Rules of the Court

2022

Tennis Canada
1 Shoreham Drive, Suite 100
Toronto, Ontario M3N 3A6
Tel: 416-665-9777
www.tenniscanada.ca
[email protected]

© 2022 Tennis Canada

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,

stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any
events, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise,
without prior written permission from Tennis Canada.
 THE RULES OF THE COURT 2022

FOREWORD

We are pleased to present the new edition of the Tennis Canada

Rulebook: The Rules of the Court 2022. This edition replaces the 2021
edition and continues in the tradition of The Yardstick, originally
published in 1978 by J. R. (Roy) Mansell.

The Rules of the Court 2022 is intended as a resource for Officials,

Tournament Administrators, Coaches and Players at all levels.

This book incorporates the rules and regulations followed by the

International Tennis Federation (ITF), the WTA Tour, and the ATP
Tour, the three international governing bodies of Tennis. The rules,
regulations and procedures presented here are those that should be
followed at all Tennis Canada sanctioned events.

In this edition, we have also included a comprehensive section on

“Cases and Decisions” in order to assist all interested persons in
understanding the finer points of the interpretation of the Rules of
Tennis. The 2022 edition of the Rulebook also includes a revised and
reorganized section on “Guidelines for Unofficiated Matches”.

If you have any comments or suggestions concerning the material

presented in this book, or if you are interested in becoming a Tennis
Official, please contact the Tennis Canada Officiating Department, 1
Shoreham Drive, Toronto, Ontario M3N 3A6 (Telephone: 416-665-
9777; Email: [email protected]). In addition, we invite you
to visit the “Officials” section of the Tennis Canada Web Site:
www.tenniscanada.com.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE RULES OF TENNIS .................................................................... 1

1. THE COURT ....................................................................... 1
2. PERMANENT FIXTURES ........................................................ 4
3. THE BALL ................................................................................. 4
4. THE RACKET ........................................................................... 5
5. SCORE IN A GAME ................................................................. 7
6. SCORE IN A SET ..................................................................... 8
7. SCORE IN A MATCH ............................................................... 8
8. SERVER & RECEIVER ............................................................ 9
9. CHOICE OF ENDS & SERVICE .............................................. 9
10. CHANGE OF ENDS ................................................................. 9
11. BALL IN PLAY ........................................................................ 10
12. BALL TOUCHES A LINE ........................................................ 10
13. BALL TOUCHES A PERMANENT FIXTURE ........................ 10
14. ORDER OF SERVICE ............................................................ 10
15. ORDER OF RECEIVING IN DOUBLES ................................. 10
16. THE SERVICE ........................................................................ 11
17. SERVING ............................................................................... 11
18. FOOT FAULT ......................................................................... 11
19. SERVICE FAULT ................................................................... 12
20. SECOND SERVICE ............................................................... 13
21. WHEN TO SERVE & RECEIVE ............................................. 13
22. THE LET DURING A SERVICE ............................................. 13
23. THE LET ................................................................................. 13
24. PLAYER LOSES POINT ........................................................ 13
25. A GOOD RETURN ................................................................. 15
26. HINDRANCE .......................................................................... 16
27. CORRECTING ERRORS ....................................................... 17
28. ROLE OF COURT OFFICIALS .............................................. 18
29. CONTINUOUS PLAY ............................................................. 19
30. COACHING ............................................................................ 20
31. PLAYER ANALYSIS TECHNOLOGY .................................... 20
RULES OF WHEELCHAIR TENNIS ............................................ 22
AMENDMENT TO THE RULES OF TENNIS ............................... 25
APPENDIX I: THE BALL .............................................................. 26
CLASSIFICATION OF COURT PACE ......................................... 27
APPENDIX II: THE RACKET ........................................................ 29
APPENDIX III: PLAYER ANALYSIS TECHNOLOGY .................. 30
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 APPENDIX IV: ADVERTISING..................................................... 31
APPENDIX V: ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURES AND SCORING
METHODS ........................................................... 32
APPENDIX VI: ROLE OF COURT OFFICIALS ............................ 35
APPENDIX VII: 10 AND UNDER TENNIS COMPETITION ......... 40
APPENDIX VIII: PLAN OF THE COURT...................................... 42
APPENDIX IX: SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO MARK A COURT 43
APPENDIX X: RULES OF BEACH TENNIS ................................ 46
APPENDIX XI: PROCEDURES FOR REVIEW AND HEARINGS 47

TENNIS CANADA TOURNAMENT REGULATIONS ....................... 53

1. SANCTION ........................................................................... 53
2. TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE.............................................. 54
3. FACT SHEET AND ENTRY FORM ...................................... 55
4. ENTRIES AND ACCEPTANCES ......................................... 56
5. SEEDING.............................................................................. 58
6. BYES .................................................................................... 61
7. HOW TO MAKE THE DRAW ............................................... 65
8. WITHDRAWALS AND SUBSTITUTIONS ............................ 65
9. REST PERIODS ................................................................... 67
10. SUSPENDED AND POSTPONED MATCHES .................... 69
11. WARM-UP PERIOD ............................................................. 69
12. NUMBER OF MATCHES ..................................................... 70
13. SCHEDULING GUIDELINES ............................................... 70
14. MEDICAL CONDITIONS AND TREATMENT ...................... 71
15. PHYSICAL INCAPACITY ..................................................... 72
16. DEFAULTS AND FAILURE TO COMPLETE MATCH ......... 73
17. TOILET BREAK .................................................................... 73
18. PUNCTUALITY ..................................................................... 74
19. PROPER ATTIRE ................................................................. 75
20. ELECTRONIC DEVICES ..................................................... 76
21. MATCH FORMATS .............................................................. 76
22. ROUND ROBIN COMPETITION .......................................... 77
23. PLAYER IMAGES ................................................................ 78
24. DEFINITIONS ....................................................................... 79

THE CODE OF CONDUCT ............................................................... 82

1. VIOLATIONS OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT ..................... 82
2. THE POINT PENALTY SYSTEM ......................................... 86
3. TIME VIOLATIONS .............................................................. 87
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 4. DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS.................................................... 89
5. DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES .......................................... 89
6. SUSPENSIONS AND SUSPENSION POINTS .................... 89
7. JUNIOR TENNIS: LATE WITHDRAWAL AND FAILURE
TO COMPLETE REQUIRED TOURNAMENT EVENTS
(LW/FC) PENALTIES......................................................... 93
8. OVERRULING LINE CALLS IN UNOFFICIATED
MATCHES ............................................................................ 94

OFFICIALS: DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ............................. 96

1. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: AN OVERVIEW .......... 96
2. CHAIR UMPIRE ANNOUNCEMENTS ............................... 104
3. TENNIS CANADA SCORECARD ...................................... 109
4. DEPLOYMENT OF LINE UMPIRES .................................. 114
5. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR OFFICIALS ............................ 118

CASES AND DECISIONS ............................................................... 121

RACQUET .................................................................................. 121
WHEN TO SERVE ..................................................................... 121
THE LET ..................................................................................... 121
LOSING A POINT ...................................................................... 122
PLAYER HINDERS OPPONENT ............................................... 123
GOOD RETURN ........................................................................ 124
HINDRANCE OF A PLAYER ..................................................... 124
OFFICIALS ON COURT ............................................................. 125
TIME AND EQUIPMENT ............................................................ 128
MEDICAL CASES ...................................................................... 131
CHANGING BALLS .................................................................... 135
SERVICES OUT OF TURN IN DOUBLES ................................. 136
ERROR IN ORDER OF RECEIVING IN DOUBLES .................. 136

GUIDELINES FOR UNOFFICIATED MATCHES ........................... 137

PREFACE................................................................................... 137
STARTING THE MATCH AND WARM-UP ................................ 137
SCORING ................................................................................... 138
SERVING ................................................................................... 139
MAKING LINE CALLS ................................................................ 140
LINE CALLS ON CLAY .............................................................. 143
OTHER CALLS .......................................................................... 143
HINDRANCE .............................................................................. 144
MISCELLANEOUS ..................................................................... 145
TOURNAMENT ETTIQUETTE GUIDELINES............................ 147
ENGLISH-FRENCH TENNIS VOCABULARY................................ 149
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 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Plan of the Court ............................................................. 42

Figure 2: Suggestions On How to Mark A Court ............................ 43
Figure 3: Seeding Chart ................................................................. 60
Figure 4: Draw Sheet - 1 ................................................................ 63
Figure 5: Draw Sheet - 2 ................................................................ 64
Figure 6: Scorecard – page 1 ....................................................... 111
Figure 7: Scorecard – page 2 ....................................................... 112
Figure 8: Point Penalty Card ........................................................ 113
Figure 9: Chair and Seven Line Umpires ..................................... 115
Figure 10: Chair and Six Line Umpires .......................................... 116
Figure 11: Chair and Five Line Umpires ........................................ 117

Except where otherwise stated, every reference to the masculine

includes the feminine gender.

Please note that where modifications have been made to the

Rules and Regulations in either 2020, 2021 or 2022 the text is
underlined.

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 THE RULES OF TENNIS
TC Note: The Rules of Tennis are the official rules of the
International Tennis Federation. Tennis Canada, as a member of
the ITF, adopts these Rules. Notes have been added to interpret
these Rules as they apply to events sanctioned by Tennis Canada.

ITF FOREWORD

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) is the governing body of the

game of tennis and its duties and responsibilities include protecting the
integrity of the game through determination of the Rules of Tennis.

To assist the ITF in carrying out this responsibility, the ITF has
appointed a Rules of Tennis Committee which continually monitors the
game and its rules, and when considered necessary makes
recommendations for changes either on a permanent basis or for a
limited trial period to the Board of Directors of the ITF who in turn make
recommendations to the Annual General Meeting of the ITF which is
the ultimate authority for making any changes to the Rules of Tennis.

Appendix V lists all known and approved alternative procedures and

scoring methods. In addition, on its own behalf or on application by
interested parties, certain variations to the rules may be approved by
the ITF for trial purposes only at a limited number of tournaments or
events and/or for a limited time period. Such variations are not included
in the published rules and require a report to the ITF on the conclusion
of the approved trial.

Note: Except where otherwise stated, every reference in these Rules

of Tennis to the masculine includes the feminine gender.

1. THE COURT
The court shall be a rectangle, 78 feet (23.77 m) long and, for singles
matches, 27 feet (8.23 m) wide. For doubles matches, the court shall
be 36 feet (10.97 m) wide.

The court shall be divided across the middle by a net suspended by a

cord or metal cable which shall pass over or be attached to two net
posts at a height of 3 ½ feet (1.07 m). The net shall be fully extended
so that it completely fills the space between the two net posts and it
must be of sufficiently small mesh to ensure that a ball cannot pass
Rules of Tennis

through it. The height of the net shall be 3 feet (0.914 m) at the centre,
where it shall be held down tightly by a strap. A band shall cover the
cord or metal cable and the top of the net. The strap and band shall be
completely white.

• The maximum diameter of the cord or metal cable shall be 1/3 inch
(0.8 cm).
• The maximum width of the strap shall be 2 inches (5 cm).
• The band shall be between 2 inches (5 cm) and 2 ½ inches (6.35 cm)
deep on each side.

For doubles matches, the centres of the net posts shall be 3 feet (0.914
m) outside the doubles court on each side.

For singles matches, if a singles net is used, the centres of the net
posts shall be 3 feet (0.914 m) outside the singles court on each side.
If a doubles net is used, then the net shall be supported, at a height of
3 ½ feet (1.07 m), by two singles sticks, the centres of which shall be 3
feet (0.914 m) outside the singles court on each side.

• The net posts shall not be more than 6 inches (15 cm) square or 6
inches (15 cm) in diameter.
• The singles sticks shall not be more than 3 inches (7.5 cm) square or
3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter.
• The net posts and singles sticks shall not be more than 1 inch (2.5
cm) above the top of the net cord.

The lines at the ends of the court are called baselines and the lines at
the sides of the court are called sidelines.
Two lines shall be drawn between the singles sidelines, 21 feet (6.40
m) from each side of the net, parallel with the net. These lines are called
the servicelines. On each side of the net, the area between the
serviceline and the net shall be divided into two equal parts, the service
courts, by the centre serviceline. The centre serviceline shall be drawn
parallel with the singles sidelines and half way between them.

Each baseline shall be divided in half by a centre mark, 4 inches (10

cm) in length, which shall be drawn inside the court and parallel with
the singles sidelines.

• The centre serviceline and centre mark shall be 2 inches (5 cm) wide.

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 Rules of Tennis

• The other lines of the court shall be between 1 inch (2.5 cm) and 2
inches (5 cm) wide, except that the base lines may be up to 4 inches
(10 cm) wide.

All court measurements shall be made to the outside of the lines and
all lines of the court shall be of the same colour clearly contrasting with
the colour of the surface.

No advertising is allowed on the court, net, strap, band, net posts or

singles sticks except as provided in Appendix IV.

In addition to the court described above, the court designated as “red”

and the court designated as “orange” in Appendix VII can be used for
10 and under tennis competition.

Note: Guidelines for minimum distances between the baseline and

backstops and between the sidelines and sidestops can be found in
Appendix IX.

TC Note: For tournament play, each court should be equipped as

follows:
a. Chair Umpire’s Chair
• The Chair Umpire’s Chair is recommended to be a minimum of six
(6) feet (1.82 metres) and a maximum of eight (8) feet (2.44 metres)
in height;
• The Chair Umpire’s Chair shall be centred along an extension of the
net approximately three (3) feet (0.9 metres) from the net post;
• If a microphone is to be used it must have an “on-off” switch, it must
be easily adjustable and not hand held. There shall be no public
broadcast microphones on the Umpire’s Chair or in its general
vicinity (between the baselines);
• For outdoor tournaments there should be a sunscreen (e.g.,
umbrella) available.
b. Line Umpires’ Chairs
• Chairs for serviceline and baseline Umpires shall be located on an
extension of their respective lines along the side fence. They shall
not be elevated above the surface of the court and should be
positioned no less than twelve (12) feet (3.7 metres) from the side
of the court;
• Chairs for centre serviceline and sideline Umpires should be located
in the corners at the back of the court, unless otherwise directed;
• Whenever the sun is a factor, Line Umpires’ chairs shall be
positioned so that the Line Umpires are not facing the sun;
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Rules of Tennis

• When the sun is not a factor, Line Umpires’ chairs shall be

positioned on the opposite side of the court from the Chair Umpire.
c. Net Umpire’s Chair
• A chair for the Net Umpire shall be located at the net post and, when
possible, on the opposite side from the Chair Umpire’s chair.
d. Players’ Chairs
• Chairs for the players shall be located on each side of the Chair
Umpire.

TC Note: Tennis Canada does not permit any national events to be

played on match courts that have additional court markings, e.g. court
markings for Under 10 Tennis or other sports, including blended
lines.

2. PERMANENT FIXTURES
The permanent fixtures of the court include the backstops and
sidestops, the spectators, the stands and seats for spectators, all other
fixtures around and above the court, the chair umpire, line umpires, net
umpire and ball persons when in their recognised positions.

In a singles match played with a doubles net and singles sticks, the net
posts and the part of the net outside the singles sticks are permanent
fixtures and are not considered as net posts or part of the net.

TC Note. The net dividers separating courts at indoor facilities are

considered to be permanent fixtures, irrespective of their distance from
the doubles sideline.

3. THE BALL
Balls, which are approved for play under the Rules of Tennis, must
comply with the specifications in Appendix I.

The International Tennis Federation shall rule on the question of

whether any ball or prototype complies with Appendix I or is otherwise
approved, or not approved, for play. Such ruling may be taken 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 (see Appendix XI).

The event organisers must announce in advance of the event:

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 Rules of Tennis

a. The number of balls for play (2, 3, 4 or 6).

b. The ball change policy, if any.

Ball changes, if any, can be made either:

i. After an agreed odd number of games, in which case, the first ball
change in the match shall take place two games earlier than for the
rest of the match, to make allowance for the warm-up. A tie-break
game counts as one game for the ball change. A ball change shall
not take place at the beginning of a tie-break game. In this case, the
ball change shall be delayed until the beginning of the second game
of the next set; or
ii. At the beginning of a set

If a ball gets broken during play, the point shall be replayed.

TC Note: For this rule a broken ball is defined as a ball that has no
compression or that has serious damage to its surface. A soft ball is
not considered a broken ball.

Case 1: If a ball is soft at the end of a point, should the point be

replayed?
Decision: If the ball is soft, not broken, the point shall not be replayed.

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.

TC Note: After a ball change has been made, a ball is considered to

be new until the start of the third game using those balls. Similarly, at
the start of a match, a ball is considered to be new until the start of the
first game of the match since, for ball-wear purposes, the warm-up
counts as two games. A new ball that needs to be replaced (e.g., lost
or broken) should be replaced by another new ball. A ball that is no
longer considered to be new should be replaced by a ball of similar
wear relative to the ball being replaced.

4. THE RACKET
Rackets, which are approved for play under the Rules of Tennis, must
comply with the specifications in Appendix II.

The International Tennis Federation shall rule on the question of

whether any racket or prototype complies with Appendix II or is
otherwise approved, or not approved, for play. Such ruling may be
5
Rules of Tennis

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
(see Appendix XI).

Case 1: Is more than one set of strings allowed on the hitting surface
of a racket?
Decision: No. The rule mentions a pattern (not patterns) of crossed
strings. (See Appendix II)

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 vibration damping devices be placed on the strings of a

racket? If so, where can they be placed?
Decision: Yes, but these devices may only be placed outside the
pattern of the crossed strings.

TC Note: There are no limitations as to how many vibration dampening

devices may be placed outside the pattern of the crossed strings.

Case 4: During a point, a player accidentally breaks the strings. Can

the player continue to play another point with this racket?
Decision: Yes, except where specifically prohibited by event
organisers.

TC Note: In events sanctioned by Tennis Canada, a player may not

start a point with a broken racket nor with a racket having a broken
string. If a player breaks a string during the course of play he/she must
complete that point. If the server or the receiver breaks a string on a let
first serve, he/she must change the racket immediately. If the server
breaks a string on a first serve fault, the server may elect to change his
racket, in which case he/she must then play a second serve. If the
receiver breaks a string on a first service fault, and the receiver elects
to change his racket, then a first serve shall be awarded. If the receiver
elects not to change his/her racket, then the server must play a second
serve.

Case 5: Is a player allowed to use more than one racket at any time
during play?
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 Rules of Tennis

Decision: No.

Case 6: Can a battery that affects playing characteristics be

incorporated into a racket?
Decision: No. A battery is prohibited because it is an energy source, as
are solar cells and other similar devices.

5. SCORE IN A GAME
a. Standard game
A standard game is scored as follows with the server’s score being
called first:

No point - “Love”
First point - “15”
Second point - “30”
Third point - “40”
Fourth point - “Game”
except that if both players/teams have won three points, the score
is “Deuce”. After “Deuce”, the score is “Advantage” for the
player/team who wins the next point. If that same player/team also
wins the next point, that player/team wins the “Game”; if the
opposing player/team wins the next point, the score is again
“Deuce”. A player/team needs to win two consecutive points
immediately after “Deuce” to win the “Game”.

b. Tie-break game
During a tie-break game, points are scored “Zero”,“1”, “2”, “3”, etc.
The first player/team to win seven points wins the “Game” and “Set”,
provided there is a margin of two points over the opponent(s). If
necessary, the tie-break game shall continue until this margin is
achieved.

The player whose turn it is to serve shall serve the first point of the
tie-break game. The following two points shall be served by the
opponent(s) (in doubles, the player of the opposing team due to
serve next). After this, each player/team shall serve alternately for
two consecutive points until the end of the tie-break game (in
doubles, the rotation of service within each team shall continue in
the same order as during that set).

The player/team whose turn it was to serve first in the tie-break

game shall be the receiver in the first game of the following set.

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Rules of Tennis

Additional approved alternative scoring methods can be found in

Appendix V.

6. SCORE IN A SET
There are different methods of scoring in a set. The two main methods
are the “Advantage Set” and the “Tie-break Set”. Either method may
be used provided that the one to be used is announced in advance of
the event. If the “Tie-break Set” method is to be used, it must also be
announced whether the final set will be played as a “Tie-break Set” or
an “Advantage Set”.

a. “Advantage Set”
The first player/team to win six games wins that “Set”, provided
there is a margin of two games over the opponent(s). If necessary,
the set shall continue until this margin is achieved.

b. “Tie-break Set”
The first player/team to win six games wins that “Set”, provided
there is a margin of two games over the opponent(s). If the score
reaches six games all, a tie-break game shall be played.

Additional approved alternative scoring methods can be found in

Appendix V.

TC Note: Tennis Canada Regulations require that a tie-break be

played in all sets.

TC Note: At the conclusion of a tie-break game (the 13th game of a “tie-

break set”) the players or teams will change ends, as they would after
any odd-numbered game, in order to commence the first game of the
following set.

7. SCORE IN A MATCH
A match can be played to the best of 3 sets (a player/team needs to
win 2 sets to win the match) or to the best of 5 sets (a player/team
needs to win 3 sets to win the match).

Additional approved alternative scoring methods can be found in

Appendix V.

TC Note: Tennis Canada Regulations require that a match be played

to the best of 3 sets, except where the “short sets” scoring method is
in effect.
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 Rules of Tennis

8. SERVER & RECEIVER

The players/teams shall stand on opposite sides of the net. The server
is the player who puts the ball into play for the first point. The receiver
is the player who is ready to return the ball served by the server.

Case: Is the receiver allowed to stand outside the lines of the court?
Decision: Yes. The receiver may take any position inside or outside the
lines on the receiver’s side of the net.

9. CHOICE OF ENDS & SERVICE

The choice of ends and the choice to be server or receiver in the first
game shall be decided by toss before the warm-up starts. The
player/team who wins the toss may choose:

a. To be server or receiver in the first game of the match, in which case

the opponent(s) shall choose the end of the court for the first game
of the match; or

b. The end of the court for the first game of the match, in which case
the opponent(s) shall choose to be server or receiver for the first
game of the match; or

c. To require the opponent(s) to make one of the above choices.

Case 1: Do both players/teams have the right to new choices if the

warm-up is stopped and the players leave the court?
Decision: Yes. The result of the original toss stands, but new choices
may be made by both players/teams.

10. CHANGE OF ENDS

The players shall change ends at the end of the first, third and every
subsequent odd game of each set. The players shall also change ends
at the end of each set unless the total number of games in that set is
even, in which case the players change ends at the end of the first
game of the next set.

During a tie-break game, players shall change ends after every six
points.

Additional approved alternative procedures can be found in Appendix

V.

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Rules of Tennis

11. BALL IN PLAY

Unless a fault or a let is called, the ball is in play from the moment the
server hits the ball, and remains in play until the point is decided.

12. BALL TOUCHES A LINE

If a ball touches a line, it is regarded as touching the court bounded by
that line.

13. BALL TOUCHES A PERMANENT FIXTURE

If the ball in play touches a permanent fixture after it has hit the correct
court, the player who hit the ball wins the point. If the ball in play
touches a permanent fixture before it hits the ground, the player who
hit the ball loses the point.

14. ORDER OF SERVICE

At the end of each standard game, the receiver shall become the server
and the server shall become the receiver for the next game.

In doubles, the team due to serve in the first game of each set shall
decide which player shall serve for that game. Similarly, before the
second game starts, their opponents shall decide which player shall
serve for that game. The partner of the player who served in the first
game shall serve in the third game and the partner of the player who
served in the second game shall serve in the fourth game. This rotation
shall continue until the end of the set.

15. ORDER OF RECEIVING IN DOUBLES

The team which is due to receive in the first game of a set shall decide
which player shall receive the first point in the game. Similarly, before
the second game starts, their opponents shall decide which player shall
receive the first point of that game. The player who was the receiver’s
partner for the first point of the game shall receive the second point and
this rotation shall continue until the end of the game and the set.

After the receiver has returned the ball, either player in a team can hit
the ball.

Case 1: Is one member of a doubles team allowed to play alone against

the opponents?
Decision: No.

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 Rules of Tennis

16. THE SERVICE

Immediately before starting the service motion, the server shall stand
at rest with both feet behind (i.e. further from the net than) the baseline
and within the imaginary extensions of the centre mark and the
sideline.

The server shall then release the ball by hand in any direction and hit
the ball with the racket before the ball hits the ground. The service
motion is completed at the moment that the player’s racket hits or
misses the ball. A player who is able to use only one arm may use the
racket for the release of the ball.

TC Note: The Server may use an underhand or overhead service at

his discretion.

TC Note: The server may elect to catch the ball with his hand or racket,
as long as there is no attempt to strike at the ball (See Rule 19, Case
1).

TC Note: If the served ball strikes the Receiver before the ball hits the
ground, he loses the point (See Rule 24 (h) and Case 7). If the Receiver
is struck after the served ball hits the net, before hitting the ground, the
server is entitled to that serve again (See Rule 22).

17. SERVING
When serving in a standard game, the server shall stand behind
alternate halves of the court, starting from the right half of the court in
every game.

In a tie-break game, the service shall be served from behind alternate

halves of the court, with the first served from the right half of the court.

The service shall pass over the net and hit the service court diagonally
opposite, before the receiver returns it.

18. FOOT FAULT

During the service motion, the server shall not:

a. Change position by walking or running, although slight movements

of the feet are permitted; or

b. Touch the baseline or the court with either foot; or

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Rules of Tennis

c. Touch the area outside the imaginary extension of the sideline with
either foot; or

d. Touch the imaginary extension of the centre mark with either foot.

If the server breaks this rule it is a “Foot Fault”.

Case 1: In a singles match, is the server allowed to serve standing

behind the part of the base line between the singles sideline and the
doubles sideline?
Decision: No.

Case 2: Is the server allowed to have one or both feet off the ground?
Decision: Yes.

19. SERVICE FAULT

The service is a fault if:

a. The server breaks rules 16, 17 or 18; or

b. The server misses the ball when trying to hit it; or

c. The ball served touches a permanent fixture, singles stick or net post
before it hits the ground; or

d. The ball served touches the server or server’s partner, or anything

the server or server’s partner is wearing or carrying.

Case 1: After tossing a ball to serve, the server decides not to hit it and
catches it instead. Is this a fault?
Decision: No. A player, who tosses the ball and then decides not to hit
it, is allowed to catch the ball with the hand or the racket, or to let the
ball bounce.

Case 2: During a singles match played on a court with net posts and
singles sticks, the ball served hits a singles stick and then hits the
correct service court. Is this a fault?
Decision: Yes.

TC Note: In doubles, when the server hits his partner with a served
ball, it is a fault.

