EUROPEAN TABLE TENNIS UNION a

EUROPEAN TABLE TENNIS UNION

TTCL Men - D I R E C T I V E S 2021/2022

v.1.10.2021

The Table Tennis Champions League, hereinafter referred to as “the Event”, shall be

organised according to the ETTU Regulations applicable for the Event, i.e. Chapter “J” of

the ETTU Handbook.

The following directives provide a supplementary framework to the European Club

Competitions Men (ECCM) regulations “J” and must be followed by all participating Table

Tennis Champions League (TTCL) Clubs.

A club failing to do this shall be fined by the Club Competition Official and eventually made

liable for the payment of all documented and undisputed damages claimed by ETTU,

Sportradar or the sponsor(s).

The directives may be reviewed and amended in line with the decisions of the TTCL

Management Board and the ETTU Executive Board to reflect updates to the general

organisation and planning of the Table Tennis Champions League.

1. PARTIES INVOLVED

● ETTU – European Table Tennis Union (Secretary General (ETTU/SG)).

● The Clubs participating in the Event.

● The Club Competition Official.

● Sportradar – ETTU´s Official TTCL Marketing Partner.

● The TTCL Management Board – having the authority to give dispensation to the clubs

for variations in the directives. Dispensation shall be given with the majority of the votes

in close co-operation with the Club Competition Official.

The TTCL Management Board is composed by 2 club representatives (elected by the

participating TTCLM clubs annually), 3 representatives of the ETTU (confirmed by the

ETTU Executive Board) and 2 representatives of Sportradar.

2. QUALIFICATION AND REGISTRATION

2.1 The Table Tennis Champions League - Men shall be open for the clubs according to the

European Club Competition seeding list based on the results of the clubs from the last 3

European Club Competitions’ seasons, to the Europe Cup winner and to the clubs with

accepted wild cards.

Result points allocation: from the 2018-2019 season 20%, 2019-2020 season 30% and

2020-2021 season 50%.

Points allocation

CL winner

1000

CL runner up

800

CL SF

600

CL QF

400

Europe Cup winner

500

Europe Cup runner up

300

Europe Cup SF

250

Europe Cup QF/CL Group 3rd

200

CL Group 4

170

Europe Cup R4

150

Europe Cup R3

100

Europe Cup R2 (3rd)

Europe Cup R2 (4th)

Europe Cup R1 (3rd)

Europe Cup R1 (4th)

Europe Cup R1 (5th)

In case of equality in total points for clubs in important positions at the seeding, the most

recent result will decide, if equal the result in the previous season, if still equal the result in

the season before that. If still equal, a draw by lot will be done.

Limitation* of teams per national Association for TTCL is 4.

In case of 2 clubs qualified for the TTCL with the same management, ETTU can move the

lowest ranked of the 2 clubs to the Europe Cup and the vacant position in TTCL may be

filled by the next highest ranked club of the seeding, unless the national Association of that

club reached already the maximum (4) available places in the TTCL.

The Europe Cup winner from the 2020-2021 season is directly qualified for the Champions

League of the 2021-2022 season.

*If the Europe Cup winner club’s Association has already reached its quota 4 in Champions

League then this Association’s quota is 5.

The Europe Cup winner from the 2020-2021 season will be positioned as last team in the

seeding before the wild cards’ teams in case this team is not positioned higher by the

European Club Ranking.

Teams seeded 17-24 can participate in the Champions League but not mandatory i.e.

they are not obliged to compete in Champions League group stage 1 and may directly

start at Europe Cup group stage 1 (each team seeded 17-24 can decide if start in

Champions League or Europe Cup).

If one or more teams seeded 17-24 will not start in the Champions League but in

Europe Cup, the next seeded team(s) may take the last positions in the Champions

League but the total number of teams for the Champions League and Europe Cup

together cannot exceed 36.

2.2 Wild cards for up to 2 clubs may be given by ETTU / management board for clubs wishing

to join the Champions League but not ranked high enough to reach a Champions League

position by seeding.

Clubs asking for wild cards shall meet the following criteria in order to be accepted:

- show evidence of their playing venue to meet all directive criteria

- show evidence (preferably contract) of their top 3 players who will play ECC

- agree to pay a “buy in” of 10.000 € in addition to the entry fee.

Wild cards in Champions Leagues can only be given if the demanding club’s national

Association’s quota (4) has not been achieved (clubs seeded 1-22 or 23).

These clubs will be seeded number 23 (in case of 1) or numbers 23 and 24 (in case of 2).

In case more than 2 clubs ask for a wild card and meet all directive criteria, the clubs with

the highest total points of their 3 highest ranked players in the most recent World Rankings

will have priority.

Deadline for clubs applying for a wild card: 8.7.2021

2.3 Deadline for clubs’ team registration / confirmation of participation: 12.7.2021.

Deadline for players’ registration and details: 16.8.2021.

2.4 A club wishing to enter the TTCL - Men shall enter on or before the deadline (12.7.2021)

via its national association by entering all requested data i.e. the name of the club, name

of the responsible authorised club representative with its phone number, e-mail address

and confirming if wishing to host a group stage or not.

Clubs shall then inform ETTU on or before the deadline (16.8.2021) their address of the

playing hall, type of the floor for the home matches, colour of the shirts, equipment (tables,

nets, balls*), names of minimum six (6) and maximum twelve (12) players and any other

information requested. Clubs shall nominate as many players including reserve players as

possible as no late nominations can be accepted after the registration deadline.

The entry forms and information shall be sent by email to the ETTU Secretariat.

2.5 The Clubs concerned shall pay to the ETTU bank account the following entry fee within 7

days upon reception of the final seeding list and invoice:

900€ for teams starting in the Champions League stage 2

600€ for teams starting in the Champions League stage 1

2.6 Clubs with any debts stemming from ETTU Club competitions (ECCM) will be unable to

participate.

Clubs wishing to participate in the ECCM will only be accepted if the entry fees are

transferred to the ETTU bank account according to article 2.5.

2.7 If a qualified club does not enter the TTCL or does not fulfil the requirements set up, the

next highest ranked club of the seeding may fill the vacant position, unless the national

Association of that club reached already the maximum (4) available places in the TTCLM.

2.8 In case a qualified club ranked 1-16 does not participate in the TTCL, this club is not allowed

to participate in the Europe Cup nor in the Europe Trophy neither.

2.9 After release of the seeding list, clubs have a 24 hours exit possibility. The clubs and the

national Association of the clubs have to notify ETTU about their withdrawal by email. A

cancellation fee of two hundred (200) € has to be paid to the ETTU bank account. All

withdrawals after the exit possibility will be fined up to five thousand (5.000) €.

2.10 After the final registration deadline for club entries, the clubs and their National Associations

will receive the final seeding list with the entered clubs.

2.11 After the final registration deadline for clubs’ players, the clubs and their National

Associations will receive a list with all entered players of the clubs and the clubs and

National Associations have 24 hours to inform ETTU in case of any irregularity or mistake.

If nothing is notified after this deadline, the players’ list shall be final and no additional player

can be accepted.

2.12 Every club engaged in the TTCL has to participate with one official representative in a

meeting and throughout the entire meeting, if convened by ETTU. For the 2021-2022

season a hybrid or video conference may be arranged. A club failing to participate with one

official representative throughout the entire meeting will be fined according to regulation

J.4.19 with 1.000 Euros.

2.13 All matches shall be played at a venue located within 5 hours from CET.

2.14 The clubs and the national Associations of the clubs shall be responsible for its clubs and

for their players, with respect to entry fee, discipline, nominations, eligibility and in

compliance with the ETTU regulations and directives.

