against a Signatory, WADA-accredited laboratory, or Athlete passport management unit (as defined in the International Standard Laboratories) for non-compliance with the Code, International Standard or Technical Document; or (iv) with the approval by WADA, which results in a criminal or disciplinary body bringing forward a criminal offense or the breach of professional or sport rules arising out of a sport integrity violation other than doping. After an appellate decision under Article 5.13 or the expiration of time to appeal, ITTF may only suspend a part of the otherwise applicable Consequences with the approval of WADA.

The extent to which the otherwise applicable period of Ineligibility may be suspended shall be based on the seriousness of the anti-doping rule violation committed by the Athlete or other Person and the significance of the Substantial Assistance provided by the Athlete or other Person to the effort to eliminate doping in sport, non-compliance with the Code and/or sport integrity violations. No more than three-quarters of the otherwise applicable period of

 

⁴⁹ [Comment to Article 5.10.6.2: Article 5.10.6.2 may be applied to any anti-doping rule violation except those Articles where intent is an element of the anti-doping rule violation (e.g., Article 5.2.5, 5.2.7, 5.2.8, 5.2.9 or 5.2.11) or an element of a particular sanction (e.g., Article 5.10.2.1) or a range of Ineligibility is already provided in an Article based on the Athlete or other Person’s degree of Fault.]

 

⁵⁰ [Comment to Article 5.10.7.1: The cooperation of Athletes, Athlete Support Personnel and other Persons who acknowledge their mistakes and are willing to bring other anti-doping rule violations to light is important to clean sport.]

 

Ineligibility may be suspended. If the otherwise applicable period of Ineligibility is a lifetime, the non-suspended period under this Article must be no less than eight (8) years. For purposes of this paragraph, the otherwise applicable period of Ineligibility shall not include any period of Ineligibility that could be added under Article 5.10.9.3.2 of these Anti-Doping Rules.

If so requested by an Athlete or other Person who seeks to provide Substantial Assistance, ITTF shall allow the Athlete or other Person to provide the information to it subject to a Without Prejudice Agreement.

If the Athlete or other Person fails to continue to cooperate and to provide the complete and credible Substantial Assistance upon which a suspension of Consequences was based, ITTF shall reinstate the original Consequences. If ITTF decides to reinstate suspended Consequences or decides not to reinstate suspended Consequences, that decision may be appealed by any Person entitled to appeal under Article 5.13.

• To further encourage Athletes and other Persons to provide Substantial Assistance to Anti-Doping Organizations, at the request of ITTF or at the request of the Athlete or other Person who has, or has been asserted to have, committed an anti-doping rule violation, or other violation of the Code, WADA may agree at any stage of the Results Management process, including after an appellate decision under Article 5.13, to what it considers to be an appropriate suspension of the otherwise-applicable period of Ineligibility and other Consequences. In exceptional circumstances, WADA may agree to suspensions of the period of Ineligibility and other Consequences for Substantial Assistance greater than those otherwise provided in this Article, or even no period of Ineligibility, no mandatory Public Disclosure and/or no return of prize money or payment of fines or WADA’s approval shall be subject to reinstatement of Consequences, as otherwise provided in this Article. Notwithstanding Article 5.13, WADA’s decisions in the context of this Article
• may not be
• If ITTF suspends any part of an otherwise applicable sanction because of Substantial Assistance, then notice providing justification for the decision shall be provided to the other Anti-Doping Organizations with a right to appeal under Article 5.13.2.3 as provided in Article 5.14.2. In unique circumstances where WADA determines that it would be in the best interest of anti-doping, WADA may authorize ITTF to enter into appropriate confidentiality agreements limiting or delaying the disclosure of the Substantial Assistance agreement or the nature of Substantial Assistance being

• Admission of an Anti-Doping Rule Violation in the Absence of Other Evidence

Where an Athlete or other Person voluntarily admits the commission of an anti- doping rule violation before having received notice of a Sample collection which could establish an anti-doping rule violation (or, in the case of an anti- doping rule violation other than Article 5.2.1, before receiving first notice of the admitted violation pursuant to Article 5.7) and that admission is the only reliable evidence of the violation at the time of admission, then the period of Ineligibility may be reduced, but not below one-half of the period of Ineligibility otherwise applicable.51

 

⁵¹ [Comment to Article 5.10.7.2: This Article is intended to apply when an Athlete or other Person comes forward and admits to an anti- doping rule violation in circumstances where no Anti-Doping Organization is aware that an anti-doping rule violation might have been

 

 

 

• Application of Multiple Grounds for Reduction of a Sanction

Where an Athlete or other Person establishes entitlement to reduction in sanction under more than one provision of Article 5.10.5, 5.10.6 or 5.10.7, before applying any reduction or suspension under Article 5.10.7, the otherwise applicable period of Ineligibility shall be determined in accordance with Articles 5.10.2, 5.10.3, 5.10.5, and 5.10.6. If the Athlete or other Person establishes entitlement to a reduction or suspension of the period of Ineligibility under Article 5.10.7, then the period of Ineligibility may be reduced or suspended, but not below one-fourth of the otherwise applicable period of Ineligibility.

• Results Management Agreements
  • One (1) Year Reduction for Certain Anti-Doping Rule Violations Based on Early Admission and Acceptance of Sanction

Where an Athlete or other Person, after being notified by ITTF of a potential anti-doping rule violation that carries an asserted period of Ineligibility of four

(4) or more years (including any period of Ineligibility asserted under Article 5.10.4), admits the violation and accepts the asserted period of Ineligibility no later than twenty (20) days after receiving notice of an anti-doping rule violation charge, the Athlete or other Person may receive a one (1) year reduction in the period of Ineligibility asserted by ITTF. Where the Athlete or other Person receives the one (1) year reduction in the asserted period of Ineligibility under this Article 5.10.8.1, no further reduction in the asserted period of Ineligibility shall be allowed under any other Article.52

• Case Resolution Agreement

Where the Athlete or other Person admits an anti-doping rule violation after being confronted with the anti-doping rule violation by ITTF and agrees to Consequences acceptable to ITTF and WADA, at their sole discretion, then:

(a) the Athlete or other Person may receive a reduction in the period of Ineligibility based on an assessment by ITTF and WADA of the application of Articles 5.10.1 through 5.10.7 to the asserted anti-doping rule violation, the seriousness of the violation, the Athlete or other Person’s degree of Fault and how promptly the Athlete or other Person admitted the violation; and (b) the period of Ineligibility may start as early as the date of Sample collection or the date on which another anti-doping rule violation last occurred. In each case, however, where this Article is applied, the Athlete or other Person shall serve at least one-half of the agreed-upon period of Ineligibility going forward from the earlier of the date the Athlete or other Person accepted the imposition of a sanction or a Provisional Suspension which was subsequently respected by the Athlete or other Person. The decision by WADA and ITTF to enter or not enter into a case resolution agreement, and the amount of the reduction to,

 

committed. It is not intended to apply to circumstances where the admission occurs after the Athlete or other Person believes he or she is about to be caught. The amount by which Ineligibility is reduced should be based on the likelihood that the Athlete or other Person would have been caught had he or she not come forward voluntarily.]

 

⁵² [Comment to Article 5.10.8.1: For example, if ITTF alleges that an Athlete has violated Article 5.2.1 for Use of an anabolic steroid and asserts the applicable period of Ineligibility is four (4) years, then the Athlete may unilaterally reduce the period of Ineligibility to three

• years by admitting the violation and accepting the three (3) year period of Ineligibility within the time specified in this Article, with no further reduction allowed. This resolves the case without any need for a ]

 

and the starting date of, the period of Ineligibility are not matters for determination or review by a hearing body and are not subject to appeal under Article 5.13.

If so requested by an Athlete or other Person who seeks to enter into a case resolution agreement under this Article, ITTF shall allow the Athlete or other Person to discuss an admission of the anti-doping rule violation with it subject to a Without Prejudice Agreement.53

• Multiple Violations
  • Second or Third Anti-Doping Rule Violation
    • For an Athlete or other Person’s second anti-doping rule violation, the period of Ineligibility shall be the greater of:
      • A six (6) month period of Ineligibility; or
      • A period of Ineligibility in the range between:
    • the sum of the period of Ineligibility imposed for the first anti-doping rule violation plus the period of Ineligibility otherwise applicable to the second anti-doping rule violation treated as if it were a first violation, and
    • twice the period of Ineligibility otherwise applicable to the second anti- doping rule violation treated as if it were a first

The period of Ineligibility within this range shall be determined based on the entirety of the circumstances and the Athlete or other Person’s degree of Fault with respect to the second violation.

• A third anti-doping rule violation will always result in a lifetime period of Ineligibility, except if the third violation fulfils the condition for elimination or reduction of the period of Ineligibility under Article 10.5 or 5.10.6, or involves a violation of Article 5.2.4. In these particular cases, the period of Ineligibility shall be from eight (8) years to lifetime Ineligibility.
• The period of Ineligibility established in Articles 10.9.1.1 and 5.10.9.1.2 may then be further reduced by the application of Article 5.10.7.

• An anti-doping rule violation for which an Athlete or other Person has established No Fault or Negligence shall not be considered a violation for purposes of this Article 5.10.9. In addition, an anti-doping rule violation sanctioned under Article 5.10.2.4.1 shall not be considered a violation for purposes of Article 10.9.
• Additional Rules for Certain Potential Multiple Violations
  • For purposes of imposing sanctions under Article 5.10.9, except as provided in Articles 5.10.9.3.2 and 5.10.9.3.3, an anti-doping rule violation will only be considered a second violation if ITTF can establish that the Athlete or other Person committed the additional anti-doping rule violation after the Athlete or other Person received notice pursuant to Article 5.7, or after ITTF made reasonable efforts to give notice of the first anti-doping rule violation. If ITTF cannot establish this, the violations shall be considered together as one single first violation, and the sanction imposed shall be based on the violation that

 

⁵³ [Comment to Article 5.10.8: Any mitigating or aggravating factors set forth in this Article 5.10 shall be considered in arriving at the Consequences set forth in the case resolution agreement, and shall not be applicable beyond the terms of that agreement.]

 

carries the more severe sanction, including the application of Aggravating Circumstances. Results in all Competitions dating back to the earlier anti- doping rule violation will be Disqualified as provided in Article 5.10.10.54

• If ITTF establishes that an Athlete or other Person committed an additional anti-doping rule violation prior to notification, and that the additional violation occurred twelve (12) months or more before or after the first-noticed violation, then the period of Ineligibility for the additional violation shall be calculated as if the additional violation were a stand-alone first violation and this period of Ineligibility is served consecutively, rather than concurrently, with the period of Ineligibility imposed for the earlier-noticed Where this Article
• applies, the violations taken together shall constitute a single violation for purposes of Article 10.9.1.
• If ITTF establishes that an Athlete or other Person committed a violation of Article 5.2.5 in connection with the Doping Control process for an underlying asserted anti-doping rule violation, the violation of Article 2.5 shall be treated as a stand-alone first violation and the period of Ineligibility for such violation shall be served consecutively, rather than concurrently, with the period of Ineligibility, if any, imposed for the underlying anti-doping rule violation. Where this Article 5.10.9.3.3 is applied, the violations taken together shall constitute a single violation for purposes of Article 5.10.9.1.
• If ITTF establishes that a Person has committed a second or third anti-doping rule violation during a period of Ineligibility, the periods of Ineligibility for the multiple violations shall run consecutively, rather than

• Multiple Anti-Doping Rule Violations during Ten (10) Year Period

For purposes of Article 5.10.9, each anti-doping rule violation must take place within the same ten (10) year period in order to be considered multiple violations.

• Disqualification of Results in Competitions Subsequent to Sample Collection or Commission of an Anti-Doping Rule Violation

In addition to the automatic Disqualification of the results in the Competition which produced the positive Sample under Article 5.9, all other competitive results of the Athlete obtained from the date a positive Sample was collected (whether In-Competition or Out-of-Competition), or other anti-doping rule violation occurred, through the commencement of any Provisional Suspension or Ineligibility period, shall, unless fairness requires otherwise, be Disqualified with all of the resulting Consequences including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes.55

• Forfeited Prize Money

If ITTF recovers prize money forfeited as a result of an anti-doping rule violation, it shall take reasonable measures to allocate and distribute this prize

 

 

⁵⁴ [Comment to Article 5.10.9.3.1: The same rule applies where, after the imposition of a sanction, ITTF discovers facts involving an anti- doping rule violation that occurred prior to notification for a first anti-doping rule violation – e.g., ITTF shall impose a sanction based on the sanction that could have been imposed if the two (2) violations had been adjudicated at the same time, including the application of Aggravating Circumstances.]

 

⁵⁵ [Comment to Article 5.10.10: Nothing in these Anti-Doping Rules precludes clean Athletes or other Persons who have been damaged by the actions of a Person who has committed an anti-doping rule violation from pursuing any right which they would otherwise have to seek damages from such Person.]

 

money to the Athletes who would have been entitled to it had the forfeiting

Athlete not competed.56

• Financial Consequences
  • Where an Athlete or other Person commits an anti-doping rule violation, ITTF may, in its discretion and subject to the principle of proportionality, elect to (a) recover from the Athlete or other Person costs associated with the anti-doping rule violation, regardless of the period of Ineligibility imposed and/or (b) fine the Athlete or other Person in an amount up to two thousand (2,000.00) U.S. Dollars, only in cases where the maximum period of Ineligibility otherwise applicable has already been
  • The imposition of a financial sanction or the ITTF's recovery of costs shall not be considered a basis for reducing the Ineligibility or other sanction which would otherwise be applicable under these Anti-Doping
• Commencement of Ineligibility Period

Where an Athlete is already serving a period of Ineligibility for an anti-doping rule violation, any new period of Ineligibility shall commence on the first day after the current period of Ineligibility has been served. Otherwise, except as provided below, the period of Ineligibility shall start on the date of the final hearing decision providing for Ineligibility or, if the hearing is waived or there is no hearing, on the date Ineligibility is accepted or otherwise imposed.

• Delays Not Attributable to the Athlete or other Person

Where there have been substantial delays in the hearing process or other aspects of Doping Control, and the Athlete or other Person can establish that such delays are not attributable to the Athlete or other Person, ITTF or CAS ADD, if applicable, may start the period of Ineligibility at an earlier date commencing as early as the date of Sample collection or the date on which another anti-doping rule violation last occurred. All competitive results achieved during the period of Ineligibility, including retroactive Ineligibility, shall be Disqualified.57

• Credit for Provisional Suspension or Period of Ineligibility Served
  • If a Provisional Suspension is respected by the Athlete or other Person, then the Athlete or other Person shall receive a credit for such period of Provisional Suspension against any period of Ineligibility which may ultimately be imposed. If the Athlete or other Person does not respect a Provisional Suspension, then the Athlete or other Person shall receive no credit for any period of Provisional Suspension If a period of Ineligibility is served pursuant to a decision that is subsequently appealed, then the Athlete or other Person shall receive a credit for such period of Ineligibility served against any period of Ineligibility which may ultimately be imposed on appeal.

 

 

⁵⁶ [Comment to Article 5.10.11: This Article is not intended to impose an affirmative duty on ITTF to take any action to collect forfeited prize money. If ITTF elects not to take any action to collect forfeited prize money, it may assign its right to recover such money to the Athlete(s) who should have otherwise received the money. “Reasonable measures to allocate and distribute this prize money” could include using collected forfeited prize money as agreed upon by ITTF and its Athletes.]

⁵⁷ [Comment to Article 5.10.13.1: In cases of anti-doping rule violations other than under Article 5.2.1, the time required for an Anti- Doping Organization to discover and develop facts sufficient to establish an anti-doping rule violation may be lengthy, particularly where the Athlete or other Person has taken affirmative action to avoid detection. In these circumstances, the flexibility provided in this Article to start the sanction at an earlier date should not be used.]

 

• If an Athlete or other Person voluntarily accepts a Provisional Suspension in writing from ITTF and thereafter respects the Provisional Suspension, the Athlete or other Person shall receive a credit for such period of voluntary Provisional Suspension against any period of Ineligibility which may ultimately be imposed. A copy of the Athlete or other Person’s voluntary acceptance of a Provisional Suspension shall be provided promptly to each party entitled to receive notice of an asserted anti-doping rule violation under Article 14.1.58
• No credit against a period of Ineligibility shall be given for any time period before the effective date of the Provisional Suspension or voluntary Provisional Suspension regardless of whether the Athlete elected not to compete or was suspended by a

• Status During Ineligibility or Provisional Suspension
  • Prohibition Against Participation During Ineligibility or Provisional Suspension

No Athlete or other Person who has been declared Ineligible or is subject to a Provisional Suspension may, during a period of Ineligibility or Provisional Suspension, participate in any capacity in a Competition or activity (other than authorized anti-doping Education or rehabilitation programs) authorized or organized by any Signatory, Signatory's member organization, or a club or other member organization of a Signatory’s member organization, or in Competitions authorized or organized by any professional league or any international- or national-level Event organization or any elite or national-level sporting activity funded by a governmental agency.

An Athlete or other Person subject to a period of Ineligibility longer than four

• years may, after completing four (4) years of the period of Ineligibility, participate as an Athlete in local sport events not sanctioned or otherwise under the authority of a Code Signatory or member of a Code Signatory, but only so long as the local sport event is not at a level that could otherwise qualify such Athlete or other Person directly or indirectly to compete in (or accumulate points toward) a national championship or International Event, and does not involve the Athlete or other Person working in any capacity with Protected Persons.

An Athlete or other Person subject to a period of Ineligibility shall remain subject to Testing and any requirement by ITTF to provide whereabouts information.59

 

 

 

 

 

⁵⁸ [Comment to Article 5.10.13.2.2: An Athlete’s voluntary acceptance of a Provisional Suspension is not an admission by the Athlete and shall not be used in any way to draw an adverse inference against the Athlete.]

 

⁵⁹ [Comment to Article 5.10.14.1: For example, subject to Article 5.10.14.2 below, Ineligible Athletes cannot participate in a training camp, exhibition or practice organized by their Member Association or a club which is a member of that Member Association or which is funded by a governmental agency. Further, an Ineligible Athlete may not compete in a non-Signatory professional league, Events organized by a non-Signatory International Event organization or a non-Signatory national-level Event organization without triggering the Consequences set forth in Article 5.10.14.3. The term “activity” also includes, for example, administrative activities, such as serving as an official, director, officer, employee, or volunteer of the organization described in this Article. Ineligibility imposed in one sport shall also be recognized by other sports (see Article 5.15.1, Automatic Binding Effect of Decisions). An Athlete or other Person serving a period of Ineligibility is prohibited from coaching or serving as an Athlete Support Person in any other capacity at any time during the period of Ineligibility, and doing so could also result in a violation of Article 5.2.10 by another Athlete. Any performance standard accomplished during a period of Ineligibility shall not be recognized by ITTF or its Member Associations for any purpose.]

 

• Return to Training

As an exception to Article 5.10.14.1, an Athlete may return to train with a team or to use the facilities of a club or other member organization of ITTF’s or other Signatory’s member organization during the shorter of: (1) the last two months of the Athlete’s period of Ineligibility, or (2) the last one-quarter of the period of Ineligibility imposed.60

• Violation of the Prohibition of Participation During Ineligibility or Provisional Suspension

Where an Athlete or other Person who has been declared Ineligible violates the prohibition against participation during Ineligibility described in Article 5.10.14.1, the results of such participation shall be Disqualified and a new period of Ineligibility equal in length to the original period of Ineligibility shall be added to the end of the original period of Ineligibility. The new period of Ineligibility, including a reprimand and no period of Ineligibility, may be adjusted based on the Athlete or other Person’s degree of Fault and other circumstances of the case. The determination of whether an Athlete or other Person has violated the prohibition against participation, and whether an adjustment is appropriate, shall be made by the Anti-Doping Organization whose Results Management led to the imposition of the initial period of Ineligibility. This decision may be appealed under Article 5.13.

An Athlete or other Person who violates the prohibition against participation during a Provisional Suspension described in Article 5.10.14.1 shall receive no credit for any period of Provisional Suspension served and the results of such participation shall be Disqualified.

Where an Athlete Support Person or other Person assists a Person in violating the prohibition against participation during Ineligibility or a Provisional Suspension, ITTF shall impose sanctions for a violation of Article

5.2.9 for such assistance.

• Withholding of Financial Support during Ineligibility

In addition, for any anti-doping rule violation not involving a reduced sanction as described in Article 5.10.5 or 5.10.6, some or all sport-related financial support or other sport-related benefits received by such Person will be withheld by ITTF and its Member Associations.

• Automatic Publication of Sanction

A mandatory part of each sanction shall include automatic publication, as provided in Article 5.14.3.

 

ARTICLE 5.11 CONSEQUENCES TO TEAMS

• Testing of Teams

Where one (1) member of a team or Doubles Pair (outside of Team Sports) has been notified of an anti-doping rule violation under Article 5.7 in connection with an Event,

 

 

⁶⁰ [Comment to Article 5.10.14.2: In many Team Sports and some individual sports, Athletes cannot effectively train on their own so as to be ready to compete at the end of the Athlete’s period of Ineligibility. During the training period described in this Article, an Ineligible Athlete may not compete or engage in any activity described in Article 5.10.14.1 other than training.]

 

the ruling body for the Event shall conduct appropriate Target Testing of all members of the team during the Event Period.

• Consequences for Teams
  • An anti-doping rule violation committed by a member of a team or Doubles Pair in connection with an In-Competition test automatically leads to Disqualification of the result obtained by the team in that Competition, with all resulting Consequences for the team or Doubles Pair and its members, including forfeiture of any medals, points and
  • An anti-doping rule violation committed by a member of a team or Doubles Pair occurring during or in connection with an Event may lead to Disqualification of all of the results obtained by the team or Doubles Pair in that Event with all Consequences for the team or Doubles Pair and its members, including forfeiture of all medals, points and prizes, except as provided in Article 11.2.3.
  • Where an Athlete who is a member of a team or Doubles Pair committed an anti-doping rule violation during or in connection with one (1) Competition in an Event, if the other member(s) of the team or Doubles Pair establish(es) that he or she/they bear(s) No Fault or Negligence for that violation, the results of the team or Doubles Pair in any other Competition(s) in that Event shall not be Disqualified unless the results of the team or Doubles Pair in the Competition(s) other than the Competition in which the anti-doping rule violation occurred were likely to have been affected by the Athlete's anti- doping rule

 

ARTICLE 5.12        SANCTIONS BY ITTF AGAINST OTHER SPORTING BODIES

When ITTF becomes aware that a Member Association or any other sporting body over which it has authority has failed to comply with, implement, uphold, and enforce these Anti- Doping Rules within that organization’s or body’s area of competence, ITTF has the authority and may take the following additional disciplinary actions:

• Exclude all, or some group of, members of that organization or body from specified future Events or all Events conducted within a specified period of
• Take additional disciplinary actions with respect to that organization’s or body’s recognition, the eligibility of their members to participate in ITTF’s activities, and/or fine that organization or body based on the following:
  • Four (4) or more violations of these Anti-Doping Rules (other than violations involving Article 5.2.4) are committed by Athletes or other Persons affiliated with that organization or body during a twelve (12) month period. In such event: (a) all or some group of members of that organization or body may be banned from participation in any ITTF activities for a period of up to two (2) years and/or (b) that organization or body may be fined in an amount up to fifty thousand (50,000.00) U.S.
  • Four (4) or more violations of these Anti-Doping Rules (other than violations involving Article 5.2.4) are committed in addition to the violations described in Article 12.2.1 by Athletes or other Persons affiliated with that organization or body during a twelve (12) month period. In such event, that organization or body may be suspended for a period of up to four (4) years.

 

• More than one Athlete or other Person affiliated with that organization or body commits an anti-doping rule violation during an International Event. In such event, that organization or body may be fined in an amount up to twenty thousand (20,000.00) U.S.
• That organization or body has failed to make diligent efforts to keep ITTF informed about an Athlete's whereabouts after receiving a request for that information from ITTF. In such event, that organization or body may be fined in an amount up to five thousand (5,000.00) U.S. Dollars per Athlete, in addition to reimbursement of all of the ITTF costs incurred in Testing that organization’s or body’s Athletes.

• Withhold some or all funding or other financial and non-financial support to that organization or
• Oblige that organization or body to reimburse ITTF for all costs (including but not limited to laboratory fees, hearing expenses and travel) related to a violation of these Anti-Doping Rules committed by an Athlete or other Person affiliated with that organization or

 

ARTICLE 5.13        RESULTS MANAGEMENT: APPEALS 61

• Decisions Subject to Appeal

Decisions made under the Code or these Anti-Doping Rules may be appealed as set forth below in Articles 5.13.2 through 5.13.7 or as otherwise provided in these Anti-Doping Rules, the Code or the International Standards. Such decisions shall remain in effect while under appeal unless the appellate body orders otherwise.

• Scope of Review Not Limited

The scope of review on appeal includes all issues relevant to the matter and is expressly not limited to the issues or scope of review before the initial decision maker. Any party to the appeal may submit evidence, legal arguments and claims that were not raised in the first instance hearing so long as they arise from the same cause of action or same general facts or circumstances raised or addressed in the first instance hearing.62

• CAS Shall Not Defer to the Findings Being Appealed

In making its decision, CAS shall not give deference to the discretion exercised by the body whose decision is being appealed.⁶³

• WADA Not Required to Exhaust Internal Remedies

 

 

⁶¹ [Comment to Article 5.13: The object of the Code is to have anti-doping matters resolved through fair and transparent internal processes with a final appeal. Anti-doping decisions by Anti-Doping Organizations are made transparent in Article 5.14. Specified Persons and organizations, including WADA, are then given the opportunity to appeal those decisions. Note that the definition of interested Persons and organizations with a right to appeal under Article 5.13 does not include Athletes, or their federation s, who might benefit from having another competitor Disqualified.]

 

⁶² [Comment to Article 5.13.1.1: The revised language is not intended to make a substantive change to the 2015 Code, but rather for clarification. For example, where an Athlete was charged in the first instance hearing only with Tampering but the same conduct could also constitute Complicity, an appealing party could pursue both Tampering and Complicity charges against the Athlete in the appeal.]

 

⁶³ [Comment to Article 5.13.1.2: CAS proceedings are de novo. Prior proceedings do not limit the evidence or carry weight in the hearing before CAS.]

 

Where WADA has a right to appeal under Article 5.13 and no other party has appealed a final decision within ITTF’s process, WADA may appeal such decision directly to CAS without having to exhaust other remedies in ITTF’s process.64

• Appeals from Decisions Regarding Anti-Doping Rule Violations, Consequences, Provisional Suspensions, Implementation of Decisions and Authority

A decision that an anti-doping rule violation was committed, a decision imposing Consequences or not imposing Consequences for an anti-doping rule violation, or a decision that no anti-doping rule violation was committed; a decision that an anti- doping rule violation proceeding cannot go forward for procedural reasons (including, for example, prescription); a decision by WADA not to grant an exception to the six

(6) months’ notice requirement for a retired Athlete to return to competition under Article 5.5.6.1; a decision by WADA assigning Results Management under Article

5.7.1 of the Code; a decision by ITTF not to bring forward an Adverse Analytical Finding or an Atypical Finding as an anti-doping rule violation, or a decision not to go forward with an anti-doping rule violation after an investigation in accordance with the International Standard for Results Management; a decision to impose, or lift, a Provisional Suspension as a result of a Provisional Hearing; ITTF’s failure to comply with Article 5.7.4; a decision that ITTF lacks authority to rule on an alleged anti-doping rule violation or its Consequences; a decision to suspend, or not suspend, Consequences or to reinstate, or not reinstate, Consequences under Article 5.10.7.1; failure to comply with Articles 5.7.1.4 and 5.7.1.5 of the Code; failure to comply with Article 5.10.8.1; a decision under Article 5.10.14.3; a decision by ITTF not to implement another Anti-Doping Organization’s decision under Article 5.15; and a decision under Article 27.3 of the Code may be appealed exclusively as provided in this Article 5.13.2.

• Appeals Involving International-Level Athletes or International Events

In cases arising from participation in an International Event or in cases involving International-Level Athletes, the decision may be appealed exclusively to CAS.65

• Appeals Involving Other Athletes or Other Persons

In cases where Article 5.13.2.1 is not applicable, the decision may be appealed to an appellate body, in accordance with rules adopted by the National Anti- Doping Organization having authority over the Athlete or other Person.

The rules for such appeal shall respect the following principles: a timely hearing; a fair, impartial, Operationally Independent and Institutionally Independent hearing panel; the right to be represented by counsel at the Person's own expense; and a timely, written, reasoned decision.

If no such body as described above is in place and available at the time of the appeal, the decision may be appealed to CAS in accordance with the applicable procedural rules.

• Persons Entitled to Appeal

 

⁶⁴ [Comment to Article 5.13.1.3: Where a decision has been rendered before the final stage of ITTF’s process (for example, a first hearing) and no party elects to appeal that decision to the next level of ITTF’s process (e.g., the Managing Board), then WADA may bypass the remaining steps in ITTF’s internal process and appeal directly to CAS.]

 

⁶⁵ [Comment to Article 5.13.2.1: CAS decisions are final and binding except for any review required by law applicable to the annulment or enforcement of arbitral awards.]

 

• Appeals Involving International-Level Athletes or International Events

In cases under Article 5.13.2.1, the following parties shall have the right to appeal to CAS: (a) the Athlete or other Person who is the subject of the decision being appealed; (b) the other party to the case in which the decision was rendered; (c) ITTF; (d) the National Anti-Doping Organization of the Person’s country of residence or countries where the Person is a national or license holder; (e) the International Olympic Committee or International Paralympic Committee, as applicable, where the decision may have an effect in relation to the Olympic Games or Paralympic Games, including decisions affecting eligibility for the Olympic Games or Paralympic Games; and (f) WADA.

• Appeals Involving Other Athletes or Other Persons

In cases under Article 5.13.2.2, the parties having the right to appeal to the national-level appeal body shall be as provided in the National Anti-Doping Organization's rules but, at a minimum, shall include the following parties:

• the Athlete or other Person who is the subject of the decision being appealed; (b) the other party to the case in which the decision was rendered;

(c) ITTF; (d) the National Anti-Doping Organization of the Person’s country of residence or countries where the Person is a national or license holder; (e) the International Olympic Committee or International Paralympic Committee, as applicable, where the decision may have an effect in relation to the Olympic Games or Paralympic Games, including decisions affecting eligibility for the Olympic Games or Paralympic Games; and (f) WADA.

For cases under Article 5.13.2.2, WADA, the International Olympic Committee, the International Paralympic Committee, and ITTF shall also have the right to appeal to CAS with respect to the decision of the national-level appeal body.

Any party filing an appeal shall be entitled to assistance from CAS to obtain all relevant information from the Anti-Doping Organization whose decision is being appealed and the information shall be provided if CAS so directs.

• Duty to Notify

All parties to any CAS appeal must ensure that WADA and all other parties with a right to appeal have been given timely notice of the appeal.

• Appeal from Imposition of Provisional Suspension

Notwithstanding any other provision herein, the only Person who may appeal from the imposition of a Provisional Suspension is the Athlete or other Person upon whom the Provisional Suspension is imposed.

• Appeal from Decisions under Article 12

Decisions by ITTF pursuant to Article 5.12 may be appealed exclusively to

CAS by the Member Association or other body.

• Cross Appeals and other Subsequent Appeals Allowed

Cross appeals and other subsequent appeals by any respondent named in cases brought to CAS under the Code are specifically permitted. Any party with

 

a right to appeal under this Article 5.13 must file a cross appeal or subsequent appeal at the latest with the party’s answer.66

• Failure to Render a Timely Decision by ITTF

Where, in a particular case, ITTF fails to render a decision with respect to whether an anti-doping rule violation was committed within a reasonable deadline set by WADA, WADA may elect to appeal directly to CAS as if ITTF had rendered a decision finding no anti-doping rule violation. If the CAS hearing panel determines that an anti-doping rule violation was committed and that WADA acted reasonably in electing to appeal directly to CAS, then WADA’s costs and attorney fees in prosecuting the appeal shall be reimbursed to WADA by ITTF.67

• Appeals Relating to TUEs

TUE decisions may be appealed exclusively as provided in Article 5.4.4.

• Notification of Appeal Decisions

ITTF shall promptly provide the appeal decision to the Athlete or other Person and to the other Anti-Doping Organizations that would have been entitled to appeal under Article 5.13.2.3 as provided under Article 5.14.2.

• Time for Filing Appeals68
  • Appeals to CAS

The time to file an appeal to CAS shall be twenty-one (21) days from the date of receipt of the decision by the appealing party. The above notwithstanding, the following shall apply in connection with appeals filed by a party entitled to appeal, but which was not a party to the proceedings that led to the decision being appealed:

• Within fifteen (15) days from the notice of the decision, such party/ies shall have the right to request a copy of the full case file pertaining to the decision from the Anti-Doping Organization that had Results Management authority;
• If such a request is made within the fifteen (15) day period, then the party making such request shall have twenty-one (21) days from receipt of the file to file an appeal to CAS.

