By Drew Meyer, Men’s League Vice President
In a recent match, I witnessed something that perfectly encapsulated both the challenge and the promise of ALTA tennis. Two teams arrived at the courts, immediately embroiled in a dispute over tardiness. As tensions rose and rulebooks were metaphorically brandished, I wondered if we were about to witness the unfortunate spectacle of players walking away without hitting a single ball.
Then something remarkable happened. Despite their disagreement, both teams took a collective breath and chose to play. Rules were temporarily set aside in favor of what truly matters — the joy of competition and camaraderie.
Rules vs. spirit
Tennis is unique in its blend of stringent rules and honor-based play. At the recreational level, especially, we face constant choices between strict rule enforcement and the spirit of good sportsmanship. Consider these common scenarios: Do you call every foot fault in a friendly league match? Should you time your opponent’s breaks between points with the precision of a Grand Slam official? When a ball lands close to the line in a crucial point, do you give your opponent the benefit of the doubt?
Rules exist for good reason — they provide structure, fairness, and clarity. However, recreational tennis was never intended to replicate the pressure-cooker environment of professional tournaments. When we elevate rulebook adherence above all else, we risk losing the essence of what makes community tennis special.
The unwritten rules that matter most
No one wants to face an opponent who loudly celebrates your double faults, questions every close call you make, engages in gamesmanship to disrupt your rhythm, or throws racquets or verbal attacks when points don’t go their way. These behaviors might not violate official USTA or ALTA rules, but they certainly violate the spirit of the game. True competitors want to win because they played better tennis, not because they rattled or intimidated their opponents.
Perhaps the simplest guide to navigating these sometimes-murky waters is to apply the golden rule: How would you want to be treated in the same situation? If you were running late due to unexpected traffic, would you want your match defaulted without consideration? If you accidentally took a few extra seconds between points, would you want to be penalized? If you made a close line call in good faith, would you want your integrity questioned?
When we approach disagreements with empathy rather than rigid rule-enforcement, we usually arrive at resolutions that respect both the game and our fellow players.
Finding the middle ground
This is not an argument for abandoning rules entirely. Instead, it is a plea for judgment and perspective. Some guidelines to consider:
- Safety rules are non-negotiable. Anything that protects players’ physical well-being should always be respected.
- ALTA rules matter, but context matters too. A team that’s consistently late deserves different treatment than one delayed by a genuine emergency.
- The level of play should influence rule enforcement. What is appropriate at a City Finals match may differ from a regular season contest.
- When in doubt, ask yourself: “What would enhance everyone’s tennis experience today?”
Learning from my recent match
Returning to those bickering teams I mentioned, by choosing to play despite their disagreement, they demonstrated tennis at its best. The matches were competitive, spirited, and remarkably free of tension once play began. Afterward, players shared laughs and stories over drinks; the dispute was long forgotten. Had either team dug in their heels, everyone would have lost — not just match points, but the joy of an afternoon spent playing the sport we all love.
A call to action
Each time we step onto the court, we have the chance to elevate sportsmanship above rigid rule enforcement, to demonstrate that tennis at its best is not just about who wins or loses, but how we play the game. The next time you face a situation where rules and sportsmanship seem at odds, pause and consider what truly matters. The reputation you build as a player of integrity and goodwill lasts a lifetime. When we look back, we will not remember every score or disputed line call, but we will remember the friendships, the matches played in good spirit, and the joy of a game well played.
