Table Tennis Referee & Umpire Guide
Official Roles, Service Enforcement, Let Calls, Edge Balls, Expedite System & Misconduct Handling
Last updated: April 6, 2026
Table tennis officiating uses a two-person crew: the umpire (seated at net level on one side of the table) has primary authority over all match decisions, while the assistant umpire (seated at the opposite end) supports with edge ball calls, service legality, and towel break management. The umpire calls the score after every point, enforces service rules (16cm toss, visible ball, correct bounce), declares lets, and manages the expedite system when applicable. At major ITTF events, a referee oversees the entire competition and resolves disputes that the match umpire cannot settle.
The Umpire: Primary Match Official
The umpire is the primary official for each table tennis match. They sit at a small table positioned to the side of the playing surface at net level, giving them a clear view of the net, service, and play on both sides.
Core responsibilities:
- Calling the score aloud after every point (server's score first, then receiver's)
- Declaring the start of each rally by calling "ready" and then the score
- Enforcing service rules (toss height, visibility, correct bounce sequence)
- Calling lets (net serves, interruptions, receiver not ready)
- Deciding edge balls — whether the ball struck the top playing surface or the side of the table
- Managing timeouts — each player/pair is entitled to one timeout of up to 1 minute per match
- Monitoring toweling — players may towel down every 6 points (when the combined score is a multiple of 6) and at the changeover between sets
- Activating the expedite system when applicable
- Issuing warnings and penalties for misconduct (yellow card, yellow + red, red)
- Maintaining tempo — ensuring play resumes promptly between points
Authority: The umpire's decisions on matters of fact during the match are final. The match referee (competition-level official) can only intervene on questions of law (rule interpretation), not on factual calls like edge balls or service legality.
Positioning: The umpire sits with the net directly to their left or right (depending on convention), at the same height as the playing surface. This position provides the best angle for judging net lets, edge balls, and service toss height.
| Role | Position | Primary |
|---|---|---|
| Umpire | Side of table, net level | Score calling, service enforcement, lets, edge balls, timeouts, misconduct |
| Assistant Umpire | Opposite end of table | Edge balls on far end, service legality support, towel break timing, expedite counting |
| Referee | Competition-wide (not at table) | Rule interpretation disputes, competition management, umpire assignments |
Service Rules Enforcement
Service legality is the most frequently contested area of table tennis officiating. The umpire must verify all of the following on every serve:
1. Open palm, stationary ball: The ball must rest freely on the server's open, flat palm (fingers extended, not cupped). The ball must be stationary before the toss begins. Spinning the ball on the palm or holding it with the fingers is a fault.
2. Toss height — minimum 16cm: The server must toss the ball near-vertically upward at least 16cm from the resting position on the palm. The umpire judges this by eye — there is no measuring device. In practice, the umpire watches for a visible upward trajectory that clearly separates the ball from the hand.
3. Striking on the descent: The server must contact the ball after it has passed the peak of the toss and is descending. Striking the ball while it is still rising is a fault.
4. Correct bounce sequence: The ball must bounce first on the server's side, then on the receiver's side. If the ball goes directly over the net without bouncing on the server's side, it is a fault.
5. Visibility: The ball must be visible to the umpire, the assistant umpire, and the receiver from the moment it leaves the server's palm through the moment of contact. The server may not hide the ball behind their free arm, hand, head, or body during the toss or strike. This is the most commonly violated service rule.
Warning procedure for illegal serves: At major ITTF events, the umpire may issue a warning for a first illegal serve (let is called, no point awarded). Subsequent illegal serves in the same match result in a fault (point to the receiver). In some competitions, the umpire calls a fault immediately without a warning.
Let Calls: When a Rally Is Replayed
A let is a stoppage where the point is not counted and the rally is replayed. The umpire calls a let in the following situations:
1. Net serve (service let): The serve touches the net assembly (the net, its suspension, or the posts) but otherwise lands legally on the receiver's side. This is the most common let call. There is no limit to consecutive service lets — if the serve hits the net 10 times in a row and lands legally each time, 10 lets are called.
2. Receiver not ready: If the receiver is clearly not in position or not prepared when the server serves, the umpire calls a let. The receiver cannot simply stand passively and claim they weren't ready after losing the rally — the umpire must judge whether a genuine lack of readiness was apparent before the serve was struck.
3. External disturbance: If play is interrupted by a ball from an adjacent table, a loud noise, a person walking through the playing area, or any other external factor beyond the players' control, the umpire calls a let.
4. Expedite system — umpire error: If the umpire or assistant umpire incorrectly stops play (e.g., miscounting returns under the expedite system), a let is called.
What is NOT a let:
- The ball touching the net during a rally (after the serve) — play continues.
- A ball that hits the net on the serve and goes off the side of the table — this is a fault (point to receiver), not a let.
- The server tossing the ball and catching it without striking — this is allowed if the umpire judges the player was not attempting to serve, but the umpire may warn against repeated deliberate no-serves.
Edge Ball Decisions
Edge ball calls are among the most difficult and controversial decisions in table tennis. The distinction is simple in theory but extremely challenging in practice at match speed:
Top edge = IN: If the ball strikes the top edge of the playing surface (the flat top of the table), it is a legal ball. The ball changes direction unpredictably — often skidding low or bouncing sideways — making it nearly impossible to return. The point counts.
Side = OUT: If the ball strikes the side of the table (the vertical face below the top edge), it is out. The opponent scores the point.
How the umpire decides: The key visual cue is the ball's trajectory after contact. A ball hitting the top edge typically bounces upward or forward (even if at a sharp angle), while a ball hitting the side typically deflects downward or away without an upward bounce component. The sound can also help — edge balls on the top surface produce a distinctive "click" different from a side hit.
