ITF Rules oF TennIs
FOREWORD |
1 |
|
Rule 1 |
THE COURT |
2 |
Rule 2 |
PERMANENT FIXTURES |
3 |
Rule 3 |
THE BALL |
3 |
Rule 4 |
THE RACKET |
4 |
Rule 5 |
SCORE IN A GAME |
5 |
Rule 6 |
SCORE IN A SET |
5 |
Rule 7 |
SCORE IN A MATCH |
6 |
Rule 8 |
SERVER & RECEIVER |
6 |
Rule 9 |
CHOICE OF ENDS & SERVICE |
6 |
Rule 10 |
CHANGE OF ENDS |
7 |
Rule 11 |
BALL IN PLAY |
7 |
Rule 12 |
BALL TOUCHES A LINE |
7 |
Rule 13 |
BALL TOUCHES A PERMANENT FIXTURE |
7 |
Rule 14 |
ORDER OF SERVICE |
7 |
Rule 15 |
ORDER OF RECEIVING IN DOUBLES |
7 |
Rule 16 |
THE SERVICE |
7 |
Rule 17 |
SERVING |
8 |
Rule 18 |
FOOTFAULT |
8 |
Rule 19 |
SERVICE FAULT |
8 |
Rule 20 |
SECOND SERVICE |
9 |
Rule 21 |
WHEN TO SERVE & RECEIVE |
9 |
Rule 22 |
THE LET DURING A SERVICE |
9 |
Rule 23 |
THE LET |
9 |
Rule 24 |
PLAYER LOSES POINT |
9 |
Rule 25 |
A GOOD RETURN |
11 |
Rule 26 |
HINDRANCE |
12 |
Rule 27 |
CORRECTING ERRORS |
12 |
Rule 28 |
ROLE OF COURT OFFICIALS |
13 |
Rule 29 |
CONTINUOUS PLAY |
14 |
Rule 30 |
COACHING |
14 |
Rule 31 |
PLAYER ANALYSIS TECHNOLOGY |
15 |
RULES OF WHEELCHAIR TENNIS |
16 |
|
AMENDMENT TO THE RULES OF TENNIS |
18 |
|
Appendix I |
THE BALL |
19 |
CLASSIFICATION OF COURT SURFACE PACE |
||
Appendix II |
THE RACKET |
22 |
Appendix III |
PLAYER ANALYSIS TECHNOLOGY |
23 |
Appendix IV |
ADVERTISING |
24 |
Appendix V |
ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURES AND |
25 |
SCORING METHODS |
||
Appendix VI |
ROLE OF COURT OFFICIALS |
28 |
Appendix VII 10 AND UNDER TENNIS COMPETITION 31
Appendix VIII PLAN OF THE COURT 32
Appendix IX SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO MARK A COURT 33
Appendix X RULES OF BEACH TENNIS 36
Appendix XI PROCEDURES FOR REVIEW AND HEARINGS 37
References to the International Tennis Federation or ITF shall hereafter mean ITF Limited.
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) is the governing body of the game of tennis and its duties and responsibilities include protecting the integrity of the game through determination of the Rules of Tennis.
To assist the ITF in carrying out this responsibility, the ITF has appointed a Rules of Tennis Committee which continually monitors the game and its rules, and when considered necessary makes recommendations for changes to the Board of Directors of the ITF who in turn make recommendations to the Annual General Meeting of the ITF which is the ultimate authority for making any changes to the Rules of Tennis.
Appendix V lists all known and approved alternative procedures and scoring methods. In addition, on its own behalf or on application by interested parties, certain variations to the rules may be approved by the ITF for trial purposes only at a limited number of tournaments or events and/or for a limited time period. Such variations are not included in the published rules and require a report to the ITF on the conclusion of the approved trial.
Note: Except where otherwise stated, every reference in these Rules of Tennis to the masculine includes the feminine gender.
The court shall be a rectangle, 78 feet (23.77 m) long and, for singles matches, 27 feet (8.23 m) wide. For doubles matches, the court shall be 36 feet (10.97 m) wide.
The court shall be divided across the middle by a net suspended by a cord or metal cable which shall pass over or be attached to two net posts at a height of 3 ½ feet (1.07 m). The net shall be fully extended so that it completely fills the space between the two net posts and it must be of sufficiently small mesh to ensure that a ball cannot pass through it. The height of the net shall be 3 feet (0.914 m) at the centre, where it shall be held down tightly by a strap. A band shall cover the cord or metal cable and the top of the net. The strap and band shall be completely white.
For doubles matches, the centres of the net posts shall be 3 feet (0.914 m) outside the doubles court on each side.
For singles matches, if a singles net is used, the centres of the net posts shall be 3 feet (0.914 m) outside the singles court on each side. If a doubles net is used, then the net shall be supported, at a height of 3 ½ feet (1.07 m), by two singles sticks, the centres of which shall be 3 feet (0.914 m) outside the singles court on each side.
