UTT Format

2.1 Ultimate Table Tennis is recognized and supported by TTFI.

2.2 The League Title may be combined with the name of any title sponsor of UTT from time to time. Each person subject to these Rules shall, when referring to UTT, use the League Title and (if published) the Composite Logo but if no such Composite Logo is published then each such person shall use the official UTT logo as displayed on the official League website.

2.3 The Regulations and all guidelines and circulars issued by ESPL are binding for all relevant parties participating and involved in the preparation and organization of UTT.

2.4 The Laws of the Game in force, other than the ones specifically modified for UTT in these Rules, shall apply in respect of all Ties

2.5 ESPL shall determine the period and duration of each Season.

2.6 Each Franchisee shall be obliged to play all its scheduled Ties.

3.1 General Format of play

3.1.1 Each Team shall play 5Matches in a Tie with each Match comprising 3 Games. Consequently, each Tie shall comprise 15 Games.

3.1.2 Each Game shall have Players competing with each other to score 11 points first, meaning in the event that scores are level at 10-all then the 11th point will be a Golden Point and shall decide the winner. Whichever individual/pair scores 11 points and is termed as the winner of each Game shall receive 1point towards the Team’s total for each such Game win.

3.1.3 The winning Team in a Tie shall be decided by the number of total Games won i.e. total team points won in the relevant Tie, meaning a Team that wins 8or more Games out of the 15Games shall be termed as the Winner of that respective Tie with variations for League Stage and Knock Out Stage as provided in Rule 3.2.3 andRule3.3.4.

3.1.4 The tentative order of play for each Tie is listed in the table below; however, this is subject to change by ESPL at its discretion based on broadcast requirement or other factors, as required. The order of play for a Tie may particularly be changed for the Knock Out Stage. The determination of whether a Team shall be Team A or Team B in a particular Tie shall be done by a toss of coin on the morning of the Tie, the exact time of which shall be communicated later to the Teams.

Order of Play for a Tie

3.1.5 No Player can play more than 2 Matches in a Tie, including the mixed doubles. For the sake of clarity, in case a Player is replaced, as provided in these Rules, the replacement Player for such injured Player can play only such number of Matches in a Tie such that the original Player and the replacement Player together play a maximum of 2 Matches in a Tie. For example, if the original Player gets injured after 1 Match, the replacement Player can only play in1other Match in the Tie.

3.1.6 No Player can play more than 1 singles Match in a Tie. However, the same Player can play the mixed doubles. For the sake of clarity, in case a Player is replaced, as provided in these Rules, the replacement Player can play only such number of singles Matches such that the original Player and the replacement Player for such injured Player together play a maximum of 1 singles Match. For example, if the original Player gets injured after 1 singles Match in a Tie, the replacement Player cannot play any other singles Match in that Tie.

3.1.7 No Player can play more than 1 singles Match in the semi-final Tie and 1 singles Match in the Final Tie. However, the same Player can play the mixed doubles. It is clarified that in case a Player is replaced, as provided in these Rules, the replacement Player for such injured Player can play only such number of Matches in a Tie such that the original Player 19 and the replacement Player together play a maximum of 1 singles Match in the semi-final Tie and 1 singles Match in the Final Tie.

3.1.8 Each Team shall submit its Team Sheet listing the names of its Players competing in each individual Match, according to the order of play, by 90 minutes prior to the start of the Tie, in accordance with Rule 4.6.

3.1.9 Expedite System

1. Except as provided in 3.1.10(b), the expedite system shall come into operation after 10 minutes’ play in a Game or at any time when requested by both Players or pairs;
2. The expedite system shall not be introduced in a game if at least 18 points have been scored;
3. If the ball is in play when the time limit is reached and the expedite system is due to come into operation, play shall be interrupted by the Umpire and shall resume with service by the Player who served in the rally that was interrupted. If the ball is not in play when the expedite system comes into operation, play shall resume with service by the Player who received in the immediately preceding rally;
4. Thereafter, each Player shall serve for 1 point in turn until the end of the Game, and if the receiving Player or pair makes 13 correct returns in a rally, the receiver shall score a point.
5. Introduction of the expedite system shall not alter the order of serving and receiving in the Match.
6. Once introduced, the expedite system shall remain in operation until the end of the Match.

3.2 Competition format - League Stage

3.2.1 Unless otherwise determined by ESPL, the League Stage shall have all Teams competing with each other once during the Season.

3.2.2 The Team that wins 8 or more Games out of the 15 Games shall be the Winner of that respective Tie. This is relevant only to decide the position of Teams in the League Table in accordance with Rule 3.2.5 and Rule 3.2.6.

3.2.3 Teams shall play all the 5 Matches and 15 Games in a Tie even if one Team has secured the winning 8 Team points in a Tie in the League Stage as the team points won by winning each Game by a Team will be added to their overall tally and Teams’ rankings in the League Table will be decided on the total team points won by each Team in all League Stage Ties as the primary criteria.

3.2.4 The results of the League Stage shall be recorded in a table used to help determine who may advance to the Knock Out Stage(the "League Table").

3.2.5 The position of Teams in the League Table while the League Stage are in progress shall be determined by (in this order):

1. most number of team points obtained in the League Stage;
2. most number of Ties won in the League Stage;
3. most number of Matches won in the League Stage;

3.2.6 However, the final position of Teams in the League Table (when all Teams have played all their League Stage Ties) shall be determined by (in this order):

1. most number of team points obtained in the League Stage;
   If two or more Teams are equal on the basis of the above criterion, their place shall be determined as follows:
2. most number of team points obtained in the League Stage between the Teams concerned;
3. most number of Matches won in the League Stage between the Teams concerned;
4. most number of Ties won in the League Stage;
5. most number of Matches won in the League Stage;
6. draw of lots by ESPL.

3.3 Competition Format - Knock Out Stage

3.3.1 After the completion of the scheduled League Stage, there shall be Knock Out Stage concluding in the Final, to determine the eventual winner of UTT in that Season. The top four Teams from the League Table in the Season will qualify for the Knock Out Stage.

3.3.2 The Knock Out Stage will comprise of two semi-finals between the first placed Team in the League Table playing the fourth placed Team and the second placed Team playing the third placed Team.

3.3.3 The victorious Team from each of the semi-final Ties in the Knock Out Stage shall compete in the Final to determine the UTT champions for the Season.

3.3.4 In the Knock Out Stage, the Team that wins 8 Games out of the 15 Games first shall be declared the winner of that respective Tie such that Teams will not be required to play all 5Matches and 15 Games in a Tie unless it is necessary to do so to have a winner. Team that wins 8 Games out of the 15 Games first shall be declared the winner of that respective Tie such that Teams will not be required to play all 5Matches and 15 Games in a Tie unless it is necessary to do so to have a winner

3.3.5 Subject to Rule 3.8, if any of the semi-finals at the Knock Out Stage are cancelled/abandoned and cannot be played for some reason, the Team that finished higher in the League Table (having taken into account Rule 3.2) shall proceed to the Final.