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 Rules of Tennis

20. SECOND SERVICE

If the first service is a fault, the server shall serve again without delay
from behind the same half of the court from which that fault was served,
unless the service was from the wrong half.

21. WHEN TO SERVE & RECEIVE

The server shall not serve until the receiver is ready. However, the
receiver shall play to the reasonable pace of the server and shall be
ready to receive within a reasonable time of the server being ready.

A receiver who attempts to return the service shall be considered as

being ready. If it is demonstrated that the receiver is not ready, the
service cannot be called a fault.

22. THE LET DURING A SERVICE

The service is a let if:

a. 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 the receiver’s partner or anything they wear or carry before hitting
the ground; or

b. The ball is served when the receiver is not ready.

In the case of a service let, that particular service shall not count, and
the server shall serve again, but a service let does not cancel a
previous fault.

Additional approved alternative procedures can be found in Appendix

V.

23. THE LET

In all cases when a let is called, except when a service let is called on
a second service, the whole point shall be replayed.

Case 1: When the ball is in play, another ball rolls onto court. A let is
called. The server had previously served a fault. Is the server now
entitled to a first service or second service?
Decision: First service. The whole point must be replayed.

24. PLAYER LOSES POINT

The point is lost if:

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Rules of Tennis

a. The player serves two consecutive faults; or

b. The player does not return the ball in play before it bounces twice
consecutively; or
c. The player returns the ball in play so that it hits the ground, or before
it bounces, an object, outside the correct court; or

TC Note: If the player striking the ball hits a scoring device or other
object attached to a net post, he loses the point.

d. The player returns the ball in play so that, before it bounces, it hits a
permanent fixture; or
e. The receiver returns the service before it bounces; or
f. The player deliberately carries or catches the ball in play on the racket
or deliberately touches it with the racket more than once; or

TC Note: Two hits, unintentionally occurring in the course of a single

continuous swing, are not deemed a double hit.

g. The player or the racket, whether in the player’s hand or not, or

anything which the player is wearing or carrying touches the net, net
posts/singles sticks, cord or metal cable, strap or band, or the
opponent’s court at any time while the ball is in play; or
h. The player hits the ball before it has passed the net; or
i. The ball in play touches the player or anything that the player is
wearing or carrying, except the racket; or
j. The ball in play touches the racket when the player is not holding it;
or
k. The player deliberately and materially changes the shape of the
racket when the ball is in play; or
l. In doubles, both players touch the ball when returning it.

Case 1: After the server has served a first service, the racket falls out
of the server’s hand and touches the net before the ball has bounced.
Is this a service fault, or does the server lose the point?
Decision: The server loses the point because the racket touches the
net while the ball is in play.

Case 2: After the server has served a first service, the racket falls out
of the server’s hand and touches the net after the ball has bounced
outside the correct service court. Is this a service fault, or does the
server lose the point?
Decision: This is a service fault because when the racket touched the
net the ball was no longer in play.
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 Rules of Tennis

Case 3: In a doubles match, the receiver’s partner touches the net

before the ball that has been served touches the ground outside the
correct service court. What is the correct decision?
Decision: The receiving team loses the point because the receiver’s
partner touched the net while the ball was in play.

Case 4: Does a player lose the point if an imaginary line in the

extension of the net is crossed before or after hitting the ball?
Decision: The player does not lose the point in either case provided the
player does not touch the opponent’s court.

Case 5: Is a player allowed to jump over the net into the opponent’s
court while the ball is in play?
Decision: No. The player loses the point.

Case 6: A player throws the racket at the ball in play. Both the racket
and the ball land in the court on the opponent’s side of the net and the
opponent(s) is unable to reach the ball. Which player wins the point?
Decision: The player who threw the racket at the ball loses the point.

Case 7: A ball that has just been served hits the receiver or in doubles
the receiver’s partner before it touches the ground. Which player wins
the point?
Decision: The server wins the point, unless it is a service let.

Case 8: A player standing outside the court hits the ball or catches it
before it bounces and claims the point because the ball was definitely
going out of the correct court.
Decision: The player loses the point, unless it is a good return, in which
case the point continues.

25. A GOOD RETURN

It is a good return if:

a. The ball touches the net, 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 correct court; except as provided in Rule
2 and 24 (d); or
b. After the ball in play has hit the ground within the correct court and
has spun or been blown back over the net, the player reaches over
the net and plays the ball into the correct court, provided that the
player does not break Rule 24; or
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Rules of Tennis

c. The ball is returned outside the net posts, either above or below the
level of the top of the net, even though it touches the net posts,
provided that it hits the ground in the correct court; except as
provided in Rules 2 and 24 (d); or
d. The ball passes under the net cord between the singles stick and
the adjacent net post without touching either net, net cord or net post
and hits the ground in the correct court, or
e. The player’s racket passes over the net after hitting the ball on the
player’s own side of the net and the ball hits the ground in the correct
court; or
f. The player hits the ball in play, which hits another ball lying in the
correct court.

Case 1: A player returns a ball which then hits a singles stick and hits
the ground in the correct court. Is this is a good return?
Decision: Yes. However, if the ball is served and hits the singles stick,
it is a service fault.

Case 2: A ball in play hits another ball which is lying in the correct court.
What is the correct decision?
Decision: Play continues. However, if it is not clear that the actual ball
in play has been returned, a let should be called.

26. HINDRANCE
If a player is hindered in playing the point by a deliberate act of the
opponent(s), the player shall win the point.

However, the point shall be replayed if a player is hindered in playing

the point by either an unintentional act of the opponent(s), or something
outside the player’s own control (not including a permanent fixture).

Case 1: Is an unintentional double hit a hindrance?

Decision: No. See also Rule 24 (e).

Case 2: A player claims to have stopped play because the player

thought that the opponent(s) was being hindered. Is this a hindrance?
Decision: No, the player loses the point.

Case 3: A ball in play hits a bird flying over the court. Is this a
hindrance?
Decision: Yes, the point shall be replayed.

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 Rules of Tennis

Case 4: During a point, a ball or other object that was lying on the
player’s side of the net when the point started hinders the player. Is this
a hindrance?
Decision: No.

Case 5: In doubles, where are the server’s partner and receiver’s

partner allowed to stand?
Decision: The server’s partner and the receiver’s partner may take any
position on their own side of the net, inside or outside the court.
However, if a player is creating a hindrance to the opponent(s), the
hindrance rule should be used.

27. CORRECTING ERRORS

As a principle, when an error in respect of the Rules of Tennis is
discovered, all points previously played shall stand. Errors so
discovered shall be corrected as follows:

a. During a standard game or a tie-break game, if a player serves from

the wrong half of the court, this should be corrected as soon as the
error is discovered and the server shall serve from the correct half
of the court according to the score. A fault that was served before
the error was discovered shall stand.
b. During a standard game or a tie-break game, if the players are at
the wrong ends of the court, the error should be corrected as soon
as it is discovered and the server shall serve from the correct end
of the court according to the score.
TC Note: When players change ends in order to correct their
position at the wrong ends of the court, a fault served does not
stand. Play will continue according to the score, but with a first
serve.
c. If a player serves out of turn during a standard game, the player
who was originally due to serve shall serve as soon as the error is
discovered. However, if a game is completed before the error is
discovered the order of service shall remain as altered. In this case,
any ball change to be made after an agreed number of games
should be made one game later than originally scheduled.
A fault that was served by the opponents(s) before the error was
discovered shall not stand.
In doubles, if the partners of one team serve out of turn, a fault that
was served before the error was discovered shall stand.
d. If a player serves out of turn during a tie-break game and the error
is discovered after an even number of points have been played, the
error is corrected immediately. If the error is discovered after an odd
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Rules of Tennis

number of points have been played, the order of service shall

remain as altered.
A fault that was served by the opponent(s) before the error was
discovered shall not stand.
In doubles, if the partners of one team serve out of turn, a fault that
was served before the error was discovered shall stand.
e. During a standard game or a tie-break game in doubles, if there is
an error in the order of receiving, this shall remain as altered until
the end of the game in which the error is discovered. For the next
game in which they are the receivers in that set, the partners shall
then resume the original order of receiving.
f. If in error a tie-break game is started at 6 games all, when it was
previously agreed that the set would be an “Advantage set”, the
error shall be corrected immediately if only one point has been
played. If the error is discovered after the second point is in play,
the set will continue as a “Tie-break set”.
g. If in error a standard game is started at 6 games all, when it was
previously agreed that the set would be a “Tie-break set”, the error
shall be corrected immediately if only one point has been played. If
the error is discovered after the second point is in play, the set will
continue as an “Advantage set” until the score reaches 8 games all
(or a higher even number), when a tie-break game shall be played.
h. If in error an “Advantage set” or “Tie-break set” is started, when it
was previously agreed that the final set would be a deciding match
tie-break, the error shall be corrected immediately if only one point
has been played. If the error is discovered after the second point is
in play, the set will continue either until a player or team wins three
games (and therefore the set) or until the score reaches 2 games
all, when a deciding match tie-break shall be played. However, if
the error is discovered after the second point of the fifth game has
started, the set will continue as a “Tie-break set”. (See Appendix V)
i. If the balls are not changed in the correct sequence, the error shall
be corrected when the player/team who should have served with
new balls is next due to serve a new game. Thereafter the balls
shall be changed so that the number of games between ball
changes shall be that originally agreed. Balls should not be changed
during a game.

28. ROLE OF COURT OFFICIALS

For matches where officials are appointed, their roles and
responsibilities can be found in Appendix VI.

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 Rules of Tennis

29. CONTINUOUS PLAY

As a principle, play should be continuous, from the time the match
starts (when the first service of the match is put in play) until the match
finishes.

a. Between points, a maximum of twenty-five (25) seconds is

allowed.
When the players change ends at the end of a game, a maximum
of ninety (90) seconds are allowed. However, after the first game
of each set and during a tie-break game, play shall be continuous
and the players shall change ends without a rest.
At the end of each set there shall be a set break of a maximum of
one hundred and twenty (120) seconds.
The maximum time starts from the moment that one point finishes
until the first service is struck for the next point.
Event organisers may apply for ITF approval to extend the ninety
(90) seconds allowed when the players change ends at the end of
a game and the one hundred and twenty (120) seconds allowed at
a set break.
b. If, for reasons outside the player’s control, clothing, footwear or
necessary equipment (excluding the racket) is broken or needs to
be replaced, the player may be allowed reasonable extra time to
rectify the problem.

TC Note: Loss of, or damage to, a contact lens or eyeglasses shall be

treated as equipment out of adjustment; reasonable time will be
allowed to rectify the problem.

c. No extra time shall be given to allow a player to recover condition.

However, a player suffering from a treatable medical condition may
be allowed one medical time-out of three minutes for the treatment
of that medical condition. A limited number of toilet/change of attire
breaks may also be allowed, if this is announced in advance of the
event.
d. Event organisers may allow a rest period of a maximum of ten (10)
minutes if this is announced in advance of the event. This rest
period can be taken after the 3rd set in a best of 5 sets match, or
after the 2nd set in a best of 3 sets match.
e. The warm-up time shall be a maximum of five (5) minutes, unless
otherwise decided by the event organisers.

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Rules of Tennis

TC Note: The Tournament Director, Referee, or Roving Umpire may at

his discretion extend the 5 minute warm-up period, but the warm-up
period shall not exceed 10 minutes.

30. COACHING
Coaching is considered to be communication, advice or instruction of
any kind and by any means to a player.

In team events where there is a team captain sitting on-court, the team
captain may coach the player(s) during a set break and when the
players change ends at the end of a game, but not when the players
change ends after the first game of each set and not during a tie-break
game.

In all other matches, coaching is not allowed.

Case 1: Is a player allowed to be coached, if the coaching is given by

signals in a discreet way?
Decision: No.

Case 2: Is a player allowed to receive coaching when play is

suspended?
Decision: Yes.

Case 3: Is a player allowed to receive on-court coaching during a

match?
Decision: Sanctioning bodies may apply to the ITF to have on-court
coaching allowed. In events where on-court coaching is allowed,
designated coaches may enter the court and coach their players under
procedures decided by the sanctioning body.

TC Note: In a team competition, when there is coaching on a change

of ends, the time elapsed shall not exceed 90 seconds; on a set break
the time elapsed shall not exceed 120 seconds.

31. PLAYER ANALYSIS TECHNOLOGY

Player analysis technology, that is approved for play under the Rules
of Tennis, must comply with the specifications in Appendix III.

The International Tennis Federation shall rule on the question of

whether any such equipment is approved, or not approved. Such ruling
may be taken on its own initiative, or upon application by any party with
a bona fide interest therein, including any player, equipment
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 Rules of Tennis

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
(see Appendix XI).

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Rules of Tennis

RULES OF WHEELCHAIR TENNIS

The game of wheelchair tennis follows the ITF Rules of Tennis with the
following exceptions.

a. The Two Bounce Rule

The wheelchair tennis player is allowed two bounces of the ball.
The player must return the ball before it bounces a third time.
The second bounce can be either in or out of the court
boundaries.

b. The Wheelchair
The wheelchair is considered part of the body and all applicable
rules which apply to a player’s body shall apply to the
wheelchair.

c. The Service
The service shall be delivered in the following manner:

i. The service shall be delivered in the following manner.

Immediately before commencing the serve, the server shall be in
a stationary position. The server shall then be allowed one push
before striking the ball.
ii. The server shall throughout the delivery of the service not
touch with any wheel, any area other than that behind the
baseline within the imaginary extension of the centre mark and
sideline.
iii. If conventional methods for the service are physically
impossible for a quad player, then the player or another
individual may drop the ball for such a player and allow it to
bounce before it is struck. If this is the case, the same method
of serving must be used for the entire match.

d. Player Loses Point

A player loses a point if:

i. The player fails to return the ball before it has bounced three
times; or
ii. Subject to rule f) below, the player uses any part of his feet or
lower extremities against the ground or against any wheel
while delivering service, stroking a ball, turning or stopping
against the ground or against any wheel while the ball is in
play; or
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 Rules of Tennis

iii. The player fails to keep one buttock in contact with his
wheelchair seat when contacting the ball.

e. The Wheelchair
Wheelchairs used in all competitions played under the Rules of
Wheelchair Tennis must comply with the following specifications:

i. The wheelchair may be constructed of any material provided

that such material is non-reflective and does not constitute a
hindrance to the opponent.
ii. Wheels may have a single pushrim only. No changes to the
wheelchair that afford the player a mechanical advantage are
permitted, such as levers or gears. During normal play, wheels
shall not leave permanent marks on, or otherwise damage, the
court surface.
iii. Subject to Rule e(v), players shall use only the wheels
(including pushrims) to propel the wheelchair. No steering,
braking or gearing or other device that may assist operation of
the wheelchair, including energy storage systems, is
permitted.
iv. The height of the seat (including cushion) shall be fixed and
players’ buttocks shall remain in contact with the seat during
the playing of a point. Strapping may be used to secure the
player to the wheelchair.
v. Players who meet the requirements of Rule 4.5 in the ITF
Classification Manual may use a wheelchair powered by
electric motor(s) (a “powered wheelchair”). Powered
wheelchairs must not be able to exceed 15 km/h in any
direction and shall be controlled by the player only.
vi. Applications may be made for modifications to the wheelchair
for legitimate medical reasons. All such applications shall be
submitted to the ITF Sport Science & Medicine Commission for
approval a minimum of 60 days prior to intended use in an ITF-
sanctioned event. A decision to reject a proposed modification
may be appealed under Appendix A of the ITF Wheelchair
Tennis Regulations.

e. Propelling the Chair with the Foot

i. If due to lack of capacity a player is unable to propel the

wheelchair via the wheel then he may propel the wheelchair
using one foot.

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Rules of Tennis

ii. Even if in accordance with rule e) i. above a player is permitted

to propel the chair using one foot, no part of the player’s foot
may be in contact with the ground:
a) during the forward motion of the swing, including when the
racket strikes the ball;
b) from the initiation of the service motion until the racket
strikes the ball.
iii. A player in breach of this rule shall lose a point

f. Wheelchair/Able-bodied Tennis
Where a wheelchair tennis player is playing with or against an
able-bodied person in singles and doubles, the Rules of
Wheelchair Tennis shall apply for the wheelchair player while the
Rules of Tennis for able-bodied tennis shall apply for the able-
bodied player. In this instance, the wheelchair player is allowed
two bounces while the able-bodied player is allowed only one
bounce.

Note: The definition of lower extremities is: the lower limb, including
the buttocks, hips, thighs, legs, ankles and feet.

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 Rules of Tennis

AMENDMENT TO THE RULES OF TENNIS

The official and decisive text to the Rules of Tennis shall be for ever in
the English language and no alteration or interpretation of such Rules
shall be made except at an Annual General Meeting of the Council, nor
unless notice of the resolution embodying such alteration shall have
been received by the Federation in accordance with Article 17 of the
Constitution of ITF Ltd (Notice of Resolutions) and such resolution or
one having the like effect shall be carried by a majority of two-thirds of
the votes recorded in respect of the same.

Any alteration so made shall take effect as from the first day of January
following unless the Meeting shall by the like majority decide otherwise.

The Board of Directors shall have power, however, to settle all urgent
questions of interpretation subject to confirmation at the General
Meeting next following.

This Rule shall not be altered at any time without the unanimous
consent of a General Meeting of the Council.

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Rules of Tennis

APPENDIX I: THE BALL

For all measurements in Appendix I, SI units shall take precedence.

a. The ball shall have a uniform outer surface consisting of a fabric

cover except for the Stage 3 (Red) foam ball. If there are any seams
they shall be stitchless.

b. The ball shall conform to one of the types specified in the table
immediately below or in the table under paragraph (d).

Notes:
1
This ball type may be pressurised or pressureless. The pressureless ball shall have an
internal pressure that is no greater than 7 kPa (1 psi) and may be used for high altitude
play above 1,219 m (4,000 feet) above sea level and shall have been acclimatised for
60 days or more at the altitude of the specific tournament.
2
This ball type is also recommended for high altitude play on any court surface type
above 1,219 m (4,000 feet) above sea level.
3
This ball type is pressurised and is an additional ball specified for high altitude play
above 1,219 m (4,000 feet) above sea level only.
4
The deformation shall be the average of a single reading along each of three
perpendicular axes. No two individual readings shall differ by more than .08 cm (.031
inches).

c. In addition, all ball types specified under paragraph (b) shall conform
to the requirements of durability as shown in the following table:

Notes:

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 Rules of Tennis
1
The largest permissible change in the specified properties resulting from the durability
test described in the current edition of ITF Approved Tennis Balls & Classified Court
Surfaces. The durability test uses laboratory equipment to simulate the effects of nine
games of play

d. Only the ball types specified in the table below can be used in 10
and under tennis competition:

Notes:
1
The deformation shall be the average of a single reading along each of three
perpendicular axes. There is no limit on the difference between individual deformation
readings. There is no specification for return deformation.
2
All coloured dots shall be reasonable in size and placement.

e. All tests for rebound, mass, size, deformation and durability shall be
made in accordance with the Regulations described in the current
edition of ITF Approved Tennis Balls & Classified Court Surfaces &
Recognized Courts.

CLASSIFICATION OF COURT PACE

The ITF test method used for determining the pace of a court surface
is ITF CS 01/02 (ITF Court Pace Rating) as described in the ITF
publication entitled “ITF guide to test methods for tennis court
surfaces”.

Court surfaces which have an ITF Court Pace Rating of 0 to 29 shall

be classified as being Category 1 (slow pace). Examples of court
surface types which conform to this classification will include most clay
courts and other types of unbound mineral surface.

Court surfaces which have an ITF Court Pace Rating of 30 to 34 shall

be classified as being Category 2 (medium-slow pace), while court
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Rules of Tennis

surfaces with an ITF Court Pace Rating of 35 to 39 shall be classified

as being Category 3 (medium pace). Examples of court surface types
which conform to this classification will include most acrylic coated
surfaces plus some carpet surfaces.

Court surfaces with an ITF Court Pace Rating of 40 to 44 shall be

classified as being Category 4 (medium-fast pace), while court
surfaces which have an ITF Court Pace Rating of 45 or more shall be
classified as being Category 5 (fast pace). Examples of court surface
types which conform to this classification will include most natural
grass, artificial grass and some carpet surfaces.

Case 1: Which ball type should be used on which court surface?

Decision: 3 different types of balls are approved for play under the
Rules of Tennis, however:
a. Ball Type 1 (fast speed) is intended for play on slow pace court
surfaces
b. Ball Type 2 (medium speed) is intended for play on medium-slow,
medium and medium-fast pace court surfaces
c. Ball Type 3 (slow speed) is intended for play on fast pace court
surfaces

Note:
In addition to the ball types specified under paragraph (b) above, the
stage 1 (Green) ball may be used for all levels of competitive play
except for world ranking professional tennis events, Davis Cup and Fed
Cup, the Olympic Tennis Event, Junior Tournaments and Team events
sanctioned by the ITF and affiliated regional associations, ITF Senior
circuit and team events and ITF Wheelchair Circuit and Team events.
Each National Association shall have the right to decide which national
competitive events should use the stage 1 (Green) ball.

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 Rules of Tennis

APPENDIX II: THE RACKET

For all measurements in Appendix II, SI units shall take precedence.

a. The racket shall consist of a frame and string(s). The frame shall
consist of a handle and head, and may also include a throat. The
head is defined as that part of the racket to which the string(s)
connect. The handle is defined as that part of the racket connected
to the head which is held by the player in normal use. The throat,
where present, is that part of the racket that joins the handle to the
head.

b. The hitting surface, defined as the main area of the stringing pattern
bordered by the points of entry of the strings into the head or points
of contact of the strings with the head, whichever is the smaller, shall
be flat and consist of a pattern of crossed strings, which shall be
alternately interlaced or bonded where they cross. The stringing
pattern must 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.

c. The racket shall not exceed 73.7 cm (29.0 inches) in overall length,
and 31.7 cm (12.5 inches) in overall width. The hitting surface shall
not exceed 39.4 cm (15.5 inches) in overall length, when measured
parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle, and 29.2 cm (11.5
inches) in overall width, when measured perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the handle.

d. The racket shall be free of any attached object, protrusion or device

which makes it possible to change materially the shape of the
racket, or its moment of inertia about any principal axis, or to change
any physical property which may affect the performance of the
racket during the playing of a point. Attached objects, protrusions
and devices that are approved as Player Analysis Technology, or
that are utilised to limit or prevent wear and tear or vibration or, for
the frame only, to distribute weight, are permitted. All permissible
objects, protrusions and devices must be reasonable in size and
placement for their respective purpose(s).
No energy source that in any way could change or affect the playing
characteristics of a racket may be built into or attached to a racket.
.

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Rules of Tennis

APPENDIX III: PLAYER ANALYSIS TECHNOLOGY

Player Analysis Technology is equipment that may perform any of the

following functions with respect to player performance information:

A. Recording

B. Storing

C. Transmission

D. Analysis

E. Communication to player of any kind and by any means

Player Analysis Technology may record and/or store information during

a match. Such information may only be accessed by a player in
accordance with Rule 30.

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 Rules of Tennis

APPENDIX IV: ADVERTISING

1. Advertising is permitted on the net as long as it is placed on the part

of the net that is within 3 feet (0.914 m) from the centre of the net
posts and is produced in such a way that it does not interfere with
the vision of the players or the playing conditions.
A mark (non-commercial) of the sanctioning body is permitted on
the lower part of the net, minimum 20 inches (0.51 m) from the top
of the net, as long as it is produced in such a way that it does not
interfere with the vision of the players or the playing conditions.

2. Advertising and other marks or material placed at the back and sides
of the court shall be permitted unless it interferes with the vision of
the players or the playing conditions.

3. Advertising and other marks or material placed on the court surface

outside the lines is permitted unless it interferes with the vision of
the players or the playing conditions.

4. Notwithstanding paragraphs (1), (2) and (3) above, any advertising,

marks or material placed on the net or placed at the back and sides
of the court, or on the court surface outside the lines may not contain
white or yellow or other light colours that may interfere with the
vision of the players or the playing conditions.

5. Advertising and other marks or material are not permitted on the

court surface inside the lines of the court.

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Rules of Tennis

APPENDIX V: ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURES AND SCORING

METHODS

The alternatives listed in this Appendix V may be used.

SCORE IN A GAME (Rule 5):

“NO-AD” SCORING METHOD

A “No-Ad” game is scored as follows with the server’s score being

called first:

No point - “Love”
First point - “15”
Second point - “30”
Third point - “40”
Fourth point - “Game”

If both players/teams have won three points each, the score is “Deuce”
and a deciding point shall be played. The receiver(s) shall choose
whether to receive the service from the right half or the left half of the
court. In doubles, the players of the receiving team cannot change
positions to receive this deciding point. The player/team who wins the
deciding point wins the “Game”.

In mixed doubles, the player of the same gender as the server shall
receive the deciding point. The players of the receiving team cannot
change positions to receive the deciding point.

SCORE IN A SET (Rules 6 and 7):

1. “SHORT” SETS
The first player/team who wins four games wins that set, provided
there is a margin of two games over the opponent(s). If the score
reaches four games all, a tie-break game shall be played.
Alternatively (at the discretion of the sanctioning body), if the score
reaches three games all, a tie-break game shall be played.

2. SHORT SET TIE-BREAK

When playing Short Sets only, a Short Set tie-break may be used.
The first player/team to win five points wins the “Game” and “Set”,
with a deciding point if the score reaches four all. The order and
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number of serves shall be determined by the sanctioning body.

Players/Teams will only change ends after the first four points have
been played.

3. DECIDING MATCH TIE-BREAK (7 POINTS)

When the score in a match is one set all, or two sets all in best of
five sets matches, one tie-break game shall be played to decide the
match. This tie-break game replaces the deciding final set.
The player/team who first wins seven points shall win this match tie-
break and the match provided there is a margin of two points over
the opponent(s).

4. DECIDING MATCH TIE-BREAK (10 POINTS)

When the score in a match is one set all, or two sets all in best of
five sets matches, one tie-break game shall be played to decide the
match. This tie-break game replaces the deciding final set.
The player/team who first wins ten points shall win this match tie-
break and the match provided there is a margin of two points over
the opponent(s).

Note: When using the deciding match tie-break to replace the final
set:
• the original order of service continues. (Rules 5 and 14)
• in doubles, the order of serving and receiving within the team may
be altered, as in the beginning of each set. (Rules 14 and 15)
• before the start of the deciding match tie-break there shall be a
120 seconds set break.
• balls should not be changed before the start of the deciding match
tie-break even if a ball change is due.

