46^th World Table Tennis Championships

Osaka, Japan · April 23 - May 6, 2001

ITTF Council Meeting

May 2, 2001

No Rule Change About Gluing – But….

The ITTF Council today said no to a proposition to forbid fresh gluing – but there is no doubt that the ITTF would like to get rid of gluing in the future. The proposition to forbid “speed glue” was turned down by a large majority but everybody who spoke against this specific proposition also expressed their wish to avoid gluing later on.

“We would like to eliminate toxic gluing, but this is not the time to make more changes,” said ITTF President Adham Sharara, referring to the change of ball, scoring and service rule.

“We are now sending a signal to the manufacturers that we want them to develop rubber and glue that eliminate the advantage of gluing several times every day of competition. It is not our intention to limit speed or affect the players in any negative way. We just wish to remove toxicity in the future,” said Sharara.

One Minute Breaks

The Council also decided that with the new rule playing to 11, the break between each game would be one minute (change from two minutes). Toweling will be allowed every six points (change from every five points).

Eligibility

A proposition on player’s eligibility did not pass. Now a player “shall not represent different association within three years.” It was proposed to add, “unless both associations (last association represented and current association) agree to reduce or waive the waiting period.” The proposition was made to adopt the IOC Olympic Eligibility rule. It was defeated. The council didn’t want to make it easier to represent a new federation.

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