| RULE
1
The Court
The court shall be a rectangle 78 feet (23.77m.)
long and 27 feet (8.23m.) wide.
It shall be divided across the middle by a net
suspended from a cord or metal cable of a maximum
diameter of one-third of an inch (0.8cm.), the
ends of which shall be attached to, or pass
over, the tops of two posts, which shall be
not more than 6 inches (15cm.) square or 6 inches
(15cm.) in diameter. These posts shall not be
higher than 1 inch (2.5 cm.) above the top of
the net cord. The centres of the posts shall
be 3 feet (0.914m.) outside the court on each
side and the height of the posts shall be such
that the top of the cord or metal cable shall
be 3 feet 6 inches (1.07m.) above the ground.
When a combined doubles and singles court with
a doubles net is used for singles, the net must
be supported to a height of 3 feet 6 inches
(1.07m.) by means of two posts, called "singles
sticks", which shall be not more than 3
inches (7.5cm.) square or 3 inches (7.5cm.)
in diameter. The centres of the singles sticks
shall be 3 feet (0.914m.) outside the singles
court on each side.
The net shall be extended fully so that it fills
completely the space between the two posts and
shall be of sufficiently small mesh to prevent
the ball passing through. The height of the
net shall be 3 feet (0.914m.) at the centre,
where it shall be held down taut by a strap
not more than 2 inches (5cm.) wide and completely
white in colour. There shall be a band covering
the cord or metal cable and the top of the net
of not less than 2 inches (5cm.) nor more than
2.5 inches (6.3cm.) in depth on each side and
completely white in colour.
There shall be no advertisement on the net,
strap, band or singles sticks.
The lines bounding the ends and sides of the
Court shall respectively be called the base-lines
and the side-lines. On each side of the net,
at a distance of 21 feet (6.40m.) from it and
parallel with it, shall be drawn the service-lines.
The space on each side of the net between the
service-line and the side-lines shall be divided
into two equal parts called the service-courts
by the centre service-line which must be 2 inches
(5cm.) in width, drawn half-way between, and
parallel with, the side-lines. Each base-line
shall be bisected by an imaginary continuation
of the centre service-line to a line 4 inches
(lOcm.) in length and 2 inches (5cm.) in width
called the centre mark drawn inside the Court,
at right angles to and in contact with such
base-lines. All other lines shall be not less
than 1 inch (2.5cm.) nor more than 2 inches
(5cm.) in width, except the base-line, which
may be 4 inches (10cm.) in width, and all measurements
shall be made to the outside of the lines. All
lines shall be of uniform colour.
If advertising or any other material is placed
at the back of the court, it may not contain
white, or yellow. A light colour may only be
used if this does not interfere with the vision
of the players.
If advertisements are placed on the chairs of
the Linesmen sitting at the back of the court,
they may not contain white, or yellow. A light
colour may only be used if this does not interfere
with the vision of the players.
Note: In the case of the Davis Cup or
other Official Championships of the International
Tennis Federation, there shall be a space behind
each base-line of not less than 21 feet (6.4m.),
and at the sides of not less than 12 feet (3.66m.).
The chairs of the linesmen may be placed at
the back of the court within the 21 feet or
at the side of the court within the 12 feet,
provided they do not protrude into that area
more than 3 feet (.914m).
[ USTA Comment: An approved method for obtaining
proper net tautness is this: Loosen the centre
strap; tighten the net cord until it is approximately
40 inches above the ground, being careful not
to over tighten the net; tighten the centre
strap until the centre of the net is 36 inches
above the ground. These measurements should
always be made before the first match of the
day.]
RULE 2
Permanent Fixtures
The permanent fixtures of the Court shall include
not only the net, posts, singles sticks, cord
or metal cable, strap and band, but also, where
there are any such, the back and side stops,
the stands, fixed or movable seats and chairs
round the Court, and their occupants, all other
fixtures around and above the Court, and the
Umpire, Net-cord Judge, Foot-fault Judge, Linesmen
and Ball Boys when in their respective places.
Note: For the purpose of this Rule, the
word "Umpire" comprehends the Umpire,
the persons entitled to a seat on the Court,
and all those persons designated to assist the
Umpire in the conduct of a match.
RULE 3
The Ball
The ball shall have a uniform outer surface
and shall be white or yellow in colour. If there
are any seams, they shall be stitchless.
The ball shall be more than two and a half inches
(6.35cm.) and less than two and five-eighths
inches (6.67cm.) in diameter, and more than
two ounces (56.7 grams) and less than two and
one-sixteenth ounces (58.5 grams) in weight.
The ball shall have a bound of more than 53
inches (135cm.) and less than 58 inches (147cm.)
when dropped 100 inches (254cm.) upon a concrete
base.
The ball shall have a forward deformation of
more than .220 of an inch (.56cm.) and less
than .290 of an inch (.74cm.) and a return deformation
of more than .350 of an inch (.89cm.) and less
than .425 of an inch (1.08cm.) at 18 lb. (8.165kg.)
load. The two deformation figures shall be the
averages of three individual readings along
three axes of the ball and no two individual
readings shall differ by more than .030 of an
inch (.08cm.) in each case.