3.3.6 Subject to Rule 3.8, if the Final is cancelled/abandoned and cannot be rescheduled and played for some reason, both Finalists shall be declared as joint-winners and there shall be no runner-up. The prize money shall be determined in accordance with Rule 3.9.3 (b).

3.4 Time Outs and Practice before start of Match

3.4.1 Players shall be allowed to practice on the Match table for up to 1 Minute immediately before the start of their Match but not during toweling breaks.

3.4.2 During an emergency suspension of play the Referee may allow Players to practice on the show court, if available and not required for other purposes by ESPL.

3.4.3 Play shall be continuous throughout a Match except:

1. A break of up to 15 seconds will be allowed for toweling after one of the Players or pairs reaches5 points from the start of each Game. This will be the only break during the Game.
2. Other than the official toweling break mentioned in Rule 3.4.3 (a) above, a Player/pair can use the towel without the permission of the Umpire only when that Player/pair is serving and provided he abides by Rule 4.2.3.
3. There will be a break of 45 seconds after the end of each Game.
4. There will be a break of 3minutes after the end of each Match.
5. The Referee after consulting the League Doctor may allow a suspension of play, of the shortest practical duration, and in no circumstances more than 10 minutes, if a Player is temporarily incapacitated by an accident, provided that in the opinion of the Referee the suspension is not likely to be unduly disadvantageous to the
6. If any of the Players competing in an ongoing Match is bleeding, play shall be suspended immediately and shall not resume until that Player has received medical treatment and all traces of blood have been removed from the Playing Area
7. The Players playing in a particular Match shall remain in or near the Playing Area throughout a Match, except with the permission of the Referee.

3.5 The Order of Servicing, Receiving and Ends

3.5.1 The right to choose the initial order of serving, receiving and ends shall be decided by a toss of coin before the start of each Match and the winner may choose to serve or to receive first or to start at a particular end of the table.

3.5.2 When one Player or pair has chosen to serve or to receive first or to start at a particular end, the other Player or pair shall have the other choice.

3.5.3 After every 2 points, the receiving Player or pair shall become the serving Player or pair and so on until the end of the Game, unless both Players or Pairs score 10 points or the expedite system is in operation. At 10-10 the sequence of serving and receiving shall be the same but the Player/Pair shall serve for the Golden Point. When the expedited system is in operation, the sequence of serving and receiving shall be the same, however each Player shall serve only for 1 point each.

3.5.4 In each Game of a mixed doubles Match, the pair having the right to serve first shall choose which one of them shall serve first and in the first Game of a Match, the receiving pair shall decide which of them shall receive first; in subsequent Games of the Match, the first server having been chosen, the first receiver shall be the Player who served to him or her in the preceding Game.

3.5.5 In a mixed doubles Match, at each change of service the previous receiver shall become the server and the partner of the previous server shall become the receiver.

3.5.6 The Player or pair serving first in a Game shall receive first in the next Game of the Match and in the last possible Game

of a mixed doubles match the pair due to receive next shall change their order of receiving when first one pair scores 5 points.

3.5.7 The Player or pair starting at one end in a Game shall start at the other end in the next Game of the Match and in the last possible Game of a Match the Players or pairs shall change ends when first one Player or pair scores 5 points.

3.6 Opening/Closing Event and Opening Match

3.6.1 ESPL reserves the right to organize an event to mark the opening or closing of the UTT in the Season and, if it so organizes such an event, each person subject to these Rules shall co-operate with ESPL in connection with such event as may be requested by ESPL, including without limitation by attending such event. Any non-cooperation in this regard may expose such person to appropriate sanctions as ESPL may decide in its sole discretion.

3.6.2 ESPL also reserves the right to conduct a post-event presentation and award ceremony to reward the Finalists and other award winners and, if it so organizes such an event, each person subject to these Rules shall co-operate with ESPL in connection with such event as may be requested by ESPL including without limitation by attending such event. Any noncooperation in this regard may expose such person to appropriate sanctions as ESPL may decide in its sole discretion.

3.7 Fixture List and start time for Ties

3.7.1 ESPL shall prepare the fixture list (detailing the dates and start time for Ties) in respect of the Season and its decision in this regard shall be final. ESPL may alter the fixture list at any time at its discretion if it considers it necessary to do so.

3.7.2 Ties will be played indoors with sufficient lights. For avoidance of doubt, in case of a partial failure of the lights, the Referee in consultation with the Competition Director shall decide whether the Match may continue. The Referee’s decision in such a case will be final.

3.8 Abandoned/Postponement of Ties

3.8.1 When the Referee does not start a Tie/Match or ends a Tie/Match before its completion, he shall inform the other Match Officials and the Coaches of both the Teams, giving the reasons for stopping or not playing the Tie/Match. The Referee shall also immediately inform the Competition Director and submit a written report to ESPL as soon as practicable, giving the reasons that compelled him to take the above steps.

3.8.2 If a Tie cannot commence due to any incident not directly or indirectly attributable to the participating Teams, including but not limited to Force Majeure (including power failure) the following procedure shall be followed:

(a) The Tie shall automatically be delayed for a duration of 30 minutes to allow conditions to improve sufficiently to start the Tie, unless the Referee decides that the Tie can commence earlier or has already decided that the Tie cannot be played/has to be abandoned;

(b) At the discretion of the Referee, the initial delay referred to in Rule 3.8.2 (a) above can be extended up to a maximum of two hours if in the relevant official’s opinion such extra period of delay will allow the Tie to commence. Otherwise, at the end of this maximum delay period of two hours, the Referee must declare the Tie to have been abandoned. The Referee’s decision in this regard shall be final but in exercising this discretion he shall be obliged to act in accordance with any constraints or other obligations imposed on ESPL such as a time restriction imposed by a relevant Venue, if any;

(c) In circumstances where it has not been possible to play a Tie even after the initial and further delays as prescribed under Rule 3.8.2 (a) or Rule 3.8.2 (b) above, ESPL may, in its absolute discretion and taking account of any relevant considerations such as scheduling, sporting or other organisational issues decide: (A) to order such abandoned Tie to be played at the earliest possible date and time provided this can be done, or (B) in the event 25 it is not (due to scheduling, sporting or other organizational issues) possible to order the playing of the abandoned Tie under (A) of this Rule 3.8.2 (c), in which case, ESPL will determine the result of the abandoned Tie in accordance with the following:

(i) if the said Tie is in the League Stage, the 15 team points shall be split equally between both Teams such that each Team shall get 7.5 team points each;

(ii) if the said Tie is at the Knock Out Stage, Rule 3.3.5 shall apply in case of a semi-final and Rule 3.3.6 shall apply in case it is the Final, to determine the winner.

