What Should I Wear

What Should I Wear

If new to the game, or even a veteran, it's good to know what is the acceptable "dress code" of table tennis.

The official (and international) rules regarding player clothing is outlined in the ITTF Handbook.

3.2.2  Playing Clothing  Playing clothing shall consist of a short-sleeved or sleeveless shirt and shorts or skirt or one-part sports outfits, socks and playing shoes; other garments, such as part or all of a tracksuit, shall not be worn during play except with the permission of the referee.  The main colour of a shirt, skirt or shorts, other than sleeves and collar of a shirt shall be clearly different from that of the ball in use.  Clothing may bear numbers or lettering on the back of the shirt to identify a player,his or her Association or, in club matches, his or her club, and advertisements in accordance with the provisions of; if the back of a shirt bears the player’s name, this shall be situated just below the collar.  Any numbers required by organisers to identify a player shall have priority over advertisements on the centre part of the back of a shirt; such numbers shall be contained within a panel having an area not greater than 600cm  Any markings or trimming on the front or side of a playing garment and any objects such as jewellery worn by a player shall not be so conspicuous or brightly reflecting as to unsight an opponent.  Clothing shall not carry designs or lettering which might cause offence or bring the game into disrepute.  The players of a team taking part in a team match, and players of the same Association forming a doubles pair ina World,Olympic or Paralympic Title Competition, shall be dressed uniformly, with the possible exception of socks, shoes and the number, size, colour and design of advertisements on clothing. Players of the same Association forming a doubles pair in other international competitions may wear clothes of different manufacturers, if the basic colours are the same and their National Association authorises this procedure.  Opposing players and pairs shall wear shirts that are of sufficiently different colours to enable them to be easily distinguished by spectators.  Where opposing players or teams have a similar shirt and cannot agree which of them will change, the decision shall be made by the umpire by lot.  Players competing in a World,Olympic or Paralympic title competition or Open International Championships shall wear shirt and shorts or skirt of types authorised by their Association.

The ITTF handbook can be found on their website at http://www.ittf.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/2017_ITTF_Handbook.pdf

At the club we are a little more "relaxed" however there are several dress code rules and a couple of sportsmanship ones that should be followed.

  • Non-marking shoes must be worn.
  • No bare feet, flip-flops or thongs. 
  • No sleeveless shirts.
  • Clothing should NOT be predominantly white in colour.  This is because the ball is white.
  • No offensive slogans, images etc.

If you are struggling to find a suitable playing shirt why not get a club shirt?

If you have any questions regarding clothing speak to one of the club's qualified umpires or the committee.