MEMBERSHIP: The membership fee must be paid at the start of the period to which it applies, except for any delay allowed for new members.
PLAYING FEE: This must be paid by all players on arrival each evening.
10PM FINISH: The Sports Centre closes at 10pm, so playing must finish promptly by then. If you start a game shortly before this time, be aware that you may not be able to finish it.
ORDER OF PLAY: when you first arrive, and when you finish a playing session, add your name to the bottom of the "WAITING TO PLAY" list; the winner(s) should be added first, if applicable. When a table becomes free, the person at the top of the list chooses either one person from the next four on the list to play with, or, for a doubles game, three people from the next seven (the list should include the people who have just finished playing, if applicable). The people who are going to play then cross their names off the list. If there are seven or more people on the waiting list and only one free table, a doubles games must be played.
A PLAYING SESSION: is either: five minutes warm up, then the best of five games up to 11 points or the best of three up to 21 points, singles or doubles; or up to 20 minutes practice play.
RULES OF PLAY: The Club uses the rules as currently set out by the English Table Tennis Association (ETTA). A copy of these is available to view. The following are additional guidelines for play within this Club:
DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT: Players may be held responsible if they damage any equipment belonging to the Sports Centre or the Club. Balls do occasionally get damaged accidentally, but if the Organiser believes that a ball has been broken deliberately, the responsible player may be asked to buy a replacement; they are available to buy for £1 (rate for 2012) at the Sports Centre reception desk.
BEHAVIOUR: players are expected to be courteous and polite. It is normal practice to shake hands after a game and also to apologise to your opponent if you win a point by a net cord or by the ball hitting the top edge of the table. The Organiser has the right to ask any player to leave if they are causing a nuisance, not following any rule stated here, or if they have not paid the Playing Fee or Membership Fee. If necessary, the Sports Centre staff or management will be requested to be involved.
Allowance must be made for beginners who may not yet have a totally legal serve.
Games may be played, as per the old rules, up to 21, with 5 serves per player, rather than up to 11 with 2 serves per player, although the modern rules are preferable for singles.
The first server of a game is decided by a toss of a coin, or by offering your opponent a choice of hand for a hidden ball, or simply by mutual consent.
Any interference to play from a ball or player from another table is normally considered a "let" and the point should be played again.