For play above 4,000 feet (1219m) in altitude
above sea level, two additional types of ball
may be used. The first type is identical to
those described above except that the bound
shall be more than 48 inches (121.92cm) and
less than 53 inches (135cm) and the ball shall
have an internal pressure that is greater than
the external pressure. This type of tennis ball
is commonly known as a pressurized ball. The
second type is identical to those described
above except that they shall have a bound of
more than 53 inches (135cm) and less than 58
inches (147cm) and shall have an internal pressure
that is approximately equal to the external
pressure and have been acclimatized for 60 days
or more at the altitude of the specific tournament.
This type of tennis ball is commonly known as
a zero-pressure or non-pressurized ball.
All tests for bound, size and deformation shall
be made in accordance with the Regulations in
the Appendix hereto.
RULE 4
The Racket
Rackets failing to comply with the following
specifications are not approved for play under
the Rules of Tennis:
(a) The hitting surface of the racket
shall be flat and consist of a pattern of crossed
strings connected to a frame and alternately
interlaced or bonded where they cross; and the
stringing pattern shall be generally uniform,
and in particular not less dense in the centre
than in any other area. The strings shall be
free of attached objects and protrusions other
than those utilized solely and specifically
to limit or prevent wear and tear or vibration
and which are reasonable in size and placement
for such purposes.
(b) The frame of the racket shall not
exceed 32 inches (81.28cm.) in overall length,
including the handle and 12.5 inches (31.75cm.)
in overall width. The strung surface shall not
exceed 15.5 inches (39.37cm.) in overall length,
and 11.5 inches (29.21cm.) in overall width.
(c) The frame, including the handle,
shall be free of attached objects and devices
other than those utilized solely and specifically
to limit or prevent wear and tear or vibration,
or to distribute weight. Any objects and devices
must be reasonable in size and placement for
such purposes.
(d) The frame, including the handle and
the strings, shall be free of any device which
makes it possible to change materially the shape
of the racket, or to change the weight distribution,
during the playing of a point.
The International Tennis Federation shall rule
on the question of whether any racket or prototype
complies with the above specifications or is
otherwise approved, or not approved, for play.
Such ruling may be undertaken on its own initiative,
or upon application by any party with a bona
fide interest therein, including any player,
equipment manufacturer or National Association
or members thereof. Such rulings and applications
shall be made in accordance with the applicable
Review and Hearing Procedures of the International
Tennis Federation, copies of which may be obtained
from the office of the Secretary.
Case 1. Can there be more than one set
of strings on the hitting surface of a racket?
Decision. No. The rule clearly mentions a pattern,
and not patterns, of crossed strings.
Case 2. Is the stringing pattern of a
racket considered to be generally uniform and
flat if the strings are on more than one plane?
Decision. No.
Case 3. Can a vibration dampening device
be placed on the strings of a racket and if
so here can it be placed?
Decision. Yes; but such devices may only be
placed outside the pattern of crossed strings.
RULE 5
Server and Receiver
The players shall stand on opposite sides of
the net; the player who first delivers the ball
shall be called the Server, and the other the
Receiver.
Case 1. Does a player, attempting stroke,
lose the point if he crosses an imaginary line
in the extension of the net,
(a) before striking the ball,
(b) after striking the ball?
Decision. He does not lose the point in either
case by crossing the imaginary line and provided
he does not enter the lines bounding his opponents
Court In regard to hindrance, his opponent my
ask for the decision of the Umpire under
Case 2. The Server claims that the Receiver
must stand within the lines bounding his Court.
Is this necessary?
Decision. No. The Receiver my stand wherever
he pleases on his own side of the net.
RULE 6
Choice of Ends and Service
The choice of ends and the right to be Server
or Receiver in the first game shall be decided
by toss. The player winning the toss may choose
or require his opponent to choose:
(a) The right to be Server or Receiver,
in which case the other player shall choose
the end; or
(b) The end, in which case the other
player shall choose the right to be Server or
Receiver.
[ USTA Comment: These choices should be made
promptly after the toss and are irrevocable,
except that if the match is postponed or suspended
before the start of the match. See Case 1 below.]
Case 1. Do players have the right to new choices
if the match is postponed or suspended before
it has started?
Decision. Yes. The toss stands, but new choices
may be made with respect to service and end.
RULE 7
The Service
The service shall be delivered in the following
manner. Immediately before commencing to serve,
the Server shall stand with both feet at rest
behind (i.e. further from the net than) the
base-line, and within the imaginary continuations
of the centre-mark and side-line. The Server
shall then project the ball by hand into the
air in any direction and before it hits the
ground strike it with his racket, and the delivery
shall be deemed to have been completed at the
moment of the impact of the racket and the ball.
A player with the use of only one arm may utilize
his racket for the projection.
[ USTA Comment: The service begins when the
Server takes a ready position (i.e., both feet
at rest behind the baseline) and ends when his
racket makes contact with the ball or when he
misses the ball in attempting to serve it.]
Case 1. May the Server in a singles game
take his stand behind the portion of the base-line
between the side-lines of the Singles Court
and the Doubles Court?
Decision. No.
[ USTA Comment: The server may stand anywhere
in back of the baseline between the imaginary
extensions of the centre mark and the singles
sideline.]
Case 2. If a player, when serving, throws
up two or more balls instead of one, does he
lose that service?
