NMTTL RULES Approved At The AGM on Monday 21st May 2007
1. The Name of the League shall be the NORTH MIDDLESEX TABLE TENNIS
LEAGUE
2. The objects of the North Middlesex Table Tennis League shall be to assist
and encourage the formation of table tennis clubs, to conduct annual
competitions between member clubs, teams and players and to promote the
game in every possible way.
3. The League shall also be affiliated to the Middlesex Table Tennis Association
and the English Table Tennis Association, whose Laws and Regulations shall
be adhered to.
4. (a) A President, Vice-Presidents and one or more Auditors shall be elected
yearly at the Annual General Meeting. The President shall be ex officio a
member of all committees.
(b) The distinction of Life membership may be conferred for special or long
service in connection with the affairs of the League upon nomination by the
Executive Committee at the Annual General Meeting.
5. The league shall be governed by the Executive Committee
6. (a) The Executive Committee shall be eight in number , consisting of the
Officers, a majority of those elected to form a quorum
(b) The Officers of the League shall be the Chairman, General Secretary,
Treasurer, Representative Match Secretary, Registrations Secretary,
Tournaments Secretary, Press and Publicity Officer and Coaching and
Development Officer. If possible offices shall not be combined.
(c) A Deputy Chairman shall be appointed by the Executive Committee from
amongst its number.
(d) Sub-Committees of the Executive Committee shall be formed to be known
respectively as the Rules Committee and the Appeals Committee. A Chairman,
Deputy Chairman and at least two other members (not necessarily being
members of the Executive Committee) shall be appointed by the Executive
Committee to serve on such Committees. Other sub-committees shall be
formed as and when required.
(e) Standing Orders for the proceedings of the Executive Committee and its
Sub-Committees shall be laid down from time to time by the Executive
Committee.
7. (a) The Following Standing Committees (S. C.) may be formed – Secretariat,
Finance, Representative Match, Divisions, Tournaments, Press and Publicity
and Coaching and Development.
(b) Where appropriate the Secretariat S. C. shall consist of the General
Secretary (Chairman) and up to three others; the Finance S. C. shall consist
of the Treasurer (Chairman) and up to two other; the Representative Match
S. C. shall consist of the Representative Match Secretary (Chairman) and up
to three others; the Division S. C. shall consist of the Registrations Secretary
(Chairman) and up to eight others; the Tournaments S. C. shall consist of the
Tournaments Secretary (Chairman) and up to four others; the Press and
Publicity S. C. shall consist of the Press and Publicity Officer (Chairman) and
up to three others; the Coaching and Developments S. C. shall consist of the
Coaching and Development Officer (Chairman and such other members as
may be co-opted from time to time to serve with him).
(c) The Chairman of the league shall be ex officio a member of all Standing
Committees and Sub-Committees.
(d) Terms of reference detailing the functions of the Standing Committees and
Standing Orders for their proceedings shall be laid down by the Executive
Committee at its first meeting after the Annual General Meeting and a copy
thereof supplied to each Club on request.
8. The Executive Committee and all Standing Committees shall be elected at
the Annual General Meeting.
9. The Executive Committee shall have power to fill vacancies in the Executive
Committee or any Standing Committee arising between Annual General
Meetings or any Standing Committee arising between Annual General Meetings
and to compel the resignation of any Officers or Standing Committee member
who fails to carry out his duties without satisfactory explanation.
10 (a) The league shall be open to all Clubs, at the discretion of the Executive
Committee.
(b) Application forms for membership of the Leagues shall be completed annually
by all Clubs and returned to the General Secretary not later than 31st July.
11. (a) The Annual Subscription shall be payable before the start of the season
and shall be £10.00 for each team entered plus any outstanding fines due to
the League and the affiliation fees payable to the E.T.T.A. and the M.T.T.A.
(b) It shall be compulsory for each Club within the League to purchase at least
1 copy of the League Magazine. This shall be paid for when the Affiliation
Fees are paid to the League on or before the 31st July.. The magazine will
be sent to the General Secretary of the Club unless the Press & Publicity Sec.
is otherwise informed.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING.
12. The Annual General Meeting shall be held in May and at least one month’s
notice shall be given.
13. (a) Clubs must be represented at the Annual General Meeting. Their
representative(s) shall sign an Attendance Book; such signatures shall
constitute proof of representation. A fine of £10.00 shall be imposed on any
Club unrepresented.
(b) Not more than three representatives from each Club may vote. The
President, Vice President, and Life Members, Officers and Standing Committee
members not representing their Clubs shall have individual votes.
(c) Standing Orders for the conduct of the Annual General Meeting shall be
laid down from time to time by the Executive Committee and a copy thereof
supplied to each Club attending the Annual General Meeting or beforehand
on request. Such Standing Orders shall be presented for adoption as the first
item on the Agenda.
14. Twenty representatives must be present at the Annual General Meeting in
order to make a quorum.
