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13.3.1 In an individual event the request may be made by the player or pair or by the designated advisor. In a team event it may be made by the player or pair or by the team captain. 13.3.2 The request for a time-out, which shall be made only when the ball is out of play, shall be made by making a "T" sign with the hands. 13.3.3 On receiving a valid request for a time-out the umpire shall suspend play. Play will be resumed when the player or pair who called it is ready to continue or at the end of one minute, whichever is sooner. 13.4 The referee may allow a suspension of play of the shortest practical duration, and in no circumstances more than 10 minutes, if a player is temporarily incapacitated by an accident, provided that in the opinion of the referee the suspension is not likely to be unduly disadvantageous to the opposing player or pair. 13.5 A suspension shall not be allowed for a disability which was present or was reasonably to be expected at the beginning of the match, or where it is due to the normal stress of play. Disability such as cramp or exhaustion, caused by the player's current state of fitness or by the manner in which play has proceeded, does not justify such an emergency suspension, which may be allowed only for incapacity resulting from an accident, such as injury caused by a fall. 13.6 If anyone in the playing area is bleeding, play shall be suspended immediately and shall not resume until that person has received medical treatment and all traces of blood have been removed from the playing area. 13.7 Players shall remain in or near the playing area throughout a match except with the permission of the referee. During intervals between games they shall remain within 3 meters of the playing area under the supervision of the umpire. . 14. The Choice of Ends and Serves 14.1 The choice of ends and the right to serve or receive first in a match shall be decided by lot and the winner may choose to serve or receive first or to start at a particular end. 14.2 When one player or pair has chosen to serve or receive first or to start at a particular end, the other player or pair shall have the other choice. 14.3 After each 2 points have been scored the receiving player or pair shall become the serving player or pair and so on until the end of the game, unless both players or pairs score 10 points or the expedite system is in operation, when the sequence of serving and receiving shall be the same but each player shall serve for only 1 point in turn. 14.4 In the first game of a match the pair who has the right to serve first shall decide which of them shall do so and in the first game of a match, the opposing pair shall then decide which partner will receive first. In subsequent games of a match, the first server having been chosen, the first receiver shall be the player who served to him in the preceding game. 14.5 In doubles, at each change of service the previous receiver shall become the server and the partner of the previous server shall become the receiver. 14.6 The player or pair serving first in a game shall receive first in the next game of the match, and in the last possible game of a doubles match the pair due to receive next shall change their order of receiving when first one pair scores 5 points. 14.7 The player or pair starting at one end in a game shall start at the other end in the next game of the match and in the last possible game of a match the players or pairs shall change ends when first one player or pair scores 5 points. 15. Out of Order of Serving, Receiving or Ends 15.1 If a player serves or receives out of his turn, play shall be interrupted and shall continue with that player serving or receiving who should be server or 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 or serving chosen by the pair having the right to serve first in the game in which the error is discovered. 15.2 If by mistake the players have not changed ends when ends should have been changed, play shall be interrupted as soon as the error is discovered and the players shall change ends. 15.3 In any circumstances, all points scored before the discovery of an error shall be reckoned. 16.1 Except where both players or pairs have scored at least 9 points, the expedite system shall come into operation if a game is unfinished after 10 minutes play or at any earlier time at the request of both players or pairs. 16.1.1 If the ball is in play when the game is interrupted, play shall restart with service by the player who served in the rally that was interrupted. 16.1.2 If the ball was not in play when the game was interrupted, play shall restart with service by the player who received service in the immediately preceding rally. 16.2 Thereafter, each player shall serve 1 point in turn. If the receiving player or pair makes thirteen successive good returns, the receiver shall score a point. 16.3 If the expedite system is introduced, or if a game lasts longer than 10 minutes, all subsequent games of the match shall be played under the expedite system. 17.1 Players shall not choose balls in the playing area. 17.1.1 Whenever possible players shall be given the opportunity to choose one or more balls before coming to the playing area. The match shall be played with one of these balls, taken at random by the umpire. 17.1.2 If a ball has not been chosen before players come to the playing area, the match shall be played with a ball taken at random by the umpire from a box of those specified for the competition. 17.1.3 If a ball has to be replaced during a match, the replacement shall be provided according to the procedures of Rules 17.1.1 and 17.1.2. 17.2 Unless otherwise authorized by the umpire, players shall leave their racquets on the table during intervals. 18.1 Players are entitled to practice on the match table for up to 2 minutes immediately before the start of a match but not during normal intervals. The specified practice period may be extended only with the permission of the referee. 18.2 During an emergency suspension of play, the referee may allow players to practice on any table, including the match table. 