Unit 7: Practical Sport Performance
Learning Outcomes, A+B
Owen Scarborough
Rules, Laws and Officiating
Introduction:
Within this assignment I will be taking you through the rules and regulations of the sport (table
tennis) which will include starting and restarting the game, the service orders of singles and
doubles, table dimensions, players, lets, scoring points, if the ball hits the nets and other rules
that are associated with table tennis. I will talk about the national governing bodies, length
of matches and breaks, and details of the table’s nets, any equipment used within table
tennis and jewelry etc. Also, some of the unwritten rules and etiquette of the sport. Roles and
responsibilities of the officials such as how many officials are required, describing their
appearance, fitness required, necessary qualifications, how they control play, enforcement
of rules. Also, the infringements within table tennis like rules that were broken, and officials
that were necessary at that time to prevent this rule break or to ensure that points are given
correctly. And analyzing all off the incorrect points being played and how poorly the game
is played and officiated.
Individual Sport: Table Tennis
Section 1 - Rules section
● AIM= The aim of the game is to hit the ball over then net onto the opponent’s side, a
point is generally won if your opponent fails to return the ball onto your side e.g., they
miss the ball, they don’t get the ball back onto your side, or the ball it’s the net. Or if
they are volleying the ball aka hit the ball before it bounces on their side of the table.
● SERVING IN SINGLES AND DOUBLES= Within serving in singles, a player takes two serves
before the ball switches over, and the opponent then has the next serve, it alternates
every two serves. Except during periods of extra play where it changes each time. The
first person to serve at the start of the game can be determined in many ways such as
rolling the ball back and picking a hand, or a flip of a coin. Service in singles can be
diagonal or in straight line depending on how the player serving feels fit for the best
benefit out of their service game to win them a point.
While in doubles service must be diagonal from the right side of the court (which is
marked by the white line) to the opposite side of the court which is the opponent’s
right half of the court. The service change overrules in doubles:
At the start of the game, the serving team decides which player will serve first within
their team, the first player to serve is A1 and:
 A1 serves to B1 (two services)
 B1 then serves to A2 (two services)
 A2 the serves to B2 (two services)
 B2 the serves to A1 (two services)
This then needs to be repeated continuously until 1 team wins, however if the game
ventures into extra play instead of two serves each then swap, it’s 1 serve each and then
swap. After the first point is won the team who didn’t serve in the last point serve first within
the next point.
 TABLE DIMENSIONS= Table tennis tables and dimensions of nets etc. do not change for
singles and doubles other than the central white line placed in the center of the table.
The markings of fully regulated table tennis table should consist of 2cm end line at
each end of the table and a 2cm sideline that travels the full way around the edge of
the table, and a 3mm center line for doubles so they are able to serve diagonally to
Unit 7: Practical Sport Performance
Learning Outcomes, A+B
Owen Scarborough
their opponent without any obstruction. While this doesn’t apply for singles due to
them being able to serve anywhere, they want being straight or diagonally. Other
dimensions required on a table tennis table created by the ITTF are:
 274cm in length, 152.5 cm in width, and 76cm in height
 There are no restrictions on the thickness of the table, however it must achieve a ball
being able to bounce 26cm, after being dropped from
a 30cm height.
 There is no weight limit, but generally the weight of an
average table tennis table is around about 136kg.
 There is no color specification on the table if it is a darker
color with a matte finish.
And as for the material of a table tennis table there is no legal
requirement on the material but in regulated games the main
materials used tend to be MDF or HDF.
● PLAYERS= Within a game of table tennis there is two ways that it can be played, these
are as singles or as duos. Now, within singles you only have one player at either end of
the table returning it to each other until one of them wins enough points to win the
game. While in duos you will have two people at either end of the table taking in turns
to return, receive, and serve the ball. Those who play singles, cannot compete against
those who play singles. Aka one person cannot play two people at once as it puts
them both at a disadvantage. Unlike many sports, Table tennis is an equal opportunity
sport, in many tournaments’ adults play kids, and men can play women if they want
too.
