A number of Keen-Ager groups have made inter-club visits for some years. Most of us enjoy them, but after each event a significant number of players come up with similar complaints.

• “We went a long way to get knocked out early.“ (Knock out events)
• “Too many mismatches - boring.“
• “Why all the singles matches - we play doubles mostly at our club.“
• “We are out for a nice time and aren't worried about which club is stronger.

2010 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards acknowledge Victorian seniors whose contribution and services to the community are exceptional. The hunt is on again for nominations for this year’s awards, with nominations open now and closing on Friday 23 July. Seniors over 60, who are Australian citizens, reside inVictoria and who have made an exceptional achievement or contribution to the community can be nominated for an award in the following four categories:

• the Premier’s Award for Victorian Senior of the Year,
• the Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victorian Senior Achiever Awards,
• the ‘Go for your Life’ Award, and
• the Veteran Community Award

Perhaps your Keen-Agers club has some outstanding senior contributor or volunteer who deserve being nominated for an award Nominations close Friday 23rd July 2010

22 February 2010: Bairnsdale Keen-Agers nominated for COTAVIC award

Accolades for the work of Keen-Agers recreational table tennis continue to roll in. Following the establishment of the Bairnsdale Squash and Table Tennis Centre, East Gippsland Shire nominated Bairnsdale Keen-Agers for the Club, Group or Organisation category of the COTAVIC 2009 Active At All Ages Awards.

Keen-Agers was one of four finalists. Numurkah Senior Citizens Club was the winning finalist with an outstanding mix of local seniors' activities and club membership growth.

Cr. Jane Rowe represented the East Gippsland Shire at the Award presentations on Monday 22nd February at Parliament House in Melbourne. The Award was presented by The Hon James Merlino MLA Minister for Sport, Recreation & Youth Affalrs. June & John Gale accepted the award on behalf of Bairnsdale Keen-Agers.

The award also carried a $5,000 gift from RACV to procure club equipment through Rebel Sport stores. Accepting the award, Mr Gale said, "Our association's finances have been stretched to the limit with the recent $1.5 million building project. So the gift, in addition to the honour, is very welcome and will probably be used to purchase more top quality competition tables for the centre"

The award citation reads, "Bairnsdale Keen-Agers: Managed and run by volunteers, this group offers weekly social table tennis for older people, and was a 'driving force' behind the development of the new Bairnsdale Squash and Table Tennis Centre. The club caters for all abilities and has been the model for the development of similar groups across Victoria, with a total participation of about 800 people."

Assisted by funding from Vichealth, Bairnsdale Keen-Agers began fostering the development of recreational table tennis player groups in Victoria 2001/2. Their program was commended in Vichealth's "Active Participation" awards in 2002. In 2006/7 they partnered COTAVIC in an action research project demonstrating key elements required for long term group success. This project won the Vichealth Award for promotion of physical activities 2007.

12 November 09: Bairnsdale's New Table Tennis centre opened

Bairnsdale's new purpose built table tennis and squash centre opened attended by some 200 supporterrs and friends.

20 August 09: Passing of Keen-Agers Co-Founder

Nick Gottschalk, co- founder of Keen-Agers Victoria and Chairman of Bairnsdale Keen-Agers passed away while participating in an evening pennant table tennis session at Bairnsdale. He was scoring a game. One of Bairnsdale's most distinguished citizens in recent decades, Nick had told friends a week earlier that when his time came he hoped he would "drop dead at table tennis." He was responsible for re-establishing the Bairnsdale TTA in 1979 and retained his active role with it for the next 30 years.

Nick, along with John Gale, worked intensively 2001-2004 to establish the first new Keen-Ager groups in Gippsland and remained on the Keen-Ager development team until his death aged 80. There are now 26 groups with 800+ active players weekly. As Mayor of Bairnsdale 1978 Nick successfully lobbied the Victorian government for land access to establish a sports and leisure centre in Bairnsdale. He also played a pivotal role in the development of Bairnsdale's new purpose built table tennis and squash centre which will open shortly.

30 July 09: Traralgon Diamond Anniversary welcomes Keen-Agers

Traralgon Table tennis association's 60th anniversary tournament in July featured the first ever tournament section designed for Keen-Ager players. The regular recreational game for Keen-Agers is doubles. It's very social and less strenuous for older players than singles. The tournament offered Men's Doubles, Women's Doubles and Mixed Doubles in a round robin format.

48 players from 7 Gippsland clubs averaged 8 best-of-5 game sets for a full day's play. Honours were shared between the clubs. Men's Doubles was fiercely contested with victory going to Ivan Moffatt & Bill Burrows of Drouin with David North & Bruce Bremner from Traralgon runners up. Bairnsdale players June Gale & Liz Carey were runners up to Sheila Whitehead & Pat Davies of Traralgon in the Women's Doubles, whilst victory in the Mixed Doubles went to Jan & Ian Jonas from Leongatha, just ahead of Moe Keen-Agers Maria Stayches & Ron Carswell.

Players rated the competition a great success. Keen-Agers founding member John Gale said, "As Keen-Agers clubs continue to grow in Victoria, we look forward to the day when many tournaments include Keen-Ager doubles events."

15 July 09: Island table tennis a hit

This article appeared in the East Gippsland News 15/7/09.

It shows how simply a new club can be formed.

Raymond Island Table Tennis recently held its inaugural annual general meeting at the Raymond Island Community Hall with 20 members in attendance.

Table tennis has previously been played at the community hall in the past, but the renewed interest of playing on Raymond Island originated late last year, and in February this year a letter box drop was done to have a meeting to see how many people would be interested. Island resident and Keenagers table tennis player, Ralph Middleton, approached John Gale, chairman of Keenagers and assisted in forming Raymond Island Table Tennis, a division of Bairnsdale and District Table Tennis Association, with insurance through Table Tennis Victoria.