TC Note: Paragraphs 2 and 3 above clearly state that a match tie-break

(7 or 10 points) is a tie-break game. As such, a game penalty assessed
under the Point Penalty Schedule of the Code of Conduct that occurs
during a match tie-break will entail the loss of the match tie-break and
thus of the match.

CHANGE OF ENDS (Rule 10):

During a tie-break game, players shall change ends after the first point
and thereafter after every four points.

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THE LET DURING A SERVICE (Rule 22):

“NO LET” RULE

This alternative is play without the service let in Rule 22 a, whereby a
serve that touches the net, strap or band, is in play. At the discretion of
the sanctioning body, when playing doubles using Short Sets in
combination with No-Ad scoring and the No-Let rule, either player on
the receiving team is permitted to return a serve that touches the net,
strap or band and lands within the correct service box.

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APPENDIX VI: ROLE OF COURT OFFICIALS

The referee is the final authority on all questions of tennis law and the
referee’s decision is final.

In matches where a chair umpire is assigned, the chair umpire is the

final authority on all questions of fact during the match.

The players have the right to call the referee to court if they disagree
with a chair umpire’s interpretation of tennis law.

In matches where line umpires and net umpires are assigned, they
make all calls (including foot-fault calls) relating to that line or net. The
chair umpire has the right to overrule a line umpire or a net umpire if
the chair umpire is sure that a clear mistake has been made. The chair
umpire is responsible for calling any line (including foot-faults) or net
where no line umpire or net umpire is assigned.

A line umpire who cannot make a call shall signal this immediately to
the chair umpire who shall make a decision. If the line umpire cannot
make a call, or if there is no line umpire, and the chair umpire cannot
make a decision on a question of fact, the point shall be replayed.

In team events where the referee is sitting on-court, the referee is also
the final authority on questions of fact.

Play may be stopped or suspended at any time the chair umpire

decides it is necessary or appropriate.

The referee may also stop or suspend play in the case of darkness,
weather or adverse court conditions. When play is suspended for
darkness, this should be done at the end of a set, or after an even
number of games have been played in the set in progress. After a
suspension in play, the score and position of players on-court in the
match shall stand when the match resumes.

The chair umpire or referee shall make decisions regarding continuous

play and coaching in respect of any Code of Conduct that is approved
and in operation.

Case 1: The chair umpire awards the server a first service after an
overrule, but the receiver argues that it should be a second service,
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since the server had already served a fault. Should the referee be
called to court to give a decision?
Decision: Yes. The chair umpire makes the first decision about
questions of tennis law (issues relating to the application of specific
facts). However, if a player appeals the chair umpire’s decision, then
the referee shall be called to make the final decision.

Case 2: A ball is called out, but a player claims that the ball was good.
May the referee be called to court to make a decision?
Decision: No. The chair umpire makes the final decision on questions
of fact (issues relating to what actually happened during a specific
incident).

Case 3: Is a chair umpire allowed to overrule a line umpire at the end

of a point if, in the chair umpire’s opinion, a clear mistake was made
earlier in the point?
Decision: No. A chair umpire may only overrule a line umpire
immediately after the clear mistake has been made.

Case 4: A line umpire calls a ball “Out” and then the player argues that
the ball was good. Is the chair umpire allowed to overrule the line
umpire?
Decision: No. A chair umpire must never overrule as the result of the
protest or appeal by a player

Case 5: A line umpire calls a ball “Out”. The chair umpire was unable
to see clearly, but thought the ball was in. May the chair umpire overrule
the line umpire?
Decision: No. The chair umpire may only overrule when sure that the
line umpire made a clear mistake.

Case 6: Is a line umpire allowed to change the call after the chair
umpire has announced the score?
Decision: Yes. If a line umpire realises a mistake, a correction should
be made as soon as possible provided it is not as the result of a protest
or appeal of a player.

Case 7: If a chair umpire or line umpire calls “out” and then corrects the
call to good, what is the correct decision?
Decision: The chair umpire must decide if the original “out” call was a
hindrance to either player. If it was a hindrance, the point shall be
replayed. If it was not a hindrance, the player who hit the ball wins the
point.
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 Rules of Tennis

Case 8: A ball is blown back over the net and the player correctly
reaches over the net to try to play the ball. The opponent(s) hinders the
player from doing this. What is the correct decision?
Decision: The chair umpire must decide if the hindrance was deliberate
or unintentional and either awards the point to the hindered player or
order the point to be replayed.

TC Note: When a Roving Umpire is appointed, his decision shall be

final, but where a Referee is also appointed, a player may appeal to
him on a question of law, and in all such cases the decision of the
Referee shall be final.

BALL MARK INSPECTION PROCEDURES

1. Ball mark inspections can only be made on clay courts.

2. A ball mark inspection requested by a player (team) shall be allowed
only if the chair umpire cannot determine the call with certainty from
his/her chair on either a point-ending shot or when a player (team)
stops playing the point during a rally (returns are permitted but then
the player must immediately stop).
3. When the chair umpire has decided to make a ball mark inspection,
he/she should go down from the chair and make the inspection
himself. If he/she does not know where the mark is, he/she can ask
the line umpire for help in locating the mark, but then the chair
umpire shall inspect it.
4. The original call or overrule will always stand if the line umpire and
chair umpire cannot determine the location of the mark or if the mark
is unreadable.
5. Once the chair umpire has identified and ruled on a ball mark, this
decision is final and not appealable.
6. In clay court tennis the chair umpire should not be too quick to
announce the score unless absolutely certain of the call. If in doubt,
wait before calling the score to determine whether a ball mark
inspection is necessary.
7. In doubles the appealing player must make his/her appeal in such a
way that either play stops or the chair umpire stops play. If an appeal
is made to the chair umpire then he/she must first determine that the
correct appeal procedure was followed. If it was not correct or if it
was late, then the chair umpire may determine that the opposing
team was deliberately hindered.
8. If a player erases the ball mark before the chair umpire has made a
final decision, he/she concedes the call.
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Rules of Tennis

9. A player may not cross the net to check a ball mark without being
subject to the Unsportsmanlike provision of the Code of Conduct.

TC Note: paragraph 9 applies to matches played with a chair

umpire. In a match played without a chair umpire on a clay court, a
player can ask the opponent(s) to show the mark and then cross to
the other side of the net to check the mark.

ELECTRONIC REVIEW PROCEDURES

At tournaments where an Electronic Review System is used, the

following procedures should be followed for matches on courts where
it is used.

1. A request for an Electronic Review of a line call or overrule by a

player (team) shall be allowed only on either a point-ending shot or
when a player (team) stops playing the point during a rally (returns
are permitted but then the player must immediately stop).

2. The chair umpire should decide to use the Electronic Review when
there is doubt about the accuracy of the line call or overrule.
However, the chair umpire may refuse the Electronic Review if
he/she believes that the player is making an unreasonable request
or that it was not made in a timely manner.

3. In doubles the appealing player must make his/her appeal in such a

way that either play stops or the chair umpire stops play. If an appeal
is made to the chair umpire then he/she must first determine that the
correct appeal procedure was followed. If it was not correct or if it
was late, then the chair umpire may determine that the opposing
team was deliberately hindered, in which case the appealing team
loses the point.

4. The original call or overrule will always stand if the Electronic

Review is unable, for whatever reason, to make a decision on that
line call or overrule.

5. The chair umpire’s final decision will be the outcome of the

Electronic Review and is not appealable. If a manual choice is
required for the system to review a particular ball impact, a review
official approved by the referee shall decide which ball impact is
reviewed.
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 Rules of Tennis

6. Each player (team) is allowed three (3) unsuccessful appeals per

set, plus one (1) additional appeal in the tie-break. For matches with
advantage sets, players (teams) will start again with a maximum of
three (3) unsuccessful appeals at 6 games all and every 12 games
thereafter. For matches with match tie-break, the match tie-break
counts as a new set and each player (team) starts with three (3)
appeals. Players (teams) will have an unlimited number of
successful appeals.

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Rules of Tennis

APPENDIX VII: 10 AND UNDER TENNIS COMPETITION

Courts:
In addition to the (full sized) court described in Rule 1, the following
court dimensions may be used for 10 and under tennis competition:

• A court designated “red” for the purposes of 10 and under

tennis competition, shall be a rectangle, between 36 feet
(10.97 m) and 42 feet (12.80 m) long, and between 14 feet
(4.27 m) and 20 feet (6.10 m) wide. The net shall be between
31.5 inches (0.800 m) and 33.0 inches (0.838 m) high at the
centre.
• A court designated “orange”, shall be a rectangle, between 58
feet (17.68 m) and 60 feet (18.29 m) long, and between 20 feet
(6.10 m) and 27 feet (8.23 m) wide. The net shall be between
31.5 inches (0.800 m) and 36.0 inches (0.914 m) high at the
centre.

Balls:
Only the following ball types, which are specified in Appendix I, can be
used in 10 and under tennis competition:

• A stage 3 (red) ball, which is recommended for play on a “red”

court, by players up to 8 years, using a racket up to 23 inches
(58.4 cm) long.
• A stage 2 (orange) ball, which is recommended for play on an
“orange” court, by players aged 8 to 10 years, using a racket
between 23 inches (58.4 cm) and 25 inches (63.5 cm) long.
• A stage 1 (green) ball, which is recommended for play on a full
sized court, by advanced players aged 9 to 10 years, using a
racket between 25 inches (63.5 cm) and 26 inches (66.0 cm)
long.

Note: Other ball types described in Appendix I cannot be used in 10

and under tennis competition.

Scoring methods:
For 10 and under tennis competition using stage 3 (red), stage 2
(orange) or stage 1 (green) balls, scoring methods specified in the
Rules of Tennis (including those specified in Appendix V) can be
utilised, in addition to short duration scoring methods involving matches

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of one match tie-break, best of 3 tie-breaks/match tie-breaks, one short

set or one regular set.

Timed matches:
For 10 and under tennis competition the tournament committee may
set a specific time period for matches in the event.

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Rules of Tennis

APPENDIX VIII: PLAN OF THE COURT

Figure 1: Plan of the Court

Note: All court measurements shall be made to the outside of the lines.

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APPENDIX IX: SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO MARK A COURT

Figure 2: Suggestions On How to Mark A Court

Note: All court measurements shall be made to the outside of the lines.

The following procedure is for the usual combined doubles and singles
court. (See note at foot for a court for one purpose only.)
First select the position of the net; a straight line 42 feet (12.80 m) long.
Mark the centre (X on the diagram above) and, measuring from there
in each direction, mark:

at 13’6" (4.11 m) the points a, b, where the net crosses the inner
sidelines,
at 16’6" (5.03 m) the positions of the singles sticks (n, n),

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Rules of Tennis

at 18’0" (5.48 m) the points A, B, where the net crosses the outer
sidelines,
at 21’0" (6.40 m) the positions of the net posts (N, N), being the ends
of the original 42’0" (12.80 m) line.

Insert pegs at A and B and attach to them the respective ends of two
measuring tapes. On one, which will measure the diagonal of the half-
court, take a length 53’1" (16.18 m) and on the other (to measure the
sideline) a length of 39’0" (11.89 m). Pull both taut so that at these
distances they meet at a point C, which is one corner of the court.
Reverse the measurements to find the other corner D. As a check on
this operation it is advisable at this stage to verify the length of the line
CD which, being the baseline, should be found to be 36’0" (10.97 m);
and at the same time its centre J can be marked, and also the ends of
the inner sidelines (c, d), 4’6" (1.37 m) from C and D.

The centreline and serviceline are now marked by means of the points
F, H, G, which are measured 21’0" (6.40 m) from the net down the lines
bc, XJ, ad, respectively.
Identical procedure the other side of the net completes the court.

If a singles court only is required, no lines are necessary outside the

points a, b, c, d, but the court can be measured out as above.
Alternatively, the corners of the baseline (c, d) can be found if preferred
by pegging the two tapes at a and b instead of at A and B, and by then
using lengths of 47’5" (14.46 m) and 39’0" (11.89 m). The net posts will
be at n, n, and a 33’0" (10 m) singles net should be used.

When a combined doubles and singles court with a doubles net is used
for singles, the net must be supported at the points n, n, to a height of
3 feet 6 inches (1.07 m) by means of two singles sticks, which shall be
not more than 3 inches (7.5 cm) square or 3 inches (7.5 cm) in
diameter. The centres of the singles sticks shall be 3 feet (.914 m)
outside the singles court on each side.
To assist in the placing of these singles sticks it is desirable that the
points n, n, should each be shown with a white dot when the court is
marked.

When sanctioning bodies approve so called “Blended Lines” on courts

the following guidelines must be followed:

Colour:
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 Rules of Tennis

• Within the same colour family as the background playing surface.

• Lighter than the background playing surface.
• Limit on colour variation of +22 points on the L* scale
(Add ≤25% by volume of white paint to the background colour)

Pace:
• Within 5 CPR of the playing surface.

Dimensions:
• 1.0-1.5 cm narrower than the standard lines.

Marking:
• Terminate 8 cm from intersection with white playing lines.

Note:
As a guide for international competitions, the recommended minimum
distance between the baselines and the backstops should be 21 feet
(6.40 m) and between the sidelines and the sidestops the
recommended minimum distance should be 12 feet (3.66 m).

As a guide for recreational and Club play, the recommended minimum

distance between the baselines and the backstops should be 18 feet
(5.48 m) and between the sidelines and the sidestops the
recommended minimum distance should be 10 feet (3.05 m).

As a guide, the recommended minimum height measured at the net

from the court surface to the ceiling should be 29.6 feet (9.0 m).

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Rules of Tennis

APPENDIX X: RULES OF BEACH TENNIS

The Rules of Beach Tennis are approved by the Rules of Tennis

Committee and the Board of Directors can be found on
https://www.itftennis.com/en/itf-tours/beach-tennis-tour/

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 Rules of Tennis

APPENDIX XI: PROCEDURES FOR REVIEW AND HEARINGS

ON THE RULES OF TENNIS

1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 These procedures were approved by the Board of Directors of
the International Tennis Federation (“Board of Directors”) on 17
May 1998.
1.2 The Board of Directors may from time to time supplement,
amend, or vary these procedures.

2. OBJECTIVES
2.1 The International Tennis Federation is the custodian of the Rules
of Tennis and is committed to:
a. Preserving the traditional character and integrity of the game
of tennis.
b. Actively preserving the skills traditionally required to play the
game.
c. Encouraging improvements, which maintain the challenge of
the game.
d. Ensuring fair competition.
2.2 To ensure fair, consistent and expeditious review and hearings in
relation to the Rules of Tennis the procedures set out below shall
apply.

3. SCOPE
3.1 These Procedures shall apply to Rulings under:
a. Rule 1 – The Court.
b. Rule 3 – The Ball.
c. Rule 4 – The Racket.
d. Appendix I and II of the Rules of Tennis.
e. Any other Rules of Tennis which the International Tennis
Federation may decide.

4. STRUCTURE
4.1 Under these procedures Rulings shall be issued by a Ruling
Board.
4.2 Such Rulings shall be final save, for an entitlement to appeal to
an Appeal Tribunal pursuant to these procedures.

5. APPLICATION
5.1 Rulings shall be taken either:
a. Following a motion of the Board of Directors; or

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b. Upon the receipt of an application in accordance with the

procedures set out below.

6. APPOINTMENT AND COMPOSITION OF RULING BOARDS

6.1 Ruling Boards shall be appointed by the President of the
International Tennis Federation (“President”) or his designee and
shall comprise of such a number, as the President or his
designee shall determine.
6.2 If more than one person is appointed to the Ruling Board the
Ruling Board shall nominate one person from amongst
themselves to act as Chairperson.
6.3 The Chairperson shall be entitled to regulate the procedures prior
to and at any review and/or hearing of a Ruling Board.

7. PROPOSED RULINGS BY THE RULING BOARD

7.1 The details of any proposed Ruling issued upon the motion of the
Board of Directors may be provided to any bona fide person or
any players, equipment manufacturer or national association or
members thereof with an interest in the proposed Ruling.
7.2 Any person so notified shall be given a reasonable period within
which to forward comments, objections, or requests for
information to the President or his designee in connection with
the proposed Ruling.

8. APPLICATION FOR RULINGS

8.1 An application for a Ruling may be made by any party with a bona
fide interest in the Ruling including any player, equipment
manufacturer or national association or member thereof.
8.2 Any application for a Ruling must be submitted in writing to the
President.
8.3 To be valid an application for a Ruling must include the following
minimum information:
a. The full name and address of the Applicant.
b. The date of the application.
c. A statement clearly identifying the interest of the Applicant in
the question upon which a Ruling is requested.
d. All relevant documentary evidence upon which the Applicant
intends to rely at any hearing.
e. If, in the opinion of the Applicant, expert evidence is necessary
he shall include a request for such expert evidence to be
heard. Such request must identify the name of any expert
proposed and their relevant expertise.

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 Rules of Tennis

f. When an application for a Ruling on a racket or other piece of

equipment is made, a prototype or, exact, copy of the
equipment in question must be submitted with the application
for a Ruling.
g. If, in the opinion of the Applicant, there are extraordinary or
unusual circumstances, which require a Ruling to be made
within a specified time or before a specified date he shall
include a statement describing the extraordinary or unusual
circumstances.
8.4 If an application for a Ruling does not contain the information
and/or equipment referred to at Clause 8. 3 (a)-(g) above the
President or his designee shall notify the Applicant giving the
Applicant a specified reasonable time within which to remedy the
defect. If the Applicant fails to remedy the defect within the
specified time the application shall be dismissed.

9. CONVENING THE RULING BOARD

9.1 On receipt of a valid application or on the motion of the Board of
Directors the President or his designee may convene a Ruling
Board to deal with the application or motion.
9.2 The Ruling Board need not hold a hearing to deal with an
application or motion where the application or motion, in the
opinion of the Chairperson can be resolved in a fair manner
without a hearing.

10. PROCEDURE OF THE RULING BOARD

10.1 The Chairperson of a Ruling Board shall determine the
appropriate form, procedure and date of any review and/or
hearing.
10.2 The Chairperson shall provide written notice of those matters set
out at 10.1 above to any Applicant or any person or association
who has expressed an interest in the proposed Ruling.
10.3 The Chairperson shall determine all matters relating to evidence
and shall not be bound by judicial rules governing procedure and
admissibility of evidence provided that the review and/or hearing
is conducted in a fair manner with a reasonable opportunity for
the relevant parties to present their case.
10.4 Under these procedures any review and/or hearings:
a. Shall take place in private.
b. May be adjourned and/or postponed by the Ruling Board.
10.5 The Chairperson shall have the discretion to co-opt from time to
time additional members onto the Ruling Board with special skill

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or experience to deal with specific issues, which require such

special skill or experience.
10.6 The Ruling Board shall take its decision by a simple majority. No
member of the Ruling Board may abstain.
10.7 The Chairperson shall have the complete discretion to make such
order against the Applicant [and/or other individuals or
organisations commenting objecting or requesting information at
any review and/or hearing] in relation to the costs of the
application and/or the reasonable expenses incurred by the
Ruling Board in holding tests or obtaining reports relating to
equipment subject to a Ruling as he shall deem appropriate.

11. NOTIFICATION
11.1 Once a Ruling Board has reached a decision it shall provide
written notice to the Applicant, or, any person or association who
has expressed an interest in the proposed Ruling as soon as
reasonably practicable.
11.2 Such written notice shall include a summary of the reasoning
behind the decision of the Ruling Board.
11.3 Upon notification to the Applicant or upon such other date
specified by the Ruling Board the Ruling of the Ruling Board shall
be immediately binding under the Rules of Tennis.

12. APPLICATION OF CURRENT RULES OF TENNIS

12.1 Subject to the power of the Ruling Board to issue interim Rulings
the current Rules of Tennis shall continue to apply until any
review and/or hearing of the Ruling Board is concluded and a
Ruling issued by the Ruling Board.
12.2 Prior to and during any review and/or hearing the Chairperson of
the Ruling Board may issue such directions as are deemed
reasonably necessary in the implementation of the Rules of
Tennis and of these procedures including the issue of interim
Rulings.
12.3 Such interim Rulings may include restraining orders on the use
of any equipment under the Rules of Tennis pending a Ruling by
the Ruling Board as to whether or not the equipment meets the
specification of the Rules of Tennis.

13. APPOINTMENT AND COMPOSITION OF APPEAL

TRIBUNALS
13.1 Appeal Tribunals shall be appointed by the President or his
designee from [members of the Board of Directors/Technical
Commission].
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 Rules of Tennis

13.2 No member of the Ruling Board who made the original Ruling
shall be a member of the Appeal Tribunal.
13.3 The Appeal Tribunal shall comprise of such number as the
President or his designee shall determine but shall be no less
than three.
13.4 The Appeal Tribunal shall nominate one person from amongst
themselves to act as Chairperson.
13.5 The Chairperson shall be entitled to regulate the procedures prior
to and at any appeal hearing.

14. APPLICATION TO APPEAL

14.1 An Applicant [or a person or association who has expressed an
interest and forwarded any comments, objections, or requests to
a proposed Ruling] may appeal any Ruling of the Ruling Board.
14.2 To be valid an application for an appeal must be:
a. Made in writing to the Chairperson of the Ruling Board who
made the Ruling appealed not later than [45] days following
notification of the Ruling;
b. Must set out details of the Ruling appealed against; and
c. Must contain the full grounds of the appeal.
14.3 Upon receipt of a valid application to appeal the Chairperson of
the Ruling Board making the original Ruling may require a
reasonable appeal fee to be paid by the Appellant as a condition
of appeal. Such appeal fee shall be repaid to the Appellant if the
appeal is successful.

15. CONVENING THE APPEAL TRIBUNAL

15.1 The President or his designee shall convene the Appeal Tribunal
following payment by the Appellant of any appeal fee.

16. PROCEDURES OF APPEAL TRIBUNAL

16.1 The Appeal Tribunal and their Chairperson shall conduct
procedures and hearings in accordance with those matters set
out in sections 10, 11 and 12 above.
16.2 Upon notification to the Appellant or upon such other date
specified by the Appeal Tribunal the Ruling of the Appeal Tribunal
shall be immediately binding and final under the Rules of Tennis.

17. GENERAL
17.1 If a Ruling Board consists of only one member that single
member shall be responsible for regulating the hearing as
Chairperson and shall determine the procedures to be followed
prior to and during any review and/or hearing.
51
Rules of Tennis

17.2 All review and/or hearings shall be conducted in English. In any

hearing where an Applicant, and/or other individuals or
organisations commenting, objecting or requesting information
do not speak English an interpreter must be present. Wherever
practicable the interpreter shall be independent.
17.3 The Ruling Board or Appeal Tribunal may publish extracts from
its own Rulings.
17.4 All notifications to be made pursuant to these procedures shall
be in writing.
17.5 Any notifications made pursuant to these procedures shall be
deemed notified upon the date that they were communicated,
sent or transmitted to the Applicant or other relevant party.
17.6 A Ruling Board shall have the discretion to dismiss an application
if in its reasonable opinion the application is substantially similar
to an application or motion upon which a Ruling Board has made
a decision and/or Ruling within the 36 months prior to the date of
the application.

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 TENNIS CANADA TOURNAMENT
REGULATIONS
The following regulations governing tournaments shall apply to all
tournaments, meetings and events, sanctioned or required to be
sanctioned by Tennis Canada or a Provincial Association and shall be
observed by all clubs and other organizations directly or indirectly
affiliated to Tennis Canada or a Provincial Association.

Note, however, that in the case of tournaments held in Canada which

are part of one of the International Tennis Federation circuits (Pro
Circuit, Senior Circuit, Junior Circuit or Wheelchair Circuit) or part of
the ATP or the WTA tours, the regulations specific to those
professional/ international bodies shall take precedence over those of
Tennis Canada.

1. SANCTION
Member clubs and associations must apply to Tennis Canada for
sanction for the following tournaments, meetings and events:

a. Where National tournaments are concerned.

b. Where the tournament, meeting or event is to become part of a

National schedule.

c. Any other event as determined from time to time by Tennis

Canada.

Member clubs and associations must apply to the appropriate

Provincial Association for all provincial sanctions.

Applications for sanction must be submitted to the appropriate

Association by the dates set by that Association and on the prescribed
forms. Such applications should include the proposed fact sheet, which
gives as a minimum requirement the particulars shown in Tournament
Regulation 3.

Should any of the conditions under which a sanction is granted be

changed by the Tournament Committee without prior approval of the
sanctioning body, such sanction may be revoked.
Tournament Regulations

2. TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE
The association, club or organization proposing to hold a tournament
will appoint a Tournament Committee consisting of at least two
persons, one of whom shall be designated Tournament Director. In the
case of all National Championships the responsibility for appointing the
Tournament Director lies with the host committee, subject to the
approval of Tennis Canada.

The Referee when appointed will be a member of this Committee.

The Committee will:

a. Apply for a sanction to the appropriate Association in accordance

with Tournament Regulation 1.

b. Supervise all the administrative details of the tournament.

c. Appoint a Referee, in consultation with, and subject to the

approval of, Tennis Canada. The Tournament Director may not
act as Referee or assume that individual’s responsibilities.

d. Issue a tournament fact sheet (see Tournament Regulation 3).

e. Issue invitations, entry forms and accept entries subject to the

conditions set out in the fact sheet.

f. Determine seedings, in consultation with the Referee. The

Referee shall be the final authority in all matters concerning
seedings.

g. File with the sanctioning Association within five (5) days after the
completion of the tournament a report which includes:

i. Copies of the draw with results, scores and indicating the

seeded players;

ii. A Report of Misconduct (ROM), recommending Suspension

Points (SP), in the case of any player(s) disciplined for
misbehaviour, showing the nature of the violation and what
action was taken;

54
 Tournament Regulations

iii. Other comments relative to the running of the tournament

and particularly where the conditions of the fact sheet had to
be modified.

h. In the case of any National Championship, the Tournament

Director of the host committee staging the event shall, as part of
the overall reporting process, submit to Tennis Canada a
statement of receipts and expenditures.

3. FACT SHEET AND ENTRY FORM

The Tournament Committee will issue a fact sheet and an entry form
for every sanctioned tournament. The information given in the fact
sheet must include, but need not be limited to, the following:

a. That the tournament is sanctioned by the appropriate Association.

b. That it will be governed by the Rules of Tennis, Tournament

Regulations for sanctioned tournaments and the player Code of
Conduct, as stated in current edition of The Rules of the Court.

c. The names of the Tournament Committee members and the

Referee.

d. The days, dates and times of commencement of play.

e. Qualifications for entry, such as age, nationality, residence, or

special conditions (e.g., not having held a National, Provincial or
Regional ranking, etc.).

f. The events, entrance fees and value of the prizes. The maximum
number of matches a player will be asked to play in one day.

g. The place, date and closing hour for receiving entries.

h. The date, time and place of the draw, which must be public, open
to competitors and all other interested persons.

i. The location of the tournament site and the number and type of
courts, together with the same information concerning any
alternative venues to be used in the event of inclement weather.

j. The type and make of balls to be used.