2.15 The competition shall be conducted by the ETTU Secretary General, whose authority shall

include changing dates and venues of matches whenever needed.

2.16 All clubs wishing to participate in the TTCL must accept and provide the requirements.

*in case of an official ball sponsor, the official ball sponsor’s balls shall be used

3 COMPOSITION OF TEAMS AND ELIGIBILITY

3.1 Only nominated players are entitled to represent their club. After deadline for player

registration, no additional player can be accepted for a club.

A club shall nominate 6 – 12 players.

3.2 A club can register up to 3 non-European* players. In a team match up to 1 non-

European* player is entitled to play but the second/third non-European* player, if given,

can be only nominated as “reserve player” for replacing the other non-European*

player.

3.3. To define player nationality, ETTU will use the nationality as provided by the players’

passports.

3.4. In case a player starts the competition as a non-European* player and his nationality

changes during the playing season he shall nonetheless continue to be considered as

a non-European* player up to the end of the current playing season.

3.5 After the entry deadline the ETTU Secretariat will send to the participating clubs and to

their national Associations a list of the players nominated by each club.

3.6 A player shall compete only for one club, participating in ETTU club competitions, in the

period starting the day before the first round of the competition until the day after the last

match in the competition.

That means a player may be registered for more than 1 club, in 1 or more Associations,

participating in ETTU Club Competitions but the player shall only be registered for ETTU

Club Competitions with 1 club.

The responsibility for player participation in competitions other than the ETTU Club

Competitions remains with the national Associations and the clubs themselves.

3.7 A player having signed with a club to play ECCM and refuses to play for that club in ECCM

can be suspended for the following ECCM season(s) by ETTU.

3.8 In order to be eligible to compete in the semi-finals and finals, a player shall have at

least 2 participations at team matches in the period before (group stages until quarter

finals included) i.e. at least participated or having been present in the venue at 2 team

matches minimum in total. No exception can be made.

As presence count only if the player is confirmed on the official score sheet by the

Referee. On that score sheet all players present in the playing venue before the match

starts can be added. Club captains are responsible to check if their players present are

written on the score sheet while signing it. No later request will be accepted.

* A non-European player is a player with a nationality outside ETTU member Associations’

countries.

4 THE DRAW

4.1 The draw shall be made in public by the ETTU on a date and a place to be published in

advance on the official ETTU web site.

4.2 The draw will be made according to the final seeding list.

Group stage 1:

The teams seeded 9-24* will play a 1

group stage round with 4 groups of 4 teams, in case

1 or more teams seeded 17-24 will not start in Champions League, and not equally replaced

by the next seeded team(s) (25-36), the groups size and, if needed, composition will be

adapted.

The 4 top seeds (9-12) shall be drawn in position 1 of each group, the next 4 from the

seeding list in position 2 of each group etc. Clubs from a same Association shall, as far

as possible, be drawn into different groups.

Group stage 2:

The teams seeded 1-8 and the 4 winners and 4 runners up from group stage 1 will play a

group stage with 4 groups of 4 teams.

The team seeded number 1 shall be placed in position 1 of Group A; the team seeded

number 2 shall be placed in position 1 of Group D; the teams seeded number 3 and 4 shall

be drawn between positions 1 of groups B and C. The teams seeded 5-8 shall then be

drawn 4 by 4 between the 4 groups on position 2.

Clubs from a same Association shall, as far as possible, be drawn into different groups.

After completion of the group stage 1, the 4 winners and 4 runners up from group stage 1

will be drawn into positions 3 (groups stage 1 winners) and into positions 4 (group stage 1

runners up) of the group stage 2.

Qualifiers of group stage 1 coming from the same group shall, as far as possible, be drawn

into different groups (first priority).

Clubs from a same Association shall, as far as possible, be drawn into different groups

(second priority).

Final rounds:

The draw for the final rounds will be made after group stage 2.

Option A:

Quarter finals, semi finals and finals will be played by home and away matches.

The winner of group A shall be placed at the top of the first half of the draw (position 1) and

the winner of group D at the bottom of the second half of the draw (position 8). The winners

of group B and C shall be drawn among positions 4 and 5 (bottom of the first half of the

draw and top of the second half of the draw). The 4 group runners-up will be drawn in the

remaining places so that a group winner and group runner-up from the same group cannot

meet in the quarterfinal round. A group winner and group runner-up from the same group

may meet in the semifinal or final. There will be no separation by Association for the final

round stage.

Option B:

A final 8 will be played at 1 location with 2 groups of 4 teams where the group winners

compete against the group runners up in a semi final, then final.

The winner of group stage 2 group A shall be placed at position 1 in final 8 stage group A,

the winner of group stage 2 group D shall be placed at position 1 in final 8 stage group B,

the winners of group B and C shall be drawn at positions 2 in final 8 stage among group A

and B and the 4 group stage 2 runners-up will be drawn at positions 3 and 4 in final stage

8 and placed in groups A and B. Teams from the same stage 2 group will be separated.

The final 8 stage winner of group A will play a semi final against the runner up of group B,

the winner of group B will play a semi final against the runner up of group A.

Additional note: Teams appointed to host a group round may be drawn first in order to

secure that every group has a host.

ETTU will confirm before the draw the draw procedure and has the authority to adapt the

procedure and system as necessary.

5 PLAYING FORMAT

5.1 The teams seeded 9-24* will play a 1

group stage round with 4 groups of 4 teams, in case

1 or more teams seeded 17-24 will not start in Champions League, and not equally replaced

by the next seeded team(s) (25-36), the groups composition will be adapted.

The 4 groups will be played by single round-robin during 2-3 days at 1 location for each

group.

The highest seeded teams have priority in hosting their respective group at group stage 1

provided they meet the criteria of hosting.

The 4 group stage 1 3rds and 4ths are relegated to the Europe Cup group stage 1.

5.2 Teams seeded 1-8 and the winners and runners-up from group stage 1 will play with 4

groups of 4 teams in group stage 2.

The highest seeded teams have priority in hosting their respective group at group stage 2

provided they meet the criteria of hosting.

Playing mode group stage 2:

Option A (if impact by Covid but no full lockdowns and impact by the international calendar):

the 4 groups will be played by single round-robin during 2-3 days at 1 location for each

group.

Option B (if high impact by Covid and high impact by the international calendar): other

options will be considered.

The 4 group stage 2 3rds and 4ths are relegated to the Europe Cup group stage 2 / final

16.

5.3 The 4 group stage 2 winners and the 4 group stage 2 runners-up continue in the final stage.

Playing mode final stage:

Option A (if impact by Covid but no full lockdowns and impact by the international calendar):

the quarter finals, semi finals and finals will be played by home and away matches.

Option B (if high impact by Covid and high impact by the international calendar): a final 8

will be played at 1 location with 2 groups of 4 teams where the group winners compete

against the group runners up in a semi final, then final.

5.4 The order of play in the group stages will be as follows:

Round 1 4v2, 3v1

Round 2 1v2, 3v4

Round 3 1v4, 2v3

A draw will be made to define which team is team A and which team is team B for each

match.

5.5 In a group, 2 match points shall be awarded for a win, 1 for a loss and 0 for a loss in a not

played or unfinished match, and the ranking order shall be determined primarily by the

numbers of match points gained.

5.6 If 2 or more teams have gained the same number of match points, their relative positions

shall be determined by the results only of matches between them, taking successively the

numbers of match points, then the ratio of wins to losses in games and then the ratio of

wins to losses in points, as far as it is necessary to determine the ranking order.

