Official Message to
Table Tennis Manufacturers
And
National Associations (to distribute to players)
At the last meeting of the Executive Committee of the ITTF it was decided that the
ITTF President would send an official message to Manufacturers and National
Associations to clarify the situation with regards to the new rule of VOC-free glue, the
illegality of any types of additives such as Boosters, Tuners and the like, the
minimum friction level for long-pimples rubbers, and the 4mm thickness for rubbers.
This is all related to the Racket Testing protocols that are in place and that are being
refined to higher standards by 1 January 2009.
1. ITTF Rules
1.1 The ITTF has passed some rules relating to Table Tennis Equipment in
accordance with the correct and established process. These rules must
be implemented as passed by the appropriate authority of the ITTF be
it the AGM or the Board of Directors, or the Executive Committee by
authority of either of the above mentioned bodies.
1.2 The Rules of the ITTF apply to all ITTF events. It is the national
associations’ choice to implement such rules fully, partially or not at all
at the national level. However, it is the duty of the ITTF, its Staff, its
Officials and its Committees to fully implement the Rules of the ITTF
strictly and consistently.
1.3 The ITTF is gradually putting in place all the necessary tools and more
sophisticated Racket Control procedures to better control and
implement the rules of the ITTF especially as they relate to racket
coverings and additives.
2. First Transition Period
2.1 Like all new rules there is a transition and “adaptation” period. The
ITTF’s Board of Directors in Zagreb in 2007 decided to implement the
VOC-free glue rule at Junior events as of 1 January 2008. This served
as a preparatory phase before the full implementation of the VOC ban
on 1 September 2008. During this period many interesting phenomena
were noted.
2.2 The presence of VOCs was noted even when water-based glues were
used.
2.3 The thickness of racket coverings seemed to systematically exceed the
limits of 4mm.
2.4 The Enez device used was put to the test and many elements were
adapted to further improve and refine the device. In all cases a High
Resolution ppb RAE device was used as a back up for Enez.
3. Second and current Transition Period
3.1 Based on the 8-month experience at Junior events, the ITTF made
some necessary modifications to be ready for the full implementation of
the VOC ban.
3.2 The ITTF tested the Enez device for accuracy and repeatability at an
independent testing and research centre (Applus - C.A.R. Barcelona)
and the results show an accuracy and consistency level of more than
99.8% at 1ppm resolution.
3.3 5 brands of Boosters and Tuners available on the market were tested
and their composition examined. It was found that VOCs were in the
compounds and in at least two cases poisonous materials were found.
The suppliers were informed and all 5 suppliers have ceased
production.
3.4 The ITTF decided to racket test at all ITTF events using the current
equipment as well as new equipment
3.5 Enez is used to detect VOCs, and this is backed up by the RAE
instrument.
3.6 The RAE can also detect the presence of very low levels of VOC which
can be found in Boosters and Tuners.
3.7 A new thickness measurement device has been developed by 2 TT
manufacturers and is already in use to check thickness of racket
coverings.
3.8 At the first 2 ITTF events (Women World Cup and Men World Cup) it
was observed that “most” players respected the rules and followed the
ITTF instructions. However, very quickly some players started adopting
measures that contravene the ITTF rules. This is unfortunate as we do
have amongst us three categories of players; those that abide fully by
the rules and feel victimized, those that contravene the rules
unintentionally, and those that knowingly break the rule.
3.9 We also have 3 types of TT manufacturers & distributors; those that
have agreed to follow the ITTF rules 100%, those that break the ITTF
rules unintentionally, and those that secretly break the ITTF rules in a
hidden and despicable manner.
4. Current racket testing
4.1 At before-the-match test, the racket shall be submitted 20 minutes
before the scheduled match.
4.2 The racket will be tested for VOCs, and all other racket attributes
including strict and consequent implementation of the thickness
measurements of the rubber.
4.3 If the racket is found illegal (does not meet the ITTF set regulations),
the player has to play the match with another racket, which shall be
tested immediately AFTER the match.
4.4 Every player whose racket fails the racket test after the match is
subject to disqualification from the tournament. If the player has
already won the match, a loss will be recorded for the same match.
4.5 Repeat offenders will be subject to suspension from ITTF events, the
period of suspension to be established by the ITTF EC.
5. ITTF’s Firm Position as of 1 January 2009
5.1 Players
5.1.1 The ITTF will test rackets at all ITTF events. The racket testing
protocols will constantly improve in order to be ready to detect
3
all illegal activities. A racket that passes the test today may not
pass the test tomorrow because the testing devices are
constantly being upgraded. Players should not worry as long as
their racket is legal and meets the ITTF criteria.
5.1.2 The ITTF will test for all elements of the ITTF rules relating to
rackets and racket coverings such as flatness, consistency,
thickness, glossiness, VOC presence, additives presence
(Boosters and Tuners and other additives), stretching of the
rubber after approval, etc.
5.1.3 The limit allowable for VOC emissions will be fixed at a much
lower tolerance level on the detection devices detecting VOCs.
5.1.4 The Enez device will continue to be used to detect VOCs, in
addition new devices will be employed to detect much lower
levels of VOCs as well as the presence of other compounds
found in additives.
5.1.5 As of 1 July 2009, the ITTF will conduct ONLY AFTER-THEMATCH
racket tests, with punitive consequences for failed tests.
There will be the possibility of a pre-match voluntary test
according to the Racket Control procedures.
5.1.6 ADVICE TO PLAYERS:
5.1.6.1 Do not add anything to you racket.
5.1.6.2 If you suspect the presence of VOCs in your racket
covering air it for 72 hours out of the packaging before
using (and remove the protective plastic sheet if any).