55
Tournament Regulations

k. Whether or not play will be continued under the lights.

l. The number of sets a match will consist of, the scoring system in
effect, and at what score and in what sets a tie-break will be used.

m. If there are qualifying events for which the conditions differ, such
variances must be shown and the numbers to qualify stipulated.

n. If holding an event is conditional upon the size of the entry, the

minimum number of entries necessary must be stated.

o. Where the number of entries has to be limited, the rules governing

the selection of entrants must be clearly stated (see Tournament
Regulation 4).

p. If a tournament is described as Invitational, the rules defining who

is to be invited must be given.

q. That Tournament Regulation 18 concerning punctuality will be

applied.

r. Where there is a consolation event, a statement must be included

concerning the form that it will take and whether playing in it is a
condition of entry or optional. Indicate whether or not the results
will be used for ranking purposes.

s. The address, telephone and fax number of the host hotel, if any.
This should also include any special room rates, if applicable.

Entry forms should state that:

Any individual whose rights to compete have been suspended by a

Provincial Association, or by Tennis Canada shall be ineligible to play
in any sanctioned tournament during the period of such suspension.

4. ENTRIES AND ACCEPTANCES

When the number of entries exceeds the number to which the draw is
limited, the Tournament Committee will:

a. Consider all entries received prior to the date and time set for the
closing of entries.
56
 Tournament Regulations

b. Determine a method for selection which is reasonable and fair,

and apply it consistently.

c. Where such a method gives priority to higher ranked players over

lower ranked or to foreign or local players, this intention must be
included entry form and fact sheet (see Tournament Regulation
3).

d. Never accept entries on a first received, first accepted basis. The

date of receipt of an entry is not an acceptable criterion for
acceptance.

e. Where certain entries cannot be distinguished on the basis of

ranking or other criteria, decide which players shall be accepted
by drawing lots.

f. Prepare a list of alternates, in order of priority, for use by the

Referee in replacing players who become unavailable for
competition.

g. The Referee has the authority to replace players who withdraw

from competition after the draw has been made, or to accept late
entries for insertion in a position occupied by a bye (determined
by lot).

h. Where a player, whose entry is otherwise acceptable, has been

denied a place in the draw through an administrative error or
oversight, the Referee shall make every effort to include such
player, even if it means remaking the draw or playing a preliminary
match. Such action shall be at the sole discretion of the Referee.

i. Any substitutions or additions to the draw must be made

prior to the start of the first match of the event, with the
exception of the substitution of Lucky Losers or Alternates,
as specified in Tournament Regulation 8.

j. Administrative error or oversight on the part of the

Tournament Committee or the tournament organization may
constitute justification for remaking the draw, as may the
withdrawal of a significant number of seeded players (see
Tournament Regulation 8).

57
Tournament Regulations

It is very important to establish an error-free entry list before beginning

the process of seeding and making the draw. A player being
inadvertently omitted from the entry list may well necessitate remaking
the entire draw after it has been completed. The Tournament
Committee should ensure that the entry list is complete and accurate.

5. SEEDING
The sole purpose for “seeding” the draw is to balance it by ensuring
that two or more of the best players do not meet each other in the early
rounds. As a guideline, it is advisable to seed one in four players in a
draw and to have an even number of seeded players. Thus, for
example, in a 32 draw with 27 players, there would normally be six
seeds (27÷4=6.75, which is closer to 7 than to 6, but an even number
is required). It is permissible to seed fewer than one in four, and better
to do so than to include players of indistinguishable relative merit.

There are no “musts” in selecting the players to be seeded except that

the process should reflect the best judgment of the Tournament
Committee, including the Referee. Normally, however, the players’
current rankings (whether computer or otherwise generated), based on
results of the preceding twelve months, should be used as the basis to
determine seedings. Should other input be necessary, consideration
should be given to the following: head to head encounters, most recent
results taking into account court surface and the relative importance of
the tournament, and the results of matches played against a common
third player.

The seeding procedure should be as follows:

a. Seeded players must be listed on the draw sheet in numbered

order as determined by the Tournament Committee.

b. Every seed position except the first and second is determined by

lot, using the following procedure:

i. Place Seed 1 on Line 1 and Seed 2 on Line 16 (16 draw),

Line 32 (32 draw), Line 64 (64 draw) or Line 128 (128 draw).

ii. To determine the location of Seeds 3 and 4, draw them as a

pair, placing the first drawn in the top half and the second
drawn in the bottom half as per the following Seeding Chart
(Figure 3).
58
 Tournament Regulations

iii. To determine the location of the remaining seeds, draw them

in groups of four (4) (or groups of eight (8) where there are
more than sixteen (16) seeds), placing them in the order
drawn on the lines indicated in the Seeding Chart (Figure 3).

Note: when the number of seeds is not a multiple of 4 (e.g., 6 or 10

seeds are used), the two “extra” seeds (e.g., 5 and 6 or 9 and 10) will
be drawn into sections in such a way as to avoid placing them in the
same sections as Seeds 1 and 2. Thus in a 32 draw with 6 seeds,
Seeds 5 and 6 would be drawn as a pair onto lines 16 and 17 (rather
than lines 8 and 25).

Correcting an Error in Seeding. If, after a draw has been made, it is

discovered that there has been an error in the seeding, then the error
may be corrected by switching the positions of the affected players or
teams, as long as none of the players or teams involved have played
their first match. Normally, changes to the seeding in a draw would not
be made once play has started in that draw. However, if the change
can be made easily and without a major impact upon the schedule and
the players, the Referee has the authority to make the change even
after play in that draw has started.

59
Tournament Regulations

Figure 3: Seeding Chart

Seeds 16 Draw 32 Draw 64 Draw 128 Draw

4 Seeds 8 Seeds 16 Seeds 32 Seeds
3&4
First drawn 5 9 17 33
Second drawn 12 24 48 96

5,6,7 & 8
First drawn 8 16 32
Second drawn 16 32 64
Third drawn 17 33 65
Fourth drawn 25 49 97

9,10,11 & 12
First drawn 9 17
Second drawn 25 49
Third drawn 40 80
Fourth drawn 56 112

13,14,15 & 16
First drawn 8 16
Second drawn 24 48
Third drawn 41 81
Fourth drawn 57 113

17-24
First drawn 9
Second drawn 24
Third drawn 41
Fourth drawn 56
Fifth drawn 73
Sixth drawn 88
Seventh drawn 105
Eighth drawn 120

25-32
First drawn 8
Second drawn 25
Third drawn 40
Fourth drawn 57
Fifth drawn 72
Sixth drawn 89
Seventh drawn 104
Eighth drawn 121

60
 Tournament Regulations

6. BYES
Should there be 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 or 128 entries it will not be necessary
to award any byes. If, however, the number of entries falls short of the
size of the draw, byes will be awarded.

To determine the number of byes, subtract the number of players from

the related draw size. For example, with 27 players, there will be 5 byes
(32-27=5); with 37 players there will be 27 byes (64-37=27), etc.

Byes will be awarded to seeded players in order of seeding. For

example, in a 32 draw with 27 players (and 6 seeds, as indicated in
Tournament Regulation 5), there will be fives byes; seeds 1, 2, 3, 4 and
5 will receive byes into the second round of the tournament. This is
illustrated in Figure 4, where the seeds have been placed in the draw
according to Tournament Regulation 5.

Where the number of byes exceeds the number of seeds, a somewhat

different situation exists. For example, if there are 21 players in a 32
draw, there will be 11 byes (32-21=11). With 21 players, we will still
have 6 seeds; these 6 seeds will receive byes, meaning that 5
additional byes must be placed in the draw.
To determine the placement of the remaining byes, divide the draw into
subsections of four lines each as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5. (In
Figure 4, it is not necessary to use the subsections since there are
fewer byes than seeded players.) In Figure 5, we must utilize the
designated subsections to determine placement of the remaining 5
byes.

Six subsections (those with seeded players) already have byes. First,
the remaining two subsections (subsections 2 and 7) must each
receive a bye. In each case, draw one of four chips/cards numbered 1-
4 to determine on which of the four lines in each subsection the bye will
be placed.

Next, there are 3 remaining byes to place. These will be placed

alternately in the top and bottom half of the draw. Draw one of four
chips/cards numbered 1-4 to determine which of the four subsections
in the top half of the draw will receive a second bye. Repeat the same
procedure for the bottom half of the draw, then once again for the top
half. Note, however, that no subsection should have more than two
byes.

61
Tournament Regulations

Finally, to establish the exact line on which the bye should be placed
within each subsection, draw lots or flip a coin. For example, in
subsection 1, only lines 3 or 4 are eligible to receive a bye; “heads”
might means an additional bye would be placed on line 3 and “tails” on
line 4.

By the following the above procedures, making a draw with large

numbers of byes is not very difficult.

62
 Tournament Regulations

Figure 4: Draw Sheet - 1

ABC OPEN
MEN'S SINGLES DRAW

1 1 ADAMS

2 BYE

3 1
4

7 2
5-8 8

3/4 9 DAVIS

10 BYE

11 3
12

13

14

15 4
5-8 16 FLYNN

5-8 17 EVERT

18 BYE

19 5
20

21

22

23 BYE 6
3/4 24 COLLINS

5-8 25

26

27 7
28 SEEDS
1 ADAMS
29 2 BAKER
3 COLLINS
30 4 DAVIS
5 EVERT
31 BYE 8 6 FLYNN
7
2 32 BAKER 8

32 Draw - 27 players = 5 byes, with 6 seeds. A list of seeds is indicated,

as are the 8 subsections of the draw, and the relative position of seeds.
Six seeds are placed as per Tournament Regulation 5 and as a result
of drawing lots. Five byes are awarded as per Tournament Regulation
6. All seeds except Flynn (6th seed) receive a bye.

63
Tournament Regulations

Figure 5: Draw Sheet - 2

ABC OPEN
MEN'S SINGLES DRAW

1 1 ADAMS

2 BYE

3 1
4 bye

6 bye

7 bye 2
5-8 8

3/4 9 DAVIS

10 BYE

11 3
12

13

14

15 BYE 4
5-8 16 FLYNN

5-8 17 EVERT

18 BYE

19 5
20

21 bye

22

23 BYE 6
3/4 24 COLLINS

5-8 25

26

27 bye 7
28 SEEDS
1 ADAMS
29 2 BAKER
3 COLLINS
30 4 DAVIS
5 EVERT
31 BYE 8 6 FLYNN
7
2 32 BAKER 8

32 Draw - 21 players = 11 byes. Six seeds are placed as per

Tournament Regulation 5 and as a result of drawing lots; each seed
receives a bye. The 5 remaining byes (11-6 = 5), indicated in lower
case, are placed as follows: subsections 2 and 7 automatically receive
byes. Sections 1, 6, and 2, alternating between the top half and bottom
half of the draw, have been drawn to receive a 2nd bye. The exact
placement of byes within subsections is determined by lot.
64
 Tournament Regulations

7. HOW TO MAKE THE DRAW

a. List all seeded players in order of merit in the place indicated on

the draw sheet.

b. Place seeded players in the draw as outlined in Tournament

Regulation 5.

c. Determine the number of byes in the draw by subtracting the

actual number of players from the related draw size.

d. Award byes to seeded players first.

e. Award remaining byes to the four-line subsections of the draw as

described in Tournament Regulation 6. (Note: 8 Draw = 2
Subsections of four lines, 16 Draw = 4 Subsections, 32 Draw = 8
Subsections, etc.)

f. Prepare a numbered list of all unseeded players and prepare a

corresponding list of numbered chips or cards, which are placed
in a suitable container.

g. Fill in the remaining players’ names by drawing names “out of a

hat” and placing them in the order in which they are drawn on lines
which do not contain a SEED or BYE, starting at the top of the
draw and moving downward in sequence.

h. Review your work to ensure that all players have been included in
the draw and that seeded players and byes have been correctly
positioned in the draw.

8. WITHDRAWALS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

Any vacancy created by the withdrawal of a player or team will be
treated in the following manner:

A. Unseeded Players

a. From the entry deadline until the commencement of the

qualifying competition:

65
Tournament Regulations

Vacancies shall be filled by entered players selected in

accordance with their priority on the acceptance list.

b. After commencement of the qualifying competition:

i. Vacancies in the Main Draw may only be filled by Lucky

Losers. Losers of the final round of qualifying shall be
selected as follows: 1) the order of professionally or
nationally ranked players shall be randomly drawn; 2) the
order of unranked players shall be randomly drawn. Ties in
priority shall be broken by a draw. If additional Lucky Losers
are needed, the losers of the previous round(s) of Qualifying
shall be selected in the same manner.

ii. Vacancies in the Qualifying Draw shall be filled by entered

players who have signed-in on-site as Alternates, selected
in accordance with their acceptance priority.

c. If there is no Qualifying competition, Main Draw vacancies

shall be filled by entered players who have signed-in on-site
as Alternates, in accordance with their priority on the
acceptance list. An Alternate player or team may fill a vacancy
involving any player or team that has not yet begun to
compete (i. e., has not yet begun to play a first round match
or, if a bye has been awarded, a second round match).

B. Seeded Players

Any vacancy created by the withdrawal of a seed shall be filled by

the next highest ranked player eligible to be seeded. The position
vacated by that next highest ranked player shall then be filled by
the appropriate Alternate or Lucky Loser in accordance with
paragraph A above (Unseeded Players).

Qualifying Draw: Any vacancy created by the withdrawal of a seed

which occurs after the release of the Order of Play for the first day
of Qualifying shall be filled directly by an eligible Alternate.

Main Draw: Any vacancy created by the withdrawal of a seed which

occurs after the release of the Order of Play for the first day of Main
Draw shall be filled directly by an eligible Lucky Loser (or, if there
is no qualifying, by an eligible Alternate).

66
 Tournament Regulations

In the event of the withdrawal of a significant number of seeds after

the draw has been made but more than 24 hours before the start of
play, the Referee, in consultation with the Tournament Director, may
decide to remake the draw. For the purposes of this regulation, a
“significant number” shall be interpreted in the following manner:
a. for draws with 4 or 6 seeds: the withdrawal of one-half or more
of the total number of seeds (e.g., 2 or more withdrawals out of
4 seeds; 3 or more withdrawals out of 6 seeds).
b. for draws with 8 or more seeds: the withdrawal of more than
one-quarter of the total number of seeds (e.g., 3 or more
withdrawals out of 8 seeds; 5 or more withdrawals out of 16
seeds).

C. Doubles

The above procedures apply to doubles teams as well as to singles

players. In addition, if one member of a doubles team withdraws before
the team plays its first match of an event, he may be replaced by a
substitute player that is entered in another event of the tournament,
under the condition that the substitution of this player does not improve
the seeding of the team. Once the team has begun to play its first
match of an event, no substitutions of partners can occur.

9. REST PERIODS
Tennis Canada recommends that provision be made for a ten (10)
minute rest period after the second set in a two out of three set match
in the Senior Men’s and Women’s 60 and over age categories. The rest
period will not normally be authorized when a match tie-break is played
in place of a third set.

The ten minute period is measured from the time of the final point of
the set that precedes the rest, until the players are in position to strike
the first ball of the next set.

The rest period is not mandatory in any age category, however. By

mutual agreement, the players may decide to continue without a pause;
should one of the players or teams (in the above age categories) wish
to avail themselves of the rest period, however, then play will be
suspended for ten minutes.

67
Tournament Regulations

Tournament officials must ensure that the ten minute time period is
never exceeded and be prepared to penalize players who are late. Any
extension of the rest period beyond ten minutes, as defined above, is
a violation of the Continuous Play Rule (Rule 29) and will be penalized
with consecutive Time Violations.

During an authorized rest period, players may consult their coaches.

At the discretion of the Referee, a ten minute rest period can also be
granted in any age category in the case of extreme weather conditions
(e.g., unusually hot and humid weather).

Generally, weather conditions are considered to be extreme when the

Heat Index (a combination of air temperature and relative humidity)
meets or exceeds 34.0 ͦ C (93.2 ͦ F), as indicated by the chart below.
However, the referee may use his/her judgment and declare that
extreme weather conditions are in effect at a lower Heat Index if he/she
feels that the safety of the players justifies doing so.
When the Heat Index meets or exceeds 40.1 ͦ C (104.2 ͦ F), it is
recommended that play be suspended.

68
 Tournament Regulations

Extreme weather conditions may be declared before the start of

matches or may be put into effect at any time on all courts, including
matches in progress. Once notified that extreme weather conditions
have been declared, officials will inform the players at the next change
of ends. If there is a change in conditions and the weather is no longer
considered as extreme, those matches already in progress will
continue under extreme weather procedures.

10. SUSPENDED AND POSTPONED MATCHES

When play is resumed after a match has been suspended or
postponed, every effort must be made to continue it on the same court.
If it is impossible to continue play on the same court, the Referee may
move the match at his discretion. If, due to a sudden downpour or other
emergency, play has to be called before the end of a game, the points
scored will stand and the match will be resumed from that score. If the
Server has served one fault this will be annulled, and the Server will
have two serves.

A record must be kept of the score and the ends the players are
occupying. The same set of balls will be used and carefully stored for
use when the match resumes.

For a warm-up following a delay, used balls will be employed, with the
match balls only coming back into play after the warm-up has
terminated and the match is ready to be resumed. (See also
Tournament Regulation 11).

11. WARM-UP PERIOD

The length of the warm-up is at the discretion of the Referee but is
normally limited to five minutes. The Referee may extend the warm-up
period, but this time shall not exceed 10 minutes. Failure to commence
play promptly may result in action being taken under the Code of
Conduct. Where there has been an interruption of play the players will
be advised of the amount of warm-up to precede the resumption of the
match. It will be according to the following schedule:

Interruption of 0 to 15 minutes……......……………….no warm-up

Interruption of from 15 to 30 minutes...………..3 minute warm-up
Interruption in excess of 30 minutes....…….….5 minute warm-up

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Tournament Regulations

12. NUMBER OF MATCHES

Unless there are exceptional circumstances, a player will not be
required to play more than 3 matches per day (normally a maximum of
two singles matches and one doubles match). The above guidelines
do not apply if a player is entered in more than one age category or
class.

13. SCHEDULING GUIDELINES

The following guidelines should be observed in scheduling matches.

A. Latest Start Time

For Juniors competition, the latest start time for any match should not
be later than 9:00 pm (21:00 hours). Any match that is not completed
by midnight (00:00 hours) should be interrupted and postponed until
the following day. (The Referee can extend the time of play if, in his/her
opinion, the match can be concluded in a reasonable time.)

B. Earliest Start Time

It is recommended that, for any competition, the earliest that matches
should commence each day should not be before 8:00 am (8:00 hours).

C. Between Days
No player should be required to play his first match of the day until at
least 12 hours after completion of his/her last match on the preceding
day.

D. Between Matches
The following guidelines should be observed in order to ensure proper
rest between matches:
a. Between singles matches, players shall be entitled to a rest period
of at least 45 minutes.
b. Between a singles and a doubles match, or between two doubles
matches, players shall be entitled to a rest period of at least 30
minutes.
c. If a player is involved in the singles final and the doubles final
played on the same day, he/she will be allowed a rest period of 30
minutes between the two finals.
d. The Referee has the authority to modify the above guidelines in
view of special circumstances (e.g., length of a match, weather
conditions, etc.)

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 Tournament Regulations

The above guidelines do not apply if a player is entered in more than

one age category or class. In addition, in certain instances the Referee
may need to modify the above guidelines if it is necessary to do so in
order to complete a tournament within the established time period.

14. MEDICAL CONDITIONS AND TREATMENT

a. Medical Time-Out
During the warm-up or match, a player may request a one-time
three (3) minute medical time-out for each distinct treatable
medical condition or injury. In general, a medical condition or
injury shall be evaluated and/or treated at a changeover or a set
break. Only in the case that a player develops an acute medical
condition (one that develops suddenly and prevents the player
from continuing to play, e.g., a player is seen to roll-over on his/her
ankle) that requires immediate medical attention may the player
request immediate evaluation and/or treatment.

If a Sports Medicine Trainer or other qualified medical personnel

is available, the three minute treatment time begins after the
completion of the evaluation and diagnosis of the condition by this
person.

If a Sports Medicine Trainer or other qualified medical personnel

is not available, the Referee, Chair Umpire or Roving Umpire shall
explain the medical time-out rule and allow the player to treat
himself. The player may receive treatment by a coach or parent
only when this treatment is administered under the direct
supervision of an Official. The Official may provide supplies (e.g.,
bandages or ice). The three minute treatment period begins when
the treatment commences.

Medical time-outs are not permitted in cases of general fatigue,

loss of conditioning, or cramping. All manifestations of heat illness
shall be considered as one (1) treatable medical condition. All
musculoskeletal injuries that manifest as part of the same kinetic
chain continuum shall be considered as one (1) treatable medical
condition.

Muscle cramping: A player may receive treatment for muscle

cramping only during the time allotted for change of ends and/or
set breaks. Players may not receive a Medical Time-Out for
muscle cramping. If the player cannot continue playing due to
severe muscle cramping, he/she may forfeit the point(s)/game(s)
71
Tournament Regulations

needed to get to a change of end or set break in order to receive

immediate evaluation and/or treatment if time allows. A player is
entitled to receive a total of two (2) full change of ends and/or set
break treatments for muscle cramping in a match, not necessarily
consecutive. If only a part of a changeover or set break is used for
the initial evaluation and treatment, the player is entitled to two (2)
full additional changeover and/or set break treatments.

Bleeding: If a player is bleeding, play must stop as soon as

possible. A total of up to five (5) minutes may be allowed to assure
control of the bleeding. If blood has spilled onto the court or its
immediate vicinity, play must not resume until the blood spill has
been cleaned appropriately.

Vomiting: If vomit has spilled onto the court or if the player

requests medical treatment, play must stop immediately. Play
must not resume until the spill has been cleaned appropriately. If
the condition is treatable, a medical time-out shall be allowed; if
the condition is not treatable, play will continue as soon as the
court has been cleaned.

b. Penalty
After completion of the three minute medical time-out (plus a
reasonable time to replace shoes and sox, if necessary), any
delay shall be penalized in accordance with the Point Penalty
Schedule of the Code of Conduct.

15. PHYSICAL INCAPACITY

A player that retires from a match due to illness or injury, or that is
unable to begin a match because of an injury sustained on the
tournament site may continue to play another event (e.g., doubles,
singles consolation) at the tournament if the player’s condition has
improved to the extent that he may perform at full capacity, whether the
same day or a later day. If available at the tournament, a Sports
Medicine Trainer or other qualified medical personnel should certify to
the Referee that the player’s condition has improved to the extent that
the latter is able to perform at full capacity. If a Sports Medicine Trainer
or other qualified medical personnel is not available, the Referee shall
use his best judgment in determining whether the player shall be
allowed to continue to play another event.

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 Tournament Regulations

16. DEFAULTS AND FAILURE TO COMPLETE MATCH

A player who is defaulted from a match for reasons of misconduct, or
who fails to complete a match without a bona fide reason (e.g., injury,
illness or personal emergency), will be ineligible to compete in the
remaining events (e.g., consolation draw, doubles, other age category
events) of that tournament. However, a player who is defaulted for
violation of the regulation concerning Punctuality (i.e., failure to
commence play within 15 minutes after the match has been called; see
Tournament Regulation 18) or for violation of the regulation concerning
Proper Attire (see Tournament Regulation 19) shall be allowed to
compete in the remaining events of that tournament.

In doubles, if a team is defaulted from a match for reasons of

misconduct, or fails to complete its match without a valid reason, the
player(s) whose actions or decision contributed to the default shall be
ineligible to compete in the remaining events in that tournament (as
defined above); a player shall be eligible to continue competing in the
remaining events only if he/she did not cause any of the misconduct
Code Violations or did not participate in the decision that resulted in the
team being defaulted. In a case where the actions or decisions of the
two partners cause the default (e.g., at least one Code Violation each)
or the cessation of the match, neither player shall be allowed to
compete in the remaining events of the tournament.

A player who retires from a match due to illness or injury may continue
to play another event (e.g., doubles, singles consolation, other age
category events) at the tournament if the player’s condition has
improved to the extent that he may perform at full capacity, whether the
same day or a later day. The Sports Medicine Trainer, if present, or
Referee shall use his best judgment in determining whether the player
shall be allowed to continue to play another event. (See Tournament
Regulation 15.)

17. TOILET BREAK

A player is allowed to request permission to leave the court for a
reasonable time for a toilet break, a change of attire break, or both, but
for no other reason. Toilet breaks should be taken on a set break and
can be used for no other purpose. Change of attire breaks (women
only) must be taken on a set break.

In singles, players are entitled to one (1) break during a match. In all
doubles matches, each team is entitled to a total of two (2) breaks. If
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Tournament Regulations

the partners leave the court together, it counts as one (1) of the team’s
authorised breaks.
Any time a player leaves the court for a toilet break, it is considered to
be one of the authorised breaks regardless of whether or not the
opponent has left the court. Any toilet break taken after a warm-up has
started is considered as one of the authorised breaks.

Emergency toilet breaks: If it is necessary for a player to take a toilet

break during a set, it must be taken before the player’s own service
game. In this case, the player is allowed a reasonable time for the
break.
In exceptional circumstances, if the player has been authorized to
leave the court before or during the opponent’s service game or during
his/her own service game, then the player will be considered to be
leaving the court on his/her own time and will be penalised with
consecutive Time Violations (i.e., warning for the first offence and loss
of a point for all subsequent infractions) if the player is not ready to play
within the allowed time. Note, however, that the number of consecutive
Time Violations that a player may receive in this situation is limited: the
clock will be running from the moment the player leaves the court until
he/she is due to serve next. Therefore the maximum penalty is the loss
of the game in progress (if serving) plus the next game (the opponent’s
service game).
Tie-breaks: An emergency toilet break taken by either player
immediately before the start of a tie-break (i.e., at 6-6 in a set) will be
considered to be before his/her own serve; the player will thus be
allowed a reasonable time for the break. A toilet break taken during a
tie-break will subject the player to consecutive time violations which
may continue until the end of the tie-break game.

Additional toilet breaks (e.g., a second or more) may be permitted, but

will be penalised in accordance with the Point Penalty Schedule (i.e.
Code Violations) if the player is not ready to play within the allowed
time (i.e., within 90 seconds during a changeover and within 120
seconds during a set break). The Referee shall have the authority to
deny a player permission to leave the court for a toilet and/or change
of attire break if it is interpreted by the Referee as gamesmanship
and/or flagrant abuse of the Rules.

