Terms and Conditions of Entry

1. The Series will consist of eight (8) events to be held in various venues throughout the province of Ulster between 01 Sept 2026 and 30 April 2027. (See appendix A for list of venues)
2. The objective of the Challenger Events is for all players to get the maximum number of games possible. Players should be placed in Divisions (maximum of 4 Divisions) based on their level of play (determined by the event organiser and advice of coaches). Players should get a place at end of event for ranking points purposes. eg. A format example is below for 32 entries –
   • Stage 1 - Top 16 players play together groups of 4
   • Stage 2 - Top 2 (8 players) move to Div 1 playoffs (Places 1-8) ie QF / SF / F ( and play back for places 5-8 ) and bottom 2 (8 players) (Places 9-16) move to Div 2 playoffs ie QF / SF / F ( and play backs for places 13-16)
   • Stage 1 - Players rated 16-32 play together in groups of 4
   • Stage 2 - Top 2 move to Div 3 playoffs (Places 17-24) ie QF / SF / F ( and play backs for places) and bottom 2 move to Div 4 playoffs (places 15-32) ie QF / SF / F ( and play backs for places)
   This provides a winner and runner up in each of the 4 final Divisions by the end of the event for prizes and all players get placed. The number of Divisions maybe reduced depending on entries and tables available. The number of playback games maybe reduced if fewer tables are available and time does not allow.
3. The event must be held at a venue that has at least 4 – 6 tables and meets all health and safety regulations.
4. Trophies will be awarded to the winners and runners up in each Division. If budget allows all players should receive a participation medal as this is a participation event. Additional prizes will be presented to the 1st and 2nd highest ranked boys and girls in the challenger series at end of the season.
5. Ranking points will be awarded to participants based on their performance in each event, with players results from all 8 events counting towards a separate Challenger Series ranking list. Results will also be used to produce a rating for each player to assist tournament organisers grade players into the most appropriate division. Additionally, a players final position on the Challenger Series ranking list will determine their seeding for an end of season Finals tournament.
6. Each event will receive £250 sponsorship towards costs.
7. Entry fee to be priced at £10 per player.
8. The hosting club will be responsible for providing all equipment, tournament balls and the appointment of a tournament organiser. NB. TTU are currently looking for a ball sponsor for the Challenger Series.
9. All tournament organisers are encouraged to manage the event on ‘tournament software’, tournamentsoftware.com. A video tutorial will be delivered to all event organisers to show how to set up and run a challenger using the software. The use of tournament software will make results more accessible to players and supporters.
10. TTU will promote all events through social media platforms and TTU website.
11. Results to be forwarded to Amanda Mogey (Junior Ranking Official) at amogey@hotmail.com and Simon Gough (TTU Competition Executive) at s_gough@hotmail.com.

Regulations and Information

1. A condition of entry to each event is that players agree to abide by TTU’s Code of Conduct which can be accessed on TTU’s website tabletennisulster.com/code-of-conduct.
2. Participants will be organised into groups initially, and after the format will be a knockout tournament with the top 2 players advancing into the top half of the Division and the bottom 2 moving to the lower half of the Division. Matches will be the best of 3 games unless otherwise specified by the event organiser.
3. The final order in a group shall be determined as per ITTF regulation 3.7.5 for group competitions except that where a player concedes a match he/she shall receive -3 group points.
4. All players will be expected to umpire when required.
5. All players must report to the control table on arrival and must not leave the venue while still in the competition without first obtaining permission from the Referee.
6. The tournament organiser reserves the right to alter the format of the draw, cancel any category and to restrict admission to the tournament venue. If a category is over-subscribed, then entries will be treated on a last in–first out basis.
7. Event Entry Restrictions: All players must provide their DOB and club name as a condition of entry and must be affiliated to the ITTA. Players must be born on or after 1st January 2007.
8. All disputes will be dealt with by the tournament organiser and/or TTU’s Events Committee whose decision will be final.

Appendix A – Venues & Dates

• 120 SepColeraine
• 225 OctOrmeau
• 37 NovMonaghan
• 421/22 NovUlster Open (Lisburn)
• 529 NovOsmond
• 66 FebGlenburn
• 721 FebLisburn Rapids
• 83/4 MarUlster Closed (Craigavon)
• 927 MarBallymena
• 1010 AprSt. Anne’s