The above notwithstanding, the filing deadline for an appeal filed by WADA

shall be the later of:

• Twenty-one (21) days after the last day on which any other party having a right to appeal could have appealed, or

 

 

⁶⁶ [Comment to Article 5.13.2.4: This provision is necessary because since 2011, CAS rules no longer permit an Athlete the right to cross appeal when an Anti-Doping Organization appeals a decision after the Athlete’s time for appeal has expired. This provision permits a full hearing for all parties.]

 

⁶⁷ [Comment to Article 5.13.3: Given the different circumstances of each anti-doping rule violation investigation and Results Management process, it is not feasible to establish a fixed time period for ITTF to render a decision before WADA may intervene by appealing directly to CAS. Before taking such action, however, WADA will consult with ITTF and give ITTF an opportunity to explain why it has not yet rendered a decision.]

 

⁶⁸ [Comment to Article 5.13.6: Whether governed by CAS rules or these Anti-Doping Rules, a party’s deadline to appeal does not begin running until receipt of the decision. For that reason, there can be no expiration of a party's right to appeal if the party has not received the decision.]

 

• Twenty-one (21) days after WADA’s receipt of the complete file relating to the
  • Appeals Under Article 13.2.2

The time to file an appeal to an independent and impartial body in accordance with rules established by the National Anti-Doping Organization shall be indicated by the same rules of the National Anti-Doping Organization.

The above notwithstanding, the filing deadline for an appeal filed by WADA

shall be the later of:

• Twenty-one (21) days after the last day on which any other party having a right to appeal could have appealed, or
• Twenty-one (21) days after WADA’s receipt of the complete file relating to the

ARTICLE 5.14        CONFIDENTIALITY AND REPORTING

• Information Concerning Adverse Analytical Findings, Atypical Findings, and Other Asserted Anti-Doping Rule Violations
  • Notice of Anti-Doping Rule Violations to Athletes and other Persons

 

Notice to Athletes or other Persons of anti-doping rule violations asserted against them shall occur as provided under Articles 5.7 and 5.14.

If at any point during Results Management up until the anti-doping rule violation charge, ITTF decides not to move forward with a matter, it must notify the Athlete or other Person, (provided that the Athlete or other Person had been already informed of the ongoing Results Management).

Notice shall be delivered or emailed to Athletes or other Persons. Athletes and other Persons shall be deemed to be validly notified if any notifications or notices under these Anti-Doping Rules are delivered to their Member Association. It shall be the responsibility of the Member Association to notify the Athlete or other Person. If the notification takes place via a Member Association, the Member Association shall confirm to the ITTF that they have delivered the notification to the Athlete or other Person.

• Notice of Anti-Doping Rule Violations to National Anti-Doping Organizations

and WADA

Notice of the assertion of an anti-doping rule violation to the Athlete’s or other Person’s National Anti-Doping Organization and WADA shall occur as provided under Articles 5.7 and 5.14, simultaneously with the notice to the Athlete or other Person.

If at any point during Results Management up until the anti-doping rule violation charge, ITTF decides not to move forward with a matter, it must give notice (with reasons) to the Anti-Doping Organizations with a right of appeal under Article 5.13.2.3.

Notice shall be delivered or emailed.

• Content of an Anti-Doping Rule Violation Notice

 

Notification of an anti-doping rule violation shall include: the Athlete's or other Person’s name, country, sport and discipline within the sport, the Athlete’s competitive level, whether the test was In-Competition or Out-of-Competition, the date of Sample collection, the analytical result reported by the laboratory, and other information as required by the International Standard for Testing and Investigations and International Standard for Results Management.

Notification of anti-doping rule violations other than under Article 5.2.1 shall also include the rule violated and the basis of the asserted violation.

• Status Reports

Except with respect to investigations which have not resulted in a notice of an anti-doping rule violation pursuant to Article 5.14.1.1, the Athlete’s or other Person’s National Anti-Doping Organization and WADA shall be regularly updated on the status and findings of any review or proceedings conducted pursuant to Article 5.7, 5.8 or 5.13 and shall be provided with a prompt written reasoned explanation or decision explaining the resolution of the matter.

• Confidentiality

The recipient organizations shall not disclose this information beyond those Persons with a need to know (which would include the appropriate personnel at the applicable National Olympic Committee, Member Association, until ITTF has made Public Disclosure as permitted by Article 5.14.3.

• Protection of Confidential Information by an Employee or Agent of the ITTF

ITTF shall ensure that information concerning Adverse Analytical Findings, Atypical Findings, and other asserted anti-doping rule violations remains confidential until such information is Publicly Disclosed in accordance with Article 5.14.3. ITTF shall ensure that its employees (whether permanent or otherwise), contractors, agents, consultants, and Delegated Third Parties are subject to fully enforceable contractual duty of confidentiality and to fully enforceable procedures for the investigation and disciplining of improper and/or unauthorized disclosure of such confidential information.

• Notice of Anti-Doping Rule Violation or violations of Ineligibility or Provisional Suspension Decisions and Request for Files
  • Anti-doping rule violation decisions or decisions related to violations of Ineligibility or Provisional Suspension rendered pursuant to Article 7.6, 5.8.2, 5.10.5, 5.10.6, 5.10.7, 5.10.14.3 or 5.13.5 shall include the full reasons for the decision, including, if applicable, a justification for why the maximum potential sanction was not imposed. Where the decision is not in English or French, ITTF shall provide an English or French summary of the decision and the supporting reasons.
  • An Anti-Doping Organization having a right to appeal a decision received pursuant to Article 5.14.2.1 may, within fifteen (15) days of receipt, request a copy of the full case file pertaining to the
• Public Disclosure
  • After notice has been provided to the Athlete or other Person in accordance with the International Standard for Results Management, and to the applicable Anti-Doping Organizations in accordance with Article 5.14.1.2, the identity of

 

any Athlete or other Person who is notified of a potential anti-doping rule violation, the Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method and the nature of the violation involved, and whether the Athlete or other Person is subject to a Provisional Suspension may be Publicly Disclosed by ITTF.

• No later than twenty (20) days after it has been determined in an appellate decision under Article 5.13.2.1 or 5.13.2.2, or such appeal has been waived, or a hearing in accordance with Article 5.8 has been waived, or the assertion of an anti-doping rule violation has not otherwise been timely challenged, or the matter has been resolved under Article 5.10.8, or a new period of Ineligibility, or reprimand, has been imposed under Article 5.10.14.3, ITTF must Publicly Disclose the disposition of the anti-doping matter, including the sport, the anti-doping rule violated, the name of the Athlete or other Person committing the violation, the Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method involved (if any) and the Consequences ITTF must also Publicly Disclose within twenty (20) days the results of appellate decisions concerning anti-doping rule violations, including the information described above.69
• After an anti-doping rule violation has been determined to have been committed in an appellate decision under Article 5.13.2.1 or 5.13.2.2 or such appeal has been waived, or in a hearing in accordance with Article 5.8 or where such hearing has been waived, or the assertion of an anti-doping rule violation has not otherwise been timely challenged, or the matter has been resolved under Article 5.10.8, ITTF may make public such determination or decision and may comment publicly on the
• In any case where it is determined, after a hearing or appeal, that the Athlete or other Person did not commit an anti-doping rule violation, the fact that the decision has been appealed may be Publicly Disclosed. However, the decision itself and the underlying facts may not be Publicly Disclosed except with the consent of the Athlete or other Person who is the subject of the ITTF shall use reasonable efforts to obtain such consent, and if consent is obtained, shall Publicly Disclose the decision in its entirety or in such redacted form as the Athlete or other Person may approve.
• Publication shall be accomplished at a minimum by placing the required information on the ITTF’s website and leaving the information up for the longer of one (1) month or the duration of any period of Ineligibility.
• Except as provided in Articles 5.14.3.1 and 5.14.3.3, no Anti-Doping Organization, Member Association, or WADA-accredited laboratory, or any official of any such body, shall publicly comment on the specific facts of any pending case (as opposed to general description of process and science) except in response to public comments attributed to, or based on information provided by, the Athlete, other Person or their entourage or other representatives.
• The mandatory Public Disclosure required in Article 5.14.3.2 shall not be required where the Athlete or other Person who has been found to have committed an anti-doping rule violation is a Minor, Protected Person or

 

⁶⁹      [Comment to Article 5.14.3.2: Where Public Disclosure as required by Article 5.14.3.2 would result in a breach of other applicable laws, ITTF’s failure to make the Public Disclosure will not result in a determination of non-compliance with Code as set forth in Article

4.1 of the International Standard for the Protection of Privacy and Personal Information.]

 

Recreational Athlete. Any optional Public Disclosure in a case involving a Minor, Protected Person or Recreational Athlete shall be proportionate to the facts and circumstances of the case.

• Statistical Reporting

ITTF shall, at least annually, publish publicly a general statistical report of its Doping Control activities, with a copy provided to WADA. ITTF may also publish reports showing the name of each Athlete tested and the date of each Testing.

• Doping Control Information Database and Monitoring of Compliance

To enable WADA to perform its compliance monitoring role and to ensure the effective use of resources and sharing of applicable Doping Control information among Anti-Doping Organizations, ITTF shall report to WADA through ADAMS Doping Control-related information, including, in particular:

• Athlete Biological Passport data for International-Level Athletes and

National-Level Athletes,

• Whereabouts information for Athletes including those in Registered Testing Pools,
• TUE decisions, and
• Results Management decisions,

as required under the applicable International Standard(s).

• To facilitate coordinated test distribution planning, avoid unnecessary duplication in Testing by various Anti-Doping Organizations, and to ensure that Athlete Biological Passport profiles are updated, ITTF shall report all In- Competition and Out-of-Competition tests to WADA by entering the Doping Control forms into ADAMS in accordance with the requirements and timelines contained in the International Standard for Testing and
• To facilitate WADA’s oversight and appeal rights for TUEs, ITTF shall report all TUE applications, decisions and supporting documentation using ADAMS in accordance with the requirements and timelines contained in the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions.
• To facilitate WADA’s oversight and appeal rights for Results Management, ITTF shall report the following information into ADAMS in accordance with the requirements and timelines outlined in the International Standard for Results Management: (a) notifications of anti-doping rule violations and related decisions for Adverse Analytical Findings; (b) notifications and related decisions for other anti-doping rule violations that are not Adverse Analytical Findings; (c) whereabouts failures; and (d) any decision imposing, lifting or reinstating a Provisional Suspension.
• The information described in this Article will be made accessible, where appropriate and in accordance with the applicable rules, to the Athlete, the Athlete’s National Anti-Doping Organization, and any other Anti-Doping Organizations with Testing authority over the Athlete.

• Data Privacy

 

• ITTF may collect, store, process or disclose personal information relating to Athletes and other Persons where necessary and appropriate to conduct its Anti-Doping Activities under the Code, the International Standards (including specifically the International Standard for the Protection of Privacy and Personal Information), these Anti-Doping Rules, and in compliance with applicable
• Without limiting the foregoing, ITTF shall:
  • Only process personal information in accordance with a valid legal ground;
  • Notify any Participant or Person subject to these Anti-Doping Rules, in a manner and form that complies with applicable laws and the International Standard for the Protection of Privacy and Personal Information, that their personal information may be processed by ITTF and other Persons for the purpose of the implementation of these Anti-Doping Rules;
  • Ensure that any third-party agents (including any Delegated Third Party) with whom ITTF shares the personal information of any Participant or Person is subject to appropriate technical and contractual controls to protect the confidentiality and privacy of such
• Means of Notice
  • Any notice given under these Anti-Doping Rules shall be deemed to have been duly given as follows:
    • if delivered personally by hand against receipt, on the date of delivery;
    • if sent by registered post with acknowledgment of receipt or equivalent, on the date mentioned on the receipt (in accordance with local law);
    • if sent by email, on the day after the email is sent, provided that ITTF must first ensure that the email address known for the recipient (Athlete or other Person) is valid and current, such as by verifying that it is the email address directly provided by the Athlete or other Person (e.g. through the DCF related to the Sample that is the subject of the notification or any other recent correspondence), or via the Athlete or other Person’s member federation. ITTF shall also request a delivery receipt when sending the email and, if possible, and depending on the recipient email, a “read receipt”.

 

ARTICLE 5.15        IMPLEMENTATION OF DECISIONS

• Automatic Binding Effect of Decisions by Signatory Anti-Doping Organizations
  • A decision of an anti-doping rule violation made by a Signatory Anti-Doping Organization, an appellate body (Article 2.2 of the Code) or CAS shall, after the parties to the proceeding are notified, automatically be binding beyond the parties to the proceeding upon ITTF and its Member Associations, as well as every Signatory in every sport with the effects described below:
    • A decision by any of the above-described bodies imposing a Provisional Suspension (after a Provisional Hearing has occurred or the Athlete or other Person has either accepted the Provisional Suspension or has waived the right to a Provisional Hearing, expedited hearing or expedited appeal offered in

 

accordance with Article 5.7.4.3) automatically prohibits the Athlete or other Person from participation (as described in Article 5.10.14.1) in all sports within the authority of any Signatory during the Provisional Suspension.

• A decision by any of the above-described bodies imposing a period of Ineligibility (after a hearing has occurred or been waived) automatically prohibits the Athlete or other Person from participation (as described in Article 5.10.14.1) in all sports within the authority of any Signatory for the period of Ineligibility.
• A decision by any of the above-described bodies accepting an anti-doping rule violation automatically binds all Signatories.
• A decision by any of the above-described bodies to Disqualify results under Article 5.10.10 for a specified period automatically Disqualifies all results obtained within the authority of any Signatory during the specified

• ITTF and its Member Associations shall recognize and implement a decision and its effects as required by Article 5.15.1.1, without any further action required, on the earlier of the date ITTF receives actual notice of the decision or the date the decision is placed into ADAMS.
• A decision by an Anti-Doping Organization, a national appellate body or CAS to suspend, or lift, Consequences shall be binding upon ITTF and its Member Associations without any further action required, on the earlier of the date ITTF receives actual notice of the decision or the date the decision is placed into ADAMS.
• Notwithstanding any provision in Article 5.15.1.1, however, a decision of an anti-doping rule violation by a Major Event Organization made in an expedited process during an Event shall not be binding on ITTF or its Member Associations unless the rules of the Major Event Organization provide the Athlete or other Person with an opportunity to an appeal under non-expedited procedures.70

• Implementation of Other Decisions by Anti-Doping Organizations

ITTF and its Member Associations may decide to implement other anti-doping decisions rendered by Anti-Doping Organizations not described in Article

5.15.1.1 above, such as a Provisional Suspension prior to a Provisional Hearing or acceptance by the Athlete or other Person.71

5.15.3 Implementation of Decisions by Body that is not a Signatory

 

 

 

⁷⁰ [Comment to Article 5.15.1.4: By way of example, where the rules of the Major Event Organization give the Athlete or other Person the option of choosing an expedited CAS appeal or a CAS appeal under normal CAS procedure, the final decision or adjudication by the Major Event Organization is binding on other Signatories regardless of whether the Athlete or other Person chooses the expedited appeal option.]

 

⁷¹ [Comment to Articles 5.15.1 and 5.15.2: Anti-Doping Organization decisions under Article 5.15.1 are implemented automatically by other Signatories without the requirement of any decision or further action on the Signatories’ part. For example, when a National Anti- Doping Organization decides to Provisionally Suspend an Athlete, that decision is given automatic effect at the International Federation level. To be clear, the “decision” is the one made by the National Anti-Doping Organization, there is not a separate decision to be made by the International Federation. Thus, any claim by the Athlete that the Provisional Suspension was improperly imposed can only be asserted against the National Anti-Doping Organization. Implementation of Anti-Doping Organizations’ decisions under Article

5.15.2 is subject to each Signatory’s discretion. A Signatory’s implementation of a decision under Article 5.15.1 or Article 5.15.2 is not appealable separately from any appeal of the underlying decision. The extent of recognition of TUE decisions of other Anti-Doping Organizations shall be determined by Article 5.4.4 and the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions.]

 

An anti-doping decision by a body that is not a Signatory to the Code shall be implemented by ITTF and its Member Associations, if ITTF finds that the decision purports to be within the authority of that body and the anti-doping rules of that body are otherwise consistent with the Code.72

 

ARTICLE 5.16 STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS

No anti-doping rule violation proceeding may be commenced against an Athlete or other Person unless he or she has been notified of the anti-doping rule violation as provided in Article 5.7, or notification has been reasonably attempted, within ten (10) years from the date the violation is asserted to have occurred.

 

ARTICLE 5.17 EDUCATION

ITTF shall plan, implement, evaluate and promote Education in line with the requirements of Article 18.2 of the Code and the International Standard for Education.

ITTF may decide to request that Athletes to complete Educational activities before and/or during their participation in select Event (e.g.: World Youth Championships) as a condition of such participation. The list of Events for which Athletes will be required to complete Educational activities as a condition of participation will be published on ITTF’s website.

Failure by the Athlete to complete Educational activities as requested by ITTF may result in the imposition of sanction under ITTF's disciplinary rules, unless the Athlete provides to ITTF a justification for such failure, which shall be assessed by ITTF on a case-by-case basis.

 

ARTICLE 5.18         ADDITIONAL  ROLES  AND                                                 RESPONSIBILITIES  OF                                            MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

• All Member Associations and their members shall comply with the Code, International Standards, and these Anti-Doping Rules. All Member Associations and other members shall include in their policies, rules and programs the provisions necessary to ensure that ITTF may enforce these Anti-Doping Rules (including carrying out Testing) directly in respect of Athletes (including National-Level Athletes) and other Persons under their anti-doping authority as specified in the Introduction to these Anti-Doping Rules (Section “Scope of these Anti- Doping Rules”).
• Each Member Association shall incorporate these Anti-Doping Rules either directly or by reference into its governing documents, constitution and/or rules as part of the rules of sport that bind their members so that the Member Association may enforce them itself directly in respect of Athletes (including National-Level Athletes) and other Persons under

 

 

⁷² [Comment to Article 5.15.3: Where the decision of a body that has not accepted the Code is in some respects Code compliant and in other respects not Code compliant, ITTF, other Signatories and Member Associations should attempt to apply the decision in harmony with the principles of the Code. For example, if in a process consistent with the Code a non-Signatory has found an Athlete to have committed an anti-doping rule violation on account of the presence of a Prohibited Substance in the Athlete’s body but the period of Ineligibility applied is shorter than the period provided for in the Code, then ITTF and all other Signatories should recognize the finding of an anti-doping rule violation and the Athlete’s National Anti-Doping Organization should conduct a hearing consistent with Article

5.8 to determine whether the longer period of Ineligibility provided in the Code should be imposed. ITTF or other Signatory’s implementation of a decision, or their decision not to implement a decision under Article 5.15.3, is appealable under Article 5.13.]

 

its anti-doping authority.

• By adopting these Anti-Doping Rules and incorporating them into their governing documents and rules of sport, Member Associations shall cooperate with and support ITTF in that function. They shall also recognize, abide by and implement the decisions made pursuant to these Anti-Doping Rules, including the decisions imposing sanctions on Persons under their
• All Member Associations shall take appropriate action to enforce compliance with the Code, International Standards, and these Anti- Doping Rules by inter alia:
  • conducting Testing only under the documented authority of ITTF and using their National Anti-Doping Organization or other Sample collection authority to collect Samples in compliance with the International Standard for Testing and Investigations;
  • recognizing the authority of the National Anti-Doping Organization in their country in accordance with Article 5.2.1 of the Code and assisting as appropriate with the National Anti-Doping Organization’s implementation of the national Testing program for their sport;
  • analysing all Samples collected using a WADA-accredited or WADA- approved laboratory in accordance with Article 5.6.1; and
  • ensuring that any national level anti-doping rule violation cases discovered by Member Associations are adjudicated by an Operationally Independent hearing panel in accordance with Article 5.8.1 and the International Standard for Results Management.
• All Member Associations shall establish rules requiring all Athletes preparing for or participating in a Competition or activity authorized or organized by a Member Association or one of its member organizations, and all Athlete Support Personnel associated with such Athletes, to agree to be bound by these Anti-Doping Rules and to submit to the Results Management authority of the Anti-Doping Organization in conformity with the Code as a condition of such
• All Member Associations shall report any information suggesting or relating to an anti- doping rule violation to ITTF and to their National Anti-Doping Organizations and shall cooperate with investigations conducted by any Anti-Doping Organization with authority to conduct the
• All Member Associations shall have disciplinary rules in place to prevent Athlete Support Personnel who are Using Prohibited Substances or Prohibited Methods without valid justification from providing support to Athletes under the authority of ITTF or the Member Association.
• All Member Associations shall conduct anti-doping Education in coordination with their National Anti-Doping Organizations.

 

ARTICLE 5.19        ADDITIONAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF ITTF

• In addition to the roles and responsibilities described in Article 20.3 of the Code for International Federations, ITTF shall report to WADA on ITTF’s compliance with the

 

Code and the International Standards in accordance with Article 24.1.2 of the Code.

• Subject to applicable law, and in accordance with Article 3.4 of the Code, all ITTF board members, directors, officers, employees and those of appointed Delegated Third Parties who are involved in any aspect of Doping Control, must sign a form provided by ITTF, agreeing to be bound by these Anti-Doping Rules as Persons in conformity with the Code for direct and intentional misconduct.
• Subject to applicable law, and in accordance with Article 3.5 of the Code, any ITTF employee who is involved in Doping Control (other than authorized anti-doping Education or rehabilitation programs) must sign a statement provided by ITTF confirming that they are not Provisionally Suspended or serving a period of Ineligibility and have not been directly or intentionally engaged in conduct within the previous six

(6) years which would have constituted a violation of anti-doping rules if Code- compliant rules had been applicable to them.

 

ARTICLE 5.20        ADDITIONAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF ATHLETES

• To be knowledgeable of and comply with these Anti-Doping
• To be available for Sample collection at all 73
• To take responsibility, in the context of anti-doping, for what they ingest and Use.
• To inform medical personnel of their obligation not to Use Prohibited Substances and Prohibited Methods and to take responsibility to make sure that any medical treatment received does not violate these Anti-Doping
• To disclose to ITTF and their National Anti-Doping Organization any decision by a non-Signatory finding that the Athlete committed an anti-doping rule violation within the previous ten (10)
• To cooperate with Anti-Doping Organizations investigating anti-doping rule Failure by any Athlete to cooperate in full with Anti-Doping Organizations

investigating anti-doping rule violations may result in a charge of misconduct under

ITTF's disciplinary rules.

• To disclose the identity of their Athlete Support Personnel upon request by ITTF or a Member Association, or any other Anti-Doping Organization with authority over the Athlete.
• Offensive conduct towards a Doping Control official or other Person involved in Doping Control by an Athlete, which does not otherwise constitute Tampering, may result in a charge of misconduct under ITTF's disciplinary

 

ARTICLE 5.21         ADDITIONAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF ATHLETE SUPPORT PERSONNEL

• To be knowledgeable of and comply with these Anti-Doping
• To cooperate with the Athlete Testing
• To use their influence on Athlete values and behaviour to foster anti-doping

 

⁷³ [Comment to Article 5.20.2: With due regard to an Athlete’s human rights and privacy, legitimate anti-doping considerations sometimes require Sample collection late at night or early in the morning. For example, it is known that some Athletes Use low doses of EPO during these hours so that it will be undetectable in the morning.]

 

• To disclose to ITTF and their National Anti-Doping Organization any decision by a non-Signatory finding that they committed an anti-doping rule violation within the previous ten (10)
• To cooperate with Anti-Doping Organizations investigating anti-doping rule

Failure by any Athlete Support Personnel to cooperate in full with Anti-Doping Organizations investigating anti-doping rule violations may result in a charge of misconduct under ITTF's disciplinary rules.

• Athlete Support Personnel shall not Use or Possess any Prohibited Substance or

Prohibited Method without valid justification.

Any such Use or Possession may result in a charge of misconduct under ITTF's disciplinary rules.

• Offensive conduct towards a Doping Control official or other Person involved in Doping Control by Athlete Support Personnel, which does not otherwise constitute Tampering, may result in a charge of misconduct under ITTF's disciplinary

 

ARTICLE 5.22        ADDITIONAL    ROLES    AND                               RESPONSIBILITIES        OF      OTHER

PERSONS SUBJECT TO THESE ANTI-DOPING RULES

• To be knowledgeable of and comply with these Anti-Doping
• To disclose to ITTF and their National Anti-Doping Organization any decision by a non-Signatory finding that they committed an anti-doping rule violation within the previous ten (10)
• To cooperate with Anti-Doping Organizations investigating anti-doping rule

Failure by any other Person subject to these Anti-Doping Rules to cooperate in full with Anti-Doping Organizations investigating anti-doping rule violations may result in a charge of misconduct under ITTF's disciplinary rules.

• Not to Use or Possess any Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method without valid justification.
• Offensive conduct towards a Doping Control official or other Person involved in Doping Control by a Person, which does not otherwise constitute Tampering, may result in a charge of misconduct under ITTF's disciplinary

 

ARTICLE 5.23        INTERPRETATION OF THE CODE

• The official text of the Code shall be maintained by WADA and shall be published in English and French. In the event of any conflict between the English and French versions, the English version shall
• The comments annotating various provisions of the Code shall be used to interpret the Code.
• The Code shall be interpreted as an independent and autonomous text and not by reference to the existing law or statutes of the Signatories or
• The headings used for the various Parts and Articles of the Code are for convenience only and shall not be deemed part of the substance of the Code or to affect in any way the language of the provisions to which they

 

• Where the term “days” is used in the Code or an International Standard, it shall mean calendar days unless otherwise
• The Code shall not apply retroactively to matters pending before the date the Code is accepted by a Signatory and implemented in its rules. However, pre-Code anti- doping rule violations would continue to count as "First violations" or "Second violations" for purposes of determining sanctions under Article 5.10 for subsequent post-Code
• The Purpose, Scope and Organization of the World Anti-Doping Program and the Code and Appendix 1, Definitions, and Appendix 2, Examples of the Application of Article 10, shall be considered integral parts of the Code.

 

ARTICLE 5.24        FINAL PROVISIONS

• Where the term “days” is used in these Anti-Doping Rules, it shall mean calendar days unless otherwise
• These Anti-Doping Rules shall be interpreted as an independent and autonomous text and not by reference to existing law or
• These Anti-Doping Rules have been adopted pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Code and the International Standards and shall be interpreted in a manner that is consistent with applicable provisions of the Code and the International Standards. The Code and the International Standards shall be considered integral parts of these Anti-Doping Rules and shall prevail in case of
• The Introduction and Appendix 1 shall be considered integral parts of these Anti- Doping
• The comments annotating various provisions of these Anti-Doping Rules shall be used to interpret these Anti-Doping
• These Anti-Doping Rules shall enter into force on 1 January 2021 (the “Effective Date”). They repeal previous versions of ITTF’s Anti-Doping
• These Anti-Doping Rules shall not apply retroactively to matters pending before the Effective Date. However:
  • Anti-doping rule violations taking place prior to the Effective Date count as "first violations" or "second violations" for purposes of determining sanctions under Article 5.10 for violations taking place after the Effective
  • Any anti-doping rule violation case which is pending as of the Effective Date and any anti-doping rule violation case brought after the Effective Date based on an anti-doping rule violation which occurred prior to the Effective Date, shall be governed by the substantive anti-doping rules in effect at the time the alleged anti-doping rule violation occurred, and not by the substantive anti- doping rules set out in these Anti-Doping Rules, unless the panel hearing the case determines the principle of “lex mitior” appropriately applies under the circumstances of the case. For these purposes, the retrospective periods in which prior violations can be considered for purposes of multiple violations under Article 5.10.9.4 and the statute of limitations set forth in Article 5.16 are procedural rules, not substantive rules, and should be applied retroactively along with all of the other procedural rules in these Anti-Doping Rules

 

(provided, however, that Article 5.16 shall only be applied retroactively if the statute of limitation period has not already expired by the Effective Date).

• Any Article 2.4 whereabouts failure (whether a filing failure or a missed test, as those terms are defined in the International Standard for Results Management) prior to the Effective Date shall be carried forward and may be relied upon, prior to expiry, in accordance with the International Standard for Results Management, but it shall be deemed to have expired twelve (12) months after it occurred.
• With respect to cases where a final decision finding an anti-doping rule violation has been rendered prior to the Effective Date, but the Athlete or other Person is still serving the period of Ineligibility as of the Effective Date, the Athlete or other Person may apply to ITTF or other Anti-Doping Organization which had Results Management responsibility for the anti-doping rule violation to consider a reduction in the period of Ineligibility in light of these Anti-Doping Rules. Such application must be made before the period of Ineligibility has expired. The decision rendered may be appealed pursuant to Article 5.13.2. These Anti-Doping Rules shall have no application to any case where a final decision finding an anti-doping rule violation has been rendered and the period of Ineligibility has
• For purposes of assessing the period of Ineligibility for a second violation under Article 10.9.1, where the sanction for the first violation was determined based on rules in force prior to the Effective Date, the period of Ineligibility which would have been assessed for that first violation had these Anti-Doping Rules been applicable, shall be applied.74
• Changes to the Prohibited List and Technical Documents relating to substances or methods on the Prohibited List shall not, unless they specifically provide otherwise, be applied retroactively. As an exception, however, when a Prohibited Substance or a Prohibited Method has been removed from the Prohibited List, an Athlete or other Person currently serving a period of Ineligibility on account of the formerly Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method may apply to ITTF or other Anti-Doping Organization which had Results Management responsibility for the anti-doping rule violation to consider a reduction in the period of Ineligibility in light of the removal of the substance or method from the Prohibited List.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

⁷⁴ [Comment to Article 5.24.7.5: Other than the situation described in Article 5.24.7.5, where a final decision finding an anti-doping rule violation has been rendered prior to the Effective Date and the period of Ineligibility imposed has been completely served, these Anti- Doping Rules may not be used to re-characterize the prior violation.]

 

APPENDIX 1: DEFINITIONS75

 

ADAMS: The Anti-Doping Administration and Management System is a Web-based database management tool for data entry, storage, sharing, and reporting designed to assist stakeholders and WADA in their anti-doping operations in conjunction with data protection legislation.

 

Administration: Providing, supplying, supervising, facilitating, or otherwise participating in the Use or Attempted Use by another Person of a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method. However, this definition shall not include the actions of bona fide medical personnel involving a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method used for genuine and legal therapeutic purposes or other acceptable justification and shall not include actions involving Prohibited Substances which are not prohibited in Out-of-Competition Testing unless the circumstances as a whole demonstrate that such Prohibited Substances are not intended for genuine and legal therapeutic purposes or are intended to enhance sport performance.

 

Adverse Analytical Finding: A report from a WADA-accredited laboratory or other WADA- approved laboratory that, consistent with the International Standard for Laboratories, establishes in a Sample the presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers or evidence of the Use of a Prohibited Method.

 

Adverse Passport Finding: A report identified as an Adverse Passport Finding as described in the applicable International Standards.

 

Aggravating Circumstances: Circumstances involving, or actions by, an Athlete or other Person which may justify the imposition of a period of Ineligibility greater than the standard sanction. Such circumstances and actions shall include, but are not limited to: the Athlete or other Person Used or Possessed multiple Prohibited Substances or Prohibited Methods, Used or Possessed a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method on multiple occasions or committed multiple other anti-doping rule violations; a normal individual would be likely to enjoy the performance-enhancing effects of the anti-doping rule violation(s) beyond the otherwise applicable period of Ineligibility; the Athlete or Person engaged in deceptive or obstructive conduct to avoid the detection or adjudication of an anti-doping rule violation; or the Athlete or other Person engaged in Tampering during Results Management. For the avoidance of doubt, the examples of circumstances and conduct described herein are not exclusive and other similar circumstances or conduct may also justify the imposition of a longer period of Ineligibility.

 

Anti-Doping Activities: Anti-doping Education and information, test distribution planning, maintenance of a Registered Testing Pool, managing Athlete Biological Passports, conducting Testing, organizing analysis of Samples, gathering of intelligence and conduct of investigations, processing of TUE applications, Results Management, monitoring and enforcing compliance with any Consequences imposed, and all other activities related to anti-doping to be carried out by or on behalf of an Anti-Doping Organization, as set out in the Code and/or the International Standards.

 

Anti-Doping Organization: WADA or a Signatory that is responsible for adopting rules for initiating, implementing or enforcing any part of the Doping Control process. This includes,

 

75 [Comment to Definitions: Defined terms shall include their plural and possessive forms, as well as those terms used as other parts of speech.]

 

for example, the International Olympic Committee, the International Paralympic Committee, other Major Event Organizations that conduct Testing at their Events, International Federations, and National Anti-Doping Organizations.