18. PUNCTUALITY
It shall be solely the player’s responsibility to be dressed and ready to
play when the match is called. If a player is not ready to play when
his/her match is called, the following penalties will be assessed:
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 Tournament Regulations

Late 5:00 or less: loss of toss plus 1 game

Late 5:01 – 10:00 minutes: loss of toss plus 2 games
Late 10:01 – 15:00 minutes: loss of toss plus 3 games
More than 15:00 minutes late: default

The lateness penalty clock will be started by the Referee after the
match is called and a court is available and he/she judges that one or
both of the players is not present or available to start the match. The
Referee is not required to keep a court open while awaiting a player.

A player is deemed to be ready to play when he/she has checked in at

the Tournament Desk, is properly clothed and equipped, and proceeds
to the court without delay.

Except for a default, the Referee shall never assess more than a 3-
game penalty for lateness.

If both players are equally late, each will be assessed the appropriate
penalty. For example, if both players are 9:00 minutes late, the match
will begin at 2 games all. A coin toss will be made as usual in order to
determine the server and receiver and/or the choice of sides.

If both players are late but arrive at different times, the penalty accrues
to each from the moment at which the penalty clock is started. For
example, if player A arrives 4:00 minutes late and player B arrives
12:00 minutes late, player B loses the toss and the match commences
with a score of 3 to 1 in favour of player A.

If both players are more than 15:00 minutes late the Referee will
normally default both players.

In all cases, the “official clock” will be that of the Referee.

19. PROPER ATTIRE

Every player shall dress and present himself for play in proper tennis
attire, as designated by the Tournament Committee and/or the
regulations of the host club. Proper attire includes appropriate shoes
with non-marking soles.

A player with improper attire may be ordered by the Referee, Chair

Umpire or Roving Umpire to change his attire or equipment
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Tournament Regulations

immediately; he will have a maximum of 15 minutes to do so. Failure

to comply with such an order may result in an immediate default.

If judged appropriate due to the circumstances (e.g., weather

conditions, temperature of indoor courts, religious factors), the Referee
may authorize players to warm-up and/or to play their match wearing
warm-up clothing, provided that it meets the criteria of proper tennis
attire.

20. ELECTRONIC DEVICES

A player is not allowed to use any electronic devices (e.g. CD players,
mobile phones, etc.) during a match. This includes all smart watches
and/or fitness devices capable of receiving messages.

21. MATCH FORMATS

In both singles and doubles matches, alternative match formats or
scoring methods may be employed in place of the traditional match
format (the best of three tie-break sets). The modified match formats
or scoring methods may involve No-Ad Scoring, Short Sets, or a
Deciding Match Tie-Break, or some combination thereof. (See
Appendix V of the Rules of Tennis for more information on these
formats.)

In particular, in doubles matches, the No-Ad / Match Tie-Break format

currently employed in professional tennis may be used. In this format,
no-ad scoring is to be used throughout the match and when the score
reaches one set all a 10 point match tie-break is played in place of a
third set in order to decide the match.

In order for any alternative match format or scoring method to be

employed in a tournament, its use should normally be stated in
advance on the Fact Sheet and/or Entry Form of the tournament. Any
national-level tournament wishing to use an alternative match format
or scoring method must receive prior approval from Tennis Canada.
However, during the course of a tournament that is experiencing or
expecting delays due to weather, court availability or other unforeseen
circumstances, the Referee, in consultation with the Tournament
Director, may decide to modify the announced match and/or scoring
formats for one or more events in order to complete the tournament on
time. The modified formats may involve No-Ad Scoring, Short Sets, or
a Deciding Match Tie-Break, or some combination thereof.
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 Tournament Regulations

Senior Men’s and Women’s 80 and over age categories:

In both singles and doubles, if the score reaches one set all a 10 point
Deciding Match Tie-Break will be played in lieu of a third set in order to
determine the winner of the match. (See Appendix V of the Rules of
Tennis for more information on the Deciding Match Tie-Break format.)

22. ROUND ROBIN COMPETITION

When a Round Robin format is authorized, each player/team in the
Round Robin group shall play every other player/team in the group.

Players/doubles teams are awarded one (1) point for winning a match.
The standings in the Round Robin group are determined by the highest
number of points.

Ties in the results of a Round Robin competition shall be broken as

follows:

a. If two (2) players/doubles teams are tied with the same number of
points, the tie is broken as follows: The head-to-head result of the
two (2) players/doubles teams.

b. If three (3) players/doubles teams are tied with the same number
of points, the tie is broken as follows:

i. The percentage of sets won of sets played against all other

players/doubles teams in the Round Robin group (i.e. total
sets won divided by total sets played).

ii. If, after this calculation, only two players/doubles teams

remain tied, the result of the head-to-head match played
between the two (2) players/doubles teams will be used to
break the tie.

iii. The percentage of games won of games played against all

players/doubles teams in the Round Robin group (i.e., total
games won divided by total games played).

iv. If, after this calculation, only two players/doubles teams

remain tied, the result of the head-to-head match played
between the two (2) players/doubles teams will be used to
break the tie.
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Tournament Regulations

v. If, after this, there are still players/doubles teams that remain
tied, then the order will be drawn by lot.

c. In applying the tie-break procedures above, the results of matches

involving a match default or a retirement shall be used in
determining the percentage of sets and games won. When a
player/team retires or is defaulted from a match for a violation
involving dress or punctuality, the full score shall be recorded.
Example: Player A leads by 6-1 2-0 when Player B must retire.
Player A’s victory shall be recorded as 6-1 6-0. A walkover or a
default for dress or punctuality counts as a straight set win or loss
for the players/teams involved in the match (6-0 6-0).

If a player withdraws or is a no-show for the entire tournament, or

if the player is defaulted from the tournament, all of his/her results
from matches played are void and not to be considered. Similarly,
any player/team defaulted pursuant to the Code of Conduct during
the Round Robin event (except in the case of violations involving
dress or punctuality) shall be defaulted from all other matches in
the Round Robin, and may not be declared the winner of the Round
Robin; all of his/her results from matches played are void and not
to be considered.

A retiring player/team may still continue in the competition if it is

determined by the trainer or tournament doctor that such
player/team is able to compete at full capacity.

23. PLAYER IMAGES

No images of players may be obtained, transmitted, stored or
distributed for any commercial purposes.

Video Recording: It is prohibited for any person to obtain, transmit,

store or distribute any video recordings of players without the express
permission of all players involved. In the case of Junior players (18
years of age and under), such permission must be given by the players’
parent, legal guardian or coach.

Before any recording can take place, the person wishing to make a
recording must seek the consent of the opponent(s) and/or their parent,
legal guardian or coach. All parties involved in the proposed recording
must then verbally give their consent to the Supervisor/Referee.
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 Tournament Regulations

The opponent(s) and/or their parent, guardian or coach may withdraw

consent to the recording at any time by notifying the
Supervisor/Referee, who will order the recording to cease and the
recording to be deleted.

Any authorised recording must not be shared or posted in whole or in

part, including online, without the consent of the opponent(s) and/or the
parents or legal guardians of all Junior players involved.

24. DEFINITIONS
The following definitions shall be applied in the context of all
tournaments sanctioned by Tennis Canada.

Abandoned Match
An abandoned match is one that began but was not completed for any
reason other than default or retirement. For example, due to a long rain
delay the Referee decides that it is not possible to complete the match.
In an abandoned match there is no winner and no loser. An abandoned
match is indicated by ABD, along with the score at the time, if
applicable.

Default
A default occurs when the Referee does not allow a player to begin
(e.g., due to improper attire) or to continue (e.g., due to misconduct) a
match, or when a player refuses to play for other than a bona fide
reason. Default situations include, but are not limited to:
• A player who does not show up or who is more than 15 minutes
late for his/her match
• Refusal to start a match for any reason other than injury, illness
or personal emergency
• Misconduct before, during or between matches
• Failure to follow the instructions of an official
• Leaving the court without permission
• Failure to complete a match for any reason other than injury,
illness or personal emergency
A default is indicated on the draw sheet by DEF, along with the score
at the time, if applicable – for example, 6-1 2-6 3-3 DEF. Note: A player
who is defaulted for any reason other than Punctuality or Proper Attire
or without a bona fide reason (e.g., injury, illness or personal
emergency), will be ineligible to compete in the remaining events (e.g.,
consolation draw, doubles, other age category events) of the
tournament.
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Tournament Regulations

No Show
A no show occurs when a player does not appear for his/her first match
and there has been no contact or prior notification from the player that
he/she would not appear for the match. For penalty purposes, a no
show player would be considered as having been defaulted. Ordinarily,
a player that is a no show would be replaced in the draw by a Lucky
Loser or an Alternate; if no replacement is available the match would
be recorded as a default.

Retirement
A retirement occurs when a player is not able to complete a match that
he/she has started, or to resume a suspended match, because of
illness, injury, personal emergency or other bona fide reason. A
retirement is indicated by RET on the draw sheet, along with the score
at the time of retirement – for example, 6-3 2-0 RET.

Unplayed Match
An unplayed match is one that did not begin for any reason other than
a) illness, injury, personal emergency on the part of a player, or b) a
player being subjected to Code of Conduct penalties before the first
serve of the match was struck. For example, if, due to long rain delays
and limited court availability, the Referee decides that it is impossible
to begin a consolation match the match would be considered as
unplayed. In an unplayed match there is no winner and no loser. An
unplayed match is indicated on the draw sheet by UNP.

Walkover
A walkover occurs when a match does not begin because of injury,
illness or personal emergency; i.e., it is an unopposed victory. Refusal
to play for any other reason is treated as a default. Note that when a
Lucky Loser or Alternate is available to be substituted, and when it is
appropriate to do so (i.e., when the withdrawing player has not yet
played his/her first match) a walkover would not occur. A walkover is
indicated by a WO on the draw sheet.

Withdrawal
A withdrawal occurs when, prior to commencing his/her first match of
an event (including during the warm-up period prior to his/her first
match), an entered player informs the Referee or Tournament
Committee that, for a bona fide reason, he/she is unable to compete in
the tournament. The vacancy in the draw created by a withdrawal will
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 Tournament Regulations

generally be filled by a Lucky Loser or an Alternate, if one is available.

If no Lucky Loser or Alternate is available, the match would be recorded
as a Walkover. A withdrawal that occurs after the withdrawal deadline
(or after the draw has been made) is generally considered as a late
withdrawal and is subject to penalties.

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 THE CODE OF CONDUCT
The provisions of this Section do not alter or amend the provisions of
Tennis Canada by-laws.

The Code of Conduct applies to all players in all tournaments and

meetings sanctioned or required to be sanctioned by Tennis Canada
or by a Provincial Tennis Association. In addition, it also applies to any
Player Support Team Member (coach, trainer, manager, agent,
medical or para-medical personnel and/or family member, tournament
guest, or other similar associate) of a player.

Further, the Code of Conduct applies in all places and at all times in
the tournament environment (e.g., the tennis facility, player restaurant
and tournament hotel), not simply on court during a match.

All players have a duty to encourage and to maintain the highest

standards of good sportsmanship, courtesy and fair play, and are under
an obligation to avoid all unsportsmanlike conduct and any acts or
practices which are detrimental to the game.

1. VIOLATIONS OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT

Violations of the Code of Conduct include but are not limited to:

a. Abuse of Balls
Players shall not violently, dangerously or with anger hit, kick or throw
a tennis ball while on the grounds of the tournament site except in the
reasonable pursuit of a point during a match (including warm-up). For
purposes of this rule, abuse of balls is defined as intentionally or
recklessly hitting a ball out of the enclosure of the court, hitting a ball
dangerously or recklessly within the court or hitting a ball with
disregard of the consequences.

b. Abuse of Racquet or Equipment

Players shall not violently, dangerously or with anger hit, kick or throw
a racquet or other equipment within the precincts of the Tournament
site. For purposes of this rule, abuse of racquets or equipment is
defined as intentionally, dangerously and violently destroying or
damaging racquets or equipment or intentionally or violently hitting the
net, court, Umpire's chair or other fixture during a match out of anger
or frustration.
 Code of Conduct

c. Physical Abuse
Players shall not at any time physically abuse any official, opponent,
spectator or other person within the precincts of the Tournament site.
For purposes of this rule, physical abuse is the unauthorized touching
of an official, opponent, spectator or other person.

d. Verbal Abuse
Players shall not at any time verbally abuse an official, opponent,
spectator or other person within the precincts of the Tournament site.
Verbal abuse is defined as a statement directed at an official,
opponent, spectator or other person that implies dishonesty or is
derogatory, insulting or otherwise abusive.

TC Note: Tennis Canada interprets abuse in the widest possible

sense. In the tournament environment, no form of harassment –
physical, verbal, gestural or electronic – will be tolerated, either
between players or by family members, coaches or other
spectators. Any individual found to have harassed another person
will be immediately required to leave the tournament and will be
subject to the sanctions of the Code of Conduct as well as those of
Tennis Canada’s Harassment Policy. Note that players will be held
responsible for any inappropriate electronic communications sent
or posted from mobile devices, computers, or other communications
devices. In addition, a player will be held directly responsible for any
inappropriate communications sent by another person using that
player’s communications devices.

e. Audible Obscenity
A player shall not use an audible obscenity while on-site. Audible
obscenity is defined as the use of words commonly known and
understood to be profane and uttered clearly and loudly enough to be
heard.

f. Visible Obscenity
Players shall not make obscene gestures of any kind while on-site.
Visible obscenity is defined as the making of signs by a player with
hands and/or racquet or balls that commonly have an obscene
meaning.

g. Delay of Play
A player who fails to respect the time limit between points (25
seconds), on changeovers (90 seconds) or on set breaks (120
seconds), or a receiver who fails to play to the reasonable pace of
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Code of Conduct

the server is subject to a time violation (see article 3 of the Code

of Conduct, “Time Violations”). Time Violations have their own
separate penalty schedule which does not intersect with the Point
Penalty System for violations of the Code of Conduct.

However, certain situations that delay play are treated under the
Delay of Play provision of the Code of Conduct and are thus
penalized using the Point Penalty System described below in article
2 of the Code of Conduct. These situations include:

i. When an official judges that the receiver is employing

“gamesmanship” in purposely delaying the reasonable pace of
the server.
ii. When, after receiving a time violation for playing too slowly, a
player still is not ready to play after the next 25 seconds. In other
words, except in the case of delay in resuming play after an
authorized rest period or in the case of an emergency toilet
break during a game or before the opponent’s serve, two time
violations will not be issued consecutively as part of the same
situation; the second violation will be treated as a violation of
the Delay of Play provision of the Code of Conduct.
iii. When, after being instructed to play by an official (e.g., in order
to end an overly long discussion), a player is not ready to play
within the next 25 seconds.
iv. When there is a delay in the resumption of play following a
medical time-out or medical treatment.
v. When a player who has been given permission to leave the
court on his/her own time for an additional toilet break (e.g., a
second toilet break in singles) fails to resume play within the
normal time limits (e.g., within 25 seconds between games, 90
seconds on a changeover or 120 seconds on a set break).
vi. When a player who has been given permission to leave the
court to find another racquet fails to resume play within the
normal time limits (e.g., within 90 seconds on a changeover or
within 120 seconds on a set break).

h. Best Efforts
A player shall use his best efforts during the match when competing
in a Tournament.

i. Coaches and Parents

i. Players shall not receive coaching during a Tournament match.
Communications of any kind, audible or visible, between a player
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 Code of Conduct

and a coach shall be construed as coaching. Coaches and

parents on-site are prohibited from:

a. Using an audible obscenity or making obscene gestures of

any kind;

b. Abusing any official, opponent, spectator or other person,

verbally or physically;

c. Engaging in conduct contrary to the integrity of the Game of

Tennis.

ii. In circumstances that are flagrant and particularly injurious to the

success of a Tournament, the Referee shall have the authority to
relocate the position of a coach if there is reasonable belief that
coaching is occurring, or the Referee may order the Coach or
Parent to be removed from the match site or Tournament site
and upon his failure to comply with such order, may declare an
immediate default of such player.

j. Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Players shall at all times conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike
manner and give due regard to the authority of officials and the rights
of opponents, spectators and others. Unsportsmanlike conduct is
defined as any misconduct by a player that is clearly abusive or
detrimental to the success of a Tournament, and/or the sport. In
addition, unsportsmanlike conduct shall include, but not be limited to,
the giving, making, issuing, authorizing or endorsing any public
statement having, or designed to have, an effect prejudicial or
detrimental to the best interest of the Tournament and/or the officiating
thereof.
TC Note: Examples of Unsportsmanlike conduct include, but are
not restricted to the following: Visible taunting (i.e. fist pumps
towards the opponent); Loud shouting directed at the opponent after
winning a point; Intentional bad line calls or retaliatory calls;
Constant questioning of the opponent’s line calls when clearly done
to intimidate; and Refusal to call the score or make audible out calls.

k. Improper Attire
Every player shall dress and present himself for play in proper attire
as designated by the Tournament Committee and/or with the
regulations of the host club. A player who violates this section may be
ordered by the Chair Umpire or Referee to change his attire or
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Code of Conduct

equipment immediately. Failure of a player to comply with such order

may result in an immediate default.

l. Entering a tournament and then failing to appear without adequate

reason and valid notice.

m. Entering two tournaments in the same time period without prior

permission of both Tournament Referees.

n. Defaulting in a tournament or match except as a result of personal

injury or other valid reason.

o. Associating with professional gamblers.

p. Betting or acting as a bookmaker on matches.

q. Accepting money or other consideration for losing a match or

winning by a particular margin.

r. Being party to any payment of money or other consideration to

another person to induce such person to lose a match or to win by
a particular margin.

2. THE POINT PENALTY SYSTEM

The Point Penalty Schedule to be used for the violations set forth above
is as follows:

• FIRST OFFENSE.................................... WARNING

• SECOND OFFENSE............................... POINT PENALTY
• THIRD AND EACH
SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE......................GAME PENALTY

However, after the third Code Violation, the Referee shall determine
whether each subsequent offense shall constitute a default.

In the case of a serious violation of the Code of Conduct, a player may

be subject to an immediate default without going through the individual
steps of the Point Penalty Schedule.

In doubles, the Point Penalty Schedule applies to the team rather than
to the individual members of the team.
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 Code of Conduct

The imposition by the referee/supervisor of a penalty (Warning, Point,

Game, Default) under the Point Penalty Schedule shall be final and
unappealable.

Note: A game penalty that is assessed during a tie-break game will

entail the loss of that game. Since Appendix V of the Rules of Tennis
clearly states that a match tie-break is a tie-break game, a game
penalty assessed during a match tie-break will entail the loss of the
match tie-break and thus of the match.

Note: It is not necessary to report “Warnings” (ROM) to the sanctioning

Association. Report only the issuance of “Point Penalties”, “Game
Penalties” and “Defaults”.

3. TIME VIOLATIONS
i. A maximum of twenty-five (25) seconds shall elapse from the
moment the ball goes out of play at the end of the point until the time
that the ball is struck for the first serve of the next point. If such serve
is a fault, then the second serve must be struck by the server without
delay.

ii. When changing ends, a maximum of ninety (90) seconds shall

elapse from the moment the ball goes out of play at the end of the
game until the time that the ball is struck for the first serve of the next
game. If such first serve is a fault, the second serve must be struck
by the server without delay. However, after the first game of each
set and during a tie-break, play shall be continuous and the players
shall change ends without a rest period.

iii. At the conclusion of each set, regardless of the score, there shall be
a set break of a maximum of two minutes (120 seconds) from the
moment the ball goes out of play at the end of the set until the time
that the first serve is struck for the next set. If such first serve is a
fault, the second serve must be struck by the server without delay.

iv. The receiver shall play to the reasonable pace of the server and shall
be ready to receive within a reasonable time of the server being
ready to serve.

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Code of Conduct

v. Any delay in the resumption of play following an authorized rest

period between the second and third sets shall subject a player to
consecutive Time Violations.

vi. An emergency toilet break during a game or before the opponent’s

serve shall subject a player to consecutive Time Violations.

The first violation of this section, as either server or receiver, shall be

penalized by a Time Violation - Warning and then each subsequent,
but (except in the case of delay in resuming play after an authorized
rest period (paragraph v above) or in the case of an emergency toilet
break during a game or before the opponent’s serve (paragraph vi
above)) non-consecutive, violation shall be penalized as follows:
• Server: The Time Violation shall result in a “fault”
• Receiver: The Time Violation shall result in a “point penalty”

In the case of delay in resuming play after an authorized rest period

(paragraph v above) or in the case of an emergency toilet break during
a game or before the opponent’s serve (paragraph vi above),
consecutive Time Violations will be imposed. In the latter instance
(emergency toilet break), the number of consecutive Time Violations
that a player may receive is limited: the clock will be running from the
moment the player leaves the court until he/she is due to serve next.
Therefore the maximum penalty is the loss of the game in progress (if
serving) plus the next game (the opponent’s service game).

It should be noted that Time Violation penalties do not form part of the
Point Penalty System for Code of Conduct violations described in
Section 2 above. For example, a player that violates the 25 second
maximum between points in the third game of a set will receive a Time
Violation, Warning; if the player does it again as receiver in the sixth
game he/she will receive a Time Violation, Point Penalty, and so forth
irrespective of any Code of Conduct violations that may have occurred.

Note that, except when late in resuming play after an authorized rest
period (paragraph v of this section and Tournament Regulation 9) or in
the context of an emergency toilet break during a game or before the
opponent’s serve (paragraph vi of this section and Tournament
Regulation 17), in the case of consecutive Time Violations, the Code
of Conduct and its Point Penalty System apply. For example, a player
that receives a Time Violation, Warning for exceeding the 25 second
maximum between points, but then is not ready to play after an
additional 25 seconds (a consecutive violation of the 25 second rule),
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 Code of Conduct

will receive a Code Violation for Delay of Play; the appropriate penalty
will depend on if the player has any previous Code of Conduct
violations in the match.

4. DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS
Violation of the Tennis Canada Code of Conduct may subject the
offending player to disciplinary action.

5. DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
The Tournament Committee shall forward a written report to the
sanctioning body (Provincial Association or Tennis Canada) within five
(5) days after the completion of the tournament. The report shall
include:

a. A list of players who received penalties beyond a warning (i.e.,

point penalties and disqualifications), the type of infraction, and the
recommended assessment of Suspension Points, as per Article 6
below; and

b. A list of players demonstrating disciplinary problems, misbehaviour

on and off the court, and other problems that involve the
recommendation of Suspension Points, as per Article 6 below,
other than incidents handled through the Point Penalty System.

6. SUSPENSIONS AND SUSPENSION POINTS

As indicated in Article 5 above, serious disciplinary problems or
infractions in a tournament may necessitate the submission of a
recommendation of the assessment of Suspension Points (SP) to the
tournament’s sanctioning body (Tennis Canada, in the case of national
tournaments; the Provincial Association of the province in which the
player is resident, in the case of provincial tournaments).

Forthwith upon receiving the report and recommendation noted in

Article 5 above, the sanctioning body shall decide whether or not to
assess SP against the player. In the case of national tournaments, if
Tennis Canada decides to assess suspension points, it shall promptly
notify the player as well as the Provincial Association where the player
resides concerning the assessment of SP. In the case of provincially
sanctioned tournaments, the Provincial Association shall inform the
player concerning the assessment of SP. If a player is not a resident of
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the province which sanctioned the tournament in which the infraction

took place, the decision of the local sanctioning body to assess SP
shall be immediately reported to the player’s own Provincial
Association.
Any SP that is assessed will remain in effect for a period of 12 months
after the date of the infraction. The assessment of three or more SP
within a 12 month period will result in the suspension of the player. If a
player accumulates 3 suspension points within a 12 month timeframe,
and receives a suspension, those points are not erased until 12 months
after each point was received. If, after the end of the suspension period,
additional suspension points are received, once again bringing the total
to 3 or more suspension points, another suspension period will result.

Each Provincial Association will have the responsibility for maintaining

records of the suspension points amassed by players who are resident
in that province and for imposing suspensions when the accumulated
number of suspension points warrants that a suspension be imposed.
The length of the suspension will be determined by the Provincial
Association, which shall notify the player by email within 4 business
days after the conclusion of the tournament, including the following:
- the length and reason for the suspension
- the player’s right to appeal, and the process thereof; and
- a statement that should the player not appeal within 5 business days
after receiving notice of the suspension, the suspension will begin 7
business days after the date the notice was communicated.

In assessing player suspensions, Provincial Associations should be

cognizant of the age of the player, the circumstances under which the
suspension points were issued, and the severity of the infractions. The
following table of suggested suspension periods is provided as a
guideline. Provincial Associations may modify these guidelines as they
see fit. Infractions that are particularly egregious may warrant longer
suspension periods.

Player 1st suspension 2nd suspension 3rd suspension

Junior 3 months 6 months 6+ months
Open/Senior 4 – 12 weeks 8 – 24 weeks 24+ weeks

A suspension and/or the length of a suspension may be appealed to

the Disciplinary Committee of the player’s Provincial Association within
a period of 5 business days after the player receives written notice of
the suspension. The Disciplinary Committee must hear and rule on the
appeal within 5 business days following receipt by the Provincial
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 Code of Conduct

Association of the player’s appeal. The decision of the Disciplinary

Committee of that sanctioning body shall be final and there shall be no
appeal from its decision. The suspension of a player who is in the
process of appealing that suspension will continue to be in effect until
either a) the appeal is disposed of in the player’s favour (i.e., either
overturned or reduced in length) or b) the original period of suspension
has run its due course.

In the case of very serious infractions (including, but not restricted to,
those causing the player to be defaulted) that occur in the context of
national tournaments and, in particular, in cases where a player may
be scheduled to compete in another event in the following weeks,
Tennis Canada may decide to suspend the player from further
competition at all levels. Please refer to Tennis Canada’s National
Events Disciplinary Procedures document for full details on this policy.

A player suspended by his or her Provincial association will be

ineligible to compete in national tournaments during the duration of the
suspension. Players suspended by Tennis Canada for offenses in
national tournaments will be ineligible to compete in provincial
tournaments for the duration of the national suspension. Tennis
Canada and each provincial association shall recognize the
suspensions imposed by each other. A player suspended by Tennis
Canada or by a Provincial association shall thus be ineligible to
compete in a sanctioned tournament of Tennis Canada or of any
province which has adopted the procedures herein.

Retroactivity. Each Provincial association that adopts these

procedures shall recognize any suspension points which had been
previously imposed in that province, as well as any suspensions which
had been imposed by Tennis Canada or by any of the other provinces
which have adopted these procedures.