The lines at the ends of the court are called baselines and the lines at the sides of the court are called sidelines.
Two lines shall be drawn between the singles sidelines, 21 feet (6.40 m) from each side of the net, parallel with the net. These lines are called the servicelines. On each side of the net, the area between the serviceline and the net shall be divided into two equal parts, the service courts, by the centre serviceline. The centre serviceline shall be drawn parallel with the singles sidelines and half way between them.
Each baseline shall be divided in half by a centre mark, 4 inches (10 cm) in length, which shall be drawn inside the court and parallel with the singles sidelines.
All court measurements shall be made to the outside of the lines and all lines of the court shall be of the same colour clearly contrasting with the colour of the surface.
No advertising is allowed on the court, net, strap, band, net posts or singles sticks except as provided in Appendix IV.
In addition to the court described above, the court designated as “Red” and the court designated as “Orange” in Appendix VII can be used for 10 and under tennis competition.
Note: Guidelines for minimum distances between the baseline and backstops and between the sidelines and sidestops can be found in Appendix IX.
The permanent fixtures of the court include the backstops and sidestops, the spectators, the stands and seats for spectators, all other fixtures around and above the court, the chair umpire, line umpires, net umpire and ball persons when in their recognised positions.
In a singles match played with a doubles net and singles sticks, the net posts and the part of the net outside the singles sticks are permanent fixtures and are not considered as net posts or part of the net.
Balls, which are approved for play under the Rules of Tennis, must comply with the specifications in Appendix I.
The International Tennis Federation shall rule on the question of whether any ball or prototype complies with Appendix I or is otherwise approved, or not approved, for play. Such ruling may be taken on its own initiative or upon application by any party with a bona fide interest therein, including any player, equipment manufacturer or National Association or members thereof. Such rulings and applications shall be made in accordance with the applicable Review and Hearing Procedures of the International Tennis Federation (see Appendix XI).
The event organisers must announce in advance of the event:
Ball changes, if any, can be made either:
make allowance for the warm-up. A tie-break game counts as one game for the ball change. A ball change shall not take place at the beginning of a tie- break game. In this case, the ball change shall be delayed until the beginning of the second game of the next set; or
If a ball gets broken during play, the point shall be replayed.
Case 1: If a ball is soft at the end of a point, should the point be replayed? Decision: If the ball is soft, not broken, the point shall not be replayed.
Note: Any ball to be used in a tournament which is played under the Rules of Tennis must be named on the official ITF list of approved balls issued by the International Tennis Federation.
Rackets, which are approved for play under the Rules of Tennis, must comply with the specifications in Appendix II.
The International Tennis Federation shall rule on the question of whether any racket or prototype complies with Appendix II or is otherwise approved, or not approved, for play. Such ruling may be undertaken on its own initiative or upon application by any party with a bona fide interest therein, including any player, equipment manufacturer or National Association or members thereof. Such rulings and applications shall be made in accordance with the applicable Review and Hearing Procedures of the International Tennis Federation (see Appendix XI).
Case 1: Is more than one set of strings allowed on the hitting surface of a racket? Decision: No. The rule mentions a pattern (not patterns) of crossed strings. (See Appendix II)
Case 2: Is the stringing pattern of a racket considered to be generally uniform and flat if the strings are on more than one plane?
Decision: No.
Case 3: Can vibration damping devices be placed on the strings of a racket? If so, where can they be placed?
Decision: Yes, but these devices may only be placed outside the pattern of the crossed strings.
Case 4: During a point, a player accidentally breaks the strings. Can the player continue to play another point with this racket?
Decision: Yes, except where specifically prohibited by event organisers.
Case 5: Is a player allowed to use more than one racket at any time during play? Decision: No.
Case 6: Can a battery that affects playing characteristics be incorporated into a racket?
Decision: No. A battery is prohibited because it is an energy source, as are solar cells and other similar devices.
A standard game is scored as follows with the server’s score being called first: No point - “Love”
First point - “15”
Second point - “30”
Third point - “40”
Fourth point - “Game”
except that if each player/team has won three points, the score is “Deuce”. After “Deuce”, the score is “Advantage” for the player/team who wins the next point. If that same player/team also wins the next point, that player/team wins the “Game”; if the opposing player/team wins the next point, the score is again “Deuce”. A player/team needs to win two consecutive points immediately after “Deuce” to win the “Game”.
During a tie-break game, points are scored “Zero”, “1”, “2”, “3”, etc. The first player/team to win seven points wins the “Game” and “Set”, provided there is a margin of two points over the opponent(s). If necessary, the tie-break game shall continue until this margin is achieved.
The player whose turn it is to serve shall serve the first point of the tie-break game. The following two points shall be served by the opponent(s) (in doubles, the player of the opposing team due to serve next). After this, each player/team shall serve alternately for two consecutive points until the end of the tie-break game (in doubles, the rotation of service within each team shall continue in the same order as during that set).