5.7 If after any step the positions of one or more teams have been determined while others are

still equal, the results of matches in which those teams took part shall be excluded from

any further calculations needed to resolve the equalities in accordance with the procedure

of 5.5 and 5.6.

5.8 If 2 or more teams have gained the same number of match points and have the same ratios

of wins to losses in games and points, their relative positions shall be decided by lot. The

Referee shall do the draw by lot after the end of the team matches with at least the team

captains present and inform the ETTU without delay.

5.9 In the final stage (starting with quarter finals), in case of option A, the winners and the 2nd

ranked teams of the groups will play in a single knock-out competition, with quarter-finals,

semi-finals and a final, (all home and away matches) to determine the winner of the

competition.

The home right for the first leg of the quarter-final and final matches will be given to the 2

ranked teams of the groups, for the semi-final and final matches the home right for the first

leg will be given to the lower ranked team of the seeding list.

5.10 Teams relegated from Champions League to the Europe Cup shall comply also with the

Europe Cup directives.

5.11 In the final stage of the competition, (starting with quarter finals), in case of option A, the

knock-out competition method consists of 2 clubs playing each other where the loser is

immediately eliminated from winning the TTCLM and the winner qualifies to the next round.

The 2 clubs play 1 two-legged match - also called “Home and Away” match.

In a “Home and Away” match, the winner is the club with more allocated points than the

other one.

Allocation of points is as follows:

a. 3 points for the winner of a 3:0 or 3:1 match,

b. 2 points for the winner of a 3:2 match,

c. 1 point for the loser of a 2:3 match,

d. 0 points for the loser of a 0:3 or 1:3 match

In a “Home and Away” match, there is a tie between the 2 clubs when each club has

the same number of allocated points. In case of a tie, the Golden Match procedure is

used. The Golden Match will be started 10 minutes after the away match (2nd leg) is

over.

The Golden Match consists of 3 games (sets) best of 3. The club winning 2 games

(sets) is the winner.

The team captains chose for the Golden Match each 3 players who are according to

the directives eligible to play and chose for each player the position 1, 2 and 3. The

team captains have to provide their line up for the Golden Match to the Referee within 3

minutes after the regular away match (2nd leg) is over.

The order of play in a Golden Match shall be A1 v B1, A2 v B2, A3 v B3. The Golden

Match is over once one club has won 2 games (sets).

SPECIAL NOTE:

At regular team matches, the match shall end when a team has won 3 singles even if

the “winning club” is already decided before. Walk overs without proof of injury or

illness by a medical doctor present at the match will be penalised. Apart from a

financial fine, the club whose player(s) made walk over(s) without acceptance of a

medical doctor will get 0 points for that team match.

RESULTS

Leg 1

Leg 2

Team

Who wins ?

Tie

Team A

Team B

S=Seeded, W=Winner, RU=Runner Up, GS=Group Stage

6. PLAYING SYSTEM

6.1 The playing system shall be the Swaythling Cup system (best of 5 singles) and in each

individual match, the 5

game (set) shall start at 0:0 and play until the first player reaches

6 points (sudden death point at 5:5). In the 5

game (set) each player shall serve only once

in a row and there will be no change of ends in the 5th game (set).

6.2 A team shall consist of 3 or 4 players selected from those nominated by the team's club for

the event.

It is recommended that a team always arrives at a match with at least 4 eligible players to

reduce the risk of walk overs in case player(s) get ill/injured shortly before the match start.

When walk overs could have been avoided by the participation of the club’s reserve player,

the club may be fined by the Club Competition Official.

This recommendation is based on a requirement for fair play towards the TTCL, the

opponent club, spectators, media and the Table Tennis sport.

A team will lose by walk over (WO) in case the team has less than 2 players ready to play.

6.3 All individual matches (singles) of a same team match shall be played on the same table.

6.4 The home team is considered to be composed by the players A1, A2, A3 and the visiting

team is considered to be composed by the players B1, B2, B3.

Option B

Quarter-finals Semi-finals Final 8

2 qualify 2 qualify

2 qu

alify 2 qualify

Winner

2 qualify 2 qualify

Option A

Finals

S1-4

Group stage 1

GS1 W

GS1 RU

GS1 W

S1-4

S5-8

4 GS2 W + 4 GS2 RU

2 groups of 4

Ws vs GRUs SF

GS2 W G1-4

GS2 RU G1-4

GS2 W G1-4

GS2 RU G1-4

GS2 W G1-4

GS2 RU G1-4

GS2 W G1-4

GS2 RU G1-4

Champions League 2021-2022

S5-8

GS1 RU

Group stage 2 (4 groups of 4)

S1-4

S5-8

up to 4 teams seeded

9-24*

up to 4 teams seeded

9-24*

GS1 RU

GS1 W

Each group 1 host

Each group 1 host (top seeded)

Each round home and away matches

up to 4 teams seeded

9-24*

up to 4 teams seeded

9-24*

GS1 RU

S1-4

S5-8

In the group stages (played at 1 location) a draw will be made by the Referee in order to

define which team is A and B.

The order of play in a team match shall be A1 v B2, A2 v B1, A3 v B3, A1 v B1, A2 v B2,

and the match shall end when a team has won 3 singles, each the best of 5 games.

After the second single in a team match, player No. 4 of the team may replace player A1

or A2 (for the home team) respectively player B1 or B2 (for the away team). Such a player

substitution must be announced by the respective team captain to the Referee at the latest

before the start of the third single.

6.5 Intervals between individual matches shall not exceed 1 minute except for the interval after

the second individual match, where a 15 minutes break is accepted. For group stage

matches (played at 1 location), televised matches or for any other marketing reasons, there

shall be no delays. The home team shall inform the visiting team, ETTU and the Referee 1

week prior the match about the interval planned after the second individual match.

At each time-out and between each second game (maximum 1 minute), the umpire shall

place the Time-Out-Clock on the table in the main camera direction (if available).

6.6 MULTI BALLS AND BALL BOYS AND GIRLS (BBGs) earliest starting from the quarter

finals tbc depending on Covid

The host club has to put on disposal before the match starts 40 balls and the

2 team captains shall choose 30 balls (15 balls each).

In each match 30 balls shall be kept by the umpire who will provide after each point a new

ball to the serving player, in case the ball used from the previous rally is not in imminent

reach of 1 of the 2 players. Balls remaining in the Field of Play (FoP) will be collected after

each rally by ball boys/girls (BBGs) organised by the home club. 2 BBGs shall sit behind

the corner board (1 on each long side, places marked “x” on below diagram). BBGs watch

the playing field and collect the balls from the floor, and then run back to their zones. BBGs

collecting balls should only move in designated areas (marked “→” on below diagram).

BBGs have to return the balls to the umpire after each game, during time outs and when

the umpire runs out of balls.

Delivery of the balls to the umpire may occur at any time after a distinct signal from the

umpire to the BBGs.

Balls leaving the FoP will not be collected during a game.

BBGs move only according to “→” on below diagram to hand over the balls to the umpire.

BBGs shall be dressed in sportswear, preferably similar clothing.

There is no age limit for BBGs, however BBGs shall be mentally and physically able to be

fully concentrated and collect balls quickly.

BBGs shall behave and act neutral.

Before the service, players receive the balls from the umpire.

After the rally, players do not collect the balls from the FoP, they continue the game, unless

the rally ends in imminent reach of 1 of the 2 players, players can reuse that ball for the

next rally.

There shall be 1 chair in each of the x marked boxes so that BBGs do not disrupt the

matches.

Up to 10 seconds after the previous rally finished, except for towelling after every 6 points

from the start of each game, the serving player has to start the next rally and the receiver

has to be ready as well.

The clubs are recommended to make a training session with the BBGs.