15. No alteration to rules shall be made except at the Annual General Meeting
or at a Special General Meeting in accordance with Rule 16. Any suggested
alterations to rules must be made in writing and must reach the General
Secretary by the 24th March or be contained in a letter sent in accordance
with Rule 16. Details of proposed alterations to rules shall be circulated to all
affiliated Clubs at least one month before the Annual General Meeting or be
contained in the notice covening the Special General Meeting as the case may
be. Amendments to these proposals may be accepted at the Annual General
Meeting or Special General Meeting as the case may be providing the said
amendments do not negate the basic intentions of the proposals.
SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING.
16. A Special General Meeting shall be called by the General Secretary if
instructed by the Executive Committee or within six weeks after receipt of
him of a letter signed on behalf of a minimum of four Clubs. Such letter shall
state the purposes of the Meeting and set out in detail any proposed alterations
to rules. Rule 13, 14 and 15 shall, where appropriate, apply to Special
General Meetings.
PRE-SEASON MEETING.
17. A Pre-season Meeting for all clubs shall be called by the Registrations
Secretary not earlier than two weeks and not later than one week before the
start of the season. The purpose of such meeting shall be to receive from
the clubs fully completed registration forms, as supplied by the League and
the required fees in exchange for handbooks, score cards and score books.
Each club must send a representative to attend this meeting; a fine of £10.00
may be imposed on any club unrepresented.
REGISTRATION OF PLAYERS.
18. (a) Registrations will be designated as “Initial Registrations” and“Subsequent Registrations”. “Initial Registrations” shall be made at the Pre-
Season Meeting. “Subsequent Registrations” shall be made in writing, before
the player is eligible to play, by letter, ‘fax’ or any other method acceptable to
the Registrations Secretary. A fee of £7.00 will be payable for all registrations
of senior members and re-registrations, £5.00 for all members under 18 years
of age at 1st September.
(b) Fees shall not be refundable except when a club registering a player at
the Pre-Season (Initial Registration) Meeting who subsequently is unable to
play in the League, for whatever reason, may claim a refund of that fee,
provided that the claim is received in writing by the Registrations Secretary
prior to the opening day of the season.
(c) No player shall be eligible to play until 24 hours after receipt of the
registration except in the case of a player being registered prior to the opening
day of the season.
(d) No player may play for more than one club per season except a player
leaving a disbanded club. Subject to Rule 18(f).
(e) A player may apply to transfer his registration to another club if he has
not played during the current season for his existing club except as provided
for in Rule 18(d) and if such application is submitted in writing by the secretary
of his new club accompanied by a transfer fee equivalent to the registration
fee quoted in Rule
(f) No registrations for transfers will be accepted after January 31st except in
circumstances acceptable to the Executive Committee.
(g) The Executive Committee shall have the right to reject any registration.
(h) A League Handbook shall be issued to all registered players.
19. (a) Prior to the commencement of the season, at least three players must
be registered for any team.
(b) If two or more Teams are entered by the same Club the players shall be
registered for the team in which they intend to play.
(c) Where a Club enters more than one team the registration of players shall
conform to the principle that the registered playing strength of each team
shall not be weaker than the registered playing strength of any lower-ranked
team of the same Club.
(d) The Registrations Secretary shall refuse any registrations not in accord
with this principle. Clubs may appeal in writing to the Executive Committee
against the Registrations Secretary’s ruling but pending a decision by the
Committee the ruling shall stand.
RE-REGISTRATIONS.
20. (a) Clubs having two or more teams may re-register players from one
team to another.
(b) Notice of each re-registrations shall be given to the Registration Secretary,
by an official of the club, in writing by letter, ‘fax’ or any method acceptable
to the Registrations Secretary.
(c) No such notice shall be accepted after January 31st except in circumstances
acceptable to the Executive Committee.
(d) Re-registration shall take effect 24 hours after receipt of such notice.
(e)No player may re-register more than once during the season.
(f) The Executive Committee shall have the right to reject any re-registration.
PLAYING UP.
21. (a) A player may play for teams higher than that for which he is registered.
(b) Such playing up may take place no more than three occasions in each
season.
(c) A player having been re-registered from a higher team to a lower team
cannot again play for a higher team that season.
(d) Playing up will not be permitted from a team that has been expelled or
withdrawn. A player belonging to such a team must be re-registered in
accordance with the rules before playing for any other team.
(e) This rule shall be applicable to League matches only.
FORFEITURE OF SETS.
22. Teams will forfeit sets won by any player or players not complying with
Rules 18, 20 or 21.
PLAYING REGULATIONS.
23. In order to be eligible for membership of the League, a Club must have a
table complying with the Laws of Table Tennis and will also be required to
have reasonable lighting, runback and sideroom.
24. All League matches shall be played with a make and grade of ball approved
by the English Table Tennis Association for the current season.
25. (a) Teams competing in the League shall consist of three members. Each
member of the home team shall play each visiting player the best of five
games.
