5.2 MANUFACTURERS AND DISTRIBUTORS
5.2.1 The ITTF will be very strict with Manufacturers, Suppliers and
Distributors that are on the ITTF’s list of Authorized Racket
Coverings that still produce illegal materials such a VOC-glues,
or any type of additive such as Boosters, Tuners, oils, etc.
5.2.2 The ITTF is extremely disappointed with those manufacturers
who are secretly providing illegal substances for their sponsored
players to use. This is totally UNACCEPTABLE and is
considered an illegal act and cheating.
5.2.3 Any manufacturer or distributor found producing, selling, or
providing any illegal substance to players or coaches will be
considered in violation of ITTF rules and will be suspended
indefinitely from any ITTF activity, and the authorization to use
the ITTF logo will be immediately withdrawn. This measure is
according to our discussions with FIT, the Federation of
International Table tennis Manufacturers.
5.2.4 The ITTF Executive Committee will also set hefty fees for the reintroduction
of any suspended manufacturer or distributor after
the suspension period is completed or lifted.
5.2.5 The ITTF will make no exception in this matter and
sponsorships, advertising agreements, etc., will all be cancelled
immediately and the already paid sums forfeited.
5.2.6 It is a serious offence to sell, procure, be involved in the
procurement, give for free or make available any additive to
players and coaches.
5.2.7 With this message the ITTF issues a stern warning to ALL
manufacturers and distributors to observe and respect the ITTF rules
as they are now set.
5.2.8 The ITTF will be very strict with regard to the thickness of the
racket coverings. The ITTF Equipment Committee has already
alerted several manufacturers from producing maximum
thickness racket coverings of 4mm. With the addition of a layer
of glue, the racket covering may exceed the allowable thickness.
It is therefore recommended that the manufacturers allow for
this fact and produce racket coverings below the allowed
maximum.
5.2.9 ADVICE TO MANUFACTURERS:
5.2.9.1 Do not produce any substances that are used as
additives by the players after the equipment has been
approved by the ITTF.
5.2.9.2 Do not produce a maximum thickness of 4mm racket
covering, please follow the advice of the ITTF’s
Equipment Committee to allow for the thickness of the
glue layers.
5.2.9.3 Please print the maximum racket covering thickness
on the packaging wherever possible.
5.2.9.4 Do not provide to players and coaches any postfactory
additives of any kind.
5.2.9.5 You can put the rubber under tension at the factory as
long as it meets the ITTF specifications and passes
the ITTF tests.
5.2.9.6 Do not stretch or put the rubber in tension AFTER it
has been approved.
5.2.9.7 You can use VOC-containing elements, within the
limits allowable in your country, in the production
phase of the racket covering as long as you get rid of
5
all the VOCs before packaging through proper and
sufficient airing of the racket covering before
packaging and as long as this is done at the factory
level and does not violate ITTF rules. This would be
considered a production phase.
5.2.9.8 The final product cannot be different than the product
approved by the ITTF.
5.2.9.9 The ITTF authorisation applies to a racket covering as
originally submitted and tested; its subsequent alteration, by a supplier,
a player or anyone else, is not permitted.
5.2.9.10 Changes from the original design will normally not be
permitted. However, changes to the text area only may be allowed,
and must be confirmed.
5.2.9.11 When in doubt, please consult the ITTF Equipmen Committee.
THE END OF DOCUMENT.