Playing field with designated zones for BBGs.

Example show court with BBGs zones

6.7 The match protocol must be strictly followed for all matches. All televised matches must

additionally follow the respective running-order.

7. FIXTURES

7.1 The final TTCL calendar for each season will be determined by the ETTU and published

on the ETTU website.

7.2 The actual playing season shall be from the day before the first round of the competition

until the day after the second final match.

7.3 In the first two stages, group matches shall be played preferably be as follows:

Group with 4 teams:

Round 1 4v2, 3v1: day 1

Round 2 1v2, 3v4: day 2

Round 3 1v4, 2v3: day 3

Group with 3 teams:

Round 1 (1v3): day 1

Round 2 (2v1): day 1

Round 3 (3v2): day 2

7.4 During the Drawing of Lots for the KO stage the ETTU (in cooperation with Sportradar) will

define timeslots (fixed match days and starting times) for every round.

All matches must be played at these pre-defined timeslots.

7.5 After the Drawing of Lots ETTU and Sportradar will decide on the final schedule in due

time.

7.6 The clubs can apply to change the allocated timeslots of their KO matches. This request

must be submitted via e-mail to the ETTU and Sportradar within 24 hours after receiving

the final allocation of timeslots per e-mail. The final decision about these requests will be

taken by ETTU and Sportradar.

7.7 The home club shall send the visiting club a written invitation including information about

the training sessions and the “daily schedule/programme”, to arrive latest 7 days after the

draw or within the time as communicated by email after the draw, giving details of the

location, accommodation possibilities, and shall send a copy of this invitation to the ETTU

Secretariat by e-mail. Clubs failing to respect this provision are subject to a fine as defined

in the penalty catalogue.

Clubs having players needing a special invitation to obtain visa to travel to different

countries must inform the opponent club immediately and the home club has to provide

them with such an invitation letter needed. The home club however is not obliged to send

such invitation letters by post to a country outside Europe.

7.8 TTCLM provisional playing dates:

Stage 1: 15-17.9.2021

Stage 2: 3-7.11.2021

Quarter final 1 and 2: 12-23.1.2022

Semi final 1 and 2: 16-23.2.2022

Final 1: 25-27.3.2022

Final 2: 1-3.4.2022

8. COMPETITION HALLS, EQUIPMENT AND PLAYING CONDITIONS

8.1. There shall be a playing hall, with preferably a seating capacity of minimum 300 persons.

Every club participating in the TTCL has to set up for its home match(es) the field of play

(FoP) at its own expense which is large enough to accommodate one (1) playing court

(table), in a playing area of 16,8 x 8,4m and at least 5 m high.

For the group stages, preferably having training tables (same brand and type as the

competition table) in a separate room annexed to the playing venue or in the same

building.

8.2 The home club has to put on disposal to their guest club a bench or chairs behind the

playing court for 8 persons. Neither the home club nor the guest clubs can have more

than 8 persons there.

8.3 All matches in the TTCL shall be played on ITTF approved floor mats.

8.4 The light intensity for non-televised matches shall not be less than 800 LUX over the table.

8.5 For all televised matches, the light intensity over the table and at the (super) slow-motion

camera must be at least 1000 LUX.

8.6 The minimum temperature in the playing area shall be between 18° C and 25° C.

8.7 For all competition matches only A-boards or B-boards must be used. No use of regular

surrounds.

LED panels are allowed provided they comply with the ITTF regulation.

8.8 The colour of the table shall be blue.

8.9 Background shall be kept dark.

8.10 The playing conditions must be checked and approved by the Referee, whose decision

shall be final. Even in case of disputes about the playing conditions the clubs are obliged

to play the match.

8.11 The participating clubs shall make sure that the competition is always recognisable as

an ETTU event.

8.12 The organisers must make sure that the competition hall looks well-attended (unless

COVID or other force majeure restriction). The spectators should be placed in the camera

angle.

Hence, first of all the seats in the camera perspective should be filled with supporters.

Additionally, in some cases it might be beneficial to rotate the court and the camera

position through 90° so that the main stand for spectators is in the camera angle.

If this is not possible, additional seats should be positioned behind the bench and around

the court (Figure 1 and 2 act as negative examples).

Figure 1

Figure 2

8.13 Each club shall notify ETTU the brands of the table, net assembly and ball*, together with

the colour of the playing clothing (2 sets of shirts).

8.14 For the KO stage, the home club shall notify the visiting club of the colours of its playing

clothing and the visiting team shall wear different colours.

For the group stages, teams shall bring 2 sets of playing clothing (shirts), with a clear

difference in the main colour, to use for the matches. In case 2 teams wish to use a shirt

with no clear difference in colour and if there is no agreement between the teams, the

Referee will draw the shirt to be used for each team by lot.

8.15 The TTCLM opts out from ITTF Regulations for International Competitions for

advertisements on players’ clothing to allow more space on clothing for advertisement.

Opting out is only for the sizes and total number of advertisements.

8.16 Each club participating in the TTCL must have a Time-Out-Clock and shall provide it for

the Referee at least 60 minutes before the match starts.

8.17 There shall be sufficient changing rooms (at least 3, 1 for each of the teams and 1 for

the referee/umpires) of good standard.

8.18 A suitable speaker service must be provided in the playing hall, during the whole duration

of the match.

The speaker must follow the instructions of the official match protocol.

8.19 Teams must face the main camera during the presentation.

8.20 Home clubs must guarantee their guest clubs at least 10% of the seating capacity for

spectators and upon request provide in advance information on purchasing prize (unless

COVID or other force majeure restriction).

*in case of an official ball sponsor, the official ball sponsor’s balls shall be used

9. HYGIENIC GUIDELINES (update 1.10.2021)

9.1 Unless the global situation on COVID-19 has improved, the following hygienic guidelines

shall be in place. ETTU will monitor the situation and shall confirm if there are any

additional or less hygienic measures to implement.

9.2 All participants are encouraged to be careful at least 14 days before travelling to the

competition to not meet too many people, not to visit crowded places, to keep safety

distance, wear face masks where necessary, to regularly disinfect and wash hands. For

further recommendations please see here: COVID-19 - Single page recommendations

from ITTF or ITTF COVID-19 Guidelines v1.0

It is recommended that teams arrive to the host country as separately as possible to the

competition i.e. the whole team arriving together with a car or minibus is allowed but puts

a higher risk to the team in case a person is positive on Covid.

9.3 Participants arriving are obliged to follow the host’s national and local hygienic guidelines

and regulations. present a negative PCR-based Corona test taken within 48/72 hours

(time depends on host country’s rule) before arrival for entry into the host country. All

participants will have to also undergo an antigen test at arrival at the host’s cost. The

host will have to cover antigen test costs only for 5 persons per team. For each person

in addition to the 5

of their team, that team shall cover the costs of the antigen tests.

The host shall inform about these antigen test costs with the registration form. The host

team and the umpire team shall also undergo PCR and antigen tests (on the host’s cost).

As soon as the result is available and negative participants are free to go to the hall for

training (but according to the training schedule only).

9.4 The teams should arrive 2 days before the competition starts.

9.5 The names of the persons and their travel details shall be confirmed to the host by latest

the deadline given to the teams by ETTU (separate email). Each team shall nominate 1

person of their delegation being the responsible person of their team for Covid-19 /

hygienic matters.

9.6 All teams including the host team shall only use the official hospitality package (hotel and

meals) for the whole duration of the competition and shall pay to the host upon reception

of invoice hotel and meal costs. In order to be accepted, teams shall pay their invoice in

full before arrival.

