Table Tennis Bats - New Rules
During 2008 the ITTF introduced new rules relating to table tennis bats, rubbers and VOC-free glue. Make sure you know the new rules.  Whether you call them table tennis bats, table tennis rackets, table tennis paddles, ping pong bats, ping pong rackets or ping pong paddles ... you'll need to know about the new rules that the ITTF introduced in 2008 relating to rubbers and glues containing volatile compounds (VOCs).
These new rules apply to all ITTF events, but each national association can choose whether to implement them fully, partially or not at all, in their own country. So what's it all about?  Well, these new rules relate to ...
the use of VOC-free glues only the banning of any types of additives such as Boosters and Tuners etc, and enforcing the 4mm thickness rule for rubbers
That's a lot of new rules affecting your table tennis bat! So let's take a look at each of these new rules and how they affect what you can do to your table tennis bat. But first, let's clarify the ...
 Time frame for the new rules
The International Table Tennis Federation's (ITTF) new rule on VOC-free glue first came into effect on 1 January 2008, but it was restricted to Juniors only. This restriction was introduced to give the ITTF time to develop, test and refine their new testing procedures. So after eight months ... on 1 September 2008 ... a ban on glues with VOCs came into effect for all competitors. And on 1 January 2009 the ITTF started testing rackets 20 minutes before a match starts, at all ITTF events, to ensure that they met all the new rules and regulations. Finally, with effect from 1 July 2009, the ITTF started conducting racket testing after the match as well, and players may be disqualified if their racket fails this test.
So let's take a closer look at the changes ...
The new rules Glue Since the 1980s, table tennis players have experimented with different types of table tennis glue to affix their rubbers to their table tennis bat. It was discovered that certain types of glue had the effect of increasing the speed of the table tennis rubber if the player re-glued the rubber at frequent intervals. This gave the attacking / offensive player a distinct advantage and gradually led to the development of "speed glue". However, this type of glue contained volatile compounds which gave off a distinctive odour. This odour is now considered harmful to a players' health. Mini-RAE Lite® device  | Therefore all glues containing volatile compounds are now banned, and testing for the presence of VOCs will now be made at tournaments. With effect from 7 October 2009, a new device called a Mini-RAE Lite®, which can detect very small amounts of solvents, will be used to test rackets. Boosters and Tuners etc Boosters and tuners also contain VOCs ... so they're banned too. Your rubber must be used just as it's been authorised by the ITTF. You're not allowed to change or modify its playing characteristics by using chemical or other treatments, nor change its friction, outlook, colour, structure, surface, etc. If you want to clean your rubber, you should only use plain water. 4mm thickness for rubbers Rule 2.04 has always stated that a table tennis bat with sandwich rubber must have a total thickness, including adhesive, of not more than 4mm.  However, umpires have never been able to accurately check this ... until now.
A new thickness measurement device has now been developed by two table tennis manufacturers and it's now being used to check the thickness of your rubbers.
So, what does this all mean for players?
Advice to players ... You as a player are responsible for using a clean racket, i.e. without VOCs and with the correct thickness. So don't add anything to your racket. As a precaution you should therefore take the following steps: Air your new rubber outside the plastic bag for at least 72 hours before gluing it to your table tennis bat.
Only use water based glue or VOC-free pressure-sensitive adhesive sheets.
Only clean your table tennis bat with water - don't use any other substances.
Adding natural substances such as oils, etc. is illegal and will be detected.
Do not stretch your rubber. You must use the rubber as it's been approved by the ITTF and as it comes from the producer.
You should use a thin layer of glue to avoid exceeding the 4mm thickness limit. Make sure the surface is flat and does not bulge. Sometimes the rubber is too thick when it comes from the factory. It's your responsibility not to use it.
Always carry a spare table tennis bat if you can.
The ITTF intends to impose the strictest penalties on those that break the rules. This includes players, coaches, National Associations and manufacturers. So, take care of your table tennis bat and don't break the rules - you have been warned!
Want to know more about the rules? ... Take a look at my other pages which explain the rules in more detail.
The basic rules of table tennis If you're just starting to play and you need to know the basic rules of table tennis, you can find them here ...
The official laws of table tennis The official rules of table tennis are known as The Official Laws of Table Tennis ... so if you need to check the official wording, you can read them here ...
What do the rules say about the serve? The table tennis serve is one of the most controversial aspects of the game. Make sure you know the service rules. Read them here ...
Frequently asked questions about the serve The service rules are very complex, so let's answer some frequently asked questions. Read them here ...
When is the ball in or out? What do the table tennis rules say about the ball hitting the white lines, net or edges of the table? Is the ball in or out? Find out here ...
What is a good return? What do the rules say about a good return? Can you use your hand to play a shot? What happens if you touch or move the table? Find out here ...
What do the rules say about your racket? Do you know what the rules say about your racket? What size can it be? Which colours are allowed? When can you change your racket? Find out here ...
What do the rules say about playing doubles? Whether you're playing singles or doubles, the rules of table tennis are essentially the same. However, for doubles play there are a few subtle variations to the rules of table tennis. Read them here ...
What do the rules say about volleying the ball? Do the table tennis rules allow you to volley the ball?
Yes and No ... Let me explain
Are players allowed to take breaks during matches? What time limits are specified in the official table tennis rules?
What happens if a player is time-wasting? Find out here
Expedite system Do you know how long a game of table tennis can last? If both players keep the ball in play, can they continue playing forever? What do the rules of table tennis say about this? Find out here ...
Table tennis table dimensions What size is a table tennis table? Do you know what the official rules say about the size dimensions of a table tennis table?
Table tennis room size What table tennis room size do you need? It's probably more than you think! Find out here ...
Table tennis terminology Do you know your table tennis terminology or are you confused by your chops, pimples and twiddles? Here's my table tennis glossary ...
Go to Table Tennis Equipment page from Table Tennis Bats Go to All About Table Tennis home page from Table Tennis Bats
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