Worcester State

Intramural Table Tennis Rules

Before each game, players must first check in with the official. Each player must present a valid WSU student ID before each contest to be eligible to participate - No Exceptions.

Gameplay

• Players will rock, paper, scissors for serve (you can choose serve, hand off serve, or choose side)
• The server strikes the ball with the racket so that it touches first his/her court and then touches directly the receiver’s court without touching the net assembly.
• If the service is “good”, then the receiver must make a “good” return by hitting the ball back before it bounces a second time on receiver’s side of the table so that the ball passes the net and touches the opponent’s court, either directly or after touching the net assembly. Thereafter, the server and receiver must alternately make a return until the rally is over.
• A let is a rally of which the result is not score, and is called in the following circumstances:
  • The ball touches the net in service, provided the serve is otherwise correct
  • When the player on the receiving side is not ready and the service is delivered
  • Player’s failure to make a service or a return due to a disturbance outside the control of the player
  • Play is interrupted by the official
• Unless the rally is a let, a player shall score a point
  • If an opponent fails to make a correct serve
  • If an opponent fails to make a correct return
  • If, after he or she has made a service or return, the ball touches anything other than the net assembly before being struck by an opponent
  • If the ball, after being struck by an opponent, passes through the net or between the net and the net post or between the net and the playing surface
  • If an opponent obstructs the ball
  • If an opponent deliberately strikes the ball twice in succession
  • If an opponent strikes the ball with a side of the racket blade whose surface is not covered with rubber
  • If an opponent moves the playing surface
  • If an opponent touches the net assembly
  • If an opponent’s hand touches the playing surface
• The player first scoring 11 points shall win a game; an opponent must win by two. A match shall consist of the best of five games.
• When a ball hits a side/corner and bounces untrue
  • If the ball bounces back up even slightly, it will be counted as legal
  • If the ball bounces horizontally or downward, the point will go to the receiver
• Service alternates between opponents every two points (after odd points, regardless of winner of rally) until the end of the game, unless both players score ten points, each player only serves one point in turn. Player serving first in a game shall receive first in the next game of the match.
• After each game players switch sides of the table