In case of cancellation of a team or a team’s member without replacement of that

member, the cancellation cost is 50% (deadline to be confirmed by the host and informed

with the entry form) and 100% after (deadline to be confirmed by the host and informed

with the entry form). More information on hospitality etc available under directive 12.

9.7 If one person is tested positive at antigen test, a PCR-based Corona test will follow

immediately. In case the person being tested positive at the antigen test was in contact

before with other persons of the team then a PCR-based Corona test will be made for

the whole team. These tests are on the person’s club costs.

If the PCR test reconfirms a participant positive, then the host country’s rule will apply.

If more than 1 participant of the same team is tested positive by the PCR test, then the

team is out of the competition.

Participants with symptoms of a respiratory infection shall follow the host’s national and

local hygienic guidelines and regulations. will be refused entry to the competition and

entry will be only granted again after negative result of a further antigen test.

If a participant is at any time positive, the rules of the respective health office for the host

country apply. In case a team or a team’s participant is taken out of competition by

decision of the host country’s health office due to positive Covid test(s), neither the team

nor the person(s) is entitled to claim for any reimbursement and shall take on own cost

eventual quarantine costs.

9.8 The hosts shall ensure:

- that entrance and exit is guarded (by volunteers of the host club or by security agents)

- to disinfect seats, tables, toilets etc on a regular basis.

- that disinfection gels are available at hotel and playing venue.

- to provide with a confirmation from the responsible national government on any

restrictions (Covid measures) for persons entering the organisers’ country and a

confirmation from the relevant authority on authorisation of the competition.

- to provide with Covid antigen tests upon arrival for every participant (host to cover

antigen test costs only for 5 persons per team), for the umpire team and ETTU

staff/officials and any further test as proposed by the national health institute in order to

guarantee a safe bubble.

9.9 The teams shall have no contact to the other teams, shall wear face masks (covering

mouth and nose), shall not go out of the bubble, shall use the disinfection gels which are

made at disposal by the host, shall keep distances to other persons of at least 1,5m.

Participants of a team stay together but with distance to each other as far as possible.

9.10 Generally, no spectators are allowed unless the host country’s rule allows spectators,

ETTU may accept under strict conditions (separate entrance and exit, no contact with

participants, not using the same areas as toilets etc and sufficient distance to Field of

Play.

9.11 Clubs needing PCR or antigen tests for one or more members of their delegation for

returning to their home country shall inform the host without delay. The host shall then

organise the testing on the visiting clubs’ cost. The host shall inform their guest teams

about the PCR / antigen test costs with the registration form.

9.12 Only some people (media and press) may not be additionally tested, they keep distance,

shall not use the same entry and exit of the participants and shall never cross participants

nor have meals taken at the same place than participants and wear FFP2 masks the

whole time.

9.13 If participants are reported to not comply with the host’s national and local hygienic

guidelines and regulations, they may be withdrawn from the competition and the

respective team may in addition be financially sanctioned by ETTU. condition of no

contact is failed on fault of a person and / or team, that person shall leave immediately

the event hall and hotel for the whole duration of the competition. The respective team

may be financially sanctioned by ETTU and the team may in addition be taken out of the

competition.

9.14 Participants shall not leave the hotel, only for going to and from the venue for matches

and practice and shall not use public transport. Save transfer between the hotel and hall

will be provided by the host.

Participants leaving the bubble areas will be excluded from the competition. The

surroundings of the hotels and of the playing venue are considered as an inclusive part

of the bubble area.

9.15 Competition measures:

no handshake between players and between players and umpires.

Acknowledgement between the players after completion of the individual match through

racket contact.

No change of ends after games (sets) but change of ends after each individual match.

Tables will be disinfected after each individual match.

It is not allowed to wipe off (dry) hands on the table surface.

In case the table surface needs to be dried during an individual match, there will be on

each side either a separate towel or papers which the player (on the table side that needs

drying) shall use to dry the table surface.

Playing tables and boxes for towels will be disinfected after each individual match.

It is not allowed to breath on the ball.

Face masks have to be worn according to the host’s national and local hygienic

guidelines and regulations. at any time by all persons when at the playing and training

hall with sole exception of the players during play and during training.

Social distancing of 1-1.5 m when presenting the teams, in the player boxes.

After each team training session, the tables will be disinfected.

The host has to prepare a planning on the use of changing room per team for the group

stages and need to disinfect before and after a team enters, in case a same changing

room will be used by more than 1 team during a day. Use of the sanitary facilities

(showers) is forbidden, only change of clothes in the changing room is permitted.

10. PRACTICE

For the group stage, practice shall be arranged for the visiting teams under the same

conditions as for the home team with the same equipment as used during the match.

For the KO stage starting with the quarter finals, practice (at least 2 hours) shall be

arranged for the visiting team the evening before the match is subject to be played as

well as during the day of the match under the same conditions as for the home team with

the same equipment as used during the match.

11. RESULTS

Immediately after a match the Referee shall send by e-mail to result@ettu.org a copy of

the results sheet. The home club shall provide the Referee with internet access. Upon

completion of the match, the ETTU Scorer App (“iScout) will automatically update the

website.

12. ACCOMMODATION / HOSPITALITY / TRANSPORTATION / MEALS / VISAS

12.1 The home club shall inform with the registration form, about the hotel (minimum 3 stars),

and confirm the room rates which shall not be higher than the official rate of the hotel, and

the hotel’s website link. Visiting teams shall confirm to the host on the number of rooms

(single and double) which the host shall book by the deadline set by ETTU (separate email).

Each club shall be responsible for payment of their own rooms. The transport from and to

the local airport or from and to the railway station (home club to decide if transport from

and to the airport or from and to the railway station) to the hotel or to the playing hall and

back must be provided free of charge by the home club. There shall be separate

transportation for each team. If the visiting club delegation arrives / departs at different

times / days where more than 1 transportation is needed, or if the delegation of a visiting

team is superior to 5 and therefore more than 1 transportation is needed, then the visiting

club shall reimburse the cost to the host for the additional transport(s). The costs of

additional transport shall be confirmed with the registration form. Visiting teams shall not

be allowed to use a different transport than the one provided by the host. The host shall

ensure that the transportation used is clean, regularly disinfected and the drivers regularly

tested. shall follow the host’s national and local hygienic guidelines and regulations.

Meal times shall be flexible and co-ordinated with the duration of the match in order to

allow the players to have a meal still after the match.

The host shall arrange that meals for all participants are available in a separate room

with no access distance to other hotel guests. Participants shall wear face masks until

seated and when leaving the dining table.

The host shall inform with the registration form about the proposed meals and costs.

Each club shall reimburse their meal costs to the host.

For the matches, the host club shall provide free hospitality for one (1) day and night for 2

ETTU and 2 Sportradar representatives if requested.

The home club shall provide one main contact for organisational matters to the visiting

club in order to arrange everything smoothly. This “team manager” shall be fluently

speaking English.

Starting with the KO stage, the home team shall prepare an agenda for the visiting team

including transport from the airport / station which shall be sent within one week after

reception of the arrival time / date of the visiting team to all parties involved.

The home club has to send to their guest club without delay* an invitation letter including

all needed details so that the delegation of the guest club is able to receive their visas (if

needed) in due time. The costs for sending these invitations is at the home club’s

expense unless the guest club requests sending a letter by postal mail to a country

outside Europe, than the guest club has to reimburse the home club the costs for the

sending.

13. REFEREES AND UMPIRES

13.1 For all matches other than the quarter-final, semi-final and final matches the Association of

the home club shall appoint at least three umpires and have to get the prior approval by

the ETTU URC. At least one of these umpires shall preferably be an International Umpire

and shall fulfil the duties of the Referee.