The player/team whose turn it was to serve first in the tie-break game shall be the receiver in the first game of the following set.
Additional approved alternative scoring methods can be found in Appendix V.
There are different methods of scoring in a set. The two main methods are the “Advantage Set” and the “Tie-break Set”. Either method may be used provided that the one to be used is announced in advance of the event. If the “Tie-break Set”
method is to be used, it must also be announced whether the final set will be played as a “Tie-break Set” or an “Advantage Set”.
The first player/team to win six games wins that “Set”, provided there is a margin of two games over the opponent(s). If necessary, the set shall continue until this margin is achieved.
The first player/team to win six games wins that “Set”, provided there is a margin of two games over the opponent(s). If the score reaches six games all, a tie-break game shall be played.
Additional approved alternative scoring methods can be found in Appendix V.
A match can be played to the best of 3 sets (a player/team needs to win 2 sets to win the match) or to the best of 5 sets (a player/team needs to win 3 sets to win the match).
Additional approved alternative scoring methods can be found in Appendix V.
The players/teams shall stand on opposite sides of the net. The server is the player who puts the ball into play for the first point. The receiver is the player who is ready to return the ball served by the server.
Case 1: Is the receiver allowed to stand outside the lines of the court?
Decision: Yes. The receiver may take any position inside or outside the lines on the receiver’s side of the net.
The choice of ends and the choice to be server or receiver in the first game shall be decided by toss before the warm-up starts. The player/team who wins the toss may choose:
Case 1: Do both players/teams have the right to new choices if the warm-up is stopped and the players leave the court?
Decision: Yes. The result of the original toss stands, but new choices may be made by both players/teams.
The players shall change ends at the end of the first, third and every subsequent odd game of each set. The players shall also change ends at the end of each set unless the total number of games in that set is even, in which case the players change ends at the end of the first game of the next set.
During a tie-break game, players shall change ends after every six points. Additional approved alternative procedures can be found in Appendix V.
Unless a fault or a let is called, the ball is in play from the moment the server hits the ball, and remains in play until the point is decided.
If a ball touches a line, it is regarded as touching the court bounded by that line.
If the ball in play touches a permanent fixture after it has hit the correct court, the player who hit the ball wins the point. If the ball in play touches a permanent fixture before it hits the ground, the player who hit the ball loses the point.
At the end of each standard game, the receiver shall become the server and the server shall become the receiver for the next game.
In doubles, the team due to serve in the first game of each set shall decide which player shall serve for that game. Similarly, before the second game starts, their opponents shall decide which player shall serve for that game. The partner of the player who served in the first game shall serve in the third game and the partner of the player who served in the second game shall serve in the fourth game. This rotation shall continue until the end of the set.
The team which is due to receive in the first game of a set shall decide which player shall receive the first point in the game. Similarly, before the second game starts, their opponents shall decide which player shall receive the first point of that game. The player who was the receiver’s partner for the first point of the game shall receive the second point and this rotation shall continue until the end of the game and the set. After the receiver has returned the ball, either player in a team can hit the ball.
Case 1: Is one member of a doubles team allowed to play alone against the opponents?
Decision: No.
Immediately before starting the service motion, the server shall stand at rest with both feet behind (i.e. further from the net than) the baseline and within the imaginary extensions of the centre mark and the sideline.
The server shall then release the ball by hand in any direction and hit the ball with the racket before the ball hits the ground. The service motion is completed at the moment that the player’s racket hits or misses the ball. A player who is able to use only one arm may use the racket for the release of the ball.
When serving in a standard game, the server shall stand behind alternate halves of the court, starting from the right half of the court in every game.
In a tie-break game, the service shall be served from behind alternate halves of the court, with the first served from the right half of the court.
The service shall pass over the net and hit the service court diagonally opposite, before the receiver returns it.
During the service motion, the server shall not:
If the server breaks this rule it is a “Foot Fault”.
Case 1: In a singles match, is the server allowed to serve standing behind the part of the baseline between the singles sideline and the doubles sideline?
Decision: No.
Case 2: Is the server allowed to have one or both feet off the ground? Decision: Yes.
The service is a fault if:
Case 1: After tossing a ball to serve, the server decides not to hit it and catches it instead. Is this a fault?
Decision: No. A player, who tosses the ball and then decides not to hit it, is allowed to catch the ball with the hand or the racket, or to let the ball bounce.
Case 2: During a singles match played on a court with net posts and singles sticks, the ball served hits a singles stick and then hits the correct service court. Is this a fault?
Decision: Yes.
If the first service is a fault, the server shall serve again without delay from behind the same half of the court from which that fault was served, unless the service was from the wrong half.
The server shall not serve until the receiver is ready. However, the receiver shall play to the reasonable pace of the server and shall be ready to receive within a reasonable time of the server being ready.
