OOAK Table Tennis Forum

The rules that are used to govern "play" in table tennis are actually called 'The Laws of Table Tennis". These are simple, very simple and very easy to understand. Rule 2.4.7 was adopted by the AGM of the ITTF with more than 90% in favour. Why? It was adopted because it was felt that the rule regarding the racket and racket coverung needed to be reinforced and made explicit. For a very long time the composition of the racket is by rule as follows:
2.04.01 The racket may be of any size, shape or weight but the blade shall be flat and rigid.
2.04.02 At least 85% of the blade by thickness shall be of natural wood; an adhesive layer within the blade may be reinforced with fibrous material such as carbon fibre, glass fibre or compressed paper, but shall not be thicker than 7.5% of the total thickness or 0.35mm, whichever is the smaller.
2.04.03 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 2mm, or sandwich rubber, with pimples inwards or outwards, having a total thickness including adhesive of not more than 4mm.
2.04.03.01 Ordinary pimpled rubber is a single layer of non-cellular rubber, natural or synthetic, with pimples evenly distributed over its surface at a density of not less than 10 per cm2 and not more than 30 per cm2.
2.04.03.02 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 2mm.
2.04.04 The covering material shall extend up to but not beyond the limits of the blade, except that the part nearest the handle and gripped by the fingers may be left uncovered or covered with any material.
2.04.05 The blade, any layer within the blade and any layer of covering material or adhesive on a side used for striking the ball shall be continuous and of even thickness.
2.04.06 The surface of the covering material on a side of the blade, or of a side of the blade if it is left uncovered, shall be matt, bright red on one side and black on the other.
2.04.07 The covering material should be used as it has been authorised by the ITTF without any physical, chemical or other treatment, changing or modifying playing properties, friction, outlook, colour, structure, surface, etc.
2.04.07.01 Slight deviations from continuity of surface or uniformity of colour due to accidental damage or wear may be allowed provided that they do not significantly change the characteristics of the surface.
2.04.08 At the start of a match and whenever he changes his racket during a match a player shall show his opponent and the umpire the racket he is about to use and shall allow them to examine it.
If you respect all other points, then 2.4.7 is not really necessary. But it was felt necessary only because additives were used, which is againt the rule as written above, so a specific rule was made to clarify the other points. In fact it was never legal to have anything in the racket other that the Blade, the sponge & rubber and the adhesive. Over time and because of some circumstances the adhesive became an important part of the racket. This was never the intent. The intent was to have an adhsive to affix the racket cover to the blade. Then it was discovered that the adhesive is toxic. Several steps from 1993 to 2008 were taken to address the health issue. Then with the total ban of VOCs new products such as boosters and tuners became a substitute to the effects of speed glue. But they are illegal according to the Racket Rule as it stands now. If one day an association proposes that we accept additives of any kind, or specific additives, or even Mango Juice (I love Mango juice), then OK< at that time they would become legal. Until then they are illegal and should not be used.

Now, let's look at the reality. Some of the additives although illegal are not being detected right now. So those players that have no moral problem in brealing the rule use them. Other players choose not to use them (I am referring to the international competitions). So what is the ITTF to do? Is it fair that some players respect the rule (no matter what we think of the rule) and other players don't. Wjat is the ITTF's role in this case? The answer is simple. Find ways to ensure that the rule as it stands is respected. And this is exactly what the ITTF is doing. Instruments that will detect additives (except Mango Juice) will be in place shortly.

I also want to address: "The ITTF made so many major changes to the rules". How many changes? In reality 3 major changes:
1. 40mm ball in 2000 (proposed by China in 1999
2. 11-point games in 2001 (proposed by the Athletes Commission of the ITTF)
3. Open service rule in 2002 (proposed by several national associations)
4. Elimination of VOCs in adhesives in 2008 (proposed by Japan in 2004)

That's it. Rule 2.4.7 is not a new rule. It's a specific confoirmation of the exisiting rule defining the composition of the racket and forbidding the change of the characteristics of the racket after it has been approved. This is the same in ALL sports.

I hope this explanation is clear. Every one has the right not to agree with a rule, but please do not ask me to explain again. The rule will not change with more explanation. The only way to change a rule is to follow the process in place

First of all the VOC ban was discussed at length from meeting to meeting as long as I can remember, at least from 1989 to 2004 (15 years). The decision was then finally taken in 2004 and implementation in 2008. As you say sufficient time and sufficient advance notice. So, let's focus on rule 2.4.7 and your impression. This rule was put forward to ensure that rubbers are not treated after approval. This rule is merely an emphasis on the existing rule. If the ITTF authorizes a rubber or approves a piece of equipment it should then not be altered. This exists in all sports. Why is this so difficult to understand? What would be the purpose of the approval and authorization then, if after approval an equipment could be altered? Boosters and Tuners are "added" to the already approved equipment (additives). This is not allowed in any sport. In this case it dopes not matter if what you add is healthy or not, it's against the rule to add anything after approval, even before rule 2.4.7. This rule was passed by more than 90% of the members for "clarity". To make it absolutely clear that additives are not allowed. Who told the manufacturers to produce and sell illegal additives? Not the ITTF. Who told the players to treat their equipment and alter it? Not the ITTF. All those that were already using boosters or any type of additive were already in breach of ITTF rules. Rule 2.4.7 made it clear to the manufacturers that they should not produce and sell any additives. To me, this is responsible managemnet. If somethiung is not clear, make it clear. It's a pity that many players are affected by trying to adhere to the rule, but they should never had resorted to additives as they have always not been according to our rules. Now if one day the rule is changed and such additives are allowed, then OK, welcome.

Thank you Haggisv, sometimes I have problems using the right words. I am glad you understand my point. I see no way for Adham to not ban ALL tensors. He himself is the one saying tuners are not allowed as they modify the topsheet by streching it. I think another can of worms just got opened.