● SERVE= Within serving in table tennis the serves are an important part of the rules, you
must start with an open palm so that you can’t put any spin on the ball and catch the
opponent out. The ball must be thrown vertically in the air 16cm so that the opponent
will always be able to see the ball and are always at a fair game or thrown up too net
height. The ball must be above and behind the table to ensure the opponent can
again always see the ball, so they have a fair chance of returning the ball. Once the
serve has been taken the opponent must get their hand and free arm out of the way
to ensure there is no impeding of the players view. The only difference on the serve is
that in singles you can serve anywhere on the table but in doubles you must serve
diagonally to the opponent.
● HOW DOES A LET WORK= On a serve, if the ball hits the net, but still bounces on the
opponent’s side of the table that point is a let. This means that the point needs to be
replayed. However, if the ball hits the net and doesn’t make it over the net, the
opponent will receive a point.
● SCORING= A game of table tennis is now played up too 11 points, the winner is the
team that normally hits 11 first however, if the game reaches 10-10 this is called deuce
and the game must be won by two points. The game can be won on anyone’s serve
as it is always alternating between the players on every two serves. In table tennis it is
best 3 of games, if the game reaches 11-11 you continue playing until you have won
by two points over the opponent. You can earn points by the opponent being unable
to return the ball to you, you unable to return the ball, the ball going off the table,
hitting the net or even volleying can earn you or your opponent a point.
● WHAT HAPPENS IF THE BALL HITS THE NET? Within a serve if the ball hits the net and stays
on your side that is a point to the opponent, if you serve and the ball hits the net and
goes over that is called a let and the point is replayed. If the ball goes round the net in
Unit 7: Practical Sport Performance
Learning Outcomes, A+B
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Owen Scarborough
either a rally or a serve and hits the table, you will still get the point. Within a rally if the
ball hits the net and doesn’t go over the net then the opponent gets the point,
however if the ball hits the net and slows down and bounces on their side before they
can get too it then it’s your point, but you don’t cheer about this point as its unfair and
not good etiquette, so you apologize.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOUR BAT OR ANY BODY PART TOUCHES THE TABLE? You are able
touch the table with your racket hand without losing a point for example if you are
leaning in for a short serve and you touch the table with your racket hand then there is
no issue with this, however in the incident that the table moves when you touch it
leaning in then in that case you will be deducted a point. Also, the only body part that
you cannot touch the table with is your free hand, if you’re in a rally and your free
hand touches the table because you’re using it too lean on then you will be deducted
a point immediately and the other opponent will get that point for that round.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU SERVE INTO THE NET? If you serve into the net on your serve and
the ball does not go over, then this will result in the opponent taking that point, and
even resulting in them taking the lead. But in the case that the ball hits the net and
lands on the opponent’s side, this is called a let and the point will be replayed until the
point is won fairly by one of both performers.
STARTING AND RETSARTING GAMES= Starting and restarting games in table tennis
alternate as usual, whoever started serve in the first game will then serve second in the
next game and the games are best of 3m out of 5 games and you will always
alternate who starts game. If restarting a game midway through you will just continue
and restart from the serve that you left out on so that the game in continued fairly but
the officials will ensure this is all carried out correctly, so the performers have a fair
playing game.
WHAT OTHER RULES ARE THERE LINKED TO TABLE TENNIS? Of course, in table tennis you
have all the official rules that must be followed to ensure that all points are won fairly
and that the game is correctly officiated, not only so tournaments and games can be
ran correctly but also to ensure the unique nature of the game is never lost. But we
cannot forget the importance of etiquette and non-written rules within the sport, for
example midway through a rally if the ball hits the net and bounces on the
opponent’s side and they’re unable to get the ball back over the net you apologize
due to the luck and unfair nature of the point, sometimes even give them a free point
in return. This is etiquette of the game. There is also the banning system of 1, 2 and 3.
