Table Tennis Rules

Updated 25/10/2023

1. League Points Explained:

  • Each match will consist of 8 singles matches and 2 doubles matches, played with 4, 5, or 6 players from each company.
  • Points allocation for the league will work as follows:
    • Singles Win or Doubles Win: 5 Points
    • Team Win: 100 Points
    • Team Draw: 50 Points
    • Max Points Per Match: 150 Points

2. Walk Over Rule:

  • Matches should be played on the scheduled date. If rescheduling is necessary, both teams should make an honest attempt to reschedule within 1 month.
  • If rescheduling isn’t possible, the postponing team will forfeit the match, and 130 points will be awarded to the other team, equivalent to a 6-4 win.

3. Team Eligibility Rule:

  • Corporate teams should comprise players working directly with the company involved on a full or part-time basis.
  • We welcome interns and placement students on short-term placements to be part of your company team.
  • PhD students are allowed to compete for University or Educational teams.

4. Teams with more than one team:

  • In situations with two teams from the same company in a Division, it is important to note that players cannot move between teams within the same Division.
  • Additionally, if a player from a Division 2 team plays for the Division 1 team for 2 matches, on the 3rd match, they become a permanent part of the Division 1 team and are no longer eligible to play for the Division 2 team.

5. Equipment :

  • Racquets can vary in size, shape, or weight, but the blade must be flat and rigid.
  • Surface covering material must be matt and bright red on one side and black on the other.

6. The Service:

  • We encourage players to adhere to the service rules but will not be overly strict to ensure participants have fun.
  • The key aspects are:
    • The ball projected nearly vertically upwards without imparting spin.
    • The ball rises at least 16cm after leaving the palm.
    • The ball falls without touching anything before being struck.
    • The server’s free arm and hand must be removed from the space between the ball and the net.

7. The Return:

  • The return should pass over or around the net assembly and touch the opponent’s court.

8. A Point:

  • Points can be scored in various ways, including failing to make a correct service or return, touching anything other than the net assembly before the ball is struck, the ball passing over an opponent’s court or beyond their end line without touching their court after being struck by an opponent, and more. The full list of scoring conditions is detailed in this rule.

9. The Order of Play:

  • Teams have the flexibility to play their players in any order they want, adding an element of strategy and fun to team dynamics.
  • Follow the order laid out on our Match Sheets unless the tournament organiser allows a change.
  • In doubles matches, please note that the No.1 player in the team order must play in the first doubles match, alongside the partner listed as No.2. In the second doubles Players 3,4,5 or 6 can combine and play these matches. 

10. A Match:

  • A match consists of the best of any odd number of games. For the 2023 season, this will be the best of 3 games, meaning the first player or pair to win 2 games is declared the winner of the match.
  • A game is won by a player or pair who first scores 11 points, If both players or pairs reach 10 points, we have introduced the Killer Deuce: In that case, we will play a “killer deuce,” a 1-point showdown to determine the set winner.
  • Double Point Ball: Each player can use the double point ball once per match on serve, up to “8” points. It cannot be used to win a set (e.g., at 9 points to make it 11). A player (server) using it must declare it to the umpire and use the “Orange” ball and if they lose that point the other player will get 1 point as normal. You continue with the same service sequence.

These updated rules aim to enhance the enjoyment of the game while maintaining a fair and competitive environment. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don’t hesitate to reach out.