Decision. No. A let should be called, but if
the Umpire regards the action as deliberate
he may take action under
[ USTA Comment: There is no restriction regarding
the kind of service which may be used; that
is, the player may use an underhand or overhand
service at his discretion.]
RULE 8
Foot Fault
(a) The Server shall throughout the delivery
of the service:
(i) Not change his position by walking
or running. The Server shall not by slight movements
of the feet which do not materially affect the
location originally taken up by him, be deemed
"to change his position by walking or running".
(ii) Not touch, with either foot, any
area other than that behind the base-line within
the imaginary extensions of the centre mark
and side-lines.
(b) The word "foot" means the
extremity of the leg below the ankle.
[ USTA Comment: This rule covers the most decisive
stroke in the game, and there is no justification
for its not being obeyed by players and enforced
by officials. No official has the right to instruct
any umpire to disregard violations of it. In
a non-officiated match, the Receiver, or his
partner, may call foot faults after all efforts
(appeal to the server, request for an umpire,
etc.) have failed and the foot faulting is so
flagrant as to be clearly perceptible from the
Receiver's side.]
It is improper for any official to warn a player
that he is in danger of having a foot fault
called on him. On the other hand if a player
in all sincerity, asks for an explanation of
how he foot faulted, either the Line Umpire
or the Chair Umpire should give him that information.
RULE 9
Delivery of Service
(a) In delivering the service, the Server
shall stand alternately behind the right and
left Courts beginning from the right in every
game. If service from a wrong half of the Court
occurs and is undetected, all play resulting
from such wrong service or services shall stand,
but the inaccuracy of station shall be corrected
immediately it is discovered.
(b) The ball served shall pass over the
net and hit the ground within the Service Court
which is diagonally opposite, or upon any line
bounding such Court, before the Receiver returns
it.
RULE 10
Service Fault
The Service is a fault:
(a) If the Server commits any breach of 7, 8,
or 9a
(b) If he misses the ball in attempting to strike
it;
(c) If the ball served touches a permanent fixture
(other than the net, strap or band) before it
hits the ground.
Case 1. After throwing a ball up preparatory
to serving the Server decides not to strike
at it and catches it instead. Is it a fault?
Decision. No.
[ USTA Comment: As long as the Server makes
no attempt to strike the ball it is immaterial
whether he catches it in his hand or on his
racket or lets it drop to the ground.]
Case 2. In serving in a singles game played
on a Doubles Court with doubles posts and singles
sticks the ball hits a singles stick and then
hits the ground within the lines of the correct
Service Court. Is this a fault or a let?
Decision. In serving it is a fault because the
singles stick the doubles post and that portion
of the net or band between them are permanent
fixtures.
[ USTA Comment: The significant point governing
Case 2 is that the part of the net and band
outside the singles sticks is not part of the
net over which this singles match is being played.
Thus such a serve is a fault under the provisions
of Article (c) above . . . By the same token
this would be a fault also if it were a singles
game played with permanent posts in the singles
position
[ USTA Comment: In a non-officiated singles
match, each player makes calls for all balls
landing on, or aimed at, his side of the net.
In doubles, normally the Receiver's partner
makes the calls with respect to the service
line with the Receiver calling the side and
center lines but either partner may make the
call on any ball he clearly sees out.]
RULE 11
Second Service
After a fault (if it is the first fault) the
Server shall serve again from behind the same
half of the Court from which he served that
fault, unless the service was from the wrong
half, when, in accordance with , the Server
shall be entitled to one service only from behind
the other half.
Case 1. A player serves from a wrong
Court. He loses the point and then claims it
was a fault because of his wrong station.
Decision. The point stands as played and the
next service should be from the correct station
according to the score.
Case 2. The point score being 15 all
the Server by mistake serves from the left-hand
Court. He wins the point. He then serves again
from the right-hand Court delivering a fault.
This mistake in station is then discovered.
Is he entitled to the previous point? From which
Court should he next serve?
Decision. The previous point stands. The next
service should be from the left-hand Court the
score being 30/15 and the Server has served
one fault.
RULE 12
When To Serve
The Server shall not serve until the Receiver
is ready. If the latter attempts to return the
service, he shall be deemed ready. If, however,
the Receiver signifies that he is not ready,
he may not claim a fault because the ball does
not hit the ground within the limits fixed for
the service.
[ USTA Comment: The Server must wait until the
Receiver is ready for the second service as
well as the first, and if the Receiver claims
to be not ready and does not make any effort
to return a service, the Server's claim for
the point may not be honoured even though the
service was good. However, the Receiver, having
indicated he is ready, may not become unready
unless some outside interference takes place.
RULE 13
The Let
In all cases where a let has to be called under
the rules, or to provide for an interruption
to play, it shall have the following interpretations:
(a) When called solely in respect of a service
that one service only shall be replayed.
(b) When called under any other circumstance,
the point shall be replayed.
Case 1. . Should the service only be replayed?
Decision. No the whole point must be replayed.
[ USTA Comment: If a delay between first and
second serves is caused by the Receiver, by
an official or by an outside interference the
whole point shall be replayed; if the delay
is caused by the Server, the Server has one
serve to come. A spectator's outcry (of "out",
"fault" or other) is not a valid basis
for replay of a point, but action should be
taken to prevent a recurrence.]