18.3 Players shall be given reasonable opportunity to check and familiarize themselves with any equipment, which they are to use. However, this shall not automatically entitle them to more than a few practice rallies before resuming play after the replacement of a damaged ball or racquet. 19.1 Advice. 19.1.1 In a team event, players may receive advice from anyone. 19.1.2 In an individual event, a player or pair may receive advice only from one person, designated beforehand to the umpire. If the players of a doubles pair are from different associations, each may designate an adviser. If an unauthorized person gives advice, the umpire shall hold up a red card and send him away from the playing area. 19.1.3 Players may receive advice only during the intervals between games, during a time-out or during other authorized suspension of play. If any authorized person gives advice at other times, the umpire shall hold up a yellow card to warn him that any further such offense will result in his dismissal from the playing area. 19.1.4 After a warning has been given, if in the same team match or the same match of an individual event anyone again gives advice illegally, the umpire shall hold up a red card and send him away from the playing area, whether or not he was the person warned. 19.1.5 In a team match, the dismissed adviser shall not be allowed to return, except when required to play, until the team match has ended. In an individual event, he shall not be allowed to return until the individual match has ended. 19.1.6 If the dismissed adviser refuses to leave or returns before the end of the match, the umpire shall suspend play and report to the referee. 19.1.7 These regulations shall apply only to advice on play and shall not prevent a player or captain, as appropriate, from making a legitimate appeal nor hinder a consultation with an interpreter or association representative on the explanation of a juridical decision. 19.2 Misbehavior. 19.2.1 Players and coaches shall refrain from conduct that may unfairly affect an opponent, offend spectators or bring the game into disrepute. Examples are: abusive language, deliberately breaking the ball or hitting it out of the playing area, kicking the table or surrounds or disrespect to match officials. 19.2.2 If at any time a player or coach commits a serious offence the umpire shall suspend play and report immediately to the referee. For less serious offences the umpire may, on the first occasion, hold up a yellow card and warn the offender that any further offence is liable to incur penalties. 19.2.3 If a player who has been warned commits a second offence in the same individual or team match, the umpire shall award one point to the player's opponent and after a further offence he shall award two points to his opponent, each time holding up a yellow and a red card together. 19.2.4 If a player against whom 3 penalty points have been awarded in the same individual or team match continues to misbehave the umpire shall suspend play and report immediately to the referee. 19.2.5 A warning or penalty incurred by either player of a doubles pair shall apply to the pair, but not to the non-offending player in a subsequent individual match of the same team match. At the start of a doubles match the pair shall be regarded as having incurred the higher of any warnings or penalties incurred by either player in the same team match. 19.2.6 If a coach who has been warned commits a further offence in the same individual or team match the umpire shall hold up a red card and send him away from the playing area until the end of the team match, or in an individual event, the end of the individual match. 19.2.7 The referee shall have power to disqualify a player from a match, an event, or a competition for seriously unfair or offensive behavior whether reported by the umpire or not. As he does so he shall hold up a red card. 19.2.8 A player who is disqualified from 2 individual matches of a team or individual event shall automatically be disqualified from that team event or individual competition. 19.2.9 The referee may disqualify for the remainder of a competition anyone who has twice been sent away from the playing area during that competition. 19.2.10 Cases of serious misbehavior shall be reported by the referee to the USATT disciplinary committee 20.1 Playing clothing shall normally consist of a short-sleeved shirt and shorts or skirt, socks, and playing shoes; other garments, such as part or all of a track suit, shall not be worn during play except with the permission of the referee. 20.2 Clothing may be of any color or colors except that: 20.2.1 The main color of a shirt, skirts, or shorts, other than sleeves or collar of a shirt and trimming along side seams or near the edges, shall be clearly different from that of the ball in use. 20.3 A playing garment may carry: 20.3.1 The maker's normal trademark, symbol, or name contained within a total area of 24 sq. cm. 20.3.2 Not more than 3 clearly-separated advertisements contained within a combined total area of 200 sq. cm. on the front or side of a shirt and one advertisement, contained within a total area of 200 sq. cm. on the back of a shirt. 20.3.3 Not more than two advertisements contained within a combined total area of 80 sq. cm. on shorts or a skirt. 20.4 Any markings or trimming on the front or side of a playing garment and any objects such as jewelry worn by a player shall not be so conspicuous or brightly reflecting as to unsight an opponent. 20.5 Players must wear socks and soft-soled shoes. 20.6 Clothing shall not carry designs or lettering which might cause offense or bring the game into disrepute. Absolutely no playing without a shirt, no cutoffs, no jeans, and no tank shirts. Women may wear sleeveless blouses. 20.7 Opposing players and pairs shall wear clothing that is sufficiently different to enable them to be easily distinguished by spectators. If the players or pairs cannot agree on who will change if necessary, the umpire will decide by toss. 20.8 Any question of the legality or acceptability of playing clothing shall be decided by the referee. 20.9 Warm-up suits should not be worn during play unless with special permission of the referee. It is his discretion of conformity to the above requirements. 