The banning system is used in case of illegal play, violent acts and other bad
infringements. Level 1 is a verbal warning, if this is repeated, they will be shown level 2
which is a yellow card, and in the unlikely circumstances that level 3 is needed for
repetitive bad play etc. then a red card will be shown to the player and the game will
most likely will be abandoned and a fine to the illegal performer.
Section 2 - Regulations
● NATIONAL GOVERNING BODY FOR TABLE TENNIS= The national governing body for
table tennis are called The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). The role of the
ITTF includes to oversee the rules and regulations in table tennis to see if any
improvements can be made in the future to make the sport more interesting to play
and to watch. Also too be able to search and watch for any technological
advancements that can be bought into the sport to allow for more accurate pointing
system, so all decisions are fully correct and there is no unfair judgement. Also, the ITTF
Unit 7: Practical Sport Performance
Learning Outcomes, A+B
Owen Scarborough
take care of the banning system, which is of 1, 2 and 3 stages. The banning system is
used in case of illegal play, violent acts, and other bad infringements. Level 1 is a
verbal warning, if this is repeated, they will be shown level 2 which is a yellow card,
and in the unlikely circumstances that level 3 is needed for repetitive bad play etc.
then a red card will be shown to the player and the game will most likely will be
abandoned and a fine to the illegal performer.
● LENGTH OF MATCHES AND BREAKS= The length of a match depends on how many
people there are so within doubles the length of a full match is 50/60 minutes, while in
singles the length of a full match is 40/50 minutes. However, within each single point
that is played within the full match it can only be 10 minutes long unless of course 18
points has already been played. So, unless 18 points has been played if the game
reaches 10 minutes the expedite rule is bought into action (requires both players to
alternate serves until a game is won. Between each game you are allowed a 1-minute
interval which allows you to catch your breath have a drink and refresh for the next
point/match.
DETAILS OF TABLE, POST AND NET, AND BALL=
The table tennis table is 274cm long, 15.25cm
wide, and 76cm high with a single continuous
material if the table yields a uniform bounce of
26cm after being dropped from a 30 cm
height. The net shall consist of its suspension
and supporting posts, including the clamps
attaching them to the table. The nest shall be
suspended attached at each end of the posts
that are stood upright 15.25cm high. The top of
the net, along its full length is needs to be
15.25cm from the playing surface. This means
the net must be 6 feet long, 15.25cm high, the
top of the net must be the same height the full
way across, the net must be as low to the table
as possible without any part of the net touching
the table itself, and the ends of the net must be
attached to the supporting posts from top to
bottom. The material of the net is using string
nylon. So, it can slow down the ball well but is also easy to set up etc. Ping pong balls or
table tennis balls, have a diameter of 40mm and a circumference of 125.6mm, weighing
2.7grams. The ping pong balls are spherical polymer balls fabricated specifically for the
sport. They also only come in the colors of orange and white, so they are clearly visible to the
opponent so neither are at an unfair advantage.
EQUIPEMENT, CLOTHING AND JEWLERRY= In table tennis there is no real restrictions on your
clothing that you need to wear, you will generally where a t-shirt and shorts that has your
team uniform or badge on it, so the officials know which team you are a part of and will be
able to score correctly but also so you’re in comfortable playing clothes foe the table tennis
game. You will also where shoes you don’t only find comfortable to play in but also have lots
of grip so when you make quick sharp movements you won’t slip which will allow you to
recover easier and quicker so won’t be using as much energy and it won’t be as difficult to
return the shot. With jewelry, you are advised and required to remove all jewelry as with the
quick short movements you could possible strange yourself, but in the incidence that if you
Unit 7: Practical Sport Performance
Learning Outcomes, A+B
Owen Scarborough
had an earring in and it got caught on you and you caught
yourself open, not only is there the possibility that you could
severely bleed, but the game also have to be abandoned
and you lose. But in the incident, it is very severe then you
must go to the NHS, and they must stitch you up, that is more
money the NHS are using, this will increase tax pay when this
could have been easily avoided if jewelry was removed from
the start. A main piece of equipment and the only real piece
of equipment is a table tennis racket, this is usually made
from laminated wood covered with rubber on one or two
sides. The actual bat is 17cm on the area you hit the ball
with, with the handle being about 9cm in length to grip onto
and the width of the racket bring around 15cm.