The earlier meeting showed such strong interest that a steering committee was formed to detail items such as public liability, personal indemnity and how a group would need to be formed. A group of table tennis enthusiasts purchased three new tables in late March ready for the first play on Tuesday, April 4, where 23 people arrived to play, ranging from complete beginners through to experienced players. Due to ongoing support with over 20 players attending each Tuesday night, it was time to formalise the group and hold its first annual general meeting. Ralph Middleton was elected president with Rob Poole as vice president, Andrew Bould as secretary and assistant secretary; Tony Driscoll. Sylvia Galloway was elected treasurer with Francis Schulz elected assistant treasurer, publicity officer Andrew Bould and Marj Coulter as assistant publicity officer.

Table tennis has proved to be very popular with players ranging in age from children through to senior players and from beginner through to the more skilled. Each night is non-competitive and, played purely for its social enjoyment. The entry fee on the night also covers refreshments of tea coffee and biscuits. Anyone wishing to learn or play table tennis is welcome at the community hall every Tuesday night, commencing at 7.30pm. If you would like further information, contact president Ralph Middleton or the secretary Andrew Bould.

23rd June 09: Keen-ager Group mooted for Warburton

Keith Sarah of Warburton reports that he is working in partnership with the Upper Yarra Shire to instal suitable tables at St Mary's church hall in Warburton with a view the establishing a Keen-Agers group there. The idea was inspired by the recent launch of the Yarra junction group. Keith plans both day and evening sessions. More news as things progress.

21st April 09: Raymond Island hosts new recreational table tennis group.

Ralph Middleton of Bairnsdale has been instrumental in establishing a group for young and old on Raymond Island situated on the Gippsland lakes at Paynesville. 20 players turn out on Tuesday evenings. It is envisaged that junior players, in particular, will be encouraged. The group is part of Bairnsdale & District Table Tennis Association which is the founding Keen-Agers club where some 70 play the Keen-Agers version of the game.

1st April 09: New table tennis centre for Bairnsdale.

After 6 years' hard work Bairnsdale Keen-Agers and their host club Bairnsdale and District TTA are looking forward to their own permanent home. Construction of the The $1.4 Million multi-purpose centre at Bairnsdale commenced today and will be completed by October 2009. The facility incorporates table tennis (12 club courts or 9 state tournament courts) squash and racquetball (6 courts) and carpet bowls, as well as a social area.

Funding is shared by the Shire ($250,000) the Victorian Government ($250,000) Federal Government ($700,000) and local club/community fund raising ($220,000) with loan funds (up to $100,000).

It is the respect with which government views the value of recreational table tennis - especially for older people - that has helped the case for what is a unique state-of-the-art indoor sports complex.

12th March 09 Launch of YARRA JUNCTION Keen-Agers table tennis group.

YARRA Junction Keen-Agers table tennis group was officially launched last Tuesday with help from the program’s founder and Victorian secretary, John Gale. Keen-Agers table tennis started in Bairnsdale 8 years ago and now has 26 clubs across Victoria.

Mr Gale said Keen-Agers Table Tennis was designed for retirees and people with disabilities so they could remain socially and physically active and is pleased that there is now a group in Yarra Junction. “Today the country, tomorrow the world,” Mr Gale joked.

“Keen-Agers is recreational table tennis, it's fun and it's friendship.”

Mr Gale acted as a mentor to John Gates who convened the Upper Yarra Keen-Agers group. A competitive table tennis player for more than 35 years, Mr Gates who is employed as a project worker at the Upper Yarra Community House Yarra Junction, said he was grateful of Mr Gale’s presence and proud of the turnout at the launch. “He [Mr Gale] has just been so good helping me organise this club. He’s always been in the back ground, helping all the way along,” Mr Gates said. Mr Gale and his wife June, who travelled from Bairnsdale to attend the launch, and the Drouin Keen-Agers Club, who have recently returned from the Masters Games in Geelong, joined members of the community to celebrate the launch with a game of table tennis and a barbecue lunch.

Regular playing sessions, for Yarra Junction Keen-Agers, are scheduled for 9am to 11am Tuesdays and Fridays at the Yarra Centre YMCA, Yarra Junction. For more information phone _John Gates_ at the Upper Yarra Community House (Active Upper Yarra Project) on 5967 1776.

Who we are

Keen-Agers table-tennis is an association of retired volunteers who have undertaken to encourage and facilitate the development of social table tennis clubs for older people. We are led by an executive committee which works collaboratively with VicHealth, Council on the Ageing (COTAVIC), Table Tennis Victoria, local table tennis clubs and associations, as well local and statewide health-related agencies.

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The first Keen-Agers club was started by John Gale in Bairnsdale in 2001. Vichealth funded Keen-Agers in 2002-5 in its early developmental stages. COTA was funded in 2007 by VicHealth to work with Keen-Agers to expand the model across Victoria and to evaluate its impact. There are now over 20 Keen-Agers clubs with more than 700 regular participants.
You are never too old to enjoy being active. That's the message from Keen-Agers, a project that has put a whole new spin on table tennis. And on Wednesday 12th December 07 Keen-Agers' contribution to increasing physical activity in older people was recognised by VicHealth with an outstanding achievement award. Keen-Agers - Increasing Physical Activity Amongst Senior Victorians was successful in the category for projects with budgets under $75,000.

The award was presented to Council on the Ageing (COTA) Vic Executive Director, Sue Hendy and the founder of Keen-Agers, John Gale at VicHealth's Annual General Meeting and Awards Night on 12 December 2007, in front of an audience of 750 people.

According to VicHealth CEO Todd Harper "This year's VicHealth awards for outstanding achievement in health promotion highlight the innovative and inspirational work being undertaken by VicHealth's partners around the State. Keen-Agers has made a significant difference to the lives of many older people across Victoria", said Sue Hendy. "It provides an opportunity for people to participate in a healthy activity in a social, non-competitive environment."

