1. The exact wording of the new Service Rule has already been published in our ITTF Bulletin and appears in the minutes of the AGM sent to each National Association. You will also find it in the new ITTF Handbook (now available on the ITTF web-site).

2. We have avoided publishing the "official" interpretation at this time.

Based on your explanation, I am prepared to consult my colleagues and convince them as you have convinced me to immediately "re-publish" widely the exact wording (web-site, memos to National Associations, re-print in ITTF bulletin, press releases, etc.) PLUS publish a clear and detailed explanation of the interpretation of the rule and its application. This would be supported by diagrams, photos, explanatory notes, etc. (I believe that this is what is missing according to you)

It was our intention to do the above in a timely matter following the April 2002 AGM, with any modifications if necessary; but now I will recommend that it is done ASAP with a clear "note" or provision that some adjustments or modifications "may" (but unlikely) surface after the April 2002 AGM.

Your advice is wise and very well received and I will start the ball rolling (no pun intended) in that direction.

Sincerely,

Adham Sharara , President

Dear Mr. President,

I have read your article, Timeline Regarding the New Service Rule.

During the General Assembly of ITTF in Osaka, I was not in favor of the change, but abide to the decision made by the general meeting. As a coach of the sport and also administrator of the sport in our state and country, I am particularly concern about the detail of the 'change'. As you have mentioned in your article, we all have different interpretations before the exact rule is written; that's why we all look forward to ITTF to provide us the exact guideline as soon as possible. I am surprise that the new rule can only be written after the next AGM. Haven't the decision been made? Or you are expecting motion to rescind the decision in the next AGM?

I would consider the 'change' in the service rule is a drastic or big change, as far as playing skill concerns. Players, young or veteran, will take time to adjust. It is not the same as the 11 points in counting or the bigger ball. The 11 points counting system can be adopted much easier, as it is only in the head. The bigger ball gives everyone an equal chance to adapt. The service rule change is not that easy to be adopted by all players. Personally, I have been practising the change according to my interpretation since returning from Osaka. It has been four months now, though I play and coach five times weekly, I still find it hard to adjust and cannot serve as good as I use to. The next question is: "Am I doing it right?" The answer is quite commonsense that you got to view the exact wordings and interpretation. Anyhow, I am quite sure any players would take at least six months to adjust to the new rule. And it is not easy, because we don't stop all the competitions - local, state, national and international, for the players to adjust. In other words, we are plan all our local and national competitions ahead to allow time for players to adjust (all level of players from age 11 onward). The delay of coming out the exact wording for the new rule just doesn't help. For instant, this month, we will be hosting a South East Asian Youth Training Camp where we will tell them, players and coaches, about the new service rule. I am quite sure they will be asking the exact interpretation of the new rule. How would it sounds if we just tell them that ITTF will only come out with the exact wordings of the new rule after next AGM in 2002; at the meantime, can we tell them just wait and keep up with the usual service???

You see, Mr. President, a decision has been made. The new rule affects all players. The new rule needs time for players to adjust. The soonest the exact interpretation makes available the less confusion it will be. Please expedite instead of wait until April 2002. Unless you feel that the new rule adopted in Osaka was in haste and need to go back to the General Assembly for further amendment. I hope this is no the case.

Since Osaka, I have conducted three Level I and introductory coaching clinics in Malaysia, the question of the new service rule had been the 'hottest' topic for coaches to discuss. Every coach is concern about the 'change'. Every coach wants to take action to cope with the new rule. Every coach salutes your positive changes to our beloved sport. The three, so-called, "revolutions" of table tennis, under your leadership - 1. Bigger Ball, 2. 11 Points, and 3. New Service Rule, are believed to gear the sport to a positive change for better competitions and visual effect for TV audience. The first two are taken the effect; and the hardest would be the third, which is confusing and takes time. Please note that anything that takes time to change may cause greater confusion, as such, complexity may occur. Already, I have seen interpretation of the new service rule in the Chinese website. If I have not seen your article, I would take it for granted that that is the new rule!

May I appeal to you to expedite the matter as soon as possible, instead of wait until the next AGM.

Peter Sim, Coaching Seletion Chairman (TT Association of Malaysia)