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THE RULES OF TENNISExplanatory
Note When a match is played without officials, USTA Regulation I.N. shall apply in any situation not covered by the rules. The Code shall apply to any situation not covered by USTA Regulation I.N. Except where otherwise stated, every reference in these Rules to the masculine includes the feminine gender. Amendments to the USTA Comments may be made in accordance with USTA Regulation XII provided such amendments are not inconsistent with the Rules of Tennis of the International Tennis Federation. The Singles Game1. The Court USTA Comment:
See Rule 34 for a doubles court. When a combined doubles (see Rule 34) 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 (.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 (.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 21/2 inches (6.35cm.) in
depth on each side and completely white in colour. There shall be no
advertisement on the net, strap, band or singles sticks. USTA Comment: The following is an approved method for obtaining proper net tautness. First, loosen the center strap. Next, tighten the net cord until it is approximately 40 inches above the ground, being careful not to overtighten the net. Finally, tighten the center strap until the center of the net is 36 inches above the ground. These measurements should always be made before the first match of the day. Each base-line shall be bisected by an imaginary continuation of the centre service-line to a line 4 inches (10cm.) 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 not more than 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. ITF Note 1:
In Davis Cup, Fed Cup and the Official Championships of the International Tennis
Federation, specific requirements with regard to the space behind the baseline
and at the sides are included in the respective Regulations for these events. 2. Permanent
Fixtures ITF 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. 3. The Ball The ball shall conform to the requirements specified in Appendix I (Regulations for making tests specified in Rule 3.) Section iv for size and be 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 (134.62cm.) and less than 58 inches (147.32cm.) when dropped 100 inches (254.00cm.) upon a concrete base. The ball shall have a forward deformation of more than .220 of an inch (.559cm.) and less than .290 of an inch (.737cm.) and a return deformation of more than .315 of an inch (.800cm.) and less than .425 of an inch (1.080cm.) 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 (.076cm.) 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 (134.62cm.) 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 (134.62cm.) and less than 58 inches (147.32cm.) 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
Appendix I. ITF Note: Any ball to be used in a tournament which is played under the Rules of Tennis must be named on the official ITF list of approved balls issued by the International Tennis Federation. 4. The Racket 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 racket shall be designed and
strung such that the playing characteristics are identical on both faces. b. For professional play, the frame of the racket shall not exceed 29 inches (73.66cm.) in overall length, including the handle, as from 1st January 1997. For non-professional play, the frame of the racket shall not exceed 29 inches (73.66cm.) in overall length, including the handle, as from 1st January 2000. Until 1st January 2000, the maximum length of a racket for non-professional play shall be 32 inches (81.28cm). The frame of the racket shall not exceed 121/2 inches (31.75cm.) in overall width. The strung surface shall not exceed 151/2 inches (39.37cm.) in overall length, and 111/2 inches (29.21cm.) in overall width. USTA Comment: Professional play refers to tournaments conducted under the regulations of the ATP Tour, ITF, and WTA Tour. This includes Satellite and Challenger tournaments. 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 in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the racket which would alter the swing moment of inertia, or to deliberately change any physical property which may affect the performance of the racket 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. Case 1. Can
there be more than one set of strings on the hitting surface of racket? 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? Case 3. Can
vibration dampening devices be placed on the strings of a racket and if so,
where can they be placed? Case 4. In
the course of play, a player accidentally breaks the strings of his racket. Can
he continue to play with the racket in this condition? USTA Comment: If after play has begun it is discovered that a player has been using an illegal racket or an illegally strung racket, all points played stand. The player must find another racket immediately. If the discovery occurs after the match is over, the match still counts. 5. Server &
Receiver Case 1.
Does a player, attempting a stroke, lose the point if he crosses an imaginary
line in the extension of the net, 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 opponent's Court (Rule 20(e)). In regard to hindrance, his opponent may ask for the decision of the Umpire under Rules 21 and 25. Case 2. The
Server claims that the Receiver must stand within the lines bounding his Court.