 

Athlete: Any Person who competes in sport at the international level (as defined by each International Federation) or the national level (as defined by each National Anti-Doping Organization). An Anti-Doping Organization has discretion to apply anti-doping rules to an Athlete who is neither an International-Level Athlete nor a National-Level Athlete, and thus to bring them within the definition of “Athlete”. In relation to Athletes who are neither International-Level nor National-Level Athletes, an Anti-Doping Organization may elect to: conduct limited Testing or no Testing at all; analyse Samples for less than the full menu of Prohibited Substances; require limited or no whereabouts information; or not require advance TUEs. However, if an Article 5.2.1, 5.2.3 or 5.2.5 anti-doping rule violation is committed by any Athlete over whom an Anti-Doping Organization has elected to exercise its authority to test and who competes below the international or national level, then the Consequences set forth in the Code must be applied. For purposes of Article 5.2.8 and Article 5.2.9 and for purposes of anti-doping information and Education, any Person who participates in sport under the authority of any Signatory, government, or other sports organization accepting the Code is an Athlete.76

 

Athlete Biological Passport: The program and methods of gathering and collating data as described in the International Standard for Testing and Investigations and International Standard for Laboratories.

 

Athlete Support Personnel: Any coach, trainer, manager, agent, team staff, official, medical, paramedical personnel, parent or any other Person working with, treating or assisting an Athlete participating in or preparing for sports Competition.

 

Attempt: Purposely engaging in conduct that constitutes a substantial step in a course of conduct planned to culminate in the commission of an anti-doping rule violation. Provided, however, there shall be no anti-doping rule violation based solely on an Attempt to commit a violation if the Person renounces the Attempt prior to it being discovered by a third party not involved in the Attempt.

 

Atypical Finding: A report from a WADA-accredited laboratory or other WADA-approved laboratory which requires further investigation as provided by the International Standard for Laboratories or related Technical Documents prior to the determination of an Adverse Analytical Finding.

 

Atypical Passport Finding: A report described as an Atypical Passport Finding as described in the applicable International Standards.

 

CAS: The Court of Arbitration for Sport.

 

Code: The World Anti-Doping Code.

 

 

76 [Comment to Athlete: Individuals who participate in sport may fall in one of five categories: 1) International-Level Athlete, 2) National- Level Athlete, 3) individuals who are not International- or National-Level Athletes but over whom the International Federation or National Anti-Doping Organization has chosen to exercise authority, 4) Recreational Athlete, and 5) individuals over whom no International Federation or National Anti-Doping Organization has, or has chosen to, exercise authority. All International- and National- Level Athletes are subject to the anti-doping rules of the Code, with the precise definitions of international and national level sport to be set forth in the anti-doping rules of the International Federations and National Anti-Doping Organizations.]

 

 

Competition: A single race, match, game or singular sport contest. For example, a basketball game or the finals of the Olympic 100-meter race in athletics. For stage races and other sport contests where prizes are awarded on a daily or other interim basis the distinction between a Competition and an Event will be as provided in the rules of ITTF. A Competition is an event for Singles, Doubles Pairs or Teams.

 

Continental and Regional Federations: Groups of ITTF Member Associations recognized by the ITTF to which the ITTF can delegate the organization of certain Continental or Regional events.

 

Consequences of Anti-Doping Rule Violations (“Consequences”): An Athlete's or other Person's violation of an anti-doping rule may result in one or more of the following: (a) Disqualification means the Athlete’s results in a particular Competition or Event are invalidated, with all resulting Consequences including forfeiture of any medals, points and prizes; (b) Ineligibility means the Athlete or other Person is barred on account of an anti- doping rule violation for a specified period of time from participating in any Competition or other activity or funding as provided in Article 5.10.14; (c) Provisional Suspension means the Athlete or other Person is barred temporarily from participating in any Competition or activity prior to the final decision at a hearing conducted under Article 5.8; (d) Financial Consequences means a financial sanction imposed for an anti-doping rule violation or to recover costs associated with an anti-doping rule violation; and (e) Public Disclosure means the dissemination or distribution of information to the general public or Persons beyond those Persons entitled to earlier notification in accordance with Article 5.14. Teams in Team Sports may also be subject to Consequences as provided in Article 5.11.

 

Contaminated Product: A product that contains a Prohibited Substance that is not disclosed on the product label or in information available in a reasonable Internet search.

 

Decision Limit: The value of the result for a threshold substance in a Sample, above which an Adverse Analytical Finding shall be reported, as defined in the International Standard for Laboratories.

 

Delegated Third Party: Any Person to which ITTF delegates any aspect of Doping Control or anti-doping Education programs including, but not limited to, third parties or other Anti- Doping Organizations that conduct Sample collection or other Doping Control services or anti-doping Educational programs for ITTF, or individuals serving as independent contractors who perform Doping Control services for ITTF (e.g., non-employee Doping Control officers or chaperones). This definition does not include CAS.

 

Disqualification: See Consequences of Anti-Doping Rule Violations above.

 

Doping Control: All steps and processes from test distribution planning through to ultimate disposition of any appeal and the enforcement of Consequences, including all steps and processes in between, including but not limited to Testing, investigations, whereabouts, TUEs, Sample collection and handling, laboratory analysis, Results Management, and investigations or proceedings relating to violations of Article 5.10.14 (Status During Ineligibility or Provisional Suspension).

 

Doubles Pair: Set of two table tennis players associated to compete together according to the table tennis rules for doubles events.

 

 

Education: The process of learning to instill values and develop behaviors that foster and protect the spirit of sport, and to prevent intentional and unintentional doping.

 

Event: A series of individual Competitions conducted together under one ruling body (e.g., the Olympic Games, World Championships, or Pan American Games).

 

Event Period: The time between the beginning and end of an Event, as established by the ruling body of the Event. For ITTF, the Event Period is considered the period which starts at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the Event and finishes at 11:59 p.m. of the day on which the Event ends.

 

Event Venues: Those venues so designated by the ruling body for the Event. For ITTF, it means that part of the event building used for Table Tennis and its related activities (including official training), facilities and public areas.

 

Fault: Fault is any breach of duty or any lack of care appropriate to a particular situation. Factors to be taken into consideration in assessing an Athlete’s or other Person’s degree of Fault include, for example, the Athlete’s or other Person’s experience, whether the Athlete or other Person is a Protected Person, special considerations such as impairment, the degree of risk that should have been perceived by the Athlete and the level of care and investigation exercised by the Athlete in relation to what should have been the perceived level of risk. In assessing the Athlete’s or other Person’s degree of Fault, the circumstances considered must be specific and relevant to explain the Athlete’s or other Person’s departure from the expected standard of behaviour. Thus, for example, the fact that an Athlete would lose the opportunity to earn large sums of money during a period of Ineligibility, or the fact that the Athlete only has a short time left in a career, or the timing of the sporting calendar, would not be relevant factors to be considered in reducing the period of Ineligibility under Article 5.10.6.1 or 5.10.6.2.77

 

Financial Consequences: See Consequences of Anti-Doping Rule Violations above.

 

In-Competition: The period commencing at 11:59 p.m. on the day before a Competition in which the Athlete is scheduled to participate through the end of such Competition and the Sample collection process related to such Competition.78

 

Independent Observer Program: A team of observers and/or auditors, under the supervision of WADA, who observe and provide guidance on the Doping Control process prior to or during certain Events and report on their observations as part of WADA’s compliance monitoring program.

 

Individual Sport: Any sport that is not a Team Sport.

 

Ineligibility: See Consequences of Anti-Doping Rule Violations above.

 

77 [Comment to Fault: The criteria for assessing an Athlete’s degree of Fault is the same under all Articles where Fault is to be considered. However, under Article 5.10.6.2, no reduction of sanction is appropriate unless, when the degree of Fault is assessed, the conclusion is that No Significant Fault or Negligence on the part of the Athlete or other Person was involved.]

 

78 [Comment to In-Competition: Having a universally accepted definition for In-Competition provides greater harmonization among Athletes across all sports, eliminates or reduces confusion among Athletes about the relevant timeframe for In-Competition Testing, avoids inadvertent Adverse Analytical Findings in between Competitions during an Event and assists in preventing any potential performance enhancement benefits from substances prohibited Out-of-Competition being carried over to the Competition period.]

 

 

Institutional Independence: Hearing panels on appeal shall be fully independent institutionally from the Anti-Doping Organization responsible for Results Management. They must therefore not in any way be administered by, connected or subject to the Anti-Doping Organization responsible for Results Management.

 

International Event: An Event or Competition where the International Olympic Committee, the International Paralympic Committee, an International Federation, a Major Event Organization, or another international sport organization is the ruling body for the Event or appoints the technical officials for the Event.

 

International-Level Athlete: Athletes who compete in sport at the international level, as defined by each International Federation, consistent with the International Standard for Testing and Investigations. For the sport of table tennis, International-Level Athletes are defined as set out in the Scope section of the Introduction to these Anti-Doping Rules.79

 

International Standard: A standard adopted by WADA in support of the Code. Compliance with an International Standard (as opposed to another alternative standard, practice or procedure) shall be sufficient to conclude that the procedures addressed by the International Standard were performed properly. International Standards shall include any Technical Documents issued pursuant to the International Standard.

 

Major Event Organizations: The continental associations of National Olympic Committees and other international multi-sport organizations that function as the ruling body for any continental, regional or other International Event.

 

Marker: A compound, group of compounds or biological variable(s) that indicates the Use of a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method.

 

Metabolite: Any substance produced by a biotransformation process.

 

Minimum Reporting Level: The estimated concentration of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolite(s) or Marker(s) in a Sample below which WADA-accredited laboratories should not report that Sample as an Adverse Analytical Finding.

 

Minor: A natural Person who has not reached the age of eighteen (18) years.

 

National Anti-Doping Organization: The entity(ies) designated by each country as possessing the primary authority and responsibility to adopt and implement anti-doping rules, direct the collection of Samples, the management of test results, and the conduct of hearings at the national level. If this designation has not been made by the competent public authority(ies), the entity shall be the country’s National Olympic Committee or its designee.

 

 

 

 

79 [Comment to International-Level Athlete: Consistent with the International Standard for Testing and Investigations, ITTF is free to determine the criteria it will use to classify Athletes as International-Level Athletes, e.g., by ranking, by participation in particular International Events, by type of license, etc. However, it must publish those criteria in clear and concise form, so that Athletes are able to ascertain quickly and easily when they will become classified as International-Level Athletes. For example, if the criteria include participation in certain International Events, then the International Federation must publish a list of those International Events.]

 

National Event: A sport Event or Competition involving International- or National-Level Athletes that is not an International Event.

 

Member Association: A national or regional entity which is a member of or is recognized by ITTF as the entity governing ITTF's sport in that nation or region.

 

National-Level Athlete: Athletes who compete in sport at the national level, as defined by each National Anti-Doping Organization, consistent with the International Standard for Testing and Investigations.

 

National Olympic Committee: The organization recognized by the International Olympic Committee. The term National Olympic Committee shall also include the National Sport Confederation in those countries where the National Sport Confederation assumes typical National Olympic Committee responsibilities in the anti-doping area.

 

No Fault or Negligence: The Athlete or other Person's establishing that he or she did not know or suspect, and could not reasonably have known or suspected even with the exercise of utmost caution, that he or she had Used or been administered the Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method or otherwise violated an anti-doping rule. Except in the case of a Protected Person or Recreational Athlete, for any violation of Article 5.2.1, the Athlete must also establish how the Prohibited Substance entered the Athlete’s system.

 

No Significant Fault or Negligence: The Athlete or other Person's establishing that any Fault or Negligence, when viewed in the totality of the circumstances and taking into account the criteria for No Fault or Negligence, was not significant in relationship to the anti-doping rule violation. Except in the case of a Protected Person or Recreational Athlete, for any violation of Article 5.2.1, the Athlete must also establish how the Prohibited Substance entered the Athlete’s system.

 

Operational Independence: This means that (1) board members, staff members, commission members, consultants and officials of the Anti-Doping Organization with responsibility for Results Management or its affiliates (e.g., member federation or confederation), as well as any Person involved in the investigation and pre-adjudication of the matter cannot be appointed as members and/or clerks (to the extent that such clerk is involved in the deliberation process and/or drafting of any decision) of hearing panels of that Anti-Doping Organization with responsibility for Results Management and (2) hearing panels shall be in a position to conduct the hearing and decision-making process without interference from the Anti-Doping Organization or any third party. The objective is to ensure that members of the hearing panel or individuals otherwise involved in the decision of the hearing panel, are not involved in the investigation of, or decisions to proceed with, the case.

 

Out-of-Competition: Any period which is not In-Competition. Participant: Any Athlete or Athlete Support Person.

Person: A natural Person or an organization or other entity.

 

Possession: The actual, physical Possession, or the constructive Possession (which shall be found only if the Person has exclusive control or intends to exercise control over the Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method or the premises in which a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method exists); provided, however, that if the Person does not have exclusive

 

control over the Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method or the premises in which a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method exists, constructive Possession shall only be found if the Person knew about the presence of the Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method and intended to exercise control over it. Provided, however, there shall be no anti- doping rule violation based solely on Possession if, prior to receiving notification of any kind that the Person has committed an anti-doping rule violation, the Person has taken concrete action demonstrating that the Person never intended to have Possession and has renounced Possession by explicitly declaring it to an Anti-Doping Organization. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this definition, the purchase (including by any electronic or other means) of a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method constitutes Possession by the Person who makes the purchase.80

 

Prohibited List: The List identifying the Prohibited Substances and Prohibited Methods. Prohibited Method: Any method so described on the Prohibited List.

Prohibited Substance: Any substance, or class of substances, so described on the

Prohibited List.

 

Protected Person: An Athlete or other natural Person who at the time of the anti-doping rule violation: (i) has not reached the age of sixteen (16) years; (ii) has not reached the age of eighteen (18) years and is not included in any Registered Testing Pool and has never competed in any International Event in an open category; or (iii) for reasons other than age has been determined to lack legal capacity under applicable national legislation.81

 

Provisional Hearing: For purposes of Article 5.7.4.3, an expedited abbreviated hearing occurring prior to a hearing under Article 5.8 that provides the Athlete with notice and an opportunity to be heard in either written or oral form.82

 

Provisional Suspension: See Consequences of Anti-Doping Rule Violations above.

 

Publicly Disclose: See Consequences of Anti-Doping Rule Violations above.

 

Recreational Athlete: A natural Person who is so defined by the relevant National Anti- Doping Organization; provided, however, the term shall not include any Person who, within the five (5) years prior to committing any anti-doping rule violation, has been an International-Level Athlete (as defined by each International Federation consistent with the

 

80 [Comment to Possession: Under this definition, anabolic steroids found in an Athlete's car would constitute a violation unless the Athlete establishes that someone else used the car; in that event, ITTF must establish that, even though the Athlete did not have exclusive control over the car, the Athlete knew about the anabolic steroids and intended to have control over them. Similarly, in the example of anabolic steroids found in a home medicine cabinet under the joint control of an Athlete and spouse, ITTF must est ablish that the Athlete knew the anabolic steroids were in the cabinet and that the Athlete intended to exercise control over them. The act of purchasing a Prohibited Substance alone constitutes Possession, even where, for example, the product does not arrive, is received by someone else, or is sent to a third-party address.]

 

81 [Comment to Protected Person: The Code treats Protected Persons differently than other Athletes or Persons in certain circumstances based on the understanding that, below a certain age or intellectual capacity, an Athlete or other Person may not possess the mental capacity to understand and appreciate the prohibitions against conduct contained in the Code. This would include, for example, a Paralympic Athlete with a documented lack of legal capacity due to an intellectual impairment. The term “open category” is meant to exclude competition that is limited to junior or age group categories.]

 

82 [Comment to Provisional Hearing: A Provisional Hearing is only a preliminary proceeding which may not involve a full review of the facts of the case. Following a Provisional Hearing, the Athlete remains entitled to a subsequent full hearing on the merits of the case. By contrast, an “expedited hearing”, as that term is used in Article 5.7.4.3, is a full hearing on the merits conducted on an expedited time schedule.]

 

International Standard for Testing and Investigations) or National-Level Athlete (as defined by each National Anti-Doping Organization consistent with the International Standard for Testing and Investigations), has represented any country in an International Event in an open category or has been included within any Registered Testing Pool or other whereabouts information pool maintained by any International Federation or National Anti- Doping Organization.83

 

Regional Anti-Doping Organization: A regional entity designated by member countries to coordinate and manage delegated areas of their national anti-doping programs, which may include the adoption and implementation of anti-doping rules, the planning and collection of Samples, the management of results, the review of TUEs, the conduct of hearings, and the conduct of Educational programs at a regional level.

 

Registered Testing Pool: The pool of highest-priority Athletes established separately at the international level by International Federations and at the national level by National Anti- Doping Organizations, who are subject to focused In-Competition and Out-of-Competition Testing as part of that International Federation's or National Anti-Doping Organization's test distribution plan and therefore are required to provide whereabouts information as provided in Article 5.5.5 and the International Standard for Testing and Investigations.

 

Results Management: The process encompassing the timeframe between notification as per Article 5 of the International Standard for Results Management, or in certain cases (e.g., Atypical Finding, Athlete Biological Passport, whereabouts failure), such pre-notification steps expressly provided for in Article 5 of the International Standard for Results Management, through the charge until the final resolution of the matter, including the end of the hearing process at first instance or on appeal (if an appeal was lodged).

Sample or Specimen: Any biological material collected for the purposes of Doping Control.84

 

Signatories: Those entities accepting the Code and agreeing to implement the Code, as provided in Article 23 of the Code.

 

Specified Method: See Article 5.4.2.2.

 

Specified Substance: See Article 5.4.2.2.

 

Strict Liability: The rule which provides that under Article 5.2.1 and Article 5.2.2, it is not necessary that intent, Fault, Negligence, or knowing Use on the Athlete’s part be demonstrated by the Anti-Doping Organization in order to establish an anti-doping rule violation.

 

Substance of Abuse: See Article 5.4.2.3.

 

Substantial Assistance: For purposes of Article 5.10.7.1, a Person providing Substantial Assistance must: (1) fully disclose in a signed written statement or recorded interview all information he or she possesses in relation to anti-doping rule violations or other proceeding described in Article 5.10.7.1.1, and (2) fully cooperate with the investigation and adjudication

 

83 [Comment to Recreational Athlete: The term “open category” is meant to exclude competition that is limited to junior or age group categories.]

84 [Comment to Sample or Specimen: It has sometimes been claimed that the collection of blood Samples violates the tenets of certain religious or cultural groups. It has been determined that there is no basis for any such claim.]

 

of any case or matter related to that information, including, for example, presenting testimony at a hearing if requested to do so by an Anti-Doping Organization or hearing panel. Further, the information provided must be credible and must comprise an important part of any case or proceeding which is initiated or, if no case or proceeding is initiated, must have provided a sufficient basis on which a case or proceeding could have been brought.

 

Tampering: Intentional conduct which subverts the Doping Control process but which would not otherwise be included in the definition of Prohibited Methods. Tampering shall include, without limitation, offering or accepting a bribe to perform or fail to perform an act, preventing the collection of a Sample, affecting or making impossible the analysis of a Sample, falsifying documents submitted to an Anti-Doping Organization or TUE committee or hearing panel, procuring false testimony from witnesses, committing any other fraudulent act upon the Anti- Doping Organization or hearing body to affect Results Management or the imposition of Consequences, and any other similar intentional interference or Attempted interference with any aspect of Doping Control.85

 

Target Testing: Selection of specific Athletes for Testing based on criteria set forth in the

International Standard for Testing and Investigations.

 

Team Sport: A sport in which the substitution of players is permitted during a Competition.

 

Technical Document: A document adopted and published by WADA from time to time containing mandatory technical requirements on specific anti-doping topics as set forth in an International Standard.

 

Testing: The parts of the Doping Control process involving test distribution planning, Sample

collection, Sample handling, and Sample transport to the laboratory.

 

Testing Pool: The tier below the Registered Testing Pool which includes Athletes from whom some whereabouts information is required in order to locate and Test the Athlete Out-of- Competition.

 

Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE): A Therapeutic Use Exemption allows an Athlete with a medical condition to Use a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method, but only if the conditions set out in Article 5.4.4 and the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions are met.

 

Trafficking: Selling, giving, transporting, sending, delivering or distributing (or Possessing for any such purpose) a Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method (either physically or by any electronic or other means) by an Athlete, Athlete Support Person or any other Person subject to the authority of an Anti-Doping Organization to any third party; provided, however, this definition shall not include the actions of bona fide medical personnel involving a Prohibited Substance used for genuine and legal therapeutic purposes or other acceptable justification, and shall not include actions involving Prohibited Substances which are not prohibited in Out-of-Competition Testing unless the circumstances as a whole demonstrate

 

85 [Comment to Tampering: For example, this Article would prohibit altering identification numbers on a Doping Control form during Testing, breaking the B bottle at the time of B Sample analysis, altering a Sample by the addition of a foreign substance, or intimidating or attempting to intimidate a potential witness or a witness who has provided testimony or information in the Doping Control process. Tampering includes misconduct which occurs during the Results Management process. See Article 10.9.3.3. However, actions taken as part of a Person's legitimate defence to an anti-doping rule violation charge shall not be considered Tampering. Offensive conduct towards a Doping Control official or other Person involved in Doping Control which does not otherwise constitute Tampering shall be addressed in the disciplinary rules of sport organizations.]

 

such Prohibited Substances are not intended for genuine and legal therapeutic purposes or are intended to enhance sport performance.

 

UNESCO Convention: The International Convention against Doping in Sport adopted by the 33rd session of the UNESCO General Conference on 19 October 2005 including any and all amendments adopted by the States Parties to the Convention and the Conference of Parties to the International Convention against Doping in Sport.

 

Use: The utilization, application, ingestion, injection or consumption by any means whatsoever of any Prohibited Substance or Prohibited Method.

 

WADA: The World Anti-Doping Agency.

 

Without Prejudice Agreement: For purposes of Articles 5.10.7.1.1 and 5.10.8.2, a written agreement between an Anti-Doping Organization and an Athlete or other Person that allows the Athlete or other Person to provide information to the Anti-Doping Organization in a defined time-limited setting with the understanding that, if an agreement for Substantial Assistance or a case resolution agreement is not finalized, the information provided by the Athlete or other Person in this particular setting may not be used by the Anti-Doping Organization against the Athlete or other Person in any Results Management proceeding under the Code, and that the information provided by the Anti-Doping Organization in this particular setting may not be used by the Athlete or other Person against the Anti-Doping Organization in any Results Management proceeding under the Code. Such an agreement shall not preclude the Anti-Doping Organization, Athlete or other Person from using any information or evidence gathered from any source other than during the specific time-limited setting described in the agreement.

 

6                        

CODE OF ETHICS

 

The Code of Ethics is based on the IOC Code of Ethics and aims to preserve the highest possible ethical values that govern the ITTF, its Officers and the entire ITTF Family.

 

PREAMBLE

 

The ITTF, all its members (Member Associations), affiliated organisations (Continental Federations and other groups of associations), the ITTF Foundation, WTT, as well as all the aforesaid parties’ officials, decision-making bodies, honorary members, officers, employees, services providers, delegated third parties and their employees, players, players’ entourages and such other persons involved in the aforesaid parties’ operations (hereinafter “the Table Tennis pParties”) restate their commitment to the Olympic Charter and in particular its Fundamental Principles and reaffirm their loyalty to the Olympic ideal inspired by Pierre de Coubertin.

The Table Tennis pParties undertake to disseminate the culture of ethics and integrity within their respective areas of competence and to serve as role models.

 

Scope of application

The Table Tennis pParties undertake to comply and ensure compliance with the Code of Ethics in the following circumstances:

• the ITTF, its administration, each of its members (Member Associations), affiliated organisations (Continental Federations and other groups of associations), the ITTF Foundation, WTT, and their officials, decision-making bodies, honorary members, officers, employees, services providers, delegated third parties and their employees, players, players’ entourages and such other persons involved in their operations at all times and in all circumstances;
• all participants in ITTF Sanctioned Events;
• all members and their officials taking part in any type of candidature procedures of the ITTF, throughout the procedure in question; and
• the Organising Committees for the ITTF Sanctioned eEvents and their officials, throughout the existence of each such

The members undertake to adopt, for their internal activities, a code of ethics based on the principles and rules of the Code of Ethics and the IOC Code of Ethics, or in a written declaration to adopt the Code of Ethics.

 

 

6.1              FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES

 

• Respect of the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play;

 

• Respect of the principle of the universality and political neutrality of the Olympic Movement;
• Maintaining harmonious relations with state authorities, while respecting the principle of autonomy as set out in the Olympic Charter;
• Respect for international conventions on protecting human rights insofar as they ensure in particular:
  • respect for human dignity;
  • rejection of discrimination of any kind on whatever grounds, be it race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status;
  • rejection of all forms of harassment, be it physical, professional or sexual, and any physical or mental injuries;
• Ensuring the participants’ conditions of safety, well-being and medical care favourable to their physical and mental

 

 

6.2              INTEGRITY OF CONDUCT

 

• Duty of care, diligence, integrity, etc.: The Table Tennis pParties must shall use due care and diligence in fulfilling their At all times, they must shall act with the highest degree of integrity, and particularly when taking decisions, they must shall act with impartiality, objectivity, independence and professionalism.

They must refrain from any act involving fraud or corruption. They must not act in a manner likely to tarnish the reputation of the ITTF.

• Prohibition against acts likely to cause disrepute: The Table Tennis Parties shall not act in a manner likely to tarnish the reputation, name or goodwill of the ITTF or the sport of table
• Prohibition against defamatory statements: The Table Tennis Parties shall not knowingly or recklessly cause any statement to be made or distributed, whether orally or in written, that is of a defamatory nature towards ITTF, the sport of table tennis, or any other Table Tennis
• Prohibition against falsehood: The Table Tennis Parties shall not knowingly or recklessly cause any false statements to be made in respect of ITTF, the sport of table tennis, or any other Table Tennis
• Prohibition against forgery and falsification: The Table Tennis Parties shall not forge any document, falsify any authentic document, or knowingly or recklessly use a forged or falsified
• Prohibition against abuse of authority: Individuals of Table Tennis Parties shall not abuse their position in any way, especially in seeking to take advantage of their position for aims or gains that benefit themselves or any persons or entities related or associated to
• Violation of any provision within this Article shall be sanctioned with a fine of up to CHF 20,000 and/or a ban on taking part in any table tennis-related

 

activity for a maximum of two years. For violations committed by an individual, sanctions shall be increased accordingly if the individual holds a high position in table tennis. Particularly, for a breach of Article 6.2.1.3, any interested Table Tennis Party may seek a declaration from the ITTF Tribunal (and on an expeditated basis, if deemed appropriate by the ITTF Tribunal) that the subject statement is false and/or that the subject material contains a false statement of fact, without limiting any other order that the ITTF Tribunal may grant.

 

• Prohibition against fraudulent and corrupt conduct: The Table Tennis Parties shall refrain from any act involving fraud or corruption, in particular any unlawful conduct specified in Article 9.
  • Prohibition against concealed benefit or service: The Table Tennis pParties or their representatives must shall not, directly or indirectly, solicit, accept, promise or offer any form of remuneration or commission, nor any concealed benefit, advantage or service of any nature, connected with the ITTF Sanctioned Events, except by contractual agreements with the Organizing Committees of these events, or any activities connected with any Table Tennis Party.
  • Permissible gifts of nominal value: The Table Tennis Parties may only accept or give tokens of appreciation or friendship of a nominal value, in accordance with prevailing local
  • Hospitality services: The Table Tennis Parties may only accept or provide hospitality services if such services are comparable with acceptable past practices.
  • Prohibition against misappropriation of funds: The Table Tennis Parties shall not misappropriate funds of the ITTF, ITTF Member Associations, Affiliated Organisations, or any of their leagues or clubs, whether directly or indirectly through, or in conjunction with, third parties or otherwise unlawfully enrich themselves at the expense of the aforementioned
  • Violation of any provision within this Article shall be sanctioned with a fine of at least CHF 5,000 and/or a ban on taking part in any table tennis-related activity for any number of years, including a lifetime ban. Any amount unduly received or given shall be included in the calculation of the The sanction shall be increased accordingly where the person holds a high position in table tennis, as well as in relation to the relevance and amount of the advantage received.

 

• Only tokens of consideration or friendship of nominal value, in accordance with prevailing local customs, may be given or accepted by the Table Tennis

Such tokens may not lead to the impartiality and integrity of the Table Tennis parties being called into question.

Any other form of token, object or benefit constitutes a gift which may not be accepted by an individual, but must be passed on to the organisation of which the beneficiary is a member.

 

• Prohibition against conflict of interest when performing duties: The Table Tennis Parties shall refrain from performing their duties (in particular, preparing or participating in the taking of a decision) in situations in which a conflict of interest (whether actual, perceived or potential) may affect such
  • A potential conflict of interest or perceived conflict of interest arises when the opinion or decision of a person, acting alone or within an organisation, could be reasonably considered as liable to be influenced by, relations that the aforementioned person has, has had or is on the point of having with

 another person or organisation that would be affected by the person’s opinion or decision.

• An actual conflict of interest occurs when a person, acting alone or within an organisation, expresses an opinion or participates to a decision while this person is liable to be influenced by relations that the aforementioned person has, has had or is on the point of having with another person or

 organisation that would be affected by the person’s opinion or decision. An actual conflict of interest may occur irrespective of whether or not the person has declared the relevant interests.

• Duty to declare before taking office: Before being elected, appointed, employed or contracted, individuals of Table Tennis Parties shall declare any relations and interests that could lead to any conflict of interest in the context of their prospective
• Ongoing duty to declare: During their course of duties, if any individual of Table Tennis Parties who knows or reasonably ought to know that any conflict of interest may affect the performance of their duties, they shall promptly declare the relevant relation and interest to the relevant Table Tennis
  • For any individual who is an official, decision-making body, honorary member, officer, employee or services provider of ITTF, ITTF Foundation or WTT, such declaration shall be made to the ITTF Integrity
• A presumption of conflict of interest shall arise in respect of any person who is a Table Tennis Party if:
  • they are interested personally or financially in the outcome of the matter or represent or previously in the selfsame matter represented any person who is thus interested;
  • their husband or wife, any person related by blood or marriage in the direct line of ascent or descent or any other closely attached person, is particularly interested personally or financially in the outcome of the matter or represents any person who is thus interested; or
  • they take part in the management of, are a member or sharehold of, or otherwise are closely related to any company, partnership, association or other legal entity particularly interested in the outcome of the
• Disqualifications, directions to remove oneself from a conflict of interest or such other restrictions may be imposed by the ITTF Integrity Unit and such decision by the ITTF Integrity Unit may be appealed to the ITTF
• Violation of any provision within this Article shall be sanctioned with a fine of up to CHF 10,000 and/or a ban on taking part in any table tennis-related

 

activity for a maximum of two years. For violations committed by an individual, sanctions shall be increased accordingly if the individual holds a high position in table tennis.

 

6.2.4 For hospitality shown to the Table Tennis parties, as well as those accompanying them, standards consistent with acceptable past practices must be respected.

 

• General duties: The Table Tennis parties shall be aware of the importance of their duties and concomitant obligations and responsibilities. In particular:
  • Duty of neutrality: In dealings with government institutions, national and international organisations, associations and groupings, the Table Tennis parties shall remain politically neutral, in accordance with the principles and objectives applicable to them, and act in a manner compatible with their function and
  • Duty of loyalty: Individuals of the Table Tennis parties shall have a fiduciary duty to their respective
  • Duty of diligence and good faith: In discharging their duties, elected and appointed officials of the Table Tennis parties shall do so in good faith and be familiarised with and abide by the ITTF Handbook, the terms of reference of the body they were elected or appointed to and such other relevant document as may be amended from time to
  • Duty of confidentiality: The Table Tennis parties shall hold confidential information in confidence and not divulge them unlawfully and confidential information shall include information that is stated in writing or orally to be confidential and information that would be regarded as confidential by a reasonable
  • Duty to report: The Table Tennis parties who become aware of any violation of this Code of Ethics or any other rule or regulation of the ITTF Handbook or any related document shall promptly inform the ITTF Integrity Unit.
    • The Table Tennis parties shall not make any report for personal gain or benefit, frivolously, maliciously, vexatiously, or otherwise in bad
  • Duty to cooperate: The Table Tennis parties shall fully assist and cooperate with honesty, confidentiality, and in good faith with the ITTF Integrity Unit at all times, regardless of whether they are involved in a particular matter as a party, as a witness, or in any other
    • For the purposes of Article 2.4.6, assistance and cooperation may include acts to: (a) clarify facts, (b) provide oral or written testimony, (c) submit information, documents, devices, or other material or items, and (d) disclose any other details deemed necessary by the ITTF Integrity Unit.
    • The Table Tennis parties shall not intentionally, knowingly or recklessly obstruct, evade, prevent, or otherwise interfere with any investigation, intelligence gathering, or disciplinary proceeding, including: (a) concealling any material fact, (b) make any materially false or misleading statement or

 

representation, (c) or submitting any materially false or misleading information or material.

• The Table Tennis parties shall not harass, intimidate, threaten or retaliate

 against any person for any reason related to that person’s assistance to or cooperation with the ITTF Integrity Unit.

