Illegal Coaching
During a recent doubles match, our opponents were speaking in a different language between points. We felt this was a form of coaching since we couldn’t understand them. Is this a violation?
Drew Meyer, Men’s League Vice President
This is a situation that can feel very uncomfortable on the court, and you are right to question it. According to ALTA Adult Rules, Rule IV.H., while a pair on the court may speak to each other in any language they choose, any communication from teammates, coaches, or fans should be understood by all, or it could be considered coaching. The goal is to avoid audible or visible advice that could interfere with the match. If you feel your opponent is being coached, the best course of action is to stop play and have the captains from both teams discuss the situation together to resolve it. It is each captain’s responsibility to control his or her spectators during match play.
Brrr…
If the temperature is above 32 degrees at match time, and the players get started, can they suspend play if the temperature drops below 32 degrees before they finish?
Candace Cole, Thursday Women’s League Vice President
According to the ALTA Member Handbook (page 38, number 3) – Determining if conditions are suitable for play:
- “Any one of four players may choose to delay or postpone a match for extreme temperatures, but all four players must be present.
- “Even though temperatures are less than 32 degrees or greater than 95 degrees, players may choose to play. All four players must agree, and once the match has been started, it cannot be interrupted or postponed because of extreme cold or heat.
- “If any player decides he/she cannot continue, that player must retire and the point will be awarded to the opponents.”
In other words: If you started the match when it was 32 degrees, congratulations — you are now committed to finishing it, so layer up and keep moving!
My Call Maybe?
I know that players must make contact with the ball at or on their side of the net and making contact with the ball on your opponents’ side of the net is a rules violation. But whose responsibility is it to make this call? Can I call this on my opponent if I think they made contact on my side of the net?
Mike Clance, Senior Leagues Vice President
Good sportsmanship is key to keeping tennis fun and enjoyable for all involved. As such, unofficiated matches follow an honor system that relies on all players making fair, honest calls. Specifically, the USTA Friend at Court in Part 2 – The Code, item 19, states:
- “A player must concede the point when:
- A ball in play touches that player.
- That player or that player’s racquet touches the net or opponent’s court while a ball is in play.
- That player hits a ball before it crosses the net.
- That player deliberately carries or double hits a ball; or
- A ball bounces more than once in that player’s court.”
Additionally, item 6 in the same part states “A player should always give the opponent the benefit of any doubt.”
Good sportsmanship and integrity in making calls on the court go a long way in keeping tennis fun and enjoyable for all involved!