A receiver who attempts to return the service shall be considered as being ready. If it is demonstrated that the receiver is not ready, the service cannot be called a fault.
The service is a let if:
In the case of a service let, that particular service shall not count, and the server shall serve again, but a service let does not cancel a previous fault.
Additional approved alternative procedures can be found in Appendix V.
In all cases when a let is called, except when a service let is called on a second service, the whole point shall be replayed.
Case 1: When the ball is in play, another ball rolls onto court. A let is called. The server had previously served a fault. Is the server now entitled to a first service or second service?
Decision: First service. The whole point must be replayed.
The point is lost if:
Case 1: After the server has served a first service, the racket falls out of the server’s hand and touches the net before the ball has bounced. Is this a service fault, or does the server lose the point?
Decision: The server loses the point because the racket touches the net while the ball is in play.
Case 2: After the server has served a first service, the racket falls out of the server’s hand and touches the net after the ball has bounced outside the correct service court. Is this a service fault, or does the server lose the point?
Decision: This is a service fault because when the racket touched the net the ball was no longer in play.
Case 3: In a doubles match, the receiver’s partner touches the net before the ball that has been served touches the ground outside the correct service court. What is the correct decision?
Decision: The receiving team loses the point because the receiver’s partner touched the net while the ball was in play.
Case 4: Does a player lose the point if an imaginary line in the extension of the net is crossed before or after hitting the ball?
Decision: The player does not lose the point in either case provided the player does not touch the opponent’s court.
Case 5: Is a player allowed to jump over the net into the opponent’s court while the ball is in play?
Decision: No. The player loses the point.
Case 6: A player throws the racket at the ball in play. Both the racket and the ball land in the court on the opponent’s side of the net and the opponent(s) is unable to reach the ball. Which player wins the point?
Decision: The player who threw the racket at the ball loses the point.
Case 7: A ball that has just been served hits the receiver or in doubles the receiver’s partner before it touches the ground. Which player wins the point?
Decision: The server wins the point, unless it is a service let.
Case 8: A player standing outside the court hits the ball or catches it before it bounces and claims the point because the ball was definitely going out of the correct court.
Decision: The player loses the point, unless it is a good return, in which case the point continues.
It is a good return if:
Case 1: A player returns a ball which then hits a singles stick and hits the ground in the correct court. Is this is a good return?
Decision: Yes. However, if the ball is served and hits the singles stick, it is a service fault.
Case 2: A ball in play hits another ball which is lying in the correct court. What is the correct decision?
Decision: Play continues. However, if it is not clear that the actual ball in play has been returned, a let should be called.
If a player is hindered in playing the point by a deliberate act of the opponent(s), the player shall win the point.
However, the point shall be replayed if a player is hindered in playing the point by either an unintentional act of the opponent(s), or something outside the player’s own control (not including a permanent fixture).
Case 1: Is an unintentional double hit a hindrance? Decision: No. See also Rule 24 (f).
Case 2: A player claims to have stopped play because the player thought that the opponent(s) was being hindered. Is this a hindrance?
Decision: No, the player loses the point.
Case 3: A ball in play hits a bird flying over the court. Is this a hindrance? Decision: Yes, the point shall be replayed.
Case 4: During a point, a ball or other object that was lying on the player’s side of the net when the point started hinders the player. Is this a hindrance?
Decision: No.
Case 5: In doubles, where are the server’s partner and receiver’s partner allowed to stand?
Decision: The server’s partner and the receiver’s partner may take any position on their own side of the net, inside or outside the court. However, if a player is creating a hindrance to the opponent(s), the hindrance rule should be used.
As a principle, when an error in respect of the Rules of Tennis is discovered, all points previously played shall stand. Errors so discovered shall be corrected as follows:
A fault that was served by the opponents(s) before the error was discovered shall not stand.
In doubles, if the partners of one team serve out of turn, a fault that was served before the error was discovered shall stand.
A fault that was served by the opponent(s) before the error was discovered shall not stand.
In doubles, if the partners of one team serve out of turn, a fault that was served before the error was discovered shall stand.
For matches where officials are appointed, their roles and responsibilities can be found in Appendix VI.
As a principle, play should be continuous, from the time the match starts (when the first service of the match is put in play) until the match finishes.
At the end of each set there shall be a set break of a maximum of one hundred and twenty (120) seconds.
The maximum time starts from the moment that one point finishes until the first service is struck for the next point.
Event organisers may apply for ITF approval to extend the ninety (90) seconds allowed when the players change ends at the end of a game and the one hundred and twenty (120) seconds allowed at a set break.
Coaching is considered to be communication, advice or instruction of any kind and by any means to a player.
In team events where there is a team captain sitting on-court, the team captain may coach the player(s) during a set break and when the players change ends at the end of a game, but not when the players change ends after the first game of each set and not during a tie-break game.
In all other matches, coaching is not allowed.