13.2 For the quarter-final, semi-final and final matches the ETTU URC shall arrange for two

International Umpires coming from an Association other than those of the clubs whose

teams are involved in the respective match. One of these International Umpires shall fulfil

the duties of the Referee. The Association of the home club shall provide International or

National Umpires to perform the duties of assistant umpires. If foreign International Umpires

are not available for a match, the ETTU URC may nominate an umpire team from the same

Association as the home club.

One of the foreign umpires shall preferably be an International Referee or International

Umpire – Blue Badge and for the finals, both umpires shall preferably be International

Referee or International Umpire – Blue Badge.

13.3 In emergency cases, other umpires present at the match may replace the missing

nominated umpires, one of them taking over the duty as Referee. The host shall contact

ETTU and ETTU must approve the “emergency umpire team”.

13.4 The appointed umpires shall receive free hospitality (every umpire is entitled for a single

room and full board / meals), a daily allowance per umpire and per day where a match is

played and shall also get their travel expenses reimbursed by the home club (by economy

class train or plane, or by car at 30 eurocents per km plus eventual “vignette” costs, and

visa costs) shall be reimbursed by the home club either by bank transfer before the match

or latest in cash upon arrival.

Daily allowance:

Referee/Blue Badge: 100 euros

White Badge: 60 euros

National Umpire: 30 euros

The nominated umpires have to arrange their travel to and from the playing hall / airport /

railway station as soon as their nomination is received and to inform the home club without

delay. The nominated umpires shall use the most economic transport (car, train or flight).

The umpire team shall arrive 1 day before the competition starts and shall undergo the

tests as described under 9.3. For the KO stage and provided the Covid situation has

improved, ETTU may confirm the umpire team to arrive on the competition day.

13.5 The umpires are encouraged to monitor the implementation of the obligations mentioned

in the respective Regulations and Directives (e.g. Marketing and Sponsoring Obligations,

Match Protocol) via checklist.

13.6 The appointed Referee has the following responsibilities:

- conduct the team match

- avoid early and late match start (punctual start)

- collect the team line up from both team captains latest 40 minutes before the first match

starts

- send the team line up (match order of play/pairings) latest 30 minutes before the first

match starts to following mail addresses:

tabletennis@sportradar.com

av-mcr@sportradar.com

fixtures@sportradar.com

events@sportradar.com

Program-Management@sportradar.com

av-proco@sportradar.com

If, for any reason that information cannot be provided in time, the Referee is requested

to send it as soon as possible and inform the mail addresses above about the reason for

the delay and the (approximate) time of provision.

In case of any changes on short notice (such as injuries, breaks, delays, etc.) the Referee

also has to send a mail with any known information as soon as possible to the above

mentioned mail addresses.

The Referee shall send immediately after the match the signed score sheet to

result@ettu.org

and within 72 hours after the match(es) the Referees report to result@ettu.org.

14. GENERAL COMMUNICATION

To guarantee a smooth running of the European Club Competitions Men, all participating

clubs in European Club Competitions must reply to all organisational and communication

requests from ETTU or Sportradar latest within 48 hours. Every club must appoint one

contact person who is fluent in English.

15. MEDIA AND MARKETING

15.1 The ETTU holds the following rights for every team match within the ECCM:

15.1.1

• -any kind of Television transmission

• -Internet Broadband Streaming

• -IPTV and Data & Scoring Rights (live, delayed and excerpts)

• -Mobile devices rights and Radio rights

• -Worldwide media rights in relation to all matches played within the TTCL for

unrestricted exploitation (e.g. also archive rights and any kind of exploitation for betting

purposes) in all languages by any kind of media, already existing or invented/created in

future, including but not limited to.

15.1.2 Sportradar has been granted all media and marketing rights of the TTCL on a worldwide

basis from the ETTU. Thus, only Sportradar has the right to sell, market and/or exploit any

media, marketing or sponsorship rights (already existing or invented or created in future)

in relation to all TTCL competition matches.

Consequently, all parties (e.g. broadcasters, internet platforms, media companies,

participating clubs etc.) being interested in exploiting media rights of TTCL competition

matches must get in touch (minimum three weeks prior to match start / the deadline for

interested (local) TV Broadcaster is minimum 10 days) with ETTU and/or Sportradar.

Without written permission from ETTU and/or Sportradar, no party has the right to

exploit any of above mentioned media rights in any existing or future developed

exploitation ways.

Additionally, Sportradar has the right to appoint a title or other sponsor – to be

communicated at any time – plus the right to provide advertising exposure to the title or

other sponsor at every TTCL match. The implementation of the official sponsor(s) can be

realised to the start of the group stage or the start of the knock-out stage.

15.2 TTCL – EQUIPMENT

The ETTU has the right to decide on the official TTCL Equipment to be used in all TTCL

competition matches.

15.3 CLUBS - ORGANISERS

The clubs are responsible to organise and host all of their home matches. Thus, the

home club is the “organiser” of all of its home matches.

All organisers must do their utmost to make sure that only pre-announced

companies

are producing the matches for TV channels, online platforms etc.

Unauthorised streams (e.g. from TV broadcasters, production companies, spectators

using their mobile phones, etc.) as well as unauthorised tickering must be stopped by the

organisers (pre-announced production teams are also allowed to stop unauthorised

streaming and tickering). Organisers must also inform their supporters about this fact.

15.4 MARKETING AND SPONSORING OBLIGATIONS

Every club participating in the TTCL must follow the Marketing and Sponsoring Obligations.

The appointed Referee for each match acts as an ETTU supervisor and is encouraged to

monitor those obligations via a checklist provided by ETTU.

15.4.1 MARKETING AND SPONSORING RIGHTS

For all matches except the quarter-final, semi-final and final matches, the ETTU reserves

the following 7 [seven] positions around/within the court: n° 3, 4, 38, 39 (50%), 40 (50%),

42, 44

For the quarter-final, semi-final and final matches, the ETTU reserves the following 9

[nine] positions around/within the court: n° 3, 4, 21, 22, 38, 39 (50%), 40 (50%), 42, 44

Official Court Layout:

Group stage:

3+4 (A-boards)

38 (Floor sticker)

39 + 40 (50%) (Umpire desks)

42 (Floor sticker)

44 (Towel box)

Semifinal and final:

3+4 (A-boards)

21 + 22 (A-boards)

38 (Floor sticker)

39 + 40 (50%) (Umpired desks)

42 (Floor Sticker)

44 (Towel box)

Pre-announced companies: ETTU.tv production teams and other interested media companies which have the written

permission from Sportradar to broadcast the match.

Figure 3

The competition A-boards or B-boards and floor stickers displaying the TTCL sponsor(s)

and ETTU logos will be produced and paid by the host.

In case there is no official TTCL sponsor, each host shall get back the right to use the

above reserved boards with the exception of number 3 and 4 and floor sticker 41 and 42

where the host shall arrange for ETTU logos.

The financial contribution from ETTU to each host in group stage 1 is 500€ as general

support which also includes a compensation to the costs for the ETTU logos and stickers

production and the backdrop which shall include ETTU and host club’s sponsors logos

for interviews. Backdrop dimensions: 4m length x 2,2m height.

The financial contribution from ETTU to each host in group stage 2 is 500€ as general

support which also includes a compensation to the costs for the ETTU logos and stickers

production and the backdrop which shall include ETTU and host club’s sponsors logos

for interviews. Backdrop dimensions: 4m length x 2,2m height. In addition, the hosts in

group stage 2 shall produce on its own cost for each visiting team 1 surround with the

visiting team’s selected own sponsor advertisement, which will be used for the matches

the team is playing and placed at position as in figure 3 on either 1,2,5 or 6.