As John Gale said, "Most people can remember playing table tennis as a kid, but you are never to old to pick up a bat and enjoy a friendly game. Everyone should have the opportunity to participate in physical activity. Keen-Agers makes this possible."

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Keen-Agers mission statement

1. Keen-Agers Table Tennis promotes recreational Table Tennis as an enjoyable physical activity for older residents and retirees in local communities, having in view the benefits deriving from such activities in a friendly social setting.

2. We encourage the development of local, self-funding Keen-Agers clubs and groups, which have common membership, rules and visiting privileges.

3. We foster Local, Regional and State-wide partnerships and networks which facilitate access to suitably equipped venues for Keen-Agers activities at suitable times.

4 We identify and facilitate funding to establish and develop local Keen-Ager clubs.

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Key in Keenagers on YouTube to access a live session at Drouin Keen-Agers.

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Keen-Agers Privacy Policy

1. Member contact details are recorded online but are securely kept private to all but appointed officers of KeenAgers Inc. and its associated clubs. 2. Keen-Agers Inc. or officers of its associated clubs do not make Member contact details available for any purpose to any third-party.

3. Each Contact registered on www.keenagers.org.au is provided with its own login details for secure private access to review and update the owner's contact details.

4. The contact details of Keen-Agers appointed officers are made available for online public access.

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History of Table Tennis

ITTF's Museum of Table Tennis History.

Terrific place to visit. 50 rooms of fascinating memorabilia.

WikiPedia's introduction to the great game

WikiPedia's introduction is very comprehensive & full of other interesting links.

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Contact a Keen-Agers club near you.

We list 27 clubs with some 800+ regular players (mid 2010), The list shows local playing session times.

We also list some Life Activities Club recreational table tennis groups where older recreational players are welcome (italics headlines).

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Keen-Agers Victoria: Chairman

Lindsay Hanrahan

carlin@datafast.net.au

Ph 03 5152 3069

Mail: 4 Allison Court, Bairnsdale 3875

johngale@keenagers.org.au

Ph 03 5153 2123

Mail: 87 Drevermann Street, Bairnsdae 3875

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Clubs Alphabetical

Albury Wodonga KeenAgers

In April 2005 Albury/Wodonga social table tennis group decided to develop a Keen-Agers club with a view to attracting many more participants. They launched a Keen-Agers club during July 2005.

Sessions are held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9 am-11.30am Greenfield Park, 471 North Street, Albury.

Ian Radley

awtta@awtta.org.au

K-A contact Harley MacAllister

02 6041 1205

Mon, Wed, Fri am

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Bairnsdale Keen-Agers

Fully integrated as a free-standing program alongside the Pennant competition program in the Bairnsdale and District Table Tennis Association. The founding club and prototype for other Table Tennis Associations. Playing venue Bairnsdale Squash & Table Tennis centre, Bairnsdale.

Monday & Thursday mornings 8-11am. 12 tables.

John Gale

johngale@keenagers.org.au

03 5153 2123

Mon, Thur, am

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Ballarat Keen-Agers

Established October 2007. Table tennis programs at Dowling St, Hollioake Park, Wendouree

Around 30+ Players turning out for each session July 2008

Shane Nankervis

zsmn@bgs.vic.edu.au

03 5338 0948

0407 051 834

Friday pm

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Bellarine Keen-Agers

BELLARINE TABLE TENNIS CLUB

Keenagers each week on Mondays 7.30-9.30 pm

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am - 12 noon.

Saturdays 3-5 pm

Available 6 tables, bats/balls.

Meetings held at the upgraded Memorial Hall, 123 The Avenue, Ocean Grove.

Tea/coffee/biscuits available. Reasonable charge.

Enquiries John Berry 03 5256 2489.

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Bentleigh Life Activities table tennis Group

Seniors Table tennis Tuesday, Wednesday evenings, Sunday afternoons

Contact Pat Kelly 03 9555 6008

Seniors TT group Tuesday mornings

2 Derry Street, East Bentleigh (9679 4573)

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Boolarra Keen-Agers

Established November 2008

Meets at the Community Hall 10 am - 12 noon Wednesdays 4 tables

Contact person Marietta Herni phone 03 5169 6355

rherni@bigpond.net.au

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Carnegie 30 & over Table Tennis club

Meets at Princes Entertainment centre,

Dandenong Road, Carnegie

Contact Phone 9571 9473

Monday. Tuesday & Thursday morning 9 am -1 pm

15 tables

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City of Whitehorse Life Activities table tennis Groups

At Blackburn South - St Ninians Uniting Church Hall. Corner of Orchard Grove & McCracken Avenue, Melways Ref. 61 J2.

Contacts

Tuesday Morning - Trish Parkinson 9857 5635
Friday Morning - Trevor Ryan 9873 1972 (9.30am-11.30am) Current Weekly Fee $1.00
Friday Afternoon - Shirly Coppock 9878 1047

4 table tennis tables

Interested persons are allowed two visits before they are required to join the Club. Current Club membership fee is $18.00 per year with a one-off joining fee of $5.00. Membership provides insurance cover, a newsletter and access to the other Club activities . Each activity group sets its own arrangements and fees.

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Coburg Keen-Agers

Keen-Agers table tennis program established May 2007 at Coburg Table Tennis Centre cnr Murray & Newlands Rd, Coburg. 9 tables

Bruce Carter

brucec@netbay.com.au

03 9350 4723

0417 472 006

Tue, Fri, am

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Corryong Keen-Agers

First session was held on Monday 14th March 2005 at the Recreation Centre acquired by the Upper Murray Health Service.