When a suspension is imposed, the sanctioning body shall immediately

notify Tennis Canada (the Manager of Officiating and the Coordinator
of National Rankings) concerning the length of the suspension. The
latter will ensure that this information is made available to all
sanctioning bodies so as to ensure that the suspension is applied in all
provinces across the country.

Below is a recommended index of penalties for use in national events.

Each province’s SP system should not vary from this system.

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Index of Penalties (Suspension Points)

Infraction Suspension Points

1. Entry
a. Entering a tournament and failing to appear 2.0 SP
b. Entering two tournaments in the same period 2.0 SP
without permission from both referees and the + possible loss
applicable sanctioning body (Tennis Canada or of ranking
Provincial Tennis Association) points
c. Entering in age category for which he/she is ineligible 3.0 SP

2. Punctuality
a. Not ready to play when match is called
(After 15 Minutes) 1.5 SP + Default
b. Not ready to play after 10-Minute rest period
1.0 SP + Point Penalty Schedule (Code Violations)

3. Attire
a. Not appearing on court with proper attire 1.0 SP
b. Failing to correct attire after 15 Minutes 1.5 SP + Default

4. Point Penalty and/or each Game Penalty (Under the Code of

Conduct)
a. Unreasonable Delay 1.0 SP
b. Audible and/or Visible Obscenity 1.0 SP
c. Abuse of tennis balls and/or equipment 1.0 SP
d. Unsportsmanlike Conduct 1.0 SP
e. Coaching 1.0 SP

5. Default
a. Defaulting during the tournament under the Code
of Conduct 2.0 SP
b. Best Efforts 1.5 SP + Default
c. Physical and/or Verbal Abuse 3.0 SP + Default
d. Aggravated Behaviour 3.0 SP + Default
e. Illegal Drugs 3.0 SP + Default
f. Leaving the court without valid reason 2.0 SP + Default
g. Failure to complete match without valid reason 2.0 SP + Default
h. Bribes and/or Guarantees 3.0 SP + Default

6. Suspension
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a. Non-payment of Entry Fees and/or Fines after 30 days

1.0 SP + Suspension until Fees/Fines paid
b. Misbehaviour while a Provincial Team Member
1 – 3 SP + Suspension and/or Removal from team
c. Conduct contrary to the integrity of the game
3.0 SP + Suspension

7. JUNIOR TENNIS: LATE WITHDRAWAL AND FAILURE TO

COMPLETE REQUIRED TOURNAMENT EVENTS (LW/FC)
PENALTIES

The penalties outlined in this section concern Junior (U18) tennis

competition only.

Late Withdrawal and Failure to Complete Required Tournament Events

(LW/FC) penalties do not form part of the normal Suspension Point
System for Code Violations as described above. Rather, they form a
separate and parallel system of LW/FC penalty points that can also
lead to a suspension when the threshold of 3 LW/FC penalty points
within a 12 month period is reached. When this occurs the player is
suspended for 3 months and Provincial Associations should inform
Tennis Canada in order to ensure that the suspension is applied in all
provinces across the country.

As an example of how the separate systems work: during a 6 month

period a player is assessed 1 SP for an audible obscenity plus 2 LW/FC
penalty points for withdrawals after the draw has been posted. This
would not yield the 3 points that normally lead to a suspension because
the two types are part of separate penalty systems. Either 2 additional
SP under the Code of Conduct or 1 additional penalty point under the
Late Withdrawal/Failure to Complete Required Events system would
be required to produce a suspension of the player.

An example of a failure to complete all required tournament events

infraction would be a player who withdraws from singles consolation
after losing in the first round of a Junior Nationals event (where entered
players are expected to compete in singles, doubles and consolation
singles).

a. Withdrawal after the draw has been made 1.0 LW/FC penalty point
b. Failure to complete all required events at a tournament
1.0 LW/FC penalty point
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8. OVERRULING LINE CALLS IN UNOFFICIATED MATCHES

In matches played without a chair umpire, a referee, an assistant

referee or a roving umpire, when in direct observation of the court, can
correct or overrule clear line call errors made by players.

The normal procedure for dealing with overrules is the following:

First overrule against a player:

• Roving Umpire on-court: The call is corrected. The player is
advised to be careful of his/her calls (i.e., a “soft warning”) and
notified that any further overrules will result in a Code Violation
for Unsportsmanlike Conduct.
• Roving Umpire off-court: The Roving Umpire goes on-court
and tells the player that his/her call was incorrect. The point is
replayed unless it is a point-ending shot, in which case the
point will be awarded to the opponent. The player is also
advised to be careful of his/her calls (i. e., a “soft warning”) and
notified that any further overrules will result in a Code Violation
for Unsportsmanlike Conduct.

Second overrule against a player: The call is corrected. The player is

assessed a Code Violation for Unsportsmanlike Conduct, using the
normal Point Penalty Scale. (For example, if no previous Code
Violations have been assessed against the player during the match,
this would result in a Warning under the Point Penalty Scale; if one
previous Code Violation for any reason has been assessed against the
player during the match this would result in a Point Penalty under the
Point Penalty Scale. If two or more previous Code Violations have been
assessed against the player during the match this would result in a
Game Penalty under the Point Penalty Scale).

Third (and subsequent) overrule(s) against a player: The call is

corrected and the player is assessed a Code Violation for
Unsportsmanlike Conduct using the normal Point Penalty Scale, as
outlined in the previous paragraph.

Note, however, that in certain instances, at the discretion of the referee,

officials may be authorized to depart from the normal procedure for
dealing with overrules outlined above. For example, in the case of a
blatantly bad line call the official may apply a Code Violation on the first
overrule. Similarly, a Code Violation may be assessed on the first
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overrule in the case of a player with a recent history of systematically

erroneous line calls.

NB: The above procedure should be used in the case of blatant bad
calls (i.e., where the player knows, or is believed to know, that he/she
is making a wrong call) rather than in those cases where the player is
believed to be making an honest error on a very close ball.

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OFFICIALS: DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: AN OVERVIEW

A. Referee
The Referee is the final on-site authority for the interpretation of the
Tournament Rules and Regulations, the Code of Conduct, the Rules of
Tennis, and for all other matters that require immediate resolution at
the tournament site. In collaboration with the Tournament Committee,
he participates in making the draws and in preparing the daily Order of
Play. In some cases, these responsibilities are assumed by a single
official. In other cases, certain duties involving the selection,
assignment and evaluation of officials may be delegated to a Chief
Umpire.

In general, the Referee:

1. Supervises all aspects of play. The Referee exercises general

supervision over all aspects of play. He should use his best
judgement in all situations not specifically covered by the rules.

2. Determines who enters playing area. The referee shall determine

who may enter the playing area.

3. Decides points of Law. The Referee decides any point of Law that
an Umpire is unable to decide or that is referred to him by appeal
from a player. The Referee's decision in such cases shall be final.

4. Suspends and postpones matches. The Referee is responsible for

suspending or postponing play when weather, light, surface
conditions or other circumstances justify.

5. Assigns and replaces officials. The Referee appoints and replaces

or reassigns, when necessary, Chair Umpires, Line Umpires and
Net Umpires. These duties may be delegated to the Chief Umpire, if
there is one.

More specifically, the Referee:

1. Is, ex officio, a member of the Tournament Committee;

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2. Conducts the draw publicly and is assisted by at least one

member of the Committee, at the time and place indicated in the
fact sheet;

3. Is present at the tournament site at all times that play is in progress

and supervises all aspects of play including but not limited to the
conduct and actions of players, coaches, parents, umpires,
ballpersons, grounds staff and administrative personnel;

4. Uses his best judgment in all situations not covered by the rules;

5. Appoints a deputy to act on his behalf when he is absent for any

reason;

6. May not play in the tournament or event, or act as an Umpire;

7. Schedules matches or approves the schedule prepared by a

deputy, assigns courts, postpones or suspends play for reasons
of light, weather or playing conditions.

Every effort should be made to avoid starting matches which are

unlikely to be finished without break because of darkness.

Where this cannot be avoided, the Referee must discuss the

possibilities with the players before the match begins and
endeavour to reach mutual agreement as to when play will be
suspended. In any event, a match should only be suspended
when the aggregate number of games in the set is an even figure;

8. Defaults a player for cause, which includes but is not limited to

lateness, misconduct or failure to follow his instructions or those
of the Chair or Roving Umpire;

9. Hears and rules upon an appeal from a player who has been
defaulted by the Chair Umpire. His decision on such an appeal
shall be final;

10. Apprises players of any variances from the rules of tennis or

general tournament regulations which may be made necessary or
expedient through local conditions and may be peculiar to the
tournament;

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11. Is responsible for the appointment and, when necessary, the

replacement of the Chair Umpires and all other court officials.
Where there is a Chief Umpire, the appointment of Chair, Line and
Net Umpires and Foot-Fault Judges is normally delegated to him.
The Referee shall not remove an official from a match on the sole
basis of a player’s request;

12. Rules upon all points of Law that a Chair Umpire is unable to
decide or which are referred to him upon appeal by a player.
Where the score of the match is in question, the Chair Umpire will
suspend play and immediately bring the matter to the Referee for
decision. In all other cases, play must continue while the appeal
is under consideration;

13. Shall within five days of the end of the tournament, or a lesser
period of time where this is indicated by the Provincial or Regional
regulations governing the tournament, report to Tennis Canada
and the Provincial or Regional Association all violations of the
Code of Conduct.

B. Chief Umpire
The Chief Umpire recruits, assigns (and replaces or reassigns, when
necessary) and evaluates Chair Umpires and Line Umpires in those
tournaments where the Referee has delegated these duties to him.

C. Chair Umpire
The Chair Umpire is responsible for all aspects of the match to which
he is assigned. He applies the Rules of Tennis, the Code of Conduct,
and the Tournament Regulations on court.

The Chair Umpire is the final authority on all questions of Fact arising
during the match. This includes overruling a Line Umpire in the case of
a clear mistake by the latter. The Chair Umpire makes a first
determination on all questions of Law arising during the match, subject
to the right of a player to appeal to the Referee.

More specifically, the Chair Umpire:

1. Enforces the Rules and Regulations. The Chair Umpire conducts the
match in accordance with the Rules of Tennis, the Code of Conduct
and all Tennis Canada Regulations

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2. Calls the lines when no Line Umpire is assigned. In the absence of

any of his Line or Net Umpires, the Chair Umpire assumes all their
duties, except those which he may delegate to another umpire or to
the players.

3. Assigns the officials to the lines. When less than a full complement
of Net and Line Umpires is available, he will assign them to the
positions that will most effectively assist him in controlling the
match. When the Referee or Chief Umpire has not given specific
assignment to the various Line Umpires, then the Chair Umpire
makes these assignments in the manner that will best utilise their
services. He has the option to assign or reassign officials during a
match, even when specific assignments may have been made
previously by the Referee or the Chief Umpire.

4. Enforces instructions as to who enters playing area. The Chair

Umpire shall enforce the Referee's instructions as to who may enter
the playing area, and in the absence of instructions he shall
determine who may enter the playing area.

5. Requests replacement of officials for good cause; rearranges

assignment of officials. The Chair Umpire may request that the
Referee or the Chief Umpire replace one or more of his Line or Net
Umpires if, and only if, the Chair Umpire determines that there is
good and sufficient cause. In any case, play shall continue pending
the decision. The Chair Umpire may rearrange the assignment of his
umpires at any time.

6. Calls the score. The Chair Umpire announces the points, games and
sets at the end of each, respectively, and when reasonably asked
to do so by a player.

7. Ensures that players change ends and that play is continuous. The
Chair Umpire ensures that the play is continuous and that players
change ends in accordance with the rules (allowing them no pause
or rest during a tie-break changeover, or during the changeover
following the first game of a set). He will ensure that no more than
twenty-five seconds should elapse between the end of one point
and the ball being struck for the next point. When players change
ends at the end of a game (excepting the first game of a set), he
will ensure that a maximum pause of ninety seconds is allowed.
At the end of each set, he will ensure that a maximum pause of
two minutes (120 seconds) is allowed. The maximum time starts
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from the moment that one point finishes until the first serve is put
into play for the next point. He also ensures that play is resumed
promptly after an authorized rest period.

8. Scorecard. The Chair Umpire records the points, games, and sets
on the scorecard. He signs the scorecard at the end of the match
and delivers it without delay to the Chief Umpire, the Referee or
other designated person. The failure of the Chair Umpire to sign or
deliver the scorecard does not invalidate the match.

9. When a Line Umpire is unable to make a call. When one of his Line
Umpires is unable to make a call, the Chair Umpire makes the call
himself, if he is able to do so. If a valid call cannot be made, he will
order the point to be replayed.

10. Suspensions of match. The Chair Umpire shall advise the Referee
when, in his opinion playing, conditions justify suspension of the
match. When practicable, the Chair Umpire shall obtain the
Referee's approval before suspending play, especially in cases of
approaching darkness.

11. Alters ball change. The Chair Umpire may call for a ball change at
other than the prescribed time when, in his opinion, abnormal
conditions warrant so doing.

12. Final decision on questions of Fact; overrules on clear mistakes. The

Chair Umpire makes the final decision on every question of Fact in
the match. If he is of the opinion that a clear mistake has been
made, he shall have the right to change the decision of a Net or
Line Umpire.

13. Decisions on points of Law subject to appeal. The Chair Umpire

decides all points of Law, subject to an appeal by a player to the
Referee. (The Referee also decides any point of Law upon which a
Chair Umpire is unable to rule). When the matter under
consideration affects the scoring of a match, the Chair Umpire shall
immediately bring it to the Referee's attention and suspend play
pending the decision. In all other cases of appeal, play shall be
continued while the matter is being considered. The Referee's
decision in such cases shall be final.

14. Defaults player for cause. The Chair Umpire may default a player for
cause, which includes, but is not limited to, tardiness, misconduct,
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or failure by the player to comply with instructions properly given

within the framework of the Rules, the Tournament Regulations
and the Code of Conduct.

15. Coaching. The Chair Umpire will permit no coaching, except as

provided under Rule 30.

16. Service lets and "walking and running" foot faults. The Chair Umpire
calls service lets and calls foot faults that are in violation of the
"walking or running" prohibition.

17. Balls that touch ceiling. On an indoor court where part of the ceiling
area is obstructed from his view and that of the Net Umpire, the Chair
Umpire may assign the calling of touches in that area to one of the
other Umpires.

18. Miscellaneous violations. The Chair Umpire calls any violations

during play in which:

a. A ball in play touches a player;

b. A player touches the net;
c. A player invades his opponent's court;
d. A player strikes his opponent's return before it has passed the
net;
e. A not-up (double-bounce) occurs;
f. An illegal carry, double-hit or other illegal stoke is made;
g. A ball in play passes through the net.

19. Request for removal. Should a player request the removal of the
Chair Umpire himself, the latter shall relay such request to the
Referee for his decision. Play will continue pending the Referee’s
decision. The Chair Umpire will not remove a Line Umpire solely
on the basis of a player’s request.

D. Roving Umpire
A Roving Umpire is an official who exercises jurisdiction over more than
one court. His duties are similar to those of a Chair Umpire and include,
but are not limited to, the following:

1. Ensuring that assigned courts are ready for play;

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2. Enforcing the warm-up time, the Rules of Tennis, Tournament

Regulations, and the Code of Conduct;

3. Resolving scoring disputes;

4. Overruling line calls and calling foot faults when he is in direct

observation of the court;

5. Controlling spectators.

E. Net Umpire
Prior to the start of the match the Net Umpire should confer with the
Chair Umpire to determine the extent of his duties. In the absence of
contrary instructions, these will include:

1. “Net” calls. The Net Umpire makes a call of "net," followed by a hand
signal, when a served ball touches the net in passing over it.

2. Other calls. The Net Umpire makes other calls delegated to him by
the Chair Umpire, such as “through”, if the ball passes through the
net.

3. Ball change. The Net Umpire ensures that the balls are ready to be
changed at the proper time, checks the new balls for defects, and
performs the ball change.

4. Checks net. The Net Umpire adjusts the net to the proper height
before play begins, at the start of each succeeding set, and when
requested to do so by the Chair Umpire. He also verifies the
position of the singles sticks, if they are in use.

F. Line Umpire
The Line Umpire’s primary role, as a member of the on-court officiating
team, is to assist the Chair Umpire in determining if a ball falls within or
outside of the boundaries of the court. In addition, a Line Umpire calls
foot faults and net serves (in the case of a Net Umpire), and assists by
performing other duties that are assigned by the Chair Umpire (for
example, escorting players to the toilet during the course of a match
and preparing and performing ball changes). As an assistant to the
Chair Umpire, a Line Umpire will never work in a match that is not
officiated by a Chair Umpire.
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More specifically, the duties of a Line Umpire include the following:

1. Call his line. Rule on all balls falling on or near the line to which he
is assigned. His decision shall be final unless, in the opinion of the
Chair Umpire, a clear mistake has been made; in this case, the
call may be reversed or a let played at the decision of the Chair
Umpire.

2. Unsighted signal. The Line Umpire promptly indicates to the Chair

Umpire by an unsighted signal when he is unable to make a call
within his area of responsibility.

3. Corrections. When he realises that he has called a ball out in error,

the Line Umpire shall immediately make a correction. On the other
hand, if he realises that he erroneously gave a “safe” signal on a ball
that was out, he shall make the correct call immediately. If a ball that
was out was not called out immediately, he shall remain silent.

4. Foot faults. When assigned to a baseline, a sideline, or a centreline,

the Line Umpire calls foot faults that pertain to a player's touching
his line or the imaginary extension thereof. The Line Umpire should
answer when a player asks what he did that occasioned a call of foot
fault.

5. Code violations. The Line Umpire shall report to the Chair Umpire
any Code of Conduct violations that he sees or hears that were not
heard or seen by the Chair Umpire.

G. Other Considerations for all Officials

1. Aiding a player. No official, unless he is a qualified medical person

or athletic trainer shall aid a player who is suffering from a medical
condition. Nonetheless, any official may provide supplies to a
player.

2. Applauding is prohibited. No official shall applaud a player.

3. Infractions observed in non-umpired matches. In non-umpired

matches, the Referee and his assistants (i.e., Roving Umpires) may
take appropriate action with respect to any infraction of the Rules or
Regulations that they observe.
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4. Enforcing instructions as to who enters playing area. The official in

charge of the match shall enforce the Referee's instructions as to
who may enter the playing area, and in the absence of instructions
he shall determine who may enter the playing area.

2. CHAIR UMPIRE ANNOUNCEMENTS

Chair Umpires should announce matches as follows:

A. Warm-up

a. “Three minutes” - three minutes until warm-up ends

b. “Two minutes” - two minutes until warm-up ends
c. “One minute” - one minute until warm-up ends
d. “Thirty seconds” - thirty seconds until warm-up ends
e. “Time” - end of warm-up, direct ball to
server’s end of court
f. “____ to serve, play” - immediately prior to server
preparing to serve

B. Player introductions

a. If the introduction of players is to be made by the Chair Umpire,

then after the “two minutes” announcement, say:
“This is a ____ round match; the best of three/five tie-break sets.
To the left of the chair from ____ ____. To the right of the chair
from ____ ____.
____ won the toss and chose: to receive/to serve/____ end/to
defer choice.”

b. If the introduction of players is to be made by another announcer,

then after the “one minute” announcement, say:
“ ____ won the toss and chose: to receive/to serve/____ end/to defer
choice.”

C. Crowd control

The spectators should always be addressed respectfully with statements

similar to the following:

- “Quiet please, thank you”

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- “Please be seated, thank you”

- “Seats quickly, please”
- “As a courtesy to both players….”
- “No flash photography, please”
- “Please remain quiet during play”

D. Score

a. The server’s score is always called first, except in the Tie-break.

b. The score is announced:

“Fifteen-Love, Love-Fifteen, Thirty-Love, Love-Thirty, Forty-Love,
Love-Forty, Fifteen-All, Fifteen-Thirty, Thirty-Fifteen, Fifteen-Forty,
Forty-Fifteen, Thirty-All, Forty-Thirty, Thirty-Forty, Deuce (never
Forty-All), Advantage ____ , Game ____.”

c. If the No-Ad Scoring System is used, the announcement after deuce

is:
“deciding point, receiver’s choice”

d. The score should be announced loudly and clearly when a point is

finished. The announcement should be made quickly and before
writing the score on the scorecard unless circumstances are such
that a delayed announcement would be more effective.

e. At the end of a game or set the Chair Umpire, in addition to “Game

____”, should announce the score in games in conformity with the
following examples:

“Game Smith, he (or Jones) leads 4-2, first set” or

“Game Smith, 3 games all, first set” or
“Game and third set Smith, 7 games to 5. Jones leads 2 sets to 1”

If there is a scoreboard visible to the spectators, then the set score

need not be mentioned.

f. When a set reaches the Tie-break, announce:

“Game Smith, 6 games all. Tie-break.”

g. During the Tie-break, the score is announced by first giving the score
and then the name of the player who is leading:

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“1-0 Jones” or “1-0 Jones/Smith”

“1-All”
“2-1 Smith”

Use “Zero” rather than “Love” in the Tie-break.

At the conclusion of the Tie-break, announce:

“Game and ____ set ____ , 7-6”

h. At the conclusion of the match, announce the winner:

“Game, set and match Smith, (2 sets to 1), 6-4, 1-6, 7-6”

In each set, call first the number of games won by the winner of the
match.

E. Match Tie-Break with No-Ad Scoring

a. Start of match:
“Ladies and Gentlemen, this match will consist of two tie-break
sets, with no-ad scoring. A 10-point match tiebreak will be played
at one set all.”

b. At Deuce:
“Deciding point, receiver’s choice.”

c. At One Set All:

“A 10-point match tie-break will now be played to decide the
match.”

F. Code of Conduct

a. Violations of the Point Penalty Schedule of the Code shall be

announced in accordance with the following examples:

“Code Violation, Delay of Game, Warning, Mr/Ms ____ “

“Code Violation, Racquet Abuse, Point Penalty, Mr/Ms ____ “
“Code Violation, Verbal Abuse, Default, Mr/Ms ____ “

b. Time Violations resulting from non-compliance with the

Unreasonable Delay provision in the Code, shall be announced in
accordance with the following:

“Time Violation, Warning, Mr/Ms ____ “

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Subsequent delays:
“Time Violation, Loss of Serve, Mr/Ms ____, Second Serve or Score”
or
“Time Violation, Point Penalty, Mr/Ms ____ “

c. After a Point Penalty or Game Penalty, announce the new score.

G. Medical Time-Out

a. When the Chair Umpire decides to call for the trainer, he/she shall
announce:

“The trainer has been called to the court”

b. When the trainer has evaluated and is ready to start treatment, the
Chair Umpire shall announce:

“Mr/Ms ____ is now receiving a medical time-out”

c. To keep the opponent and trainer advised of the time remaining

during the medical time-out, the Chair Umpire shall announce to
them (but not to the crowd):

“Two minutes remaining”

“One minute remaining”
“Thirty seconds remaining”
“Treatment complete” then, after allowing the player sufficient time
to replace socks and shoes, if needed,
“Time”

d. If there is no play within thirty (30) seconds after calling “Time”, the
delay is penalized in accordance with the Point Penalty Schedule.

Note that, in the case of team events, the name of the team (e.g.,
country, province or club) will be substituted for the name of the player
in announcements concerning the score, violations of the Code of
Conduct, and time violations.

H. Calls

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The verbal calls of the on-court officials shall be made loudly and clearly
as follows:

a. “Fault”
If either the first or second serve lands outside the service court. Do
not call “Double fault” after a second serve fault.

b. “Out”
If a return hits the ground, a permanent fixture, or other object
outside the proper court.
Do not call “Outside”, “Over”, “Just Missed” or the like.

c. “Net”
If a serve hits the top of the net and goes over the net.

d. “Through”
If a ball goes through the net.

e. “Foot Fault”
If a player violates Rule 18 of the Rules of Tennis.

f. “Let”
If the Chair Umpire determines that a point should be replayed or
one serve should be replayed under Rules 22 and 23 of the Rules
of Tennis.

g. “Not Up”
If a player fails to hit a ball in play on the first bounce.

h. “Foul Shot” or “Touch”

If a ball is intentionally struck twice, or struck before it comes over
the net, or a player touches the net while the ball is in play, or a ball
in play touches a player, or anything that he is wearing or carrying
falls into the opponent’s court (Rule 24 of the Rules of Tennis).

i. “Hindrance”
If a player deliberately or involuntarily commits an act which hinders
his opponent in making a stroke (Rule 26 of the Rules of Tennis).

j. “Wait, please”
If an interference or disruption makes it appropriate to delay the
beginning of a point or second serve.

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k. Overrules/Corrections
“Correction, the ball was good” to overrule a clearly incorrect “Out”
call.
“Out” or “Fault” to overrule a clearly incorrect “Safe” signal.

3. TENNIS CANADA SCORECARD

A. Pre-Match
Before the pre-match meeting with the players, complete the
information requested on the Tennis Canada Scorecard such as
name of tournament, round, ball change, players’ names, etc.

B. Toss
After the toss, note who won the toss and the players’ choices.

C. Time/Interruptions
Note the time play begins and finished in each set. Note the time
and reason for any interruptions during the match.

D. Sides for Serve

Note the initials of each player in the order of serving in the set, in
the “Server Side” column corresponding to their proper sides on the
court.

E. Ball Change
Mark in advance the game at which a ball change will be made on
the right hand side of the Tennis Canada Scorecard.

F. Points
Points should be made by slanted marks (/) in the boxes on the
Tennis Canada Scorecard or by the following:

“A” – Ace
“D” – Double Fault
“C” – Code Violation
“T” – Time Violation
“X” – Points received as a result of a point penalty or a game
penalty, or points conceded by the opponent in order to receive
treatment for cramping.

In addition, a dot “ . ” shall be made in the middle of the bottom line

of the server’s box to indicate a first service fault.
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G. Games
The cumulative total of games won by the winner of the last game
only is set out in the “Games” column.

H. Code and Time Violations

When a Code or Time Violation is given to a player, a “C” or “T” shall
be marked in that player’s box on the scorecard. When a Point
Penalty is given, this shall be marked with an “X” for the player who
receives this point. Code and/or Time Violations should also be
marked in their respective sections of the Point Penalty Card.

I. Statement
A statement should be made of all the facts of the Violation, quoting
exactly any statements made that are considered to be obscene or
abusive.

j. Cramping
When a player concedes points to be able to receive treatment,
these shall be marked with an “X” for the player who receives these
points.