Case 1: Is a player allowed to be coached, if the coaching is given by signals in a discreet way?
Decision: No.
Case 2: Is a player allowed to receive coaching when play is suspended? Decision: Yes.
Case 3: Is a player allowed to receive on-court coaching during a match?
Decision: Sanctioning bodies may apply to the ITF to have on-court coaching allowed. In events where on-court coaching is allowed, designated coaches may enter the court and coach their players under procedures decided by the sanctioning body.
Player analysis technology, that is approved for play under the Rules of Tennis, must comply with the specifications in Appendix III.
The International Tennis Federation shall rule on the question of whether any such equipment is approved, or not approved. Such ruling may be taken on its own initiative, or upon application by any party with a bona fide interest therein, including any player, equipment manufacturer or National Association or members thereof. Such rulings and applications shall be made in accordance with the applicable Review and Hearing Procedures of the International Tennis Federation (see Appendix XI).
The game of wheelchair tennis follows the ITF Rules of Tennis with the following exceptions.
The wheelchair tennis player is allowed two bounces of the ball. The player must return the ball before it bounces a third time. The second bounce can be either in or out of the court boundaries.
The wheelchair is considered part of the body and all applicable rules, which apply to a player’s body, shall apply to the wheelchair.
The service shall be delivered in the following manner:
A player loses a point if:
Wheelchairs used in all competitions played under the Rules of Wheelchair Tennis must comply with the following specifications:
Where a wheelchair tennis player is playing with or against an able-bodied person in singles or doubles, the Rules of Wheelchair Tennis shall apply for the wheelchair player while the Rules of Tennis for able-bodied tennis shall apply for the able-bodied player. In this instance, the wheelchair player is allowed two bounces while the able-bodied player is allowed only one bounce.
Note: The definition of lower extremities is: the lower limbs, including the buttocks, hips, thighs, legs, ankles and feet.
The official and decisive text to the Rules of Tennis shall be for ever in the English language and no alteration or interpretation of such Rules shall be made except at an Annual General Meeting of the Council, nor unless notice of the resolution embodying such alteration shall have been received by the Federation in accordance with Article 17 of the Constitution of ITF Ltd (Notice of Resolutions) and such resolution or one having the like effect shall be carried by a majority of two-thirds of the votes recorded in respect of the same.
Any alteration so made shall take effect as from the first day of January following unless the Meeting shall by the like majority decide otherwise.
The Board of Directors shall have power, however, to settle all urgent questions of interpretation subject to confirmation at the General Meeting next following.
This Rule shall not be altered at any time without the unanimous consent of a General Meeting of the Council.
For all measurements in Appendix I, SI units shall take precedence.
TYPE 1 (FAST) |
TYPE 2 (MEDIUM)1 |
TYPE 3 (SLOW)2 |
HIGH ALTITUDE3 |
|
MASS (WEIGHT) |
56.0-59.4 grams (1.975-2.095 ounces) |
56.0-59.4 grams (1.975-2.095 ounces) |
56.0-59.4 grams (1.975-2.095 ounces) |
56.0-59.4 grams (1.975-2.095 ounces) |
SIZE |
6.54-6.86 cm (2.57-2.70 inches) |
6.54-6.86 cm (2.57-2.70 inches) |
7.00-7.30 cm (2.76-2.87 inches) |
6.54-6.86 cm (2.57-2.70 inches) |
REBOUND |
138-151 cm (54-60 inches) |
135-147 cm (53-58 inches) |
135-147 cm (53-58 inches) |
122-135 cm (48-53 inches) |
FORWARD DEFORMATION4 |
0.56-0.74 cm (0.220-0.291 inches) |
0.56-0.74 cm (0.220-0.291 inches) |
0.56-0.74 cm (0.220-0.291 inches) |
0.56-0.74 cm (0.220-0.291 inches) |
RETURN DEFORMATION4 |
0.74-1.08 cm (0.291-0.425 inches) |
0.80-1.08 cm (0.315-0.425 inches) |
0.80-1.08 cm (0.315-0.425 inches) |
0.80-1.08 cm (0.315-0.425 inches) |
COLOUR |
White or Yellow |
White or Yellow |
White or Yellow |
White or Yellow |
Notes:
1 This ball type may be pressurised or pressureless. The pressureless ball shall have an internal pressure that is no greater than 7 kPa (1 psi) and may be used for high altitude play above 1,219 m (4,000 feet) above sea level and shall have been acclimatised for 60 days or more at the altitude of the specific tournament.
2 This ball type is also recommended for high altitude play on any court surface type above 1,219 m (4,000 feet) above sea level.
3 This ball type is pressurised and is specified for high altitude play above 1,219 m (4,000 feet) above sea level only.
4 The deformation shall be the average of a single reading along each of three perpendicular axes. No two individual readings shall differ by more than 0.08 cm (0.031 inches).