Is this necessary? 6. Choice of
Ends & Service Case 1. Do
players have the right to new choices if the match is postponed or suspended
before it has started? USTA Comment: The toss shall be made before the warm-up. Choices should be made promptly after the toss and are irrevocable, except when the match is postponed or suspended before the start of the match. 7. The Service 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. 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? USTA Comment: In singles, the server may stand anywhere in back of the baseline between the imaginary extensions of the center 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? 8. Foot Fault USTA Comment: The key to understanding this rule is to realize that the Server's feet must be at rest immediately before beginning to serve. Immediately thereafter, the delivery of the service begins with any arm or racket motion, and ends when the racket contacts the ball (or misses the ball in attempt to strike it). If either foot
touches the Court, including the baseline, or the imaginary extension of a line
specified in Rule 8b. after his feet are at rest but before he strikes the ball,
he has committed a foot fault. 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 asks for an explanation of how he foot faulted, either the Line Umpire or the Chair Umpire should give him that information. 9. Delivery of
Service 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. 10. Service
Fault 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? USTA Comment: As long as the Server makes no attempt to strike at the ball, it is immaterial whether he catches it in his hand or 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? USTA Comment: The significant point 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 subparagraph 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. See Case 1 under Rule 24 for difference between "service" and "good return" with respect to a ball hitting a net post. 11. Second
Service 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. 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? 12. When to
Serve 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 honored even though the service was good. However, the Receiver, having indicated he is ready, may not become unready unless some outside interference takes place. 13. The Let Case 1.
A service is interrupted by some cause outside those defined in
Rule 14.
Should the service only be replayed? USTA Comment: 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. 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. Case 2. If
a ball in play becomes broken, should a let be called? USTA Comment: A ball shall be regarded as having become "broken" if, in the opinion of the 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. 14. The "Let" in Service The Service is a
let: b. If a
service or a fault is delivered when the Receiver is not ready (see
Rule 12). 15. Order of
Service 16. When
Players Change Ends 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. 17. The Ball in
Play 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. 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. 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? USTA Comment: An out call on A's shot to B's Court must be made before B's return has either gone out of play or been hit by A. See Case 3 under Rule 29 regarding this situation in an umpired match. 18.
Server Wins Point b. If the Receiver otherwise loses the point as provided by Rule 20. 19. Receiver
Wins Point 20. Player
Loses Point USTA Comment: A ball hitting a scoring device or other object attached to a net post results in loss of point to the striker. 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 for a ball which hits a pipe support. f. He volleys the
ball before it has passed the net; 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 Case 1. In
serving, the racket flies from the Server's hand and touches the net before the
ball has touched the ground. Is this a fault, or does the player lose the point? Case 2. In
serving, the racket flies from the Server's hand and touches the net after the
ball has touched the ground outside the proper court. Is this a fault, or does
the player lose the point? 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 the point? Case 4. May
a player jump over the net into his opponent's Court while the ball is in play
and not suffer penalty? 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? 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? 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. 21. Player
Hinders Opponent Case 1. Is
a player liable to a penalty if in making a stroke he touches his opponent? Case 2.
When a ball bounds back over the net, the player concerned may reach over the
net in order to play the ball. What is the ruling if the player is hindered from
doing this by his opponent? Case 3.
Does an involuntary double hit constitute an act which hinders an opponent
within Rule 21? 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. 22. Ball Falls
on Line USTA Comment: In a non-officiated match, each player makes the call on any ball hit toward his side of the net. If a player cannot call a ball out with certainty he should regard it as good. 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. 23. Ball
Touches Permanent Fixtures USTA Comment: A ball in play that strikes a pipe support running across the Court at the base of the net is treated the same as a ball landing on clear ground. See USTA Comment under Rule 20 e. for a player who touches a pipe support. Case 1. A
return hits the Umpire or his chair or stand. The player claims that the ball
was going into Court. 24. A
Good Return 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 which pertains to an object other than a ball that is being used in the match. ITF Note: 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: 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? Case 2. Is
it a good return if a player returns the ball holding his racket in both hands? 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". Case 4. May
a player use more than one racket at any time during play? Case 5. May
a player request that a ball or balls lying in his opponent's Court be removed? USTA Comment: This request must be honored. 25.
Hindrance of a Player USTA Comment: See Rule 13 and its USTA Comments regarding lets. Case 1. A
spectator gets into the way of a player, who fails to return the ball. May the
player then claim a let? 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? 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? Case 4.
