处于比赛状态 meaning in English

in play

If the ball is not in play when the time limit is reached , play shall resume with service by the player who received in the immediately preceding rally
当时限到时，球未处于比赛状态，应由前一回合的接发球员发球，继续比赛。
If the ball is in play when the time limit is reached , play shall be interrupted by the umpire and shall resume with service by the player who served in the rally that was interrupted
当时限到时，球仍处于比赛状态，裁判员应立即暂停比赛。由被暂停回合的发球员发球，继续比赛。