[ USTA Comment: Case 1 refers to a second serve,
and the decision means that if the interruption
occurs during delivery of the second service,
the Server gets two serves. Example: On a second
service a linesman calls "fault" and
immediately corrects it, the Receiver meanwhile
having let the ball go by. The Server is entitled
to two serves, on this ground: The corrected
call means that the Server has put the ball
into play with a good service, and once the
ball is in play and a let is called, the point
must be replayed. Note, however, that if the
serve is an unmistakable ace (that is, the Umpire
is sure the erroneous call had no part in the
Receiver's inability to play the ball) the point
should be declared for the Server.]
Case 2. If a ball in play becomes broken, should
a let be called?
Decision. Yes.
[ USTA Comment: A ball shall be regarded as
having become "broken" if, in the
opinion of the Chair Umpire, it is found to
have lost compression to the point of being
unfit for further play, or unfit for any reason,
and it is clear the defective ball was the one
in play.]
RULE 14
The "Let" in Service
The service is a let:
(a) If the ball served touches the net, strap
or band, and is otherwise good, or, after touching
the net, strap or band, touches the Receiver
or anything which he wears or carries before
hitting the ground.
(b) If a service or a fault is delivered when
the Receiver is not ready
In case of a let, that particular service shall
not count, and the Server shall serve again,
but a service let does not annul a previous
fault.
RULE 15
Order of Service
At the end of the first game the Receiver shall
become Server, and the Server Receiver; and
so on alternately in all the subsequent games
of a match. If a player serves out of turn,
the player who ought to have served shall serve
as soon as the mistake is discovered, but all
points scored before such discovery shall be
reckoned. If a game shall have been completed
before such discovery, the order of service
remains as altered. A fault served before such
discovery shall not be reckoned.
RULE 16
When Players Change Ends
The players shall change ends at the end of
the first, third and every subsequent alternate
game of each set, and at the end of each set
unless the total number of games in such set
is even, in which case the change is not made
until the end of the first game of the next
set.
If a mistake is made and the correct sequence
is not followed the players must take up their
correct station as soon as the discovery is
made and follow their original sequence.
RULE 17
The Ball in Play
A ball is in play from the moment at which it
is delivered in service. Unless a fault or a
let is called it remains in play until the point
is decided.
[ USTA Comment: A point is not decided simply
when, or because, a good shot has clearly passed
a player, or when an apparently bad shot passes
over a baseline or sideline. An outgoing ball
is still definitely in play until it actually
strikes the ground, backstop or a permanent
fixture (other than the net, posts, singles
sticks, cord or metal cable, strap or band),
or a player. The same applies to a good ball,
bounding after it has landed in the proper court.
A ball that becomes imbedded in the net is out
of play.]
Case 1. A player fails to make a good return.
No call is made and the ball remains in play.
May his opponent later claim the point after
the rally has ended?
Decision. No. The point may not be claimed if
the players continue to play after he error
has been made, provided the opponent was not
hindered.
[ USTA Comment: To be valid, an out call on
A's shot to B's court, that B plays, must be
made before B's shot has either gone out of
play or has been hit by A.
USTA Comment: When a ball is hit into the net
and the player on the other side, thinking the
ball is coming over, strikes at it and hits
the net he loses the point if his touching the
net occurs while the ball is still in play.]
RULE 18
Server Wins Point
The Server wins the point:
(a) If the ball served, not being a let under
Rule 14 touches the Receiver or anything which
he wears or carries, before it hits the ground;
(b) If the Receiver otherwise loses the point
as provided by Rule 20
RULE 19
Receiver Wins Point
The Receiver wins the point:
(a) If the Server serves two consecutive faults;
(b) If the Server otherwise loses the point
as provided by Rule 20
RULE 20
Player Loses Point
A player loses the point if:
(a) He fails, before the ball in play has hit
the ground twice consecutively, to return it
directly over the net (except as provided in
Rule 24(a) or ; or
(b) He returns the ball in play so that it hits
the ground, a permanent fixture, or other object,
outside any of the lines which bound his opponent's
Court (except as provided in >Rule 24(a)
or (c) ); or
USTA Comment: A ball hitting a scoring device
or other object attached to a net post results
in loss of point to the striker.]
(c) He volleys the ball and fails to make a
good return even when standing outside the Court;
or
(d) In playing the ball he deliberately carries
or catches it on his racket or deliberately
touches it with his racket more than once; or
[ USTA Comment: Only when there is a definite
"second push " by the player does
his shot become illegal, with consequent loss
of point. The word 'deliberately' is the key
word in this rule. Two hits occurring in the
course of a single continuous swing are not
deemed a double hit.]
(e) He or his racket (in his hand or otherwise)
or anything which he wears or carries touches
the net, posts, singles sticks, cord or metal
cable, strap or band, or the ground within his
opponent's Court at any time while the ball
is in play; or
[ USTA Comment: Touching a pipe support that
runs across the court at the bottom of the net
is interpreted as touching the net; See USTA
Comment under Rule 23
(f) He volleys the ball before it has passed
the net; or
(g) The ball in play touches him or anything
that he wears or carries, except his racket
in his hand or hands; or
[ USTA Comment: This loss of point occurs regardless
of whether the player is inside or outside the
bounds of his court when the ball touches him.]