(b) When playing League matches, the home team shall be known as A, B, C,
and the Home Team Captain shall first write on the score-card the names of
his team in order and then pass the card to the Visiting Team captain for him
to add his players’ names in order. The visiting team shall be known as X, Y,
Z. Unless mutually agreed otherwise between the two Captains, matches
shall be played in the following order: (1) A v X , (2) B v Y, (3) C v Z, (4) B v
X, (5) A v Z, (6) C v Y, (7) B v Z, (8) C v X, (9) A v Y.
26. (a) The match must be played to a finish and ten League points shall be
awarded as follows 1 point for each set won, plus a bonus point to the winning
team.
(b) If a team is short of a player or players half-an-hour after the fixed or
arranged time for commencing a match, these players sets shall be awarded
to their opponents except by mutual agreement between the team captains
(recorded by them on the result card) or in exceptional circumstances. Unless
otherwise arranged matches shall commence at 7.30 p.m.
(c) If neither team has three players present at the venue half-an-hour after
the fixed or arranged time for commencing a match, or such time as mutually
agreed by the team captains (recorded by them on the result card) the match
shall not take place. The facts must be submitted in writing, with the result
card, by the home team to the Divisional Secretary to reach him within seven
days of the match date as fixed in the Handbook. The Divisional Secretary
shall either (i) order the match to be played within twenty-eight days of his
decision (subject to rule 31) or (ii) declare the match void with no points to
either team or (iii) place the facts before the Divisions Committee for its
ruling.
27. League fixtures shall be arranged by the Executive Committee and shall
be published at least one week before the first match is due to be played.
Teams shall nominate only one Home Night, which shall not be a Saturday or
Sunday. Any alterations thereto must be notified in writing by letter or ‘fax’
by the Club Secretary concerned, at least seven days before the change, to
the General Secretary, the Divisional Secretary and all Team Captains affected.
Result cards shall be provided by the League. Correspondence regarding
matches shall be addressed to the Team Captains as listed in the Handbook.
28. All matches shall be played on or before the date fixed in the Handbook
and a result card forwarded to the Divisional Secretary by the Home Team, to
reach him within 7 days of the said date. Should a Divisional Secretary not
receive within the said time limit the result card or a written statement of the
circumstances for the match not being played, he shall award the points to
the away team.
POSTPONEMENTS.
29. There shall be no postponements other than in exceptional circumstances.
The following procedure shall apply:
(a) a team seeking a postponement
shall if possible request prior approval from the divisional Secretary, stating
the circumstances; it shall be the duty of the team making such a request to
inform its opponents immediately of the ruling of the Divisional Secretary.
(b) In cases where it has been impossible for a team to make such a request,
both teams shall send a written statement to the Divisional Secretary of the
circumstances for the match not being played, such statements to reach him
within seven days of the match date as fixed in the Handbook; the Divisional
Secretary shall then decide (i) to order the match to be played within twentyeight
days of his decision (subject to Rule 31) or (ii) to award 10 points to the
opponents of the team originally seeking a postponement or (iii) to place the
facts before the Divisions Committee for its ruling.
30. Where it is impossible for any reason to complete a match, the facts must
be submitted in writing with the result card, by the Home Team to the Divisional
Secretary to reach him within seven days of the match date as fixed in the
Handbook; The Divisional Secretary shall then decide (i) to order the match to
be completed with the same six players and from the point at which the match
was interrupted unless mutually agreed otherwise by both teams or (ii) to
place facts before the Divisions Committee for its ruling. Should the Divisional
Secretary not receive within the said time limit the result card and the written
statement of the circumstances for the match not being completed, he shall
award the points to the away team.
31. All postponed League Matches shall be played by the date shown at the
foot of the fixture chart.
WALKOVERS AND WITHDRAWALS.
32. (a) A team conceding a walkover, failing to fulfil a fixture, or having a
match awarded against it, will be liable on each occasion in the same season
to a fine of up to £6.00 on the first occasion, up to £9.00 on the second
occasion, up to £12.00 on the third occasion. Should a fourth occasion occur,
the Team shall be deemed to have withdrawn and will be liable to be fined
under Rule 33.
(b) Should a team withdraw or be expelled from the League before completing
its fixtures or be deemed to have withdrawn under Rule 32a then all matches
shall be deemed void and the League table amended accordingly.
(c) Where a fixture does not take place, and the divisions Committee decides
that each team is partly responsible, the match will be treated as void, and
as if both teams had conceded a walkover. No points will be awarded and
Rule 32(a) will apply.
(d) Should a team wish to withdraw from the League then the ‘teams; club
secretary must inform, in writing, the League’s General Secretary and the
team captains of all opponents remaining to be played at least seven days
before the next scheduled match.
33. Should any Team of a Club be withdrawn either prior to the commencement
of or during the season, or shall not complete its fixtures, or be deemed to
have withdrawn, the Club concerned shall be liable to pay a fine up to £20.00
not withstanding any fines already imposed under Rule 32(a). In any of
these circumstances the club concerned will not be entitled to a refund of any
fees paid pursuant to Rules 11 and 18 hereof.
34. The Executive Committee shall have power to require any Club to pay a
deposit not exceeding £25.00, which will be refunded upon the satisfactory
conclusion of the League fixtures.
