Court Etiquette

Tennis court etiquette

The rules of tennis are set by the International Tennis Foundation

and can be found here

http://www.itftennis.com/abouttheitf/rulesregs/rules.asp

Tennis etiquette is different from the rules of the game. It covers a

broad range of actions and behaviours which are traditionally

considered acceptable on and around the tennis court. Here are

some actions and behaviours we would like to recommend to you!

When playing please wear recognised sports clothing (not
jeans etc) and most importantly "Tennis Shoes ". This is for two reasons, first, other shoes mark and damage the courts and second, non tennis shoes do not grip the courts as well and can cause accidents and avoidable injury if you were to fall or slip. Coloured clothing is perfectly acceptable.

• Please do not walk behind players whilst a game or a rally is in progress, this is to avoid distracting other members and most importantly to avoid any potential accidents on court.

• If you are trying to cross a court please wait until you are

invited to and it is safe to do so.

• When you are crossing courts it is normal to do so at the rear
of the court and not at the net.

• When you decide to cross behind other courts do so as quickly
as possible and don’t stop for a chat on the way.

• If a stray ball comes onto your court don’t knock it back
immediately, wait until the owners are ready and then hit it to
the server’s end.

• During play and particularly between games, keep the amount
         and volume of conversation down to a minimum necessary to
         play and enjoy your own games. Too much social chatter or
        debate can be disturbing to those on adjacent courts who
        came to play tennis.

Line calls can be a problem and the majority of experienced

players use what the Americans call the ‘honour system’.

• Call clearly and firmly what you see and what you

honestly believe to be correct.

• If you are not absolutely certain or didn’t see the ball
clearly, the ball was IN and must be given in the
opponents favour.

• If occasionally you have serious doubts as to your
opponents eye-sight, ask politely if they are certain as
to the accuracy of their call. If they say that they are,
get on with the next point.

• If you feel your opponents regularly have difficulties
making correct calls, start looking for different
opponents!

• If in social friendly matches there is some doubt over
a line call, offer to play the point again rather than
cause undue aggravation and time wasting.

• Do not criticise your partner or opponent, be positive and offer
encouragement instead.

• Body Language - Tennis can be a frustrating game if you are

not getting your serves in or not hitting your shots, but try to

remain upbeat and happy. Your opponent and/or doubles

partner doesn't want to be playing tennis with someone who is

miserable so cheer up! You are more likely to play better tennis

if you are calm, relaxed, focussed, and in a positive frame of

mind.

The Tennis Section Neston Cricket Club