• Sessions at Squash Courts (Recreation Centre) Main Street Corryong Mondays and Fridays 9 - 12 am.
• Loan bats available

Bob Kaighin

rkaighin@bigpond.com.

(02) 6076 1511

Mon, Thur, am

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Daylesford Keen-Agers

Established May 2008

Session time Fri - 2.00 - 4.00

at the Daylesford Table Tennis Centre: 8 tables

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Drouin Keen-Agers

Established 2003 Playing sessions at Bellbird Park stadium, Drouin on Mondays & Thursdays 9-11am. 8 tables

Dick van Leeuwen

dikjanny@dsci.net.au

03 5625 1621

0408 441 113

Mon, Thur, am

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Dunolly Keen-Agers

Club launched May 2007 at RSL Hall, Barkly Street, Dunolly

Sessions Mondays 9.00am -12 noon; Wednesdays 2-4 pm

Norm Vicum

03 5468 1745

Don Jubbor

donthel@hotmail.com

Monday, am Wednesday pm

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Geelong Keen-Agers (in conjunction with Life Activities Club)

Geelong TTA, 84 Church St North Geelong, 3215

Contact: Les Hannah, 0408 383 721

Mondays from 1.00 – 3.00pm

Hamilton Keen-Agers

A Keen-Agers group established 2003 by the Hamilton Table Tennis Association.

Jean Humphries

pjhum@bigpond.net.au

03 5572 3413

Thur, am

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Hawthorn Keen-Agers

Club established May 2007 at Hawthorn Aquatic & Leisure Centre at 2 Linda Cresent, Hawthorn
Sessions Tuesday & Wednesdays 10.00 am-12.00 pm

Dean McElroy

03 8862 9100

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Horsham Keen-Agers

A group of Keen-Agers established 2003 by Ian Flux, Secretary of Horsham TTA and the Regional Sports Assembly. Meets at a local show-ground pavilion.

Shares TTA facility. A number of players come from U3A. [University of the Third Age.

Ian Flux

ianflux@netconnect.com.au

03 5382 1336

Mon, Wed, am

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Inverloch Keen-Agers

22 A'beckett Street, Inverloch Victoria 3996 (0)
Club located at Warrawee Seniors Club at 22 A'Beckett Street, Inverloch

Barry Roberts

barry.lyn@southernphone.com.au

03 5674 2384

Thur, Sun, pm

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Lakes Entrance Keen-Agers

Playing sessions Mondays & Thursdays 9-11am at the Youth & Recreation Centre (near Safeway), Church Street, Lakes Entrance. 8 tables

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Leongatha Keen-Agers

Tuesday & Thursday mornings 10am-12 noon at Leongatha Showground pavilion

6 tables

Ian Rasmussen

ijdjras@dcsi.net.au

03 5662 5578

Tue, Thur, am

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Maryborough Keen-Agers

Club is located at the Senior Citizens Club, Maryborough.

Playing sessions Monday Afternoons

Wednesday Evenings

Friday Mornings

Doug Abrahall 03 5461 4300

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Moe/Newborough Keen-Agers

Moe/Newborough Keen-Agers was established November 2004 with sponsorship support from the Latrobe City Council. Incorporated August 2005.

Playing Sessions Mondays 9-11 am at the Newborough Sports Centre (rear basketball court. 6 tables

Myles Stayches privatelives@ozemail.com.au

03 5160 1381

Mon, am

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Mount Waverley Life Activities Table Tennis Group

Seniors table tennis at St Philip’s Anglican church, Mount Waverley

Bob House 03 9803 0617

Tuesday pm

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Portalington Keen-Agers

Ernie Thompson educky1@bigpond.com

Playing sessions 9-11 am Tue, Thur, 4 tables

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Raymond Island Table Tennis Group

Playing sessions Tuesday evenings at the Raymond Island Hall.

3 tables. All ages groups welcome

Ralph Middleton

midol@bigpond.com.au

03 5156 0353

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Sale/Maffra Keen-Agers

Playing sessions on Mondays & Thursdays 9-11am at Sale Badminton Club, Cobain's Road, Sale

6 tables

Fred Leverton

fredwl@netspace.net.au

03 5144 6748

Mon, Thur, am

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Sunshine Keen-Agers

Keen-Agers Club meets at the West Sunshine Community Centre, Kermeen Street. 8 tables.

Frank D'Alterio

beech3@optusnet.com.au

03 9364 4664

0419 325 702

Thur, am

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Traralgon Keen-Agers

A Keen-Agers group has been established by the Traralgon Table Tennis Association.
10 tables

Don Milner K-A contact

don-milner@vic.australis.com.au

03 5174 3460

Mon, Thur, am

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Yarra Junction Keen-Agers

Tue, Fri, am

Launched March 2009 through efforts of John Gates (Active Upper Yarra Project). Playing sessions 9am to 11am Tuesdays and Fridays at the Yarra Centre YMCA, Yarra Junction. For more information phone Mark Rogers at the Upper Yarra Community House (Active Upper Yarra Project)

activeplaces@uych.org.au

Ph 03 5967 1776

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Wangaratta Keen-Agers

Assisted by Paul Elshaug: (PICSAR North East Victoria) they launched a Keen-Agers club during Seniors' Week March 2005. Sessions at Wangaratta Showground pavilion.

Playing times Monday & Thursday 9:45am to 11:30am

Ray Hogan

03 5721 3878

Mon, Thur, am

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Warragul Keen-Agers

Gerard Murphy

gerard@jeremiah.com.au

03 5622 2489

0418 515 793

Tue, Fri, am

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Simple Rules for recreational Players

Our good friends at PingSkills have a helpful YouTube outline

The Table Tennis Australia version for competition play are below

Rules of Table Tennis

A GAME: A game is won by the player or pair who scores 11 points unless both players or pairs score 10 points, then the game is won by the player or pair that leads by two points i.e. 12 - 10 or13 - 11 etc.