Section 3 – Unwritten rules and etiquette
● Etiquette and unwritten rules are put in place to hold respect and sportsmanship within
the sport. Etiquette is polite behavior towards another person, in this case it would be
being polite to your opponent in table tennis. Whether it be because of a lucky shot or
it hits the net etc. unwritten rules are things like if the ball hits the net through a rally
and bounces on your opponent’s side and you win the point you should apologize
and not celebrate that point. Unwritten rules and etiquette are to uphold respect and
fairness. The players play in the “spirit of the game” often taking an active approach
to respect and fairness not just too not breaking the rules of the game. Some unwritten
rules and etiquette in table tennis are serve announces the score, so before each
point in played the serve must shout the score so both him and the opponent know
the score so they both know if they need to defend a point or take risks and attack to
win the point. This is affective because it allows an even chance to both performers
too know what they need to do to win the next point too edge them closer to winning
the game without losing track of the score. If the ball is an edge ball, then the player
closest should try their best to determine whether the ball hit the table or not. This is
affective because they don’t have to rely on the umpire too possibly make the
incorrect decision but also keeps it a fair game between both performers and building
a form of trust. Fair play first if there is a debate between two performers they should
try and resolve this before the umpire gets involved, showing effectiveness as it allows
both players too feel they were treated equally and not biased due to an umpire’s
decision. Also, a final few etiquette rules are that if you have an edge ball or the ball
hits the net and rolls over, you should not celebrate these and apologies as it was
unfair the player could not reach and get there in time. You must also always shake
the hand of your opponent before and after the match too show respect to one
another before and after the match no matter what the result.
Section 4 –Roles and Responsibilities of the Officials.
There are only 5 officials within a table tennis match. This consists of a referee, umpire,
assistant umpire, stroke counters, and a timekeeper.
REFEREE= A referee must be in formal clothes, generally a navy-blue
jacket which is part of the ITTF uniform, which is to be worn at all
matches of table tennis. They will need a watch with a timing
mechanism on it or a stopwatch, two caution cards (red and yellow),
Unit 7: Practical Sport Performance
Learning Outcomes, A+B
Owen Scarborough
the scorecards, a clipboard, and a pen. There are no necessary fitness levels required to be
a table tennis referee. However, they would need to do a table tennis refereeing course so
that they could understand how the game works and the importance of being a referee
and what being one consists of and all the rules and regulations. You would do this until you
reached the ITTF leveled course allowing you to referee matches that are of the highest
level. The referee controls the players by upholding the rules and enforcing the where
necessary, for example the banning system of levels 1,2 and 3 possible leading to the
opponent gaining a point. There is no real necessary in controlling the spectators unless
abusive language is shouted putting the performers off or even vice versa. The referee will
always check every part of the equipment with his umpire to ensure that it is up too playing
conditions. They will have some form of technology so they can overview each point that is
given and to ensure that there is no illegality within the point. The referee can be both
communicated with both verbally and non-verbally if a point is awarded or if a performer
needs to be penalized, he will give them warnings verbally. The main role of a referee is to
always be present during the game upholding the rules and regulations of the game to
ensure fair play.
