Maureen Sherman selected for 2006 Commonwealth Games

Maureen Sherman has been selected to umpire at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne from 15 to 26 March 2006. Congratulations Maureen.

Maureen Sherman keen to see new umpires

Maureen Sherman is the Director, Technical on the Board of the Tasmanian Table Tennis Association Inc, and would be pleased to hear from anybody interested in becoming an umpire. Top umpires are invited to officiate at Championships around the world. If interested Maureen can be contacted at this EMail address: dsherman@tassie.net.au

Maureen Sherman now an International Umpire

Maureen Sherman recently qualified as an International Umpire. Congratulations Maureen.

Maureen Sherman to Umpire in Fiji

Local international umpire , Maureen Sherman of Cygnet has been invited to umpire at the Pacific Games to be held in Fiji in July. Congratulations Maureen.

Current Tasmanian Umpires

Clarification of New Service Rule

Issued by ITTF recently:

KEEP IT SIMPLE

Dear fellow umpires,

  Over the last few months I have received numerous emails regarding the new service rules that went into effect September 1, 2002.  Most were asking for guidance on how to apply the new rule of "The ball shall not be hidden from the receiver by any part of the body or clothing of the server or his doubles partner".

  Our objective should be "Keep it Simple" - there is no need to add personal interpretations or elements that are not written in the rule.  Applying a worldwide standard that is consistent with the written words is absolutely critical at this stage.

  The main purpose is to make the ball visible to the receiver at all times during service. The serving player or pair must not take any action which would prevent the receiver from seeing the ball from the time at which it leaves the server's hand until it is struck. Consider the intent of the law rather than dwelling on specific words or terms used - primarily:

  The ball must be visible to the RECEIVER at ALL times from the moment it leaves the free hand to the moment it is struck.  That is it - no more and no less.

  In applying the rule, when there is an umpire and assistant umpire at the table, then one of  them surely will see the entire path of the ball. If in the "judgement" of either the ball is not completely visible to the RECEIVER, then a fault must be called - and an explanation must be given.  Note, with two umpires present, there is no allowance for a warning as previously permitted. 

  When there is only one umpire, then he must "JUDGE" that the receiver sees the ball at all times during the serve, even if the umpire does not fully "SEE" the ball.  If in doubt, then the umpire can give a warning and explain to the player why the service is doubtful. Whenever there is a clear failure, no warning shall be given and the receiver shall score a point.

  The ways to "JUDGE" whether a service is legal or not when the umpire cannot "SEE" the ball are contained in the "interpretation of the rule". 

  1. As soon as the free hand and arm has projected the ball upwards, the free hand and arm must be "immediately" removed to the side. The free arm must not remain in any area between the ball and the receiver.

2. If the server could imagine a triangular space created by the ball and both net posts, then extends this space upwards to head level, the server must then ensure that no part of his body or clothing enters this space (or remains in this space) after he projects the ball upwards in service.

  The best service ITTF officials can provide to the sport at this time is to study the updated rules and regulations - posted on the ITTF website (www.ittf.com/service <http://www.ittf.com/service> ) and mailed to every association in June; read the official text, view the purpose and intent of the rule, look at the pictures and sample videos of proper and improver service actions.  Please pay particular attention to gallery photo 6 - that is a LEGAL service - even though the free hand is within the imaginary triangle between the ball and the net posts, it is above the ball and the ball is always visible to the receiver. 

  In the few events that implemented the new rules since September 1, 2002 - most players were complying with the wording and intent of the new rules.  A few were pushing the window by going as close as possible to the limits - that is acceptable. However, it is when a player exceeds the limits that the umpire must act.  Otherwise by not applying all of the rules - consistently and uniformly - the umpire is providing a disservice to the sport.   

  ITTF umpires should pay close attention to all elements of a proper service - not only what is new.  Just because the ball is visible to the receiver it does not mean that it can be thrown backwards or tossed less than 16cm. 

  The ITTF umpires and referees committee will release a set of video segments covering different aspects of service and behaviour examples and expected uniform actions by all umpires. More information will be mailed to each association and placed on the ITTF website under the Umpires and Referees Committee section.

  In the mean time, please share with us your ideas and suggestions on improving the process. You can find contact information by clicking here

  Aly Salam

Secretary of Umpires, URC