• Duty to account: The Table Tennis parties shall be accountable to other organs within their organisation for their individual and collective decisions as defined in the applicable rules and terms of reference for the body they represent.
  • Elected officials of the Table Tennis parties shall ensure that appropriate records, such as financial documents and minutes of meetings are properly kept.
• Violation of any provision within this Article shall be sanctioned with a fine of up to CHF 10,000 and/or a ban on taking part in any table tennis-related activity for a maximum of two years. For violations committed by an individual, sanctions shall be increased accordingly if the individual holds a high position in table

 

6.2.5 The Table Tennis parties must refrain from placing themselves in any conflict of interests, and must respect the Rules Concerning Conflicts of Interests Affecting the Behaviour of Table Tennis parties. Namely: "A situation of a potential conflict of interests arises when the opinion or decision of a person, acting alone or within an organisation, in the framework of the activities of the physical or legal persons defined in article 1 above, may be reasonably considered as liable to be influenced by relations that the aforementioned person has, has had or is on the point of having with another person or

 organisation that would be affected by the person’s opinion or decision."

 

• Prohibitions against attempts: Any Table Tennis Party who attempt to commit any offence prohibited under this Code of Ethics or any other rule or regulation of the ITTF Handbook or any related document, shall be sanctioned with such sanctions prescribed for that
  • For the purposes of Article 6.2.5, an attempt means the taking of any substantial step towards the commission of an offence if it is likely to be viewed as an intention to commit the

 

• Prohibitions against complicity: Any Table Tennis Party who assist, encourage, aid, abet, conspire, cover up, or commit any other type of intentional complicity or attempted complicity of any offence prohibited under this Code of Ethics or any other rule or regulation of the ITTF Handbook or any related document, shall be sanctioned with such sanctions prescribed for that

 

• Range and types of sanctions: Breaches of this Code of Ethics or any other rule or regulation of the ITTF Handbook or any related document by any Table Tennis Party for which no penalty is expressly provided shall be liable to be sanctioned by one or more of the following sanctions:

 

• censure, reprimand or warning as to future conduct; 6.2.7.2 fine of any amount;
• compensation payment;
• to perform certain acts or refrain from performing certain acts; 6.2.7.5 to participate or complete in any rehabilitation programme; 6.2.7.6 suspension or removal from office;
• revocation of any award, title or other honour granted by ITTF;
• disqualification of results and outcomes of such results, including a forfeiture of any related awards, titles, ranking points or prizes;
• disqualification or expulsion from competitions or events; and
• period of ineligibility or ban (which may be for life) from participating in any capacity in Table Tennis or in any activities organised, controlled, authorised, sanctioned, supported or recognised in any way by any Table Tennis

 

 

6.3              INTEGRITY OF COMPETITIONS

 

• The Table Tennis pParties shall commit to combat all forms of cheating and shall continue to undertake all the necessary measures to ensure the integrity of sports
• The Table Tennis pParties must respect the provisions of the World Anti- Doping Code and of the Olympic Movement Code on the Prevention of the Manipulation of
• All forms of participation in, or support for betting related to the ITTF Sanctioned Events, by participants or involved Table Tennis pParties are
• Participants in the ITTF Sanctioned Events must not, by any manner whatsoever, manipulate the course or result of a competition, or any part thereof, in a manner contrary to sporting ethics, infringe the principle of fair play or show unsporting

 

 

6.4              GOOD GOVERNANCE AND RESOURCES

 

• The Basic Universal Principles of Good Governance of the Olympic and Sports Movement, in particular transparency, responsibility and accountability, must be respected by all Table Tennis pP
• The income and expenditure of the Table Tennis pParties must be recorded in their accounts in accordance with generally accepted accounting An independent auditor may check these accounts.
• In cases where the ITTF gives financial support to Table Tennis pParties:

 

• The use of these ITTF resources for table tennis purposes must be clearly demonstrated in the accounts; Note: Where the IOC provides targeted financial support to ITTF, Olympic resources must be used for Olympic purposes
• The accounts of the Table Tennis pParties may be subjected to auditing by an expert designated by the Finance

• The Table Tennis pParties recognise the significant contribution that broadcasters, sponsors, partners and other supporters make to the development and prestige of Table Tennis throughout the

In order to preserve the integrity and neutrality of the various candidature procedures, the support and promotion of any of the candidatures by broadcasters, sponsors, partners and other supporters must be in a form consistent with the rules of sport and the principles defined in the Olympic Charter and the present Code.

The broadcasters, sponsors, partners and other supporters must not interfere in the running of the ITTF nor its events.

 

 

6.5              CANDIDATURES

 

• The Table Tennis pParties shall respect the integrity of any candidature procedure initiated by the ITTF, in order to allow equal access to the promotion of each candidature and the refusal of any risk of conflict of
• The Table Tennis pParties will respect the requirements of the various candidature procedures published by the ITTF, particularly regarding the selection of World Title hosts, as well as the Regulations for World Title events, and the Electoral and Appointment Regulations.

 

 

6.6              CONFIDENTIALITY

 

• The principle of confidentiality shall be strictly respected by the Ethics Commission ITTF Integrity Unit in all its

It must also be strictly respected by any person concerned by with the activities of the Ethics Commission ITTF Integrity Unit.

 

6.7              REPORTING OBLIGATION

 

through    the   prescribed

• The Table Tennis p Parties shall inform the Ethics Commission Officer ITTF Integrity Unit, in the strictest confidentiality confidence and by using the appropriate mechanisms of any information

mechanisms related to a violation of the Code of Ethics. , with a view to possible referral to the Ethics Commission.

 

• Any disclosure of information must not be for personal gain or benefit, nor be undertaken maliciously to damage the reputation of any person or

 

 

6.8              IMPLEMENTATION

 

• The Ethics Commission ITTF Integrity Unit may set out the provisions for the implementation of the present Code in a set of Implementing Provisions, subject to the approval of the Board of

 

• The Ethics Commission Officer is available to ITTF Head of Integrity shall the Ethics Commission to disseminate and implement the present

 

• Directions Concerning the election of the President
  • The Ethics Commission ITTF Integrity Unit, considering that
    • it is in the interest of the ITTF and the candidates for the presidency of this institution that, during the campaign (for which each candidate chooses the ways and methods that he/she intends to use), respect for the “universal fundamental ethical principles”, one of the foundations of Olympism, should prevail;
    • it is essential that, during this campaign, equality be observed between the candidates and an atmosphere of mutual respect prevail amongst them;
    • without calling into question the confidence that the candidates enjoy, the drafting and publication of directions derives from the need to ensure a degree of harmonisation in their conduct and to prevent any excesses, which their supporters might in good faith be led to commit;
  • General conduct of candidates

6.8.3.2.1          General conduct

• Each candidate may promote his/her candidature, subject to respecting the provisions of the present
• The promotion of a candidature shall be conducted with dignity and moderation.
• The conduct of the candidates shall comply with the provisions of the Code of

• Relations with member associations

6.8.3.3.1          Candidature documentation

• Candidates may present to the national associations their plans and views as the future President, in the form of a written document, whatever the means used to distribute
• A copy shall be submitted to the Ethics Commission officer ITTF Integrity Unit.

 

6.8.3.3.2          Promotion

• The promotion of a candidature for the presidency may include any form of publicity, including the use of new media or social

6.8.3.3.3          Trips

8.8.3.3.3.1 Candidates shall limit the number of trips that they make specifically with a view to promoting their candidature in order to avoid excessive expenditure, a factor of inequality amongst the candidates.

6.8.3.3.4          Gifts – Benefits

• Candidates may in no case and under no pretext give presents, offer donations or gifts or grant advantages of whatever

6.8.3.3.5          Promises

• No candidate may enter into any promise or undertaking to be performed, whatever the timing of such performance, for the direct or indirect benefit of an Member Association, a group of Member Associations, an organisation, region or

6.8.3.3.6          Visits

• Visits to Member Associations organised specifically in connection with a candidature shall be reported to the Ethics Commission officer ITTF Integrity Unit.

• Relations with other candidates

6.8.3.4.1          Respect due to candidates

• Each candidate shall, in the framework of promoting his/her candidature, respect the other candidates, the Member Associations and the ITTF itself.

6.8.3.4.2          Prejudice to a candidature

• A candidate may produce no spoken word, written text or representation of any nature likely to harm the image of another candidate or cause his/her

6.8.3.4.3          Understandings

• No understanding, coalition or collusion between candidates with the intent to influence the result of the vote is

• Relations with the ITTF administration

6.8.3.5.1          General relations

• The ITTF administration shall maintain a strict duty of neutrality at all times.
• The members of the administration shall limit their relations with the candidates strictly to the content of their

6.8.3.5.2          Support

• No support or service in relation to a candidature may be requested from any member of the ITTF administration, from a department or other section of such

 

6.8.3.5.3          Concealed promotion

• Concealed promotion in the form of technical meetings or other events is
• These may be added to the official calendar of events only with the approval of the Ethics Commission ITTF Integrity Unit.

• Breaches of the directions

6.8.3.6.1          Competent body

• Any interested party shall bring any breach of these Directions to the attention of the Ethics Commission ITTF Integrity Unit, which will undertake an inquiry further actions in accordance with the ITTF Integrity Regulations.

• Sanctions
  • If there is proof of a breach of these Directions, the Ethics Commission may make to the candidate in question:
    • observations, which could be made public,
    • or issue a warning, which will be automatically made public on the ITTF website.
  • In the event of a serious breach of these Directions, the case shall be referred to the Executive Committee for possible

6.8.3.6.2      3                     Specific       provisions     Application    of             the               ITTF               Electoral and Appointment Regulations

• Prior to examination, by the Nominations Committee, of a candidature for election as President, a candidate must declare any risks of conflicts of interests to the Ethics Commission Officer. The attention of the candidate may be drawn to any potential conflicts of interests This does not exempt the candidate concerned from making subsequent declarations pursuant to the Rules Concerning Conflict of Interests. The ITTF Electoral and Appointment Regulations shall apply to the procedures set out in Article 6.8.3 and if any conflict or ambiguity arises, the ITTF Electoral and Appointment Regulations shall prevail.

 

• Rules Concerning Conflicts of Interests Affecting the Behaviour of Table Tennis parties
  • These rules apply to the Table Tennis parties as defined by the Code of Ethics
  • Any persons within the ITTF shall be prohibited from participating in any interaction which could influence an outcome or decision relative to any specific matter, if
    • Such persons are interested personally or financially in the outcome of the matter or represent or previously in the selfsame matter represented any person who is thus interested
    • Such persons’ husband or wife, any person related by blood or marriage in the direct line of ascent or descent or any other closely attached person, is

 

particularly interested personally or financially in the outcome of the matter or represents any person who is thus interested.

• Such persons take part in the management of or otherwise are closely related to any company, partnership, association or other private legal entity particularly interested in the outcome of the
• Circumstances other than those referred in 1, 2 and 3 of this subsection

 are likely to lead to any doubt about such persons’ impartiality.

• No persons as referred to in 6.8.4.2.1, 6.8.4.2.2 and 6.8.4.2.3 shall be prohibited from acting,
  • if as a consequence of the nature or strength of their interest, of the nature of the matter, or of their functions in connection with consideration of the matter, no risk may be assumed to exist that the decision to be made may be affected by extraneous
  • relative to any specific matter shall be allowed to decide, to take part in deciding, or otherwise to assist in the consideration of the matter in
• Any person as referred to above who has notice of circumstances as referred to in that subsection 8.4.2.1, 6.8.4.2.2 and 6.8.4.2.3 shall as soon as possible advise the Ethics Commission.
• Disqualification, directions to remove oneself from a conflict of interest or such other restrictions shall be decided by the Ethics The Ethics

 Commission’s decision may be appealed to the ITTF Tribunal.

• Specific provisions
  • The person concerned shall not himself take part in considering or deciding his own

 

6.8.4 5      Basic Universal Principles of Good Governance of the Olympics and Sports Movement (adopted directly from the IOC Code)

6.8.4 5.1   Vision, mission and strategy

6.8.4 5.1.1     The vision and overall goals of the organisations have to be clearly defined and communicated.

6.8.4 5.1.2    The mission should include:

6.8.4 5.1.2.1 development and promotion of sport through non-profit organisations

6.8.4 51.2.2 promotion of the values of sport,

6.8.4 51.2.3 organisation of competitions,

6.8.4 51.2.4 ensuring a fair sporting contest at all times,

6.8.4 51.2.5 protection of the members and particularly the athletes,

6.8.4 51.2.6 solidarity,

6.8.4 51.2.7 respect for the environment.

6.8.4 51.3 The strategy is to be aligned with the vision and regularly adapted to the environment. The strategy of sporting organisations should be elaborated at the highest level of the organisation.

6.8.4 52.1 Structures, regulations and democratic process

 

6.8.4 52.1.1 All sports organisations in the Olympic and Sports Movement should be based on the concept of membership within entities established in accordance with applicable laws.

6.8.4.2.1.2

The sports organisations should include as members legal or physical persons who constitute the organisation and contribute to form the will of the organisation.

6.8.4.2.1.3

The stakeholders of the organisation encompass all members who make up the organisation as well as all external entities who are involved and have a link, relation with or interest in the organisation.

6.8..4 52.2 All regulations of each organisation and governing body, including but  not limited to, statute on institutions and other procedural regulations, should be clear, transparent, disclosed, publicised and made readily available.

6.8.4.2.2.1

Clear regulations allow understanding, predictability and facilitate good governance.

6.8.4.2.2.2

The procedure to modify or amend the regulations should also be clear and transparent.

6.8.4 52.3 Governing bodies

6.8.4.2.3.1

The size of the governing bodies should be adequate and consistent with the size of the sports organisations.

6.8.4.2.3.2

The tasks and responsibilities of the governing bodies should be clearly defined in the applicable regulations and should be adapted and reviewed as necessary.

6.8.4.2.3.3

Governing bodies should be entitled to create standing or ad hoc committees with specific responsibilities, in order to help them in their tasks.

6.8.4.2.3.4

The organisation should set out and adopt reliable and appropriate criteria for the election or appointment of members of the governing bodies so as to ensure a high level of competence, quality and good governance.

6.8.4 52.4 Representative governing bodies

6.8.4.2.4.1

Members of the organisation should be represented within the governing bodies, particularly women and athletes.

6.8.4.2.4.2

Special care should be taken for protection and representation of minority groups.

6.8.4 52.5 Democratic processes, such as elections, should be governed by clear, transparent and fair rules.

6.8.4 52.6 Attributions of the respective bodies

6.8.4.2.6.1

A clear allocation of responsibilities between the different bodies such as general assembly, executive body, committees or disciplinary bodies, should be determined.

6.8.4.2.6.2

There should be a balance of power between the bodies responsible for the management, supervision and control of the sport organisations: principle of checks and balances.

 

6.8.4 52.7 Decision-making

• All members of the sports organisations shall have the right to express their opinion on the issues on the agenda through appropriate
• Members shall have the right to vote and be able to exercise that right in appropriate form as defined in the regulations of the governing
• Decision-making bodies should be fully aware of all relevant information before taking a
• Bodies of the organisation should meet on a regular basis taking into consideration their specific duties and obligations (e.g. the holding of an annual General Assembly is recommended).

6.8.4 52.8 Conflicts of interests

• As a general principle, members of any decision-making body should be independent in their decisions. No-one with a personal or business interest in the issue under discussion should be involved in the
• Adequate procedures should be established in order to avoid any conflicts of

6.8.4 52.9 Election or renewal of office-bearers on a regular basis

6.8.4.2.9.1 The duration of the terms of office should be pre-determined in order to allow election/renewal of office-bearers on a regular basis. Access for new candidates should be encouraged.

6.8.4 52.10 Decisions and appeals

• Any member affected by a decision of a disciplinary nature taken by any sports organisation should be offered the possibility to submit an appeal to an independent body within the sport’s
• When decisions are taken against a member, special attention should be paid to the appropriate balance between transparency and protection of

6.8.4 5.3 Highest level of competence, integrity and ethical standards

6.8.4 5.3.1 Competence of the members of the executive body

• Members of the executive body should be chosen on the basis of their ability, competence, quality, leadership capacity, integrity and experience.
• The use of outside experts in specific fields should be considered when necessary.

6.8.4 5.3.2 Power of signature

• Good governance implies proper financial
• In order to avoid any abuse of powers of representation (in particular signing), adequate rules should be set up, approved and monitored at the highest
• Precise, clear and transparent regulations should be established and applied, and effective controlling systems and checks and balances should be put in
• As a general rule, individual signature should be avoided for binding obligations of an

 

6.8.4 5.3.3 Internal management, communication and coordination

• Good internal communication reinforces the efficiency of sporting organisations.
• Good information flow inside sporting organisations ensures good understanding by membership of activities undertaken and allows managers to make timely and informed
• Good working conditions and atmosphere as well as motivation and incentive policies are essential for the smooth functioning of the organisation.

6.8.4 5.3.4 Risk management

6.8.4.3.4.1 A clear and adequate risk-management process should be put in place:

6.8.4 5.3.4.1.1         identification of potential risks for the sports organisations,

6.8.4 5.3.4.1.2         evaluation of risks,

6.8.4 5.3.4.1.3         control of risks,

6.8.4 5.3.4.1.4         monitoring of risks,

6.8.4 5.3.4.1.5         disclosure/transparency.

6.8.4 5.3.5    Appointment of the members of the management

6.8.4 5.3.5.1 Leadership is above management.

6.8.4 5.3.5.2 The majority of the members of management should be professional.

6.8.4 5.3.5.3 Candidates should have professional competency and an impeccable professional history.

6.8.4 5.3.5.4 The selection process should be based on objective criteria and should be set out clearly.

6.8.4 5.3.6    Code of Ethics and ethical issues

6.8.4 5.3.6.1 Develop, adapt and implement ethical principles and rules. Ethical rules should refer to and be inspired by the IOC Code of Ethics.

6.8.4 5.3.6.2 Monitor the implementation of ethical principles and rules.

6.8.4 5.4   Accountability, transparency and control

6.8.4 5.4.1 All bodies, whether elected or appointed, shall be accountable to the members of the organisation and, in certain cases, to their stakeholders.

6.8.4 5.4.2 In particular, the executive body shall be accountable to the General Assembly of the organisation. Management shall be accountable to the executive body.

6.8.4 5.4.3 All employees shall be accountable to management.

6.8.4 5.4.4 Processes and mechanisms

6.8.4 5.4.4.1 Adequate standards and processes for accountability should be in place and available to all organisations, and consistently applied and monitored.

6.8.4 5.4.4.2 Clear and measurable objectives and targets must be set for the organisation, its boards, management and staff, including also appropriate tools for assessment.

6.8.4 5.4.7 Transparency and communication

 

6.8.4 5.4.7.1 Financial information should be disclosed gradually and in appropriate form to members, stakeholders and the public. Disclosure of financial information should be done on an annual basis.

6.8.4 5.4.7.2 The financial statements of sports organisations should be presented in a consistent way in order to be easily understood.

6.8.4 5.4.8 Financial matters applicable laws, rules, procedures and standards

6.8.4 5.4.8.1 Accounts should be established in accordance with the applicable laws and “True and fair view” principle.

6.8.4 5.4.8.2 The application of internationally recognised standards should be strongly encouraged in all sports organisations and required for an international body.

6.8.4 5.4.8.3 For all organisations, annual financial statements are to be audited by independent and qualified auditors.

6.8.4 5.4.8.4 Accountability and financial reports should be produced on a regular basis.

6.8.4 5.4.8.5 Information about remuneration and financial arrangements of the governing bodies’ members should be part of the annual accounts.

6.8.4 5.4.8.6 Clear rules regarding remuneration of the members of governing bodies and managers should be enforced. Remuneration procedures should be transparent and predictable.

6.8.4 5.4.9 Internal control system

6.8.4 5.4.9.1 Internal control of the financial processes and operations should be established within the sports organisations.

6.8.4 5.4.9.2 The adoption of a compliance system, document retention system and information security system should be encouraged.

6.8.4 5.4.9.3 The structure of the internal control system should depend on the size and importance of the organisation. Audit committees should be appointed for large sports organisations.

6.8.4 5.4.10 Education and training

6.8.4 5.4.10.1          There should be an induction programme for all new members of staff, volunteer officers and all board members.

6.8.4 5.4.10.2          On-going education and training of executives, volunteers and employees should be integral to operations.

6.8.4 5.4.10.3          The promotion of self-education and regular training within the sport organisations should be encouraged.

6.8.4 5.5   Solidarity and development

6.8.4 5.5.1    Distribution of resources

6.8.4 5.5.1.1 As a principle, financial resources which are proceeds of sport should be allocated to sport and in particular to its development after covering all necessary sports-related costs.

6.8.4 5.5.1.2 Financial revenues should be distributed in a fair and efficient manner. A fair distribution of the financial revenues contributes to having balanced and attractive competitions. A clear and transparent policy for the allocation of the financial revenues is essential.

 

6.8.4 5.5.2    Equity

6.8.4 5.5.2.1 Resources should be distributed equitably. The equity in sport should be reinforced.

6.8.4 5.5.2.2 The right to participate in competitions should be encouraged and secured for those at an appropriate level for the athletes concerned.

6.8.4 5.5.2.3 The opportunity to organise large sports events should be open. The criteria for choosing venues for events should be fair and transparent.

6.8.4 5.5.3    Development

6.8.4 5.5.3.1 The development of partnership relations between different sports organisations in developing countries should be encouraged. The expansion of sports facilities in developing countries should be promoted.

6.8.4 5.6 Athletes’ involvement, participation and care

6.8.4 5.6.1 Right to participate and involvement of the athletes in the Olympic and Sports Movement and governing bodies

6.8.4 5.6.1.1 The right of athletes to participate in sports competitions at an appropriate level should be protected. Sports organisations must refrain from any discrimination.

6.8.4 5.6.1.2 The voice of the athletes should be heard in sporting organisations.

6.8.4 5.6.2 Protection of athletes

6.8.4 5.6.2.1 Measures should be taken to prohibit exploitation of young athletes.

6.8.4 5.6.2.2 Athletes should be protected from unscrupulous recruiters and agents.

6.8.4 5.6.2.3 Cooperation with the government of the countries concerned should be developed.

6.8.4 5.6.2.4 Codes of conduct should be signed by all sport organisations.

6.8.4 5.6.3    Health

6.8.4 5.6.3.1 Sports organisation shall adopt rules for the protection of the athletes’ health and to limit the risk of endangering the athletes’ health (medical supervision, number of days of competition, pollution, etc.).

6.8.4 5.6.4 Fight against doping

6.8.4 5.6.4.1 Sports organisations shall fight against doping and uphold anti-doping policy.

6.8.4 5.6.4.2 Zero tolerance in the fight against doping should be encouraged in all sports organisations at all levels.

6.8.4 5.6.4.3 Sports organisations shall protect the athletes from doping in particular through prevention and education.

6.8.4 5.6.5    Insurance

6.8.4 5.6.5.1 Insurance in case of death or serious injury is to be recommended for all athletes and should be mandatory for young junior athletes.

6.8.4 5.6.5.2 Whenever and wherever possible, athletes should be provided with social security coverage.

6.8.4 5.6.5.3 Special insurance policies should be available for professional athletes.

 

6.8.4 5.6.5.4 The organisers of sports events should obtain adequate insurance coverage.

6.8.4 5.6.6 Fairness and fair play

6.8.4 5.6.6.1 Fairness and fair play are central elements of the competition. Fair play is the spirit of sport. The values of sport and friendship shall be promoted.

6.8.4 5.6.7 Athletes’ education and career management

6.8.4 5.6.7.1 Educational programmes, developing in particular “Sport and Studies” programmes, should be encouraged.

6.8.4 5.6.7.2 Career management programmes should be promoted. Training professional athletes for new professional opportunities after their sports careers should be encouraged.

6.8.4 5.7 Harmonious relations with governments while preserving autonomy

6.8.4 5.7.1 Cooperation, coordination and consultation

6.8.4 5.7.1.1 Sporting    organisations     should    coordinate                 their                  actions    with governments.

6.8.4 5.7.1.2 Cooperation with governments is an essential element in the framework of sporting activities.

6.8.4 5.7.1.3 Cooperation, coordination and consultation are the best way for sporting organisations to preserve their autonomy.

6.8.4 5.7.2    Complementary mission

6.8.4 5.7.2.1 Governments, constituents of the Olympic Movement, other sports organisations and stakeholders have a complementary mission and should work together towards the same goals.

6.8.4 5.7.3 Maintain and preserve the autonomy of sport

6.8.4 5.7.3.1 The right balance between governments, the Olympic Movement and sporting organisations should be ensured.

 

 

6.9              CODE     ON    THE     PREVENTION     OF     THE              MANIPULATION                     OF COMPETITIONS

 

The integrity of sport depends on the outcome of sporting events and competitions being based entirely on the competing merits of the participants involved. Any form of corruption that might undermine public confidence in the integrity of a sporting contest is fundamentally contrary to the spirit of sport and must be eradicated at all costs.

The ITTF has adopted these rules as a means of safeguarding the integrity of the sport of table tennis by (i) prohibiting any conduct that may impact improperly on the outcome of its events and competitions and (ii) establishing a mechanism of enforcement and sanction for those who, through their corrupt conduct, place the integrity of the sport at risk.

 

The ITTF is committed to taking all practical steps within its power to prevent corrupt practices undermining the integrity of the sport of table tennis. This commitment shall include:

• raising awareness of these rules at all levels, including using existing and/or suitably adapted educational programmes and tools to provide information and educational materials to the widest possible target audience;
• establishing the best means of monitoring sports betting at International Competitions under the jurisdiction of the ITTF, including monitoring any irregular betting patterns that may occur;
• establishing the best means for the receipt of third party information on a confidential basis, for example, by establishing an information ‘hot-line’;
• establishing and, where appropriate, making use of effective channels for the exchange of intelligence and information related to the investigation and/or prosecution of violations under these rules;
• co-operating with competent national and international authorities where information in its possession may also amount to or evidence infringements of other applicable laws or regulations; and
• exchanging information with partners in the Olympic and Paralympic Movement (through ASOIF, SportAccord, IOC, IPC or otherwise) on acknowledged areas of best practice in relation to combating corruption in

Member National Associations and Continental Federations should put in place similar rules and regulations to safeguard the integrity of competitions held under their respective jurisdictions.

Notice under these rules to a participant who is under the jurisdiction of a Member National Association may be accomplished by delivery of the notice to the Member National Association concerned. The Member National Association shall be responsible for making immediate contact with the participant to whom the notice is applicable.

 

6.9.1                           APPLICATION AND SCOPE

• These rules shall apply to all Table Tennis pParties (as defined in the Preamble of this Chapter 6) who participate or assist in an international competition and each participant shall be automatically bound by, and be required to comply with, these rules by virtue of such participation or assistance (abbreviated as “participant” in the provisions below).
• It is the personal responsibility of every participant to make himself or herself aware of these rules including, without limitation, what conduct constitutes a violation of the rules and to comply with those Participants should also be aware that conduct prohibited under these rules may also constitute a criminal offence and/or a breach of other applicable laws and regulations. Participants must comply with all applicable laws and regulations at all times.
• Each participant submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the ITTF Tribunal to hear and determine charges brought by the ITTF Integrity Unit and to the exclusive jurisdiction of CAS to determine any appeal from the ITTF Tribunal’s decision.

 

• Each participant shall be bound by these rules until a date 6 months following his or her last participation or assistance in a competition. Each participant shall continue to be bound by these rules in respect of his or her participation or assistance in competitions taking place prior to that date.

 

6.9.2                          RULE VIOLATIONS

The following conduct shall constitute a Violation of these Rules (in each case whether effected directly or indirectly):

6.9.2.1                     Betting

• Participation in, support for, or promotion of, any form of betting related to an event or competition including betting with another person on the result, progress, outcome, conduct or any other aspect of such an event or This rule applies to any form of betting related to an event or competition in which the participant is directly participating or that is otherwise taking place in the participant’s sport or that is taking place in another sport at an international competition hosted by a major event organisation in which the participant is participating.

6.9.2.1.1       Inducing, instructing, facilitating or encouraging a participant to commit a violation of 6.9.2.1.

6.9.2.2                          Manipulation of Results

• Fixing or contriving in any way or otherwise improperly influencing, or being a party to fix or contrive in any way or otherwise improperly influence, the result, progress, outcome, conduct or any other aspect of an event or
• Ensuring or seeking to ensure the occurrence of a particular incident in an event or competition which occurrence is to the participant’s knowledge the subject of a bet and for which he or she or another person expects to receive or has received a
• Failing in return for a benefit (or the legitimate expectation of a benefit, irrespective of whether such benefit is in fact given or received) to perform to the best of one’s abilities in an event or
• Inducing, instructing, facilitating or encouraging a participant to commit a violation of 9.2.2.

6.9.2.3                     Corrupt Conduct

• Accepting, offering, agreeing to accept or offer, any bribe or other benefit (or the legitimate expectation of a benefit, irrespective of whether such benefit is in fact given or received) to fix or contrive in any way or otherwise to influence improperly the result, progress, outcome, conduct or any other aspect of an event or
• Providing, offering, giving, requesting or receiving any gift or benefit (or the legitimate expectation of a benefit, irrespective of whether such benefit is in fact given or received) in circumstances that the participant might reasonably have expected could bring him or her or the sport into disrepute.

 

• Inducing, instructing, facilitating or encouraging a participant to commit a violation of 9.2.3

6.9.2.4                     Misuse of Inside Information

• Using inside information for betting purposes or otherwise in relation to
• Disclosing inside information to any person with or without benefit where the participant might reasonably be expected to know that its disclosure in such circumstances could be used in relation to
• Inducing, instructing, facilitating or encouraging a participant to commit a violation set out in 9.2.4.

6.9.2.5                     Other Violations

• Any attempt by a participant, or any agreement by a participant with any other person, to engage in conduct that would culminate in the commission of any violation of this Rule shall be treated as if a violation had been committed, whether or not such attempt or agreement in fact resulted in such violation. However, there shall be no violation under this rule where the participant renounces his or her attempt or agreement prior to it being discovered by a third party not involved in the attempt or agreement.
• Knowingly assisting, covering up or otherwise being complicit in any acts or omissions of the type described in 6.2 committed by a participant.
• Failing to disclose to the ITTF Integrity Unit or other competent authority (without undue delay) full details of any approaches or invitations received by the participant to engage in conduct or incidents that would amount to a violation of this
• Failing to disclose to the ITTF Integrity Unit or other competent authority (without undue delay) full details of any incident, fact or matter that comes to the attention of the participant that may evidence a violation under this rule by a third party, including (without limitation) approaches or invitations that have been received by any other party to engage in conduct that would amount to a violation of this rule;
• Failing without compelling justification to cooperate with any reasonable investigation carried out by the ITTF Integrity Unit or other competent authority in relation to a possible breach of this rule, including failing to provide any information and/or documentation requested by the ITTF Integrity Unit or by the competent competition authority that may be relevant to such

• The following are not relevant to the determination of a violation of these rules:
  • Whether or not the participant was participating, or a participant assisted by another participant was participating, in the specific event or competition;
  • The nature or outcome of any bet at issue;
  • The outcome of the event or competition on which the bet was made;

 

• Whether or not the participant’s efforts or performance (if any) in any event or competition at issue were (or could be expected to be) affected by the acts or omissions in question;
• Whether or not the results in the event or competition at issue were (or could be expected to be) affected by the acts or omissions in

 

6.9.3                           BURDEN AND STANDARD OF PROOF

• The ITTF Integrity Unit or other prosecuting authority shall have the burden of proving that a violation has occurred under these rules. The standard of proof shall be whether the ITTF Integrity Unit or other prosecuting authority has proved a violation to the comfortable satisfaction of the ITTF Tribunal Hearing Panel, a standard which is greater than the mere balance of probability but less than proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Where these rules place the burden of proof on the participant alleged to have committed a violation to prove facts or circumstances, the standard of proof shall be by a preponderance of the
• The ITTF Tribunal Hearing Panel shall not be bound by judicial rules governing the admissibility of evidence. Facts related to violations of rule

6.9.2 may be established by any reliable means, including but not limited to, admissions, evidence of third parties, witness statements, expert reports, documentary evidence and other analytical data or information.

• The ITTF Tribunal Hearing Panel shall have discretion to accept any facts established by a decision of a court or professional disciplinary tribunal of any competent jurisdiction which is not subject to a pending appeal as irrefutable evidence against the participant to whom the decision relates unless the participant establishes that the decision violated the principles of natural
• The ITTF Tribunal shall be entitled to draw an inference adverse against If any participant who is accused of committing a violation if that participant fails or refuses to appear in front of attend the ITTF Tribunal hearing, whether in person or remotely, if requested to do so a reasonable time in advance of the hearing, or fails to comply with any information request that has been submitted in accordance with these rules, the Hearing Panel may nevertheless proceed and deliver its decision.

 

6.9.4                           INVESTIGATING A BREACH INVESTIGATIONS AND CHARGE

• Any allegation or suspicion of a violation of any provision under rule 6.9.2 Article 6.9 shall be reported to the ITTF Integrity Unit for investigation and possible charge in accordance with this rule the ITTF Integrity Regulations. The ITTF Integrity Unit may conduct an investigation into the activities of any participant that it believes may have committed a violation of these rules and may appoint one or more persons for this Such investigation may be conducted in conjunction with relevant competent national or international authorities (including criminal, administrative, professional and/or judicial authorities) and all participants must co-

 

operate fully with such investigations. The ITTF Integrity Unit shall have discretion, where it deems it appropriate, to stay its own investigation pending the outcome of investigations conducted by other competent authorities.

