The following Rules and Cases and
Decisions are the official Code of the International Tennis
Federation, of which the United States Tennis Association is a member.
USTA Comments have the same weight and force in USTA tournaments as do
ITF Cases and Decisions.
When a match is played without
officials, USTA Regulation I.M. shall apply in any situation not
covered by the rules. The
Code shall apply in any
situation not covered by USTA Regulation I.M.
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 Article VIII of the USTA Regulations provided
such amendments are not inconsistent with the Rules of Tennis of the
International Tennis Federation.
The court shall be a rectangle 78
feet (23.77m.) long and 27 feet (8.23m.) wide.
[USTA Comment: See Rule
34 for a doubles court.]
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 centers 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 (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 centers 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 center, where it
shall be held down taut by a strap not more than 2 inches (5cm.) wide
and completely white in color. 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 colors.
[USTA Comment: An approved
method for obtaining proper net tautness is: Loosen the center strap.
Tighten the net cord until it is approximately 40 inches above the
ground, being careful not to over tighten the net. 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.]
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 center 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 center service-line to a line 4 inches (10cm.) in
length and 2 inches (5cm.) in width called the center 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 color.
If advertising or any other material is
placed at the back of the court, it may not contain white, or yellow.
A light color 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 color may only be used if this does
not interfere with the vision of the players.
ITF Note 1: 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).
ITF Note 2: In the case of the
stadium courts in the Davis Cup World Group and the Federation
Cup Main Draw there should be space behind each baseline of not less
than 27 feet (8.23m) and at the sides of not less than 15 feet
(4.57m).
ITF Note 3: At club or
recreation level, the space behind each baseline should be not less
than 18 feet (5.5m) and at the sides not less than 10 feet (3.05m).
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.
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.
The ball shall have a uniform outer
surface and shall be white or yellow in color. 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 .315 of an
inch (.80cm.) 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 center 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 in the direction of the longitudinal axis of
the racket which would alter the swing moment of inertia, 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 (Rule
20 (e)) In regard to hindrance, his opponent my 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?
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: The toss shall be made
before the warm-up. 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.]
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 center-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.]
[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?
Decision. No.
[USTA Comment: 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?
Decision. No. A let should be called, but
if the Umpire regards the action as deliberate he may take action
under Rule
21.
[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 center 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 Rules
7, 8
or 9(b);
(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. (Rules
2 and 10
and note
to Rule 24.).
[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. See Case
1 under Rule 24 for difference between "service" and
"good return" with respect to a ball's hitting a net post.]
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 Rule
9, 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 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.
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. A service is interrupted by some
cause outside those defined in Rule
14. Should the service only be replayed?
Decision. No the whole point must 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 that 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?
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 (see Rule
12).
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.]
[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 next 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?
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: An out call on A's shot to
B's court must be made before B's shot has either gone out of play or
has been hit by A. See Case
3 under Rule 29 regarding this situation in an umpired match.]
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 (c));
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 for a ball which hits a pipe support.]
(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 the 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.]
[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 satisfactory disposition of the ball.
Failure to comply with this instruction shall result in loss of a
point on each occasion.]
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.
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. If a player cannot call a ball out with surety 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 on the side and center lines, but either partner may make the
call on any ball he clearly sees out.]
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.
[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 also 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.
Decision. He loses the point.
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 if 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.
[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?
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.
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 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.]
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 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?
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 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?
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 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.
However, in the case of accidental injury, the
Umpire may allow a one-time three minute suspension for that injury.
(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.
[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.
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. Can a player receive coaching
during an authorized rest period under 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.
ITF Note: The word "coaching"
includes any advice or instruction.
[USTA Comment: Coaching is not permitted
in the USTA Adult and Senior League Program except during authorized
rest periods.]
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.
The above Rules shall apply to the Doubles Game
except as below.
RULE 34
: The Doubles Court
For the Doubles Game, the Court shall be 36 feet
(10.97m.) in width, i.e. 4.5 feet (1.37m.) wider on each side than the
Court for the Singles Game, and those portions of the singles
side-lines which lie between the two service-lines shall be called the
service side-lines. In other respects, the Court shall be similar to
that described in Rule
1, but the portions of the singles side-lines between the
base-line and service-line on each side of the net may be omitted if
desired.