UMPIRE= An umpire again the same as a referee must wear navyblue suit and tie handed to them by the ITTF. An umpire needs the
exact same equipment as a referee due to a referee only really
confirming the umpire’s decision, this consists of a stopwatch, two
caution cards (yellow and red), and the scorecard. Again, no fitness
levels are required as an umpire due to them only giving the correct
decisions with no strenuous activity required. They would need a qualification in table tennis
umpiring and complete all the courses up too the ITTF standard so you can umpire at the top
level. Too control the players they use the banning system and follow rules and regulations of
the game. They protect the spectators by having the rules and regulations in place that
shouldn’t be broken. The umpire is most responsible for checking if all the equipment is in
good playing condition and any officiating equipment so there are no false points given
through the game or false information recorded. The umpires give the first initial decision
which the referee will then either confirm or turn down and discuss and possible change. The
umpire has no technology and must choose points and give everything on his own accord,
he communicates through hand signals and verbally explaining the reasoning the point was
given. The umpire is appointed to give points for each rally won and are required to use their
judgement when applying laws and checking equipment.
ASSISTANT UMPIRE= Now as an assistant umpire they are mostly
identical to a normal umpire as shown above, they wear the
same ITTF/ uniform, they require no equipment as they are only
an assistant umpire to the main umpire, there is no fitness
required under any circumstances, they will need the exact
same qualifications, however assistant umpires specify in tight
edge ball decisions, deciding if they hit the table or not and
make the final decisions on those points. They stay out of player involvement unless they
notice something that the main umpire or referee does not, and they will let them know
immediately so they can act depending on the severity of the issue. They second check all
the equipment and the health and safety; they also help to enforce rules and give
second/third decisions. However, the difference between an umpire and an assistant umpire
is that an assistant umpire is solely responsible for the decisions on edge balls at the side of
Unit 7: Practical Sport Performance
Learning Outcomes, A+B
Owen Scarborough
the table nearest to them. Also has some power of an umpire to decide the legality of the
point on the mainly the edge balls, but also some other decisions.
STROKE COUNTERS= A stroke counter, again like any other official is
required to wear a navy-blue suit to represent the ITTF. There is no
immediate equipment needed other than a stroke counter which
they’ll click between each stroke, this may then be returned too
mid game to ensure all information is correct and they haven’t
gone over game time etc. of course to count strokes no fitness is
required. However, they will need a qualification in understanding the rules and regulations
of table tennis to understand the meaning of strokes and how they work to ensure you’re
counting them correctly. There is no necessity to control the players as this is all controlled by
the umpire and the referee. Again, there is no participation in the protection of the
spectators due the referee and umpires taking responsibility. They will always check the
stroke counter to ensure that both are getting the same and they can compare so they
know they are accurate and correct. The stroke counters enforce the rules through passing
them to the umpire and referee to confirm they’re correct. The stroke counters main job is to
count the number of strokes under the expedite system (how many rallies completed).
TIMEKEEPERS= Timekeepers will still wear the navy-suit and tie provided
by the ITTF to represent the ITTF. They will need a stopwatch and a time
keeping station to ensure they are 100% accurate with their timing skills
they have produced. They will need a qualification in understanding
when time keeping is necessary and the reaction times would need to
be tested. They will play no part in controlling the play unless of course
the timer has run too 10 minutes in the point and the expedite system
must be bought into play. They will always check the stopwatch accuracy ensuring that
everything is in good shape. They will be trained to use their stopwatches as best as they can
to a sufficient standard for the table tennis math to commence and the ITTF. The
timekeeper’s main role is to monitor the duration of practice, of play in a game, of intervals
between games, and of any authorized suspensions. The timekeeper’s decision is final on the
time that is elapsed.
Video Scenario Tasks (Merit)
Table Tennis Scenario Videos
1. What do you think was the score in each of the clips?
GAME 1= Video 22: 1-2
GAME 2= Video 18: 1-3
GAME 3= Video 5: 6-5
2. Have they broken any rule or regulation?
- Table (inc. Net)
- Bat
- Serving
- Other infringements
Unit 7: Practical Sport Performance
Learning Outcomes, A+B
Video
Number(s)
22
18
18
Infringement
A free hand was placed onto the table midway
through the point, meaning the player gained
an advantage of leaning on the table to be able
to reach the ball to make a shot.
