Introduction to Racket Testing

by R. Cavicchio, USATT Racket Control Committee

The ITTF has been making an effort to reduce harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for well over 10 years. This effort has been accomplished by having racket testing at major tournaments, such as the World Championships etc. VOCs are mainly present in glues, especially “speed” glues. The ITTF Equipment Committee has requested and received approval for zero VOCs in rackets, rubber, sponge and glues. A healthier future for Table Tennis is here.

The Wassing Enez machine has been developed and tested extensively for this task. This machine is more cost effective and faster in comparison to the older tube system of testing. It only takes a minute. Additional tests will be done for overall rubber thickness, flatness and gloss.
As of January 1, juniors are to use VOC-free glues. Several World junior tournaments have successfully used Enez for their racket testing. The North American Junior Championships were held in conjunction with our US Open. Racket testing with Enez was done on a volunteer and random selection basis. All officially chosen random tests passed inspection. Effective September 1, this rule will be in effect for everyone (excluding the Beijing Paralympics).

USATT Racket Control Committee has decided, at a meeting held at the Open, that there will be random racket testing throughout all events at our National Championships in December. The selection will be done by Racket Control and Referee. It was also decided, effective January 1, 2009, that all three star and higher tournaments be required to have random racket testing. This would involve the majority, if not all, their tournament events.
To help with this new tournament rule, there will be a racket-testing seminar for tournament directors at the Nationals in Vegas. Felisa Huggins, at headquarters, will be taking names for a sign-up list. This seminar would take place on Wednesday, December 17, at 8PM.
All athletes should have a spare paddle ready for use.. This will help in two ways. If during a match, your paddle/rubber is damaged, you will need to replace it with another. You will not be allowed to re-glue. Play must be continuous. Also, in case the first racket fails inspection, you have the other to use. The second racket must pass inspection. Following the passed completed tests, rackets will be delivered to the referee/umpire, who will make the rackets available to the athletes in time for the warm-up at the designated table.

The ITTF Equipment Committee recommends that new rubber be removed from its packaging to air for at least 72 hours prior to usage. This will get rid of any residual VOCs from the rubber sponge glue. We will have volunteer racket testing at the venue at 6:30PM on Tuesday, December 16 at our National Championships, with no consequences to the individual. Only a complete racket that is otherwise ready/legal to be used for play will be tested.
For all concerned players who are fearful of what may happen to their game: you can adapt. This is the healthier way. Your mind and body will benefit.