[USTA Comment: The Server has the right
in doubles to stand anywhere back of the baseline between the center
mark imaginary extension and the doubles sideline imaginary
extension.]
RULE 35
: Order of Service in Doubles
The order of serving shall be decided at the
beginning of each set as follows:
The pair who have to serve in the first game of
each set shall decide which partner shall do so and the opposing pair
shall decide similarly for the second game. The partner of the player
who served in the first game shall serve in the third; the partner of
the player who served in the second game shall serve in the fourth,
and so on in the same order in all the subsequent games of a set.
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?
Decision. No.
RULE 36
: Order of Receiving in Doubles
The order of receiving the service shall be
decided at the beginning of each set as follows:
The pair who have to receive the service in the
first game shall decide which partner shall receive the first service,
and that partner shall continue to receive the first service in every
odd game throughout that set. The opposing pair shall likewise decide
which partner shall receive the first service in the second game and
that partner shall continue to receive the first service in every even
game throughout that set. Partners shall receive the service
alternately throughout each game.
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?
Decision. Yes. The Server's partner or
the Receiver's partner may take any position on his side of the net in
or out of the Court that he wishes.
RULE 37
: Service Out of Turn in Doubles
If a partner serves out of his turn, the partner
who ought to have served shall serve as soon as the mistake is
discovered, but all points scored, and any faults served before such
discovery, shall be reckoned. If a game shall have been completed
before such discovery, the order of service remains as altered.
[USTA Comment: For an exception to Rule
37 see Case
3 under Rule 27.]
RULE 38
: Error in Order of Receiving in Doubles
If during a game the order of receiving the
service is changed by the Receivers it shall remain as altered until
the end of the game in which the mistake is discovered, but the
partners shall resume their original order of receiving in the next
game of that set in which they are Receivers of the service.
RULE 39
: Service Fault in Doubles
The service is a fault as provided for by Rule
10, or if the ball touches the Server's partner or anything which
he wears or carries, but if the ball served touches the partner of the
Receiver, or anything which he wears or carries, not being a let under
Rule
14(a) before it hits the ground, the Server wins the point.
RULE 40
: Playing the Ball in Doubles
The ball shall be struck alternately by one or
other player of the opposing pairs, and if a player touches the ball
in play with his racket in contravention of this Rule, his opponents
win the point.
[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.]
ITF Note: Except where otherwise stated,
every reference in these rules to the masculine includes the feminine
gender.
1. Unless otherwise specified all tests
shall be made at a temperature of approximately 68° Fahrenheit (20°
Centigrade) and a relative humidity of approximately 60 per cent. All
balls should be removed from their container and kept at the
recognized temperature and humidity for 24 hours prior to testing, and
shall be at that temperature and humidity when the test is commenced.
2. Unless otherwise specified the limits
are for a test conducted in an atmospheric pressure resulting in a
barometric reading of approximately 30 inches (76cm.).
3. Other standards may be fixed for
localities where the average temperature, humidity or average
barometric pressure at which the game is being played differs
materially from 68° Fahrenheit (20° Centigrade), 60 per cent and 30
inches (76cm.) respectively.
Applications for such adjusted standards may be
made by any National Association to the International Tennis
Federation and if approved shall be adopted for such localities.
4. In all tests for diameter a ring gauge
shall be used consisting of a metal plate, preferably non-corrosive,
of a uniform thickness of one-eighth of an inch (.32cm.) in which
there are two circular openings 2.575 inches (6.54cm.) and 2.700
inches (6.86cm.) in diameter respectively. The inner surface of the
gauge shall have a convex profile with a radius of one-sixteenth of an
inch (.16cm.). The ball shall not drop through the smaller opening by
its own weight and shall drop through the larger opening by its own
weight.
5. In all tests for deformation conducted
under Rule
3, the machine designed by Percy Herbert Stevens and patented in
Great Britain under Patent No. 230250, together with the subsequent
additions and improvements thereto, including the modifications
required to take return deformations, shall be employed or such other
machine which is approved by a National Association and gives
equivalent readings to the Stevens machine.
