Ask Us...

11/09/2011
If a ball in play touches a players hair but not their body - is this the end of the point and is the point awarded to the player who hit the ball (not the one whose hair got touched)? Also - who is supposed to call this? The player who hit the ball or the player whose hair was touched? This question came up in a match recently -

Anytime a ball touches any part of a player's body, including their hair, the point shall be awarded to the opposing team. According to The Code of sportsmanship, It is the responsibility of the player who was touched by the ball to stop play and inform their opponents that the ball touched them.

Answered by: Jason Weiss

10/20/2011
I realize that spectators, including players from adjacent courts are not allowed to call "lets" when a ball rolls onto another court. However, when the players on this court do not notice the ball and are in danger of tripping over it, wouldn't it be advisable for them to announce "ball on court" or something to that effect to notify these players?

Safety First! In this situation the health of the players trumps all. In the middle of a point its hard to be 100% aware or our surroundings so don't assume that the players on the next court will see it on their own and stop play. This is especially true when players are at the net and balls roll behind them. If lobbed they are running back and looking up giving them virtually no chance to see the ball at their feet. Better to be safe then sorry.

Answered by: Jeremy Beach

10/06/2011
Question: Does everyone realize that touching the net with your body or racket is a rules violation? Code of Ethics. #9 states that the player calls touching the net, honestly, against themselves. USTA states that the opponents are not entitled to make the call. We were playing when a player touched the net but call was not made(score 5-40)6-5)3rd set. Server was quick to serve before anything was said.I did not see the touch, and I am not sure if my partner saw it, but everyone on the side lines saw the touch.

There are several violations in tennis where it is incumbent upon the player to call the offense on themselves. Two examples that cause the most arguments and ill feelings are: Touching the net and a double bounce. Both of these can be particularly offensive to the opponents because they are often clearly seen and when they are denied or just not called, not only is the rule of play violated, but the opponents know that you did not call it. There is no penalty for not confessing and the reason for this is that there is an expectation of honesty in this "gentleman's game. We can only emphasize, again, the importance of having every player read 'The Code of Ethics" and to practice the true spirit of the game by being the first to recognize and call an offense on oneself. This will garner so much respect from your opponents and at the end of the day, you will know that your behavior truly reflected the Code of Ethics of tennis and above all else, you will know that you did the right thing. Another reminder is that while it is fine to mention observations to a team after a match, it is never OK to mention them during a match. Fans must remain uninvolved with calls while a match is being played.

Answered by: Snyder

09/28/2011
what is this 'Ask Us' section of the website all about?

This section of the website is for GOWTL members to ask about rules, procedures, and GOWTL customs/traditions and get clear, concise and accurate answers. Questions will be answered by the president of the league or by a facility pro. We hope this is helpful to all!

Answered by: Martie Healy, webmistress