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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: I often use a wet towel on the floor to wipe my feet on between points to get a better grip. How often can I do this? Would this be considered "toweling off," which is allowed only every five points? The big difference, of course, is that I simply walk over the wet towel when I need it, and little time is wasted.

-submitted by Larry Hodges

A: The toweling off rule definitely does not apply here. But the concern regarding the continuity of play does. The situation you describe is a classical umpire's call. If he/she does not feel the continuity of play is in jeopardy, you are O.K. If an umpire has not been assigned to your table, and your opponent has a problem with your behavior, go to the control desk and ask that one be sent to your table.

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