[gvttc general] More On This - Important Table Play Etiquette Review & RESET

[ANDRE MARONIAN]

Hello again …

The email below sparked some nice replies and added topics that need to be refreshed.  In classic league last night, I could tell people read it prior to arriving because players were even more mindful last night.  I was giggling inside.  I thought I’d address a few more points that will continue to improve our environment based on some of the replies received.

Table Etiquette
——————————
- Wiping the table with your hand:  Normally, a player may wipe their hand in between points up toward the net.  That said, we’ve noticed players wiping their hands on the table all over the place leaving surface changes that include greasy sweaty hands.  This changes the ball bounce/playing surface and shouldn’t be done.  In my opinion, bring a towel for this purpose versus using the table at all.
- Tying Shoes On Table:  This shouldn’t be done!  If you need to tie your shoes, please bend down and tie them properly.  Putting shoes on the table is disrespectful to our equipment and the name we honor on the table.  We wouldn’t put our shoes on our kitchen table so lets treat our tables with the same level of respect.
- Every 6 points:  The following is allowed at every 6 point interval
					- Towel use - the rules state that you shouldn’t towel at any other time except time outs.  We make exceptions during the summer times when it’s a complete inferno but normally those matches are exhibition anyway.
					- Coaching from ONE designated teammate/coach.  Comments can include specifics like “hit to the backhand” or “short serves” but shouldn’t occur unless you’re at the 6 point interval.  Player stays at the table and doesn’t visit coach during this time.  We’re a bit more lenient with new kids playing in leagues that are clear #4 players.


Saturday Open Play Rules
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There are three open play types
Table 1 - Generally reserved for Over 1800 level play with a King Of The Hill format.  There's no limit to how many times the winner stays on.  Normally there is no list here but you ask who’s on deck.  Players on this table know that there is high risk you will be waiting a long time between losses to get back on to challenge the king of the hill.
Tables 2-4 - Intermediate to top players tend to gravitate there.  These tables are run by either calling winners or a list depending on how many players are on standby.  Players get two matches in a row regardless of a win or loss and then must give up their spot.  They then sign back up on the list.  We ask that you don’t sign up on multiple lists at the same time.
Tables 5-9 - Beginners to Intermediate players tend to gravitate there.  These tables are run by either calling winners or a list depending on how many players are on standby.  Players get two matches in a row regardless of a win or loss and then must give up their spot.  They then sign back up on the list.  We ask that you don’t sign up on multiple lists at the same time.  If a player categorized as an intermediate or top player signs up on this list, they should play both their matches no matter who the opponent. 
NOTE:  The Executive Committee is in the process of voting on the reservation of table 9 for kids when a certain number are there.  This WILL NOT mean that kids must play there but we’re looking at different scenarios.  This point serves as a heads up as we want to attract more kids.  More to follow on this.

The official (abbreviated) rules of open play state that anybody can challenge another player or sign up on either open play sheet if there is a large waiting list (minus the king of the hill table). That said, there's always been an unofficial division of one side being for less experienced and the other side being for more experienced. Players reserve the right to sign up for either list playing against more experienced players as a great way to learn and a spirit that should be fostered within our club.  Anyone that signs up on a list should go into it understanding that some matches will be more competitive and some will be less but the expectation is that you play them both no matter who the opponent.

The List:  Normally a list begins for the tables above when there are more players than tables.  Once a list is established, it becomes the official method from that moment on.  All tables should be notified that a list has begun.  At that point, the following shall take place:
	- Warming Up - If you’re warming up when the list begins, you must either play a match at that point OR choose to continue drilling for a total of 20 minutes.  Notify the players waiting on your choice.  After the 20 minutes is over, one of you must give up your spot for the next person on the list (your choice).
	- If two players want to warm up instead of play a match when ending up together, the 20 minute drill rule applies and replaces the match.
	- Under no circumstance are any players allowed to drill for 20 minutes and then begin a match.
	- If you give up your spot because you don’t want to play the individual you end up with, you don’t move down one position you move to the bottom of the list.  If you care you should sign up on the appropriate list but we do not want players to feel bad
	- If you’re on a list on any table group and we find you playing with someone in another area, you immediately give up your spot on the list you’re waiting on.  The argument: "this table was open" doesn’t work because you tie up 2 spots at the same time.  Other players could use that table.