The financial contribution from ETTU to each host of a quarter-final, semi-final and to the

host of the final (first leg) is 500€ as general support which also includes a compensation

to the costs for the ETTU logos and stickers production and the backdrop which shall

include ETTU and host club’s sponsors logos for interviews. Backdrop dimensions: 4m

length x 2,2m height.

The financial contribution from ETTU to each host of the final (second leg) is 1000€

as general support which also includes a compensation to the costs for the ETTU logos

and stickers production and the backdrop which shall include ETTU and host club’s

sponsors logos for interviews and award ceremony. Backdrop dimensions: 6m length x

2,2m height.

A guide manual for the backdrop graphic and ETTU logos will be made available

for download at www.ettu.org .

Further, the sponsor(s) will receive the right to brand the table and net (43) for all matches

in close coordination with TTCL management board and the participating clubs.

The above stated sponsorship presence is a minimum requirement to display a naming

right sponsor appropriately and worthy of the status of the sponsor. The clubs agree that,

if a naming right sponsor urges the TTCL to increase the sponsor’s visibility at all

matches, they are willing to cooperate to the maximum.

The remaining advertising positions may be used by the organiser and shall also be

produced by the organiser.

It is not allowed to install a second row of advertising that is more dominant than the first

row (A-boards or B-boards) (c.f. Fig. 4 – acts as an example for illustration). Any

permanent and non-permanent advertisement in the competition hall should not

outperform the visibility of the official TTCL sponsor(s).

Figure 4

The official court layout will be made available for downloading from the Media Shuttle

Portal.

15.4.2 PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER THE MATCH

It is recommended to issue a programme leaflet by the organising club for every home

match. This programme leaflet shall include the TTCL, ETTU and sponsor(s) logo(s).

Local press needs to be invited to the game and get free access to all relevant areas of

the competition hall. A convenient number of seats have to be arranged for the journalists

along the court. These seats have to be equipped with tables and power sockets.

The TTCL-Social Media Concept needs to be implemented.

The organisers must make sure that the stadium announcers follow the official match

protocol and include the pre-defined announcements in the club´s entertainment

protocol.

The organisers must make sure that jingles or audio spots before, after and between the

matches (maximum 15 seconds) of the official TTCL sponsor(s) can be included in the

event program.

All interviews must be held in front of a press backdrop where the logos of ETTU and of

the official sponsor(s) of the TTCL must be displayed.

The official sponsor(s) of the TTCL shall be entitled to carry out promotional activities

within the premises of the competition hall (Promotion-/sampling-activities in the breaks,

in the arena circle, if needed with booth, e.g. inflatables in front of the main entry etc.).

The organisers shall put areas at disposal, free of charge, for stands and advertising

banners etc. of the TTCL sponsor(s).

Moreover, the club will provide the official sponsor(s) VIP tickets (total of 8) free of charge

if requested.

In case the title sponsor plans promotional activities in relation to the competition, the

clubs should cooperate with and support the official title sponsor (e.g. signing sessions,

training sessions with TTCL players etc.).

The home club shall write a press release/article about the match in the local language

that should be distributed to all relevant national, regional and local media.

Each club is obliged to upload 5 photographs taken from every home match with cleared

rights to the Media Shuttle Portal. Each Club grants to Sportradar/ETTU free of charge

the unrestricted worldwide exploitation rights concerning the respective uploaded photos.

15.4.3 PHOTOGRAPHS

Participating clubs shall upload the following photographs to the Media Shuttle Portal

latest 5 weeks before the competition starts:

- Upload Team Photograph

An up-to-date team photograph is mandatory. The team photograph must be 4000 x

2500 pixels in size and the resolution must be a minimum of 300dpi. Those in the photo

should be dressed appropriately and wearing their official match uniform.

- Upload Photographs of each registered player

The individual player photograph must be 1800 x 2800 pixels in size and the resolution

must be a minimum of 300dpi. The player in the photo must be dressed appropriately

and

wearing the official club´s uniform. Individual photos must have a light background of

only one colour.

If possible, all individual player photographs should have the same setting (background,

clothing etc…).

- Upload Club logo

The club logo shall be square, png, min. 200x200px

Each Club shall be responsible and liable for the clearing of rights of third parties including, but not limited to

copyrights and personal rights, and shall indemnify and keep indemnified Sportradar /ETTU and its officers,

employees and agents against any liability, loss damage, costs or expenses arising therefrom upon first request.

https://ttclm.mediashuttle.com/.

The photographs shall be named in the following way: name of the club – player name

etc

The photographs will be displayed on the ETTU website and can also be used for

promotional reasons (e.g. from Sportradar and the respective sponsor(s)).

15.4.4 TTCL CLUBS WEBSITES

15.4.4.1 Every club shall ensure its website is regularly updated, has sufficient information about

the club, its players and achievements (also the current position in the national league)

and preferably have these informations in English available in case their website’s

language is different.

15.4.4.2 Every club must integrate the OTT Partner Player video player on its club website.

15.4.5 OFFICIAL MATCH PROTOCOL

The organisers are responsible for the preparation and smooth running of all home

matches.

They are also responsible for the application of the Official Match Protocol.

Each participating club is responsible for delivering all elements of this Official Match

Protocol (under the supervision of the ETTU). It will be made available via the Media

Shuttle Portal.

The players must give a short statement/interview about the match if requested by the

press or media (local or from ETTU.TV).

15.4.6 PLAYING CLOTHING

The TTCLM opts out from ITTF Regulations for International Competitions for

advertisements on players’ clothing to allow more space on clothing for advertisement.

Opting out is only for the sizes and total number of advertisements.

Furthermore, if a sponsor is found for the respective season, the player´s shirt must display

the advertisement of the official sponsor.

The advertisement must be displayed at the back of the shirt:

Figure 5

Either the right or the left implementation (c.f. Fig. 5) is acceptable.

The rest of the shirt can be freely displayed by the club.

The use / choice of shirts to use is defined in directive 8.14.

15.4.7 PRINT/ONLINE MATERIALS

All printed and online materials/documents produced by the clubs (e.g. brochure,

magazine, poster, ticket, press release, social media, etc.) must display:

- The correct competition name: “Table Tennis Champions League Men

, abbreviation:

TTCL

- The ETTU logo

- The competition logo

- The logo of the title sponsor of the TTCL

Additionally, all clubs must always, in any publication under their responsibility regarding

the TTCL, use the correct denomination of the title sponsor.

All logos will be made available for uploading on the Media Shuttle Portal.

16. GENERAL TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

16.1 Every club has to make possible TV/online streaming service provided by the IT

company of ETTU (“ ETTU.TV), according to the following technical requirements:

a) Internet connection with a minimum dedicated UPLOAD bandwidth of three

megabit/sec

b) Installation and access to the dedicated internet connection at the main working

position

c) Provision of a router with at least four ethernet ports - DHCP configuration

i) TCP-Port 80, 443, 1935 and 49221 (incoming/outgoing)

ii) UDP-Port 2077, 2088 and 49221 (incoming/outgoing)

d) Director’s workplace for 3 persons inside the main hall or very close to it

e) Distance TT cameras to director’s workplace: max 40m

f) Distance director’s workplace to access the router: max 5 m

g) Provision of the necessary facilities and staff for the electronic transmission of each

home match by the “ETTU Scorer App (“iScout), made available by the ETTU/Sportradar.

The scoring of all matches will be done using the ETTU Scorer App (“iScout). Prior to the

start of the first round of the competition, each club must nominate minimum 1 official to

train in the use of the App.