On one of the serves, it was not served with an
open palm it was served with a closed/cuffed
palm and not thrown above the net, meaning
that visibility was hampered, and the opponent
would have been at a disadvantage not being
able to see the ball or any spin if there was spin
put on the ball so he could have been caught
out and lost the point.
The opponent instead of letting the ball
bounce, volleyed the ball before it hit the table,
which is illegal, the ball must bounce on your
side of the table before you can hit the ball,
unless the ball is travelling off the table, and
you leave the ball to drop.
Owen Scarborough
Which official(s) could
have been responsible for
identifying this?
The officials responsible
would be
Referee
Umpire
The officials responsible
would be
Referee
Umpire
Assistant umpire
The officials responsible
would be
Referee
umpire
5
The infringement here was that the payer
threw the bat in anger, which could have delt
great damage to one of the present officials,
the opponent or even one of the spectators.
Luckily no injury was caused by this action.
The officials responsible
would be
Referee
Umpire
5
The infringement here was not a dangerous or
violent act but more accidental, one of the
players served three times in a row without
swapping to the opponent after two like usual
without realizing.
The officials responsible
would be
Referee
Umpire
What should have happened
if this was identified by the
officials?
If all three of these officials
had been present, then this
infringement would have
been recognized and a point
would have been awarded to
the opponent.
If all three officials had been
present, then they would
have noticed the illegality of
the serve and would have
either awarded a point to
the opponent for being at a
disadvantage or they would
have replayed point.
If both officials had been
present at the infringement,
they would have stopped the
play and awarded the point
to the opponent and then
begun the next point.
If both officials had been
there then the banning
system would have been
bought into place, and a red
card would have been
handed out meaning time
had to be taken out the
game, but also a point would
have been awarded to the
opponent due to the violent
nature of the action.
If all three would have been
present they would have
been able to prevent the
same opponent from serving
twice, however if not they
either would have awarded a
point to the opponent or
decided to replay the point
instead.
Unit 7: Practical Sport Performance
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Owen Scarborough
Video Scenario Analysis (Distinction)
3. Explain which officials you think we required in the videos to reduce infringements?
Within video 22, where a free hand was placed onto the table to gain an unfair advantage and reach over the table to
make a shot the referee was not present which resulted in play being continued illegally. So, the referee, if he would have
been present in this scenario, would have been very poor for letting this infringement run and allowing the game to play
as this could have led to the player who did perform this infringement scoring an illegal point possibly giving an advantage
to the opponent. However, if the referee had been present in this scenario his role would have been to call back for this
infringement giving a point to the opponent. Stopping the play and restarting the point would have been necessary and
explaining why the play was stopped and a point was awarded to the opponent so there would be no tension or confusion
within the game, and it could be continued as a free-flowing game. Within the video the referee would have completed all
this too make sure the points were even and the game could have continued legally. Another official necessary within this
infringement would be an umpire, this is because an umpire in this situation would have moat likely noticed this
infringement and the told the referee about this infringement or even took charge and then awarded a point to the
opponent using a specific hand signal too show why the point was given, if the performers don’t understand as too why
the point was given again he will explain so they do understand and as long as this point is confirmed by the referee the
point will continue and play will continue as usual in a fair manor. Within video number 18 there was 2 infringements
within this video, one of which was a ball was served with a closed palm and the ball not being thrown up above net
height which puts the opponent at a disadvantage. Now the referee in this situation would be to notice this situation and
the call it back to either be replayed or for a point to be awarded in this situation again explaining why this has happened
and continuing with free-flowing play. The umpire in this situation would have either taken full action doing what the
referee has done and explaining the situation, or he will mention this too the referee and he will take action, but this may
not necessarily always be the case as the assistant umpires job is to make decisions on tight edge balls but there is also
the possibility that they will have to mention some things that the umpires and referee haven’t noticed and the assistant
referee will take charge on an be responsible for dictating and giving the point. There was also another infringement
which was instead of letting the ball bounce onto the table first, the opponent volleyed the ball back. Now due to the lack
of officials at the game the play continued, and an illegal point was given, which shows poor officiating from the officials.