• As part of any such investigation, if the ITTF Integrity Unit reasonably suspects that a participant has committed a violation of these rules, it may make a written demand to such participant for information that is related to the alleged violation and/or require the attendance of such participant for interview, or a combination of the two. Any interview shall be at a time and place to be determined by the ITTF Integrity Unit and the relevant participant shall be given reasonable notice in writing of the requirement to attend. Interviews shall be recorded, and the participant shall be entitled to have legal counsel and an interpreter
• By participation in a competition, each participant shall be deemed to have agreed for the purposes of applicable data protection laws and other laws, and for all other purposes, to have consented to the collection, processing, disclosure or any other use of information relating to his or her activities (including without limitation personal information) to the extent permitted under these rules and shall confirm such agreement in writing upon

 

• ISSUING A NOTICE OF CHARGE
  • Where following an investigation the ITTF Integrity Unit determines that there is a case for the participant to answer under rule 6.9.2, the ITTF Integrity Unit shall issue the participant with a written notice of charge setting out the following:
    • The specific violation(s) that the participant is alleged to have committed; 6.9.5.1.2 The facts upon which such allegation(s) are based;
    • The range of sanctions applicable under the rules for such violations;
    • Details relating to the participant’s response to the notice of charge within a specified deadline; and
    • The participant’s right to have the matter determined by a
  • The notice of charge shall also specify that, if the participant wishes to exercise his or her right to a hearing, he or she must submit a written request for a hearing so that it is received by the ITTF Integrity Unit as soon as possible but in any event within 14 days of receipt of the notice of charge. The request must state how the participant responds to the charge and must explain (in summary form) the basis for such
  • If the participant fails to file a written request for a hearing by the specified deadline, he or she shall be deemed to have:
    • waived his or her right to a hearing;
    • admitted that he or she has committed the violation(s) specified in the notice of charge; and
    • acceded to the range of applicable sanctions specified in the notice of

 

• Where the participant requests a hearing in accordance with rule 6.9.6.1, the matter shall proceed to a hearing in accordance with the ITTF Tribunal Regulations. Where the participant is deemed to have waived his or her right to a hearing and to have admitted the violation(s) in accordance with rule 6.9.5.3.2, any hearing held at the ITTF Tribunal’s discretion shall be limited to determining the applicable sanctions
• In any case where the ITTF Integrity Unit decides to charge a participant with a violation under these rules, the ITTF Integrity Unit shall have discretion, in circumstances where it considers that the integrity of the sport could otherwise be seriously undermined, to provisionally suspend the participant pending the relevant tribunal’s determination of whether the participant has committed a violation. A provisional suspension shall be effective from the date of notification to the participant in accordance with these rules. Alternatively, the participant may accept a voluntary suspension from competition provided that it is confirmed in writing to the ITTF Integrity Unit. A voluntary suspension shall be effective only from the date of receipt of the participant’s written confirmation of such to the ITTF Integrity
• A decision to impose a provisional suspension on a participant shall not be subject to
• If a participant retires whilst a disciplinary procedure under these rules is underway, the ITTF Tribunal shall retain jurisdiction to complete the relevant procedure. If the participant retires before any disciplinary procedure has begun, the ITTF Tribunal shall nevertheless have jurisdiction to conduct the relevant

 

6.9.4 6        RIGHT TO A FAIR HEARING

6.9.4 6.1 Where the ITTF Integrity Unit alleges that a participant has committed a violation of these rules and the participant denies the allegation and/or disputes the sanctions to be imposed for such violation, then the matter shall be referred to a hearing before the ITTF Tribunal.

• 6.2 The ITTF Tribunal shall be appointed by the ITTF in accordance with the ITTF Tribunal

 

6.9.5    7        SANCTIONS

6.9.5 7.1  A violation of rule 6.9.2 by an athlete occurring during or in connection  with an event in which the athlete is participating shall lead to disqualification of the athlete and the annulment of all the athlete’s results obtained in that event with all consequences, including forfeiture of all titles, medals, computer ranking points and prize and appearance money, in addition to possible sanctions under rule 6.9.7.3 as decided by the ITTF Tribunal.

6.9.5 7.2 If a member of a doubles pair or a team is found to have committed a violation under 6.9.2, the doubles pair or the team shall be automatically disqualified from the event in question and any title, medal, computer

 

ranking points and prize shall be withdrawn, in addition to possible sanctions under rule 6.9.7.3 by the ITTF Tribunal.

6.9.5 7.3 Ineligibility and Financial Sanctions

6.9.5 7.3.1 The ITTF Tribunal Hearing Panel shall have discretion to impose a  period of ineligibility on participants in accordance with the bands set out in 6.9.7.3.2. In imposing any period of ineligibility, the ITTF Tribunal shall be entitled to consider whether any aggravating and/or mitigating factors under Rule 6.9.7.4 or the ITTF Tribunal Regulations should be taken into account.

6.9.5 7.3.2 The respective period of ineligibility for a violation set out in:

Rule 6.9.2.1 (betting), shall be a minimum of two [2] years and a maximum of four [4] years;

Rule 6.9.2.2 (manipulation of results), shall be a minimum of two [2] years and a maximum of four [4] years;

Rule 6.9.2.3 (corrupt conduct), shall be a minimum of two [2] years and a maximum of four [4] years;

Rule 6.9.2.4 (misuse of inside information), shall be a minimum of two

[2] years and a maximum of four [4] years;

Rule 6.9.2.5 (other violations) shall be a minimum of two [2] years and a maximum of four [4] years.

6.9.5 7.3.3 The period of ineligibility shall commence on the date the decision of the ITTF Tribunal is published and shall end on date stated in the published decision. The ITTF Tribunal may at its sole discretion reduce the period of ineligibility imposed by any period of provisional suspension already served by the participant prior to the decision being reached.

6.9.5 7.3.4 No participant shall participate in any capacity in any event or  competition during his or her period of ineligibility as imposed by the ITTF Tribunal.

6.9.5 7.3.5 If a participant violates any prohibition on participation imposed in accordance with 6.9.7.3.2, such participant shall be disqualified immediately from the relevant event or competition and the period of ineligibility originally imposed in accordance with these rules shall recommence from the date of such violation.

6.9.5 7.3.6 These rules shall continue to apply to any ineligible participant and any violation committed during a period of ineligibility shall be treated as a distinct violation and separate proceedings shall be brought against the participant in accordance with these rules.

6.9.5 7.3.7 In addition to the imposition of a period of ineligibility as set out above, the ITTF Tribunal shall have discretion to impose a fine of up to a maximum amount of the value of any benefit received by the participant out of, or in relation to, the violation(s) of rule 6.9.2 and the fine shall be a minimum of CHF5,000.

6.9.5 7.4 Aggravating and Mitigating Factors

6.9.5 7.4.1 In order to determine the appropriate sanction to be imposed in each case the ITTF Tribunal Hearing Panel shall assess the relative

 

seriousness of the violation, including identifying all relevant factors that it deems to aggravate or mitigate the nature of the violation committed.

6.9.5 7.4.2 Aggravating factors which may be considered by the ITTF Tribunal shall include (without limitation and where applicable):

6.9.5 7.4.2.1            failure to co-operate by the participant with any investigation or requests for information;

6.9.5 7.4.2.2                      any previous violations by the participant;

6.9.5 7.4.2.3            the participant receiving or being due to receive a significant Benefit in connection with the violation;

6.9.5 7.4.2.4            the violation having or having the potential to affect the course or result of an event or competition;

6.9.5 7.4.2.5            the participant displaying a lack of remorse (including, for example, refusing to take part in anti-corruption educational programs organised by the ITTF); and

6.9.5 7.4.2.6            any other aggravating factor the ITTF Tribunal deems relevant.

6.9.5 7.4.3            Mitigating factors which may be considered by the ITTF Tribunal Hearing Panel shall include (without limitation and where applicable):

6.9.5 7.4.3.1 co-operation by the participant with any investigation or requests for information;

6.9.5 7.4.3.2 a timely admission of guilt by the participant;

6.9.5 7.4.3.3 the participant's clean disciplinary record;

6.9.5 7.4.3.4 the youth or inexperience of the participant;

6.9.5 7.4.3.5 the violation not having affected or not having the potential to affect the course or result of an event or competition;

6.9.5 7.4.3.6 the participant displaying remorse (including, for example, agreeing to take part in anti-corruption educational programs organised by the ITTF; and

6.9.5 7.4.3.7 any other mitigating factor the ITTF Tribunal deems relevant.

6.9.5 7.5 Reinstatement

6.9.5 7.5.1 Once the period of the participant’s ineligibility has expired, he or she will become automatically re-eligible to participate provided that he or she has

6.9.5 7.5.1.1            completed to the ITTF’s or the ITTF Integrity Unit’s reasonable satisfaction any official betting and anti-corruption education or rehabilitation programme that might be imposed on him or her

6.9.5 7.5.1.2            has satisfied, in full, any fine imposed under this rule and/or award of costs made against him or her by any tribunal and

• 7.5.1.3 has agreed to subject himself/herself to any reasonable and proportionate monitoring of his or her future activities as the ITTF or the ITTF Integrity Unit may reasonably consider necessary given the nature and scope of the violation that he or she has committed.

 

6.9.6    8        APPEALS

 

6.9.6 8.1 The following decisions made under these rules may be appealed either  by the ITTF Integrity Unit or the participant who is the subject of the decision (as applicable) exclusively to CAS:

6.9.6 8.1.1    A decision that a charge of breach of rule 6.9.2 should be dismissed on procedural or jurisdictional grounds;

6.9.6 8.1.2 A decision that a violation of rule 6.9.2 has been committed;

6.9.6 8.1.3 A decision that a violation of rule 6.9.2 has not been committed;

6.9.6 8.1.4    A decision to impose a sanction, including a sanction that is not in accordance with these rules;

6.9.6 8.1.5 A decision not to impose a sanction;

6.9.6 8.1.6    Any other decision that is considered to be erroneous or procedurally unsound.

6.9.6 8.2  The time for filing an appeal to CAS shall be twenty-one days (21) from  the date of receipt of the decision by the appealing party.

6.9.6 8.3 Any decision and any sanctions imposed shall remain in effect while subject to the appeal process, unless CAS directs otherwise.

• 8.4 The decision of CAS shall be final and binding on all parties and on all Member Associations and Continental Federations and there shall be no right of appeal from the CAS decision. No claim may be brought in any other court, tribunal or via any other dispute resolution procedure or mechanism.

 

6.9.7    9        RECOGNITION OF DECISIONS

6.9.7 9.1 It shall be a condition of membership and affiliation of the ITTF that all Member National Associations and Continental Federations shall comply with, recognise and take all necessary and reasonable steps within their powers to enforce and give effect to these rules and to all decisions and sanctions imposed hereunder.

6.9.7 9.2  Final decisions of a major event organisation in relation to a participant  that are within the major event organisation’s jurisdiction and based on the same or similar illegal betting and anti-corruption rules as these rules shall be recognised and respected by the ITTF upon receipt of notice of the same. Any disciplinary process, so far as determining a participant’s sanction beyond the sanction imposed by the major event organisation is concerned, shall be determined by the ITTF in accordance with these rules.

 

• STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS
  • No action may be commenced under these rules against a participant for a violation of these rules unless such action is commenced within eight (8) years from the date on which the violation
  • Subject to 6.9.10.1 above, the ITTF Integrity Unit may temporarily suspend any investigations under the rules to avoid prejudice to and/or to give precedence to, investigations conducted by the relevant authorities into the same or related

 

 

6.9.8 11      AMENDMENTS AND INTERPRETATION

6.9.8 11.1 Betting and anti-corruption rules are, by their nature, competition rules governing the conditions under which the sport of table tennis is to be held. They are not intended to be subjected to or limited by the requirements and legal standards applicable to criminal proceedings or employment matters. The policies and standards set out in these rules as a basis for the fight against corruption in the sport of table tennis represent a broad consensus of those with an interest in fair sport and should be respected by all courts and not by reference to existing law or statutes.

6.9.8 11.2 The headings and sub-headings in these rules are for convenience only and shall not be deemed to be part of the substance of these rules or to affect in any way the language of the provisions to which they refer.

6.9.8 11.3 The definitions in Appendix 1 shall be considered an integral part of these rules.

6.9.8 11.4 If any rule or provision of these rules is held to be invalid, unenforceable or illegal for any reason, it shall be deemed to be deleted and the rules shall otherwise remain in full force and effect.

 

 

6.10          EXTENSION OF THE CODE OF ETHICS’ APPLICABILITY

The organisations cited in chapter 1 (Constitution) may decide to apply the Code of Ethics to themselves and/or to their members (natural or legal persons).

 

• Ethics Commission
  • Organisation
    • The Ethics Commission shall be independent, as defined in the ITTF Constitution 5.7.4.
      • The staff member will act as secretary to the Commission, with speaking rights but no voting
    • The members, shall be appointed by the Board of Directors upon recommendation of the nomination
    • The Ethics Commission meets when convened by its Chair, at least once a
    • The required quorum for any recommendation decision is constituted if all three members are present. Each member will do whatever they can to be present at the meetings and participate in them. Teleconference meetings may be
    • The administrative organisation of the Ethics Commission, and support to it, are overseen by the Ethics Commission
  • Terms of reference of the commission
    • The terms of reference of the Ethics Commission are:

 

• to define and update a framework of ethical principles, including a Code of Ethics, based upon the values and principles enshrined in the Olympic Charter, of which the said Code forms an integral part;
• to refer to the ITTF Integrity Unit any complaints raised in relation to the non-respect of such ethical principles, including breaches of the Code of

• The Ethics Commission presents an annual report on its activities to the This report will be published.

• Conflict of interest
  • Members of the Ethics Commission shall not take any measure nor exercise any influence in relation to a matter where any conflict of interests or any other conflict exists or is perceived to
• Terms of appointment of commission members
  • The duration of the term of appointment of an Ethics Commission member is four years. Such term is
  • The term of an Ethics Commission member takes effect on the day of his/her election by the Board of Directors (BoD).
  • In the event of death, resignation or inability of a member to perform his or her functions, the member shall be In such a case, or cases of urgency, the Executive Committee may designate a replacement member for the remaining period until the next BoD meeting.
  • In the event of a breach of the present Regulations, an Ethics Commission member may be removed from office only by a specific vote by the BoD, the member concerned being heard by the ITTF
• General provisions
  • These Rules apply to all cases brought before the Ethics
  • The proceedings opened through application of these Rules of Procedure are confidential. All the parties concerned undertake not to divulge to third parties any of the facts or other information linked to the
• Procedure for analysing complaints, denunciations or acts
  • All complaints or denunciations received by the Ethics Commission, and all acts brought to its attention which might constitute a breach of the ethical principles of the Olympic Charter, the Code of Ethics or its implementing provisions are analysed by the Ethics

Such analysis will address the likelihood of a breach of the ethical principles of the Olympic Charter, the Code of Ethics or its implementing provisions.

• A complainant may request that his/her identity not be revealed and that all precautions be taken so that his/her identity is
• The Ethics Commission Officer informs the person who is the subject of a complaint or denunciation. Such person may submit their first observations if they deem it necessary to do

 

If the subject of the complaint or denunciation is a corporate body, the Ethics Commission Officer will inform its representative, who may submit their first observations if they deem it necessary to do so.

• With a view to facilitating the analysis of the likelihood of a breach and to writing a referral report for the Ethics Commission, the Ethics Commission Officer may:
  • consult all the relevant documents;
  • ask to be provided with all the relevant documents and the written observations of the person concerned, in particular with regard to the evidence;
  • seek the advice of any relevant expertise;
  • travel to the place concerned if this may facilitate an understanding of the facts; and
  • hear the person In such cases, the interview will be recorded and a copy of the recording given to the person concerned.
• If the likelihood of a breach of the ethical principles of the Olympic Charter, the Code of Ethics or its implementing provisions and of the competence of the Ethics Commission is established, the Ethics Commission Officer will officially forward the complaint to the Chair of the Ethics Commission with the complete file, including the referral
• In the event that the likelihood of a breach of the ethical principles of the Olympic Charter, the Code of Ethics or its implementing provisions and of the competence of the Ethics Commission is not established, the Ethics Commission Officer will record this accordingly in a specific report. This specific report will be an agenda item at each meeting of the Ethics

The person behind the complaint or denunciation will be informed of this decision, and may ask the Chair of the Ethics Commission to re-examine the file if the analysis by the Ethics Commission Officer has not determined that the file should be referred to the Ethics Commission.

• Referral and procedure before the Ethics Commission
  • Referral to the Ethics Commission is made in writing by the Ethics Commission Officer, based on the referral report, and including the complete

The Ethics Commission Officer may assist the Chair of the Ethics Commission, at his/her request, with any additional information and/or support.

• The Ethics Commission takes note of the referral report, the complete file and the various written observations made by the person
• The Chair of the Ethics Commission may appoint one of the Commission members as a rapporteur. The Chair may delegate to the rapporteur all or part of the measures provided under article 14 below, in particular hearing the person The rapporteur then presents their report to the Ethics Commission.

 

• The person concerned may exercise his/her right to be heard by the Ethics Commission or its rapporteur, either through written observations or orally, during an interview for which the circumstances will be decided by the Commission or its rapporteur. Such interviews will be recorded and a copy of the recording given to the person
• When conducting an investigation, the Ethics Commission or its rapporteur may take any other appropriate measures, including:
  • asking for written information or documents from the parties concerned;
  • deciding to hear witnesses at its own discretion or at the request of the parties concerned;
  • travelling to the place concerned, or sending one of its members, or delegating a person to go there if it deems that such action may clarify the proceedings under way;
  • appointing one or more experts tasked with assisting it on one or more points, and establishing the scope of their terms of reference and remuneration within the limits of its operating

The person concerned will have to fully cooperate with the Ethics Commission or the rapporteur, in particular by communicating any information or document judged necessary by the Commission for the investigation and formulation of its recommendations. Any lack of cooperation will be taken into account when assessing the situation.

• The Ethics Commission freely assesses the

Regarding the measures or sanctions against the person concerned, the Ethics Commission makes recommendation to the ITTF Integrity Unit which takes a decision whether to bring a claim before the ITTF Tribunal.

• The Ethics Commission deliberates in camera and takes the decisions of provisional measures or the recommendations of measures or sanctions it deems

The Commission’s deliberations are led by the Chair. The Chair may ask the Ethics Commission Officer to attend the deliberations as an observer. The Chair may also ask the CEO to answer questions on the referral report.

The Commission’s decisions of provisional measures and/or recommendations are taken by a simple majority of the members present. The required quorum is constituted if all three members are present.

Voting takes place by secret ballot if the Chair of the Commission so decides, or if a majority of the members present request it. Voting by proxy is not allowed.

If necessary, the members may take part in the deliberations via telephone or video conference. In certain circumstances, the Commission members may be consulted by circulating the documents.

All deliberations and votes are confidential.

• Within the framework of the Olympic Charter, the Ethics Commission may, during an investigation and after having heard the person

 

concerned, take a decision regarding provisional measures, in particular with regard to provisional suspension of all or part of the rights, prerogatives and functions deriving from such person or organisation’s membership or status.

This decision of provisional measures, including the reasons, takes the form of a written decision signed by the Chair of the Commission.

The Ethics Commission Officer informs the person concerned of any decisions and the reasons regarding provisional measures and shall forward to the President the decision on provisional measures for the

 Executive Committee’s information.

The decision on provisional measures may be made public.

The provisional measure will be taken into consideration by the Ethics Commission when assessing the recommendations for the measures or sanctions to be made to the Executive Committee.

• The Ethics Commission recommends to the ITTF Integrity Unit the measures or sanctions provided under Rule 59 of the Olympic Charter or any other appropriate measures, in particular those provided by one of the implementing provisions of the Code of

Such recommendation takes the form of a written decision signed by the Chair of the Commission.

The Ethics Commission Officer forwards the Ethics Commission’s final recommendations to the ITTF Integrity Unit.

The recommendations remain confidential.

At the same time, the Ethics Commission Officer informs the person concerned of such transmission, and, if the Ethics Commission recommends any sanction or measure, of the evidence against them and the reasons given by the Ethics Commission.

 

APPENDIX

DEFINITIONS

"Athlete" means any athlete who participates or is selected to participate in an event or competition;

"Athlete Support Personnel" means any coach, trainer, manager, athlete representative, agent, team staff member, official, medical or para-medical personnel, family member or any other person employed by or working with an athlete or the athlete’s Member National Association participating in a competition.

"Benefit" means the direct or indirect receipt or provision (as relevant) of money or money's worth (other than prize money and/or contractual payments to be made under endorsement, sponsorship or other contracts);

"Bet" means a wager of money or any other form of financial speculation;

"Betting" means making, accepting, or laying a bet and shall include, without limitation, activities commonly referred to as sports betting such as fixed and running odds, totalisator/toto games, live betting, betting exchange, spread betting and other games offered by sports betting operators;

"CAS" means the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland;

"Competition" means an event or series of events conducted over one or more days under one ruling body (e.g., World Championships).

"Event" means a single, race, match or contest.

"Hearing Panel" means a panel of the ITTF Tribunal formed in accordance with R8.25.6, which may comprise of a single ITTF Tribunal member; panel appointed by the ITTF to perform the functions assigned to it in these rules.

"Inside Information" means any information relating to any competition or event that a participant possesses by virtue of his or her position within the sport. Such information includes, but is not limited to, factual information regarding the competitors, the conditions, tactical considerations or any other aspect of the competition or event, but does not include such information that is already published or a matter of public record, readily acquired by an interested member of the public or disclosed according to the rules and regulations governing the relevant competition or event;

"International Competition" means any competition mentioned in clause 3.1.2.3 of the ITTF Handbook.

"ITTF Sanctioned Events" means all events so designated by the Executive Committee and published on the calendar from time to time and include events licensed to or authorised by WTT or by the ITTF Foundation.

"ITTF Foundation" means ITTF Foundation, a subsidiary of ITTF and the entity responsible for corporate social responsibility initiatives of ITTF, and includes any of its subsidiary.

"Member Association" means the member of the ITTF to which a participant under these rules is affiliated directly or through a club or another body affiliated to the member.

"Major Event Organisation" means any international multi-sport organisation that acts as the ruling body for any continental, regional or other international competition.

 

"National Association" obsolete term. References to “National Association” shall be construed as ”Member Association”, as not all ITTF Member Associations jurisdictions correspond with those of nations.

"Participant" means any athlete, athlete support personnel, umpire, referee, delegate, commissioner, jury of appeal member, competition official, Member National Association team or delegation member and any other accredited person;

"Person" shall include natural persons, bodies corporate and unincorporated associations and partnerships (whether or not any of them have separate legal personality);

"Sanction" means any sanction that the ITTF Tribunal has the right to impose;

"Violation" means a violation of these Rules:

"WTT" means World Table Tennis Private Limited, a subsidiary of ITTF and exclusive licensee of ITTF in respect of certain licensed ITTF events, pursuant to a master licence agreement, and includes any of its subsidiary.

 

7                             

ANTI-HARASSMENT                                     POLICY                                     AND PROCEDURES

 

As an international body, the ITTF brings together members from different cultures, backgrounds and experiences. Harassment is perceived differently in different cultures. However, the ITTF is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment based on respect and members must be sensitive to the different cultures and behavioural norms that make up the ITTF community.

 

The ITTF recognises that not all persons experiencing harassment will make a formal complaint, but this does not reduce the need to create a supportive environment in which all can achieve their full potential.

 

The term “complainant” refers to the person who experiences harassment. The term “respondent” refers to the person against whom a complaint is made.

 

7.1                        POLICY STATEMENT

 

• The ITTF is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Each individual has the right to participate and work in an environment which promotes equal opportunities and prohibits discriminatory practices. The ITTF hereby restates its commitment to the Olympic Charter and in particular its Fundamental Principles.
  • Harassment is a form of discrimination. Harassment is prohibited by human rights legislation and is considered unlawful in many States of the
  • The ITTF is committed to providing a sport environment free of harassment on any basis without

 

 

7.2                        APPLICATION OF THE POLICY

 

• This policy applies to all members of the ITTF, its member associations, its affiliated continental federations and its recognised groups of associations such regional organisation, including but not limited to their board members, directors, honorary members, officers, employees, service providers, delegated third parties and their employees, as well as all officials, players, players’ entourage and support personnel and any other persons involved in the ITTF’s

 

• This policy applies to harassment which may occur during the course of all ITTF business, activities, and events, as well as the business, activities, and

 

events authorised, sanctioned, supported or otherwise recognised by ITTF. It also applies to harassment between individuals associated with the ITTF but outside the ITTF business, activities, and events when such harassment adversely affects relationships within the ITTF work and sport environment.

 

• Notwithstanding this policy, every person who experiences harassment has the right to pursue legal recourse, even when steps are being taken under this

 

 

7.3                        DEFINITIONS

 

• Psychological and/or physical harassment takes many forms but can generally be defined as, persistent comment, conduct, or gesture directed toward an individual or group of individuals, which is insulting, intimidating, humiliating, malicious, degrading, offensive or Such conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual’s performance, damaging his or her reputation, dignity and morale and can creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.

 

• For the purposes of this policy, any form of harassment is defined as unwelcome, often persistent, attention. It may include particularly, but not limited to, discrimination or harassment on the basis of gender, religious background, race:
  • Written or verbal abuse or threats
  • Inappropriately oriented comments
  • Jokes, lewd comments or innuendoes
  • Taunts about body, dress, marital status or sexuality
  • Shouting and/or bullying
  • Ridiculing or undermining performance or self-respect
  • Sexual, homophobic, racial or other discriminatory graffiti
  • Practical jokes
  • Intimidating remarks, invitations or familiarity
  • Physical contact, fondling, pinching or kissing
  • Vandalism
  • Offensive phone calls or photos

 

 

7.4                        CONFIDENTIALITY

 

• The ITTF understands that it can be difficult to come forward with a complaint of harassment and that it can be equally difficult to be wrongly accused or

 

convicted of harassment. The ITTF recognises the interests of all parties concerned in keeping the matter confidential.

 

• Therefore, the ITTF shall not disclose to outside parties the name of the complainant, the circumstances giving rise to a complaint, or the name of the respondent unless such disclosure is required by a disciplinary, legal or other remedial

 

 

7.5                        ITTF INTEGRITY UNIT

 

• The ITTF shall establish an Integrity Unit to deal with all matters related to Integrity, including Harassment

 

• The ITTF Integrity Unit’s role is to serve in a neutral, unbiased, independent capacity and to receive complaints, assist in informal resolution of complaints, maintain records and investigate and determine, at their sole discretion, whether to initiate proceedings before the ITTF Tribunal. In carrying out their duties under this policy, ITTF Integrity Unit officers shall be directly responsible to the ITTF Integrity Unit

 

• The ITTF shall ensure that ITTF Integrity Unit officers receive appropriate training and support for carrying out their responsibilities under this

 

 

7.6                        COMPLAINT PROCEDURE

 

• A person who experiences harassment may seek the initial advice of the competition manager or an ITTF Integrity Unit

 

• The competition manager or ITTF Integrity Unit officer, as the case may be, shall inform the complainant of the process of filling a complaint, as determined by the ITTF Integrity

 

 

7.7                        DISCIPLINARY ACTION

 

• Any person against whom a complaint of harassment is made out may be sanctioned by the ITTF Tribunal in accordance with the ITTF Tribunal Regulations.

 

• For the purposes of this policy, retaliation against an individual for having:

 

• filed a complaint under this policy; or
• participated in any procedure under this policy; or
• been associated with a person who filed a complaint or participated in any procedure under this policy,

shall constitute an offence.

 

• Any person against whom a complaint of retaliation is made out may be sanctioned by the ITTF Tribunal in accordance with the ITTF Tribunal Regulations.

 

• Any false accusations pursuant to the complaint knowingly made or is reasonably determine to likely be known by a complainant or anyone participating in any procedure under this policy shall constitute an

 

• Any person against whom a complaint of false accusation is made out may be sanctioned by the ITTF Tribunal in accordance with the ITTF Tribunal Regulations.

 

 

7.8                        APPEALS

 

• An appeal of the ITTF Tribunal’s decision may be made in accordance with the ITTF Tribunal

 

 

7.9                        RESPONSIBILITY

 

• The ITTF Integrity Unit is responsible for the implementation of this In addition, the ITTF Integrity Unit is responsible for:
  • discouraging and preventing harassment within the ITTF;
  • investigating formal complaints of harassment in a sensitive, responsible, and timely manner;
  • informing both complainants and respondents of the procedures contained in this policy and of their rights under this policy and the law; and

7.9.1.5    appointing officers and providing the training and resources they need to fulfil their responsibilities under this policy.

 

8                           ITTF TRIBUNAL REGULATIONS

 

 

 

Part I: Preliminary

 

• CITATION AND COMMENCEMENT

 

These Regulations may be cited as the ITTF Tribunal Regulations and shall come came into operation on 01 January 2021.

 

 

 

8.2         DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

 

• In these ITTF Tribunal Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires: “Administrative Fee” has the meaning given to it in R24.2;

“Absolute Majority” means a majority (more than 50%) of the total number of persons entitled to vote, including those absent and those present but not voting;

“Claimant” means the party bringing a claim and for avoidance of doubt, includes the ITTF Integrity Unit or any of its authorised officers, including the Head of Integrity, or such other person authorised by the ITTF Integrity Unit;

“Hearing Panel” means a panel of the ITTF Tribunal formed in accordance with R8.25, which may comprise of a single ITTF Tribunal member;

"ITTF Foundation" means ITTF Foundation, a subsidiary of ITTF and the entity responsible for corporate social responsibility initiatives of ITTF, and includes any of its subsidiary.

“ITTF Tribunal” means the highest judicial body within ITTF to hear and decide cases at first instance or as an appellate body as set out in the ITTF Tribunal Regulations;

“Qualified Majority” means two-thirds majority of persons taking part in the vote, not counting abstentions;

 “Regulations” means these ITTF Tribunal Regulations;

“Request for Proceedings” has the meaning given to it in R8.24.1;

 “Related Document” includes any rule or regulation connected to the ITTF Handbook, including the rules and regulations of WTT, ITTF Foundation, or any other Table Tennis Party relating to sport integrity;

“Respondent” means the party whom a claim is brought against;

“Simple Majority” means a majority (more than 50%) of persons taking part in the vote, not counting abstentions;

 “WTT” means World Table Tennis Private Limited, a subsidiary of ITTF and exclusive licensee of ITTF in respect of certain licensed ITTF events, pursuant to a master licence agreement, and includes any of its subsidiary.

 

• These Regulations are adopted pursuant to the ITTF Handbook and shall be interpreted in a manner that is consistent with applicable provisions of the ITTF Handbook. In case of any conflict, the ITTF Constitution prevail over these Regulations.

 

• The headings and sub-headings in these Regulations are for convenience only and shall not be deemed to be part of the substance of these Regulations or to affect in any way the language of the provisions to which they

 

• Words used regardless of the number and gender specifically used, shall be deemed and construed to include any other number, singular or plural, and any other gender, masculine, feminine or neuter, as the context

 

• Any words following the terms “including”, “include”, “in particular”, “such as” or any similar expression shall be construed as illustrative and shall not limit the sense of the words, description, definition, phrase or term preceding those

 

• If any provision of these Regulations is held to be invalid, unenforceable or illegal for any reason, it shall be deemed to be deleted and the remainder of these Regulations shall otherwise remain in full force and

 

 

8.3         PURPOSE

 

• The ITTF Tribunal is an independent judicial body of the ITTF established pursuant to Article 1.8.1.1.2 of the ITTF

 

• The ITTF Tribunal constitutes Hearing Panels to hear and decide cases at first instance or as an appellate body arising from the ITTF Handbook, in accordance with these ITTF Tribunal

 

• These ITTF Tribunal Regulations regulate the organisation and function of the ITTF Tribunal and describes the procedures to be followed before it regarding matters that it has jurisdiction

 

 

Part II: Organisation of the ITTF Tribunal

 

• MEMBERSHIP OF THE ITTF TRIBUNAL

 

• The membership of the ITTF Tribunal is determined in accordance with Article 1.8.2 of the ITTF

 

• The ITTF Tribunal membership as a whole shall be fluent in English and have expertise and experience in legal, governance, integrity, table tennis, competition, officiating, athlete safeguarding, anti-harassment and such other relevant areas in sport, and each member shall be:
  • a qualified lawyer or former judicial office holder with substantial expertise and experience in legal issues affecting sport; or
  • a person with substantial experience in legal, governance, integrity, table tennis, competition, officiating, athlete safeguarding, anti-harassment or such other relevant areas in

 

• An ITTF Tribunal member may be suspended or removed from office:
  • by the ITTF Tribunal Chair if:
    • that member is found to be not eligible under these ITTF Tribunal Regulations;
    • that member is found to have been in serious breach of the ITTF Constitution or any other ITTF regulations, including the ITTF Code of Ethics;
    • that member is unable or unwilling to perform their duties as an ITTF Tribunal member, has neglected their duties, or has engaged in any material misconduct;
  • by the AGM or EGM, if:
    • the person to be removed under 4.3.1 is the ITTF Tribunal Chair; or
    • the AGM or EGM considers that the ITTF Tribunal Chair’s decision made pursuant to R4.3.1 should be reviewed.

