During the Match
- When your umpire calls you to start your warm up, remember that you have only 2 minutes of hitting up. Most players will hit forehand to forehand counter hits for a while, then backhand to backhand counter hits, and maybe a few loops each. The idea is to co-operate in hitting the ball to where the opponent knows it is going, so you both can hit as many balls as possible during the 2 minutes.
- Don't be afraid to ask to see the rubbers that your opponent is using, you are perfectly entitled to do so. Don't grab his bat from him though, and don't put your fingers on his rubber. You have the right to examine his racket, not put greasy finger marks all over it! The same goes for your opponent looking at your bat, you must show it to him if he asks, but you do not have to allow him to touch it if you don't want to.
- You can bring your towel onto the court with you, but remember to place it in the baskets provided at the side of the umpire. If there are no baskets to hold your towel, put it on the floor next to the umpire or under the side of the table - don't ask him to hold it for you!
- Don't bring your water bottle onto the court. A small spill of water can be very slippery when stepped upon. Keep your water bottles outside the playing barriers, and get a drink between games.
- When changing ends between games, leave your bat on the table. This rule is to stop players being sneaky and swapping bats without the umpire or other player noticing. Remember, changing bats is not allowed unless your first bat is damaged, and then you must get the umpire's permission.
- You have 1 minute of rest time between games, and can call one 1 minute time-out at any time during the match. You must not go more than 3 meters (or around 10 feet) away from the playing area during these breaks - no disappearing to get a drink or a snack!
- Never ever hit, kick or punch the table or surrounds. They are expensive and can easily be ruined by rough treatment. No matter how good you get - never forget this rule.
- When your ball goes onto somebody else's court - wait at the side of their court and raise your hand to let the umpire or players know that you are waiting to get the ball back. Let the umpire of that match (or if there is no umpire, the players themselves) call the let - it is his job to decide whether a let is necessary, not yours. Do not ever go through the barriers to get your ball from other players' court unless invited to do so either - this is considered to be very rude.
- When you make a lucky shot, such as a net or edge, acknowledge it. Most professionals simply raise their hand or bat to do so, but you can say 'Sorry' as well, provided you say it in a sincere manner (even if you don't mean it!).
- Don't yell out self-encouragement after every single point, or loudly congratulate yourself after every point you win. Be considerate of the players on the courts near you. Most professionals set the best example, where they wait for a very good shot or a very important point before raising the volume. The pros are playing for big money and prestige and they can still behave with sportsmanship, so make sure you can as well, no matter what level you play.
- During the match, follow the rules and the spirit of the rules (you do know the rules, don't you?). Remember that the umpire has the final word about point of fact (he gets the final say on what actually happened, such as whether it was a let serve, or an edge ball). On close calls, you can give your opinion, and if your opponent agrees, most umpires will go along with both of you (but just remember, if the umpire is sure he is right, he doesn't have to change his mind just because the players say so!).
- If you think an umpire is interpreting the rules incorrectly (the service rule is the most common example), you should politely ask the umpire to get the referee. The referee has the final word on what the rules mean, and is responsible for making sure the umpire is interpreting the rules correctly. Don't argue with the umpire - just let the referee do his job.
- If you do not have an umpire and you and your opponent disagree on a close call, suggest playing a let and replaying the point. If your opponent does not agree to this, then you can either allow him to have the point or go to see the Tournament Committee and request an umpire for the rest of the match.
After the Match
- Keep your celebrations in proportion to the match - don't go running laps around the table pumping your arms for a first round win against a beginner.
- Shake hands after match with your opponent and your umpire. Make sure you give a sincere thank you and make eye contact - the latest trend of slapping hands while looking the other way is one to avoid.
- Don't leave the venue straight away after a loss - check with the control desk first to make sure that you are not required to umpire one of the remaining matches. If you won - time to get ready for your next match!