3.8.3 The outcome of any Tie, which is abandoned in the middle of play or not played at all /cancelled due to reasons which can be directly or indirectly attributed to one or both the participating Teams, will be decided by ESPL (including the possible completion or rescheduling of such Tie in accordance with Rules 3.8.2 and 3.8.4), with the following being applicable:

(a) If a Team does not report for a Tie, except in cases of Force-Majeure situation recognized by ESPL, or if it refuses to continue to play or leaves the Playing Area and Team Box before the end of the Tie despite the Referee’s decision to continue to play, or, if in the opinion of the Referee, the Match cannot be continued due to the behavior of a Team or any other reason attributable to the Team, the relevant Franchisee shall:

(i) be considered to be in breach of these Rules and Regulations;

(ii) have the relevant Tie forfeited by a score of 9-0 unless the Team which was not at fault for the abandonment of the Tie was already winning the Tie by a higher score in which case the actual team points for that Team shall stand while the defaulting Team’s team points shall be reduced to zero;

(iii) be required to pay compensation for any and all damages or losses suffered by the opponent Franchisee and its Franchisee Partners, ESPL, UTT and League Partners. The amount of compensation will be determined by the Disciplinary Committee; and

(iv) notwithstanding any penal action otherwise provided in any other Regulation, be liable for an additional fine, deduction of team points and/or suspension by the Disciplinary Committee from taking any further part in UTT, depending on the gravity of the incident.

(b) The decision of the Disciplinary Committee shall be final and binding.

3.8.4 If a Tie is stopped by the Referee before the end of such Match due to Force Majeure the following procedure shall be followed:

(a) The Tie is automatically suspended for a duration of 30 minutes to allow conditions to improve sufficiently to restart the Match, unless the Referee decides that the Match can be resumed earlier;

(b) at the discretion of the Referee, this initial suspension referred to in (a) above can be extended up to a maximum of two hours if in the Referee’s opinion this extra period of suspension will allow the Tie to be resumed. If the Tie resumes within the said two hours after having been suspended for certain duration, the Referee shall allow the relevant Players up to one minute of practice before their Match commences. Otherwise, at the end of this maximum suspension period of two hours, the Referee must declare the Match to have been abandoned for that day and the procedure in Rule 3.8.4 (c) below shall apply. The Referee’s decision in this regard shall be final but in exercising this discretion he shall be obliged to act in accordance with any constraints or other obligations imposed on ESPL such as a time restriction imposed by a relevant Venue, if any;

(c) in circumstances where it has not been possible to complete a Tie under Rule 3.8.4 (a) and Rule 3.8.4 (b) above, ESPL may, in its absolute discretion and taking account of any relevant considerations such as scheduling, sporting or other organisational issues decide (A) to order the part of such Tie which has not been completed to be played at an earliest possible date and time, provided this can be done, or (B) in the event it is not (due to scheduling, sporting or other organizational issues) possible to order the remainder of the abandoned Tie to be completed under (A) of this Rule 3.8.4 (c) in which case ESPL will determine the result of the abandoned Tie in accordance with the following:

(i) if the said Tie is in the League Stage, the score at the time of the abandonment shall be taken into account (only for the completed Games) while the remaining team points shall be split between both Teams (for example: the Tie gets abandoned with Team A at 7 team points and Team B at 3 team points such that the score reads 7-3 at the time of abandonment. With a total of 10 team points already having been played, the remaining 5 team points of the total 15 team points to be won in a Tie shall be split equally between Team A and B such that the final score for Team A will be 7 + 2.5 = 9.5 team points and the score for Team B will be 3 + 2.5 = 5.5 team points; whereas

(ii) if the said Tie is at the Knock Out Stage, Rule 3.3.5 shall apply in case of a semi-final and Rule 3.3.6 shall apply in case it is the Final, to determine the winner.

3.8.5 In case of an abandoned Tie, where under Rule 3.8.4 only the part of the Tie, which has not been completed, is ordered to be played at an earliest possible date, the following principles shall apply:

1. The Tie and Match shall recommence at the score at which play was interrupted;
2. The Tie shall recommence with the same Players playing the Match when the Match was abandoned;
3. the Tie shall continue with the same order of play and Players as was decided on the day the Tie was abandoned, unless ESPL decides otherwise;
4. any sanction imposed before the Tie was abandoned shall remain valid for the remainder of the Tie.

3.8.6 No appeal may be lodged against decisions under Rules 3.8.2, 3.8.3, 3.8.4 and 3.8.5.

3.8.7 ESPL is not obliged to broadcast a Tie which is to be completed or is rescheduled for a date other than the original scheduled date. Neither is ESPL obliged to broadcast the complete Tie in case a Tie is completed on the same day as the original scheduled date after a long delay or interruption such that the Tie goes beyond the time committed by the broadcaster to ESPL.

3.9 Trophy, medals and prize money

3.9.1 A person designated by ESPL will present the winner of the Final with the UTT trophy.

3.9.2 Medals will be presented to each of the Finalists, i.e. to the winners and to the runners-up of UTT.

3.9.4 Prize Money

1. ESPL will in respect of the Season determine the amount of a total prize fund (being the Prize Money) which will be distributed between the Teams participating in the Knock Out Stage in that Season. For the Season (until such time as ESPL decides otherwise) the total amount of the Prize Money shall be INR 2 crore(Rupees two crore) and shall be allocated as follows:

   Prize Money Allocation	(INR)
   Final Winner	75 lakh
   Runner-up (loser of the Final)	50 lakh
   Loser of each semi-final in the Knock Out Stage	25 lakh
   Other Individual Award Winners (total purse)	25 lakh

2. In the event that there is a joint-winner of UTT in a Season in accordance with Rule 3.3.6, the prize money allocated for the Final Winner and the Runner-up shall be combined and then split equally between the two Finalists (INR 75 lakh + 50 lakh = INR 1 crore 25 lakh divided by 2). In such a case, both Finalists shall receive INR 62 lakh 50 thousand each.

4.1 Playing Area and Conditions

4.1.1 The playing space shall be rectangular and not less than 14m long and 7m wide.

4.1.2 The following equipment and fittings are to be considered as part of each Playing Area: The show court including the net assembly, flooring, Umpires’ tables and chairs, score indicators, towel and ball boxes, surrounds, and small technical equipment which shall be fitted in a way that does not affect play.

4.1.3 The Playing Area shall be enclosed by surrounds, separating it from spectators and the Team Box

4.1.4 The background shall be generally dark and shall not contain bright light sources or daylight through uncovered windows or other apertures.

4.1.5 Technical equipment on the net assembly, if any, shall be considered part of it.

4.2 Multi-Ball Play

4.2.1 ESPL shall supply the balls for practice as well as for Ties.

4.2.2 ESPL will make use of multiple balls and shall deploy ball kids to collect the balls during play, as below, in order to save time.