21.1 Disabled table tennis players are divided into ten divisions or classes using a functional classification system. 21.2 Classes one to five compete in wheelchairs and classes six to ten play standing. 21.3 Separate events may be held for each class and sex or various combinations may be used. 21.4 For more information on classification of disabled athletes, contact the USATT Disabled Players Committee. 21.5 Standing disabled players follow all standard rules; there are a few modifications for wheelchair play. Wheelchair Rules 21.6 The table shall allow access to wheelchairs without obstructing player's legs and shall allow access to two wheelchairs for doubles matches (no cross bars between end legs). 21.7 The court length may be reduced, but should not be less than 8 meters long and must be enclosed by surrounds. 21.8 A service in singles shall be as in Paragraph 6 except that a let shall be called if in service the ball: 21.8.1 Leaves the table by either of the receiver's side lines (on one or more bounces) or 21.8.2 On bouncing on the receiver's side returns in the direction of the net or 21.8.3 Comes to rest on the receiver's side of the playing surface. 21.9 However, if the receiver strikes the ball before it crosses a side line or takes a second bounce on his side of the playing surface, the service shall be considered good and no let shall be called. 21.10 Class 1 and 2 players are not required to project the ball upward from the palm of the free hand. Players in these classes may hold the ball and project it upward in any manner. Regardless of the method, no spin may be imparted to the ball and the ball still must rise at least 6 inches from the hand. 21.11 Responsibility still rests with the server to serve so that the umpire or assistant umpire can check the legality of the serve. 21.12 During play, a player may touch the playing surface with the free hand, only to restore balance after striking the ball (provided the playing surface is not moved). 21.13 The playing surface shall not be used as a support with the free hand while playing the ball. 21.14 A player or pair shall score a point if the footrest or a foot of their opponent touch the floor during play. 21.15 In team and class singles events, no part of the body above the knees may be attached to the chair, as this could improve balance. Below knees, strapping is allowed. 21.16 Should a player require some strapping or binding for medical reasons, this should be noted on their classification card and will be taken into account when assessing the player's class. 21.17 In open events, strapping and other aids are allowed. 21.18 No player shall compete in a wheelchair event unless he has been given an appropriate disabled classification. Wheelchair Doubles 21.19 Service shall be as above for singles play, but the ball may leave the table by the side line of the receiver's right half-court. 21.20 The server shall first make a good service and the receiver shall make a good return, and thereafter either player of a pair may return the ball. 21.21 During play, no part of a player's wheelchair shall cross the vertical plane of an imaginary extension of the table's center line. If it does, the opposing pair shall score a point. 22.1 Space. The normal playing space for each table should be 14 m. (46 ft.) long, 7 m. (23 ft.) wide and 5 m. (16 ft.) high. 22.2 For further information on Playing Conditions, please refer to the USATT Tournament Guide. 23.1 For every competition as a whole as referee shall be appointed. The referee shall be responsible for 23.1.1 Interpretation of laws and regulations for competition. 23.1.2 Assignment and, if necessary, replacement of match officials. 23.2 An umpire shall be appointed for each match or at the request of any player or pair in that match. Where practical an assistant umpire will also be appointed. 23.2.1 The umpire shall sit or stand in line with the net and the assistant umpire shall sit directly facing him, at the other side of the table. 23.2.2 The umpire shall be responsible for: 23.2.2.1 Checking the acceptability of equipment and playing conditions and reporting any deficiency to the referee. 23.2.2.2 Taking a ball at random in accordance with the rules. 23.2.2.3 Conducting the draw for choice of serving, receiving and ends. 23.2.2.4 Controlling the order of serving, receiving and ends and correcting any errors therein. 23.2.2.5 Deciding each rally as a point or a let. 23.2.2.6 Calling the score in accordance with specified procedure. 23.2.2.7 Introducing the expedite system at the appropriate time. 23.2.2.8 Maintaining the continuity of play. 23.2.2.9 Taking action for breaches of the advice or behavior regulations. 23.3 The assistant umpire shall decide whether the ball in play touches the edge of the playing surface at the side of the table top nearest to him. 23.4 Either the umpire or the assistant umpire may decide: 23.4.1 That a player's service action is illegal. 23.4.2 That, in an otherwise good service, the ball touches the net assembly while passing over or around it. 23.4.3 That a player obstructs the ball. 23.4.4 That the conditions of play are disturbed in a way that may affect the outcome of the rally. 23.4.5 Time the duration of the practice period, of play, and of any intervals. 23.5 Either the assistant umpire or a separate official may act as stroke counter to count the strokes of the receiving player or pair when the expedite system is in operation. 23.6 The umpire may not overrule the assistant umpire or stroke counter on a decision of fact made within their area of responsibility. 24.1 There shall be no doping before or during play in any competition. For the purpose of these regulations, doping is the introduction into the body in any way of any of a list of prohibited substances as provided by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and/or the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). A player who fails a doping test shall be subject to disciplinary action per the USATT Bylaws and Standing Rules. It is the athlete's responsibility to remain informed of lists of banned substances through the USADA Drug Reference Line. As of this printing, the Drug Reference Line is 800-233-0393. | ZeroPong
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