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Table Tennis Rules

Intramural Sports General Information

The Intramural Sports Office is located in the atrium of the Student Recreation Center.
Office Hours:  Monday - Friday 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Phone Numbers: 
205-348-8055
205-348-3906
Rain Hotline: 205-348-2708

Email address:imsports@bama.ua.edu


Rule 1: Eligibility

Article 1: Participation
Participation is limited to currently enrolled, fee-paying students, faculty, or full-time staff. Participants must have a valid Action Card in order to participate.

          Rule 2: General Rules 

Article 1: Start
The match will start with a coin toss or paddle spin. The winner will chose to serve or receive or which end to play on. The other participant will have the alternate choice.

Article 2: Serve
On the serve, the ball shall be placed in the palm of the flat hand about the level of the playing surface. The ball should be tossed upwards, with no spin, and struck as it is descending. A serve that touches the net and proceeds over into the opposing team's side is considered a let. The server will then receive another attempt to serve. There is no limitation to the number of lets permitted per service. The player or pair who served first in game one shall receive the first serve in the second game. The rotation continues at the start of each subsequent game.

Article 3: Scoring
Each player serves 2 consecutive points then receives 2 consecutive points. Players or pairs shall switch sides after each game. In the fifth game, the players or pairs shall switch ends when someone reaches the score of 5. Matches are best 3-out-of-5 games. Matches may be shortened to 2-out-of-3 by mutual agreement of both players/teams. Each game is to 11 points. If the score reaches 10-10, the service changes after each point until one player gains a two-point advantage.

Article 4: Other Rules

  1. A shot is no good when it hits the side edge of the table below the white line.
  2. No sandpaper covered paddles are allowed.
  3. A player or his racket may not touch the net, its supports, or the playing surface while the ball is in play. The player shall lose the point.

Article 5: Doubles Additions

  1. Service must be from your right hand court into the opponent's right hand court.
  2. Each player must hit alternate shots. Each player (except the first server) receives service for 2 points, and then serves for 2 points after which his partner receives and serves.
  3. The pair choosing to serve in any game shall decide which partner shall do so. In the first game, the opposing pair shall then decide which shall be the first receiver.
  4. The initial order of receiving in following games shall be opposite to that in the proceeding game.
  5. In the last possible game, the receiving pair shall alter its order of receiving when either pair reaches the score 5.

Rule 3: Sportsmanship
Sportsmanship is an important part of intramural sports. Any player who uses foul language, violently protests a call, or curses an official or staff member, will be removed from the game and will automatically be suspended from his/her team's next game. In addition, he/she will have to meet with the Director of Intramural Sports during office hours (Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) before he/she is eligible to participate again. Any player who touches an official or staff member will be placed on suspension from all Intramural activities for a minimum period of one calendar year from the time of the incident.