Modified Service Rule

The following was copied from the ITTF website and contains the text of the new service law and the intent of the change of regulations. This information can be confirmed at the following internet address:

http://www.ittf.com/ITTF_Hand_Book/Hand_Book_pdf.html

Modified Service Rule (in red) effective 1 September 2003, as approved at the ITTF’s AGM in April 2003 in Paris:


2.6 A GOOD SERVICE
2.6.1 Service shall start with the ball resting freely on the open palm of the server's stationary free hand.
2.6.2 The server shall then project the ball near vertically upwards, without imparting spin, so that it rises at least 16cm after leaving the palm of the free hand and then falls without touching anything before being struck.
2.6.3 As the ball is falling the server shall strike it so that it touches first his court and then, after passing over or around the net assembly, touches directly the receiver's court; in doubles, the ball shall touch successively the right half court of server and receiver.
2.6.4 From the start of service until it is struck, the ball shall be above the level of the playing surface and behind the server's end line, and it shall not be hidden from the receiver by any part of the body or clothing of the server or his doubles partner, as soon as the ball has been projected, the server’s free arm shall be removed from the space between the server’s body and the net.
2.6.5 It is the responsibility of the player to serve so that the umpire or the assistant umpire can see that he complies with the requirements for a good service.
2.6.5.1 If there is no Assistant Umpire, and the umpire is doubtful of the legality of a service he may, on the first occasion in a match, warn the server without awarding a point.
2.6.5.2 If subsequently in the match a service by that player or his doubles partner is of dubious legality, for the same reason or for any other reason, the receiver shall score a point.
2.6.5.3 2.6.5.3 Whenever there is a clear failure to comply with the requirements for a good service, no warning shall be given and the receiver shall score a point.
2.6.6. Exceptionally, the umpire may relax the requirements for a good service where he is satisfied that compliance is prevented by physical disability.

The New Service Rule - Clarification

From the ITTF Website

	Downloadable PDF
	Clarifications from the ITTF Rules Committee Chairman, Rudi Sporrer, on rule 2.6.4, decided at the AGM 2003 in Paris

The Rule

2.6.4
From the start of service until it is struck, the ball shall be above the level of the playing surface and behind the server's end line, and it shall not be hidden from the receiver by any part of the body or clothing of the server or his doubles partner; as soon as the ball has been projected, the server's free arm shall be removed from the space between the server's body and the net.

'Where ?'

'The space between the server?s body and the net' is the imaginary vertical four-sided column defined by the farthest parts of the net posts and the 2 parts of the server?s trunk (= body except head legs and arms) being farthest left and farthest right relating to his end line (see yellow area of the attached diagram).

'When ?'

The free arm (= the arm connected to the free hand as in 2.5.6) has to be removed from the space described above at the moment the ball leaves the free hand and has to remain outside this space until the ball is struck.