In a significant step toward promoting fairness and integrity in table tennis, the ITTF has announced an updated Racket Control process, set to be implemented progressively from 2025. Approved by the ITTF Council in February 2024, this enhanced procedure introduces a critical post-match inspection, complementing the existing pre-match checks.

What’s New?

The updated Racket Control process aims to address potential irregularities more effectively after the match, ensuring compliance with the ITTF Equipment Regulations.

Pre-Match Control:

• Rackets will be checked by designated racket testers for flatness, covering thickness, VOC levels, and conformity with the approved LARC list.
• Players whose rackets fail pre-match inspections may opt to switch to a compliant backup racket.
• In cases of uncertainty regarding compliance, players can either proceed with the questionable racket under the condition of post-match inspection or switch to a second racket, which will undergo pre- or post-match control depending on timing.

Post-Match Control:

• A key addition to the process, post-match inspections will be conducted immediately after matches for rackets flagged during pre-match checks or deemed suspicious.
• With the referee’s permission and the player’s presence, the racket covering will be removed to allow direct examination of the blade and covering thickness.
• Final compliance decisions will be based on these meticulous inspections, ensuring no equipment irregularities go undetected.

Piloting the New Process

To prepare players and their teams for this transition, the ITTF conducted trial runs of the updated procedures at the Asian and European Table Tennis Championships in October 2024. During these events, random racket checks were carried out up to the quarterfinals, and comprehensive inspections using the new post-match methods were conducted from the quarterfinals onward. Players received feedback on potential reasons their equipment may have failed earlier tests, such as blade flatness issues impacting compliance measurements.

Implementation

In 2025, the updated Racket Control process will be introduced at a selected number of ITTF and WTT events, starting from beginning of the event (random check if the pre-control’s result shows strong suspicious) but mandatory from quarterfinal stage.

The ITTF’s enhanced Racket Control process reflects its unwavering commitment to fairness and transparency. By educating players and their entourages on the updated regulations, the ITTF ensures that all participants are equipped to meet the highest standards of compliance.

This development marks another milestone in the ITTF’s ongoing efforts to safeguard the integrity of the sport, providing a level playing field for all athletes as they compete at the highest levels.