Polybat - factfile Polybat scoring, rules and officials
Polybat is a disability sport that takes the form of a bat and ball game, played on a table tennis table with the net removed and with side barriers added.
A competitive game of polybat follows the same scoring system as table tennis. The first player to get to 11 points in a game is the winner. However, if a game is tied at 10-10, a player must win a game by two clear points. Each player must serve for two points in a row before handing the service over to their opponent (or rotates alternately for doubles). A player does not lose service if they lose a point.
Rules
These rules are based on those set out by Nottingham Trent University.
Polybat can be played as a singles or doubles game.
Each player has two serves. The serve then goes to the other player (or rotates alternately for doubles).
The first player to 11 points wins.
Play begins with the server who must serve the ball off any side. Strokes can then be played directly or off the sides.
The ball must always stay on the table surface. A lifted ball scores a point for the opponent.
Players can stop, control and hit the ball back towards their opponent using more than one hit. No 'trapping' of the ball is allowed.
Polybat can also be used as a means of introducing table tennis to younger children.
Officials
During a competitive game of polybat, a game is officiated by a selected umpire. They will ensure that the rules are maintained and adhered to. However, in recreational games fellow players often take on the role of umpire.