ITTF Board of Directors vote - min friction limit remains

I wrote Adham Sharara about my disappointment with the BoD decision to vote down the Swedish proposal. I explained my concern that many of the BoD members may not really understand the impact of the decision, and that they are very likely easily swayed by a few dominant members, who may not necessarily have the interest of our sport at heart. Below is his response.

Adham wrote:
The reality is as follows:

- In any group there are more influential people and less influential people

- In any group there are people who care more and people who care less

This is normal. The ITTF's Board of Directors is no exception. But this Board is very knowledgeable and all of the members are passionate about table tennis. The Swedish proposition did not receive much support, only about 4-5 members voted in favour (43 members in attendance). The real reasons are as follows:

- This is NOT an issue of any importance at the ITTF level

- Associations are not forced to implement the rule in their country. In fact the English Board member voted against the proposal and said that in England they allow players to play with any equipment they want

- Most felt that frictionless long pimples are bad for our sport

- Most felt that it is better to develop young players without the long pips frictionless rubber.

Also based on talking to more than one hundred presidents of national associations, it seems that the frictionless long pips rubber is an issue only in very few countries, it is not as your members think. In fact the problem is in a very small minority. Most associations reported no decrease in participation since the ban.

Adham

 

I do always appreciate that Adham takes the time to reply to me, and I commend him for this.