 

• Before an ITTF Tribunal member is removed, that member shall be given reasonable written notice of the proposal by the ITTF Tribunal Chair, the AGM or EGM (as applicable) to remove them as an ITTF Tribunal member, the basis for such proposal and the relevant facts supporting such proposal. That member may respond to that proposal within 14 days of being notified in writing of the proposal and that member’s response must be taken into account by such decision

 

• If an ITTF Tribunal member resigns, dies, or is removed from office, the position shall either:
  • remain vacant until the next AGM or EGM; or
  • if the ITTF Tribunal Chair considers it necessary, the ITTF Board of Directors may appoint a replacement member to fill the vacancy on the ITTF Tribunal until the next AGM or

 

• Each term of office of the ITTF Tribunal member shall be four years and the ITTF Tribunal Member may be appointed by the AGM or EGM for a maximum of eight consecutive years, subject to R38.1.

 

• The ITTF Tribunal and the Secretariat shall be allocated the necessary resources by ITTF to fulfil its

 

 

8.5         ITTF TRIBUNAL CHAIR AND ITTF TRIBUNAL MEMBERS

 

• The ITTF Tribunal Chair must be a qualified lawyer who:
  • is fluent in English; and
  • has at least ten years of professional legal experience in litigation or arbitration and in governance, integrity, table tennis, competition, officiating, athlete safeguarding, anti-harassment or such other relevant areas in

 

• The ITTF Tribunal Chair is responsible for the matters including:
  • lead and represent the ITTF Tribunal in official matters within and outside of ITTF;
  • propose resources necessary for the ITTF Tribunal to operate in accordance with these ITTF Tribunal Regulations;
  • propose amendments to these ITTF Tribunal Regulations or any other part of the ITTF Handbook for the effective and efficient administration of justice within ITTF;
  • perform or supervise the performance of operational tasks of the ITTF Tribunal;
  • prepare annual reports of the ITTF Tribunal for the AGM or EGM;
  • convene meetings ITTF Tribunal meetings, as they deem necessary;
  • appoint a deputy to fulfil their responsibilities in their absence, as they deem necessary;
  • manage the caseload of the ITTF Tribunal and assign (or reassign) cases to ITTF Tribunal members, according to their specific needs, such as subject-matter expertise;
  • monitor the performance and conduct of the ITTF Tribunal members and investigate (or assist in the investigation of) complaints made against them, in accordance with the ITTF Handbook;
  • work with the Secretariat and all other ITTF Tribunal members on all other matters necessary of for the operation of the ITTF Tribunal; and
  • assume the responsibilities of the ITTF Tribunal members, as set out in R5.3.

 

• Each ITTF Tribunal member is responsible for the matters including:
  • read and be familiar with the documents submitted by the parties in each case;
  • ensure that parties who are not represented by counsel are able to present their cases and have it considered fully and fairly;
  • manage and conduct proceedings fairly, effectively and efficiently;
  • maintain impartiality throughout proceedings and take adequate notes;
  • deciding issues of fact, law and procedure that may arise in each case;
  • make orders and interim reliefs in each case, in accordance with these ITTF Tribunal Regulations;
  • write and issue decisions after deliberating on the parties’ submissions;

 

• keep abreast of developments within table tennis or sport in general, particularly in the areas of legal, governance, integrity, competition, officiating, athlete safeguarding, anti-harassment and such other relevant areas; and
• from time to time serve on a Committee, Commission, Working Group or such other bodies of the ITTF, where services of a judicial member are required, particularly in cases of substantial public

 

Secretariat

The ITTF Tribunal shall be assisted by the Secretariat.

 

The Secretariat is responsible for matters including:

communicating with ITTF Tribunal members relating to the proceedings in which they are appointed members of the Hearing Panel;

communicating with the parties to the proceedings on behalf of the Hearing Panel or the ITTF Tribunal Chair;

assisting the Hearing Panel or the ITTF Tribunal Chair in convening hearings or preliminary hearings;

assisting the Hearing Panel or the ITTF Tribunal Chair in preparing decisions; managing matters relating to the proceedings filed with it;

attending the meetings of the ITTF Tribunal and assisting in the preparation of minutes, reports and other documents relating to such meetings; and

ensuring that the ITTF Tribunal is managed efficiently.

 

The Secretariat may be a natural person or legal person.

 

(As a result of deleting 8.6 Secretariat, kindly note the subsequent renumbering)

 

8.6         MEETINGS OF THE ITTF TRIBUNAL

• The ITTF Tribunal shall meet at least once a year and each ITTF Tribunal meeting shall be convened by the ITTF Tribunal

 

• The ITTF Tribunal Chair shall set the agenda of the ITTF Tribunal meeting, taking into consideration any proposal regarding the agenda made by other ITTF Tribunal members.

 

• The agenda of the ITTF Tribunal meeting shall be communicated to the ITTF Tribunal members prior to the ITTF Tribunal meeting in timely manner and whenever possible, at least 14 days before the date of the ITTF Tribunal

 

• Any issue arising after the agenda of the ITTF Tribunal meeting has been communicated to the ITTF Tribunal members shall be resolved by a Qualified Majority.

 

• The ITTF Tribunal meeting may be conducted remotely through, without limitation, telephone or videoconference, if requested by any ITTF Tribunal

8.7         QUORUM OF MEETINGS OF THE ITTF TRIBUNAL

 

• The quorum to pass resolutions in an ITTF Tribunal meeting is an Absolute

 

• If any ITTF Tribunal meeting takes place without meeting the quorum, any Resolution proposed shall be:
  • communicated to the ITTF Tribunal members within seven days of the date of the ITTF Tribunal meeting; and
  • be voted on by the ITTF Tribunal members within a period specified by the ITTF Tribunal

 

• If the total number of votes during the ITTF Tribunal meeting and after the ITTF Tribunal meeting pursuant R7.2 exceed the number required to form a quorum, the vote cast according to R8.7.2 will be deemed as having been validly cast at the ITTF Tribunal meeting.

 

 

8.8         VOTING AND RESOLUTIONS

 

• For an in-person meeting, the passing of resolutions by the ITTF Tribunal requires the approval of a Simple Majority of the ITTF Tribunal members physically

 

• For a remote meeting, the passing of resolutions by the ITTF Tribunal requires the approval of an Absolute Majority of the ITTF Tribunal

 

• The use of electronic mail and other generally acceptable electronic communication means is permissible for the purposes of passing a resolution by

 

 

8.9         MINUTES OF ITTF TRIBUNAL MEETINGS

 

• The ITTF Tribunal shall keep minutes of its deliberations and resolutions at each ITTF Tribunal

 

• The minutes shall contain:
  • a summary of the deliberations;
  • the proposed resolutions;
  • the result of resolutions with the number of votes; and
  • the declarations requested by any ITTF Tribunal member requests to be

 

• The draft of the minutes shall be promptly communicated to the ITTF Tribunal members for their review and the approved minutes must be signed by the ITTF Tribunal

 

 

8.10     INDEMNITY

 

• No ITTF Tribunal member will be personally liable for any act or omission when carrying out their duties and exercising their powers or authorities in good

 

 

8.11     EXPENSES

 

• Where applicable, tThe ITTF Tribunal members will receive compensation and reimbursement for their expenses incurred for their time spent on matters of the ITTF as members of a Hearing Panel and such payments shall not be deemed to compromise their independence and

 

 

8.12     INDEPENDENCE

 

• No ITTF Tribunal member themselves and their immediate family members may:
  • hold any official function in ITTF, a member association of ITTF or an associated organisation of ITTF; and
  • have any material business relationship with ITTF, a member association of ITTF or an associated organisation of ITTF,

during their term of office as ITTF Tribunal member and for four years prior to their initial appointment to office.

• Before assuming office, the ITTF Tribunal member shall first take an oath or affirm that they will discharge their judicial duties independently and impartially

 

 

8.13     CONFIDENTIALITY

 

• Unless otherwise set out in these ITTF Tribunal Regulations, the ITTF Tribunal’s affairs and all proceedings before a Hearing Panel are

 

• The ITTF Tribunal members shall ensure that information disclosed to them during the course of their duties remains confidential and not make any disclosure to any third party in breach of

 

Part III: Proceedings before the ITTF Tribunal

Division 1 – General

 

8.14     PRINCIPLES OF FAIR PROCEDURE

 

• The parties to the Proceedings have the right to a fair procedure and have their fundamental rights respected. In particular:
  • no ITTF Tribunal member who has a conflict of interest in a matter, according to the ITTF Code of Ethics, may be appointed to the Hearing Panel responsible for hearing and determining that matter;
  • the right of the person (whether legal or natural) charged to know what they are charged with;
  • the right to know the type of penalties which might be imposed;
  • the right to be heard, to present a defence, to produce evidence and to be assisted by counsel at their own expense; and
  • the right to appeal a decision of the ITTF Tribunal in accordance with R37.

 

 

8.15     JURISDICTION

 

• Subject to R15.2 and R8.15.3, the ITTF Tribunal shall have jurisdiction to hear and decide any alleged infringement of any article under the ITTF Constitution or any other rule or regulation of the ITTF Handbook or and any rRelated dDocument except:
  • any provision under Chapter 5 of the ITTF Handbook (ITTF Anti-Doping Rules); and
  • any provision of the Classification Rules of ITTF Para Table

 

• The ITTF Tribunal has the original jurisdiction to hear and decide any alleged infringement of any provision or such other claims arising from any provision under Chapters 1, 2, 6 and 7 of the ITTF Handbook and any Related Document.

 

• The ITTF Tribunal has the appellate jurisdiction to hear andy decide any appeal of any decision made by the appropriate decision-making body on alleged infringements of any provision or such other claims arising from any provision under Chapters 1, 3, and 4, 9, and 10 of the ITTF Handbook and any Related Document.

 

• Where the ITTF Tribunal exercises its appellate jurisdiction pursuant to R15.3:
  • the provision of these ITTF Tribunal Regulations will apply in appeal proceedings before the ITTF Tribunal mutatis mutandis, unless they are inconsistent with or preempted by the provisions of R15;
  • unless otherwise specified in any provision of the ITTF Handbook, the Request for Proceedings of the appeal must be filed with the ITTF Tribunal no later than 21 days after the date that the appealing party receives the decision in

 

The decision being appealed will remain in full force and effect pending determination of the appeal, unless the Hearing Panel (or the ITTF Tribunal Chair, if the Hearing Panel has yet to be formed) orders otherwise; and

• the Hearing Panel has full power to hear the matter under appeal de novo and it will have all of the powers that the actual first instance decision-maker would have had under the applicable provision in the ITTF Handbook. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Hearing Panel may remit the matter to the first instance decision- maker for re-hearing, if it deems

 

 

8.16     APPLICABLE LAW

 

• The decisions shall be based on:
  • primarily, on the ITTF Constitution, the Laws of Table Tennis, the other chapters of the ITTF Handbook, and the decisions of any competent ITTF body; and
  • subsidiarily, on Swiss law and or such other law that the Hearing Panel deems applicable. In the latter case, the Hearing Panel shall give reasons for its

 

 

8.17     SEAT

 

• The seat of the ITTF Tribunal and each Hearing Panel is Switzerland. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Hearing Panel Chair may decide to hold any hearing outside Switzerland in the appropriate

 

 

8.18     LANGUAGE

 

• Proceedings before the Hearing Panel shall be conducted in English, unless otherwise mutually agreed by the

 

• Any party wishing to rely on documents written in a language other than English must provide certified English translations at their own

 

• Any party who wishes or whose witness wishes to give oral evidence in a language other than English must bring an independent and competent translator to translate that evidence into English, at their own

 

• Notwithstanding R18.2 and R8.18.3, the Hearing Panel may in appropriate circumstances order a party to pay some or all the translation costs of the other party.

 

8.19     LEGAL REPRESENTATION

 

• In all proceedings before the Hearing Panel, each party is entitled, at their own expense, to be represented by legal counsel and/or other relevant representative(s), who may make submissions on their

 

8.20     NOTICES AND COMMUNICATIONS

 

• Any notice or other communication required to be given by a party pursuant to these ITTF Tribunal Regulations shall be made in writing and sent by courier or

 

• Notices or other communications addressed to the ITTF Tribunal and/or the Hearing Panel shall be sent to:
  • ITTF Tribunal, MSI, Avenue de Rhodanie 54B, 2, 1007 Lausanne, Switzerland, if sent by courier; or
  • Bu e-Posta adresi istenmeyen posta engelleyicileri tarafından korunuyor. Görüntülemek için JavaScript etkinleştirilmelidir.if sent by

 

• Notices or other communications addressed to a party to a proceeding may be sent to their last-known residence, place of business or email address, unless that party notifies the Hearing Panel Chair (or the ITTF Tribunal Chair, if the Hearing Panel has yet to be formed) and all parties to that proceeding of a change to such

 

• Notices or other communications to a person who is a member of a member association of ITTF or of an associated organisation of ITTF may be accomplished by delivering such notice or other communication to that member association of ITTF or that associated organisation of ITTF,

 

 

8.21     TIME LIMITS

 

• Unless otherwise set out in these ITTF Tribunal Regulations, any time period to be calculated under these ITTF Tribunal Regulations shall begin to run the day following the date of receipt of a notice or other

 

• The time limits fixed under these ITTF Tribunal Regulations are respected if the communications by the parties are sent before midnight, time of the location of their own domicile or, if represented, of the domicile of their main legal representative, on the last day on which such time limits

 

• Non-working days and official holidays are included in calculating time limits. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the last day of the time limit is an official holiday or a non-business day in the location from where the document is to be sent, the time limit shall expire at the end of the next working

 

 For the purpose of these ITTF Tribunal Regulations, a “working day” mean any day other than (i) Saturday or Sunday, or (ii) any day that is an official holiday in Lausanne, Switzerland.

 

• Upon application on justified grounds and after consultation with the other party (or parties), the Hearing Panel Chair (or the ITTF Tribunal Chair, if the Hearing Panel has yet to be formed) may extend the any time limit provided in these ITTF Tribunal Regulations, if the circumstances so

 

 

8.22     INTERIM RELIEF

 

• The Hearing Panel (or the ITTF Tribunal Chair, in cases before the Hearing Panel is appointed) is entitled to grant interim relief.

 

• If a party applies for interim relief, the Hearing Panel (or the ITTF Tribunal Chair, in cases before the Hearing Panel is appointed) shall invite the other party to express a position within ten days or a shorter time limit, if circumstances so require, and following which, the Hearing Panel (or the ITTF Tribunal Chair, in cases before the Hearing Panel is appointed) shall determine whether it has prima facie

 

• If, pursuant to R22.1, the Hearing Panel (or the ITTF Tribunal Chair, in cases before the Hearing Panel is appointed) determines that it lacks prima facie jurisdiction, it shall terminate the proceedings.

 

• In considering whether to pronounce interim relief, the Hearing Panel (or the ITTF Tribunal Chair, in cases before the Hearing Panel is appointed) shall consider whether the measure necessary to protect the applicant from irreparable harm, the likelihood of success on the merits of the claim, and whether the interests of the applicant outweigh those of the

 

 

8.23     LIMITATION PERIOD

 

Unless otherwise stated in of any rule or regulation of the ITTF Handbook or any

8.23.1

Related Document, Nno claims proceedings may be commenced after the period of:

• one year for claims based on any provision under Chapter 3 or Chapter 4 of the ITTF Handbook;
• four years for all other claims proceedings.

 

• The period stated in R23.1 commences:
  • from the date of the commission of the alleged infringement;
  • from the date of the most recent commission of the alleged infringement, if that infringement is recurrent;

 

• from the date on which the alleged infringement had ended, if that infringement lasted for a period of

 

• Where, in the case of any claims proceedings for which a period of limitation is stated in R23 and the basis of the claim is concealed by the fraud of the Respondent (or their representative), the period of limitation shall not commence until the Claimant has discovered the fraud or could have discovered it with reasonable diligence.

 

 

Division 2 – Procedures

 

8.24     COMMENCEMENT OF THE PROCEEDINGS

 

• To request to commence the proceedings, unless the procedure is otherwise specified in the applicable regulation, the Claimant shall file a written request with the ITTF Tribunal, with a copy to the Respondent, containing:
  • the name and full address of the Respondent;
  • the contact details of the parties;
  • the alleged infringement, specifying the rule, regulation, or principle alleged to have been infringed;
  • a statement of the facts upon which such allegation is based and a statement of issue submitted for the Hearing Panel to determine;
  • all exhibits and specification of other evidence upon which the Claimant intends to rely; the Claimant shall specify the name(s) of any witnesses, including a brief summary of their expected testimony, and the name(s) of any experts, stating their area of expertise, the Claimant intends to call and state any other evidentiary measure which it requests; the witness statements, if any, shall be filed together with the request for proceedings, unless the Hearing Panel decides

 

• a copy of the provision in the ITTF Handbook or any other instrument conferring jurisdiction on the ITTF Tribunal to hear and determine the matter; and
• any proposal regarding the conduct or venue of the proceedings, including whether any interim relief is requested; (the “Request for Proceedings”).

 

• Upon filing its Request for Proceedings, the Claimant shall pay the non-refundable fee of USD1,000 (the “Administrative Fee”), in the manner determined by the ITTF Tribunal. This Article 8.24.2 shall not apply if the Claimant is the ITTF Integrity Unit or

 

• If the Claimant fails to pay the Administrative Fees in accordance to R24.2, the ITTF Tribunal may not proceed with the claim.

 

• If the ITTF Tribunal Chair determines that the requirements set out in R24.1 and R8.24.2 are satisfied, it they shall communicate to the Respondent the request to

 

commence the proceedings and to file its answer (the “Answer”) to the request to commence the proceedings. The ITTF Tribunal Chair shall provide the parties with

 the link on ITTF’s website where the ITTF Tribunal Regulations may be accessed.

 

• Unless the procedure is otherwise specified in the applicable regulation, the Respondent shall file its Answer with the ITTF Tribunal, with a copy to the Claimant, within a period determined by the ITTF Tribunal containing:
  • a copy of the Request for Proceedings;
  • its response admitting or denying the alleged infringement;
  • a statement of defence;
  • any defence of the ITTF Tribunal’s lack of jurisdiction; and
  • any counterclaim; and
  • all exhibits and specification of other evidence upon which the Respondent intends to rely; the Respondent shall specify the name(s) of any witnesses, including a brief summary of their expected testimony, and the name(s) of any experts, stating their area of expertise, it intends to call and state any other evidentiary measure which it requests. The witness statements, if any, shall be filed together with the Answer, unless the Hearing Panel decides

 

• If the Respondent does not file an Answer, the Hearing Panel may draw an adverse inference against the Respondent the Hearing Panel may nevertheless proceed with the proceedings and deliver its
• The parties shall not be authorised to supplement or amend their requests or their argument, to produce new exhibits, or to specify further evidence on which they intend to rely after the submission of the Request for Proceedings and of the

 

 

8.25     FORMATION OF THE HEARING PANEL

 

• On the receipt of the Answer, the ITTF Tribunal Chair shall, at their sole discretion, appoint either one or three members of the ITTF Tribunal to hear and determine the alleged infringement set out in the Request for Proceedings as the Hearing Panel, subject to R25.3. If the Respondent fails to submit its Answer by the specified time limit, the Hearing Panel may nevertheless proceed with the case and issue a decision.

 

• If the Hearing Panel consists of one ITTF Tribunal member, that member shall serve as the Hearing Panel Chair. If the Hearing Panel consists of three ITTF Tribunal Members, the ITTF Tribunal Chair shall nominate one of those three members as the Hearing Panel

 

• No ITTF Tribunal member may sit on the Hearing Panel of the proceedings where:
  • they have any personal connection or interest, whether directly or indirectly, with any party or witness;

 

• they have had any prior involvement with any matter or any facts arising in the proceedings (except if the involvement is a decision to impose an interim relief or a separate proceeding where some or all of the same facts are relevant);
• they have the same nationality as any party or witness involved in the proceedings, unless agreed by the parties;
• they have a conflict of interest in any matter arising from the proceedings, according to the ITTF Code Ethics; or
• their independence or impartiality could reasonably be disputed (as determined by the ITTF Tribunal Chair).

 

• Upon their appointment to a Hearing Panel, each Hearing Panel member shall within reasonable time provide a written declaration to the parties, disclosing any facts or circumstances they know that may lead to their independence or impartiality being doubted legitimately. If any such facts or circumstances arise after the written declaration was made, the Hearing Panel member must provide an updated declaration to the The Hearing Panel members’ declarations shall be supplied to the parties.

 

 

8.26     OBJECTION TO A HEARING PANEL MEMBER

 

• Any party to the proceedings may object to the appointment of an ITTF Tribunal member to the Hearing Panel by notifying the ITTF Tribunal Chair the facts or circumstances giving rise to the objection within seven days of:
  • receiving the written declaration specified in 8.25.4, or
  • otherwise being aware of the facts or circumstances leading to the

 

• A failure to make an objection according to R26.1 shall be deemed a waiver of that objection.

 

• The ITTF Tribunal Chair shall rule on any objection made according to R26.1 and their ruling is final and not subject to any appeal.

 

 

8.27     REPLACEMENT OF A HEARING PANEL MEMBER

 

• If for any reason a Hearing Panel member is unable or unwilling to hear or continue hearing or to decide the proceeding, the ITTF Tribunal Chair may at their sole discretion appoint another ITTF Tribunal member to replace that member in that proceeding.

 

8.28     POWERS OF THE HEARING PANEL

 

• The Hearing Panel (and in urgent cases, prior to the formation of the Hearing Panel, the ITTF Tribunal Chair) has all powers necessary for, and incidental to, the discharge of its responsibilities, including the power, whether on the application of a party or on its own motion:
  • to order that certain dispositive issues be determined before any other issues in the proceedings;
  • to rule finally on its own jurisdiction;
  • to determine the proceedings either in a preliminary decision or a decision on the merits;
  • to determine whether the hearing (or any part thereof) should be conducted orally (whether in-person or remotely) or in writing;
  • to expedite or adjourn, postpone or suspend its proceedings, upon such terms as it will determine;
  • to extend or reduce any time limit specified in any regulation or by the ITTF Tribunal, except any appeal deadline or limitation period;
  • to consolidate the proceedings with other substantially similar or related proceedings and/or order that such proceedings be held concurrently;
  • to appoint independent experts to assist or advise it on specific issues, with the costs of such experts to be borne as directed by the Hearing Panel;
  • to order any party to make any property, document or other thing in its possession or under its control available for inspection by the ITTF Tribunal or any other party;
  • to allow third parties to intervene or be joined in the proceedings, to make all appropriate procedural directions in relation to such intervention or joinder, and thereafter to make a single final decision or separate decisions in respect of all parties;
  • to impose interim relief or other provision measures as it deems fit prior to its final determination;
  • to determine the manner in which it shall deliberate in order to make any determination related to the proceedings;
  • to make any other procedural direction or take any procedural step which it considers to be appropriate in pursuit of the efficient and proportionate management of the proceedings or any matter pending before it; and
  • to impose costs

 

 

8.29     CONDUCT OF PROCEEDINGS

 

• As soon as practicable after the Hearing Panel has been convened to determine a matter, the Hearing Panel Chair will issue directions to the parties regarding the procedure and timetable to be followed in the proceedings. The directions will:
  • specify whether the hearing will be conducted orally or in writing;
  • fix the date, time and venue of the hearing, if the hearing is to be conducted orally;

 

• specify the schedule to exchange additional written submissions and evidence before the hearing; and
• make any appropriate order relating to the disclosure of relevant documents and/or other materials in the possession or control of any

 

• If the Hearing Panel Chair deems appropriate, they may hear from the parties (whether in person, by telephone or video-conference, or any other generally acceptable electronic communication means) prior to issuing the directions pursuant to R29.1.

 

 

8.30     HEARINGS

 

• Where a hearing is directed, the Hearing Panel Chair direct, at their sole discretion, to hold the hearing in person, by telephone or

 

• All hearings will be conducted in a private and confidential manner, attended only by the parties to the proceedings and their representatives, witnesses and experts, and permitted third parties (and their permitted representatives), unless the Hearing Panel directs otherwise for good

 

• Subject to R14, the Hearing Panel Chair has the sole discretion to decide the procedure to be followed at the hearing, which may include without limitation:
  • making an introduction of the Hearing Panel and each party to the proceedings (and their representatives, if applicable);
  • stating the purpose of the hearing;
  • stating the procedure of the hearing;
  • submitting on preliminary issues;
  • making of opening statements;
  • presenting of evidence;
  • calling of witnesses and/or experts; and
  • making of closing

 

• Should either party or both of them fail or refuse to attend the hearing, the Hearing Panel may nevertheless proceed and deliver its

 

 

8.31     EVIDENCE

 

• The Hearing Panel has the power to decide on the admissibility, relevance and weight of any evidence and shall not be bound by any judicial or evidential rules in relation to such matters. Facts may be established by any reliable

 

• Subject to R14, the Hearing Panel has the sole discretion in:
  • deciding whether to receive evidence from witnesses and/or experts in person, by telephone, by video conference, or in writing;
  • allowing, refusing or limiting any evidence or appearance of any witness and/or expert at the hearing;
  • questioning witnesses and/or experts; and
  • directing how a party may question witnesses and/or

 

• Subject to R31.2, the parties shall ensure the availability of the witnesses and/or experts whose statements and reports they have submitted before the hearing to be heard by the Hearing Panel and be responsible for the witnesses and/or experts’ cost of attending the hearing.

 

• If a witness who has been requested to attend the hearing fails to appear, any witness statement or declaration related to that witness will be disregarded, unless the Hearing Panel decides otherwise in exceptional circumstances. The Hearing Panel may draw adverse inference against the party offering the witness (or against that

 party, if the witness is the party) from the witness’ failure to appear.

 

• Where a witness appears at the hearing, before providing testimony, they shall first take an oath or affirm that they are telling the truth, in a manner directed by the Hearing

 

• Where a witness appears at the hearing, the Hearing Panel may allow direct examination of that witness, cross-examination of that witness, and re-examination of that witness regarding the matters on which they were cross-examined.

 

• Where a witness appears at the hearing but refuses or fails to answer questions put to them, the Hearing Panel may draw adverse inference against the party offering the witness (or against that party, if the witness is the party) from the witness’ refusal or failure to

 

 

8.32     BURDEN OF PROOF

 

• Unless otherwise stated in the ITTF Handbook, the Claimant has the burden of proving that the Respondent committed the infringement(s) alleged in the

 

 

8.33     STANDARD OF PROOF

 

• Unless otherwise stated in the ITTF Handbook, the standard of proof on all questions to be determined by the Hearing Panel is to the comfortable satisfaction of the

 

Hearing Panel. This standard of proof is higher than a mere balance of probability but lower than proving beyond a reasonable doubt.

 

 

8.34     SANCTIONS

 

• If the Hearing Panel determines that an infringement of any article under the ITTF Constitution or any other rule or regulation of the ITTF Handbook or any rRelated dDocument has been committed, the Hearing Panel will impose the appropriate sanction(s) in accordance with R34.2, unless any specific sanction provisions is provided set out in such rules or their associated documents for such infringement.

 

• Taking into consideration the seriousness of the infringement, including the relevant aggravating factors in R34.3 and mitigating factors R8.34.4, the Hearing Panel has the power to impose any one or more of the following:
  • a censure, reprimand or warning as to future conduct;
  • a fine of any amount;
  • a compensation payment;
  • to perform certain acts or refrain from performing certain acts;
  • to participate or complete in any rehabilitation programme;
  • a suspension or removal from office;
  • a revocation of any award, title or other honour granted by ITTF;
  • a disqualification of results and outcomes of such results, including a forfeiture of any related awards, titles, ranking points or prizes;
  • a disqualification or expulsion from competitions or events; and,
  • a period of ineligibility (which may be for life) from participating in any capacity in Table Tennis or in any activities organised, controlled, authorised, sanctioned, supported or recognised in any way by ITTF, any member association of ITTF or any other associated organisation of ITTF, other than permitted rehabilitation programmes.

 

• In relation to determining the seriousness of an infringement, the Hearing Panel shall consider relevant aggravating factors, including:
  • any record of previous infringement;
  • the holding of any leadership role within ITTF, any member association of ITTF or any other associated organisation of ITTF;
  • the vulnerability of a victim;
  • any substantial harm was done or potentially done to the victim;
  • any substantial damage done or potentially done to the commercial value, integrity or reputation of ITTF, any member association of ITTF, any other associated organisation of ITTF or table tennis in general;
  • the failure to cooperate during investigations or the proceedings; and
  • the lack of

 

 

• In relation to determining the seriousness of an infringement, the Hearing Panel shall consider relevant mitigating factors including:
  • the lack of any prior infringement;
  • the minor role played in the infringement;
  • the culpability of a victim;
  • no substantial harm was done or potentially done to the victim;
  • any no substantial damage done or potentially done to the commercial value, integrity or reputation of ITTF, any member association of ITTF, any other associated organisation of ITTF and table tennis in general;
  • physical or mental illness of the infringing person;
  • prompt admission to the infringement;
  • any substantial cooperation that was provided during investigations or the proceedings; and
  • genuine

 

 

8.35     DECISION

• After the parties complete their submissions and all Hearing Panel members have deliberated, the Hearing Panel shall make its decision unanimously or by majority. No Hearing Panel member may abstain in making the decision. In the absence of majority, the Hearing Panel Chair will have the casting

 

• The Hearing Panel shall issue a written decision, dated and signed by the Hearing Panel Chair, after the hearing and as soon as reasonably

 

• The Hearing Panel may issue the operative part of its decision before providing the reasoning. In such case, the decision is enforceable immediately upon communicating the operative part to the

 

• Unless otherwise stated in the ITTF Handbook or ordered by the ITTF Tribunal, the ITTF may publish the decision (whether the operative part and/or the reasonings) on its website or through other means it deems appropriate, after the decision (the operative part or the reasonings, as applicable) has been communicated to the parties.

 

• The decision shall be final and binding on all parties, and may not be challenged or appealed except as set out in R37. The parties irrevocably waive their right to any other form of appeal or review by any court or judicial authority.

 

8.36     COSTS

 

• The Hearing Panel may, at its sole discretion, order any party to the proceedings to pay some or all of the costs of the proceedings, including any one or more of the following:
  • the costs of holding the hearing; and
  • the legal fees, the accommodation costs, travel costs or such other expenses incurred as a result of the proceedings for
    • the fees of the Hearing Panel members, as approved by the ITTF Executive Committee;
    • any party to the proceedings; 8.36.1.2.3any witness; and 8.36.1.2.4any independent

 

8.36.2 Without limiting the Hearing Panel’s discretion as stated in R8.36.1, the Hearing Panel may award costs against a party for advancing any claim that is frivolous, vexatious, or entirely without merit.

 

 

8.37     APPEALS

 

• Subject to R37.2, the ITTF Tribunal’s decision may be appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (“CAS”) by a party to the proceedings.

 

• A preliminary or procedural ruling by Hearing Panel (or the ITTF Tribunal Chair, as applicable) may not be appealed, unless it amounts to a final resolution of the matter).

 

• Appeals made pursuant to R37.1 shall
  • be filed no later than 21 days the from the date of receiving the full decision by the appealing party;
  • have International Table Tennis Federation as the appellant or respondent to the appeal;
  • apply CAS’ Code of Sports-related Arbitration (as published, modified and supplemented by CAS) and be governed by Swiss law; and
  • be conducted in English, unless otherwise agreed by the

 

• Unless ordered otherwise by CAS, the appealed decision remains in full force and effect pending the determination of the

 

• The decision of CAS is final and binding on all parties, and all parties irrevocably waive their right to any other form of appeal or review of that decision, except as set

 out in Chapter 12 of Switzerland’s Federal Code on Private International Law.

 

 

8.38     TRANSITORY PROVISIONS

 

• The term of office for the members of the inaugural ITTF Tribunal shall be two years or until an AGM or EGM appoints the members next ITTF Tribunal (whichever is earlier), and the members of the inaugural ITTF Tribunal shall be appointed by the ITTF Board of

 

9                        

ITTF INTEGRITY REGULATIONS

 

Part I:       Preliminary

 

• CITATION AND COMMENCEMENT

 

• These Regulations may be cited as the ITTF Integrity Regulations and shall come into operation on 25 November

 

 

 

9.2                            DEFINITIONS

 

• The capitalised terms used in these Regulations are as defined in the ITTF Handbook or as follows, unless the context otherwise requires:
  • "Absolute Majority“ means majority (more than 50%) of the total number of persons entitled to vote, regardless of whether absent or present but not voting (abstentions).
  • “AGM” means an annual general meeting of
  • “Alleged Person” means the person or party who is suspected to have committed a violation of the Applicable
  • “Applicable Rules” has the meaning given to it in R4.2. 9.2.1.5 “Appropriate Person” has the meaning given to it in R9.24.1. 9.2.1.6      “CAS” means the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
  • “EGM” means an extraordinary general meeting of
  • “Independent Member” means a member of the Integrity Board that meets the Independence Requirements and has voting
  • “Independence Requirements” has the meaning given to it in R0. 9.2.1.10 “Investigation Notice” means a written demand to a Table Tennis Party

for information relating to any potential breach of any Applicable Rule, as

further described in R9.17.6.