A MATCH: A match must consist of the best of any odd number of games. 1, 3, 5. or 7 depending on time constraints. In doubles, 5 games is the lowest number which gives both teams equal standing. Play must be continuous throughout a match except that any player is entitled to claim an interval of not more than 1 minute between successive games.

SOME COMMON QUESTIONS:

Is the ball in or out if it hits the side of the table?

OUT.

Do you win the game if the score is 7- 0?

NO. You must play to the full score.

How many lets can you serve before you lose the point?

AS MANY AS YOU LIKE. You never lose a point for serving a let.

In doubles do you serve one serve to each side of the table?

NO. You only ever serve from your right side court to your opponents right court.

If the ball hits the white line is it in or out?

IN.

Are you allowed to lean on the table and is your bat allowed to touch the table?

YES. The only thing that isn't allowed to touch the table is your non-playing hand. However, if you happen to move the table you lose the point.

How many faults are you allowed to serve before you lose a point?

Every time you serve a fault you lose a point.

Can you hit the ball before it bounces on your side of the table?

If the ball is still in play, (over the table) and you hit it on the full you lose the point. If the ball has gone past the table and you hit it on the full you win the point. The first mistake counts i.e. the ball going out of play on the full. Either way as soon as someone hits the ball on the full the point stops.

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THE TABLE: The surface of the table, known as the playing surface, is rectangular, 2.74m (9ft) long and 1.525m (5ft) wide, and lies in a horizontal plane 76cm (2ft 6in) from the floor. The playing surface does not include the sides of the tabletop.

THE NET ASSEMBLY:

The top of the net, along its whole length, is 15.25cm (6in) high. THE BALL: The ball is made of celluloid or similar plastics material and can be white or orange. The diameter of the ball is 40mm. This has been changed from 38mm.

THE RACKET: The racket can be any size, shape or weight. The surface material covering the wood must be bright red on one side and black on the other.

HITTING: A player hits the ball if he touches it in play with his racket held in the hand, or with the racket-hand below the wrist.

THE CHOICE OF SERVING, RECEIVING AND ENDS: The right to choose the initial order of serving, receiving and ends is decided by lot and the winner may choose to serve or to receive first or to start at a particular end. When one player or pair has chosen to serve or to receive first or to start at a particular end, the other player or pair has the other choice. After each 2 points have been scored the receiving player or pair becomes the serving player or pair and so on until the end of the game, unless both players or pairs have scored 10 points when the sequences of serving and receiving are the same but each player serves for only 1 point in turn.

CHANGING ENDS AND CHANGING ORDER IN DOUBLES: Ends are changed at the conclusion of each game or when one player or pair reaches 5 points in the deciding game. In doubles at each change of ends, and in the deciding games, the order is also reversed. In the deciding game this is done by the receivers changing positions.

A GOOD SERVICE: At the start of service the ball must be resting freely on the stationary open palm of the server's free hand, behind the end line and above the level of the playing surface. The server must then throw the ball almost vertically up, without imparting spin, so that it rises at least 16cm after leaving the palm of the free hand and then falls without touching anything before being hit. As the ball is falling the server hits it so that it touches his court first and then, after passing over or around the net assembly, touches the receiver's court. The ball must be above the level of the playing surface and it shall not be hidden from the receiver during the serve. The ball must be hit from behind the server's end line.

A GOOD RETURN: The ball, after being served or returned, must be hit so that it passes over or around the net assembly and touches the opponent's court, either directly or after touching the net assembly.

DOUBLES: In doubles, the server must first make a good service, the receiver must then make a good return.

All players must take it in turns to hit the ball.

When serving in doubles, the ball must touch successively the right half court of server and receiver.

In each game of a doubles match, the pair who serves first will choose which of them will do so, and in the first game of a match the receiving pair will decide which of them will receive first; in subsequent games of the match, when the first server has been chosen, the first receiver is the player who served to him in the preceding game.

In doubles, at each change of service the previous receiver becomes the server and the partner of the previous server becomes the receiver.

A POINT: Unless the rally is a let, a player scores a point if his/her opponent fails to make a good service;

if his/her opponent fails to make a good return;

if the ball, after he/she has served or returned it, touches anything other than the net assembly before being hit by his/her opponent;

if the ball after his/her opponent has hit it, passes over his/her end line without having touched his/her court;

If his/her opponent obstructs the ball ie.

if he/her, or anything he/she wears or carries, touches it in play when it is above or travelling toward the playing surface, and has not passed beyond his/her end line, not having touched his/her court since last being hit by his opponent.

if his/her opponent, or anything his/her opponent wears or carries, moves the playing surface;

if his/her opponent, or anything his/her opponent wears or carries, touches the net assembly;

if his/her opponent's free hand touches the playing surface;

in doubles if his/her opponent hits the ball out of sequence.

For further information contact Table Tennis Australia (02) 9763 5507 Email tabtenau@bigpond.net.au, Or visit www.tabletennis.org.au

Click here to read this on the web. ]]> Wed, 17 Dec 2008 03:20:48 GMT http://www.keenagers.org.au/3.htm http://www.keenagers.org.au/4.htm

How we play

Pictures and commentary on this page come from the Bairnsdale Keen-Agers Club which has operated since late 2001. They are typical of what happens in Keen-Agers table-tennis. Players range in age from about 60 through to their late 80's . Once established, a Keen-Agers club usually has a 50/50 male and female membership. Sessions are usually in the morning - twice a week. About one-third of the players will play twice a week (including school holidays). Other members choose their preferred day. Not having the obligations of teams and competition is an important consideration. Enjoyment and fun is the key.

