TENNIS COURT ETIQUETTE Customary tennis court etiquette shall be observed at all times. Players and spectators must conduct themselves in a courteous and considerate manner so as not to disturb players and spectators on adjoining or neighboring courts. Players and spectators should not walk across or behind a court while a point is being played. Only playing participants should be on the courts at any time. • • • • • • •
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Do not play "first in" when starting to serve. Give opponent the benefit of the doubt on all calls. Avoid getting angry either at yourself or opponent. Treat your opponent with courtesy. Accept defeat graciously. Avoid arguments of any kind. In between points, send the server the ball directly; do not make him/her chase it. When the ball lands on your court from an adjoining court, stop play immediately and call “let.” Return the ball promptly and pleasantly. Never enter someone else's court while play is in progress. Do not walk in front of players who are practicing on the backboard. Keep the set moving; do not stop at net to "chat." Always be considerate of those waiting. Be certain the receiver is ready before serving. Do not return a serve that is out; keep the ball on your side of the court. Do not protest or question an opponent's call either by speech or manner. Relinquish the court when due. Observe all court rules and encourage others to do the same. Make all calls of "let" or "out" instantly. Do not enlist the aid of spectators. You may move your body at all times, but do not wave racket or arms or otherwise attempt to distract your opponent. If no agreement can be reached in a dispute, toss the racket or a coin. Try to even up the ability of your doubles teams when not in tournaments. Provide your fair share of new balls.
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