(h) He throws his racket at and hits the ball;
or
(i) He deliberately and materially changes the
shape of his racket during the playing of the
point.
Case 1. In serving, the racket flies from the
Server's hand and touches the net before the
ball has touched the ground. Is his a fault
or does the player lose he point?
Decision. The Server loses the point because
his racket touches the net while the ball is
in play ( Rule 20 (e)
Case 2. In serving the racket flies from the
Server's hand and touches he net after the ball
has touched the ground outside the proper court.
Is this a fault or does the player lose the
point?
Decision. This is a fault because the ball was
out of play when he racket touched the net.
Case 3. A and B are playing against C and D.
A is serving to D. C touches the net before
the ball touches the ground. A fault is then
called because the service falls outside the
Service Court. Do C and D lose he point?
Decision. The call "fault" is an erroneous
one. C and D had already lost the point before
"fault" could be called because C
touched the net whilst the ball was in play
( Rule 20 (e)
Case 4. May a player jump over the net into
his opponent's Court while the ball is in play
and not suffer penalty?
Decision. No. He loses the point ( Rule 20 (e)
Case 5. A cuts the ball just over the net and
it returns to A's side. B, unable to reach the
ball, throws his racket and hits the ball. Both
racket and ball fall over the net on A's Court.
A returns the ball outside of B's Court. Does
B win or lose the point?
Decision. B loses the point ( Rule 20 (e) and
(h)
Case 6. A player standing outside the service
Court is struck by a service ball before it
has touched the ground. Does he win or lose
the point?
Decision. The player struck loses the point
( Rule 20 (d) , except as provided under Rule
14 (a)
Case 7. A player standing outside the Court
volleys the ball or catches it in his hand and
claims the point because the ball was certainly
going out of court.
Decision. In no circumstances can he claim the
point.
(1) If he catches the ball he loses the point
under Rule 20 (g)
(2) If he volleys it and makes a bad return
he loses he point under Rule 20 (c)
(3) If he volleys it and makes a good return
the rally continues.
RULE 21
Player Hinders Opponent
If a player commits any act which hinders his
opponent in making a stroke, then, if this is
deliberate, he shall lose the point or if involuntary,
the point shall be replayed.
[ USTA Comment: 'Deliberate' means a player
did what he intended to do, although the resulting
effect on his opponent might or might not have
been what he intended. Example: a player, after
his return is in the air, gives advice to his
partner in such a loud voice that his opponent
is hindered. 'Involuntary' means a non-intentional
act such as a hat blowing off or a scream resulting
from a sudden wasp sting.]
Case 1. Is a player liable to a penalty if in
making a stroke he touches his opponent?
Decision. No, unless the Umpire deems it necessary
to take action under Rule 21
Case 2. When a ball bounds back over the net
the player concerned may reach over the net
in order to play he ball. What is the ruling
if the player is hindered from doing this by
his opponent?
Decision. In accordance with Rule 21 the Umpire
may either award the point to the player hindered
or order the point to be replayed (See also
Rule 25
Case 3. Does an involuntary double hit constitute
an act which hinders an opponent within Rule
21 ?
Decision. No.
[ USTA Comment: Upon appeal by a competitor
that the server's action in discarding a "second
ball" after a rally has started constitutes
a distraction (hindrance), the Umpire, if he
deems the claim valid, shall require the server
to make some other and satisfactory disposition
of the ball. Failure to comply with this instruction
may result in loss of point(s) or disqualification.
RULE 22
Ball Falls on Line
A ball falling on a line is regarded as falling
in the Court bounded by that line.
[ USTA Comment: In a non-officiated singles
match, each player makes the call on any ball
hit toward his side of the net, and if a player
cannot call a ball out with surety he should
regard it as good. See paragraph 7 of The Code
and the last USTA Comment under Rule 10
RULE 23
Ball Touches Permanent Fixtures
If the ball in play touches a permanent fixture
other than the net, posts, singles sticks, cord
or metal cable, strap or band) after it has
hit the ground, the player who struck it wins
the point; if before it hits the ground, his
opponent wins the point.
Case 1. A return hits the Umpire or his chair
or stand. The player claims that the ball was
going into Court.
Decision. He loses the point.
[ USTA Comment: A ball in play that after passing
the net strikes a pipe support running across
the court at the base of the net is regarded
the same as a ball landing on clear ground.
See also >Rule 20(e)
RULE 24
A Good Return
It is a good return:
(a) If the ball touches the net, posts, singles
sticks, cord or metal cable, strap or band,
provided that it passes over any of them and
hits the ground within the court; or
(b) If the ball, served or returned, hits the
ground within the proper Court and rebounds
or is blown back over the net, and the player
whose turn it is to strike reaches over the
net and plays the ball, provided that neither
he nor any part of his clothes or racket touches
the net, posts, singles sticks, cord or metal
cable strap or band or the ground within his
opponent's Court, and that the stroke is otherwise
good, or
(c) If the ball is returned outside the posts,
or singles sticks, either above or below the
level of the top of the net, even though it
touches the posts or singles sticks, provided
that it hits the ground within the proper Court,
or
(d) If a player's racket passes over the net
after he has returned the ball provided the
ball passes the net before being played and
is properly returned; or
(e) If a player succeeds in returning the ball,
served or in play, which strikes a ball lying
in the Court.