4.2.3 Each time a ball travels far away from the Player after the completion of a rally, the Umpire/ Assistant Umpire shall provide a new ball to the Player. It will be mandatory for the serving Player to make a serve within 10 seconds of receiving the ball each time, except for reasons beyond his control, such as tying of shoelace or the receiving Player not being ready. If he fails to do so, the Player/pair shall receive a warning for the first violation and for any further violation by the same Player/pair (even if the violation occurs while receiving, as provided hereinbelow) in the same Match, that respective point shall be awarded to his/their opponent. For avoidance of doubt, it is clarified that the receiving Player has to be ready as soon as the serving Player is ready to serve. If the receiving Player is not ready to receive when the serving player is ready (except for reasons beyond his control, such as tying of shoelace etc.) then such receiving Player shall receive a warning for the first violation and for any further violation by the same Player/pair (even if the violation is while serving) in the same Match, that respective point shall be awarded to his/their opponent.

4.2.4 There will be ball kids deputed inside and/or outside the Playing Area. Ball kids will collect the balls that go out of the Playing Area during play.

4.3 Racket Control

4.3.1 ESPL may implement racket control, as per the rules and regulations issued by ITTF in this regard, in which case, the following principles shall apply:

1. It is the responsibility of each Player to ensure that racket coverings are attached to their racket blade with adhesives that do not contain harmful volatile solvents;
2. The racket control centre shall test rackets to ensure that rackets abide by all ITTF Rules including, but not limited to, racket covering thickness, flatness and presence of harmful volatile substances;
3. All Players must have their rackets tested before the Match; 30
4. In the event Rule 4.3.1(c) is not followed by a Player, the Player shall be reported for a violation and at ESPL’s discretion, racket control test may be carried out after the Match.
5. Rackets that do not pass the racket control test before the Match cannot be used but may be replaced by a second racket which may be tested immediately if time permits, but if not, will be tested after the Match; in the case where rackets do not pass a random racket control test after the Match, the offending Player will be liable to penalties including forfeiture of the said Match. If the Match is forfeited the score line shall read 11-0, 11-0, 11-0 in favour of the opposing Player/pair.

4.4 Doping Control

4.4.1 All participants shall be bound by the NADA Code and the ITTF anti-doping rules.

4.5 Arrival of Teams, Practice and Player Access

4.5.1 Each Franchisee shall ensure that all members of its Team are at the Venue at which a Tie is to be played at least 90 minutes before the scheduled start time as shown in the fixture list.

4.5.2 Each Franchisee shall ensure that its Team is ready to take to the FOP as per the official countdown timings (which shall be provided by League Officials prior to the Tie). Each Franchisee acknowledges that a late start may have contractual consequences for ESPL and/or the UTT in relation to its broadcasters. Any Franchisee (which expression shall include, without limitation, its Team) at fault for the late start of any Match shall be held guilty of misconduct and shall be punishable by way of fine in accordance with Rule 7.1.2 and/or may be liable under the indemnity referred to in Rule 1.8.

4.6 Team Sheets

4.6.1 Each Team shall submit its Team Sheet to the Referee by 90 minutes prior to the start of the Tie. The Team Sheet shall list the names of its Players competing in each Match according to the order of play as listed in Rule 3.1.4. The Team Sheet shall also include the name of the Team Officials who will be seated in the Team Box for the relevant Tie.

4.6.2 The Team Sheet shall be signed by either of the Coaches or the Team Manager before submission.

4.6.3 Once the Referee signs the Team Sheet, such list shall become an official document, which shall be used to distribute to broadcast, Media and the public.

4.6.4 After the Team Sheet has been validated by the Referee under the preceding Rule, a Team cannot make any changes to its nominated Players for any Match except in the case of injury to a Player. In the case of an injury to a Player, a Team may be allowed to reorganize its order of play and resubmit its Team Sheet after approval from the Competition Director who may consult the League Doctor before giving such approval. Such change to the Team Sheet shall only be allowed up to 30 minutes prior to the Match, and in such a case the opposing Team shall also be allowed to reorganize and resubmit its Team Sheet. Both Teams shall ensure that their revised Team Sheets are also in compliance with Rule 3.1.5 and 3.1.6. The opposing Team must submit its revised Team Sheet within 5 minutes of the Team with the injured Player having submitted it.

4.6.5 No reorganization of its nominated Players according to the order of play in the Team Sheet will be allowed post the 30 minutes deadline mentioned in the preceding Rule. However, if there is any injury post this deadline then the Team can still replace its injured Player for a particular Match in which the said Player is due to play. Such replacement must be communicated to and approved by the Competition Director at least 15minutes before the start of such Match.

4.6.6 If a Player is injured and unable to play in a Match and his Team is unable to make a replacement before the 15- minutedeadline mentioned in the preceding Rule, the relevant Player shall forfeit his Match with a score of 11-0, 11-0, 11-0.If the Player forfeits his Match due to injury after the commencement of the Match, the actual score at the time of forfeiting will be taken into account in the final score such that if a Player forfeits at the score of 11-4, 5-2 in his favour then the final score shall be 11-4, 5-11, 0-11.

4.7 Team Kit & other Equipment

4.7.1 Subject always to compliance with the Franchisee Agreement and the Sponsorship Guidelines, Teams shall have different colour kits such that Players can be clearly identified by spectators and TV viewers.

4.7.2 Each Franchisee whose Team is participating in any Tie shall ensure that its Team's playing kit is the oneapproved by ESPL. If any part of a Player’s Team kit is damaged during the course of a Match it shall be immediately replaced with an undamaged similar item.

4.7.3 Franchisees shall ensure that they are always in compliance with the Sponsorship Guidelines.

4.7.4 A racket shall not be replaced during a Match unless it is accidentally damaged so badly that it cannot be used; if this happens the damaged racket shall be replaced immediately by another which the Player has brought with him or her to the Playing Area or one which is handed to him or her in the Playing Area. This replacement racket may be tested for racket control after the Match, as per the rules and regulations of ITTF in this regard. If the racket does not pass the racket control test after the Match, all the points won by the offending Player/pair after the change in racket will be awarded to the opponent Player/pair

4.7.5 Unless otherwise authorised by the Umpire, Players shall leave their rackets on the table during breaks.

4.7.6 Playing clothing shall consist of a short-sleeved or sleeveless shirt and shorts or skirt or one-part sports outfits, socks and playing shoes; other garments, such as part or all of a tracksuit, shall not be worn during play except with the permission of the Referee.

4.7.7 The main colour of a shirt, skirt or shorts, other than sleeves and collar of a shirt shall be clearly different from that of the ball in use, which will be white in the case of UTT.

4.7.8 Any markings or trimming on the front or side of a playing garment and any objects such as jewellery worn by a Player shall not be so conspicuous or brightly reflecting as to unsight an opponent.

4.7.9 Clothing shall not carry designs or lettering which might cause offence or bring the game of Table Tennis into disrepute.