Cr. Jane Rowe - East Gippsland Shire and the Governor of Victoria,

Sir John landy with Keen-Agers April 2004

The prototype Keen-Agers Club at Bairnsdale has attracted wide attention. The interest of VicHealth, community health services and professionals working in the field of falls prevention, as well as others, has been aroused by this unique program. We work closely with health promotion agencies and officers in a number of localities.

While many members are fully fit and in good health, quite a number have suffered major illnesses or surgery. This is no bar to enjoying social table-tennis. In a group of 20 or 30 players the games vary greatly in standards of speed and skill.

Most games are doubles, which means that players have to cover less court space. They have more time between shots. At Keen-Agers, stronger players encourage and sometimes coach the weaker ones. A set of doubles usually consists of the best of five (11 - point) games.

The players usually change partners for another set. Most often they will play three completes sets - taking from 20 minutes to half an hour. Doubles table-tennis like this is very social and lots of fun. If a player is distinctly less mobile (partially disabled) the others retrieve balls going out of court. Many a friendship is fostered in this enjoyable recreational context .

Are June and Marie planning how to defeat their opponents ?

More likely that they're having a good laugh about the shot that went astray, or the "net " that won them the point.The first thing you notice as you enter a Keen-Agers playing area is the laughter.

Profuse apologies for nets and edges - totally insincere of course! Lots of banter between players and congratulations on shots well made, or accidental "winners."

They say laughter in itself is a wonderful exercise. Some players laugh a great deal - usually at themselves. This picture shows involvement, enjoyment and activity.

Sessions run for about two hours with players taking time out for a social court-side cuppa - probably about 20 minutes. This session is at a local basketball court. Keen-Agers clubs function best with at least six playing tables. It means a group of some 25-30 people can be engaged (allowing for people resting, of course). Many stadiums which are fully engaged with younger sporting activities during evenings have unused courts during the mornings.

At the end of each set, players shake hands and thank one another for the enjoyment. The atmosphere at Keen-Agers table-tennis is entirely different from the competition version of the game. Older people can do without the stresses of having to win, for themselves or a team. At Keen-Agers you won't find someone at the other end of the table determined to "wipe the floor" with you.

Well, some people can have an argument about anything can't they? Keen-Agers isn't "heavy" about rules and regulations. Many a serve would not pass muster in competitive table-tennis. But as long as no one is being unpleasant, what does it matter?

With older people it's easy to hang on to old habits. Keen-Agers much prefer their players to use the modern 11 point game and the 40 mm ball. As a club develops, a number of players become very skilful and can get a bit over-competitive. If there is a local table tennis club we encourage them to join their competition. In a group at 30 or 40 recreational players sub-groups playing at around their own level tend to develop. So long as no one gets too exclusive the club retains a very good spirit. People enjoy playing there.

Some players prefer singles. They should not be forced to feel that they have to play doubles because there aren't enough tables. It is better to set up a couple more tables then you think you'll need - than to have people "sitting out" and getting frustrated. By the way, we don't need referees at Keen-Agers.

Keen-Agers table tennis attracts a wide range of personalities. Most men who join have played some table tennis before, either at home or at work . Many a lunch room boasted a table-tennis table didn't it ? but probably only 1 in 10 have actually played competition table-tennis. For the men it is usually a question of, "Will I look a fool?". They start off with , "I haven't played for 30 years." which in most cases is quite true.

Most ladies have never really played table tennis before. Most women of this generation entering retirement never did have much recreation time. Family, part-time work and all the rest of their responsibilities mean that most women joining have very little playing skill. But nearly everyone improves quickly - especially with encouragement and coaching in the basics of the game.

A Keen-Agers club is financially self-sustaining and run by volunteers. It's very simple to operate on a weekly basis. Players sign in a as they arrive, pay their fee and maybe something for a cuppa and start playing. The fees go to pay for court hire and equipment. In general, the men set up the tables to start. Ladies tend to look after the money. At around 11:15am the stadium which was buzzing with activity is silent. Everything's been put away in about 15 minutes. Volunteers are never in short supply.

These two play competition table tennis at a very high level. For older players who have been in competition for many years, Keen-Agers can provide an alternative or addition to the game they love

Table tennis really is a game for life. Most regular competition clubs find that their competition features even younger teenagers competing with players past 70 or 80 years of age.

Sometimes a player joins who is introduced by their carer or a care agency. They have some specific disability. Sometimes the carer comes along as a player as well. Others may be referred on from the rehabilitation program after heart surgery or other medical procedures. A number of general practitioners are using the Active Script programme to encourage patients in safe, enjoyable and helpful physical activity.

The range of participants and possibilities in this class of table tennis is yet to be fully explored.

Occasionally a woman who has had no previous competition experience takes up Keen-Agers table tennis and progresses to competition in the local club. As we have developed our program we have come to appreciate that most retirees still have quite a long life expectancy. A variety of activities and interests is important. They may remain active members for 10 or 15 years.

A Keen-Agers session is a safe social environment where both men and women can enjoy each other's company. Keen-Agers is sometimes a new beginning for one recently bereaved. Being located at a community based stadium means also that appropriate assistance is at hand in case of an emergency.

Keen-Agers is conducted in association with Table Tennis Victoria with which our organisation is affiliated. Public risk insurance for our activity as well as the option (taken by nearly everyone) of personal accident cover are benefits of membership.

It is difficult to over-estimate the sense of security that people who have ongoing symptoms and difficulties resulting from strokes etc, experience in Keen-Agers. All participants are of a similar age group and have a good understanding of the problems and ailments that come to some of us. Mutual support, encouragement and good humour characterise the friendships which develop through the Keen-Agers program.

Getting it set up right is VERY important

Nick hasn't taken up a new religion, but he has been involved with the Keen-Agers project since its inception. One of the benefits to local clubs is the influx of mature volunteer ability and wisdom.

