No Rule Changing about GluingThe International Table Tennis Association on Wednesday said no to a proposition to forbid fresh gluing - but there is no doubt that the ITTF would like to get rid of gluing in the future.The proposition to forbid "speed glue" was turned down by a big majority but everybody who spoke against this specific proposition also expressed their wish to avoid gluing later on. "We would like to eliminate toxic gluing, but this is not the time to make more changes," said the ITTF President Adham Sharara, referring to changes of the size of the ball, scoring and service rule. The ball has been changed to 40mm in diametres from the original 38mm. Starting on September 1, each game will only play for 11 points and starting on September 1 2002, service will have to be done in an open and visible way without any hiding of the ball. "We are now sending a signal to the manufacturers that we want them to develop rubber and glue that eliminate the advantage of gluing several times every day of competition. It is not our intention to limit speed or affect the players in any negative way. We just wish to remove toxicity in the future," said Sharara. The ITTF Council also decided that with the new rule of playing 11 points, the break between each game will be one minute instead of the two. Toweling will be allowed for every 6 points from the current five. A proposition on players eligibility did not pass. Now a player "shall not represent different associations within three years." It was proposed to add "unless both association (last association represented and current association) agree to reduce or waive the waiting period." The proposition was meant to adopt the International Olympic Committee (IOC) eligibility rule, but was defeated. The council did not want to make it easier to represent a new federation. |
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