Extending rubber over the blade surface
Rules
Rene van der Kleij Asked 11 years ago
Alois, in former posts it was mentioned that up to 2mm extension of the rubber covering over the blade surface was allowed. My first try (less than 2 mm) led to an argument with an umpire who didn’t except and made me change the blade. I couldn’t back up my argument other than relating forum discussions. Is there any written ruling to be found mentioning the tolerance, so I can print it out?
Alois Rosario Answered 11 years ago
Hi Rene,
I had to go to our source of all things umpiring, Graeme Ireland. This is his response:
For over-(and under-)hang the tolerance is mentioned in the Handbook for Match Officials as follows, which is really the only standard mentioned, and almost all referees and umpires abide by this:
7.1.1 A striking surface of the racket must be covered with one of the specified materials and, whether covered or not, one side must be red and the other black. The covering should extend to the limits of, but not beyond, the blade, but some tolerance may be allowed. The referee must decide what is acceptable and advise his or her umpires accordingly but, as a guide, ± 2mm would be an acceptable margin to most referees.
Recommended Video
Top 5 Most Misunderstood Table Tennis Rules
In this video, we break down the Top 5 Most Misunderstood Table Tennis Rules that even experienced players often get wrong. Knowing these rules can prevent disputes, boost your confidence, and help you play with a clear head. We’ll cover common misconceptions like:
- The correct toss height for serving 🎯
- How many let serves can you do before it is a fault 🚦
- Why touching the table with your free hand is a no-no 🖐️
- When volleying loses you the point ❌
- Whether you are allowed to hit around or under the net 🔄
Thoughts on this question
Become a free member to post a comment about this question.
Rene van der Kleij Posted 11 years ago
Thanks Alois, that was really helpful. Now just one more question; hypothetically speaking and considering over and under tolerance, while using up to 2 mm over-hang tolerance. If rubber edge damage occurred, showing damage of just less than 4 mm into the edge, considering the blade edge as the limit reference, the rubber may look badly damaged but is still considered legal because of the 2 mm under-hang tolerance. Is that correct??
Dilena Kulasinghe Posted 11 years ago
Hi Alois, thanks for that, I know Graeme Ireland very well, I play pennant with him
He is a very knowledgeable man about the rules. He is also the best umpire in regards to making the rules understandable and practical for the players.