5.1.6.3 Use only water-based glues or VOC-free Pressure
Sensitive Adhesive sheets (PSA).
5.1.6.4 Only clean your racket with water, do not use any
other substances.
5.1.6.5 Adding natural substances such as oils, etc., is illegal
and shall be detected.
5.1.6.6 Do not stretch your rubber; you must use the racket
covering as it has been approved by the ITTF and as
it comes from the producer.
5.1.6.7 Be very careful with the thickness level of your racket
covering. Make sure you do not exceed 4mm
including the layer or layers of glue. You should use a
thin layer of glue to avoid exceeding the thickness
limit. Make sure the surface is flat and does not bulge.
5.1.6.8 Sometimes the racket covering is too thick from the
factory. It is your responsibility not to use it.
5.2 Manufacturers and Distributors
5.2.1 The ITTF will be very strict with Manufacturers, Suppliers and
Distributors that are on the ITTF’s list of Authorized Racket
Coverings that still produce illegal materials such a VOC-glues,
or any type of additive such as Boosters, Tuners, oils, etc.
5.2.2 The ITTF is extremely disappointed with those manufacturers
who are secretly providing illegal substances for their sponsored
players to use. This is totally UNACCEPTABLE and is considered an illegal act and cheating.
5.2.3 Any manufacturer or distributor found producing, selling, or
providing any illegal substance to players or coaches will be
considered in violation of ITTF rules and will be suspended
indefinitely from any ITTF activity, and the authorization to use
the ITTF logo will be immediately withdrawn. This measure is
according to our discussions with FIT, the Federation of
International Table tennis Manufacturers.
5.2.4 The ITTF Executive Committee will also set hefty fees for the reintroduction
of any suspended manufacturer or distributor after
the suspension period is completed or lifted.
5.2.5 The ITTF will make no exception in this matter and
sponsorships, advertising agreements, etc., will all be cancelled
immediately and the already paid sums forfeited.
5.2.6 It is a serious offence to sell, procure, be involved in the
procurement, give for free or make available any additive to
players and coaches.
5.2.7 With this message the ITTF issues a stern warning to ALL
manufacturers and distributors to observe and respect the ITTF
rules as they are now set.
5.2.8 The ITTF will be very strict with regard to the thickness of the
racket coverings. The ITTF Equipment Committee has already
alerted several manufacturers from producing maximum
thickness racket coverings of 4mm. With the addition of a layer
of glue, the racket covering may exceed the allowable thickness.
It is therefore recommended that the manufacturers allow for
this fact and produce racket coverings below the allowed
maximum.
5.2.9 ADVICE TO MANUFACTURERS:
5.2.9.1 Do not produce any substances that are used as
additives by the players after the equipment has been
approved by the ITTF.
5.2.9.2 Do not produce a maximum thickness of 4mm racket
covering, please follow the advice of the ITTF’s
Equipment Committee to allow for the thickness of the
glue layers.
5.2.9.3 Please print the maximum racket covering thickness
on the packaging wherever possible.
5.2.9.4 Do not provide to players and coaches any postfactory
additives of any kind.
5.2.9.5 You can put the rubber under tension at the factory as
long as it meets the ITTF specifications and passes
the ITTF tests.
5.2.9.6 Do not stretch or put the rubber in tension AFTER it
has been approved.
5.2.9.7 You can use VOC-containing elements, within the
limits allowable in your country, in the production
phase of the racket covering as long as you get rid of
all the VOCs before packaging through proper and
sufficient airing of the racket covering before
packaging and as long as this is done at the factory
level and does not violate ITTF rules. This would be
considered a production phase.
5.2.9.8 The final product cannot be different than the product
approved by the ITTF.
5.2.9.9 The ITTF authorisation applies to a racket covering as
originally submitted and tested; its subsequent
alteration, by a supplier, a player or anyone else, is
not permitted.
5.2.9.10 Changes from the original design will normally not be
permitted. However, changes to the text area only
may be allowed, and must be confirmed.
5.2.9.11 When in doubt, please consult the ITTF Equipment
Committee.
5.3 National Associations and Coaches
5.3.1 It is the responsibility of National Associations to educate their
players in general and their national representatives in particular
to respect the ITTF rules at ITTF events.
5.3.2 It is also the responsibility of the national associations to
educate their coaches and to ensure that the national coaches
do not encourage or advise their players to break the rules.
5.3.3 Coaches should find technical solutions for their players within
the rules and regulations of the ITTF and avoid any attempt to
circumvent the rules under the guise that other players are
breaking the rules.
5.3.4 The ITTF will take very harsh action against any national
association that encourages its players and coaches to break
the rules.
5.3.5 Coaches who are found to be involved in the use of banned
substances will be subject to the same penalties as the players.
6. Conclusion
All new rules have a transition period, an unsettled period and a period of
confusion. This is usually coupled by a “testing of the tolerances” by those
affected by the rules. Many respect the rules while some try to find
advantageous ways around the rules. This is a difficult period and the ITTF is
expecting the full cooperation of all concerned in order to quickly reach a
settled state in which all are playing on a level playing field. Cheaters will not
be tolerated and the ITTF will impose the strictest penalties on those that
break the rules.
Please distribute this document as widely as possible.
I am personally very optimistic that this matter will be settled soon with the good will
and cooperation of all involved.
Adham Sharara
ITTF President
On behalf of the ITTF Executive Committee & the Equipment Committee in the
implementation of ITTF Rules
24 November 2008