• “ITTF Handbook” means the ITTF Handbook as published and amended from time to
• “ITTF Integrity Board” means the supervising body of the ITTF Integrity Unit, consisting of the ITTF Integrity Board
• “ITTF Integrity Board Members” means the individuals listed at R5.2 in these Regulations, who make up the composition of the ITTF Integrity Board.
• “ITTF Integrity Officer” means an employee(s) assigned to be part of the ITTF Integrity Unit, working under the instruction of the ITTF Head of Integrity, and any external specialist person or entity engaged by the ITTF Head of Integrity to perform a specific function for the ITTF Integrity

 

 

• “ITTF Tribunal” means the highest judicial body within ITTF to hear and decide cases at first instance or as an appellate body as set out in the ITTF Tribunal
• “Prima Facie Case’’ means a likely case of any breach of any Applicable Rule considered by the ITTF Head of Integrity to warrant
• "Qualified Majority“ means two-thirds majority of persons taking part in the vote, not counting
• “Referral” means a referral to an Appropriate Person to deal with a minor violation of any Applicable Rule, as further described in R24.1.
• “Regulations” means these ITTF Integrity
• “Report” means a report made regarding any alleged breach of any Applicable Rule, as further described in R15.1.
• “Simple Majority” means majority (more than 50%) of persons taking part in the vote, not counting
• “Table Tennis Parties” means the parties listed at R4.1 in these Regulations. Where reference is made to any one of the parties mentioned in R9.4.1 below, the said party may be referred to as “Table Tennis Party”.

 

 

 

9.3                            INTERPRETATION

 

• These Regulations are adopted pursuant to the ITTF Handbook and shall be interpreted in a manner that is consistent with applicable provisions of the ITTF Handbook. In case of any conflict, the ITTF Constitution prevail over these

 

• The headings and sub-headings in these Regulations are for convenience only and shall not be deemed to be part of the substance of these Regulations or to affect in any way the language of the provisions to which they

 

• Words used regardless of the number and gender specifically used, shall be deemed and construed to include any other number, singular or plural, and any other gender, masculine, feminine or neuter, as the context requires.

 

• Any words following the terms “including”, “include”, “in particular”, “such

 as” or any similar expression shall be construed as illustrative and shall not limit the sense of the words, description, definition, phrase, or term preceding those terms.

 

• If any provision of these Regulations is held to be invalid, unenforceable or illegal for any reason, it shall be deemed to be deleted and the remainder of these Regulations shall otherwise remain in full force and

 

 

 

• For the avoidance of doubt, these Regulations will not replace or in any way

 affect or alter ITTF’s ability to pursue appropriate disciplinary action against

 ITTF employees, directors, consultant or such other staff (“Staff”) under the terms of any employment or consultancy contract with any ITTF Staff and/or

 pursuant to any of ITTF’s employment rules or policies in force from time to time. Where conduct prohibited under the Applicable Rules and/or the ITTF

 Handbook also amounts to a breach of the terms of an ITTF Staff’s employment or consultancy agreement with ITTF, ITTF (including the ITTF Integrity Unit with respect to ITTF Integrity Officers) will be entitled, at its absolute discretion, to elect to pursue disciplinary action against such Staff pursuant to the applicable employment or consultancy contract, and there is no requirement for any action to be taken under these Regulations.

 

• Alleged Persons may also be subject to other rules that govern discipline or conduct and that the same conduct of such persons may constitute not only a violation of the Applicable Rules but also such other rules that may apply. For the avoidance of doubt:
  • These Regulations and the Applicable Rules are not intended to limit the responsibilities of any person under such other rules; and
  • Nothing in such other rules will be capable of removing, superseding or amending in any way the jurisdiction of the ITTF Tribunal to determine matters properly arising pursuant to these Regulations and the Applicable Rules.

 

9.4                            APPLICATION OF THESE REGULATIONS

 

• These Regulations shall apply to the following Table Tennis Parties (see ITTF Code of Ethics Preamble and Scope of Application):
  • the ITTF, its administration, each of its members (Member Associations), affiliated organisations (Continental Federations and other groups of associations), World Table Tennis, and their officials, decision-making bodies, honorary members, officers, employees, services providers,

 delegated third parties and their employees, players, players’ entourages and such other persons involved in their operations at all times and in all circumstances;

• all participants in ITTF Sanctioned Events;
• all members and their officials taking part in any type of candidature procedures of the ITTF, throughout the procedure in question;
• the Organising Committees for the ITTF events and their officials, throughout the existence of each such Committee; and
• any other persons who agree to be bound by the ITTF Handbook or theseRegulations.

 

 

• The ITTF Integrity Unit shall have the duties, powers, and authority as set out in these Regulations to investigate and prosecute alleged violations of:
  • the rules and regulations under the ITTF Handbook, including the ITTF Constitution, the ITTF Anti-Doping Rules, ITTF Code of Ethics, the Anti- Harassment Policy and Procedures, the ITTF Electoral and Appointment Regulations; and
  • any such other rules and regulations relating to sport integrity connected to ITTF that any person agree to be bound by (collectively, the “Applicable Rules”).

 

 

 

Part II: Organisation of the ITTF Integrity Unit

 

• THE ITTF INTEGRITY BOARD

 

• The ITTF Integrity Board shall be the supervising body of the ITTF Integrity Unit and will be responsible for governing the ITTF Integrity Unit and ensuring that it carries out its roles and responsibilities in accordance with the ITTF Handbook and these

 

• The ITTF Integrity Board shall comprise of:
  • three Independent Members, one of them being the ITTF Integrity Board Chair;
  • one ITTF Executive Committee member (as determined by the ITTF Executive Committee) to be a non-voting member of the ITTF Integrity Board; and
  • the ITTF Head of Integrity ex officio who will also be a non-voting member of the ITTF Integrity Board. If at any point, the position of ITTF Head of Integrity is vacant, their position on the ITTF Integrity Board will also be vacant.

 

• The ITTF Integrity Board shall report directly to the AGM annually or as requested by the AGM or

 

• The ITTF Integrity Board’s powers include the following:
  • approve and review any strategic plan, where implemented, for the ITTF Integrity Unit and regularly monitor progress against such strategic plan;
  • approve and amend policies and procedures for the operation of the ITTF Integrity Unit, in particular to ensure that it is operationally independent from the ITTF (provided that such policies and procedures are not inconsistent with the ITTF Constitution or ITTF Handbook);
  • appoint (including all terms and conditions of such appointment) and monitor the performance of the ITTF Head of Integrity and if necessary, terminate such appointment;

 

 

• approve decisions of the ITTF Head of Integrity, including:
  • whether the ITTF Integrity Unit (in the name of ITTF) should bring proceedings for violations of the Applicable Rules;
  • whether the ITTF Integrity Unit (in the name of ITTF) should agree to the outcome of any proceedings with an Alleged Person or Respondent without reference to the ITTF Tribunal;
  • whether the ITTF Integrity Unit (in the name of ITTF) should appeal decisions of the ITTF Tribunal; and
  • whether the ITTF Integrity Unit (in the name of ITTF) should participate in any appeal or other proceeding before the CAS or any other forum to which ITTF is not a party;
• identify and manage the risks arising in relation to the ITTF Integrity Unit and these Regulations;
• approve and amend policies and procedures for the making of other decisions permitted or required of the ITTF Head of Integrity under these Regulations or the ITTF Handbook;
• if requested by the ITTF Head of Integrity, make decisions permitted or required of the ITTF Head of Integrity as set out in the ITTF Handbook or these Regulations;
• consider applications submitted by the ITTF Head of Integrity for a provisional suspension of an Alleged Person pending determination of the charge(s) and issue such provisional suspension if appropriate;
• supervise the control of expenditure and prudently use the funding allocated to the ITTF Integrity Unit;
• establish policies and procedures containing delegations or authority and limits of authority for the ITTF Head of Integrity and the ITTF Integrity Officers to ensure the necessary control of funds and expenditure of the ITTF Integrity Unit;
• approve major transactions relating to the ITTF Integrity Unit in accordance with the limitations and applicable policies;
• engage, contract or otherwise agree to obtain the assistance or advice of any person or organization to assist in carrying out the ITTF Integrity Unit’s mandate;
• consider and recommend to the ITTF Executive Committee any amendments to the ITTF Handbook and these Regulations that are relevant to the mandate of the ITTF Integrity Unit and to uphold and maintain integrity within and outside of ITTF;
• report to the AGM, EGM, or the ITTF Executive Committee (as applicable) in accordance with the ITTF Handbook and these Regulations;
• to do all things necessary to fulfil the mandate of the ITTF Integrity Unit as set out in Article 1.5.5 of the ITTF

 

• An Independent Member may be suspended or removed from office:5.5.1 by the ITTF Integrity Board Chair if:

 

 

• that member is found to be not eligible under these Regulations;
• that member is found to have been in serious breach of the ITTF Handbook, these Regulations, or any other ITTF regulations, including the ITTF Code of Ethics; or
• that member is unable or unwilling to perform their duties as an ITTF Integrity Board member, has neglected their duties, or has engaged in any material misconduct;

• by the AGM or EGM, if:
  • the person to be removed under R5.5 is the ITTF Tribunal Chair; or 9.5.5.2.2 the AGM or EGM considers that the ITTF Tribunal Chair’s decision made

pursuant to R9.5.5.1 should be reviewed.

 

• Before an Independent Member is removed, that member shall be given reasonable written notice of the proposal by the ITTF Integrity Board Chair, the AGM or EGM (as applicable) to remove them as an ITTF Integrity Board member, the basis for such proposal and the relevant facts supporting such proposal. That member may respond to that proposal within 14 days of

 being notified in writing of the proposal and that member’s response must be taken into account by such decision maker.

 

• If an Independent Member resigns, dies, or is removed from office, the position shall either:
  • remain vacant until the next AGM or EGM; or
  • if the ITTF Integrity Board Chair considers it necessary, the ITTF Board of Directors may appoint a replacement member to fill the vacancy on the ITTF Integrity Board until the next AGM or

 

 

 

9.6                            ITTF INTEGRITY BOARD CHAIR AND INDEPENDENT ITTF INTEGRITY BOARD MEMBERS

 

• No ITTF Integrity Board Chair or Independent Member themselves and their immediate family members may, during their term of office as ITTF Integrity Board member and for four years prior to their initial appointment to office

 (collectively, the “Independence Requirements”):

• hold any official function in ITTF, a member association of ITTF or an associated organisation of ITTF; and
• have any material business relationship with ITTF, a member association of ITTF or an associated organisation of ITTF,

 

• Before assuming office, the ITTF Integrity Board Members shall first take an oath, an affirmation or otherwise make an undertaking that they will discharge their duties independently and

 

 

• The term of office of the Independent Members shall be four years and each Independent Member may be appointed by the ITTF Board of Directors for a maximum of twelve consecutive years. This will not apply to the ITTF Head of Integrity, however, who will remain a member of the ITTF Integrity Board

 

• The ITTF Integrity Board Chair must:
  • be fluent in English; and
  • have at least ten years of professional legal experience in sport and demonstrates substantial experience in sport governance, anti-doping, anti- match-manipulation, athlete safeguarding, anti-harassment or such other relevant areas in sport

 

• The ITTF Integrity Board Chair shall be responsible for matters including: 9.6.5.1 to lead and represent the ITTF Integrity Board in official matters within and

outside of ITTF, together with the ITTF Head of Integrity, in accordance with the policies decided by the ITTF Integrity Board;

• To promote the ITTF Integrity Unit and liaise and co-operate with other sports organisations, public and private organisations and authorities and other stakeholders, including the media;
• To chair meetings of the ITTF Integrity Board and lead the work of the ITTF Integrity Board, including ensuring it implements good governance practices, functions effectively, acts within its powers and meets its obligations and responsibilities;
• To support, monitor and liaise with and to form a strong collaborative working relationship with the ITTF Head of Integrity;
• To authorise transactions and sign documentation binding the ITTF only (a) together with at least one other member of the ITTF Integrity Board; and (b) in accordance with decisions, policies and procedures decided by the ITTF Integrity Board, or as otherwise specified in these Regulations; and
• To suspend or remove of any other Independent Member pursuant to R5.5.1.

 

• The Independent Members of the ITTF Integrity Board are required at all times to:
  • act at all times in good faith and in the best interest of the ITTF Integrity Unit;
  • exercise the powers of the ITTF Integrity Board for proper purposes; 9.6.6.3 act and ensure that the ITTF Integrity Board acts in accordance with the

ITTF Handbook, the Applicable Rules and these Regulations;

• make reasonable efforts to attend and actively participate in all ITTF Integrity Board meetings;
• maintain a reputation for high standards of business conduct;

 

 

Board member would exercise in the same circumstances;

• comply and do not publicly disagree with the ITTF Integrity Board’s decisions, even if the Independent Member privately does not agree with them;
• act and operate independently from the other organs of the ITTF, unless specified in these Regulations;
• not agree to the ITTF Integrity Unit incurring any obligations unless they reasonably believe at that time that the ITTF Integrity Unit will be able to perform the obligations when it is required to do so;
• except for the ITTF Integrity Board Chair, not speak or make statements publicly on behalf of the ITTF Integrity Board unless authorised to do so by the ITTF Integrity Board Chair or in accordance with delegated authority in writing from the ITTF Integrity Board;
• disclose to the ITTF Integrity Board the nature and extent of any interest they may have in a transaction or proposed transaction of the ITTF Integrity Board as soon as they become aware of such interest or such transaction; and
• participate in the annual review of the ITTF Integrity Board’s performance in the manner decided by the ITTF Integrity

 

 

 

9.7                            THE ITTF HEAD OF INTEGRITY AND ITTF INTEGRITY OFFICER(S)

 

• The ITTF Head of Integrity shall be required to meet the Independence Requirements. The ITTF Head of Integrity is accountable to the ITTF Integrity Board

 

• The ITTF Head of Integrity shall lead and carry out the responsibilities of the ITTF Integrity Unit, as specified in Article 1.5.5.1 of the ITTF Constitution, and within such limitations and delegated authority as may be established by the ITTF Integrity

 

• The ITTF Head of Integrity shall be responsible for:
  • Developing any ITTF Integrity Unit’s strategic plan for the approval of the ITTF Integrity Board;
  • Regularly reporting to the ITTF Integrity Board on progress against such plans;
  • Defining and monitoring delegations of the authority of the ITTF Head of Integrity to the ITTF Integrity Officers;
  • Controlling expenditure and allocating funding prudently in accordance with the approved budget;
  • Subject to the prior approval of the ITTF Integrity Board in accordance with R5.4.4, making decions to:

 

 

• whether the ITTF Integrity Unit (in the name of ITTF) should bring proceedings for violations of the Applicable Rules;
• whether the ITTF Integrity Unit (in the name of ITTF) should agree to the outcome of any proceedings with the Alleged Person or Respondent without reference to the ITTF Tribunal;
• whether the ITTF Integrity Unit (in the name of ITTF) should appeal decisions of the ITTF Tribunal; and
• whether the ITTF Integrity Unit (in the name of ITTF) should participate in any appeal or other proceeding before the CAS or any other forum to which ITTF is not a

• subject to any policies and procedures that may be adopted by the ITTF Integrity Board from time to time, making other decisions permitted or required by the ITTF Head of Integrity as set out in these Regulations or in the ITTF Handbook, including:
  • Conducting investigations in accordance with these Regulations;
  • Imposing a provisional suspension pending determination of the charge(s); and
  • Issuing Investigation Notices in accordance with R17.6 of these Regulations;
• Reporting to the ITTF Integrity Board on all decisions made by the ITTF Head of Integrity in relation to R7.3.6, in such manner as the ITTF Integrity Board may require, and by no later than the time of its next meeting;
• Requesting the ITTF Integrity Board to make any decision permitted or required of the ITTF Head of Integrity, whenever the ITTF Head of Integrity considers it necessary or appropriate for the ITTF Integrity Board to do so;
• Convening ITTF Integrity Unit meetings, as and when necessary;
• Managing the caseload of the ITTF Integrity Unit and assign (or reassign) cases to any ITTF Integrity Officer, according to their specific expertise and/or experience;
• Engaging and/or monitoring the performance and conduct of the ITTF Integrity Officer(s) and investigate (or assist in the investigation of) complaints made against them, in accordance with the ITTF Handbook;
• Working with the ITTF Integrity Officer(s) on all matters relevant and necessary for the operations of the ITTF Integrity Unit;
• Suporting the ITTF Integrity Board Chair in engaging with external stakeholderes of the ITTF;
• Developing systems, policies and procedures for the effective functioning of the ITTF Integrity Unit;
• Developing, reviewing and assessing new programmes, projects and

 innovations for the improvement of the ITTF Integrity Unit’s performance, for approval by the ITTF Integrity Unit Board;

• Supervising and approving all reporting to external bodies as necessary; and

 

 

• Ensuring compliance by the ITTF Integrity Unit with all applicable laws, the ITTF Handbook, and these

 

• The ITTF Head of Integrity shall be assisted by other ITTF Integrity Officer(s), pursuant to Article 5.5.2 of the ITTF Constitution, and the ITTF Head of Integrity may delegate to any of the ITTF Integrity Officer any powers and authority that the may be vested in the ITTF Head of Integrity.

 

• If the ITTF Head of Integrity office is vacant, the ITTF Integrity Board shall appoint an ITTF Integrity Officer or an ITTF Integrity Board Member to temporarily assume that office until a new ITTF Head of Integrity is appointed.
  • No provision of these Regulations or the ITTF Handbook shall be prejudiced by the vacancy of the ITTF Head of Integrity

9.8                            MEETINGS OF THE ITTF INTEGRITY BOARD

 

• The ITTF Integrity Board shall meet at least once a year and each ITTF Integrity Board meeting shall be convened by the ITTF Integrity Board Chair.

 

• The ITTF Integrity Board Chair shall set the agenda of the ITTF Integrity Board meetings, taking into consideration any proposal regarding the agenda made by other ITTF Integrity Board

 

• The agenda of the ITTF Integrity Board meetings shall be communicated to the ITTF Integrity Board Members prior to the ITTF Integrity Board meeting in a timely manner and whenever possible, at least 7 days before the date of the ITTF Integrity Board

 

• Any issue arising after the agenda of the ITTF Integrity Board meeting has been communicated to the ITTF Integrity Board Members shall be resolved by a Qualified

 

• The ITTF Integrity Board meeting may be conducted remotely through, without limitation, telephone, videoconference, or any other generally acceptable electronic communication means, if requested by any ITTF Integrity Board

 

 

 

9.9                            QUORUM AND MEETINGS OF THE ITTF INTEGRITY BOARD

 

• The quorum to pass resolutions in an ITTF Integrity Board meeting is an Absolute

 

 

 

 

quorum, any resolution proposed shall be:

• communicated to the ITTF Integrity Board Members within seven days of the date of the ITTF Integrity Board meeting; and
• be voted on by the ITTF Integrity Board Members within a period specified by the ITTF Integrity Board

9.9.3 If the total number of votes during the ITTF Integrity Board meeting and pursuant to R9.9.2 exceed the number required to form a quorum, the vote cast according to R9.9.2 will be deemed as having been validly cast at the ITTF Integrity Board meeting.

 

 

 

9.10                        VOTING AND RESOLUTIONS

 

• For an in-person meeting, the passing of resolutions by the ITTF Integrity Board requires the approval of a Simple Majority of the ITTF Integrity Board Members physically

 

• For a remote meeting, the passing of resolutions by the ITTF Integrity Board requires the approval of a Simple Majority of the ITTF Integrity Board Members attending the

 

• The use of electronic mail and other generally acceptable electronic communication means is permissible for the purposes of passing a resolution by

 

 

 

9.11                        MINUTES OF ITTF INTEGRITY BOARD MEETINGS

 

• The ITTF Integrity Board shall keep minutes of its deliberations and resolutions at each ITTF Integrity Board

 

• The minutes shall contain:
  • the names and designations of persons attending; 9.11.2.2 a summary of the deliberations;
  • the proposed resolutions;
  • the result of resolutions with the number of votes; and
  • the declarations requested by any ITTF Integrity Board Member requests to be

 

 

Integrity Board Members for their review and the approved minutes must

be signed by the ITTF Integrity Board Chair.

 

 

 

9.12                        INDEMNITY

 

• No ITTF Integrity Board Member will be personally liable for any act or omission when carrying out their duties and exercising their powers or authorities in good

 

 

 

9.13                        EXPENSES

 

• Where applicable, the ITTF Integrity Board Members will receive compensation and reibursement for expenses incurred on matters of the ITTF and such payments shall not be deemed to compromise their independence and

 

 

 

9.14                        CONFIDENTIALITY

 

• Unless otherwise set out in these Regulations, the ITTF Integrity Board’s affairs are

 

• The ITTF Integrity Board Members shall ensure that information disclosed to them during the course of their duties remains confidential and disclosures to any third party may be deemed as breach of

 

 

 

Part III: Procedures of the ITTF Integrity Unit

 

 

INTELLIGENCE

 

• All Table Tennis Parties have an obligation to report, as soon as practicable, any act, thing or information which the person becomes aware of, which may constitute (on its own or with other information) a violation of any Applicable Rule, including any approach or request to engage in

 conduct that may constitute a violation of the Applicable Rules (“Report”).

 

 

• Any such information shall be reported to the ITTF Head of Integrity or to the ITTF Integrity Unit in the manner deemed appropriate by the ITTF Head of

 

• If the ITTF Head of Integrity considers it appropriate to do so, the party filing a Report may be asked to provide further information in respect of the Report and the ITTF Integrity Unit may make other enquiries into the matters set out in the

 

• In addition to receiving Reports in accordance to R15.1 above, the ITTF Integrity Unit may put in place mechanisms to gather intelligence that may assist in assessing the compliance (or otherwise) of Table Tennis Parties with the Applicable Rules from all available sources, including law enforcement, other regulatory and disciplinary bodies, investigative journalists, members of the public, and third parties. In particular, the ITTF Integrity Unit may facilitate anonymous reporting by third parties where it considers appropriate.

 

• The ITTF Integrity Unit may share intelligence that it holds about any Table Tennis Party with other appropriate authorities, including law enforcement and other regulatory and disciplinary bodies, where the ITTF Integrity Unit consider that such sharing is necessary in order to:
  • Effectively carry out an investigation or prosecution under these Regulations or to administer or enforce any matter falling under these Regulations;
  • Protect the integrity of the ITTF, the Table Tennis Parties, or the sport of Table Tennis, generally;
  • Prevent or detect crime or other offences or preserve the health or well- being of any person; or
  • Fulfil any legal obligation of the ITTF or the ITTF Integrity Unit, including the obligation to demonstrate the ITTF Integrity Unit’s compliance with the ITTF Handbook.

 

• Any intelligence shared by the ITTF Integrity Unit shall be done so in accordance with applicable data protection laws and/or

 

 

 

9.16                        PRIMA FACIE CASE

 

• The ITTF Head of Integrity shall first assess whether the Report relates to a likely breach of the Applicable Rules. They may appoint one or more persons to act on its behalf for this

 

 

frivolous, vexatious, malicious, or otherwise an abuse of process, they may

decide to take no further action.

 

• If, upon review, the ITTF Head of Integrity considers the Report or a particular violation to be a minor violation, they may make a Referral pursuant to Rule R24.

 

• If the Head of the Integrity Unit considers it appropriate to do so, they may ask any person filing a Report to provide further information or may make other enquiries before a decision is taken as to whether a Prima Facie Case is

 

• If the evidence submitted with, or subsequent to, any Report is considered by the ITTF Head of Integrity to establish a Prima Facie Case, the ITTF Head of Integrity will cause an investigation to be commenced, unless in their view and in consultation with the Integrity Unit Board, there is a good reason not to cause an investigation to be commenced either immediately or at

 

• In addition to information provided in a Report, the ITTF Head of Integrity may consider information that has come to their attention by whatever means to establish whether there is a Prima Facie Case, and in such circumstances, they shall initiate an investigation against the Alleged Person in accordance with these

 

• If the ITTF Head of Integrity determines that no Prima Facie Case is established, the ITTF Head of Integrity may at their discretion suspend or terminate
  • Grounds do not need to be given for the commencement, suspension or termination of an investigation for any alleged breach of any Applicable Rule.

 

 

 

9.17                        INVESTIGATIONS

 

• After establishing a Prima Facie Case, the ITTF Head of Integrity shall conduct further investigations. They may appoint one or more persons to act on its behalf for this

 

• The objective for each investigation is to gather information necessary to determine whether a Table Tennis Party has a case to answer for violation of the Applicable Rules (i.e. whether or not to bring a charge(s)). This includes gathering and recording all relevant information, developing that

 

 

information into reliable and admissible evidence, and identifying and pursuing further lines of enquiry that may lead to the discovery of such evidence.

 

• The ITTF Head of Integrity will conduct each investigation fairly, objectively and
  • The ITTF Head of Integrity will be open to and consider all possible outcomes at each key stage of the investigation, and will seek to gather not only available evidence of a violation but also any available evidence indicating that there is no case to
  • The ITTF Head of Integrity shall fully document their conduct of investigations, the evaluation of information and evidence identified in the course of investigations, and the outcome of

 

• The ITTF Head of Integrity will notify the Alleged Person of the investigation and of the possible violation(s) to which the investigation relates, and will give the Alleged Person an opportunity to make a written submission as part of the investigation. The ITTF Head of Integrity shall decide when this notification should be

 

• Where it deems appropriate, the ITTF Head of Integrity may coordinate or stay its own investigation pending the outcome of investigations or prosecutions by other competent bodies, including law enforcement and/or other regulatory or disciplinary

 

• Where the ITTF Head of Integrity suspects that an Alleged Person may have committed a violation of the Applicable Rules and/or may have information about a potential violation of the Applicable Rules by an Alleged

 Person, it may make a written demand (an “Investigation Notice”) to the Alleged Person for information relating to the potential violation.

• The ITTF Head of Integrity may issue such Investigation Notice at any time after a Report has been filed, including during its initial investigation or at any point after a Notice of Charge has been
• If necessary, the ITTF Head of Integrity may issue more than one Investigation Notice in the same

 

• As part of an Investigation Notice, the ITTF Head of Integrity may require the Alleged Person to:
  • Attend before the ITTF Integrity Unit for an interview, or to answer any question, or to provide a written statement setting out their knowledge of any relevant facts and
    • Any interview will take place at a time and place determined by the ITTF Head of Integrity, and the Alleged Person will be given reasonable notice in writing of the requirement to

 

 

• Interviews may be recorded and/or transcribed and the Alleged Person will be entitled to have legal counsel and an interpreter present, at the Alleged

 Person’s own expense;

• Provide (or procure to the best of their ability, the provision by a third party) for inspection, copying and/or downloading any records or files (whether existing in hard copy or electronic format) that the ITTF Head of Integrity reasonably believes may contain relevant information (such as itemised telephone billing statements, bank statements, ledgers, cryptocurrency wallets, transaction histories for any money transfer service or e-wallet, Internet service records, notes, files, correspondence, emails, and text of SMS, Whatsapp, Telegram, WeChat or similar messages received and sent);
• Provide (or procure to the best of their ability, the provision by a third party) for inspection, copying and/or downloading any electronic storage device that the ITTF Head of Integrity reasonably believes may contain relevant information (such as cloud-based servers, computers, hard drives, tapes, disks, mobile telephones, laptop computers, tablets, and other mobile storage devices);
• Provide full and unlimited access to their premises for the purpose of securing information, records, articles or things that are the subject of an Investigation Notice;
• Provide full and unlimited access to any social media accounts and data accessed via cloud services; and/or
• Provide passwords, login credentials and other identifying information required to access information that is the subject of an Investigation

 

• The Alleged Person must cooperate promptly, truthfully, completely and in good faith with an Investigation Notice, including providing the information or access requested within the deadline specified in the Investigation

 Notice, at the Alleged Person’s own cost.

 

• Where an Investigation Notice relates to any information, record, article or thing that the ITTF Head of Integrity reasonably believes is capable of being damaged, altered, destroyed or hidden (any electronic storage device or electronically stored information will be deemed to meet this criterion), then for the purposes of evidence preservation, the ITTF Head of Integrity may require the Alleged Person to comply with the Investigation Notice immediately upon receipt of it. In such a case:
  • The Alleged Person must immediately comply with the Investigation Notice in full, including permitting the ITTF Head of Integrity to take immediate possession of, copy and/or download the information, record, article or thing;
  • A refusal or failure by the Alleged Person to comply immediately with the Investigation Notice will constitute an independent violation of these Regulations and the ITTF Code of Ethics; and

 

 

• Any attempted or actual damage, alteration, destruction or hiding of such information, record, article or thing upon receipt of or after the Investigation Notice will constitute an independent violation of these Regulations and the ITTF Code of

 

• If the Alleged Person obstructs or delays an investigation in any manner, whether or not in relation to an Investigation Notice (for example; by providing false, misleading or incomplete information or documentation or by tampering or destroying any documentation or other information that may be relevant to the investigation), it may also constitute a violation of these Regulations and the ITTF Code of

 

 

 

• The ITTF Head of Integrity may at any time require a Table Tennis Party: 9.17.11.1 To assist in an investigation into a potential violation by one or more

persons under its jurisdiction (where appropriate, acting in conjunction with any other relevant national authority or body); and

9.17.11.2 To provide a written report on such assistance within a reasonable time period stipulated by the ITTF Integrity Unit.

 

• The ITTF Head of Integrity may request any person (whether the Alleged Person or not) to assist an investigation by producing documents, information or material and/or answering questions and providing information.

 

• Where during the course of any investigation the ITTF Integrity Unit identifies any additional Alleged Person(s) that may also have violated any Applicable Rule, the investigation may be expanded to cover such potential violations as well, or a separate investigation may be

 

• A refusal or failure by the Alleged Person(s) or Table Tennis Parties to cooperate with the ITTF Integrity Unit’s investigations may constitute a violation of these Regulations and the ITTF Code of

 

 

 

9.18                        CONDUCT OF PROSECUTIONS BY THE ITTF INTEGRITY UNIT

 

• After conducting an investigation, the ITTF Head of Integrity shall determine whether the Alleged Person has a case to answer for violation of the Applicable

 

• If the ITTF Head of Integrity determines that the Alleged Person has a case to answer for violation of the Applicable Rules, the ITTF Integrity Unit shall:
  • charge the Alleged Person with violation of the Applicable Rules;

 

 

• present that charge before the ITTF Tribunal for hearing and determination; and
• pursue and defend (as applicable) any application and/or appeal arising in relation to such

 

• If the ITTF Head of Integrity determines that the Alleged Person has no case to answer for violation of the Applicable Rules, the ITTF Head of Integrity may at their discretion suspend or terminate investigations relating to the Investigation Notice and/or the Alleged

 

• The ITTF Integrity Unit will discharge its rights and responsibilities in good faith in all cases, taking into account both at the point of determining whether to issue a Notice of Charge and throughout any proceedings that follow:
  • The likelihood of a charge being upheld (including considering the strength

 of any evidence relied upon, the merits of the ITTF Integrity Unit’s case,

 and how the defence case is likely to affect the ITTF Integrity Unit’s case); and

• Whether bringing or continuing to pursue the charge is necessary and proportionate to the achievement of the imperatives underlying these Regulations.

 

• The ITTF Integrity Unit will respect the duty of procedural fairness owed to the Alleged Person who has been charged with violation(s) of the Applicable

 

 

 

9.19                        NOTICE OF CHARGE

 

• If the ITTF Head of Integrity determines that the Alleged Person has a case to answer for violation of the Applicable Rules, the ITTF Integrity Unit will prepare and send a written notice of charge to the Alleged Person (“Notice of Charge”), which will contain the following information:
  • The specific provision(s) of the Applicable Rules that the Alleged Person is alleged to have violated;
  • The facts alleged in support of such charge(s);
  • where applicable, the details of any provisional suspension imposed on the Alleged Person pursuant to R20 pending determination of the charge(s); and
  • the sanction(s) that the ITTF Integrity Unit says should be imposed under the Applicable Rules if the charge(s) is/are upheld;
  • the Alleged Person’s right:
    • to admit the charge(s) and to accept the sanction(s) specified in the Notice of Charge;

 

 

• to admit the charge(s) but to dispute (or seek to mitigate) the sanction(s) specified in the Notice of Charge, and to have the matter of sanction(s) determined by the ITTF Tribunal in accordance with R28 if it cannot be agreed between the parties; or
• to dispute the charge(s) and to have the charge(s) determined (along with any sanctions, where a charge is upheld) by the ITTF Tribunal in accordance with R23; and

• the deadline for the Alleged Person to provide a response to the charges (which shall be no fewer than 14 days from the date of receipt of the Notice of Charge by the Alleged Person).

