USA Table Tennis holds a firm policy that there shall be no physical abuse of any minor or adult
involved in USA Table Tennis by any employee, volunteer, coach, member or other participant.
Physical abuse is defined as any physical contact that intentionally causes, or has the potential to
cause, physical harm or bodily injury.
In addition to physical contact, physical abuse also includes the provision of alcohol to a person under
the statutory law in that location, usually 21 in the United States. It also includes the provision of
illegal drugs to any participant, regardless of age.
Physical abuse does not include reasonable demonstration of Table Tennis techniques by a
participant or coach designed as a part of fair play of the Game according to the International Table
Tennis Federation Rulebook. 13
However, an individual may have been deemed to be in violation of this policy where there is intent
to physically harm or cause bodily injury to an individual during the course of play.
Upon proof of violation of USA Table Tennis’s Physical Abuse policy, the offender will be subject to
appropriate disciplinary action. Normally this action will constitute expulsion or suspension from USA
Table Tennis and referral to law enforcement authorities.