[ USTA Comment: Paragraph (e) of the rule refers
to a ball lying on the court at the start of
the point, as a result of a service let or fault,
or as a result of a player dropping it. If a
ball in play strikes a rolling or stationary
"foreign" ball that has come from
elsewhere after the point started, a let should
be played. See Case 7 under >Rule 25 and
note that it pertains to an object other than
a ball that is being used in the match.]
Note to Rule 24 In a singles match, if, for
the sake of convenience, a doubles Court is
equipped with singles sticks for the purpose
of a singles game then the doubles posts and
those portions of the net, cord or metal cable
and the band outside such singles sticks shall
at all times be permanent fixtures, and are
not regarded as posts or parts of the net of
a singles game.
A return that passes under the net cord between
the singles stick and adjacent doubles post
without touching either net cord, net or doubles
post and falls within the court, is a good return.
[USTA Comment: But in doubles this would be
a "through" -- loss of point.]
Case 1. A ball going out of Court hits a net
post or singles stick and falls within the lines
of the opponent's Court. Is the stroke good?
Decision. It a service: no, under Rule 10 (c)
If other than a service yes, under Rule 24 (d)
Case 2. Is it a good return it a player returns
the ball holding his racket in both hands?
Decision. Yes.
Case 3. The service, or ball in play, strikes
a ball lying in the Court. Is the point won
or lost thereby? [USTA Comment: A ball that
is touching a boundary line is considered to
be "lying in the court".]
Decision. No. Play must continue. If it is not
clear to the Umpire that the right ball is returned
a let should be called.
Case 4. May a player use more than one racket
at any time during play?
Decision. No; the whole implication of the Rules
is singular.
Case 5. May a player request that a ball or
balls lying in his opponent's Court be removed?
Decision . Yes, but not while a ball is in play.
[ USTA Comment: The request must be honored.]
RULE 25
Hindrance of a Player
In case a player is hindered in making a stroke
by anything not within his control, except a
permanent fixture of the Court, or except as
provided for in Rule 21 a let shall be called.
Case 1. A spectator gets into the way of a player,
who fails to return the ball. May the player
then claim a let?
Decision. Yes, if in the Umpire's opinion he
was obstructed by circumstances beyond his control,
but not it due to permanent fixtures of the
Court or the arrangements of the ground.
Case 2. A player is interfered with as in Case
No. 1, and the Umpire calls a let. The Server
had previously served a fault. Has he the right
to two services?
Decision. Yes: as the ball is in play, the point,
not merely the stroke, must be replayed as the
Rule provides.
Case 3. May a player claim a let under Rule
25 because he thought his opponent was being
hindered, and consequently did not expect the
ball to be returned?
Decision. No.
Case 4. Is a stroke good when a ball in play
hits another ball in the air?
Decision. A let should be called unless the
other ball is in the air by the act of one of
the players, in which case the Umpire will decide
under Rule 21
Case 5. If an Umpire or other judge erroneously
calls "fault" or "out",
and then corrects himself, which of the calls
shall prevail?
Decision. A let must be called unless in the
opinion of the Umpire, neither player is hindered
in his game, in which case the corrected call
shall prevail.
Case 6. If the first ball served, a fault, rebounds,
interfering with the Receiver at the time of
the second service, may the Receiver claim a
let?
Decision. Yes. But if he had an opportunity
to remove the ball from the Court and negligently
failed to do so, he may not claim a let.
Case 7. Is it a good stroke if the ball touches
a stationary or moving object on the Court?
Decision. It is a good stroke unless the stationary
object came into Court after the ball was put
into play, in which case a let must be called.
If the ball in play strikes an object moving
along or above the surface of the Court, a let
must be called.
Case 8. What is the ruling if the first service
is a fault, the second service correct, and
it becomes necessary to call a let either under
the provision of Rule 25 or if the Umpire is
unable to decide the point?
Decision. The fault shall be annulled and the
whole point replayed.
[ USTA Comment: See Rule 13 with its USTA Comments.]
RULE 26
Score in a Game
If a player wins his first point, the score
is called 15 for that player; on winning his
second point, the score is called 30 for that
player; on winning his third point, the score
is called 40 for that player, and the fourth
point won by a player is scored game for that
player except as below:
If both players have won three points, the score
is called deuce; and the next point won by a
player is scored advantage for that player.
If the same player wins the next point, he wins
the game; if the other player wins the next
point the score is again called deuce; and so
on, until a player wins the two points immediately
following the score at deuce, when the game
is scored for that player.
[ USTA Comment: In an un-officiated match the
Server should announce, in a voice audible to
his opponent and spectators, the set score at
the beginning of each game, and point scores
as the game goes on. Misunderstandings will
be avoided if this practice is followed.]
RULE 27
Score in a Set
(a) A player (or players) who first wins six
games wins a set, except that he must win by
a margin of two games over his opponent and
where necessary a set is extended until this
margin is achieved.
(b) The tie-break system of scoring may be adopted
as an alternative to the advantage set system
in paragraph (a) of this Rule provided the decision
is announced in advance of the match.
