1.
Next Server
Umpires hand signal for 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".
In a team match the name of the Association may be used instead of, or as well as, the player's name -
for example "Smith of England to serve" or "England to serve".
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.
This may be followed by the name of the next server, but this should be decided before the event starts
so that all umpires at an event act consistently.
2. Let or Announcement
Umpires hand signal for a let
When the umpire declares a let, he or she should raise one hand above their head.
If there is an assistant umpire, 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.
3. Awarding a point
Umpires hand signal for 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.
The umpire should then call first the number of points scored by the player or pair due to serve next,
then the number of points scored by the opposing player or pair.
The umpire should normally call the score as soon as the rally has been decided and not wait until he or
she judges that the players are ready to resume play.
However, if there is loud applause or a player is retrieving the ball from the back of the playing area, the
umpire may prefer to delay his or her call slightly until satisfied that the players will be able to hear it.
Hand signals with Yellow, Red and White Cards
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, i.e. raising their arm above head height - 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 the playing surface.
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 least 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 receiver.
In addition to this hand signal, the umpire can say ... "hidden by (elbow / shoulder / head /
partner)"
TAMA o FALSE
1. During a team match, the umpire can announce the name of the player's association instead of the
player's name, such as "Smith of England to serve."
2. The umpire points to the next server with an open hand when it's time to change servers in a table
tennis match.
3. After declaring a let, the umpire raises one hand above their head to signal the decision.
4. When awarding a point, the umpire raises their arm with a closed hand on the side nearest to the
player who won the point.
5. In the case of loud applause or players retrieving the ball, the umpire may delay announcing the score
until players can hear it.
6. The umpire raises a white card when signaling a time-out in a table tennis match.
7. If the ball is hidden from the receiver during a service, the umpire can say "hidden by elbow" or
another body part.
8. The umpire can issue a red card by raising their arm above head height while holding the card towards
the offending player.
9. An illegal service occurs when the ball is not thrown vertically upward, and the umpire may indicate
this with a hand signal.
10. The umpire can point out that the ball is below the level of the playing surface as an illegal service
fault.