6. Procedure for carrying out tests.
(a) Pre-compression. Before any ball is
tested it shall be steadily compressed by approximately one inch
(2.54cm.) on each of three diameters at right angles to one another in
succession; this process to be carried out three times (nine
compressions in all). All tests to be completed within two hours of
precompression.
(b) Bound test (as in Rule
3). Measurements are to be taken from the concrete base to the
bottom of the ball.
(c) Size test (as in paragraph 4 above).
(d) Weight test (as in Rule
3).
(e) Deformation test. The ball is placed
in position on the modified Stevens machine so that neither platen of
the machine is in contact with the cover seam. The contact weight is
applied, the pointer and the mark brought level, and the dials set to
zero. The test weight equivalent to 18 lb. (8.165kg.) is placed on the
beam and pressure applied by turning the wheel at a uniform speed so
that five seconds elapse from the instant the beam leaves its seat
until the pointer is brought level with the mark. When turning ceases
the reading is recorded (forward deformation). The wheel is turned
again until figure ten is reached on the scale (one inch [2.54cm.]
deformation). The wheel is then rotated in the opposite direction at a
uniform speed (thus releasing pressure) until the beam pointer again
coincides with the mark. After waiting ten seconds the pointer is
adjusted to the mark if necessary. The reading is then recorded
(return deformation). This procedure is repeated on each ball across
the two diameters at right angles to the initial position and to each
other.
Rules of
Wheelchair Tennis
The game of wheelchair tennis follows the same
rules as able-bodied tennis as endorsed by the International Tennis
Foundation except the wheelchair tennis player is allowed two bounces
of the ball.
1. The Competitive
Wheelchair Tennis Player. The only eligibility requirements for an
individual to become a competitive wheelchair tennis player is that he
must be medically diagnosed as having a mobility-related disability.
In other words, he must have substantial or total loss of function in
one or more extremities. If, as a result of these functional
limitations, this person would be unable to play competitive
able-bodied tennis (that is, having the mobility to cover the court
with adequate speed), then the person would be eligible to play
competitive wheelchair tennis in sanctioned IWTF tournaments.
(a) Quadriplegic division players shall
be characterized as one who has limited mobility, power and strength
in at least three limbs due to accidents, spinal cord injuries and
other related diseases. Also included in this division are walking
quadriplegics, power wheelchair-users and triple amputees. Players who
cannot use both arms to move the chair are allowed to use their legs.
In case of doubt it is up to the IWTF to make a decision if the player
is allowed to use his legs.
If there is reason to doubt an individual's
eligibility to participate as a competitive wheelchair tennis players,
the IWTF rules committee reserves the right to screen any player being
considered for ranking. A verification of quadriplegic status may be
required, when in doubt.
2. The Ball In Play
In wheelchair tennis the ball is allowed to
bounce twice before being returned.
(a) If the ball is taken on the first
bounce, it must bounce within the bounds of the court.
(b) If the ball is taken on the second
bounce, the second bounce can hit the ground either within the
boundaries of the court or outside the court boundaries before being
returned.
3. The Service
(a) The ball served may, after hitting
the ground in the service court, hit the ground once again within the
bounds of the court or outside the court boundaries before being
returned.
(b) The server shall throughout the
delivery of the service:
-- Not change position by rolling or spinning. The server shall not by
slight movements of the wheels which do not materially affect the
location originally taken up by him, be deemed "to change his
position by rolling or spinning."
-- Not touch, with any wheel, any area other than that behind
the baseline within the imaginary extension of the center-mark and
sideline.
(c) If the player deliberately uses any
part of his lower extremities as brakes or as stabilizers while
delivering service, the service is deemed a fault.
(d) If conventional methods for the
service are physically impossible for a quadriplegic player, then
another individual may drop the ball for such a player.
4. Player Loses Point. The wheelchair is
part of the body. All applicable rules apply. A player loses the point
if:
(a) The ball in play touches him or his
wheelchair or anything he wears or carries, except his racket in his
hand(s). This loss of a point occurs regardless of whether the player
is inside or outside the bounds of his court when the ball touches
him.
(b) A served ball hits him or his
wheelchair or anything he wears or carries, except his racket in his
hand(s). If the server hits his own partner with the served ball, then
it is a fault.