LEAGUE POSITIONS.
35. (a) Divisions shall be formed for teams of three players. The Executive
Committee shall have the power to form as many divisions as they deem
necessary, provided that there are not less than six and not more than twelve
teams in any one division.
(b) There shall be a Premier Division followed by consecutively numbered
divisions, the first of which shall be designated Division 2.
(c) The Executive Committee shall have the power to fill vacancies in any
division.
36. Positions in the League shall be decided by the number of league points
obtained. In the case of two or more teams having an equal number of league
points, positions shall be decided by the number of matches won, or, if still
equal, by the sets difference. If teams are still equal, and promotion or
relegation is involved, then the position shall be decided by a play-off.
37. (a) The two top teams from each division may be promoted.
(b) The two bottom teams from each division may be relegated except in a
division where a team has withdrawn or been expelled during the season.
For the purposes of this rule a team so withdrawn or expelled shall be deemed
a team relegated.
(c) The composition of each Division shall be at the discretion of the Executive
Committee.
SUMMER COMPETITION.
38. The Executive Committee may organise a Summer Competition, for the
purpose of conducting such a competition a Summer Competition Committee
shall be formed which (a) shall first devise and submit a constitution, rules
and regulations to the Executive Committee for approval and (b) shall be
accountable to the Executive Committee on matters of finance and
organisation.
CLOSED CHAMPIONSHIP.
39. (a) A tournament may be organised annually by the Executive Committee.
Registered players are entitled to enter and must have played in at least 4
League, K.O. Team Competition or League Representative matches in the
current season prior to the stated closing date for entries. The Executive
Committee shall have the authority to accept, restrict or refuse entries at its
discretion.
(b) Competitions which the Executive Committee may include in the
tournament are:-
Singles:- Open, Men’s, Ladies, Junior, Veterans, Senior Veterans, Handicap
and Hardbat.
Doubles:- Open, Men’s, Ladies, Junior, Veterans, Senior Veterans, and Mixed.
In Cadet (under 15) events, players shall be under 15 years of age on the
31st of December of the current season.
In Junior (under 18) events, players shall be under 18 years of age on the
31st of December of the current season.
In Veteran (Over 40) events, players shall be over 40 years of age on the 1st
January of the current season.
In Senior Veteran (over 60) events, players shall be over 60 years of age on
the 1st January of the current season.
(c) A group system may be instituted for any event.
(d) All events shall be the best of five games.
(e) The Executive Committee shall appoint a Tournament Organiser and an
Honorary Referee, either of whose decisions shall be final.
TWO A SIDE COMPETITION.
40. (a) The Executive Committee may organise a Two a Side Competition and
shall have the power to rule on matters not covered below and shall apply the
same principles pertaining to three a side competition.
(b) The Team entry fee for the competition shall be £5,00 and a match fee of£1.00 per match per senior player shall be paid.
(c) The Teams shall consist of two players, and matches shall comprise of five
sets (each the best of five games on the eleven points format), four singles
sets and one doubles set.
(d) The home team captain shall first enter on the scorecard the names of his/
her team, then pass the scorecard to the visiting team captain to add the
names of his/her team. Games shall be played in the following order: (1) A
v Y, (2) B v Z, (3) AB v YZ, (4) A v Z, (5) B v Y. The score card shall be
returned to the Secretary for the competition by the home team captain within
7 days of the date of the match.
(e) All matches shall be played at Ellenborough T.T.C. on Wednesdays
commencing at 8.15 pm. unless mutually agreed.
(f) Unless otherwise agreed, the home team side shall provide an umpire for
the doubles set, and each team shall umpire two single sets.
(g) Where appropriate, all rules relating to the three a side match system
shall apply to the two a side competition.
K.O. TEAM COMPETITIONS.
41. (a) The following Team Competitions may be organised annually by the
Executive Committee.
(i) A cup competition for each division with entry restricted to those teams of
the said division
(ii) Ladies
(iii) Handicap
(b) The Team entry fee for each competition shall be £4.00
(c) No team or players may play in more than two competitions including the
Handicap Cup.
(d) Players must be registered in accordance with Rule 19 and will automatically
be registered for the same team as for League play unless the Tournament
Secretary is advised otherwise at the time of registration in accordance with
Rule (40(e).
(e) Only players registered at least seven days prior to the Monday of the
week printed in the league Fixture Chart for the first round of the particular
team competition shall be allowed to participate.
(f) Players may only play for the club for which they are registered in pursuance
of Rule 18 and for the team of that club in which they are included as per subparagraph
(d) hereof, “Playing-up” will not be permitted.
(g) A player being re-registered above the Divisional limit of the competition
for which he has been registered will thereafter be ineligible for that competition
and may be replaced by another at the discretion of the Tournaments
Committee.
(h) No player may take part in the semi-final or final rounds unless he/she has
already played in at least four League, K.O. Team Competition or League
Representative matches at the time either of these stages is reached.