4.7.10 The Players of a Team shall be dressed uniformly, with the possible exception of socks and shoes.

4.8 Match Officials

4.8.1 ESPL and TTFI shall appoint one Referee and four Umpires to officiate in each Tie. Of the four Umpires, each Match shall have one official officiate as an Umpire and another as an Assistant Umpire. The four Umpires shall be rotated to officiate the 5 Matches in a Tie, the appointments for each Match to be done by the Referee. Match Officials shall receive their official kits and equipment from ESPL and shall wear and use only these kits and equipment on Match days.

4.8.2 All Match Officials shall abide by the Match Officials’ Code of Conduct as published by ESPL.

4.8.3 The Referee shall primarily be responsible for the following:

1. the appointment of Match Officials for each Match;
2. checking the eligibility of Players;
3. deciding whether play may be suspended in an emergency but always in consultation with the Competition Director;
4. deciding whether Players may leave the Playing Area and its vicinity during a Match;
5. deciding whether Players may wear track suits during a Match;
6. deciding any question of interpretation of Laws of the Game or Regulations where he has the authority, including the acceptability of clothing (excluding for commercial and sponsorship matters which shall be checked by the sponsorship team or the Competition Director), playing equipment and playing conditions;
7. deciding whether, and where, Players may practice during an emergency suspension of play in consultation with the Competition Director;
8. taking disciplinary action for misbehavior as per Rule 4.9.3;
9. Where the Referee is satisfied that it is necessary to do so he may replace a Match Official with another at any time, but he may not alter a decision already made by the replaced official on a question of fact within his jurisdiction.
10. Players participating in a Tie and Team Officials to be seated in the Team Box shall be under the jurisdiction of the Referee from 10 minutes before the start of the Tie until the end of the Tie.

4.8.4 The Umpire shall primarily be responsible for the following:

1. checking the acceptability of equipment and playing conditions and reporting any deficiency to the Referee;
2. conducting the toss for the choice of serving, receiving and ends;
3. controlling the order of serving, receiving and ends and correcting any errors therein; (d) deciding each rally as a point or a let;
4. calling the score, in accordance with specified procedure;
5. maintaining the continuity of play;
6. taking action for breaches of the advice (Rule 4.9.2) or behavior (Rule 4.9.3) regulations;
7. Players participating in a Tie and Team Officials to be seated in the Team Box shall be under the jurisdiction of the Umpire from the time at which they arrive at the Playing Area and Team Box before the start of the Tie until they leave it after the end of the Tie.

4.8.5 The Assistant Umpire shall primarily be responsible for the following:

1. decide whether or not the ball in play touches the edge of the playing surface at the side of the table nearest him or her;
2. inform the Umpire for breaches of the advice (Rule 4.9.2) or behaviour (Rule 4.9.3) regulations.
3. either the Umpire or the assistant Umpire may:

   (i) decide that a Player's service action is illegal;

   (ii) decide that, in an otherwise correct service, the ball touches the net assembly;

   (iii) decide that a Player obstructs the ball;

   (iv) decide that the conditions of play are disturbed in a way that may affect the outcome of the rally; (v) time the duration of the practice period, of play and of breaks.
4. a decision made by the Assistant Umpire in accordance with the provisions of 4.8.5 (c) may not be overruled by the Umpire.

4.8.6 Score Indication

1. The Umpire shall call the score as soon as the ball is out of play at the completion of a rally, or as soon as is practicable thereafter.
2. In calling the score during a Game the Umpire shall call first the number of points scored by the Player or pair due to serve in the next rally of the Game and then the number of points scored by the opposing Player or pair.
3. At the beginning of a Game and when a change of server is due, the Umpire shall point to the next server, and may also follow the score call with the next server’s name.
4. At the end of a Game the Umpire shall call the number of points scored by the winning Player or pair followed by the number of points scored by the losing Player or pair and may then name the winning Player or pair.
5. In addition to calling the score the Umpire may use hand signals to indicate his or her decisions.
6. When a point has been scored, he or she may raise his or her arm nearer to the Player or pair who won the point so that the upper arm is horizontal and the forearm is vertical with the closed hand upward.
7. When for any reason the rally is a let, he or she may raise his or her hand above his or her head to show that the rally has ended.
8. The score shall be displayed on mechanical or electronic indicators so that it is clearly visible to the Players and the spectators.
9. When a Player is formally warned for bad behaviour, a yellow marker shall be placed on or near the score indicator.

4.9 On-field Discipline, Integrity and Appeals

4.9.1 Appeals

1. no agreement between Players, or between Team captains or Team Coaches can alter a decision on a question of fact by the responsible Match Official, on a question of interpretation of Laws of the Game or Regulations by the responsible Referee where the Referee has the authority.
2. no appeal may be made to the Referee against a decision on a question of fact by the responsible Match Official or to the Competition Director/Disciplinary Committee on a question of interpretation of Laws of the Game or Regulations where the Referee has the authority.
3. an appeal may be made to the Referee against a decision of a Match Official on a question of interpretation of Laws of the Game or Regulations where the Referee has the authority, and the decision of the Referee shall be final.
4. an appeal may be made to the Disciplinary Committee against a decision of the Referee on a question of tournament or match conduct not covered by the Laws of the Game or Regulations, and the decision of the Disciplinary Committee shall be final.
5. an appeal may be made only by the Coach / captain / Team Manager of a Team participating in the Tie in which the question has arisen.

4.9.2 Advice

1. Players may receive advice from anyone authorised to be in the Team Box.
2. Players may receive advice at any time except during rallies provided play is not delayed and the time of designated breaks as per Rule 3.4 is strictly adhered to; if any authorised person gives advice illegally the Umpire shall hold up a yellow card to warn him that any further such offence will result in his dismissal from the Playing Area and its vicinity including the Team Box.
3. After a warning has been given, if anyone from the same Team again gives advice illegally, the Umpire shall hold up a red card and send him away from the Team Box and the vicinity of the Playing Area, whether or not he was the person warned.
4. The dismissed adviser shall not be allowed to return, except when required to play
5. If the dismissed adviser refuses to leave, or returns before the end of the Tie, the Umpire shall suspend play and report to the Referee.
6. These rules shall apply only to advice on play and shall not prevent a Player or captain, as appropriate, from making a legitimate appeal on the explanation of a juridical decision.

