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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: Is it permissible to wear a glove on the racket hand or wrap the paddle handle with a tape in order to have a better grip on the paddle.

- submitted by Doug Kennedy

A: The Rules of Table Tennis state clearly that playing clothing consists of short-sleeved shirt and shorts or skirt, socks, and playing shoes. Other garments shall be worn only with the permission of a referee. A referee will normally allow a head-band which will be of a different color than the color of the ball, or a hat worn for religious reasons, but not a reversed baseball cap. Gloves are very likely to be tolerated, as long that their color clearly differs from that of the ball but, formally, it is the referee's call.

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