How to Enter a Table Tennis Tournament
The official USA Table Tennis (USATT) table tournament season begins in September and runs through August. You may enter a tournament to play singles, doubles or both. Prize money is often awarded to top finishers in adult leagues and victories can count toward Olympic eligibility. Money is not usually awarded at the Junior level.
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Instructions
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Play in a regional tournament and work your way up toward Olympic qualifying events from there. USATT currently divides play in the United States into eight different regions.
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Check entry restrictions before you enter a table tennis tournament because entry fees are not always refundable. Common restrictions may include age limits for a Juniors or Seniors tournament, gender for a Men's, Women's, Boy's or Girl's tournament or membership affiliation.
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Verify your eligibility to play in a tournament. Any USATT member may enter an Open table tennis tournament. If a tournament is listed as Closed, you may only enter if you reside in the specified region or belong to the specified group. Invitational tournament enrollment by invitation only.
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Print, complete and submit your entry forms for the tournament. If you are unable to locate entry blanks online, contact the tournament coordinator or a representative of the USATT.
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Make the draws for the particular tournament. According to the USATT, the draws are usually held the Wednesday before a Saturday tournament.
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Pay your entry fees. Entry fees are the funds used to put on each tournament. They cover the cost of personnel, the equipment and venue and other related costs. Proceeds are often donated to a worthy cause, such as a charity or a collegiate table tennis team.
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Visit the USATT website for a list of upcoming events and tournaments around the world (see Resources below). Here you will find a list of sanctioned tournaments, complete rules and entry requirements. The home page will also link you to the application form for the current U.S. National Tournament.
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Tips & Warnings
Find a commercial sponsor to offset some of your costs. Table tennis equipment distributors and sporting-goods stores are among the most common sponsors.
Pay close attention to entry fee refund policies. Full and partial refunds are usually available as long as you notify the event sponsor of your withdrawal before the deadline for an event.