MASS (WEIGHT) |
REBOUND |
FORWARD DEFORMATION |
RETURN DEFORMATION |
|
MAXIMUM CHANGE1 |
0.4 grams (0.014 ounces) |
4.0 cm (1.6 inches) |
0.08 cm (0.031 inches) |
0.10 cm (0.039 inches) |
Notes:
1 The largest permissible change in the specified properties resulting from the durability test described in the current edition of ITF Approved Tennis Balls, Classified Surfaces & Recognised Courts. The durability test uses laboratory equipment to simulate the effects of nine games of play.
STAGE 3 (RED) FOAM |
STAGE 3 (RED) STANDARD |
STAGE 2 (ORANGE) STANDARD |
STAGE 1 (GREEN) STANDARD |
|
MASS (WEIGHT) |
25.0-43.0 grams (0.882-1.517 ounces) |
36.0-49.0 grams (1.270-1.728 ounces) |
36.0-46.9 grams (1.270-1.654 ounces) |
47.0-51.5 grams (1.658-1.817 ounces) |
SIZE |
8.00-9.00 cm (3.15-3.54 inches) |
7.00-8.00 cm (2.76-3.15 inches) |
6.00-6.86 cm (2.36-2.70 inches) |
6.30-6.86 cm (2.48-2.70 inches) |
REBOUND |
85-105 cm (33-41 inches) |
90-105 cm (35-41 inches) |
105-120 cm (41-47 inches) |
120-135 cm (47-53 inches) |
FORWARD DEFORMATION1 |
------- |
------- |
1.40-1.65 cm (0.551-0.650 inches) |
0.80-1.05 cm (0.315-0.413 inches) |
COLOUR2 |
Any |
Red and Yellow, or Yellow with a Red dot |
Orange and Yellow, or Yellow with an Orange dot |
Yellow with a Green dot |
Notes:
1 The deformation shall be the average of a single reading along each of three perpendicular axes. There is no limit on the difference between individual forward deformation readings. There is no specification for return deformation.
2 All coloured dots shall be reasonable in size and placement.
The ITF test method used for determining the pace of a court surface is ITF CS 01/02 (ITF Court Pace Rating) as described in the ITF publication entitled “ITF guide to test methods for tennis court surfaces”.
Court surfaces which have an ITF Court Pace Rating of 0 to 29 shall be classified as being Category 1 (slow pace). Examples of court surface types which conform to this classification will include most clay courts and other types of unbound mineral surface.
Court surfaces which have an ITF Court Pace Rating of 30 to 34 shall be classified as being Category 2 (medium-slow pace), while court surfaces with an ITF Court Pace Rating of 35 to 39 shall be classified as being Category 3 (medium pace). Examples of court surface types which conform to this classification will include most acrylic coated surfaces plus some carpet surfaces.
Court surfaces with an ITF Court Pace Rating of 40 to 44 shall be classified as being Category 4 (medium-fast pace), while court surfaces which have an ITF Court Pace Rating of 45 or more shall be classified as being Category 5 (fast pace). Examples of court surface types which conform to this classification will include most natural grass, artificial grass and some carpet surfaces.
Case 1: Which ball type should be used on which court surface?
Decision: 3 different types of balls are approved for play under the Rules of Tennis, however:
Note:
In addition to the ball types specified under paragraph (b) above, the Stage 1 (Green) ball may be used for all levels of competitive play except for world ranking professional tennis events, Davis Cup and Fed Cup, the Olympic Tennis Event, Junior Tournaments and Team events sanctioned by the ITF and affiliated Regional Associations, ITF Senior Circuit and Team events and ITF Wheelchair Circuit and Team events.
Each National Association shall have the right to decide which national competitive events should use the Stage 1 (Green) ball.
THE RACKET
For all measurements in Appendix II, SI units shall take precedence.
No energy source that in any way could change or affect the playing characteristics of a racket may be built into or attached to a racket.
PLAYER ANALYSIS TECHNOLOGY
Player Analysis Technology is equipment that may perform any of the following functions with respect to player performance information:
Player Analysis Technology may record and/or store information during a match. Such information may only be accessed by a player in accordance with Rule 30.
A mark (non-commercial) of the sanctioning body is permitted on the lower part of the net, minimum 20 inches (0.51 m) from the top of the net, as long as it is produced in such a way that it does not interfere with the vision of the players or the playing conditions.
ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURES AND SCORING METHODS
The alternatives listed in this Appendix V may be used.
“NO-AD” SCORING METHOD
A “No-Ad” game is scored as follows with the server’s score being called first: No points - “Love”
First point - “15”
Second point - “30”
Third point - “40”
Fourth point - “Game”
If each player/team has won three points, the score is “Deuce” and a deciding point shall be played. The receiver(s) shall choose whether to receive the service from the right half or the left half of the court. In doubles, the players of the receiving team cannot change positions to receive this deciding point. The player/team who wins the deciding point wins the “Game”.