Figures 6, 7 and 8 present examples of the first and second pages of the
Tennis Canada Scorecard and the Point Penalty Card insert,
respectively.

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Figure 6: Scorecard – page 1

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Figure 7: Scorecard – page 2

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Figure 8: Point Penalty Card

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4. DEPLOYMENT OF LINE UMPIRES

The number of Line Umpires on court depends upon a number of
factors: the level of tournament (e.g., club championship vs. Grand
Slam event), the round of the tournament (e.g., qualifications vs. finals)
and, in some cases, the number of Line Umpires available or the
budget available to the Tournament Committee. In the later rounds of
a major tournament the court will often be covered by a “full crew” of
10 Line Umpires (referred to as a “Chair and 10”). Ordinarily, however,
the court will be covered by a Chair Umpire and either 5, 6 or 7 Line
Umpires.

While, at first glance, it might not seem possible to cover all lines with
a reduced crew (less than 10), the task can be accomplished by
members of the crew moving during a point and by calling the entire
length of the side line (“calling through the net”). The use of a lesser
number of well-trained Line Umpires is often preferable to having a full
crew, some members of which are less proficient or less experienced.

A Line Umpire must thoroughly understand the placement of personnel

within each of the various crew systems, as well as the specific lines
that are the responsibility of each member of the crew.

Figures 9, 10 and 11 present summaries of the placement of Line

Umpires in the three most common crew systems: a Chair and 7 Line
Umpires; a Chair and 6 Line Umpires; and a Chair and 5 Line Umpires.

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Figure 9: Chair and Seven Line Umpires

1 2

RF RN RF RN
RB (ser) RB (ser)

C C

S S

LB LB
(rec) (rec)
LF LN LF LN

3 4

RF RN RF RN
RB (rec) RB (rec)

C C

S S

LB LB
(ser) (ser)
LF LN LF LN
Notes:
1. All centre service and side lines are called only up to the net.
2. Serves are called from the receiver’s end (from behind receiver).
3. - - -> line umpire moves from centre service line to his/her assigned line
after serve is put into play.
4. ←→ service (S) umpire moves after “even” games and during tie-break
(jumps serve).
5. Left base line (LB); right base line (RB); and long line designations (e.g.
LF =left far; LN=left near) are in relation to the Chair Umpire (C).
6. In doubles, side service line umpire moves to doubles side line after
the serve (other side line umpires are already on doubles side line).

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Figure 10: Chair and Six Line Umpires

1 2

RF RN RF RN
RB (ser) RB (ser)

C C

S S

LB LB
(rec) (rec)
SS SS

3 4

RF RN RF RN
RB (rec) RB (rec)

C C

S S

LB LB
(ser) (ser)
SS SS

Notes:
1. The side lines are called their entire length (through the net). The side
service lines are always called from the server’s end of court.
2. Unless the sun is a factor, the “solo side” (SS) should be on the Chair
Umpire’s (C) left.
3. There is no movement during points, except in doubles when the side
service line umpire moves to the doubles side line after the serve.
4. ←→ service (S) umpire moves after “even” games and during tie-break
(jumps serve).
5. Left base line (LB); right base line (RB); and long line designations (e.g.
RF=right far; RN=right near) are in relation to the Chair Umpire (C). All
long line umpires move between points when the server serves from
the solo side (left of the Chair).
6. Centre service line is always called from the receiver’s end.
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Figure 11: Chair and Five Line Umpires

1 2

RS RS
RB (ser) RB (ser)

C C

S S

LB LB
(rec) (rec)
LS LS

3 4

RS RS
RB (rec) RB (rec)

C C

S S

LB LB
(ser) (ser)
LS LS

Notes:
1. The side service lines are always called from the server’s end of the
court (through the net).
2. - - - > the centre service line is always called from the receiver’s end of
court; after the serve is put into play, the umpire moves to the
uncovered side line (side line farthest away from the receiver).
3. ←→ service (S) umpire moves after “even” games and during tie-break
(jumps serve).
4. Left base line (LB); right base line (RB); and long line designations (e.g.
RS=right side; LS=left side) are in relation to the Chair (C).
5. In doubles, side service line umpire moves to doubles side line after
the serve.

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5. CODE OF CONDUCT FOR OFFICIALS

All Tennis Canada certified Officials must conduct themselves with a
high level of professionalism, on and off the court. All Officials must
follow these standards:

a. Officials must be in good physical condition.

b. Officials must have natural or corrected vision of 20-20 and normal

hearing.

c. Officials must be on-time for all assignments.

d. Officials must study, understand and master the current edition of

the Rules of the Court.

e. Officials should dress and maintain their appearance and personal

hygiene in a manner befitting the dignity and integrity of the Game.

f. Officials may not drink any alcoholic beverages within twelve (12)
hours before their assignment or at any time on-site while play is
in progress or while the Official is in uniform.

g. Officials shall at all times maintain complete impartiality with

respect to all players and shall not enter into any relationship or
take any action that casts doubt on his or her impartiality as a
Tennis Official. Officials will not officiate in any match in which the
Official has a relationship with one of the players that might be
considered a conflict of interest so as to cast doubt upon his/her
impartiality. Not only is a bona fide conflict of interest prohibited,
but the mere appearance of such a conflict will render an Official
unsuitable for such assignments. Officials shall not socialise with
or become intimate with players. Officials, however, are not
prohibited from staying in the same hotels as players or from
attending social functions at which players may be present, but
shall not share a hotel room with any player of any age. Officials
must register any potential conflict of interest with the Tennis
Canada Manager of Officiating.

h. Officials shall refrain from engaging in inappropriate or

unprofessional contact with players. This includes, but is not
limited to, soliciting autographs from players and posing for
photographs with them.

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i. Officials should, upon request, discuss with players interpretations

of Rules and ways to improve officiating and player conduct.
However, before, during or after an event an Official shall not
discuss with any person (including players, spectators and media
representatives) except for duly authorized tournament Officials,
the conduct or actions of a player without the prior consent of the
Supervisor/Referee for that event or the Manager of Officiating.

j. Officials should not criticise or attempt to explain calls or decisions

by other Officials to anyone other than those Officials directly, the
Supervisor/Referee, or the Manager of Officiating for Tennis
Canada.

k. Officials shall comply with the applicable criminal laws in all

jurisdictions. This obligation is violated if an official is convicted of,
or enters a plea of guilty or of no contest to, a criminal charge or
indictment for any offence in any jurisdiction.

l. Officials shall comply with the provisions of the Uniform Tennis

Anti-Corruption Program, which includes not wagering on any
tennis event;

m. Officials shall not, except in the ordinary course of controlling the

crowd during a match, converse with the crowd before, during or
after a match.

n. Officials shall not participate in a media interview or meeting with

a journalist where his statements relating to tennis officiating can
be printed or broadcast, without the approval of the
Supervisor/Referee.

o. Officials shall refrain from using any form of social media to post
or broadcast any comments or opinions concerning players, other
officials, tournament personnel or tennis events, or any
information that is deemed to be not appropriate for public
dissemination.

p. Officials shall not remove any equipment, supplies or other items

belonging to or associated with the tournament without the prior
permission of the Supervisor/Referee.

q. Officials shall not engage in unfair, unprofessional, criminal or

unethical conduct, including attempts to injure or intentionally
interfere with other officials, players, tournament personnel and

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the public. All officials must also set a good example in their
conduct, which reflects upon the integrity of Tennis Canada.

r. Officials shall not abuse their position of authority or control and

not compromise the psychological, physical or emotional
wellbeing of other officials, players or tournament personnel.

s. Officials shall not engage in sexual harassment or sexually

abuse other officials, players or tournament personnel.

t. Officials shall not engage in any other conduct that, having

regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded
as disgraceful, dishonourable, unprofessional or an
embarrassment to Tennis Canada;

u. Officials shall make all tournament-related requests through the

Supervisor/Referee or Chief of Officials rather than going directly
to the Tournament Director or staff.

v. Officials shall maintain a commitment to each event until released

by the Supervisor/Referee or Chief of Officials.

Any failure to behave in accordance with the principles laid out in this
Code of Conduct for Officials will subject the Official to disciplinary
action by the Tennis Canada Officiating Department.

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 CASES AND DECISIONS
RACQUET

(1) Broken String: First Service Fault

Case: On a first service fault, the receiver breaks a string.

Decision: If the receiver changes his racquet, then a first serve will be
awarded to the server. If the receiver elects not to change racquets,
then the server must play a second serve.

(2) Broken String: First Service Let

Case: The receiver breaks a string on a first service let.

Decision: The receiver must change racquets. A player is allowed to

finish the point with a broken string but may not start a point with a
broken string.

(3) Broken String: No Racquets

Case: The player breaks a string in his last racquet.

Decision: The player is not allowed to continue with broken strings. The
player is subjected to the penalties set forth in the Point Penalty System
for Unreasonable Delay.

WHEN TO SERVE

(4) Receiver Not Ready

Case: The receiver is not ready but looks up as the second serve is hit,
reflexes a return and says "wait."

Decision: Second Serve. The server should observe that the receiver
is ready. (If the Chair Umpire believes that gamesmanship is involved
on the part of the receiver, then he may issue a code violation for
Unsportsmanlike Conduct.)

THE LET

(5) Broken Ball

Case: A ball in play breaks (no compression).

Decision: Replay the point.

Cases & Decisions

(6) Corrected Call

Case: A second serve is a "net" call. The service Line Umpire calls
"out," then corrects it to "good."

Decision: There is a second serve.

(7) Soft Ball

Case: After the point has been completed, the player claims that the
point should be replayed because the ball is soft and unplayable.

Decision: The point stands as played. A "soft" ball is not cause for
replaying a point even if the Chair Umpire decides that the ball must be
replaced.

Case: During a rally, Player A catches the ball and wants the point
replayed, claiming that the ball is "soft" and unfit for play.

Decision: Player A loses the point. A "soft" ball is not cause for
replaying a point. The ball, however, may be taken out of play.

LOSING A POINT

(8) Ball Hits Scoring Device

Case: The ball, while in play, hits the scoring device attached to the net
post (flip cards) and goes into the proper court.

Decision: The scoring device is considered as a permanent fixture

(other than the net, posts, singles sticks, cord or metal cable, strap or
band) and hitting it will result in the loss of point.

(9) Invasion: Ball in Play

Case: A player's dampening device flies out of his racquet and touches
the net or goes into his opponent's court.

Decision: If the ball was still in play, the player loses point. The
dampening device shall be considered a part of the racquet.

(10) Invasion: No Replay

Case: After the point has been completed, a player discovers his
opponent's dampening device lying in his court. The player claims a
point.

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 Cases & Decisions

Decision: The point stands as played. Since the Chair Umpire did not
see the dampening device land in the opponent's court, he may not
rule that an invasion occurred. Invasion occurs only when the ball is in
play. Since the Chair Umpire did not know the timing of the incident, he
may not assume that an invasion did occur.

(11) Player Hits Net Pipe Support

Case: A player touches a "pipe support" with his foot while the ball is
in play.

Decision: In this case the "pipe support" is to be considered as part of

the net; thus if a player touches it while the ball is in play, he loses the
point.

(12) Touching Net or Opponent's Court

Case: If while the ball is in play a player's foot slides under the net but
does not touch the net, should this still be considered a "touch" since
the net should have extended fully to the court surface?

Decision: No. This cannot be considered a "touch" if the player did not
actually touch the net. It is likely, however, that an invasion has
occurred from the player's foot touching his opponent's court. If this did
occur, then the Chair Umpire shall call an "invasion" and award the
point to the player's opponent.

PLAYER HINDERS OPPONENT

(13) Opponent's Gear Falls On The Court

Case: A player's hat, towel, or a ball from his pocket falls to the court
during play.

Decision: The Chair Umpire shall call a let and replay the point. He
shall also inform the player that if a second call of let is made by the
Chair Umpire, it will result in a loss of point.

(14) Opponent Makes Noise

Case: During play, a player makes a sound or exclamation.

Decision: If the Chair Umpire rules that a hindrance has occurred then,
if the sound or exclamation that caused the hindrance was deliberate,
the point shall be awarded. If the sound or exclamation that caused the
hindrance is determined to be unintentional, the point shall be replayed.

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Cases & Decisions

GOOD RETURN

(15) Ball Touches Net Pipe Support

Case: The ball falls over the net and hits the "pipe support" used on
indoor courts.

Decision: In this case, the "pipe support" is to be considered as part of

the court; thus when the ball hit the pipe, it would be ruled as a first
bounce.

(16) Player Touches Net Outside of Singles Stick

Case: A player runs for a drop shot and returns it into the opponent's
court and then runs into net between net post and singles stick. What
is the ruling?

Decision: Play continues. This part of the net is considered a

permanent fixture.

HINDRANCE OF A PLAYER

(17) Ball Rolls Onto Court

Case: After a first service fault, a ball comes into the court from another
court.

Decision: If the server has started his motion, then a first serve shall be
awarded. In other cases, a second serve shall be played unless in the
opinion of the Chair Umpire the delay was unusually long and unfairly
disrupted the rhythm of the server.

(18) Crowd Movement

Case: The server is given a Time Violation for going beyond the 25
seconds that is allowed between points. The server claims that he
should have been given additional time because there were some
spectators taking their seats.

Decision: The Time Violation stands. The continuous play procedures

shall be in effect regardless of spectator movement unless the Chair
Umpire believes the movement is intended as a deliberate attempt to
distract a player(s) or occurs in the designated lowest tier of seats.

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(19) Inadvertent Hindrance

Case: As a player is in the process of hitting a volley into the net, his
hat falls off. He then claims a let for hindrance.

Decision: No let. A player may not hinder himself. A let should only be
called when the opponent could have been hindered.

(20) Singles Stick Falls

Case: After a first serve fault, the singles stick falls to the court.

Decision: The Chair Umpire should award a first serve unless in his
opinion the replacement time was such that the server was not delayed
in his delivery of a second serve.

(21) Spectator Noise

Case: During play an "out" call is made by a spectator. The player stops
and claims hindrance.

Decision: The point stands as played.

(22) Early Foot fault Call

Case: The baseline umpire calls a foot fault on the server prior to him
hitting a first serve. The server continues with his motion and hits the
serve into the net.

Decision: First serve awarded. It is not a foot fault until the ball has
been struck. Therefore, the call is erroneous and the Line Umpire has
hindered the server.

OFFICIALS ON COURT

(23) Appeal of Judgment Calls

Case: A first serve is hit down the middle and is called out and then
corrected to good by the centre service Line Umpire. The Chair Umpire
awards the point to the server, but the receiver disagrees saying that
he had a play on the ball. The Chair Umpire agrees and rules that the
point be replayed. The Referee is called to the court.

Decision: Point to server. The Chair Umpire may not change a

judgment decision after a player appeal.

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(24) Appeal of the "facts:" Receiver

Case: First point of a game, the first serve is called fault and overruled
by the Chair Umpire to good. The Chair Umpire then announces 15-
Love. The receiver states that the point should be replayed because
he returned the ball into the court. The Chair Umpire realizes that the
receiver did in fact return the ball and orders the point to be replayed.
The server claims that the Chair Umpire cannot change his decision
and asks for the Referee to be called.

Decision: The point is replayed. The Chair Umpire's initial awarding of

the point to the server was incorrect based upon the facts as described
by the Chair Umpire: The receiver did return the serve.

(25) Appeal of the "facts:" Server

Case: First point of a game, the first serve is called fault and overruled
by the Chair Umpire to good. The Chair Umpire awards the point to the
server based upon his judgment that the receiver did not have a play
on the ball. The receiver claims that he could have played the ball. The
Chair Umpire is not sure of his original judgment and orders the point
to be replayed. The server claims that the Chair Umpire may not
change his judgment based upon an appeal from the receiver and asks
for the Referee to be called.

Decision: Point to the server. The facts on which the Chair Umpire
based his initial decision did not change. Therefore, the Chair Umpire
may not change his original decision based upon a player's appeal or
protest.

(26) Appealing for a Let

Case: Player A serves and Player B returns the ball for a winner. Player
A appeals to the Chair Umpire that the service was a let. The Chair
Umpire says that he did not hear a let. Player A then asks Player B if
he heard a let. Player B answers yes. Upon hearing this the Chair
Umpire says that since both players heard a let, we shall play a let.
Player B objects saying that it is the Chair Umpire's call and that he
was only confirming to Player A that the Chair Umpire had made a
mistake.

Decision: The point stands as played. The Chair Umpire cannot make
assumptions as to the intent of Player B's comment. The Chair Umpire
should be certain that the intention of Player B was to play a let before
making any decision.

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(27) Can't find Ball Mark

Case: A Line Umpire calls a ball out on a clay court. The Chair Umpire
asks him to show the mark. The Line Umpire cannot locate the mark
and neither can the Chair Umpire.

Decision: The original (out) call must stand.

(28) Clay Court: Doubles Ball Mark Appeal

Case: Player B returns a serve but his partner, Player A, says "wait" as
he moves to look at the mark. The Chair Umpire stops play. The
opponent, Player C, appeals to the Referee, saying Player B returned
the serve which Player C put away.

Decision: The procedure was correct. (The Chair Umpire stopped play
after an interruption by Player A.) The mark is examined and if it is
good, Team A-B loses the point; otherwise, it is a second serve.

(29) Must Both Players on a Team Stop to Get Ball Mark

Inspection?
Case: In doubles on a clay court, the second serve is called good. The
receiver returns the ball but hesitates in search of the mark. His partner
crosses (poaches) and hits the ball into the net. The receiver then
appeals the second serve, stating that he stopped play prior to his
reflex return.

Decision: The point stands as played. Both players must stop playing
or the player appealing must do so in a manner that results in the Chair
Umpire stopping play.

(30) Overrule Then Inspect Ball Mark

Case: As a Chair Umpire, you overrule a ball on a clay court. The player
disagrees and asks for a ball mark inspection. You think that maybe
you made a mistake on your overrule.

Decision: The Chair Umpire should check the mark.

(31) Umpire Blocked on Question of Fact

Case: Player A stops play claiming that Player B had played the ball
after it had bounced twice. The Chair Umpire said that he was "blocked"
and could not make the decision.

Decision: The point stands as played. When the Chair Umpire has the
primary responsibility for a call (nets, throughs, not-ups and touches)
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as opposed to the secondary responsibility (line calls), an immediate

decision must be made. If the Chair Umpire did not see a rules violation
on something for which he has the primary responsibility then
technically no violation can be called.

(32) Umpire Unsighted

Case: A Line Umpire is unsighted and the Chair Umpire cannot make
the decision.

Decision: The point is replayed, except in the case where it was

discovered after the point had been completed that during the rally a
Line Umpire had been unsighted. In that case, the point would stand
as played.

(33) Intimidating Line Umpire

Case: A serve is hit near the sideline and the receiver, hearing no call,
immediately turns around and screams at the Line Umpire. The Line
Umpire, who had signaled good, then calls and signals out.

Decision: The Chair Umpire rules the serve good based on the Line
Umpire's original call. The Referee, if called, upholds the Chair
Umpire's decision based on an official not changing his call based on
a player appeal.

Note: The Chair Umpire may have to ask for the Line Umpire's original
call if he is uncertain or disregard the Line Umpire's call and make the
call himself.

TIME AND EQUIPMENT

(34) Ball Person as Personal Valet

Case: A player receives a time violation from the Chair Umpire while
waiting for the ball person to retrieve a towel. The player claims the ball
person caused the delay.

Decision: The Time Violation stands. Toweling off between points with
or without the help of a ball person is not a valid reason for delay.

(35) Changing Shoes

Case: May a player receive extra time on a change-over in order to
change his shoes and/or socks? If yes, how many times may he do so
during the course of the match?

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Decision: Yes. The Chair Umpire may allow a reasonable extension of

the allotted change-over time in order for a player to change his shoes
and/or socks. The player should not be allowed to leave the court in
this instance. The player is limited to one change per match when extra
time is granted unless the provisions for "Equipment out of adjustment"
take precedent. In that case, the Chair Umpire has the authority to
decide each request on its own merit.

(36) Contact Lens

Case: During a match, a player requests permission to leave the court
in order to put in a contact lens.

Decision: The request to leave the court is denied. Contact lens shall
not be considered as equipment out of adjustment unless the player is
wearing them at the time of the incident.

Note: Every attempt should be made to assist the player so that he may
put the contact lenses in during the change-over.

(37) No Play After 90 Seconds

Case: A player is not ready to play after the ninety (90) second change-
over (no injury involved).

Decision: A Time Violation is announced. "Let's Play" is normally

added. The same applies if a player is not ready to play after the 120
second set break.

(38) Re-Gripping Racquet

Case A: During a change of ends, while a player is re-taping the grip
of his racquet, the Chair Umpire calls time. The player walks out to the
baseline still taping the grip. At the end of the 90 seconds, the player
has failed to commence his serve and is still working on the grip.

Decision: The Chair Umpire issues a Time Violation. The racquet is not
equipment out of adjustment and therefore the player must serve within
the allotted time. Similarly, adjusting the position of the strings or fixing
string savers is not an excuse for delaying play.

(39) Replacing Shoes

Case: During a match, a player requests permission to leave the court
area to retrieve another pair of tennis shoes. He states that he is
slipping and wants to get a pair of shoes with a different sole from his
locker.
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Decision: The request is denied. However, the Chair Umpire should

use all possible means to have the shoes retrieved and brought to the
court. This is not considered "Equipment Out of Adjustment." The
shoes could have been brought to the court with the player and
changed on-court; however, once he has the shoes, reasonable time
is allowed for the change.

(40) Shoe Breaks

Case: A player breaks his shoe and he needs to change, but his second
pair is in the locker room.

Decision: The Chair Umpire should suspend play and allow the player
to get shoes.

(41) Time: Refusal to Play

Case: After several close calls that go against him, a player comes to
his chair on the change-over and says, "I'm not playing until the Line
Umpire Crew is changed." After the Chair Umpire calls "Time," the
player says, "I told you I'm not playing until the Line Umpires are
changed." What should the Chair Umpire do?

Decision: The Chair Umpire should order the player to play and after
25 seconds use the Point Penalty Schedule.

(42) Time Violation, No Play, Results in Code

Case: A player, upon hearing a Time Violation, comes to the Chair
Umpire and asks "Why?" He receives an explanation followed by "Let's
Play." The player continues his discussion and is given a Code
Violation. The player appeals to the Referee saying he should have
received a Time Violation, Point Penalty.

Decision: The Chair Umpire suspends play and calls for the Referee.
Upon arrival, the Referee affirms the decision of the Chair Umpire (two
time violations are not given back-to-back unless there was a game
change-over between them.)

(43) Time Violation + 25 Seconds = Code

Case: A player receives a time violation while standing at the back
fence. He does not move to play and the Chair Umpire says "Let's
play." After another 25 seconds elapses, what does the Chair Umpire
do?

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Decision: A Code Violation is announced, (and possibly an inquiry,

such as, "Are you OK?") followed by "Let's Play."

(44) Toilet Visit

Case: In a best-of-three (3) set match, a player has used his one toilet
visit. The player informs the Chair Umpire that at the next change-over
he would like to take another toilet visit prior to his serving.

Decision: The Chair Umpire may allow a player to leave the court but
must inform the player that any delay beyond the 90 seconds will be
penalized in accordance with the Point Penalty Schedule.

(45) Toilet Visit: When Does Play Resume?

Case: After play has been suspended for an authorized toilet visit,
when does the "clock" start to resume play?

Decision: When the player returns to the court and has had the
opportunity to retrieve his racquet, then the Chair Umpire should
announce "Time." This announcement shall signal the players to
resume the match.

(46) Two Explanations are Enough

Case: A player asks for an explanation and is given one. He then raises
another point and receives another response. How long may this go
on?

Decision: Normally only twice since continuous play provisions are not
being complied with. After two brief responses, the Chair Umpire
announces "Let's Play" and subsequently issues a Code Violation if the
ball is not in play as a result of that player's action.

MEDICAL CASES

(47) Chair Umpire Orders Medical Time-Out

Case: A player has an accidental ankle injury and the Chair Umpire
believes that continued play will result in non-professional play. May
the Chair Umpire suspend play (and call for the Sports Medicine
Trainer)?

Decision: Yes.

(48) Medical Time-Out and Re-Warm-Up

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Case: If eight (8) minutes elapse before the Sports Medicine Trainer
arrives and treatment begins two (2) minutes later (the Medical Time-
Out begins) and is completed after another three (3) minutes, is a re-
warm-up authorized?

Decision: No, a re-warm-up is not authorized.

(49) Delayed Medical Time-Out

Case: A player has an accidental injury and asks to have a Medical
Time-Out during the next change-over. What procedure should be
used for timing the treatment if the Sports Medicine Trainer arrives:
a. 30 seconds into the change-over?
b. After 60 seconds has elapsed on the change-over?

Decision A: The Sports Medicine Trainer has 31/2 minutes (but, as a

minimum, he has three (3) minutes to treat after completing his
diagnosis) to treat the player before the Chair Umpire announces
"Time." The player then has 30 seconds to play, subject to the Point
Penalty Schedule.

Decision B: The Chair Umpire stops the clock at 60 seconds and

suspends play until the Sports Medicine Trainer is ready to treat the
player. The three-minute Medical Time-Out begins, and after the Chair
Umpire announces "Time," the player has 30 seconds to play or be
subject to the Point Penalty Schedule.

(50) Equipment Out of Adjustment (Knee Brace)

Case: During play, a player's knee brace becomes out of adjustment.
The player requests time to repair his knee brace.

Decision: The player is allowed reasonable time to repair his knee

brace without penalty. Any medical apparatus worn by a player shall
be considered as equipment in regards to "Equipment Out of
Adjustment."

(51) Exceeding 90 Seconds: Code Violation

Case: If a player is receiving treatment by the Sports Medicine Trainer
on a 90-second change-over, and the treatment goes over the allowed
90 seconds, what happens?

Decision: When the Chair Umpire says "Time," the player must put the
ball in play within 30 seconds. Any delay after that will result in a Code
Violation.
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(52) Medical Time-Out Request Honoured?

Case: A player asks for the Sports Medicine Trainer. After examination,
it is determined by the Sports Medicine Trainer that the player is
suffering from general fatigue that may not be improved by on-court
medical treatment. What course of action should the Chair Umpire
take?

Decision: The Chair Umpire announces, "Let's Play," after the Sports
Medicine Trainer completes his diagnosis. Delays will be penalized in
accordance with the Point Penalty Schedule. The Chair Umpire has the
option to issue a Code Violation for Unsportsmanlike Conduct in
unusual cases.

(53) Medical Time-Out Starts When?

Case A: When does a Medical Time-Out begin?

