Who are the officials in table tennis, and can a player challenge a call?
A · Advanced · Time, coaching, cards and officials · 7 of 8Each match has an umpire and an assistant umpire. The umpire decides every rally and calls the score. A referee is in charge of the whole competition. A player cannot appeal against an umpire's decision of fact, except through the video review system where it is in use.
How it works
| Official | Main duties |
|---|---|
| Umpire | Checks equipment; conducts the draw for serve and ends; decides each rally as a point or a let; calls the score; controls the order of serving and ends; brings in the expedite system; acts on behaviour and illegal advice |
| Assistant umpire | Decides edge balls on the side nearest to them; tells the umpire about behaviour and advice offences |
| Either of them | May rule a serve illegal, call a net serve, call obstruction, call a disturbed rally and keep time |
| Stroke counter | Counts the receiver's returns under the expedite system |
| Referee | Runs the draw and schedule; appoints officials; interprets the Laws and regulations; decides on suspensions, leaving the playing area and clothing; disciplines and disqualifies |
- The umpire cannot overrule the assistant umpire on the decisions that are the assistant's to make.
- The umpire calls the score as soon as the rally ends, the next server's points first.
- Appeals: none against a match official's decision on a question of fact. An appeal on the interpretation of a Law or regulation goes to the referee, whose decision is final.
- Table tennis review (TTR), where used: a player may appeal against a decision of fact, a replay is shown and the TTR official's decision is final.
Tricky cases
Can the umpire overrule the assistant umpire on an edge ball?
No. On the side nearest the assistant umpire, that decision is the assistant's.
Can both players agree to overturn the umpire's call?
No. No agreement between players can alter a decision on a question of fact.
How many video reviews does a player get?
The regulations do not say. They allow a review system and leave its details to the competition.
Why the rule exists
Questions of fact have to end at the table or a match would never finish. Questions of what the rule means can go higher, because they affect every match.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ITTF regulations | As above | Reg 3.2.7; 3.3 |
| Number of reviews and which calls qualify | Set by the competition | Not covered |
From the rule book
ITTF Statutes 2026, Regulations 3.2.7, 3.3 and 3.4.1. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: ITTF Statutes (PDF).