4.9.3 Misbehavior

1. Players and Coaches or other Team Officials in the Playing Area and Team Box shall refrain from behavior that may unfairly affect an opponent, offend spectators, result in violation of time rules such as breaks between Games and Matches or bring the sport into disrepute, such as abusive language, deliberately breaking the ball or hitting it out of the Playing Area, kicking the table or surrounds and disrespect of Match Officials.
2. If at any time a Player, a Coach or another Team Official in the Team Box commits a serious offence the Umpire shall suspend play and report immediately to the Referee; for less serious offences the Umpire may, on the first occasion, hold up a yellow card and warn the offender that any further offence is liable to incur penalties.
3. Except as provided in Rule 4.9.3 (b) above and Rule 4.9.3 (e) below, if a Player who has been warned commits a second offence in the same Match, the Umpire shall award 1 point within a Game to the offender's opponent and for a further offence he or she shall award 2 points within a Game, each time holding up a yellow and a red card together.
4. If a Player against whom 3 penalty points have been awarded in the same Match or Tie continues to misbehave, the Umpire shall suspend play and report immediately to the Referee.
5. If a Player changes his racket during a Match when it has not been damaged, the Umpire shall suspend play and report to the Referee.
6. A warning or penalty incurred by either Player of a mixed doubles pair shall apply to the pair, but not to the nonoffending player in a subsequent singles Match of the same Tie; at the start of the mixed doubles Match the pair shall be regarded as having incurred the higher of any warnings or penalties incurred by either Player in the same Tie.
7. Except as provided in 4.9.3 (b) above, if a Coach or another Team Official in the Team Box who has been warned commits a further offence in the Tie, the Umpire shall hold up a red card and send him away from the Playing Area and its vicinity including the Team Box until the end of the Tie.
8. The Referee shall have the power to disqualify a Player from a Match, for seriously unfair or offensive behavior including his refusal to play or continue playing a Match, whether reported by the Umpire or not; as he does so he shall hold up a red card; for less serious offenses which do not justify disqualification, the Referee may decide to report such an offense to the Competition Director.
9. If a Player is disqualified from 2 Matches of a Team he shall automatically be disqualified from that Tie. For avoidance of doubt, a Player who is disqualified shall forfeit his Match/es by a score of 11-0, 11-0, 11-0.
10. Cases of very serious misbehavior shall be reported to the Competition Director who shall report it to the Disciplinary Committee. For any of the offenses under Rule 4.9.3 above, an offending Player and/or Team Official may also be liable to a financial sanction.

4.9.4 Integrity and Fair Play

1. Players, Coaches and other Team Officials shall uphold the object of good presentation of the sport and safeguard its integrity by refraining from any attempt to influence any element of UTT in a manner contrary to sporting ethics.
2. Players have to do their utmost to win a Match and shall not withdraw except for reasons of illness or injury.
3. Players, Coaches and Team Officials shall not participate in any form of or support betting or gambling related to any Match or event related to UTT.

5.1 Player promotional obligations

5.1.1 Each Player shall during the term of his Player Contract:

1. participate in such events and comply with such requests as may reasonably be required by his/her Franchisee and/or ESPL to promote his/her Franchisee and/or the UTT respectively (whether for themselves or their respective Franchise Partners and/or League Partners) including but not limited to making up to 10 promotional appearances per UTT Season (each of a maximum of 6 hours excluding travel time) and the granting of interviews and photographic opportunities; and
2. assist the official broadcaster to promote UTT whenever reasonably required, including but not limited to making appearances on television shows, publicity events granting interviews (whether at matches, training camps or at his/her Team hotel or otherwise), pre Match/post-Match interviews, post-Match ceremonies and appearances for on ground activities and allow the broadcaster to make audio-visual or audio recordings of such appearances, the costs of which shall not be borne by the Player.

5.1.2 Each Player grants to his/her Franchisee and ESPL for the benefit of each of the Franchisee and ESPL (with the right for each of the Franchisee and ESPL to sub-license such rights including to the official UTT broadcaster) the right during the term of his/her Player Contract to photograph and/or film the Player both individually and as a member of the Team when he/she is involved in activities relating to his/her Team and the UTT including any activities and appearances referred to in Rule 5.1.1.

5.1.3 For the avoidance of doubt, it is agreed that, no fee and/or monies and/or other sums shall be payable to the Player by the Franchisee and/or by ESPL for the promotional appearances and/or sponsorship services referred to in Rule 5.1.1 and/or for the grant of rights referred to in Rule 5.1.2.

5.1.4 Each Player waives all moral or equivalent rights (to the fullest extent allowed by law) to which he/she is or may become entitled under the laws of any country in relation to the performance of the obligations under his/her Player Contract including without limitation all those relating to his/her promotional work (as stated in his/her Playing Contract and in this Rule 5.1).

5.1.5 Each Player shall not, at any time during the term of his/her Player Contract, act in any way which knowingly conflicts with any Franchisee Partner Agreement and/or League Partner Agreement.

5.1.6 Each Player shall not during the term of his/her Player Contract undertake promotional activities or exploit the Player Identification in connection with his/her Franchisee, his/her Team or the UTT in any way and/or through any Media nor grant the right to do so to any third party

5.1.7 All requests to a Player for promotional activities for the benefit of ESPL, UTT and/or the League Partners shall be made by ESPL through the Player’s Franchisee, and on receipt of such request the Franchisee shall (i) respond to ESPL as soon as is reasonably possible; and (ii) ensure that such Player fulfills all agreed requests, taking into account the existing schedule of the Player.

5.2 Media Policy - General

5.2.1 It is recommended that each Franchisee hires an officially designated Team Media Officer. In case a Team does not hire a separate Team Media Officer his responsibilities shall be fulfilled by the Team Manager, who each Franchisee is mandated to hire. The Team Media Officer will be the point of contact for all Media coordination with the League’s media officer.

5.2.2 The practice sessions will be open for the Media. The Team Media Officer will be informed in advance about Media interaction requests on the sidelines of the practice session.

5.2.3 If requested by ESPL, each Team must take part in a pre-match press conference on the eve of its respective Match day at the time designated by ESPL. ESPL shall make arrangements at a designated venue for the press conference. Each Franchisee shall co-operate and co-ordinate with the League media officers.

5.2.4 Each Franchisee shall ensure that its head Coach and/or captain and one (1) Player shall address press conferences post a Tie. The Team Media Officer must ensure the attendance of the head Coach / captain and one Player.

5.2.5 Each participating Franchisee shall co-operate to ensure that a post-Match conference is conducted at the Venue and commences no later than 15 minutes after the end of the Tie.

5.2.6 After each Match, a secure mixed zone will be in operation for quick Media bytes before the start of the next Match.

5.3 Media Policy - Interviews

5.3.1 If and when requested by ESPL, each Franchisee participating in a Tie shall ensure that their head Coach and one Player is made available on the day before their Tie and/or the day their Tie is scheduled for an interview of up to ten (10) minutes, to be recorded by the official broadcaster of the League and/or any of the League’s official Media partners for such news and other commercial use as ESPL decides. On occasions, ESPL may also request for two Players from a Team, based on their performance, for interviews for the League website. Such Player(s) will be identified and their names communicated by the League media officer to the Team Media Officer in advance.

5.3.2 Players and Team Officials of Franchisees are not permitted to give interviews during the Tie on the FOP (other than the designated mixed zone) or in its immediate vicinity except to the official broadcaster of the League who shall be allocated a designated space to take such (flash) interviews.

5.3.3 For the flash interview, at least one (1) key Player from both participating Teams must be available for the official broadcaster of the League upon its request.

5.3.4 For the post-Match interviews, at least one (1) key Player from both participating Teams must be available for at least the official broadcaster of the League upon its request.