(i) Up to four teams may be seeded, and one draw shall be made for each
competition. In each match the first team drawn shall be the home team.
Unless otherwise agreed between the teams, and with the Tournament
Secretary’s approval, matches shall be played on the usual Home Night of the
home team during the week fixed for the same to be played.
(j) Each final shall be played at a venue and on a date to be fixed by the
Tournaments Committee.
42. Teams shall consist of three players and matches other than the Handicap
Cup, shall comprise nine sets (each the best of five games), six single sets
and three double sets. The two Captains shall toss for the right to A, B, C or
X, Y, Z, and this determined, they shall write the names of their players down
in any order on separate sheets of paper. The names shall then be entered on the official score sheet provided for the purpose by the League. Games
shall be played in the following order: (1) BC v XZ, (2) A v Y, (3) B v Z, (4) C
v Y, (5) A v X, interval, (6) A B v XY, (7) C v Z ,(8) B v X, (9) AC v YZ. If only
2 players are in attendance for either team, they shall play as A, B or X, Y as
the case may be.
43. (a) In the Handicap Cup Competition each Team shall consist of three
players and the match shall comprise eight singles and two Doubles. The two
Captains shall write the names of their players, in the order which they are
intended to play, on the official score sheet separately provided for the purpose
by the League. Games shall be played in the following order (1) AC v XZ, (2)
B v Y, (3) A v Z, (4) C v Y, (5) A v X, (6) BC v YZ, interval (7) B v Z, (8) C v X,
(9) A v Y, (10) B v X. If only two players are in attendance for either team,
they shall play as A, B or X, Y as the case may be. Each set shall be for three
games only up to eleven points. There shall be no deuces.
(b) The number of points scored by each player or pair shall be recorded on
the scorecard. The handicap of each team shall then be added to the points
scored in each game by each team.
(c) When all ten sets have been completed in a match, the points for each
team shall be added together and the team with the highest number of points
shall be adjudged the winner.
(d) If the points are equal, pair AB shall play a doubles game against pair XY
and when one pair has obtained eleven points the game shall end and the
Handicap points added to ascertain the winning Team. If the scores shall still
be equal then one additional tie breaking point shall be played by the pair
detailed above.
(e) The handicap of each team will be decided by the Tournaments Committee,
who will if it is considered necessary change the handicap for each round.
44. In all competitions the official score shall be returned by the Home Team
to the organiser named thereon within seven days of the date of the match.
Failure to do so shall be treated by the Tournaments Committee as if the away
team were the winners.
45. Where appropriate all Rules relating to league matches shall apply to K.O.
Team Competitions.
46. Any matter which arises that is not covered by Rules 40 to 44 shall be
decided by the Tournaments Committee
Rules of the North Middlesex Table Tennis League Committee.
100+ CLUB.
47. (a) The Executive Committee may organise a 100+ Club.
(b) The Promoter shall be a member of the Finance Committee.
(c) Membership shall be limited to 150 persons, Clubs or Organisations all of
whom automatically become Members of the N.M.T.T.L. 100+ Club and will
be given a unique number.
(d) The annual subscription shall cover the period commencing on the 1st
April each year and shall be £12, payable monthly (£1), quarterly (£3) or
annually (£12), the allocation of three (£1) monthly payments or one (£3)
quarterly payments shall be the minimum requirements for entering a draw.
(e) All subscriptions shall be paid by a Standing Order unless otherwise agreed.
(f) Every member shall be a participant in a private Lottery (promoted in
accordance with section 4 of the Lotteries and Amusements Act 1976) to be
held 4 times a year.
(g) The prizes for the four Lotteries shall be as follows
(i) For Lotteries other than the one referred to in (ii) hereafter. 1st prize £100,
2nd prize £20., 3rd, 4th, 5th prizes £10. each and a special attendance prize of£10.
(ii) For the Lottery held at the A.G.M. of the league 1st Prize £130, 2nd prize £30, 3rd,4th,5th prizes £15 each and a special attendance prize of £15.
(iii) Should there be less or more than 100 participants the prize money will be
reduced or increased proportionately according to the number of participants,
which in the case of a member Club or Organisation, shall only be paid to a
nominated person attending on its behalf.
(h) Every member shall be notified of the date, time and venue of each draw,
and shall be entitled to attend.
(i) The net profit from the 100+ Club shall be for the benefit of the registered
players of the League. Note: benefit for registered players (as Rule 47(i))
could mean:-
(ii) Payments of the Open Tournament expenses, should a sponsor not be
found.
(iii) Possible subsidies to Clubs who are badly in need of new equipment.
(iv) A pegging back or even possible a reduction in League affiliation fees
which will be reviewed annually. Better prizes to divisional and closed
tournament winners.
(v) Better and cheaper league magazines. Money could be made available
for league coaching schemes, etc.
TROPHIES.
48. Trophies shall be awarded annually in respect of the competitions organised
by the League as follows.
Divisions, Two-a-side, K.O. Team: One trophy per player who has played
at least 50% of matches in that competition subject to a minimum of two
trophies per team for the Two-a-side and three trophies for Divisions
and KO Team.