In this case, the following Rules shall be effective:
The tie-break shall operate when the score reaches
six games all in any set except in the third
or fifth set of a three set or five set match
respectively when an ordinary advantage set
shall be played, unless otherwise decided and
announced in advance of the match.
The following system shall be used in a tie-break
game.
Singles
(i) A player who first wins seven points shall
win the game and the set provided he leads by
a margin of two points. If the score reaches
six points all the game shall be extended until
this margin has been achieved. Numerical scoring
shall be used throughout the tie-break game.
(ii) The player whose turn it is to serve shall
be the server for the first point. His opponent
shall be the server for the second and third
points and thereafter each player shall serve
alternately for two consecutive points until
the winner of the game and set has been decided.
(iii) From the first point, each service shall
be delivered alternately from the right and
left courts, beginning from the right court.
If service from a wrong half of the court occurs
and is undetected, all play resulting from such
wrong service or services shall stand, but the
inaccuracy of station shall be corrected immediately
after it is discovered.
(iv) Players shall change ends after every six
points and at the conclusion of the tie-break
game.
(v) The tie-break game shall count as one game
for the ball change, except that, if the balls
are due to be changed at the beginning of the
tie-break, the change shall be delayed until
the second game of the following set.
Doubles
In doubles the procedure for singles shall apply.
The player whose turn it is to serve shall be
the server for the first point. Thereafter each
player shall serve in rotation for two points,
in the same order as previously in that set,
until the winners of the game and set have been
decided.
Rotation of Service
The player (or pair in the case of doubles)
who served first in the tie-break game shall
receive service in the first game of the following
set.
Case 1. At six-all the tie-break is played,
although it has been decided and announced in
advance of the match that an advantage set will
be played. Are the points already played counted?
Decision. It the error is discovered before
the ball is put in play for the second point,
the first point shall count but the error shall
be corrected immediately. If the error is discovered
after the ball is put in play for the second
point the game shall continue as a tie-break
game.
Case 2. At six all, an advantage game is played,
although it has been decided and announced in
advance of the match that a tie-break will be
played. Are the points already played counted?
Decision. If the error is discovered before
the ball is put in play for the second point,
the first point shall be counted but the error
shall be corrected immediately. If the error
is discovered after the ball is put in play
for the second point an advantage set shall
be continued. If the score thereafter reaches
eight games all or a higher even number, a tie-break
shall be played.
Case 3. If during a tie-break in a singles or
doubles game, a player serves out of turn, shall
the order of service remain as altered until
the end of the game?
Decision. If a player has completed his turn
of service the order of service shall remain
as altered. If the error is discovered before
a player has completed his turn of service the
order of service shall be corrected immediately
and any points already played shall count.
RULE 28
Maximum Number of Sets
The maximum number of sets in a match shall
be 5, or, where women take part, 3.
RULE 29
Role of Court Officials
In matches where an Umpire is appointed his
decision shall be final, but where a Referee
is appointed, an appeal shall lie to him from
the decision of an Umpire on a question of law,
and in all such cases the decision of the Referee
shall be final.
In matches where assistants to the Umpire are
appointed (Linesmen, Net-cord Judges, Foot-fault
Judges) their decisions shall be final on questions
of fact, except that if in the opinion of an
Umpire a clear mistake has been made, he shall
have the right to change the decision of an
assistant or order a let to be played. When
such an assistant is unable to give a decision
he shall indicate this immediately to the Umpire
who shall give a decision. When an Umpire is
unable to give a decision on a question of fact
he shall order a let to be played.
In Davis Cup matches or other team competitions
where a Referee is on Court, any decision can
be changed by the Referee, who may also instruct
an Umpire to order a let to be played.
The Referee, in his discretion, may at any time
postpone a match on account of darkness or the
condition of the ground or the weather. In any
case of postponement the previous score and
previous occupancy of Courts shall hold good,
unless the Referee and the players unanimously
agree otherwise.
[ USTA Comment: See second USTA Comment under
Rule 30
Case 1. The Umpire orders a let, but a player
claims that the point should not be replayed.
May the Referee be requested to give a decision?
Decision. Yes. A question of tennis law, that
is an issue relating to the application of specific
facts, shall first be determined by the Umpire.
However, if the Umpire is uncertain or if a
player appeals from his determination, then
the Referee shall be requested to give a decision,
and his decision is final.
Case 2. A ball is called out but a player claims
that the ball was good. May the Referee give
a ruling?
Decision. No. This is a question of fact, that
is an issue relating to what actually occurred
during a specific incident, and the decision
of the on-court officials is therefore final.
Case 3. May an Umpire overrule a Linesman at
the end of a rally if, in his opinion, a clear
mistake has been made during the course of a
rally?
Decision. No, unless in his opinion the opponent
was hindered. Otherwise an Umpire may only overrule
a Linesman if he does so immediately after the
mistake has been made.
[ USTA Comment: See Rule 17 Case 1
Case 4. A Linesman calls a ball out. The Umpire
was unable to see clearly, although he thought
the ball was in. May he overrule the Linesman?
Decision. No. An Umpire may only overrule if
he considers that a call was incorrect beyond
all reasonable doubt. He may only overrule a
ball determined good by a Linesman if he has
been able to see a space between the ball and
the line; and he may only overrule a ball determined
out, or a fault, by a Linesman if he has seen
the ball hit the line, or fall inside the line.