Is a stroke good when a ball in play hits another ball in the air? Case 5. If
an Umpire or other judge erroneously calls "fault" or "out", and then corrects
himself, which of the calls 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? Case 7. Is
it a good stroke if the ball touches a stationary or moving object on the Court? 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? 26. Score in a
Game b. Optional
Alternative Scoring System In this case, the
following Rules shall be effective: Doubles Mixed Doubles USTA Comment: In a non-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. USTA Comment: USTA Regulation I.U.9. authorizes the referee to switch to No-Ad scoring without prior notice in all tournaments other than national championships when weather or other factors cause the tournament to fall behind its published schedule 27. Score in a
Set 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. 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. USTA Comment: USTA Regulations require that a tie-break be played in all sets. The following
system shall be used in a 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 it is discovered. 28. Maximum
Number of Sets 29. Role of
Court Officials In matches where assistants to the Umpire are appointed (Linespersons, 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. USTA Comment: See fourth USTA Comment under Rule 30 regarding resumption of suspended match. 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? Case 2. A
ball is called out, but a player claims that the ball was good. May the Referee
give a ruling? 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? USTA Comment: See Rule 17, Case 1 regarding non-officiated matches. 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? Case 5. May
a Linesman change his call after the Umpire has given the score? Case 6. A
player claims his return shot was good after a Linesman called "out." May the
Umpire overrule the Linesman? 30. Continuous
Play & Rest Periods 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 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 twenty (20) seconds from the moment the ball goes out of play at the end of one point to the time the ball is struck for the next point. USTA Comment: The 20 second rule applies only to certain international circuits and team events recognized by the ITF. When practical, in USTA sanctioned tournaments using a certified official in direct observation of the match, the time which shall elapse from the moment the ball goes out of play at the end of the point to the time the ball is struck shall not exceed 25 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. 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: If equipment other than a racket becomes unusable through circumstances outside the control of the player, play may be suspended for a reasonable period and the player may leave the Court to correct the problem. If a racket or racket string is broken, Rule 30 does not permit play to be suspended. A player who leaves the Court to get a replacement is subject to code violation(s) under the Point Penalty System. USTA Comment: Loss of, or damage to, a contact lens or eyeglasses shall be treated as equipment maladjustment. 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. d. The Umpire may suspend or delay play at any time as may be necessary and appropriate. 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, is at liberty to modify this provision or omit it from its regulations provided this is announced before the event commences. With respect to the Davis Cup and Fed Cup, only the International Tennis Federation may modify this provision or omit it from its Regulations. 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. 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 ballpersons this time may be extended to 10 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. 31. Coaching A player may not receive coaching during the playing of any other match. The provisions of this rule must be strictly construed. 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? Case 2. Can
a player receive coaching during an authorized rest period under Rule 30(e), or
when play is interrupted and he leaves the court? USTA Comment: Coaching is not permitted in the USTA Adult and Senior League Program except during authorized rest periods. ITF Note: The word "coaching" includes any advice or instruction. 32. Ball Change 33. The Doubles
Game 34. The Doubles
Court USTA Comment: The Server has the right in doubles to stand anywhere in back of the baseline between the center mark imaginary extension and the doubles sideline imaginary extension. 35. Order of
Service in Doubles Case 1. In
doubles, one player does not appear in time to play, and his partner claims to
be allowed to play single-handed against the opposing players. May he do so? 36. Order of
Receiving in Doubles Case 1. Is
it allowable in doubles for the Server's partner or the Receiver's partner to
stand in a position that obstructs the view of the Receiver? 37. Service out
of Turn in Doubles USTA Comment: For an exception to Rule 37 see Case 3 under Rule 27. The Doubles Game 38. Error in
Order of Receiving in Doubles 39.
Service Fault in Doubles 40. Playing the
Ball in Doubles ITF Note
1: Except where otherwise stated, every reference in these Rules to the
masculine includes the feminine gender. USTA Comment: The partners themselves do not have to "alternate" in making returns. In the course of making one return, only one member of a doubles team may hit the ball. If both of them hit the ball, either simultaneously or consecutively, it is an illegal return. Mere clashing of rackets does not make a return illegal unless it is clear that more than one racket touched the ball. If you have a rules problem, send full details, enclosing a stamped self-addressed envelope, to USTA Tennis Rules Committee, c/o Officials' Department, 70 West Red Oak Lane, White Plains, NY 10604-3602. The Rules of Wheelchair TennisThe game of wheelchair tennis follows the same rules as able-bodied tennis as endorsed by the International Tennis Federation except the wheelchair tennis player is allowed two bounces of the ball. The player must return the ball before it hits the ground a third time. The wheelchair is part of the body and all applicable ITF Rules which apply to a player's body shall apply to the wheelchair. I. The
Competitive Wheelchair Tennis Player Any questions or appeal as to a player's eligibility to participate under this rule will be decided under the procedures listed in Appendix III. II. The Service III. The Ball
in Play. IV. Player
Loses Point. A player loses a point if: V.
Wheelchair/Able-Bodied Tennis. ITF Note: The definition of lower extremities is: the lower limb, including the buttocks, hip, thigh, leg, ankle, and foot.
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