In addition, the income generated through the Keen-Agers program can enable a club to upgrade equipment which is used by all of its members. Not all the tables at Bairnsdale are as high class as the one pictured. But our program has identified excellent equipment for club establishment.

While the day-to-day running of a Keen-Agers club is almost simplicity itself, establishing a new club requires some drive and persistence. A local steering group is usually the best way to go . Keen-Agers works in partnership with local government, health-related agencies, health support groups, and service clubs during the establishment period.

Whether there is a club in your locality or not, we at Keen-Agers are committed to helping local communities set up their own club. Our expertise as well as access to funding, works well with the enthusiasm and energy of local residents. We are most likely to develop clubs where there is evidence of interest. So e-mailing us can be one step toward new possibilities at a place near you.

Click here to read this on the web. ]]> Wed, 17 Dec 2008 03:20:48 GMT http://www.keenagers.org.au/4.htm http://www.keenagers.org.au/7.htm Keen-Agers table tennis has a number of partners and helping hands.

On this Page we introduce them and include links direct to their websites.

VicHealth

Since late 2001 VicHealth has been the major supporter of Keen-Agers development.

COTAVIC

The Victorian Council on the Ageing (COTAVIC) is active across a wide range of policies, issues related to development of services and activities for older people COTAVIC is a friendly partner in developing social table tennis clubs for older people Statewide. COTA/Keen-Agers development officer Robyn Alexander can be contacted by phone 03 9655 2113 mobile 0416 121 564

Table Tennis Victoria

Table Tennis Victoria is the official State body assists Keen-ager development in various ways

Pingskills

Alois Rosario - Fomer Aiustralian Olympic team coach (Athens) and Jeff Plumb - a champion player - are among our most valued friends. Watch their site for excellent U-Tube coaching tips.

Country and Regional RSA's have been very helpful in establishing new clubs

GippSport - Regional Sports Assembly

GippSport have been very active helpers for Drouin/Warragul, Moe & Sale Keen-Agers

CARN: North Eastern Regional Sports Assembly

Helping Keen-agers Clubs at Corryong, Albury/Wodonga, Wangaratta

Central Highlands (CHSA) Regional Sports Assembly

Serving Ballarat, Ararat, Hepburn, Pyrenees, Moorabool

Central Victoria "Sports Focus" Regional Sports Assembly

Serving Greater Bendigo, Campaspe, Central Goldfields, Loddon, Mt Alexander Shire, Macedon Ranges

Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly

Serving Horsham, Yarriambiack, Hindmarsh, West Wimmera, Northern Grampians. Assisting Keen-Agers at Horsham

Goulburn Valley Regional Sports Assembly

Serving Greater Shepparton, Mitchell, Moira, Murrindindi, Strathbogie, Benalla, Mansfield

South West Regional Sports Assembly

Serving Warrnambool, Southern Grampians, Glenelg, Moyne, Corangamite. Assisting Keen-Agers at Hamilton

Some important government agencies in related fields

VicSport (Sport & Recreation Victoria)

Special focus on youth and older persons. The main age range at Keen-Agers is 60 years to late 80's

(but at holiday time we always have visiting grandchildren joining in)

Office of Senior Victorians

The Office of Senior Victorians (OSV), coordinates policy and action across Government to promote the wellbeing and social participation of older Victorians

Go For Your Life

Activities for everyone including older persons

VicFit

One of VicFit's projects is the "Active Script" program designed for health professionals acting in collaboration with activity providers such as Keen-Agers

WomenSport (Sport & Recreation Victoria)

Most Keen-Ager clubs have approximately 50/50 Women & Men participating

Click here to read this on the web. ]]> Wed, 17 Dec 2008 03:20:47 GMT http://www.keenagers.org.au/7.htm http://www.keenagers.org.au/8.htm Starting a new Keen-Agers Recreational Table Tennis club.

There are two models which can be adopted for establishment of a New Keen-Agers Club:

1. Extension of an existing Table Tennis club to include a Keen-Agers program.

2. Formation of a new stand-alone Keen-Agers Club.

Each of these options are detailed here

Extension of an Existing Table Tennis Club

If your Table Tennis Club is in a locality which has a significant number of retirees and older residents, establishing a Keen-Agers club can be a very valuable contribution in your community. Most table tennis clubs have adequate facilities and a friendly environment. There are also some older members who may wish to join Keen-Agers when they no longer want to do competition table tennis. All table tennis clubs have spouses and partners who would like to play but aren't skilled enough for competition .

You can establish a completely separate program with a separate sub-committee for Keen-Agers. It will run itself and does not drain the energy of people already involved in club administration. The fee income derived from the program comes to the club. Daytime playing sessions which suit older people mean that your equipment is being used more profitably. Keen-Agers should not be treated as a second class form of table tennis. In Australia, table tennis has always been fun.

Clubs which have only the competition approach - about ratings, gradings and medals are missing half their potential membership. Keen-Agers table-tennis will work with your club and bring you into contact with a number of other potential partners who can be very helpful in the new development. For more on this subject.click the [link] above.

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Formation of a new free standing Keen-Agers club.

A free-standing Keen-Agers club can be established usually in about 3 - 5 months. We are keen to help launch clubs whereever there are significant numbers of retirees and older people. It is important to have an enthusiastic local steering group to get it under way. The smallest population centre in which we have set up a club so far is about 1,500 people (Corryong) .

In suburban areas, locating a suitable community stadium with a basketball sized space available during mornings at a reasonable rental is pretty much a prerequisite. Setting up a new club usually involves partnerships with Local Government , health-related agencies and others . It involves a short campaign in the local media around the time of the launch .

When you contact us please let us know whether or you would just like to be a player or whether you can assist on a steering group.

