Etiquette

PLAYER, SPECTATOR AND TEAM ETIQUETTE

Besides the rules of tennis there are also some important unwritten laws, which come under the title of tennis etiquette. Tennis is a social game, a game involving simple politeness and consideration. Everyone will enjoy the game so much more if those standards are maintained. Here are some of the rules, which are most important:

• Talk quietly when standing near tennis courts that are in use.
• Never walk behind a court when a point is still in play. Wait until the point is over and then cross as fast as possible.
• Always come prepared. Bring not only balls, but also towels and water to drink when it is hot.
• Wear sneakers for tennis. Other shoes may wear out quickly, hurt your feet, or damage the court.
• When you’re ready to play, put racket covers, ball cans, jackets etc., out of everyone’s way.
• To see whom serves first, spin your racket. If you win the spin, the choice is yours. You may serve first, or you may choose to receive first or to pick which end of the court you want to start playing on. As a third choice you may make your opponent choose first.
• When sending balls back to a neighboring court, roll them to the back of the court. Never send them back while play is in progress.
• Retrieve balls for your partner and your opponent.
• Don’t criticize your partner, but offer encouragement.
• Call your own lines and let your opponent hear the call. If the ball is good say nothing and play on.
• Always respect the line calls of your opponent.
• If there is a disagreement, offer a let. In other words, replay the point, even if it was a second service.