Sportradar will provide an online session to introduce and demonstrate the use of the

App. This will be open to all nominated ETTU Scorer officials which need to be at least

18 years old. Following this session, officials will be required to complete their training

using the Sportradar systems and ultimately score a training match in order to ensure

the correct skill level is achieved. If the ETTU scorer official does not pass training in the

first instance, it is possible to train further and submit another training match.

In order to train, the nominated official must have access to an android phone (the app

is not compatible with iPhone) and a computer.

If a title sponsor is found, the official competition name can be changed.

One dedicated ETTU scorer official will be required per match (it is not possible to have

two persons for one match!).

Each club will be assigned one android device to be used during competitions by ETTU

and Sportradar. It is the responsibility of the club to ensure this device is available to the

ETTU Scorer official two hours before the start of the match. It is also the responsibility

of the club to ensure that a wifi internet connection (minimum 3MB upload) is available

for use by the scorer.

Each club must ensure that a suitable position close to the table is assigned to the ETTU

Scorer official, with a good view of both the table and the scoreboard.

17. PRODUCTION SET-UP ONLINE STREAMING PRODUCTION

17.1 A main working position in the area of the main competition table must be provided near

the main camera. The main working position:

a) Is located in a way that the cabling distance to the main camera (see Fig. 6) does not

exceed a distance of 40 meters

b) Has to have a clear view onto the playing field, the umpire and the scoreboard

c) Has access to the dedicated internet connection with a minimum UPLOAD bandwidth of

three megabit/sec

d) Has the following minimum size: 4m x 1m (incl. provision of standard power sockets (230

V) and tables and chairs)

The following example (Fig. 6) underlines how it should look. Slight changes that do not

interfere with the working process are acceptable (requirements stated in 10.1 must be

fulfilled).

Figure 6

17.2 The organisers must make sure that the ETTU production team can position the main

camera in the following way:

Figure 7

Figure 7 acts as an example. It is mandatory that the camera is positioned in a way that

the backside of the table is visible.

The production team is allowed to change/modify the camera position that was

provided by the club.

In case the club cannot position the camera in the right height, clubs should use

scaffolding.

Correct:

Figure 8

Incorrect:

Figure 9

17.3 The club must ensure that the production team has still access to the internet at least 60

minutes after the match (in case the production team needs some more time than 60

minutes to finish their task, they have the right to terminate their work in an appropriate

timeframe).

18. TV PRODUCTION

18.1 Clubs participating in the TTCL semi-final and final matches must provide an international

high quality TV signal with the official English match graphics (incl. uplink to satellite) of its

home matches. For the avoidance of doubt, ETTU/Sportradar must have access to the TV

signal via satellite free of any charges (e.g. no uplink costs or access fees) and will exploit

the TV signal in its free discretion.

18.2 The cameras have to be positioned as illustrated in Fig 10.

Figure 10

Camera 1: most used camera which shall provide the main wide shot of the game. The

camera shall be located on a scaffold (5m high) and positioned in the centre behind the

table.

Camera 2: mainly used for (super) slow-motion replays but could also give an alternative

to cover the table from a different angle from behind.

Camera 3 & 4: positioned on tripods on the floor to create close-ups of each player.

(Camera 3 is optional).

Camera 5: hand-held camera which shall be used to cover everything which is not

covered such as crowd, coaches, referees etc.

18.3 The TV signal must carry international sound with the following fixed audio configuration:

Audio1: international sound stereo left

Audio2: international sound stereo right

Audio3: Guest commentary mix or English commentary mix (upon request)

Audio4: Host Broadcaster’s live commentary

For the avoidance of doubt, the English commentary takes priority over the guest

commentary.

18.4 Upon request of ETTU or Sportradar, each club is obliged to provide a fully equipped

commentary position (headset with commentary unit, 1 TV monitor, technical assistance)

as well as the English live commentary mix via satellite (see Audio Configuration).

18.5 The format of the signal should be HD 16:9 including the official graphics in 4:3 safe.

18.6 All matches must be produced with the official TTCL graphic kit to generate the live match

graphics. All graphics must be clean, bright, clear and in English language. The graphic

kit and the instructions how to use it will be provided by Sportradar.

18.7 The TV signal distribution will be coordinated on a centralised basis by Sportradar. Each

club and its respective production partner is obliged to make the TV signal of its home

matches available to Sportradar on an established European Satellite (such as Eutelsat

7B or 10A or ABS3A) free of charge (incl. uplink). All satellite segments will be booked

by Sportradar.

The appointed production company (by the club) needs to get in contact with Sportradar

at least 15 days prior match day to check the technical specifications. The production

company guarantees a Eutelsat certified SNG/Uplink and a “BISS-1” encryption for the

TV signal.

18.8 The official running order must be implemented (no delays acceptable for the announced

starting time). It will be provided by Sportradar.

19. TICKETS / VIP

For the onsite production team the organisers have to prepare accreditation badges that

guarantee full access to all tournament facilities and areas.

If requested, the Organising Club shall provide ETTU and Sportradar with five (5) VIP

entry tickets (free of charge) for ETTU representatives, their guests, partners, suppliers,

20. VIP CARE

There shall be a special VIP-room, where drinks and snacks are served to honorary

guests, sponsors, suppliers, etc., free of charge. tbc depending on Covid

21. WINNER’S CEREMONY

There shall be a winner’s ceremony at the end of the Event (final 2). The winner’s podium

(for 14 persons) shall be separated from the spectators and from the press area.

The team and player announcement must also be done in English.

22. TROPHIES and AWARDS

After the 2

final match the winner shall receive the appropriate trophy, the winner and

the runner-up shall receive medals by ETTU.

ETTU will pay out a prize money of 40.000€ in total starting with the quarter finals. The

distribution of the prize money for each position will be confirmed by ETTU.

There may be an additional financial support to each host starting with the semi finals to

compensate partly the TV production costs.

The financial general support for hosts which also includes a compensation to the costs

for the advertisement on surrounds and backdrops is laid down in 15.4.1.

23. FINANCIAL CONDITIONS

23.1 The entry fee shall be paid according to Directive 2.5.

23.2 The clubs participating in the TTCL shall provide a list of the team sponsors (to fill in at

the “additional information documents” for clubs).

24. PRIVACY POLICY

By registering and entering the ETTU Club Competition, each registered and entered

person agrees and gives his/her consent to the ETTU Privacy Policy as laid down on the

ETTU website (www.ettu.org).

25. PENALTIES

The Clubs may be fined by the ETTU Club Competition Official for any contravention to

the provision of these directives in accordance with the Penalty Catalogue.

26. DEFINITIONS

*Delay: Official documents, e.g. invitation letters, hotel proposition, visas etc. as

described in the Regulations or the Directives above shall be sent by the home club to

the visiting club latest eight weeks* before the match (*exception: for the first (second)

match day(s) after the Drawing of Lots, the invitations for the visiting clubs shall be sent

latest seven days after the Drawing of Lots. If the respective home club fails to do so and

the other party has financial losses because of this, the ETTU Club Competition Official

may decide to impose towards the home club a reimbursement of the additional costs

occurred to the guest club.

* a non-European player is a player with a nationality outside ETTU member

Associations’ countries.

27. FORCE MAJEURE

In case of “force majeure”*, the ETTU Executive Board may decide, after consultation

with the Management Board, the Club Competition Official, the Secretary General and

Sportradar, on any amendment to the general organisation and planning of the

European Club Competitions. Such amendment may come into force also during an

ECC season.

*Force majeure is extended to the well-being and safety of all involved parties including

the need to guarantee the best possible continuation of the ECC.

***********