Ping Pong Rules

The Game

1. Participants are subject to all policies and procedures in the Intramural Handbook.
2. Game Scoring: Each game will be played to 11 points, must win by 2 points. Points can be scored by either the server or the receiver.
3. Match Scoring: Best 3 out of 5 games will decide the winner of the match.
4. Game Time: There will be a one-half hour time limit per match.  If the time limit expires during the final game of the match, the score at that time will determine the winner. If the game is tied or only one point separates the opponents, the first player ahead by two points will be awarded the game and match.
5. Time Outs: Each participant is allotted one time-out per game, one minute in length.
6. Rest Period between Games: A two-minute rest period is allowed between game one, two, three and four.  Players are not permitted to leave the table.  A three-minute rest period is allowed between the fourth and fifth game during which time players are allowed to leave the table.
7. Rights and Duties of Participants: The participants are responsible for officiating their own match.  If there is a dispute regarding score or rules violations, the supervisor will officiate.

Serving Regulations

1. Choice of the Order of Play:  The choice of ends and the right to be server or receiver in every match shall be decided by whoever is the highest seed.  The highest seed shall have the choice of either being server or receiver, or the choice of ends.  The other player will then take the remaining choice.
2. The Order of Service:
   1. Singles: After two points the receiver shall become the server, and the server the receiver, and so on after every two points until the end of the game or the score is 10-all. From the score 10-all the service shall change after each point until the end of the game.  The player who served first in a game shall be receiver first in the subsequent games and so on until the end of the match.
   2. Doubles: The first two services shall be delivered by the selected partner of the pair who have the right to do so and shall be received by the appropriate partner of the opposing pair.  The second five serves shall be delivered by the receiver of the first two serves.  The sequence is continued until the end of the game or the score of 10-all, when the sequence of service and receiving shall be uninterrupted, but each player shall serve only one service in turn until the end of the game. In each game of a match the initial order of receiving shall be opposite to that in the preceding game.
   3. A Good Service:  The ball shall be placed on the palm of the free hand, which must be stationary and above the level of the playing surface.  Service shall commence by the server projecting the ball by hand only, without imparting spin and nearly vertically upward at least 6 inches.  As the ball is descending, it shall be struck so that it touches first the server’s court and then passes directly over or around the net and touches the receiver’s court.  If, in attempting to serve, the server misses the ball altogether it is a lost point.
      1. In doubles, the service must pass diagonally, landing in the server’s right-hand court and then in the receiver’s right hand court.
      2. Order of Receiving for Doubles:
         1. The server shall first make a good service, the receiver shall then make a good return, and the partner of the server shall then make a good return.  The partner of the receiver shall then make a good return, the server shall then make a good return and thereafter each player alternately in that sequence shall make a good return.  Play will continue to alternate in this fashion until a point is won.
         2. If a player acts as receiver out of his turn, play shall be interrupted as soon as the mistake is discovered and shall continue with that player receiving who, according to the sequence established at the beginning of the game should be receiver at the score which has been reached.  In any circumstances all points scored before the discovery shall count.
         3. A Let: A service or rally which the result is not scored.
            1. If the ball served, in passing over the net, touches the net or the net supports and is otherwise good, a let is declared and the point is re-played.
            2. If the receiver is not ready to return the service and makes no attempt to strike at the ball, a let is declared.
            3. If the ball becomes split or otherwise fractured in play.
            4. If any outside interference (i.e. external ball, PA announcement) puts either or both players player at a disadvantage, a let may be declared.

Playing Regulations

1. Ball in Play:  The ball is in play from the moment at which it is projected from the hand in service until:
   1. The ball has touched one court twice consecutively.
   2. The ball has, except in service, touched each court alternately without having been struck by the racket intermediately.
   3. The ball has been struck by any player more than once consecutively.
   4. The ball has touched any player or anything that is worn or carried except the racket or racket hand below the wrist.
   5. The ball on the volley has come in contact with the racket or racket hand below the wrist.
   6. The ball touches any object other than the net or supports.
   7. Points Score:
      1. A server fails to make a good service.
      2. A player fails to make a good return when it is their turn to do so.
      3. A player, their racket, or anything they wear or carry, touches the net or its supports or moves the playing surface.
      4. A player’s freehand touches the playing surface while the ball is in play.
      5. Before the ball in play passes over the end lines or sidelines not having yet touched the playing surface on his side of the table, it comes in contact with the player or anything he wears or carries.
      6. At anytime either player volleys the ball before it comes into contact with the table.
      7. The Racket:  May be of any size, shape, or weight.  The blade may not be covered with sandpaper material.