Referee’s Notes on Tournament Expectations
As with all table tennis competitions, there is a series of rules and regulations that each tournament must adhere to. While Chapters 2 and 3 are detailed in the ITTF Statutes, the TTA Tours are governed by a separate set of regulations, which take precedence in the event of a direct conflict with the ITTF Statutes.
While I encourage all players, coaches, officials, spectators, and volunteers to review any relevant clauses within the ITTF Statutes (ITTF) and the TTA Tour Regulations (TTA), I have highlighted an explicit set that I would like to draw your specific attention to.
- Service – all players should seek to adhere to the relevant service rules as per Chapter 2.6. Umpires have been directed to act if they believe a player’s serve does not comply with the requirements of the Laws.
- Exceptionally, the umpire may relax the requirements for a correct service where they are satisfied that compliance is prevented by physical disability. Para-athletes should also present their classification card to the official if necessary (ITTF 2.6.6.1).
- Tracksuits / Skins – the 14-day forecast will have the climate in Brisbane between 10-21 degrees. If you would like to wear tracksuits and other garments (such as skins) designed to keep athletes warm, please seek permission from the Referee (ITTF 3.2.2.1 and ITTF 3.3.1.2.9).
- Leaving the playing area – players shall remain in or near the playing area throughout an individual match, except with the permission of the referee; during intervals between games and time-outs they shall remain within 3 metres of the playing area, under the supervision of the umpire (ITTF 3.3.1.2.7 and ITTF 3.4.4.7).
- Defaults – matches should begin on schedule, and players should be at their table no later than 5 minutes after the scheduled start time or whenever the table is free (whichever comes last). If a responsible person (i.e., an Organiser, Tournament Director, or Official) has not been notified about a player’s whereabouts and the player should be available to play, then we reserve the right to default the player (ITTF 3.3.1.2.12). We do not chase players.
- Announcements – we will be using a public address system (i.e., microphone) during the tournament. Please ensure you listen for your name if called.
- During the Round Robin, you are expected to be near/at your table at the scheduled time.
- During the Knockout, your name will be called when your match is ready.
- Importantly, while matches are scheduled by time, we will operate under ‘followed by’ conditions for the knockout, i.e., if the table is available, the match is next in the sequence, and the players are not held up in another event, it will be played even if it is slightly early.
- Advice – In individual events, a player may receive advice only from one person, designated beforehand to the umpire (ITTF 3.5.1.2).
- Rest Periods between Matches – There is no requirement for break entitlements between matches in individual events.
- Good Presentation – Prize money shall be deemed forfeited by a player if such player does not attend the official presentation of medallions for an event at the TTA Tour event, unless otherwise approved by the Organising Committee (TTA 8.2.1).
- Separation by Association – There will be no Association separation in terms of ITTF Regulation 3.6.3 for all events (TTA A1.2.1)
Afterword
While the Deputy Referees (Greg Dinsey & Zark Roksandic) will mostly be present on the field of play, I will occasionally be making myself visible as well. Umpires will be deployed where possible.
If in the event you need to speak with me, you are likely to find me at the Tournament Control Desk. I am more than happy to address any concerns you may have. If I cannot be found, please wait as I won’t be too far away.
It should be noted that all officials are only human, and we may make mistakes throughout the tournament, but we ask for respect and understanding, as all that we seek to do is ensure the game is played fairly and the tournament runs smoothly.
It is the collective responsibility and cooperation of all parties that we work together for a successful tournament.
Best of luck to all involved in the 2025 TTA Tour – Brisbane.
Kameron Chan
Tournament Referee