A. General Rules

1) All athletes must wear official school athletic uniforms; t-shirts with sleeves, and shorts (no pants) with school name clearly identified.

• Hats and headwear are not permitted. Exceptions will be for religious or medical reasons – please inform the convenor in the event of these exceptions.
• There is to be no markings on clothing indicating table tennis club affiliations.

2) All jewellery must be removed.

3) All participants must wear proper athletics shoes during matches.

4) The tournament format will vary year to year and will be determined by the convenor based on the number of athletes participating and venue availability.

5) A school may enter up to four individuals in each of the following singles categories:

• Boys’ Singles
• Girls’ Singles

6) A school may enter up to two pairs in each of the following doubles categories:

• Boys’ Doubles
• Girls’ Doubles

7) A student may play in either singles, or doubles, NOT both.

8) In each category, the following points will be awarded:
1st place – 5 points
2nd place – 3 points
3rd place – 2 points
4th place – 1 point

9) Gold medals will be awarded to first place in each category. Silver medals will be awarded to second place in each category.

10) The championship banner will be awarded to the Team with the highest total points, counting all finishes that earn points across all categories.  In the event of a tie, points for the tied Teams will be re-calculated using only their highest place finish in each category.

11) The governing rules and racket requirements are based on the ITTF 2012-2013 Handbook. Refer to  http://www.ittf.com/ittf_handbook/ittf_hb.html
B. Procedures and Rules for Matches

1) All players must use a paddle/racket of which one side is red and the other side is black. Additionally, paddles/rackets must comply with specifications as listed in the ITTF 2012-2013 Handbook.

2) Players/pairs will be called to the convenor’s desk for their game assignment. Players failing to appear at their assigned table within four minutes may be forced to forfeit.

3) Players will be given a ball when their game is assigned. When the match is finished, the winner must return the ball to the convenor’s desk and report the score.

4) The first service of the first set will be decided by a coin toss. The first service will then alternate for remaining sets of a match. During any given set, service changes occur for every two points played.

5) A singles match consists of “best two out of three” sets.

• The player that first scores 11 is the winner of the set.
• If the score becomes 10-10, the set enters a tie-breaker. The player to first gain a two-point advantage is the winner of the tie-breaker. Service alternates on every point during a tie-breaker.

6)  A doubles match consists of “best two out of three” sets.

• The pair that first scores 11 is the winner of the set.
• If the score becomes 10-10, the set enters a tie-breaker. The pair to first gain a two-point advantage is the winner of the tie-breaker, to a maximum of 15.  Service alternates on every point during a tie-breaker.

7) There is no break between sets. Players may not leave their assigned table between sets – this may result in a forfeit.

8) Competitors are responsible for calling their own lines, keeping their own scores, etc.

• In the event of a dispute, players should confer with the convenor.
• If the dispute cannot be resolved, the convenor may ask the players to re-play the point.
• The convenor may also designate a neutral umpire for that match.

9) Coaches and team members (spectators) are reminded that no coaching, including the calling of lines and score keeping, shall take place during the match.

10) If a player requires assistance with score keeping due to a learning exceptionality, a neutral umpire may be assigned to keep score. The coach of the player requiring assistance must make arrangements with the convenor prior to the start of competition.

11) Coaches and team members (spectators) interfering with play may be asked to move beyond the playing area at the discretion of the convenor.

12) Players must follow proper court etiquette. Inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated (i.e. loud, profane, abusive language, unsportsmanlike behaviour, etc). The player will risk disqualification for inappropriate behaviour.

13) No substitutions may be made once the competition has started.

• In singles competition, if a player is injured and cannot resume play, the player will forfeit.
• In doubles competition, if a player is injured and cannot resume play, the pair will forfeit.

C. Team Responsibilities

All teams must complete the SSAF eligibility sheet and waivers and email them to the convenor and the SSAF Vice President AT LEAST 7 calendar days prior to the meet.