To: Members of Table Tennis England

Table Tennis England statement about the new plastic balls:

The ITTF has decided that the new plastic ball will be introduced in ITTF competitions from July 1, 2014. The ETTU has recently confirmed the mandatory use of the plastic ball in all ETTU competition from September 1, 2014. As a matter of principle Table Tennis England supports the decision and will be introducing the new plastic ball this coming season.

We wish to accommodate our players across the membership spectrum, be sensitive to the logistics of all those who are planning for next season, while not disadvantaging our elite athletes who will also be competing at the highest level here and abroad. We all recognise, along with other national associations, that this will be a transitional year.

As such, and following discussion with domestic competition committees, other European nations and equipment distributors, Table Tennis England intends to introduce the new plastic ball in the following competitions from August 1, 2014

·         National Championships (senior, junior, cadets – regional qualifiers optional); and

·         Grand Prix.

We understand that a reasonable supply of plastic balls will be available in the UK from mid-late July however we are keeping a watching brief and should there not be sufficient supply by then we will issue further guidance in particular with respect to the first two Grand Prix.

Table Tennis England expects and encourages increased use of the plastic ball as the supply becomes more available but recognises the practical difficulties during a transitional year. Therefore apart from the above competitions, it will allow those responsible for all other aspects  of Competitive Table Tennis (as defined in Regulations) to choose either celluloid or plastic balls until July 1, 2015 when use of the plastic ball will become mandatory for all Competitive Table Tennis in England.

June 24th, 2014