Closed Tournament – Winners and Runners-up
Additional trophies may be purchased, not later than fourteen days prior to
the A.G.M. by application to the Tournament Secretary.
BREACH OF RULES AND COMPLAINTS.
49. (a) Any breach of rules by a club shall be reported in writing by a letter or‘fax’ to the appropriate Standing Committee which shall have power to warn
or fine such Club or punish it by deprivation of points, in cases of flagrant
disregard of rules by a club, the Chairman of the Standing Committee to
which the same shall have been reported shall refer the matter to the Executive
Committee which may expel such Club from the League or take such other
action against such club as it thinks fit.
(b) Any complaint against a club, club member, or league committee member
shall be made in writing by letter or ‘fax’ without delay to the General Secretary,
who shall refer the same to the next convenient meeting of the Executive
Committee. Within seven days of it’s receipt, the General Secretary shall
send to the Complainant and to such Club, Club Member or League Committee
Member invitations to attend such meeting or (in the case of such Club, Club
member or League Committee Member) to submit a response in writing by
letter or ‘fax’ to the said complaint not later than seven days before the date
of the said meeting.
APPEALS.
50 Any Club or individual player wishing to make an appeal against a decision
of a Standing Committee shall, within twenty-one days of being notified of
the decision, do so in writing by letter or ‘fax’ to the General Secretary who
shall refer the matter to the Appeals Sub-Committee.
DISSOLUTION.
51 In the event of any dissolution of the North Middlesex Table Tennis League
owing to any circumstances a Liquidatory Committee, composed of the
Treasurer, Chairman and General Secretary (at the time) be automatically
appointed to realise the assets of the League and after all debts are settled
and expenses paid that the remainder should be equally divided for distribution
to all affiliated Clubs proportionally to the number of teams which have been
in continuous membership of the league for the preceding three seasons.
GENERAL POWERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
52 The Executive Committee shall have the power to deal with all matters
arising from and not covered in these rules and to take such action, as it shall
in its discretion think fit, providing that such matters are reported to the Annual
General Meeting.
THE USE OF MORE THAN ONE TABLE A
RULING BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
1. There is no compulsion to play on more than one table, it is a matter for
agreement between the two captains involved.
2. If either captain does not wish to play on more than one table, that is the
end of the matter, there must be no accusations of being unsporting if a captain
so decides.
3. Because the away team would probably be under more of a handicap than
the home team if more than one table is used, the away captain must be
allowed to choose the order of play. If the home captain does not agree with
that order of play the agreement to play on more than one table becomes
void.
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2 THE LAWS OF TABLE TENNIS &
3 REGULATIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION
2.1 THE TABLE
2.1.1 The upper surface of the table, known as the playing surface, shall be
rectangular, 2.74m long and 1.525m wide, and shall lie in a horizontal plane
76cm above the floor.
2.1.2 The playing surface shall not include the vertical sides of the tabletop.
2.1.3 The playing surface may be of any material and shall yield a uniform
bounceof about 23cm when a standard ball is dropped on to it from a height
of 30cm.
2.1.4 The playing surface shall be uniformly dark coloured and matt, but
with awhite side line, 2cm wide, along each 2.74m edge and a white end
line, 2cmwide, along each 1.525m edge.
2.1.5 The playing surface shall be divided into 2 equal courts by a vertical
net running parallel with the end lines, and shall be continuous over the
wholearea of each court.
2.1.6 For doubles, each court shall be divided into 2 equal half-courts by a
white centre line, 3mm wide, running parallel with the side lines; the centre
line shall be regarded as part of each right half-court.
2.2 THE NET ASSEMBLY
2.2.1 The net assembly shall consist of the net, its suspension and the
supporting posts, including the clamps attaching them to the table.
2.2.2 The net shall be suspended by a cord attached at each end to an
upright post 15.25cm high, the outside limits of the post being 15.25cm
outside the side line.
2.2.3 The top of the net, along its whole length, shall be 15.25cm above the
playing surface.
2.2.4 The bottom of the net, along its whole length, shall be as close as
possible to the playing surface and the ends of the net shall be as close as
possible to the supporting posts.
2.3 THE BALL
2.3.1 The ball shall be spherical, with a diameter of 40mm.
2.3.2 The ball shall weigh 2.7g.
2.3.3 The ball shall be made of celluloid or similar plastics material and shall
be white or orange, and matt.
2.4 THE RACKET
2.4.1 The racket may be of any size, shape or weight but the blade shall be
flat and rigid.
2.4.2 At least 85% of the blade by thickness shall be of natural wood; an
adhesive layer within the blade may be reinforced with fibrous material such
as carbon fibre, glass fibre or compressed paper, but shall not be thicker
than 7.5% of the total thickness or 0.35mm, whichever is the smaller.
2.4.3 A side of the blade used for striking the ball shall be covered with
either ordinary pimpled rubber, with pimples outwards having a total
thickness including adhesive of not more than 2mm, or sandwich rubber,
with pimples inwards or outwards, having a total thickness including
adhesive of not more than 4mm.