In mixed doubles, the player of the same gender as the server shall receive the deciding point. The players of the receiving team cannot change positions to receive the deciding point.
The first player/team who wins four games wins that set, provided there is a margin of two games over the opponent(s). If the score reaches four games all, a tie-break game shall be played. Alternatively (at the discretion of the sanctioning body), if the score reaches three games all, a tie-break game shall be played.
When playing Short Sets only, a Short Set tie-break may be used. The first player/team to win five points wins the “Game” and “Set”, with a deciding point if the score reaches four all. The order and number of serves shall be determined by the sanctioning body. Players/Teams will only change ends after the first four points have been played.
When the score in a match is one set all, or two sets all in best of five sets matches, one tie-break game shall be played to decide the match. This tie-break game replaces the deciding final set.
The player/team who first wins seven points shall win this match tie-break and the match provided there is a margin of two points over the opponent(s).
When the score in a match is one set all, or two sets all in best of five sets matches, one tie-break game shall be played to decide the match. This tie-break game replaces the deciding final set.
The player/team who first wins ten points shall win this match tie-break and the match provided there is a margin of two points over the opponent(s).
Note: When using the match tie-break to replace the final set:
During a tie-break game, players shall change ends after the first point and thereafter after every four points.
“NO LET” RULE
This alternative is play without the service let in Rule 22.a, whereby a serve that touches the net, strap or band is in play. At the discretion of the sanctioning body, when playing doubles using Short Sets in combination with No-Ad scoring and the No-Let rule, either player on the receiving team is permitted to return a serve that touches the net, strap or band and lands within the correct service box.
ROLE OF COURT OFFICIALS
The referee is the final authority on all questions of tennis law and the referee’s decision is final.
In matches where a chair umpire is assigned, the chair umpire is the final authority on all questions of fact during the match.
The players have the right to call the referee to court if they disagree with a chair umpire’s interpretation of tennis law.
In matches where line umpires and net umpires are assigned, they make all calls (including foot-fault calls) relating to that line or net. The chair umpire has the right to overrule a line umpire or a net umpire if the chair umpire is sure that a clear mistake has been made. The chair umpire is responsible for calling any line (including foot-faults) or net where no line umpire or net umpire is assigned.
A line umpire who cannot make a call shall signal this immediately to the chair umpire who shall make a decision. If the line umpire can not make a call, or if there is no line umpire, and the chair umpire can not make a decision on a question of fact, the point shall be replayed.
In team events where the referee is sitting on-court, the referee is also the final authority on questions of fact.
Play may be stopped or suspended at any time the chair umpire decides it is necessary or appropriate.
The referee may also stop or suspend play in the case of darkness, weather or adverse court conditions. When play is suspended for darkness, this should be done at the end of a set, or after an even number of games have been played in the set in progress. After a suspension in play, the score and position of players on-court in the match shall stand when the match resumes.
The chair umpire or referee shall make decisions regarding continuous play and coaching in respect of any Code of Conduct that is approved and in operation.
Case 1: The chair umpire awards the server a first service after an overrule, but the receiver argues that it should be a second service, since the server had already served a fault. Should the referee be called to court to give a decision?
Decision: Yes. The chair umpire makes the first decision about questions of tennis law (issues relating to the application of specific facts). However, if a player appeals the chair umpire’s decision, then the referee shall be called to make the final decision.
Case 2: A ball is called out, but a player claims that the ball was good. May the referee be called to court to make a decision?
Decision: No. The chair umpire makes the final decision on questions of fact (issues relating to what actually happened during a specific incident).
Case 3: Is a chair umpire allowed to overrule a line umpire at the end of a point if, in the chair umpire’s opinion, a clear mistake was made earlier in the point?
Decision: No. A chair umpire may only overrule a line umpire immediately after the clear mistake has been made.
Case 4: A line umpire calls a ball “Out” and then the player argues that the ball was good. Is the chair umpire allowed to overrule the line umpire?
Decision: No. A chair umpire must never overrule as the result of the protest or appeal by a player
Case 5: A line umpire calls a ball “Out”. The chair umpire was unable to see clearly, but thought the ball was in. May the chair umpire overrule the line umpire? Decision: No. The chair umpire may only overrule when sure that the line umpire made a clear mistake.
Case 6: Is a line umpire allowed to change the call after the chair umpire has announced the score?
Decision: Yes. If a line umpire realises a mistake, a correction should be made as soon as possible provided it is not as the result of a protest or appeal of a player.
Case 7: If a chair umpire or line umpire calls “Out” and then corrects the call to good, what is the correct decision?
Decision: The chair umpire must decide if the original “Out” call was a hindrance to either player. If it was a hindrance, the point shall be replayed. If it was not a hindrance, the player who hit the ball wins the point.
Case 8: A ball is blown back over the net and the player correctly reaches over the net to try to play the ball. The opponent(s) hinders the player from doing this. What is the correct decision?