We can help you with every stage from the first feasibility until incorporation with a committee of management. Once we are sure of a sound feasibility for a financially self-sustaining club, we can facilitate access to funds for basic equipment (tables and initial stock of bats and balls ) .

Table Tennis club officials may find this statement written in 2004 By Ian Eldridge very helpful.

Ian was Treasurer of the Bairnsdale & District Table Tennis Association 2001-6, an experienced sports club administrator, In In 2008 this club which in 2001 had nothing has contributed $87,000 ($25,000 from building fund) to help build a $1.26 million complex which integrates Table tennis, squash & racquetball and carpet bowls.

Benefits obtained by our Table Tennis Association through an integrated Social & Pennant structure

As Treasurer of the Bairnsdale & District Table Tennis Association Inc. over the period when Keen-Agers were established as part of our Association I have seen many positive aspects to the social table tennis section.

Prior to Keen-Agers our Association was a pennant oriented organization with approximately 50-55 members playing one night a week. The Associations table tennis tables were only social/competition standard and mainly old, as the Association was only in a position to buy a new table occasionally.

Following the establishment of the social side approximately 3 years ago the Association has been restructured as follows:

1) The Association has two membership categories, social & pennant with different fee structures. Whilst the fees are different for the two categories all members are treated as equal regarding voting rights etc, with no-one left to feel as though they have second class membership.

2) The Committee is elected from members of both categories and has been restructured to act as a Committee of Management for the Association to look after administration, finances, purchase new equipment etc.

3) Sub Committees have been established to look after the day to day running of the social & pennant sides of the Association.

The Associations membership now stands at approx. 125 with pennant still between 50-55 and the balance social membership. We have found that a considerable number of pennant members have made use of the social daytime availability, especially our student members during school holidays. As well the Keen-Agers have provided a steady number of members who have transferred from social to pennant membership. The enthusiasm that the Keen-Agers have brought to the Association has resulted in the pennant section setting up a second night of play.

Financially we have found that the social side of the Association provides a larger surplus of income for the following reasons:

1) The social players do not require the same area between tables meaning that they have 10-12 tables set up in the same space that Pennant uses for 6 tables which results in the Pennant needing to hire outside halls, with extra costs etc.

2) The main cost involved with the social side is hall hire. They have minimal administrative costs and use the cheaper practice table tennis balls. Pennant players have added costs involving 3 star balls, trophies, copying of pennant sheets etc.

Over the last 3 years the following tangible benefits have been obtained-

1) New table tennis tables.

In the first year through grants and donations received to set up Keen-Agers 9 new social/competition standard tables were purchased. In the second year through the build up of Association funds a further 4 tables of the same standard were purchased. The Associations financial position has continued to improve to the extent that we are currently upgrading some of the first 9 tables purchased with 6 new Stiga Expert Roller competition tables. The Committee is also in a position to set up an equipment replacement fund to set aside enough money to replace approx. 4 tables every 3 years at competition standard.

2) Building Fund

The Association has a building fund to assist in obtaining a table tennis centre in Bairnsdale. During the last 3 years $3,000.00 has been added to the fund.

3) Donations/Assistance

When Keen-Agers was established as part of the Association it was agreed that they would be able to use some of the funds generated each year to donate to worthy causes. To date approximately $2,000 has been paid out.

Our Association is currently in a healthy position regarding both members and finances and is continuing to grow. The increase in membership and usage of facilities has enabled our Association to be in a position to press our local Council to consider setting up a permanent facility with an area dedicated to table tennis. Hopefully this will eventuate in the not too distant future.

Many sports tend to concentrate on development through one area, such as juniors, at a time when there are too many sports all struggling to attract members and money. It is my personal opinion that as a minor sport in Australia table tennis needs to place itself more as a sport for all ages and provide both pennant and social availability which many other sports don't. As we have discovered, the social side not only brings in one type of member but once involved they often bring in other family members such as grandchildren who would not have considered taking up table tennis.

Click here to read this on the web. ]]> Sat, 24 Oct 2009 18:10:23 GMT http://www.keenagers.org.au/8.htm http://www.keenagers.org.au/INDEX.htm Keen-Agers

Table Tennis for Life

Keen-Agers table tennis is a social and recreational table tennis program for older players being developed State-wide, with encouragement from VicHealth, COTAVIC and Table Tennis Victoria. It offers considerable benefits to participants.

Games are played in a non-competititve and stress free environment.

Keen-agers have fun.

Keen-Agers sessions run all year round.

• Members are mainly retirees with main age range from early 60's to late 80's.
  
• Many married couples join up and play. New players are made most welcome, taught the basics and allowed to proceed at their own pace.
  
• Non-competitive singles and doubles are normally played at Monday and Thursday morning sessions. Click to review a typical session at Keen-Agers
  
• Cost of participation is minimal.
  
• Inter-club games are occasionally organised making an enjoyable day outing to exchange with and meet new friends.

Many have experienced the recuperative benefits of the Keen-Agers recreational table tennis program after surgery, injury or illness. As well as meeting new friends and exercising, those recovering from stroke and heart ailment, arthritis or joint problems have been greatly aided in their recovery by this program.

The Keen-Agers recreational table tennis program is a growing phenomenon. Since inception, membership in newly formed clubs has increased dramatically, with more and more enjoying and benefiting from the program each week. While all our current clubs are located in Victoria, we know the concept can be transferred to any State and we invite inter-State enquiries about establishing Keen-Agers clubs. We look forward to the day when Keen-Agers touring or on holiday can enjoy common membership at Keen-agers clubs at most major population centres in Australia.

For further information, comments or questions about Keen-Agers Recreational table tennis clubs or if you are interested in a new club in your area you can contact John Gale by email below. We would like to hear from you and will answer promptly.

Click here to read this on the web. ]]> Thu, 16 Jul 2009 01:46:23 GMT http://www.keenagers.org.au/INDEX.htm