Table Tennis Tournament Rules

Equipment

• Participants are encouraged to bring their own Table Tennis paddles. There will be a limited supply of Table Tennis paddles available if needed. The Table Tennis table, net and balls will be provided for the games.

General Rules

• Matches
  • Each match is the best of 3 games
    • Games are played till 11 points.
    • You have two serves before it is your opponent’s turn to serve twice.
    • At 10-10 it’s deuce. You get one serve each and must win by two clear points.
    • You must change ends after each game.
• Doubles
  • The service must go diagonally, from the server’s right-hand side to the receiver’s right-hand side.
  • A doubles pair must strike the ball alternately.
  • At the change of service, the previous receiver becomes the new server, and the partner of the previous server becomes the receiver.
• Singles
  • The service can land anywhere on the opponent’s side of the table.

Service Rules

• The service must start with the ball in an open palm. This stops you from throwing it up with spin.
• The ball must be thrown vertically, at least 16 cm. This stops you from serving straight out of your hand and surprising your opponent.
• The ball must be above and behind the table throughout the serve. This stops you getting any silly angles and gives your opponent a fair chance at returning.
• After throwing the ball, the server must get their free arm and hand out of the way. This is to allow the receiver to see the ball.

A let is called if…

• An otherwise good serve touches the net. This ensures your opponent has a chance at making a return.
• The receiver isn’t ready (and doesn’t try to hit the ball). This is just common sense really!
• If play is disturbed by something outside of the players’ control. This allows you to replay the point if your cat jumps onto the table, etc.

A point is lost if…

• The service is missed.
• If the service is not returned.
• A shot goes into the net, or the shot goes off the table without touching the court.
• A shot clearly hits the side of the table
• A player moves the table, touches the net, or touches the table with their free hand during play.

What’s allowed…

• Its allowed for a player to touch the table with their playing hand or paddle
• A shot (outside of a serve) touches the net or net assembly before landing on the opponents side of the table.
• A shot goes around the net and lands on the opponents side of the table.