 

 

 

9.20                        PROVISIONAL SUSPENSION

 

• In any case where the ITTF Integrity Unit issues a Notice of Charge to the Alleged Person, the ITTF Head of Integrity may submit an application to the ITTF Integrity Board for a provisional suspension of the Alleged Person pending determination of the charge(s) after considering one or more of the following factors:
  • the likelihood that the integrity of the sport of Table Tennis will be undermined;
  • the seriousness of the alleged violation(s);
  • the necessity or desirability of the provisional suspension in facilitating the conduct of any investigation or proceeding by ITTF Integrity Unit or any other relevant body; and
  • the potential prejudice to the Alleged Person in imposing provisional suspension.

 

• The application by the ITTF Head of Integrity to the ITTF Integrity Board for a provisional suspension of the Alleged Person may be submitted when the Notice of Charge is issued or at any time

 

• The provisional suspension will be effective from the date determined by the ITTF Integrity Board and it may be made public (including posting a

 notice on the ITTF’s website) at any time after the effective date.

 

• During the period of any provisional suspension, the Alleged Person may not participate in any capacity in any competition, programme or other activity authorised or organised by the ITTF or any Table Tennis Parties, and may not associate with other Alleged

 

• An Alleged Person who is provisionally suspended has the right to apply to the ITTF Tribunal for an order lifting or limiting the provisional

 

 

The provisional suspension may be lifted or limited if the Alleged Person demonstrates to the satisfaction of the ITTF Tribunal that:

• the facts alleged in support of the charge(s) do not give rise to a Prima Facie Case;
• the case against the Alleged Person has no reasonable prospect of success;
• there is no real risk that the integrity of the sport of Table Tennis would be undermined; or
• other facts exist that make it clearly unfair, in all circumstances of the case, to make the Alleged Person serve a provisional suspension prior to the determination of the charge(s) against the Alleged Person. This ground is to be construed strictly, and applied only in truly exceptional
  • The fact that the provisional suspension would prevent the Alleged Person from participating in a particular Table Tennis competition or event or to stand or election or appointment will not qualify as exceptional circumstances for these

 

• An Alleged Person who is not provisionally suspended by the ITTF Integrity Unit may, at any time, notify the ITTF Integrity Unit that the Alleged Person will accept a voluntary provisional suspension pending determination of the charge(s). Such voluntary provisional suspension will come into effect only upon receipt by the ITTF Integrity Unit of written confirmation of the Alleged

 Person’s acceptance of the provisional suspension. No adverse inference will be drawn from such acceptance.

 

• A period of provisional suspension served by the Alleged Person may be credited against any final period of ineligibility imposed on the Alleged Person.

 

 

 

9.21                        EXCLUSION ORDER

 

• Where the ITTF Integrity Unit has sufficient evidence and is satisfied that any person (including a person who is not a Table Tennis Party) has likely breached an Applicable Rule and may undermine the integrity of the sport of Table Tennis, the ITTF Integrity Unit may issue an order directing that

 person to be excluded from any Table Tennis Party’s competition, event, or activity and the Table Tennis Parties shall comply with such order.

 

 

9.22                        RESOLVING CHARGES WITHOUT A HEARING

 

• Where the Alleged Person:
  • Admits the charge(s) and accepts the sanction(s) specified in the Notice of Charge (or accepts other sanction(s) proposed by the ITTF Integrity Unit); or
  • Fails to respond by the deadline specified in the Notice of Charge (which will be deemed to amount to (a) a waiver of the Alleged Person’s right to have the charge(s) and/or sanction(s) determined by the ITTF Tribunal; (b) an admission of the charge(s); and (c) an acceptance of the sanction(s) specified in the Notice of Charge), the ITTF Integrity Unit will issue a public notice confirming the violation(s) committed and the sanction(s) imposed, and that notice will take effect as if it were a final decision of the ITTF Tribunal made in accordance with R29. Alternatively, where they sees fit (such as where the ITTF Integrity Unit has specified a range of potential sanction(s) in the Notice of Charge), the ITTF Head of Integrity may refer the matter to the ITTF Tribunal to determine the sanction(s) to be imposed in accordance with R9.28.

 

• Where the ITTF Integrity Unit considers it appropriate to do so (for example; to minimise the burden on resources, or to achieve an expeditious and proportionate outcome to a case), the ITTF Head of Integrity may agree terms with an Alleged Person who has been charged with a violation of the Applicable Rules for disposition of the charge without a
  • Such disposition will include confirmation of the commission of the violation(s) charged and acceptance of the sanction(s) to be imposed under these
  • Any such discussion between the ITTF Head of Integrity and the Alleged Person in relation to the possibility of an agreed sanction will take place on

 a “without prejudice” basis and in such a manner that they will not delay or in any other way interfere with the proceedings.

9.23                        HEARING BEFORE ITTF TRIBUNAL

 

• If the Alleged Person wishes to have a hearing before the ITTF Tribunal to contest liability and/or sanction, the Alleged Person must provide a written request for a hearing to the ITTF Integrity Unit that is received by the ITTF

 Integrity Unit within 14 days of the Alleged Person’s receipt of the Notice of Charge (or such longer period as may be specified in the Notice of Charge or as agreed by the ITTF Integrity Unit). The request for a hearing must explain how the Alleged Person responds to the charge(s) and set out (in summary form) the basis for such response.

 

• The procedures and proceedings for a hearing before the ITTF Tribunal, including appeals, shall be as set out in the ITTF Tribunal

 

 

9.24                        ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE FOR MINOR VIOLATION

 

• Notwithstanding the provisions of these Regulations, where the ITTF Head of Integrity considers, at their discretion, a particular violation to be a minor violation, rather than to follow the procedures set out above, the ITTF Head

 of Integrity may refer the case (a “Referral”) to the ITTF Secretary General, any other appropriate person within the ITTF or a suitably e qualified person

 (the “Appropriate Person”), to be dealt with in accordance with the following provisions of this R9.24.

 

• The Referral will set out:
  • The name of the Alleged Person who is the subject of the Referral (the

 “Respondent”);

• Full details of the alleged violation, including where, when and how it is alleged to have occurred;
• The specific provisions of the Applicable Rules alleged to have been violated;
• Details of any relevant evidence, including copies of any relevant documents; and
• What sanctions proposed from the list of potential sanctions set out in R28.

 

• The Appropriate Person will perform an inquisitorial function, investigating and determining the merits of the

 

• Save where the ITTF Head of Integrity orders otherwise, all Referrals will be dealt with in writing, without any oral

 

• The Appropriate Person will send a copy of the Referral to the Respondent, specifying a deadline within which the Respondent must file a written

 answer (the “Answer”) with the Appropriate Person, with a copy to the ITTF Integrity Unit. In the Answer, the Respondent may:

• Admit the charge(s) set out in the Referral and accept the sanction(s) sought in the Referral;
• Admit the charge(s) set out in the Referral but to seek to mitigate the sanction(s) proposed in the Referral; or
• Dispute the charge(s) and/or the proposed sanction(s), in which case the Respondent must set out in the Answer their response to each of the allegations made in the Referral, identify any defences that they wish to assert, set out the facts on which the defence(s) is/are based, and attach copies of any evidence upon which they wish to

 

• The Appropriate Person may undertake such investigations in relation to the Referral and/or the Answer as the Appropriate Person deems

 

 

necessary, including consulting with persons with knowledge of the facts and/or appointing experts to advise on specific issues.

 

• If upon investigation, the Appropriate Person identifies facts that suggest the sanctions set out in R24.10 may not be sufficient, given the conduct of the Alleged Person, the Appropriate Person may raise this with the ITTF Head of Integrity, who will then decide whether to maintain the Referral or else withdraw the Referral and pursue the matter in accordance with the ordinary procedures set out above.

 

• The Appropriate Person is not bound by judicial rules governing the admissibility of evidence. Instead, facts may be established by any reliable means, including witness evidence, expert reports and documentary or video

 

• The Appropriate Person will not uphold the charge(s) in a Referral unless satisfied that they are proven on the applicable standard of

 

• Where a charge in a Referral is upheld, the Appropriate Person will have the power to impose one or more of the following sanctions:
  • A caution or reprimand, or an oral or written warning; 9.24.10.2 Removal from a competition;

9.24.10.3 Removal from a venue; 9.24.10.4 Removal of accreditation;

• A fine of not more than CHF 5,000; and
• A ban on taking part in any table tennis-related activity of not more than three

 

• The Appropriate Person will issue a reasoned decision in writing to the ITTF Integrity Unit and the Respondent, stating why the charge has or has not been upheld, and (if applicable) what sanctions are

 

• The ITTF Integrity Unit will bear the costs incurred by the Appropriate Person in resolving the The Respondent will bear their own cost they incurred in relation to the Referral. Neither party may shift its cost to the other party.

 

• There is no right to appeal from decisions of the Appropriate

 

 

9.25                        TRANSFER OF CASES FROM ITTF MEMBERS, ETC.

 

• In the event that any ITTF Member Association, affiliated organisation, or World Table Tennis undertakes any investigation or proceeding against a Table Tennis Party and the ITTF Integrity Unit reasonably deems that such investigation and/or proceeding is not conducted in a satisfactory manner, the ITTF Integrity Unit may direct for such investigation or proceeding to be transferred to the ITTF Integrity

 

• Where the ITTF Integrity Unit makes a direction pursuant to R25.1, the relevant ITTF Member Association, affiliated organisation, or World Table Tennis shall take all necessary steps to effect the transfer of investigation and/or proceeding promptly and to assist the ITTF Integrity Unit in coducting the investigation and/or proceeding efficiently, including providing the ITTF Integrity Unit access to or copies of relevant documents, records, articles, and such other information.

 

 

 

9.26                        CONFIDENTIALITY OF ITTF INTEGRITY UNIT PROCEDURES

 

• Except in exceptional circumstances where the ITTF Integrity Unit reasonably deems it necessary for the purposes of protecting the integrity of Table Tennis and/or any of Table Tennis Party (for example in circumstances where there is significant damaging and/or incorrect media speculation), the ITTF Integrity Unit shall not publicly identify any Alleged Person until they have been formally charged, at which point the ITTF Integrity Unit shall be entitled to publicly announce the name of the Alleged Person charged and the offences with which they have been charged. Thereafter, the ITTF Integrity Unit shall not comment publicly on the specific facts of a pending case, except in response to public comments made by (or on behalf of) the Alleged Person or their representatives or where

 otherwise necessary to preserve the public’s confidence in the ability of the ITTF Integrity Unit to fight corruption in Table Tennis.

 

• Without prejudice to any form of privilege available in respect of any such publication, the ITTF Integrity Unit shall be entitled to publish as it thinks fit and through whatever channel, reports of any proceedings pursuant to these Regulations, or any written decision of the ITTF Tribunal or any other recognised judicial body (in full or in a redacted form), whether or not it reflects adversely on the character or conduct of any Alleged Person. The Alleged Person shall be deemed to have provided their full and irrevocable consent to such

 

 

9.27                        PROTECTION OF THREATENED PERSONS

 

• The ITTF Integrity Unit shall take reasonable and proportionate measures at its discretion to protect any Table Tennis Party who has a honest and reasonable belief that there is a serious threat to their life or safety, or to the life or safety of another

 

 

 

9.28                        SANCTIONS

 

• Where the ITTF Tribunal decides that a violation of the Applicable Rules has been established, it may impose such sanction(s) as it deems appropriate in accordance with the Applicable Rules, in particular R8.35 of the ITTF Tribunal

 

• Where the ITTF Tribunal determines that an appropriate sanction is not prescribed in the ITTF Tribunal Regulations, the ITTF Handbook or the ITTF Constitution, the ITTF Tribunal shall have the power to impose any sanction(s) as it deems appropriate and which commensurates with the violation of the Applicable Rules, taking into consideration the Applicable Rules, in particular R8.35 of the ITTF Tribunal

 

 

 

9.29                        DECISIONS

 

• The ITTF Tribunal’s decision shall be rendered in accordance with R8.36 of the ITTF Tribunal

 

 

 

9.30                        APPEALS

 

• The ITTF Integrity Unit and the Alleged Person will each have the right to appeal decisions of the ITTF Tribunal in accordance with 38 of the ITTF Tribunal Regulations.

 

 

 

9.31                        COMMUNICATIONS

 

• Communications to   the   ITTF   Integrity   Unit  may                                  be    by   email                                  to

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• Notices or other communications to a person who is a member of a member association of ITTF or of an associated organisation of ITTF may be accomplished by delivering such notice or other communication to that member association of ITTF or that associated organisation of ITTF, respectively.

 

 

 

9.32                        TIME LIMITS

 

• Unless otherwise set out in these Regulations, any time period to be calculated under these Regulations shall begin to run the day following the date of receipt of a notice or other

 

• The time limits fixed under these Regulations are respected if the communications by the parties are sent before midnight, time of the location of their own domicile or, if represented, of the domicile of their main legal representative, on the last day on which such time limits

 

• Non-working days and official holidays are included in calculating time limits. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the last day of the time limit is an official holiday or a non-business day in the location from where the document is to be sent, the time limit shall expire at the end of the next working

 

• For the purposes of these Regulations, a “working day” means any day other than (i) Saturday or Sunday, or (ii) any day that is an official holiday in Lausanne,

 

• Upon application on jusitified grounds and after consultation with the other party (or parties), the ITTF Head of Integrity may extend any time limit provided in these Regulations, if the circumstances so

 

 

 

9.33                        LIMITATION PERIOD

 

• Unless expressly specified in the relevant Applicable Rule, there shall be no limitation period to investigate or prosecute any potential violation of any Applicable Rule or these

 

• Where a limitation period is stated in the relevant Applicable Rule, 9.33.2.1 the limitation period commences:
  • from the date of the commission of the alleged violation;

 

 

• from the date of the most recent commission of the alleged violation, if that infringement is recurrent; or
• from the date on which the alleged violation had ended, if that infringement lasted for a period of time; and

9.33.2.2 Where, in the case of any alleged violation is concealed by the fraud or deceitful behaviour of the Alleged Person or Respondent (or their representative), the limitation period shall not commence until the fraud or deceitful behaviour was discovered or could have discovered it with reasonable diligence.

 

• For avoidance of doubt, this RError! Reference source not found. prevails over the R8.24 of the ITTF Tribunal Regulations in the event of conflict.

 

 

 

9.34                        BREACHES

 

• A refusal or failure by any party to comply with any provision of Part III of these Regulations will constitute an independent violation of these Regulations.

 

• Violation of any provision of Part III of these Regulations shall be sanctioned with a fine of up to CHF 20,000 and/or a ban on taking part in any table tennis-related activity for a maximum of two
  • For violations committed by an individual, sanctions shall be increased accordingly if the individual holds a high position in table

 

 

Annex 1 – Key Procedures of the ITTF Integrity Unit

 

For reference, the general key procedures of the ITTF Integrity Unit are highlighted as follows.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* The ITTF Head of Integrity may instead refer a case to an appropriate person for a simplified proceeding if it deems that the potential violation in question is a Minor Violation – see R9.16.3 and R9.24.

 

# The ITTF Tribunal’s jurisdiction excludes hearing para table tennis matters (to be heard before the IPC Board of Appeal of Classification) and anti-doping rule violations (to be heard before the CAS Anti-Doping Division) – see R8.16 of ITTF Tribunal Regulations.

 

APPOINTMENT REGULATIONS

 

Part I: Introduction

 

The Executive Committee, Board of Directors, the Integrity Board, the Finance and Audit Committee, the ITTF Tribunal, and various Permanent Committees are key bodies in the worldwide governance of table tennis.

 

These Regulations are developed in accordance with the ITTF Handbook and the principles of good governance and adopted to govern the Election Process and Appointment Process of these bodies

 

Part II: Application and Governing Principles

 

• APPLICATION OF THESE REGULATIONS

 

• These Regulations shall be enforced towards the Election Process (Executive Committee and Board of Directors) and Appointment Process (Integrity Board, Finance and Audit Committee and Permanent Committees) and shall apply to the Nominations Committee, Executive Committee, Board of Directors, Integrity Board, Finance and Audit Committee, the ITTF Tribunal, Permanent Committees, Nominating Associations, each member of the foregoing bodies, Candidates, Existing Officials, ITTF staff, and such other persons who agree to be or are

 otherwise bound by these Regulations (“Covered Persons”)

 

 

 

10.2                        PRINCIPLES     GOVERNING     THE     ELECTION                         PROCESS         AND APPOINTMENT PROCESS

 

• The Election Process and Appointment Process are governed by these Regulations and the ITTF Handbook. In particular, Article 6.8.3 of the ITTF Handbook applies to the Election of the President, in addition to these Regulations and the other relevant provisions of the ITTF

 

• Candidates must meet the requirements as set out in these Regulations and the ITTF

 

• Interference in the outcome of any Election or Appointment for any Key Position is not

 

 

 

 

APPOINTMENT

 

• Candidates for Election are entitled to promote their candidacy, subject to these Regulations and the ITTF Handbook. Candidates for Appointment shall not engage in any

 

• Candidates shall act fairly and in good faith and respect the other Candidates, ITTF, its Member Associations and Associated

 

• Candidates shall not act in a way likely to tarnish the reputation of ITTF, its Member Associations, its Associated Organisations, or the sport of table tennis, or to bring ITTF, its Member Associations, its Associated Organisations, or otherwise breach these Regulations or the ITTF Handbook. In particular, each Candidate shall not harm or do anything likely to harm the image of another Candidate or cause any prejudice to

 

• The candidacy of all Candidates is subject to them being Eligible, satisfying the requirements of these Regulations and the ITTF Handbook, and adhering to the directives, guidelines, or such other documents issued by the Nominations

 

 

 

Part III: Supervision of the Election and Appointment

 

• SUPERVISING BODY

 

• The Nominations Committee shall be the responsible body to oversee and supervise each part of the Election Process and Appointment Process in accordance with these Regulations and the ITTF

 

• The Nominations Committee shall operate and carry out its duties, responsibilities, and obligations in accordance with these Regulations, its terms of reference, and the ITTF Handbook and shall have and exercise all powers and authority necessary to carry out its duties, responsibilities, and obligations as set out in these

 

• The Nominations Committee shall be responsible for Vetting a Candidate to be Appointed or Elected to a Key

 

• The Nominations Committee may issue directives, guidelines, or such other documents to govern the Election Process and the Appointment

 

 

 

• Subject to RError! Reference source not found., decisions made by the Nominations Committee will be final and binding

 

 

 

Part IV: Application Process

 

• APPLICATION

 

• A Nominating Association (for the Elections of Executive Committee and Board of Directors Members and for Appointments for Permanent Committees) or the Candidate (for the Appointment to the Integrity Board, the Finance and Audit Committee, or the ITTF Tribunal), shall submit an Application by completing the prescribed nomination form or application form (as applicable). in which shall include the following information:
  • The Candidate’s name, date of birth and office address; 10.5.1.2 The Candidate’s contact number and email address; 10.5.1.3 A copy of the Candidate’s curriculum vitae;
  • A copy of the Candidate’s Declaration Form;
  • The Key Position for which the Candidate is applying; and
  • A declaration that the Application is true, accurate and complete and that the Nominating Association or Candidate (as applicable), understands and accepts the Vetting Process, the Election Process or the Appointment Process (as applicable) and agree to be bound by these

 

 

 

10.6                        DECLARATION FORM

 

• The Candidate shall provide the necessary information and shall further complete a prescribed Declaration Form to represent and warrant that any and all information provided by the Candidate in the Application is true, accurate and

 

• The Declaration Form shall form part of the Application as a supporting document.

 

 

 

10.7                        SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION

 

• Each Nominating Association (for Key Positions on the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors, or Permanent Committees) or Candidates (for Key Positions on the Integrity Board, the Finance and Audit

 

 

Committee, or the ITTF Tribunal) (as applicable) shall be submit its Application in the prescribed manner and form by the stipulated deadline.

 

 

 

10.8                        VETTING PROCESS

 

• The Vetting Process shall apply to each Candidate and towards each Application submitted in accordance with this R8.

 

• The Nominations Committee shall screen the Candidate by way of their Application to determine their Eligibility to be Elected or Appointed to a Key Position in accordance with R10.

 

• The Candidate and the Nominating Association (if applicable) shall ensure that any and all information in his Application and Declaration Form is up- to-date.

 

• The Candidate shall ensure that they remain Eligible, to the best of their knowledge, for an Election or Appointment to a Key Position:
  • If it is to the knowledge of the Candidate that they are no longer, or unlikely to be, Eligible, the Candidate shall immediately notify the Nominations Committee in writing of such

 

• The Nominations Committee shall submit to the AGM a report, setting out any rejection of Application due to an incomplete Application or a failure to meet the Eligibility

 

 

 

10.9                        PUBLICATION OF LIST OF CANDIDATES

 

The Nominations Committee shall publicly make available the final list of Candidates upon completing the Vetting Process.

 

 

 

10.10                    ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

 

• All Candidates must be determined as Eligible for recommendation and Election or Appointment to a Key Position to the full satisfaction of the Nominations

 

 

• In addition to any other applicable provision of the ITTF Handbook, the eligibility criteria to which the Nominations Committee shall observe and ensure that a Candidate must satisfy are as follows:
  • Is at least 18 years old or has attained the age of majority in the country of their citizenship (whichever is higher);
  • Is able to work collaboratively within a diverse group of individuals; 10.10.2.3 Is able to work with integrity, objectivity, openness, honesty, and

selflessness;

• Is able to meet the standards expected and required of an Official in the relevant Key Position;
• Is physically and mentally fit and able to perform the duties and obligations of an Official in the relevant Key Position;
• Is of good character and reputation;
• Does not have an interest in any Member Association or Associated Organisation, which is not stated in the Declaration Form;
• Is not an undischarged bankrupt or is not subject to any condition not yet fulfilled or order under bankruptcy law any jurisdiction;

years (whether or not a term of imprisonment is imposed), unless that person has obtained a pardon or served the sentence imposed upon

• Is not barred from being a director of a company in any jurisdiction; 10.2.10 Is not convicted of any offence by a term of imprisonment of two or more

 

 

    them;

• Has not been subject to an order that they lack competence to manage

    their own affairs;

• Is not serving a period of ineligibility or suspension for a breach of any

    competent judicial body;

• Has not been removed from office for a breach of any legislation, rules

    body; and

• Is not probihibited from holding the relevant Key Position under any other

    circumstances   provided   by   law,   these   Regulations,   or   the ITTF

    Handbook.

 

 

 

Part V: Restrictions on Promotion and Prohibition of Gifts etc.

 

• RESTRICTIONS ON CANDIDATES FOR APPOINTMENTS

 

• Candidates for Appointments shall not engage in any promotion of their candidacy.

 

 

 

• R12 to RError! Reference source not found. shall not apply to Candidates for Appointments.

 

 

 

10.12                    SPECIFIC OBLIGATIONS OF CANDIDATES FOR ELECTION

 

• In addition to R3, Candidates for Election shall ensure that their promotion of their candidacy adheres to the regulations set out in this Part V.

 

 

 

10.13                    PROMOTION AND PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS

 

• Candidates shall ensure that the content and presentation of all materials produced by or on behalf of them to promote their candidacy (including any manifestos) must be fair, honest and respectful of other Candidates, ITTF, its Member Associations, its Associated Organisations, and the sport of table

 

• Candidates may make public statements, give interviews or issue written materials to promote their candidacy, provided that they shall not:
  • pay journalists or such other persons affiliated with the media to promote their Candidacies; and
  • not produce, or permit the production of any promotional material (including any manifestos), which harms or is likely to harm the image or reputation of another Candidate, ITTF, any Member Association, any Associated Organisation, or the sport of table

 

• Candidates may engage the services of a public relations firm or public relations consultant, provided that R13.2 is adhered to.

 

 

 

10.14                    FUNDING

 

• Candidates shall declare, as part of their Application, all funding for their campaign coming from third parties, including donations and fundraising. Where the Candidate purely finance their campaign personally, such declaration is not

 

 

 

 

 

10.15                    GIFTS, ETC.

 

• Candidates shall not offer or give any gift, donation, advantage, or benefit of any nature or value to any Member Association (or its representative) that is entitled to vote in the Election or

 

• Despite R15.1, it is permissible for exchanges of tokens of courtesy to be given if they are of nominal value, in that they have insignificant or no commercial value.

 

• Candidates shall not offer any assistance of any kind (whether financial or otherwise) to any Member Association (or its representative) or any other person to enable them to attend the Election or

 

 

 

10.16                    PROMISES, ETC.

 

• Candidates shall not enter into any promise or undertaking to act either as an Official or personally for the advantage or benefit of a Member Association, Associated Organisation, or individual within any such

 

• Candidates shall not enter into any promise or undertaking with any person

 that is likely to affect the Candidate’s freedom of decision or action, or otherwise bind the Candidate, if Elected or Appointed.

 

• Candidates shall not solicit or accept any advantage or benefit of any nature intended to influence decisions within their authority once Elected or Appointed, or which may reasonably be perceived as intending to have that effect.

 

 

 

10.17                    COLLUSION

 

• Candidates shall not engage in any act, collaboration or collusion by or between Candidates, Member Associations and Associated Organisations with the intent or knowledge to defraud or manipulate the result of the Election or

 

 

 

 

 

10.18                    ASSISTANCE FROM STAFF

 

• Unless in the ordinary course of duties as an Existing Official, Candidates shall not solicit or receive individual or special support or services from ITTF staff (including any consultants, agents or advisors) to assist with the conduct of their

 

• Despite R18.1, it is permissible for general administrative support and services to be provided to ensure that the Election or Appointment is conducted in a fair, open and consistent manner.

 

 

 

10.19                    BREACH OF A REGULATION UNDER THIS PART

 

• Without limiting the application of these Regulations or any other provision of the ITTF Handbook, the breach of any Regulation under this Part V shall be construed to be a breach of the relevant provision under Article 6.2 of the ITTF Handbook.

 

 

 

Part VI: Election Day Procedures

 

• APPLICCATION OF THE ITTF HANDBOOK

 

• Without affecting the general application of the ITTF Handbook, pursuant to Article 1.5.1.10 of the ITTF Handbook:
  • Where there are more Candidates or options for a post or posts than the number of vacancies, as long as the simple majority (more than 50%) is not reached, additional ballots will be required. In this case, the Candidate or option obtaining the smallest number of votes shall be eliminated;
  • If there is a tie for the lowest number of votes, a further vote shall be held amongst them to determine who is eliminated;
  • Consecutive ballots will be organised until the Election is decided; and 10.20.1.4 At an Election a ballot paper shall be considered valid only if the number of

votes cast on this ballot equals the number of vacancies.

 

 

 

10.21                    CANDIDATES’ PRESENTATION

 

 

• Each Candidate for the Key Position of the President shall given an opportunity to make a presentation on the Election day or the day before for approximately 10 minutes and under similar conditions, prior to the voting

 

• Each Candidate for the Key Position of an Executive Vice-President shall given an opportunity to make a presentation on the Election day or the day before for approximately 5 minutes and under similar conditions, prior to the voting

 

• The AGM Chair may give any direction necessary for the expediency and fairness of each Candidate

 

 

 

10.22                    VOTING PROCEDURE

 

• Member Association (or its representative) that is entitled to vote in the Election shall cast their vote in the manner set out in Article 1.5.1.9 of the ITTF Handbook and as

 

• Votes to elect Candiates to each Key Position shall be cast by secret ballot and may be done in person or electronically, in the manner prescribed or directed by the AGM

 

• The voting procedure shall be overseen by scrutineers approved according to Article 1.5.1.9.5 of the ITTF

 

 

 

10.23                    ANNOUNCEMNT OF RESULTS OF ELECTIONS

 

The AGM Chair shall verify the results of the voting procedure and announce the result of the Election of each Key Position.

 

 

 

10.24                    RETENTION AND DESTRUCTION OF BALLOTS

 

• After the Election has been completed, the ballots (whether physical or electronic votes) shall be retained for a period of one month and after which, the Nominations Committee shall call for, oversee, and confirm the destruction of the

 

 

 

 

 

Part VII: Breaches and Appeals

 

• SUSPECTED BREACH

 

• Covered Persons shall be promptly report any suspected breach of these Regulations to the Nominations Committee:
  • Any suspected breach of any Regulation under Part V must be reported within 24 hours following discovery of the
  • Any suspected breach of any other Part of these Regulations must be reported within 30 days following discovery of the

 

• Upon receiving a report of any suspected breach, the Nominations Committee shall promptly:
  • review the report for any alleged breach of these Regulations; 10.25.2.2 the Candidate in question accordingly; and

10.25.2.3 provide the Candidate with an opportunity to respond to the alleged breach within a period that the Nominations Committee deems appropriate, taking into consideration the proximity of the Election.

 

• The Nominations Committee shall provide the relevant Candidate with a written decision as to the alleged breach of the Regulations as soon as practicable.

 

• Where a report of an alleged breach of these Regulations is made after the Election, the Nomination Committee shall refer the matter to the Integrity Unit.

 

 

 

10.26                    APPEAL

 

Any Covered Person may appeal the decision of the Nominations Committee to the ITTF Tribunal in accordance to the ITTF Tribunal Regulations.

 

 

 

10.27                    JURISDICTION OF THE ITTF TRIBUNAL

 

• The ITTF Tribunal shall have the original jurisidiction to hear and decide in accordance with the ITTF Tribunal Regulations:
  • any suspected breach of these Regulations, as described in R25; and

 

 

• any appeal of the decision of the Nominations Committee, as described in RError! Reference source not .

 

Part VIII: General Terms

 

• CITATION AND COMMENCEMENT

 

These Regulations may be cited as the ITTF Electoral and Appointment Regulations and shall come into operation on 25 November 2021.

 

 

 

10.29                    DEFINITIONS

 

• The capitalised terms used in these Regulations are as defined in the 2021 Handbook or as follows, unless the context otherwise requires:
  • “Application” means an application for a determination to be Appointed or Elected to a Key Position, which shall include the Letters of Recommendation and Declaration
  • “Appointment”, “Appointment Process”, and “to appoint” means the process by which Candidates undergo to be appointed or stand to be appointed to a Key Position of the Permanent Committees, the Integrity Board, the Finance and Audit Committee, or the ITTF Tribunal and includes the Vetting Process .
  • “Candidate” means any person, which shall include any Exisiting Official, who has applied for an Appointment or Election to a Key Position to be determined by the Nominations
  • “Covered Person” means each person as defined in R1.
  • “Declaration Form” means the declaration form that shall be submitted in support of an
  • “Election”, “Election Process”, and “to elect” mean the process by which Candidates undergo to be elected or stand to be elected to the Key Position of the Executive Committee or Board of Directors and includes the Vetting Process.
  • “Election Day” means each day during the Election when votes are cast to Elect Eligible Candidates to any Key
  • “Eligibility” and “Eligible” mean that the Candidate has satisfied the Eligibility
  • “Eligibility Requirements” means the requirements for a Candidate to satisfy to be
  • “Existing Official” means an Official holding the present Key Position in view of the upcoming Appointment or
  • “ITTF Handbook” means the ITTF Handbook as published and amended from time to

 

 

• “Key Position” means the key position of an
• “Nominating Association” means any ITTF Member Association that nominates a
• “Official” means a key position within ITTF in either the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors, Integrity Board, Finance and Audit Committee or any Permanent
• “Regulations” means these ITTF Electoral and Appointment Regulations.
• “Referee” means an individual preparing and recommending a Candidate by way of a
• “Vetting”, “Vetting Process” and “to vet” mean the process by which the Nominations Committee screens and recommends a Candidate to be Eligible for Appointment or

 

 

 

10.30                    INTERPRETATION

 

• These Regulations are adopted pursuant to the ITTF Handbook and shall be interpreted in a manner that is consistent with applicable provisions of the ITTF Handbook. In case of any conflict, the ITTF Constitution prevail over these

 

• The headings and sub-headings in these Regulations are for convenience only and shall not be deemed to be part of the substance of these Regulations or to affect in any way the language of the provisions to which they

 

• Words used regardless of the number and gender specifically used, shall be deemed and construed to include any other number, singular or plural, and any other gender, masculine, feminine or neuter, as the context requires.

 

• Any words following the terms “including”, “include”, “in particular”, “such

 as” or any similar expression shall be construed as illustrative and shall not limit the sense of the words, description, definition, phrase or term preceding those terms.

 

• If any provision of these Regulations is held to be invalid, unenforceable or illegal for any reason, it shall be deemed to be deleted and the remainder of these Regulations shall otherwise remain in full force and

 

• A “Candidate” shall include any and all Existing Officials intending to be re- Elected or re-Appointed to his respective existing Key Positions, and the Application process shall be applicable to such Existing

 

 

 

• A “Candidate” shall include any potential Candidate if their Nominating Association (for the Key Positions of the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors, or any Permanent Committee) or themselves (for the Key Positions of the Integrity Board, the Finance and Audit Committee, or the ITTF Tribunal) has submitted an Application or that they have conducted themselves in a manner reasonably understood that they are a Candidate, whether or not the Vetting Process or Election Process has been completed.

 

• A “Nominating Association” shall include any potential Nominating Association if it has submitted an Application or that it has conducted itself in a manner reasonably understood that it is a Nominating Association, whether or not the Vetting Process or Election Process has been completed.

 

• References to “Integrity Board” shall only apply to the positions of Independent Members of the Integrity Board, as defined in the ITTF Integrity