Пара-настольный теннис: Классификация и правила

Disabled sport

Para table tennis is a parasports which follows the rules set by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). The usual table tennis rules are in effect with slight modifications for wheelchair athletes. Athletes from disability groups can take part. Athletes receive classifications between 1 and 11. Classes 1–5 are for those in wheelchairs and classes 6–10 for those who have disabilities that allow them to play standing. Within those groups, the higher classification means the more function the athlete has. Class 11 is defined for players with an intellectual disability.

The roles of classification are to determine eligibility to compete for athletes with disability and to group athletes equitably for competition purposes. Athletes are grouped by reference to functional ability, resulting from their impairment.

Class 1:No sitting balance with severe reduction of function in the playing arm. Class 2:No sitting balance with reduction of function in the playing arm. Class 3:No sitting balance, although the upper part of the trunk may show activity. Normal arms, although some slight motor losses can be found in the playing hand without significant effect on table tennis skills. The non playing arm keeps the trunk in position. Class 4:Existing sitting balance although not optimal because of non existing anchorage (stabilisation) of the pelvis. Class 5:Normal function of trunk muscles.

Class 6:Severe impairments of legs and arms. Class 7:Very severe impairments of legs (poor static and dynamic balance), orsevere to moderate impairments of playing arm, orcombination of arms and legs impairments less severe than in class 6. Class 8:Moderate impairments of the legs, ormoderate impairments of playing arm (considering that elbow and shoulder control is very important), ormoderate cerebral palsy, hemiplegia or diplegia with good playing arm. Class 9:Mild impairments of the leg(s), ormild impairments of playing arm, orsevere impairments of non playing arm, ormild cerebral palsy with hemiparesis or monoplegia. Class 10:Very mild impairments in legs, orvery mild impairment of playing arm, orsevere to moderate impairment of non playing arm, ormoderate impairment of the trunk. Class 11:For players with an intellectual disability.

There are no exceptions to the laws of table tennis for standing players with a disability. All players play according to the laws and regulations of the ITTF. The umpire may relax the requirements for a correct service if the compliance is prevented by physical disability.

When two players who are in wheelchairs are a pair playing doubles, the server shall first make a service, the receiver shall then make a return but thereafter either player of the disabled pair may make returns. However, no part of a player's wheelchair shall protrude beyond the imaginary extension of the center line of the table. If it does, the umpire shall award the point to the opposing pair.

Wheelchairs must have at least two large wheels and one small wheel. In international competitions, the playing space is not less than 14m long, 7m wide and the flooring shall not be concrete. The space for wheelchair events may be reduced to 8m long and 6m wide. The flooring may be of concrete for wheelchair events, which is prohibited on other occasions.

Ibrahim Hamadtou, an Egyptian Class 6 Champion, is one of the most well known Paralympic table tennis players, since his YouTube video went viral. Hamadtou has won many awards, including silver medals in African Para table tennis Championships held in 2013 and 2011. He holds his racket with his mouth. Natalia Partyka, a Four time Olympian, participates in Class 10 events at the para table tennis tournaments, representing Poland. Born without a right hand and forearm, she participates in competitions for able bodied athletes as well as in competitions for athletes with disabilities. Partyka reached the last 32 of the London 2012 Olympic women's table tennis.