Basic Rules of Tennis

Call balls fairly
If the ball touches any part of the line, it’s “in.” Play unseen/unclear bounces as “in.” If a doubles team has differing opinions on the call (i.e. – one person thought it was in and the other person thought it was out), then it’s “in”. Itʼs cheating to replay points because you “couldnʼt make the call.”

 

Call lines on your side only
Only make line calls on the other side if your opponent asks for help. Call against yourself any ball hit from your side which you can see clearly “out.” Correct any “out” calls to “in” if youʼve made an error.

 

Make calls instantly
Call “out” or “let” right away before the ball is dead or your opponent makes the return. Otherwise, the ball is “in play”.

 

Volunteer your violations
Confess to any of your own double bounces, net touches, net reach-overs, double hits, 2-player hits, balls touching, etc. Itʼs cheating to “wait and see” if opponents notice.

 

Foot-faults are illegal
When serving, you may not touch or cross the baseline with any part of your body prior to contacting the ball – this is a foot-fault. However, in un-officiated matches, players may only request that opponents not foot-fault. With no umpire, no points may be taken from an opponent due to a foot-fault.

 

Let them put it away
It is unethical to make a “let” call just as your opponent is about to put the ball away.

 

Spectator vs. umpire
In matches, spectators may not become umpires and make line calls or rulings – even if asked for assistance by a player. If you are playing and you have any doubt about a call, donʼt ask others: give the opponent the point. Spectators include relatives, friends, and coaches.

 

Server announces score
Before each point, the server should call the score loudly. If there is disagreement on score, players can settle by spinning a racquet or flipping a coin. As a last resort, players must go back to the score last agreed upon (no matter how far back) and continue play from there.

 

Serve/return out-of-order
When starting a doubles point with the wrong server, remedy by immediately substituting the correct server – who inherits any fault already served. When receivers in a doubles game have returned serve out of order, remedy by finishing that game staying on those receiving sides, and resume proper receiving order in the next return game.

 

Delay of play
Try to keep play continuous. The time allowed between points is 25 seconds, and on changeovers, 90 seconds. 10 minutes is allowed for injury (cramps and heat suffering are not considered injury). It is unethical to stall for time in a match when you are hot or tired. However, if conditions are humid or hot, use generosity and good sense. It is discourteous to rush your opponent.

 

Etiquette should always prevail