Case 5. May a Linesman change his call after
the Umpire has given the score?
Decision. Yes. If a Linesman realizes he has
made an error, he may make a correction provided
he does so immediately.
Case 6. A player claims his return shot was
good after a Linesman called out. May the Umpire
overrule the Linesman?
Decision. No. An Umpire may never overrule as
a result of a protest or an appeal by a player.
RULE 30
Continuous Play and Rest Periods
Play shall be continuous from the first service
until the match is concluded, in accordance
with the following provisions:
(a) If the first service is a fault, the second
service must be struck by the Server without
delay.
The Receiver must play to the reasonable pace
of the Server and must be ready to receive when
the Server is ready to serve.
When changing ends a maximum of one minute thirty
seconds shall elapse from the moment the ball
goes out of play at the end of the game to the
time the ball is struck for the first point
of the next game.
The Umpire shall use his discretion when there
is interference which makes it impractical for
play to be continuous.
The organizers of international circuits and
team events recognized by the ITF may determine
the time allowed between points, which shall
not at any time exceed 30 seconds.
(b) Play shall never be suspended, delayed or
interfered with for the purpose of enabling
a player to recover his strength, breath, or
physical condition.
However, in the case of accidental injury, the
Umpire may allow a one-time three minute suspension
for that injury.
The organizers of international circuits and
team events recognized by the ITF may extend
the one-time suspension period from three minutes
to five minutes.
[ USTA Comment: All players must follow the
same rules with respect to suspending play,
even though in misty, but playable, weather
a player who wears glasses may be handicapped.]
(c) If, through circumstances outside the control
of the player, his clothing, footwear or equipment
(excluding racket) becomes out of adjustment
in such a way that it is impossible or undesirable
for him to play on, the Umpire may suspend play
while the maladjustment is rectified.
[ USTA Comment: Loss of, or damage to, a contact
lens or eyeglasses shall be treated as equipment
maladjustment.]
(d) The Umpire may suspend or delay play at
any time as may be necessary and appropriate.
[ USTA Comment: When a match is resumed after
a suspension of more than ten minutes, it is
permissible for the players to engage in a re-warm-up
that may be of the same duration as that at
the start of the match. The preferred method
is to warm-up with other used balls and then
insert the match balls when play starts. If
the match balls are used in the re-warm-up,
then the next ball change will be two games
sooner. There shall be no re-warm-up after an
authorized intermission or after a suspension
of ten minutes or less.
(e) After the third set, or when women take
part the second set, either player is entitled
to a rest, which shall not exceed 10 minutes,
or in countries situated between latitude 15
degrees north and latitude 15 degrees south,
45 minutes and furthermore, when necessitated
by circumstances not within the control of the
players, the Umpire may suspend play for such
a period as he may consider necessary. If play
is suspended and is not resumed until a later
day the rest may be taken only after the third
set (or when women take part the second set)
of play on such a later day, completion of an
unfinished set being counted as one set.
If play is suspended and is not resumed until
10 minutes have elapsed in the same day the
rest may be taken only after three consecutive
sets have been played without interruption (or
when women take part two sets), completion of
an unfinished set being counted as one set.
Any nation and/or committee organizing a tournament,
match or competition, other than the International
Tennis Championships (Davis Cup and Federation
Cup), is at liberty to modify this provision
or omit it from its regulations provided this
is announced before the event commences.
(f) A tournament committee has the discretion
to decide the time allowed for a warm-up period
prior to a match but this may not exceed five
minutes and must be announced before the event
commences.
[ USTA Comment: When there are no ball persons
this time may be extended to ten minutes.]
(g) When approved point penalty and non-accumulative
point penalty systems are in operation, the
Umpire shall make his decisions within the terms
of those systems.
(h) Upon violation of the principle that play
shall be continuous the Umpire may, after giving
due warning, disqualify the offender.
RULE 31
Coaching
During the playing of a match in a team competition,
a player may receive coaching from a captain
who is sitting on the court only when he changes
ends at the end of a game, but not when he changes
ends during a tie-break game.
A player may not receive coaching during the
playing of any other match.
After due warning an offending player may be
disqualified. When an approved point penalty
system is in operation, the Umpire shall impose
penalties according to that system.
Case 1. Should a warning be given, or the player
be disqualified, if the coaching is given by
signals in an unobtrusive manner?
Decision. The Umpire must take action as soon
as he becomes aware that coaching is being given
verbally or by signals. If the Umpire is unaware
that coaching is being given, a player may draw
his attention to the fact that advice is being
given.
Case 2. Rule 30(e) or when play is interrupted
and he leaves the court?
Decision. Yes. In these circumstances, when
the player is not on the court, there is no
restriction on coaching.
Note: The word "coaching" includes
any advice or instruction.
RULE 32
Changing Balls
In cases where balls are to be changed after
a specified number of games, if the balls are
not changed in the correct sequence, the mistake
shall be corrected when the player, or pair
in the case of doubles, who should have served
with new balls is next due to serve. Thereafter
the balls shall be changed so that the number
of games between changes shall be that originally
agreed.
COURTESY
OF UNIV OF TORONTO TENNIS PAGE
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