Decision: A Medical Time-Out begins when the Sports Medicine

Trainer arrives and is ready and able to treat the player. Thus, the
Sports Medicine Trainer has completed his examination/diagnosis and
the Medical Time-Out starts when the Sports Medicine Trainer begins
treating the player.

Case B: A player asks to see the Sports Medicine Trainer during the
middle of a game although no accidental injury was observed by the
Chair Umpire. What should the Umpire do?

Decision: First, tell the player that you will call the Sports Medicine
Trainer and that he can see him on the changeover. Ask the player
what the problem is so that you can inform the Sports Medicine Trainer.
If the player insists that he cannot continue, then stop play and wait for
the Sports Medicine Trainer. The latter will make the decision, upon
examining the player, whether a Medical Time-Out is needed.

(54) Only 90 Seconds to Re-Tape

Case: A player turns his ankle, which is taped by the Sports Medicine
Trainer, and then on the next change-over wants the ankle re-taped.

Decision: The Chair Umpire may authorize the re-taping which must be
completed within the 90 second change-over or the Point Penalty
Schedule applies.

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(55) Penalties After Medical Time-Out

Case: When is the player penalized for going over three minutes on a
Medical Time-Out?

Decision: After the Chair Umpire says "Time," the player must put the
ball in play within 30 seconds. Any delay after that will result in a Code
Violation. The player is allowed the time necessary to put on shoes,
socks, ankle supports, etc.

(56) Re-Injury
Case: A player injures his ankle and is granted a three (3) minute
Medical Time-Out by the Sports Medicine Trainer. Five (5) games later,
the player asks for another Medical Time-Out claiming that he has re-
injured the same ankle.

Decision: The Chair Umpire shall call for the Sports Medicine Trainer
who shall determine upon examination whether or not a three (3)
minute Medical Time-Out is authorized.

(57) Resuming Play After a Medical Time-Out

Case A: After an injury and a four-minute suspension (by the Chair
Umpire) for the arrival of the Sports Medicine Trainer, the Sports
Medicine Trainer arrives and completes the treatment in one and 1/2
minutes. When does play resume?

Decision: Immediately.

Case B: After a player becomes injured, the Sports Medicine Trainer

treats the player in two (2) minutes. When should play resume?

Decision: Immediately when the player and Sports Medicine Trainer

are satisfied with the treatment administered, but the treatment is not
to exceed three (3) minutes.

(58) Tape Is Not “Equipment Adjustment”

Case: During play, a player requests play to be suspended in order for
him to adjust the tape on his ankle.

Decision: Play must continue. Taping is not considered as "Equipment

Out of Adjustment."

Note: The Sports Medicine Trainer may be called to make adjustments

during the 90- second change-over; however, any delays shall be
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penalized in accordance with the Point Penalty Schedule. If the player

makes the adjustment without the help of the Sports Medicine Trainer
and violates the continuous play rule, then the player shall be penalized
in accordance with the penalties set forth under "Unreasonable Delay,"
i.e., Time Violation.

(59) Treatment for Fatigue

Case: May a Sports Medicine Trainer put his hands on a player
suffering from what appears to be fatigue?

Decision: Yes. The Sports Medicine Trainer then makes the decision
regarding a Medical Time-Out.

(60) Treatment: Within 90 Seconds

Case: After an even game, a player asks to see the Sports Medicine
Trainer on the next change-over. The next game ends and 90 seconds
elapse without the Sports Medicine Trainer arriving on-court. The
player asks that the change-over time be extended so that he may
receive treatment. His rationale is that the Sports Medicine Trainer's
arrival to the court is not the player's fault.

Decision: The Chair Umpire suspends play until the Sports Medicine
Trainer examines the player and determines whether a Medical Time-
out is needed.

(61) When to Take a Medical Time-Out

Case: What happens if a player is injured during a match and decides
not to take his injury time-out right away? (Before the end of the next
change-over.)

Decision: A player may call for the Sports Medicine Trainer later, but it
must be at a changeover unless the injury is acute. The Sports
Medicine Trainer shall determine whether the Medical Time-Out is to
be authorized.

CHANGING BALLS

(62) Ball Change Error

Case: A player serves a first service fault. He starts to serve the second
serve and the Chair Umpire realizes that there should be new balls in
play.

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Decision: The Chair Umpire should wait to change balls until that player
or team is scheduled to serve unless a let is called resulting in the first
point being replayed.

(63) New Balls to Wrong Player(s)

Case: The wrong player or team was given new balls with which to
serve.

Decision: If the error is discovered after the first point, then the
team/player continues to serve with the new balls. The team/player
who should serve with new balls receives new balls to serve the next
game. Once a point has been played in the second game, the ball
change sequence shall remain as altered. In no case shall new balls
be replaced by the old balls after a service game has started.

(64) Re-Warm-Up, Balls

Case: At the end of a game there is a twenty (20) minute rain delay. A
ball change was also to occur after that game. When play is resumed,
new balls will be in play. What balls are used for the re-warm-up?

Decision: New balls should be used for the re-warm-up. At the end of
the warm-up, these balls will be taken away and replaced with new
balls to resume the match.

SERVICES OUT OF TURN IN DOUBLES

(65) Service Order

Case: In a doubles match, Team A serves out of order. After two points
have been played, the Chair Umpire realizes the mistake.

Decision: The Chair Umpire should correct the mistake immediately.

ERROR IN ORDER OF RECEIVING IN DOUBLES

(66) Receiving Order

Case: In a doubles match, the players on the team switched their
receiving positions during the set. When this is realized, what action
should the Chair Umpire take?

Decision: The original receiving positions of each player on that team

must be taken after the completion of the game in progress. If error
occurred during a tie break, then the receiving order shall remain as
altered until the completion of the tie break game.
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 GUIDELINES FOR UNOFFICIATED MATCHES
PREFACE

The following guidelines will apply to matches that are played without
officials present on court. Players are encouraged to use this guide
during tournament play, recreational play and leagues in conjunction
with any additional information or procedures provided by event
organizers.

This document provides a summary of procedures and unwritten rules

which custom and tradition dictate players should follow. Although no
system of rules will cover every specific problem or situation that may
arise, all players have a responsibility to be familiar with the basic rules
and customs of tennis.

The principles in this guide shall apply in cases not specifically covered
by the Rules of Tennis and Tennis Canada Regulations.

STARTING THE MATCH AND WARM-UP

1. Coin Toss. Before the match starts, you and your opponent
should either toss a coin or spin a racket to decide choice of ends
and service. If you win the toss you may choose:
• to be the server or the receiver for the first game of the match,
in which case your opponent may chose the end of the court
or;
• the end of the court from which to start, in which case your
opponent may choose to be either the server or receiver or;
• to require your opponent to make the first choice

2. Warm Up. The warm-up before the match should take no more
than 5 minutes. It should consist of a few ground strokes followed
by volleys, overheads and then serves. If you refuse to warm up
your opponent, then you forfeit your right to a warm-up. You
should make a special effort to hit your shots directly to your
opponent. In doubles, if you and your partner want to warm each
other up while your opponents are warming up, you may do so.

3. Warm-up serves and returns. You should warm up serves first

from the deuce court and then from the ad court. Take all your
warm-up serves before the first serve of the match. If you return
Guidelines for Unofficiated Matches

your opponent’s warm-up serves, then do so in a cooperative

manner at a pace that does not disrupt your opponent.

SCORING

4. Server announces score. As the server, you should announce

the game score before the first point of the game and the point
score before each subsequent point of the game.

5. Counting points played in good faith. All points played in good

faith stand. For example, if after losing a point, you discover that
the net was four inches too high, the point stands. If a point is
played from the wrong court, there is no replay. If during a point
you realize that a mistake was made at the beginning (for
example, service from the wrong court) then you should continue
playing the point. Corrective action may be taken only after a point
has been completed. (Refer to Rules of Tennis - Rule 27 for
methods to correct errors.)

6. Disputes. If you and your opponent disagree on the score you

should use one of the following methods, which are listed in the
order of priority:
• Count all points and games that you agree on and replay only
the disputed points or games;
• Play from a score mutually agreeable to all players;
• Spin a racket or toss a coin
• If you do not agree on the court in which the disputed point
started, toss a coin to select the court.
• If you do not agree on who served a disputed point in a
tiebreak, toss a coin to select the server. (A coin toss may also
be needed to determine the side in which the point is played
and the end from which the server serves.)
• If you do not agree on who served a disputed game, toss a
coin to select the server.

Do not spend a long time debating each point or who is correct.

You should follow the procedures outlined in this guide for making
calls or calling the score. As soon as it has been established that
you and your opponent are not in agreement and neither of you
are likely to change your opinion, this becomes a disputed point
to be replayed. Replaying a point because you have lost track or
disagree on the score should not be confused with a scoring
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dispute that arises because of a disagreement on a call. (See

Making Line Calls - Opponent’s calls questioned)

Note: Disagreements during matches should not disrupt play on

other courts or require other players to stop their matches in order
to facilitate the dispute. Players should follow the procedures
outlined and move on with the match. Patterns of problem
behaviour with players at unofficiated matches should be
addressed through appropriate channels. (e.g. an official or
tournament director, if present.)

SERVING

7. Server’s request for third ball. If your opponent requests 3 balls

when serving you should comply if the third ball is readily
available. Distant balls or balls on other courts should be retrieved
at the end of a game.

8. Foot Faults. You may notify your opponent that they have
committed a flagrant foot fault (as long as it is clearly visible from
your side of the court). If you are serving and are advised by your
opponent that you are foot faulting, then you should take action to
correct your behaviour once informed. You may not expect to be
excused your foot faulting because it is your established serving
habit, or because you only just touched the line and did not create
an advantage in the point.

9. Service calls by serving team. If you are serving, neither you nor
your partner shall make a fault call on the first service even if you
think it is out because the receiver may be giving you the benefit
of the doubt. But you and your partner should call out any second
serve that either of you clearly sees out.

10. Service let calls. Any player may call a service let. You should
make the call before the return of serve goes out of play or is hit
by the server or their partner. If the serve is an apparent or near
ace, any let must be called promptly. Note that some circuits
(junior tennis) no longer use the service let rule.

11. Obvious faults. When receiving you should not put into play or
hit over the net an obvious fault. To do so may be considered a
form of gamesmanship. On the other hand, if the receiver believes
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that they cannot call your serve a fault and gives you the benefit
of a close call, you (the server) are not entitled to replay the point.

12. Receiver readiness. When receiving, you must play to the

reasonable pace of the server. You should make no effort to return
a serve when you are not ready. If you attempt to return a serve
(even if it is a “quick” serve), then you (or your partner) are
presumed to be ready.

13. Delays during service. When serving, if your second service

motion is interrupted by a ball coming onto the court, you are
entitled to two serves. When there is a significant delay between
the first and second serves:
• you get one serve if you were the cause of the delay;
• you get two serves if the delay was caused by the receiver or
if there was outside interference.

14. Clearing balls between first and second serve. The time it
takes to clear a ball that comes onto the court between the first
and second serves is usually not considered sufficient time to
warrant the server receiving two serves unless this time is so
lengthy as to constitute an interruption. The receiver is the judge
of whether the delay was long enough to justify giving the server
two serves. It is not normally considered necessary to clear balls
that are at the net between a first and second serve.

15. Retrieving stray balls. Each player is responsible for removing

stray balls and other objects from their end of the court. Whenever
a ball is not in play, you must honor your opponent’s request to
remove a ball from the court or from an area outside the court that
is reasonably close to the lines. When you are retrieving balls, do
not go behind an adjacent court to fetch a ball, and do not ask for
return of a ball from players on an adjacent court until their point
is over. If a ball comes onto your court from an adjacent court, you
should wait until their point is over and then return it directly to one
of the players, ideally the server.

MAKING LINE CALLS

16. Opponent gets benefit of doubt. In an unofficiated match,

players have the responsibility for making decisions, particularly
line calls. You should be guided by the unwritten rule that if you
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have any doubt, the decision must be resolved in favor of your

opponent. This means that you might find yourself keeping a ball
in play that may have been out, or that you discover too late was
out.

17. Player makes line calls on their side of the net. You are
responsible for making the line calls for all shots landing on, or
aimed at, your side of the net.

18. Ball touching any part of line is good. If any part of the ball
touches the line, the ball is good. A ball 99% out is still 100% good.
You should not call a ball out unless you can clearly see a space
between where the ball lands and the line. You should never call
a ball out until it has actually landed outside of the court
boundaries.

19. Ball that cannot be called out is good. Any ball that cannot be
called out is considered to be good. If you cannot call a ball out
with certainty, you must call it as good. You may not claim a let or
replay on the basis that you did not see a ball, or that you are not
sure if it was in or out. Note that if you insist that your opponent’s
shot was really out but then you offer to replay the point to give
your opponent a break, it seems clear that you actually have some
doubt that the ball was indeed out.

20. Treat all points the same regardless of their importance. All
points in a match should be treated the same. There is no
justification for you to consider a match point any differently than
the first point.

21. Audible or visible calls. No matter how obvious it is to a you that

your opponent’s ball is out, your opponent is entitled to a prompt
audible and/or visible “out” call.

22. Player calls their own shots out. With the exception of the first
serve, you should call against yourself any ball you clearly see out
regardless of whether you are is requested to do so by your
opponent. The primary objective in making calls is accuracy. All
players should cooperate to accomplish this objective.

23. Out calls corrected. If you mistakenly call a ball “out” and then
you realize that it was good: the first time that this occurs, the point
shall be replayed unless it was a point-winning shot (on a point-
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winning shot, your opponent wins the point). Subsequently, if you

make any other incorrect calls you will lose the point. If the mistake
is made on the second serve, the server is entitled to two serves.

24. Requesting opponent’s help. When you request an opponent’s

opinion on a call and you receive a positive opinion, you must
accept this judgment. If neither player has an opinion, the ball is
considered good. Aid from an opponent is available only on a call
that ends a point.

25. Service call in doubles. In doubles the receiver’s partner should

call the service line, and the receiver should call the sideline and
the center service line. Nonetheless, either partner may call a ball
that they clearly see.

26. Either partner may make calls in doubles. Although either

doubles partner may make a call, the call of a player looking down
a line is much more likely to be accurate than that of a player
looking across a line. When you are looking across a line, do not
call a ball out unless you can clearly see part of the court between
where the ball hit and the line.

27. Partners’ disagreement on calls. If you and your partner

disagree about whether your opponents’ ball was out, then you
shall call it good. It is more important to give your opponents the
benefit of the doubt than to avoid possibly hurting your partner’s
feeling by not overruling. If a call is changed from out to good, the
principles of section 23 above apply.

28. Opponent’s calls questioned. Before you question a call your

opponent has made, you should ask yourself if you clearly saw
the ball land in the court. It is difficult for a player who stands on
one baseline to question a call on a ball that landed near the other
baseline. You may ask your opponent about their call with the
query: “Are you sure of your call?” If your opponent acknowledges
that they are uncertain, they lose the point. If your opponent
confirms that they are sure of the call, then it stands and there
should be no further delay or discussion on the subject.

29. Prompt call eliminates two-chance option. You should make

all calls promptly after the ball has hit the court. Make your call
either before your return shot has gone out of play or before your
opponent has had the opportunity to play the return shot.
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Prompt calls will quickly eliminate the “two chances to win the
point” option that some players practice. To illustrate, consider the
situation where you are advancing to the net for an easy put away
when you see a ball from an adjoining court rolling toward you.
You continue your advance and hit the shot, only to have your
supposed easy put away fly over the baseline. You then claim a
let. The claim is not valid because you forfeited your right to call a
let by choosing instead to play the ball. You took your chance to
win or lose, and you are not entitled to a second chance.

LINE CALLS ON CLAY

30. Calling balls on clay courts. If any part of the ball mark touches
the line on a clay court, you should call the ball good. If you can
see only part of the mark on the court, this means that the missing
part is on the line or tape. You should take a careful second look
at any point-ending placement that is close to a line on a clay
court. Occasionally a ball will strike that tape, jump, and then leave
a full mark behind the line. You should listen for the sound of the
ball striking the tape and look for a clean spot on the tape near the
mark. If these conditions exist, then you should give the point to
your opponent.

31. Checking marks. Although it is acceptable to check marks on

clay courts, calls should still be made promptly. It is not acceptable
for you to delay making a call while you look for a mark on the
court to justify your call.

If your opponent has made a call you may ask them to show you
the mark and then if necessary, you may cross the net to view
such mark. Likewise, you should offer your opponent this same
courtesy for marks on your side of the net. It is only permitted to
check a ball mark on a clay court. You may not use marks left on
hard courts to determine the result of a ball.

OTHER CALLS

32. Lets called when balls roll on the court. When a ball from an
adjacent court enters the playing area, you should call a let as
soon as you become aware of the ball. You should not wait to see
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the outcome of the next shot before deciding to make the call. If
you delay making the call you lose the right to call the let.

33. Touches, hitting ball before it crosses the net, invasion of

opponent’s court, double hits, and double bounces. It is your
responsibility to make a prompt call against yourself if:
• a ball touches you or your clothing;
• you or your clothing touches the net;
• you touch your opponent’s court;
• you hit a ball before it crosses the net;
• you deliberately carry or double hit the ball; or
• the ball bounces more than once.

These calls must be made by the player themselves. You cannot

make these calls against your opponent, or they against you.

34. Balls hit through the net or into the ground. You shall
promptly make the call on a ball that your opponent hits through
the net, or on a ball that your opponent hits into the ground
before it goes over the net.

35. Catching a ball. If you catch a ball in play before it bounces, you
lose the point regardless of where on the court you are standing.

HINDRANCE

36. Claiming a hindrance. If you need to claim a hindrance you must

stop play as soon as possible. A let is not permitted for a hindrance
caused by something within a player’s control. You may not hinder
yourself, therefore if a ball falls out of your pocket, or you trip over
your own hat etc you may not claim this as a hindrance.

37. Talking during a point. You should not talk while the ball is
moving toward your opponent’s side of the court. If your talking
interferes with your opponent’s ability to play the ball, it is a
hindrance and you will lose the point. Talking between doubles
partners when the ball is moving towards them is allowed; you
should not talk, however, when the ball is moving towards your
opponents’ court.

Consider the situation where you hit a weak lob and loudly yell at

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your partner to get back. If the shout is loud enough to distract

your opponent who is about to hit the ball, then your opponent
may claim the point based on a deliberate hindrance. If your
opponent chooses to hit the lob and misses it, then they lose the
point because they did not make a timely claim of hindrance.
If a player yells because of an injury or getting stung by a bee, this
is an unintentional hindrance that would entitle the opponent to
claim a let.

38. Feinting with the body. You may feint with your body while the
ball is in play. You may change position at any time, including
while the server is tossing the ball. However, any movement or
sound that is made solely to distract your opponent, including but
not limited to waving the arms or racket or stamping the feet, is
not allowed.

39. Lets due to unintentional hindrance. If you are hindered by your

opponent’s unintentional act or by something else outside your
control you are entitled to a let only if you could have made the
shot had you not been hindered. Note however that calls or noises
by spectators do not constitute a let for hindrance.

40. Grunting. You should avoid grunting and making other loud
noises. Grunting and other loud noises may bother not only your
opponents but also players on adjacent courts. If you are advised
that you are disturbing other players you should make every effort
to reduce the amount of noise you are making.

MISCELLANEOUS

41. Timing. The following actions constitute delaying tactics and

unsportsmanlike behaviour, and you should make every effort to
avoid them:
• warming up for more than the allotted time;
• playing at about one-third a player’s normal pace;
• taking more than the allotted 90 seconds on the odd-game
changeover or more than two minutes on the set break;
• starting a discussion or argument in order to catch your
breath;
• clearing a missed first service that doesn’t need to be cleared;
and

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• excessive bouncing of the ball before a serve.

42. Clothing and equipment malfunction. If your clothing or

equipment (other than your racket) becomes unusable through
circumstances outside your control, then play may be suspended
for a reasonable period. You may leave the court after the point is
over to correct the problem.

43. Placement of towels. Place your towels on the ground outside

the net post or at the back of the court. Do not hang your towel on
the fence at the back of the court within the boundaries of the
court. Clothing and towels should never be placed on the net.

44. Spectators never to make calls. No spectator has a part in the

match. You should never enlist the aid of a spectator in making a
call or request the opinion of a spectator to resolve a dispute.
Noises made by spectators, however distracting, do not constitute
a let.

45. Injury caused by a player. If you accidentally injure your

opponent, it is your opponent that suffers the consequences.
Consider the situation where you as the server accidentally
release your racquet which strikes your opponent and
incapacitates them. Your opponent is unable to resume play within
the time limit and therefore even though you caused the injury,
you win the match by retirement.
However, if you deliberately injure your opponent and affect their
ability to play, then your opponent will win the match by default.
Hitting a ball in anger or throwing a racket in anger is considered
to be a deliberate act.

46. Toilet Breaks. Toilet breaks should be used for that purpose and
no other. It is not acceptable for you to take a toilet break merely
to rest or regroup after losing a set, or to disrupt your opponent’s
momentum. You should not communicate with other people or
receive advice during your toilet break.

47. Medical Issues and Cramping. A three minute medical time out
may be allowed for you to treat an injury that has occurred during
play. There must be some form of treatment available that will
improve the condition of your injury to enable you to continue to
play. Rest does not constitute treatment. The medical time out
should be taken at a changeover or set break unless the injury is
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 Guidelines for Unofficiated Matches

acute (eg a rolled ankle, bleeding due to a fall). Up to five minutes

may be allowed to treat bleeding so that it is completely under
control. Medical time outs are not permitted for untreatable
conditions.

Cramping is not considered an injury and no medical time out is

allowed to treat the effects. You may treat yourself during the time
allowed at a changeover or set break but these breaks may not
be extended in order for you to continue treatment. You may not
stop play during a game or point to receive treatment for cramping.
If you are unable to play at the time required, you may have to
withdraw from the match.

TOURNAMENT ETTIQUETTE GUIDELINES

48. Entering a tournament. You should not enter a tournament

unless you are able to commit to playing the entire event. When
you enter online it is recommended that you read any posted
regulations carefully so that you are aware of the conditions under
which you have entered. It is also a good idea to make sure that
all your contact information is current so that the tournament
organizers are able to contact you if necessary.

49. Draws and Schedule. The draws and schedule are usually
posted online. You should check the tournament website regularly
once the entries have closed to be sure you have the most current
information. It is also a good idea to check your email regularly,
as sometimes it is necessary to make changes to a posted
schedule.

50. Pre-match preparation / arrival. You should arrive in plenty of

time for you to perform any pre-match preparation you may wish
to do, but at a minimum you should aim to check in with the
tournament desk 15 minutes prior to your posted match time.
Once you have checked in, your match may be called at any time,
so you should be changed, have all of your equipment ready and
any bathroom needs taken care of.

51. Lateness. If you find yourself running late for your match, you are
advised to contact the tournament organizers or Referee as soon
as possible and advise them of your situation. They may be able
to offer solutions which would not be available if you otherwise
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arrive late without contacting the tournament.

52. New balls for a third set. When a tournament specifies new balls
for a third set, new balls shall be used unless all the players agree
otherwise.

53. End of match. At the end of the match it is customary that the
winner collects the balls and returns them to the tournament desk.
If you have won the match you should also report your score and
check to see if your next match has been scheduled. If there is a
consolation being offered then it is also advisable that if you lose
the match you also report to the tournament desk to determine if
you have another match to play.

54. Withdrawing from a match or tournament. You should not

enter a tournament and then withdraw when you discover that
tough opponents have also entered, or you do not like your draw.
You may withdraw from a match or tournament only because of
injury, illness, personal emergency, or another bona fide reason.
If you cannot play a match, you should notify the referee at once
so that your opponent may be saved a trip. If you withdraw from a
tournament you are not entitled to the return of your entry fee
unless you withdrew before the draw was made.

55. Requesting an official. While normally you may not leave the
playing area during a match, you may visit the referee or seek a
roving official to request assistance if officials are present at the
tournament. Some reasons for requesting an official include:
• chronic flagrant foot faults
• a medical time-out
• a scoring dispute
• a pattern of bad calls
• rules clarification

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 ENGLISH-FRENCH TENNIS VOCABULARY
ENGLISH FRENCH

Love Zéro
Zero Zéro
Fifteen Quinze
Thirty Trente
Forty Quarante
Deuce Egalité
All Partout

One Un/Une
Two Deux
Three Trois
Four Quatre
Five Cinq
Six Six
Seven Sept
Eight Huit
Nine Neuf
Ten Dix
Eleven Onze
Twelve Douze
Thirteen Treize
Fourteen Quatorze
Fifteen Quinze
Sixteen Seize
Seventeen Dix-sept
Eighteen Dix-huit
Nineteen Dix-neuf
Twenty Vingt

First Premier/Première
Second Deuxième
Third Troisième
Fourth Quatrième
Fifth Cinquième
Final Dernier/Dernière
English-French Vocabulary

ENGLISH FRENCH
Abandoned match Match sans résultat
Advantage Avantage
Ball boy/girl Chasseur; Ramasseur
Balls Balles
Bye Exemption
Chair umpire Arbitre de chaise
Chief umpire Arbitre en chef
Code Violation Infraction au Code de conduite
Court Court ; Terrain
Default Disqualification; déclarer forfait
Electronic Review Vérification électronique
Fault Faute
Foot fault Faute de pied
Foul shot Coup illégal
Game(s) Jeu/Jeux
Line umpire Juge de lignes
Let Let
Live scoring Pointage en direct
Lucky Loser Repêché
Match Match; Rencontre
Match Tie-Break Jeu décisif du match
Net Filet
No Show Forfait sans avis
Not up Double bond
Player Joueur (m.); Joueuse (f.)
Point Point
Point Penalty Point de pénalité
Ranking Classement
Receiver Receveur; Relanceur
Referee Juge-arbitre
Retired Abandon
Round Tour
Roving Umpire Arbitre itinérant
Score Marque; Pointage
Score card Feuille d’arbitre
Seed Tête de série
Server Serveur
Set Manche; Set
Through À travers
Tie-Break Bris d’égalité; Jeu décisif
Unplayed match Match non disputé
Unsighted Vue obstruée
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 English-French Vocabulary

ENGLISH FRENCH
Walk-over Forfait
Warm-up Échauffement
Warning Avertissement
Wild Card Invitation
Withdrawal Retrait

First serve Premier service

Second serve Deuxième service
Leads Mène
Minute(s) Minute(s)
New balls Balles neuves
Play Au jeu
Please S’il vous plaît
Quiet please Silence, s’il vous plaît
Take your seats Prenez vos places
Time Reprise
To serve Au service

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English-French Vocabulary

152