(c) He deliberately uses any part of his
feet or lower extremities as brakes or as stabilizers while delivering
the service, stroking a ball, turning or stopping.
(d) He fails to keep one buttock in
contact with his wheelchair seat contacting the ball.
It is legal for a player to hit a return, fall out of his chair and
then get back into his chair to make the next return.
5. Wheelchair/Able-Bodied Tennis. Where a
wheelchair player is defined in Rule
1 above is playing with able-bodied persons, then again the rules
of tennis shall apply.
In this instance, however, the wheelchair player
is allowed only one bounce and Rules 2
and 3
above shall therefore not apply.
Tie-Breaks and
No-Ad Scoring
1. Tie-Break Use Mandatory. Use of the
12-point tie-break is mandatory in all sanctioned tournaments in all
sets.
2. Twelve-Point Tie-Break
Singles. Player A, having served the first game
of the set, serves the first point from the right court; Player B
serves points 2 and 3 (left and right); A serves points 4 and 5 (left
and right); B serves point 6 (left) and after they change ends, point
7 (right); A serves points 8 and 9 (left and right); B serves points
10 and 11 (left and right); A serves point 12 (left). A player who
reaches seven points during these first 12 points wins the game and
set. If the score has reached six points all, the players change ends
and continue in the same pattern until one player establishes a margin
of two points which gives him the game and set. Note that the players
change ends every six points and that the player who serves the last
point of one of these 6-point segments also serves the first point of
the next one (from right court). For a following set the players
change ends and B serves the first game.
Doubles. The same pattern as in singles applies,
with partners preserving their serving sequence. In a game of A-B
versus C-D, with A having served the first game of the set, A serves
the first point (right); C serves points 2 and 3 (left and right); B
serves points 4 and 5 (left and right); D serves point 6 (left) and
after the teams change ends, D serves point 7 (right); A serves points
8 and 9 (left and right); C serves points 10 and 11 (left and right);
B serves point 12 (left). A team that wins seven points during these
first 12 points wins the game and set. If the score has reached six
points all, the teams change ends. B then serves point 13 (right), and
they continue until one team establishes a two-point margin and thus
wins the game and set. As in singles, they change ends for one game to
start a following set, with team C-D to serve first.
3. Experimental 12-point tie-break. The
experimental 12-point tie-break is the same as the present 12-point
tie-break except that ends are changed after the first point, then
after every four points, and at the conclusion of the tie-break game.
4. When experimental 12-point tie-break
is authorized. For experimental purposes, a section may authorize any
tournament below the National Championship level to use the
experimental 12-point tie-break. For experimental purposes, the USTA
Sanctions and Schedules Committee may authorize the use of the
experimental 12-point tie-break for any other tournament. Any
tournament electing to use the experimental 12-point tie-break must
announce the election before the start of tournament play.
5. Recording the tie-break score. The
score of the tie-break set will be written 7-6(x) or 6-7(x), with (x)
being the number of points won by the loser of the tie break. For
example, 7-6(4) means the tie-break score was 7-4, and 6-7(14) means
the tie-break score was 14-16.
6. Changing ends during the tie-break.
Changes of ends during a tie-break game are to be made within the
normal time allowed between points.
7. Ball changes. If a ball change is due
on a tie-break game, it will be deferred until the start of the second
game of the next set. A tie-break game counts as one game in
determining ball changes.
8. No-Ad scoring. The No-Ad procedure is
simply what the name implies; the first player to win four points wins
the game, with the seventh point of a game becoming a game point for
each player. The receiver has the choice of advantage court or deuce
court to which the service is to be delivered on the seventh point.
No-ad scoring is authorized for tournaments at the sectional
championship level and below. A tournament electing to use no-ad
scoring must announce the election before the start of the tournament
play except as set forth in paragraph
9 below.
Note: The score-calling may be either in the
conventional terms or in simple number, i.e., "zero, one, two,
three, game."
Cautionary Note: Any ITF-authorized tournament
should get special authorization from ITF before using No-Ad.
9. Change to No-Ad
scoring. The referee can switch to no-ad scoring from regular scoring
in any round without prior notice on the entry blank when in the
referee's discretion the change is necessary to complete the
tournament after inclement weather or other factors cause the
tournament to fall behind its published schedule.
.
|
