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Paul Kovac	See if you can Stump the Ump... E-mail questions to Paul Kovac - your friendly on-line USATT umpire. Please note: Questions which have answers that are easily found by consulting the rules may not merit a reply.

Q: When I checked my opponent's racquet, it turned out that the rubber covering of the serving side wasn't completely sticking to the blade. Only about one half of the covering adhered to the blade and suspect that he used a wrist "whip" and struck the ball with the free "flap" of the racquet. I could find no clear indications as to whether the entire rubber covering should be stuck completely to the blade, in which case the player's serve is legal 100%. Is this correct?

- submitted by Miklos Bus.

A: The racket is illegal when the covering used to strike the ball is not firmly attached to the blade using a legal glue. Players should check their opponent's racket before the play begins, and when there is a suspicion of illegality they should call the referee. Only the referee can declare a racket illegal.

- answered by Paul Kovac - your friendly on-line USATT umpire