2.4.3.1 Ordinary pimpled rubber is a single layer of non-cellular rubber,
natural or synthetic, with pimples evenly distributed over its surface at a
density of not less than 10 per sq. cm and not more than 30 per sq. cm.
2.4.3.2 Sandwich rubber is a single layer of cellular rubber covered with a
single outer layer of ordinary pimpled rubber, the thickness of the pimpled
rubber not being more than 2mm.
2.4.4 The covering material shall extend up to but not beyond the limits of
the blade, except that the part nearest the handle and gripped by the
fingers may be left uncovered or covered with any material.
2.4.5 The blade, any layer within the blade and any layer of covering
material or adhesive on a side used for striking the ball shall be continuous
and of even thickness.
2.4.6 The surface of the covering material on a side of the blade, or of a
side of the blade if it is left uncovered, shall be matt, bright red on one side
and black on the other.
2.4.7 Slight deviations from continuity of surface or uniformity of colour due
to accidental damage or wear may be allowed provided that they do not
significantly change the characteristics of the surface.
3.04.02.02 A racket shall not be replaced during an individual match unless it is accidentally
damaged so badly that it cannot be used; if this happens the damaged racket shall be
replaced immediately by another which the player has brought with him to the playing area
or one which is handed to him in the playing area.
2.4.8 At the start of a match and whenever he changes his racket during a
match a player shall show his opponent and the umpire the racket he is
about to use and shall allow them to examine it.
2.5 DEFINITIONS
2.5.1 A rally is the period during which the ball is in play.
2.5.2 The ball is in play from the last moment at which it is stationary on the
palm of the free hand before being intentionally projected in service until
the rally is decided as a let or a point.
2.5.3 A let is a rally of which the result is not scored.
2.5.4 A point is a rally of which the result is scored.
2.5.5 The racket hand is the hand carrying the racket.
2.5.6 The free hand is the hand not carrying the racket; the free arm is the
arm of the free hand.
2.5.7 A player strikes the ball if he touches it in play with his racket, held in
the hand, or with his racket hand below the wrist.
2.5.8 A player obstructs the ball if he, or anything he wears or carries,
touches it in play when it is above or travelling towards the playing surface,
not having touched his court since last being struck by his opponent.
2.5.9 The server is the player due to strike the ball first in a rally.
2.5.10 The receiver is the player due to strike the ball second in a rally.
2.5.11 The umpire is the person appointed to control a match.
2.5.12 The assistant umpire is the person appointed to assist the umpire
with certain decisions.
2.5.13 Anything that a player wears or carries includes anything that he was
wearing or carrying, other than the ball, at the start of the rally.
2.5.14 The ball shall be regarded as passing over or around the net
assembly if it passes anywhere other than between the net and the net post
or between the net and the playing surface.
2.5.15 The end line shall be regarded as extending indefinitely in both
directions.
2.6 THE SERVICE
2.6.1 Service shall start with the ball resting freely on the open palm of the
server’s stationary free hand.
2.6.2 The server shall then project the ball near vertically upwards, without
imparting spin, so that it rises at least 16cm after leaving the palm of the
free hand and then falls without touching anything before being struck.
2.6.3 As the ball is falling the server shall strike it so that it touches first his
court and then, after passing over or around the net assembly, touches
directly the receiver’s court; in doubles, the ball shall touch successively the
right half court of server and receiver.
2.6.4 From the start of service until it is struck, the ball shall be above the
level of the playing surface and behind the server’s end line, and it shall not
be hidden from the receiver by the server or his doubles partner and by
anything they wear or carry.
2.6.5 As soon as the ball has been projected, the server’s free arm or hand shall be
removed from the space between the ball and the net. The space between
the ball and the net is defined by the ball, the net and its indefinite
upward extension.
2.6.6 It is the responsibility of the player to serve so that the umpire or the
assistant umpire can see that he complies with the requirements for a
correct service.
2.6.6.1 If the umpire is doubtful of the legality of a service he may, on the
first occasion in a match, declare a let and warn the server.
2.6.6.2 Any subsequent service of doubtful legality of that player or his
doubles partner will result in a point to the receiver.
2.6.6.3 Whenever there is a clear failure to comply with the requirements
for a correct service, no warning shall be given and the receiver shall score
a point.
2.6.7 Exceptionally, the umpire may relax the requirements for a correct
servicewhere he is satisfied that compliance is prevented by physical
disability.
2.7 THE RETURN
2.7.1 The ball, having been served or returned, shall be struck so that it
passes over or around the net assembly and touches the opponent’s court,
either directly or after touching the net assembly.
2.8 THE ORDER OF PLAY
2.8.1 In singles, the server shall first make a service, the receiver shall
then make a return and thereafter server and receiver alternately shall
each make a return.
2.8.2 In doubles, the server shall first make a service, the receiver shall
then make a return, the partner of the server shall then make a return, the
partner of the receiver shall then make a return and thereafter each player
in turn in that sequence shall make a return.
