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Basic Rules of Tennis

Call balls fairly

Lines are “in”. Play unseen/unclear bounces as “in”. It is cheating to replay points because you “could not make the call.”

Call lines on your side only

Only make line calls on the other side if your opponent asks for help. Call against yourself any ball hit from your side which you can see clearly “out.” Correct any “out” calls to “in” if you have made an error.

Make calls instantly

Call “out” or “let” right away before the ball is dead or your opponent makes the return. Otherwise, the ball is “in play”.

Volunteer your violations

Confess to any of your own double bounces, net touches, net reach-overs, double hits, 2-player hits, balls touching, etc. It is cheating to “wait and see” if opponents notice.

Foot-faults are illegal

When serving, you may not touch or cross the baseline with any part of your body prior to contacting the ball – this is a foot-fault. However, in un-officiated matches, players may only request that opponents not foot-fault. With no umpire, no points may be taken from an opponent due to a foot-fault.

Let them put it away

It is unethical to make a “let” call just as your opponent is about to put the ball away.

Server vs. umpire

In matches, spectators may not become umpires and make line calls or rulings – even if asked for assistance by a player. If you are playing and you have any doubt about a call, donʼt ask others: give the opponent the point. Spectators include relatives, friends, and coaches.

Server announces score

Before each point, the server should call the score loudly. If there is disagreement on score, players can settle by spinning a racquet or flipping a coin. As a last resort, players must go back to the score last agreed upon (no matter how far back) and continue play from there.

Serve/return out-of-order

When starting a doubles point with the wrong server, remedy by immediately substituting the correct server – who inherits any fault already served. When receivers in a doubles game have returned serve out of order, remedy by finishing that game staying on those receiving sides, and resume proper receiving order in the next return game.

Delay of play

Try to keep play continuous. The time allowed between points is 25 seconds, and on changeovers, 90 seconds. 10 minutes is allowed for injury (cramps and heat suffering are not considered injury). It is unethical to stall for time in a match when you are hot or tired. However, if conditions are humid or hot, use generosity and good sense. It is discourteous to rush your opponent.

Etiquette should always prevail.

Code of Conduct

Sportsmanship

Set a positive example
Introduce yourself to new members
Play fairly; acknowledge good shots; shake hands at the end of every match
Be aware that children and beginners are always nearby copying behavior
Anyone yelling, swearing, or abusing equipment will be warned once, and then asked to leave the courts
If further reprimand is necessary, the park director may be contacted

Etiquette

Be considerate of others
Be patient awaiting your turn to play; let others finish their game
Be prompt in leaving the court at the end of an hourʼs play
Return balls to other courts only when others are prepared to receive them
Wait until play has stopped on another court to get your ball
Return balls directly to others
Refrain from practicing your service return on ʻoutʼ serves

Dress Code

Proper tennis attire is required
Rubber-soled athletic shoes.
No bare or stocking-feet, sandals, boots, roller blades/skates may be worn on the courts
Tennis/athletic clothing must be worn. No cut-off shorts, bathing suits, or jeans may be worn on the courts