Decision: The chair umpire must decide if the hindrance was deliberate or unintentional and either awards the point to the hindered player or order the point to be replayed.
At tournaments where an Electronic Review System is used, the following procedures should be followed for matches on courts where it is used.
determine that the opposing team was deliberately hindered, in which case the appealing team loses the point.
10 AND UNDER TENNIS COMPETITION
Courts:
In addition to the (full sized) court described in Rule 1, the following court dimensions may be used for 10 and under tennis competition:
m) long, and between 14 feet (4.27 m) and 20 feet (6.10 m) wide. The net shall be between 31.5 inches (0.800 m) and 33.0 inches (0.838m) high at the centre.
Only the following ball types, which are specified in Appendix I, can be used in 10 and under tennis competition:
Note: Other ball types described in Appendix I cannot be used in 10 and under tennis competition.
For 10 and under tennis competition using Stage 3 (Red), Stage 2 (Orange) or Stage 1 (Green) balls, scoring methods specified in the Rules of Tennis (including those specified in Appendix V) can be utilised, in addition to short duration scoring methods involving matches of one match tie-break, best of 3 tie-breaks/match tie- breaks, one short set or one regular set.
For 10 and under tennis competition the tournament committee may set a specific time period for matches in the event.
Note: All court measurements shall be made to the outside of the lines.
SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO MARK OUT A COURT
Note: All court measurements shall be made to the outside of the lines.
The following procedure is for the usual combined doubles and singles court. (See note at foot for a court for one purpose only.)
First select the position of the net; a straight line 42 feet (12.80 m) long. Mark the centre (X on the diagram above) and, measuring from there in each direction, mark:
at 13’6" (4.11 m) the points a, b, where the net crosses the inner sidelines, at 16’6" (5.03 m) the positions of the singles sticks (n, n),
at 18’0" (5.48 m) the points A, B, where the net crosses the outer sidelines,
at 21’0" (6.40 m) the positions of the net posts (N, N), being the ends of the original 42’0" (12.80 m) line.
Insert pegs at A and B and attach to them the respective ends of two measuring tapes. On one, which will measure the diagonal of the half-court, take a length 53’1" (16.18 m) and on the other (to measure the sideline) a length of 39’0" (11.89 m). Pull
both taut so that at these distances they meet at a point C, which is one corner of the court. Reverse the measurements to find the other corner D. As a check on this operation it is advisable at this stage to verify the length of the line CD which, being the baseline, should be found to be 36’0" (10.97 m); and at the same time its centre J can be marked, and also the ends of the inner sidelines (c, d), 4’6" (1.37 m) from C and D.
The centreline and serviceline are now marked by means of the points F, H, G, which are measured 21’0" (6.40 m) from the net down the lines bc, XJ, ad, respectively.
Identical procedure the other side of the net completes the court.
If a singles court only is required, no lines are necessary outside the points a, b, c, d, but the court can be measured out as above. Alternatively, the corners of the baseline (c, d) can be found if preferred by pegging the two tapes at a and b instead of at A and B, and by then using lengths of 47’5" (14.46 m) and 39’0" (11.89 m). The net posts will be at n, n, and a 33’0" (10 m) singles net should be used.
When a combined doubles and singles court with a doubles net is used for singles, the net must be supported at the points n, n, to a height of 3 feet 6 inches (1.07 m) by means of two singles sticks, which shall be not more than 3 inches (7.5 cm) square or 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter. The centres of the singles sticks shall be 3 feet (.914 m) outside the singles court on each side.
To assist in the placing of these singles sticks it is desirable that the points n, n, should each be shown with a white dot when the court is marked.
When sanctioning bodies approve so called “Blended Lines” on courts the following guidelines must be followed:
Colour:
(Add ≤25% by volume of white paint to the background colour)
Pace:
Note:
As a guide for international competitions, the recommended minimum distance between the baselines and the backstops should be 21 feet (6.40 m) and between the sidelines and the sidestops the recommended minimum distance should be 12 feet (3.66 m).
As a guide for recreational and Club play, the recommended minimum distance between the baselines and the backstops should be 18 feet (5.48 m) and between the sidelines and the sidestops the recommended minimum distance should be 10 feet (3.05 m).
As a guide, the recommended minimum height measured at the net from the court surface to the ceiling should be 29.6 feet (9.0 m).
The Rules of Beach Tennis are approved by the Rules of Tennis Committee and the Board of Directors and can be found on http://www.itftennis.com/beachtennis/home
PROCEDURES FOR REVIEW AND HEARINGS ON THE RULES OF TENNIS
motion where the application or motion, in the opinion of the Chairperson can be resolved in a fair manner without a hearing.
equipment under the Rules of Tennis pending a Ruling by the Ruling Board as to whether or not the equipment meets the specification of the Rules of Tennis.
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