UNITED STATES SANDPAPER TABLE TENNIS ASSOCIATION
Rules and Regulations
SECTION 1--The Racquet
A.The racquet blade shall be constructed exclusively from natural wood or wood products.
B. The striking surface or surfaces shall be covered with a sandpaper sheet. If both sides of a racquet are used, then both sides shall have the exact sandpaper covering. The sandpaper covering shall be uniform with no alterations which may affect the original playing surface of the racquet.
C. A list of Approved Sandpaper Racquets is available from the USSTTA. (see Approved Equipment)
D. Approved Sandpaper Racquets shall be available at USSTTA Sanctioned tournaments for use during the events.
E. Only USSTTA approved racquets shall be allowed in sanctioned tournaments.
F. Custom racquets are allowed with approval of the officials, subject to Section 1A. and Section 1B.
SECTION 2--The Ball
A. The ball shall be a USATT or ITTFÂ approved 40 mm ball, white or orange in color.Â
SECTION 3--The Serve
A. The ball shall be served from behind the end line of the table, with no part of the ball or serving hand below the level of the table during the serve. The racquet hand and racquet may be below the table during the serve.
B. The server is prohibited from producing any added spin through manipulations of the ball with the serving hand or fingers. The only spin shall be produced by contact of the ball with the racquet.
C. The ball must be free from contact with the hand or fingers when struck by the racquet.
SECTION 4--Scoring Of Games And Matches
A. A game shall be to 21 points, with a 2 point advantage necessary for a win at the conclusion of the game.
B. Each player will alternate serves at 5 point intervals during the games.
C. A match shall consist of the best 2 out of 3 games or the best 3 out of 5 as determined by the officials.
D. The match does not have to be continuous, but all games must be played during the session in order for the match to be recorded.
SECTION 5--Dress Code
A. Shoes shall be of the type approved by the facility officials so as not to damage the floor surface.
B. No other dress code requirements are in effect.
SECTION 6--Behavior And Specific Issues During A Match
A. Foot stomping during the serve shall be prohibited.
B. Rubbing the ball on the sandpaper surface of the blade shall be prohibited as it may damage the ball and/or the racquet surface.
C. Players may touch or rest their free hand or arm on the playing surface, however, movement of the table during a match is prohibited.
SECTION 7--Additional Rules And Regulations
A. With the exception of the rules stated in Section 1 through Section 6 (above) all USATT rules apply.
Revised Approval Date: 7/28/11