6.1 Disciplinary Procedure

1. All complaints regarding breaches of the Rules and Regulations or charges of misconduct under the Regulations, shall (unless provided otherwise in these Rules or unless ESPL in its absolute discretion decides otherwise) be decided by the Disciplinary Committee in the manner set out below.
2. The Governing Council shall establish a Disciplinary Committee comprising of a sole member to hear and decide upon any matter referred to it hereunder. In the light of any specific matter, ESPL reserves the right to nominate additional people to comprise the Disciplinary Committee if, in ESPL’s discretion, the circumstances render either appropriate
3. Any dispute to be heard by the Disciplinary Committee shall be decided fairly and impartially and in accordance with a reasonable interpretation of the Regulations and the principles of natural justice.
4. The Disciplinary Committee shall have the right and power (but not obligation) to investigate any breaches of the Regulations subject to these Rules and accordingly may, in the course of or in connection with any such investigation, require any person subject to these Rules to provide any evidence (such as documentation) or any particular or general information (written or oral) on matters relating to the relevant matter as the Disciplinary Committee may request in writing or to attend any hearing or interview to answer questions and produce evidence such as documents or items.
5. Any failure by any person subject to these Rules to comply with any request or investigation by the Disciplinary Committee under this Rule 6 of these Rules shall constitute misconduct

6.2 Complaints Procedure

1. Any person subject to these Rules (or ESPL having the power to take cognizance of any breach) (being the "Claimant") may file a complaint against any other person subject to these Rules that such person has breached its obligations under the Regulations (a "Complaint"), by notifying the Competition Director, by email to info@11sports.in, in writing. The Claimant shall, as soon as practicable but not more than 24 hours after the alleged breach send to the Competition Director a complaint in writing in the prescribed format provided by ESPL, including full facts forming the basis of the Complaint, the name of the object of the Complaint ("Respondent"), identity of witnesses if any and such information/documents relating to the Complaint that the Complainant wishes to rely on. The Complainant shall deliver a full set of the signed Complaint by email to the Competition Director.
2. The Competition Director shall, (unless the Competition Director does not believe that the Complaint has any merit, in which case, he/she will inform the Claimant of the dismissal of the Complaint at the earliest ) as soon as practicable following receipt of the Complaint, forward one copy of it to the Respondent, with a request to the Respondent to submit to the Competition Director its response to the Complaint (the “Response”) within 24 hours or such period of time which shall be decided at the Competition Director’s discretion, in the prescribed format provided by ESPL, along with copies of supporting documents, identity of any witnesses and details of any counterclaim. The Respondent shall deliver a full set of the signed Response by email to the Competition Director for onward transmission to the Disciplinary Committee, and a copy to the Claimant.
3. If the Respondent accepts the Complaint in full and makes no counter-claim, then the Disciplinary Committee shall impose such sanction under Rule 6.4 as it considers appropriate. In all other cases, the Disciplinary Committee may, at its discretion convene a preliminary hearing with the Claimant and Respondent at the earliest to fix the schedule of dates for the hearings, via a telephone conference call unless the Disciplinary Committee determines otherwise. The non-participation of the Claimant or Respondent in any such preliminary hearing, after a notice thereof has been provided to them, shall not prevent the Disciplinary Committee from proceeding with the preliminary hearing.
4. Unless it (in its discretion) decides otherwise the Disciplinary Committee shall, convene the hearing as per the schedule at which the Claimant and Respondent will be invited to state their respective cases.
5. The procedure followed at the hearing shall be at the discretion of the Disciplinary Committee provided that the hearing is conducted in a fair manner and in accordance with the principles of natural justice. The Claimant and Respondent will be provided with a fair and reasonable opportunity to present evidence (including the right to call and to question and cross-examine witnesses in person or by telephone or video-conference where necessary), address the Disciplinary Committee and present its case.
6. The hearing before the Disciplinary Committee shall be in English, and certified English translations shall be submitted of any non-English documents put before the Disciplinary Committee, the cost of which shall be borne by the party offering the document(s).
7. Where video evidence of the alleged offence is available at the hearing before the Disciplinary Committee then it may be relied upon by any party, provided that all other parties shall have the right to make such representations in relation to it that they may see fit.
8. The Disciplinary Committee shall not be required to follow rules of evidence laid down under Indian law in relation to court proceedings but shall make its own judgement as to what weight to give to particular types of evidence it permits. It shall keep a record in the form of minutes as to the conduct of any hearing under this section.
9. Unless exceptional circumstances apply, each of the Claimant and Respondent must attend any hearing before the Disciplinary Committee. Where any such individual has a compelling justification for non-attendance, then he shall be given the opportunity to participate in the hearing before the Disciplinary Committee by telephone or video conference (if available). In the event that the Claimant or Respondent is a Player then without prejudice to such person’s ability to call and to question such witnesses as may be necessary, one of the captain or Coach of the Team that such Player represents may also attend a hearing before the Disciplinary Committee to provide support and assistance to such person. No more than an aggregate total of two representatives shall accompany each of the Claimant and Respondent.
10. The non-attendance of the Claimant and/or Respondent or its representative at a hearing, shall not prevent the Disciplinary Committee from proceeding with such hearing in its absence and issuing a ruling and (if appropriate) applying a sanction.
11. As soon as possible after the conclusion of the hearing, and in any case not later than 48 hours thereafter, the Disciplinary Committee will provide its decision in writing, followed by a reasoned order if it deems fit, within seven (7) days of it providing the written decision.
12. ESPL will be entitled to issue a public announcement regarding any decision of the Disciplinary Committee as soon as is reasonably practicable after such decision has been communicated to the parties. Any such public announcement of the decision may include details of any offence committed and of the sanctions imposed, if any. Until such time as a public announcement is published, all parties and participants in the proceedings including the Claimant and Respondent shall treat such proceedings as strictly confidential, save that ESPL may publicly confirm the date of the hearing, the offence that is alleged to have been committed and/or the name of the person charged. Following any such announcement of the decision, no comment shall be made in connection with the matter beyond the scope of what has been included in such announcement.
13. Unless otherwise described herein, the standard of proof in respect of all Complaints, Responses and counterclaims brought under the Regulations shall be whether the Disciplinary Committee is comfortably satisfied, bearing in mind the seriousness of the allegation that is made, that the alleged offence has been committed. This standard of proof in all cases shall be determined on a sliding scale from, at a minimum, a mere balance of probability (for the least serious offences) up to proof beyond a reasonable doubt (for the most serious offences).
14. The Disciplinary Committee shall not be bound by judicial rules governing the admissibility of evidence. Instead, facts relating to an offence committed under the Regulations may be established by any reliable means, including admissions.
15. The Disciplinary Committee may draw an inference adverse to the Claimant and/or Respondent based on his/her refusal, without compelling justification, after a request made in a reasonable time in advance of the hearing, to appear at the hearing (either in person or telephonically as directed by the Disciplinary Committee) and/or to answer any relevant questions

6.3 Summary Procedure

The Disciplinary Committee shall have the power to direct a summary conduct of any matter placed before it at the preliminary hearing, as prescribed under Rule6.2 (c), if the alleged offence is admitted by the Respondent, or, the Disciplinary Committee finds that the matter is capable of being decided upon without any further evidence and/or witnesses to be brought before it to testify, and on any interim matters to be determined. In such case it shall make its decision within 48 hours of the direction to conduct a summary procedure, without requirement of any further hearing, in the manner prescribed hereunder.

