HAND SIGNALS (TABLE TENNIS)

In 1981 the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) introduced hand signals for use by international
umpires.

In addition to controlling the match with verbal communication, umpires can also use approved hand
signals to indicate certain decisions,

Umpires are instructed that these hand signals should be clear and positive but not unnecessarily
flamboyant or aggressive.

Umpires must also ensure that hand signals are clearly separated. For example, they should not indicate
a point scored with one arm and simultaneously indicate the next server with the other arm.

However, we need to be aware that the use of hand signals is included in the Regulations for
International Competitions rather than laws (rules) of table tennis.

These are the three most common hand signals.

● NEXT SERVER

At the start of a match or game the umpire should...

1. Announce the family name (surname) of the player due to serve

first - for example "Smith to serve" and

2. Point to the server with an open hand and

3. Announce the score - "Love All" (or "Zero-Zero)

The score "0" may be expressed as either "zero" or "love".

This hand signal is also used when a change of server is due. The umpire should point to the next server
with an open hand.

● LET OR ANNOUNCEMENT

When the umpire declares a let, he or she should raise one

hand above their head.

If there is an assistant, he or she should also use the same

hand signal to attract the umpire's attention when making a
decision within his or her jurisdiction.

The umpire should then repeat the score to show that no

point has been scored.
But the hand signal used most often...

● Awarding a point

When a point has been won, the umpire should raise their arm on
the side nearest to the player or pair who won it, so that their
upper arm is horizontal and their forearm is vertical, with the
closed hand upward.

Let's now take a look at...

Hand signals with Yellow, Red and White Cards

In 1991 the ITTF introduced yellow and red cards for

misbehavior and/or when the rules sre broken.

When issuing a yellow or red card, the umpire should raise

their arm above head height and hold up a yellow or red card
towards the offender, without leaving their chair.

and in 1999 the ITTF introduced time-outs/White cards.

the umpire should use the same hand signal but with a white
card.

Other Hand Signals - Illegal Service

1. Ball not resting on palm.

in addition to this hand signal, the umpire can say..."Ball

resting on the fingers"
2. Palm not open and flat.

in addition to this hand signal, the umpire can say..."Palm

not opened".

3. Ball not above the level of playing sirface

in addition to this hand signal, the umpire can say..."below

the playing surface".

4. Ball not behind the server's end line

in addition to this hand signal, the umpire can say..."inside

the end line".

5. Ball not thrown up at 16cm (approx 6 inches)

in addition to this hand signal, the umpire can say..."not high enough".

6. Ball not projected near vertically upwards.

the finger will indicate an arc shape.

in addition to this hand signal, the umpire can say..."not

vertically".

7. Ball hidden from the reciever

in addition to this hand signal, the umpire can say..."hidden by (elbow/shoulder/head/partner)"