Player Conduct (From my note back in Jan. 2018)
———————————
We recognize there are many levels of play but the best players had a first day, first year, and looked up to top players.  When I first started, even though I was just beginning, the top players created a nice environment for me and, from time to time, would hit with me even though it provided no value for the top player.  Those moments caused me to want to both remain a player and want to be like them.  If they would've looked down upon me and/or didn’t want to hit with me because it didn’t help them, I may not be where I’m at today.  A rating doesn’t make the player!  If you love this game you want this club to grow.  The more we welcome and assist in a new players growth, the more we’ll have here long term.  Obviously we want competitive play but there’s always a better player than you and they could take that same position when you arrive on their table.  When you’re at Open Play, you need to sign up at appropriate tables and know that some matches will be more competitive and some will be less competitive but ALL matches build the club.  I’m confident this will be the last time we’ll need to address this.

Thanks for your attention to these points and hope you’re enjoying the 2018/19 season.

Sincerely,
Andre Maronian

> Begin forwarded message:
> 
> From: "ANDRE MARONIAN via gvttc.general" <gvttc.general at gvttc.com>
> Subject: [gvttc general] Important Table Play Etiquette Review & RESET
> Date: October 16, 2018 at 4:14:52 PM EDT
> To: "gvttc.general" <gvttc.general at gvttc.com>
> Reply-To: ANDRE MARONIAN <andremaronian at mac.com>
> 
> Greetings,
> 
> I’m sending this note out as a way to regroup and standardize some key play etiquette items that need to be reviewed every few years as we attract a batch of new players.  This is always great news!
> 
> Last night, during Monday league I counted at least 8 different incidents where players that were not playing caused clear interruption to players that were playing by either walking through their court while a point was going on.  One time, toward the end of the night, I witnessed 2 players trying to grab a table to just practice walk through 3 matches that had active points and they didn’t even try to stay close to the barriers.  It became clear that this note was needed.
> 
> Keep in mind, we understand that Monday & Wednesday leagues tend to house a new batch of great players each year so it’s on the experienced players to pull new players aside and guide them to better the club atmosphere.
> 
> A few points to consider ….
> 
> - If your ball ends up in another court, it’s always best to make sure a point isn’t going on and then make eye contact with the player in the other court to determine who should get the ball.
> - NEVER call a let for another match if your ball ends up in their court as it’s up to the two players playing to decide
> - Do not yell across 3 tables for a ball that ends up down there while points are live on tables between you and the table your ball is at.  It’s distracting to those in a point.
> - For those hitting a ball back to the one in need, also be mindful that you don’t just hit the ball across multiple tables that have points going on.  Take a look and wait until points are over in between you and where you intend to send the ball back to.
> - The tables that are near benches can be tough to play at because those waiting get up and down often.  If you’re getting up from a bench to play at a table further down, again be mindful of the match going on and wait to get up until the point is over.
> - Standing around benches.  If you plan to stand near a bench, it’s important that you stand along the same line as the bench and that you don’t creep into the playing area.  Last night we saw players standing inside the barriers in the corners and more.  I saw it clearly bothered match players
> - Go Around.  This one sounds obvious but for whatever the reason we need to mention it.  If you’re trying to get to a bench on the other side of the playing area, it’s always best to go around the outside non-playing area as opposed to walking through all the matches that are going on.  Yes it takes a little longer but it frustrates players in matches when they have to hold off serving for the traffic going by and worse, when points are happening and the walk through still happens.
> 
> There are many points we could address but if the club veterans could take time to pull new players aside when different etiquette matters need to be addressed, we can keep improving our play atmosphere.  It’s also important for new players to be open to the advice and to know that we don’t judge you as we were once the same way.
> 
> As a suggestion, it’s never a bad idea to visit the Classic League to watch some of this in action.  We’re not always perfect but players get very picky about etiquette and how it can interrupt the flow of the match.  We deal with the above much less and it might be worth it to see along with other value added etiquette and techniques.
> 
> Sincerely,
> Andre Maronian
> President GVTTC
> 
> 
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