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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: One of the players in our group uses "white board cleaner liquid erase" to clean his rubber, and it acts as an adhesives on the rubber. This man's game is based almost entirely on slices and spins, so any adhesive substance helps his game greatly. Is it legal to use industrial cleaning substances for cleaning rubber surfaces? Is the use of agents for cleaning surfaces regulated?

- submitted by D. Callen

A: While there are no specific regulations or recommendations as to substances for cleaning rubber coverings, use of halogenated solvents or mixtures containing aromatic hydrocarbons, for either cleaning the rubber or as a component of adhesives, is prohibited at sanctioned tournaments. A complete list of prohibited solvents can be obtained from the ITTF Secretariat.

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