Section 4: Players & Officials
4.1 Players and Teams
Table tennis is played as singles (one player per side) or doubles (two players per side). In team competitions, a team consists of two to three players, competing in matches comprising singles and/or doubles rubbers as determined by the competition format (e.g., the Swaythling Cup format or the Olympic team format).
4.2 Player Eligibility
Players must be registered with their National Association and, for international competition, with the ITTF. Players must comply with the ITTF's eligibility regulations regarding nationality and age. Para table tennis is governed by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) in conjunction with ITTF classification rules for players with physical impairments.
4.3 Clothing (Law 2.5 and ITTF Regulations)
Per Law 2.5 and ITTF Clothing Regulations:
- Playing clothing shall consist primarily of a shirt, shorts or skirt, and playing shoes; a sweatsuit may also be worn.
- The main colour of the shirt, shorts, or skirt (but not the sleeves or collar of the shirt) shall be clearly different from the colour of the ball in use.
- Any clothing worn during play may carry advertising, but no advertising or message that could be considered offensive or contrary to the spirit of the sport is permitted.
- Clothing shall comply with ITTF Sponsorship Regulations; the ITTF reserves designated areas on clothing for its own sponsors at certain events.
- Footwear must be appropriate for the sport; playing barefoot or in outdoor shoes is not permitted at ITTF events.
4.4 Match Officials
ITTF-sanctioned events are officiated by trained and certified officials:
- Umpire: The primary match official. The umpire decides all questions of fact, keeps score, calls faults and let, and ensures the Laws of Table Tennis are applied. The umpire's decision on matters of fact is final.
- Assistant Umpire: Positioned at the side of the table opposite the umpire, primarily responsible for deciding whether the ball or racket touches the playing surface or touches the net assembly, and whether the ball crosses the end line or side line.
- Stroke Counter: Counts strokes during the Expedite System (see Section 6).
- Referee: The overall competition official responsible for applying and interpreting the Laws and Regulations. The referee may overrule an umpire on matters of law but not on matters of fact. Players may appeal to the referee if they believe the umpire has made an error of law.
4.5 Player Conduct
Players are expected to conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner. Verbal or physical abuse, racket abuse, deliberate time-wasting, or any conduct contrary to the spirit of the game may result in point penalties, game penalties, or disqualification as determined by the referee. Players must remain in the playing area except during authorized intervals.
4.6 Coaching During Play
Per ITTF Regulations, coaching from the sideline is permitted only during authorized intervals (between games and during time-outs). Coaching during a rally or between rallies within a game (other than a time-out) is not permitted and may result in a warning or penalty point being awarded.
4.7 Time-Out
Each player or pair is entitled to request one time-out of up to 60 seconds per match (not per game). A time-out may be requested only when the ball is not in play, by the player or coach. Time-outs do not carry over between matches.