|
 
|
|
|
|
|
| Take the Rules Quiz! | |
 Paul Kovac |
See if you can Stump the Ump... E-mail questions to Paul Kovac - your friendly on-line USATT umpire.
|
Q: How much time is allowed between points during a game? At a tournament this weekend a player said he had 20 sec between each point.- submitted by Steve Gibson
A: There is a requirement for play to be continuous throughout a match, except for authorized intervals. The intent of the regulation is to prevent time wasting, such as repeated bouncing of the ball, long pauses before serving, or prolonged discussions with a double partner. There is no authorized interval between points, except a brief interval for toweling after every five points from the start of each game and at the change of ends in the last possible game of a match. These intervals have to be kept at the minimum, and it is the umpire's call to judge if a player is using extensive toweling as a delaying tactic.
Umpires may also allow players who wear glasses to clean them but, again, it is the umpire's call to judge if it is a necessity or a delaying tactic, and act accordingly. The often heard argument that player is entitled between points a "break" of a defined length of time is a myth.
Whenever the umpire has the impression that a player violates the regulation requiring the play to be continuous he/she warns the player on first such occasion. On a subsequent occasion during the same match, the offender may be penalized by umpire's awarding a point to his opponent. Many players do not realize that the match formally starts when players begin practice before the first game. Thus, the last-minute consultation with coaches should be finished before this practice begins. The first game starts immediately after the 2 minute interval, and if players want a "last-second" consultation with their coaches, they have to cut the 2-minute practice period short.
- answered by Paul Kovac - your friendly on-line USATT umpire
| |
| USA Table Tennis - Serving the Table Tennis Community |
| |