[kagin]

I know there has been much discussion on this forum regarding the possible future rule that would introduce a friction requirement on long pips. Unfortunately i do not understand german and cannot participate in these discussions. However from what i have seen much of the discussion centers around whether such a rule would be good or bad for the sport. I believe that topic is not even up for discussion at this point.

Officially, the origin of this potential rule is from the following board of directors resolution:

"A requirement that for the racket coverings the rubber surface should be uniform and without coating shall be included in the Technical Leaflet."

This resolution says nothing about introducing a minimum friction level. Nor does it specify a type of rubber (inverted, short pips, or long pips), and therefore any attempt to establish a minimum friction requirement for one type of surface goes beyond the board of directors resolution, and should not be added to the equipment rules.

Based on statements i've seen from adham sharara, it is assumed that this change will be made with no further voting required at an AGM. If that is the case, i believe somebody in the ittf is acting beyond their authority. The ittf member associations have never passed a resolution requiring a minimum (or maximum) friction level for any rubber surface.

I will be writing a letter to my national association (USATT) explaining the situation, and i hope players in other countries will do the same, requesting action from their ittf representatives. If the ittf will not listen to players, i hope it will listen to its member associations.

Kagin Lee
Chicago, USA