Changing bat after knockup.

Graham Leslie Asked 1 week ago

Hi Guys

I recently played a league match against a new player to our league.  I played him in the first match of the evening and after knocking up with a conventional reversed rubber bat he returned to his seat and picked up his water bottle and towel.  Once the match started it was clear he was playing with a totally different bat with some sort of dead or anti spin rubber on one side and pimples on the other.  I asked to look at the bat but he argued it was too late as the game was underway.  The umpire said he was not aware of any rule against what he had done.  Is this just bad sportsmanship on his part or is there a rule being broken?  After going 2 games down I did struggle back to edge the match 3-2.

Graham

Alois Rosario Answered 5 days ago

Hi Graham,

It sounds like you had a challenging match there.

Your opponent is allowed to change their racket between the warm up and the start of the match.  The match doesn't start until the start of the first point.

However, regarding the changing of rackets and showing your opponent the relevant rule is:

2.04.08

"Before the start of a match and whenever he or she changes his or her racket during a match a player shall show his or her opponent and the umpire the racket he or she is about to use and shall allow them to examine it."

In your case, it seems there might have been a misunderstanding or lack of enforcement of this rule. It’s generally considered good sportsmanship to notify the opponent and the umpire if you plan to change your racket after the knock-up and certainly before the match begins. This allows the opponent to inspect the new racket, which is their right.

Good on you for managing to come back and win the match despite the unexpected challenge.