2.8.3 When two players who are in wheelchairs due to a physical disability
are a pair playing doubles, the server shall first make a service, the
receiver shall then make a return but thereafter either player of the
disabled pair may make returns. However, no part of a player’s wheelchair
shall protrude beyond the imaginary extension of the centre line of the
table. If it does, the umpire shall award the point to the opposing pair.
2.9 A LET
2.9.1 The rally shall be a let
2.9.1.1 if in service the ball, in passing over or around the net assembly,
touches it, provided the service is otherwise good or the ball is obstructed
by the receiver or his partner.
2.9.1.2 if the service is delivered when the receiving player or pair is not
ready, provided that neither the receiver nor his partner attempts to strike
the ball.
2.9.1.3 if failure to make a service or a return or otherwise to comply with
the Laws is due to a disturbance outside the control of the player;
2.9.1.4 if play is interrupted by the umpire or assistant umpire;
2.9.1.5 if the receiver is in wheelchair due to a physical disability and the
ball
2.9.1.5.1 leaves the receiver’s half after touching it in the direction of the
net ;
2.9.1.5.2 comes to rest on the receiver’s half;
2.9.1.5.3 in singles leaves the receiver’s half after touching it by either of its
sidelines.
2.9.2 Play may be interrupted
2.9.2.1 to correct an error in the order of serving, receiving or ends;
2.9.2.2 to introduce the expedite system;
2.9.2.3 to warn or penalise a player or adviser;
2.9.2.4 because the conditions of play are disturbed in a way which could
affect the outcome of the rally.
2.10 A POINT
2.10.1 Unless the rally is a let, a player shall score a point
2.10.1.1 if his opponent fails to make a correct service;
2.10.1.2 if his opponent fails to make a correct return;
2.10.1.3 if, after he has made a service or a return, the ball touches
anything other than the net assembly before being struck by his opponent;
2.10.1.4 if the ball passes over his court or beyond his end line without
touching his court, after being struck by his opponent;
2.10.1.5 if his opponent obstructs the ball;
2.10.1.6 if his opponent strikes the ball twice successively;
2.10.1.7 if his opponent strikes the ball with a side of the racket blade
whose surface does not comply with the requirements of 2.4.3, 2.4.4 and
2.4.5;
2.10.1.8 if his opponent, or anything his opponent wears or carries, moves
the playing surface;
2.10.1.9 if his opponent, or anything his opponent wears or carries, touches
the net assembly;
2.10.1.10 if his opponent’s free hand touches the playing surface;
2.10.1.11 if a doubles opponent strikes the ball out of the sequence
established by the first server and first receiver;
2.10.1.12 as provided under the expedite system (2.15.2).
2.11 A GAME
2.11.1 A game shall be won by the player or pair first scoring 11 points
unless both players or pairs score 10 points, when the game shall be won by
the first player or pair subsequently gaining a lead of 2 points.
2.12 A MATCH
2.12.1 A match shall consist of the best of any odd number of games.
2.13 THE ORDER OF SERVING, RECEIVING AND ENDS
2.13.1 The right to choose the initial order of serving, receiving and ends
shall be decided by lot and the winner may choose to serve or to receive
first or to start at a particular end.
2.13.2 When one player or pair has chosen to serve or to receive first or to
start at a particular end, the other player or pair shall have the other
choice.
2.13.3 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 sequences of serving and receiving shall be the same
but each player shall serve for only 1 point in turn.
2.13.4 In each game of a doubles match, the pair having the right to serve
first shall choose which of them will do so and in the first game of a match
the receiving pair shall decide which of them will receive first; in subsequent
games of the match, the first server having been chosen, the first receiver
shall be the player who served to him in the preceding game.
2.13.5 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.
2.13.6 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.
2.13.7 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.
2.14 OUT OF ORDER OF SERVING, RECEIVING OR ENDS
2.14.1 If a player serves or receives out of turn, play shall be interrupted
by the umpire as soon as the error is discovered and shall resume with
those players serving and receiving who should be server and 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 of
serving chosen by the pair having the right to serve first in the game during
which the error is discovered.
2.14.2 If the players have not changed ends when they should have done
so, play shall be interrupted by the umpire as soon as the error is
discovered and shall resume with the players at the ends at which they
should be at the score that has been reached, according to the sequence
established at the beginning of the match.
2.14.3 In any circumstances, all points scored before the discovery of an
error shall be reckoned.
2.15 THE EXPEDITE SYSTEM
2.15.1 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.
2.15.1.1 If the ball is in play when the time limit is reached, play shall be
interrupted by the umpire and shall resume with service by the player who
served in the rally that was interrupted.
2.15.1.2 If the ball is not in play when the time limit is reached, play shall
resume with service by the player who received in the immediately
preceding rally.
2.15.2 Thereafter, each player shall serve for 1 point in turn until the end of
the game and if the receiving player or pair makes 13 returns the receiver
shall score a point.
2.15.3 Once introduced, the expedite system shall remain in operation until
the end of the match. |