Table tennis is a sport that combines skill, strategy, and good sportsmanship. To ensure everyone has a positive experience, we encourage players to follow these etiquette guidelines:
Before and During the Match:
- Warm-up: Take a few minutes to warm up and practice with your opponent before starting a match.
- Let Serves: If a serve clips the net and lands on the opponent's side, call "let" and replay the serve.
- Apologies: If your shot hits the net cord and goes over, or if a ball unexpectedly bounces off the table edge, offer a quick apology after the point is over.
- Retrieve Balls: Help retrieve balls that have gone off the table, even if they are not yours.
- Focus: Avoid distractions like loud conversations or excessive movement while others are playing.
- Respect Decisions: Accept line calls and umpire decisions gracefully.
- Avoid Delaying Tactics: Don't excessively towel off or stall between points.
Sportsmanship:
- Win and Lose Gracefully: Offer a handshake and congratulations to the winner. If you win, be humble and avoid excessive celebration.
- Avoid Trash Talk: Refrain from negative comments or gestures towards your opponent.
- Fair Play: Follow the rules and avoid trying to gain an unfair advantage.
- Share Tables: If others are waiting, be willing to share the table or rotate in after a reasonable time (20 Minute Knock or best of 5 games)
Additional Tips:
- Attire: Wear comfortable athletic clothing and non-marking shoes - where possible please change outdoor shoes before entering the courts.
- Equipment: Take care of the table tennis equipment (e.g., nets, balls) and avoid damaging them.
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Remember: Table tennis is meant to be fun! By showing respect for your opponent and the game itself, everyone can have an enjoyable experience.
Important Reminders:
- Floor: Please wear clean, indoor shoes when playing on the courts to help maintain the floor surface - we suggest that you bring a spare pair to change into.
- Doors: If you open the doors by Courts 2 & 3 or the front door, please make sure they are securely closed afterward. Remind other members to do the same.
- Bookings:
- Always book a court before coming to play.
- Cancel your booking if you can't make it.
- Outer Site Barriers: The outer barriers are now being closed in the evenings, even if members are still inside. We have no control over this. If you get stuck, the barrier code is posted on the board at the club.
- Club Access: The club is open 24/7 for members only. You can request permission from the committee for a non-member to play for a fee on rare occasions when you don't have another member to play with.
- Members from Other Clubs: Members from other local league clubs can join the club for a fee (contact the committee for details). Otherwise, non-members cannot use the facilities except during the designated session at 7pm on Sundays.