Assistant umpire's role: The assistant umpire, positioned at the far end of the table, often has a better angle for edge ball calls on their end. If the umpire is unsure, they may consult the assistant umpire — but the umpire makes the final decision.
Player disputes: Edge balls are a frequent source of disputes. In recreational play without officials, good sportsmanship dictates that if there is genuine doubt, the point is replayed. In officiated matches, the umpire's call is final.
| Contact | Result |
|---|---|
| Top edge of playing surface | LEGAL — point counts, play continues |
| Side of table (below top edge) | OUT — point to opponent |
| Net assembly during serve | LET — rally replayed (if serve otherwise legal) |
| Net assembly during rally | LEGAL — play continues |
Time Limits, Toweling & Breaks
Table tennis has several time-management rules that the umpire must enforce:
Between points: Play should be continuous throughout a match. Excessive delay between points is not permitted. The umpire may issue a warning for deliberate time-wasting and can award a point to the opponent for persistent delays.
Toweling rule: Players may towel down (wipe sweat with a towel) at specific intervals:
- When the combined score of both players reaches a multiple of 6 (e.g., at 3-3, 5-1, 4-2, 7-5, etc.)
- At the changeover between sets
- At other times only with the umpire's permission (e.g., after a long rally that leaves a player visibly sweating)
The umpire tracks the combined score and announces when toweling is permitted.
Timeouts: Each player (or pair in doubles) is entitled to one timeout of up to 1 minute per match. The player or coach signals for a timeout, and the umpire stops the clock. The timeout can be taken between any two points.
Injury timeout: If a player is injured during play, the umpire may allow a medical timeout of up to 10 minutes. If the player cannot resume after 10 minutes, the match is forfeited. A player can receive medical attention only once per match for the same injury.
Changeover between sets: Players have up to 1 minute between sets. They may remain at the table or leave the playing area briefly. In the deciding set, players switch ends when either reaches 5 points, and play resumes immediately — no additional break is given.
Umpiring the Expedite System
The expedite system is activated when a set has lasted 10 minutes and fewer than 18 points have been scored (combined). The umpire manages this with support from the assistant umpire:
Activation procedure:
- The umpire stops play (if a rally is in progress, the rally is completed first and the result stands).
- The umpire announces: "Expedite" and the system takes effect from the next point.
- Play continues under expedite rules for the remainder of the match.
Counting returns: Under the expedite system, the assistant umpire (or a designated counter) counts the receiver's returns aloud: "1, 2, 3... up to 13." If the receiver successfully returns the ball 13 times, the receiver is awarded the point automatically. The server's initial stroke is not counted.
Service rotation: Service alternates every single point under the expedite system (same as deuce rules).
Umpire judgment: The umpire must be prepared to explain the expedite system to players who may be unfamiliar with it, particularly at amateur or lower-level events where it is rarely seen. The umpire should warn both players when 9 minutes have elapsed, giving them advance notice that the expedite system may be activated.
In practice: The expedite system is extremely rare in modern table tennis with 11-point sets. It was more common under the old 21-point system, particularly in matches between defensive players.
Doubles Rotation Umpiring
Umpiring doubles table tennis requires tracking the strict hitting and serving rotation:
Hitting order: Players must alternate hits in the sequence: A serves → X receives → B returns → Y returns → A returns → X returns → and so on. If a player hits the ball out of sequence, the umpire immediately awards the point to the opposing pair.
Service rotation within a set: The umpire must track the 4-player serving and receiving rotation:
- Player A serves to Player X (2 points)
- Player X serves to Player B (2 points)
- Player B serves to Player Y (2 points)
- Player Y serves to Player A (2 points)
- Cycle repeats
Between sets: At the start of each new set, the team that received in the previous set now serves. The serving team chooses which player serves, and the receiving team chooses which player receives. This means the serving and receiving assignments can change between sets.
In the deciding set (changeover at 5): When a pair reaches 5 points in the deciding set, pairs switch ends AND the receiving pair must switch their receiver. The player who was not receiving at the time of the changeover becomes the new receiver.
Common errors the umpire catches:
- Wrong player serving (out of rotation)
- Wrong player receiving
- Same player hitting twice consecutively
- Serving to the wrong diagonal half
The umpire should keep a written rotation chart to track the correct order throughout the match.
Misconduct: Warnings, Penalties & Sanctions
The umpire has authority to manage player behavior through a progressive discipline system:
Yellow Card — Warning: Issued for a first offense of misconduct. Behaviors that warrant a yellow card include:
- Deliberately damaging the ball, table, or surroundings
- Swearing or using abusive language
- Deliberately delaying play
- Behaving in a way that brings the sport into disrepute
- Coaching during play from someone not designated as the official advisor
A yellow card is a warning only — no points are deducted.
Yellow + Red Card — Penalty Point: Issued for a second offense (or a more serious first offense). The opponent is awarded 1 penalty point. If the misconduct involves the same behavior as the initial warning, the yellow + red is automatic.
Red Card — Two Penalty Points: Issued for a third offense or a particularly serious incident. The opponent is awarded 2 penalty points.
Removal from the match: For extremely serious misconduct (physical aggression, threatening behavior, intentional injury), the umpire can report to the match referee, who has the authority to disqualify the player and remove them from the competition.
Coaching rules: Players may receive coaching advice from their designated advisor only during timeouts and between sets — not during play or between individual points. The umpire may warn and then penalize coaches who attempt to coach during rallies or between points.
Practical tips for umpires:
- Stay calm and professional when issuing cards
- Show the card clearly to the player, the referee (if present), and the scorer
- Record the offense on the match report
- Do not engage in arguments with players about factual calls — the decision stands
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