Regarding the position of the racket, it can now be "anywhere", except shielding the ball. In other words the focus now is on making the "ball" visible to the receiver.

The top players are complying well with the new rule, it's unfortunate that the umpires are lagging behind and sewing doubts in application of the rule itself.

ITTF

From: "Tom Murray"

Date: Mon, 23 Sep 2002 12:59:40 +0100

To:

Subject: Service Rule

Dear Anders


This may not be your area of concern, however it was the closes match I could fine on your web site, as this is all part of improving the image of table tennis.

Why is the new service still left open to interpretation ?

What I mean is that the power point presentation on the ITTF web site is very clear to me, that is the triangle from the ball to the net posts has to be clear so the opposing player can see the ball, simple.
BUT all my discussions with registered referees say they can not decide if the service "complies" unless they too can also see the ball at all times !

So why does the new service law not state that the referee should be able see the ball at all times ?
And if this true then why does the presentation not discuss a triangle between the ball, referee and farthest net post ?

I look forward to clarification on this and hopefully something on your web site to put all the bickering to bed.

Another matter which has arisen is that the new service rule doesn't prevent the server dropping the bat below the table twiddling it then serving, is this correct, the old rules used to prevent this didn't it ?

I look forward to your comments.

Best Regards

Tom Murray

Warrington, UK