Now the referee would have noticed this and immediately awarded a point to the opponent giving the correct hand
signals too award the point. In the unlikely circumstances the opponent doesn’t understand what the point was given for
then the referee will provide reasoning. The umpire is basically the referee’s assistant now he would either give the point
over the referee, second the referees opinion on the point or have his point second opinioned by the referee to ensure
the game is kept under correct management. If the officials haven’t been present at the game, then it would be
incorrectly scored and an unfair match up. Now finally in the video footage of video number 5, again there was 2
infringements, 1 of which was in anger, one of the performers threw the bat in anger which could have resulted in injury
to anyone around that area. The second infringement was not a purposeful one but more of an accidental one, one of the
performers took 3 serves in a row. Now for the first infringement both the referee and the umpire would play the same
role in this, they would both see the severity and the danger of this action and would decipher between themselves which
level of action in the banning system that will need to be taken. This will most likely be level 3 which is minutes out for the
opponent and a point gifted to the opponent and a red card against that name, and they will then continue the game. The
next infringement, precaution will be taken as usual with a point being awarded or a replay in point after the accidental
extra serve. Now overall in conclusion, in the videos the refereeing performance of officiating was poor, however if all the
officials officiated correctly or as I explained and gave examples of then all the games would have been fair and correctly
played without any issues of infringements and arguing against given point within the match that would have resulted in
incorrect scoring and possible incorrect match winner.
Unit 7: Practical Sport Performance
Learning Outcomes, A+B
Owen Scarborough
4. What impact did the infringements that were not given by the officials have on the game? (e.g., disrupted flow, poor
etiquette, decreased competitiveness etc.)? (Explain this for each scenario you have spoken about above)
Within video 22 an infringement of a free hand being placed onto the table occurred. Now, if all the required officials had
been present at the game the infringement would have been noticed action would have been taken where necessary and
the game would have continued as usual. However, there was no officials present in video 22 meaning that none of this
happened, instead the play continued causing disruption to the game occurred where it shouldn’t have. As a result of this
the play for both opponents were stopped and not a free-flowing game, there was lots of tension, poor etiquette of
shouting at each other and cheering on an unreachable lucky shot with all forms of respect being lost in the game. There
was an increased confidence due to the unfair nature of the game both performers both performers were keeping a close
eye on any infringements and trying to win as many points as possible even if they were illegally. Therefore, the game was
very unfair and disruptive. Within video 18 there was 2 infringements, one being the serve was with an open palm and
not chucked above net height, and the second was that the ball was volleyed instead of letting the ball bounce first and
then returning the ball, again due to the lack of officials these infringements were not noticed and went un-recognized
but caused disruption in play. In this game there was lack of concentration due to the first infringement not being noticed,
neither was the second which of course impacted the performer if they noticed trying to argue why they should get the
point. This will cause disruption in the game, poor etiquette and causing a lack of confidence. This is because if an
opponent feels that they deserve a point in a game a don’t get this point and then because of this lose the game, they
may lose confidence in their knowledge of the game so when they go into their next game, they may go with too much
caution dropping points and then continuing this cycle. Finally in video number 5 there was 2 infringements, one where
someone serves three times in a row and the second one was one of the performers threw a bat which could have caused
damage to the opponent or anyone in the surroundings. Due to the lack of officials once again no action was taken. So,
this caused a disruption in flow of the game due to arguing of the danger of the action, how many serves were taken and
who won the points. Also, a loss of etiquette again due to the violent actions and the respect lost and an increase of
competitiveness due to the tension building and loss of respect and etiquette the concentration increased to try and win
the game. Overall, we can conclude that without the officials present it has a negative impact on the unique nature and
respect of the table tennis industry and without officials the game would be un fair, un ethical and absolutely no point in
table tennis even being played as a professional competitive game.