6.4 Sanctions

1. The Disciplinary Committee may make one or more decisions on the matters before it. It shall not be bound by strict rules of precedent in relation to its decisions but shall seek to maintain reasonable consistency in hearing the matters before it from time to time.
2. The Disciplinary Committee may, impose one or more of the following sanctions or actions in relation to any offence;

   (i) order compensation and/or an order that the reasonable costs of the proceedings in relation to any Complaint be borne by whichever person has been found to have committed the offence or apportioned in cases where two or more persons have committed an offence;

   (ii) suspend a Player or other person subject to these Rules from playing or otherwise being involved in Matches/Ties for a specified period;

   (iii) suspend a Team from the League;

   (iv) ban from entering Competition Area and/or Team Box and/or Venue;

   (v) order the payment of money from a person subject to these Rules either to ESPL or to another person including another person subject to these Rules;

   (vi) order a declaration as to any finding of fact or interpretation of the Regulations;

   (vii) order a deduction of team points from a Team;

   (viii) order the specific performance of an act or matter, or to do or stop doing or not to do something;

   (ix) impose a financial penalty payable to the League or any other person;

   (x) order any other sanction or action that the Disciplinary Committee views as reasonable in the interests of justice.

3. The Disciplinary Committee may, order that interest be paid on any monetary sums payable under Rule 6.4(b) for such period or until such date or event as it thinks fit. The Disciplinary Committee may impose sanctions or actions immediately, on a deferred basis, or suspended pending future good behaviour, or generally as it thinks fit.
4. The Disciplinary Committee may, make such order for costs as it thinks fit in relation to any investigation, the hearing and the proceedings generally and may order that any claim for costs be assessed to ensure they are reasonable.
5. Decisions of the Disciplinary Committee shall be final and binding without further appeal, on all persons subject to these Rules who shall all observe the same without the need for any further formality.

6.5 Costs

The Respondent and Claimant will each bear their own costs in relation to any Complaint and/or Response and ESPL shall bear the central costs of the Disciplinary Committee, save in each case where the Disciplinary Committee decides otherwise (by way of example the Disciplinary Committee may decide to make an award of costs against a person in the event of any spurious or vexatious Complaint/Response).

6.6 Appeals from Referee and ESPL's decisions

Appeals from appealable decisions of the Referee or ESPL, as the case may be, shall be placed before the Disciplinary Committee and the procedure for hearing the Appeal/s shall be as prescribed for Complaints and the provisions of Rule 6.2 shall apply.

7.1 The Code of Conduct below defines some key responsibilities a Player, Team Official and a Team is expected to fulfill. The list in Rules 7.1.1 and 7.1.2 is only indicative and not exhaustive.

7.1.1 By agreeing to take part in UTT, all Players and Team Officials agree to:

1. be punctual on all occasion including but not limited to Press conferences, meetings, Match day countdown etc.;
2. fulfill all Media and broadcast obligations as per these Rules and Regulations;
3. respect the decisions of ESPL;
4. respect the Laws of the Game;
5. display and promote high standards of behavior;
6. promote fair play;
7. always respect Match Officials’ decisions;
8. never engage in public criticism of the Match Officials, the Governing Council, the Disciplinary Committee, IMGR, TTFI, ITTF, ESPL, UTT, the Franchisees and/or their respective partners;
9. never indulge in offensive, insulting or abusive language or behavior;
10. never engage in bullying, intimidation or harassment;
11. speak to team mates, officials of own Team and opposing team with respect;
12. win or lose with dignity and not indulge in any misbehavior at the end of the Match;
13. not make any adverse comment/remark/statement at any time in relation to the opposing Team;
14. not make any adverse comment/remark/statement anytime in relation to Match Officials;
15. not make any adverse comment/remark/statement at any time in relation to the League, ESPL, the Governing Council (or any Governing Council Member), broadcaster, broadcast partner, League Partner, Franchisee Partner, League Doctor, Competition Director, Match Officials, the Disciplinary Committee, the TTFI, the ITTF, and/or IMGR and/or any of their respective Representatives;
16. comply with the Regulations.

7.1.2 The following minimum sanctions are applicable to any Franchisee and/or Players and/or Team Officials who are in breach of Regulations. For clarity, the below mentioned sanctions are indicative only for minor offenses and can be increased by the Disciplinary Committee at its discretion considering the gravity of the offence and if there are aggravating circumstances to be decided by the Disciplinary Committee.

For avoidance of doubt, it is clarified that the minimum sanctions as prescribed under this Rule 7 can be imposed automatically without being referred to the Disciplinary Committee.

Unless otherwise specified, the relevant disciplinary authority may increase a sanction if a violation has been repeated, which shall be construed as an aggravating circumstance.

8.1 The Franchisees and their Representatives shall be bound by the Franchisee Regulations.

8.2 The Franchisees shall appoint / select all Players and Coaches forming a part of the Team in accordance with the Player Draft rules and the Coach Draft rules, respectively;

8.3 Notwithstanding anything contained anywhere else in the Franchisee Regulations, these Rules and Regulations, it is clarified that in case of an injury to a Player, as certified by the League Doctor, and/or unavailability of the Player due to other reasons (such as visa) during the Season, where such an injury/unavailability prevents the Player’s participation during the remainder of the Season, ESPL shall allow the relevant Franchisee, as soon as practicable, to select a Reserve Player, to participate in the UTT. However, if a Player sustains an injury and/or is unavailable due to other reasons (such as visa) after the Player Draft and his selection by a Franchisee, but prior to the start of the Season, and such injury/unavailability prevents such Player’s participation in the UTT for the Season, ESPL, in its sole discretion, shall have the right to contact any other player, of the same category as that of the injured/unavailable Player, for participation in the UTT for that relevant Season, and provide the relevant Franchisee an option to select such player for its Team for the Season. It is further clarified that such player shall be deemed to always have been a Reserve Player and a part of the Player Draft, irrespective of whether or not such player was initially listed as a Reserve Player and/or was available for selection during the Player Draft conducted for the relevant Season. The Franchisees, Teams, Reserve Player and all other persons shall adhere to Rule 3.1 in respect of the number of Matches that such Player may play in.

8.4 ESPL’s decision in respect of the Rule 8.2 hereinabove shall be final and binding on all the Franchisees, and the Franchisees or any of its Representatives, Players, Coaches, Team Officials etc. shall not make any statement to the Media and/or any other person in this regard, unless authorized by ESPL in writing.