Court etiquette

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We are all keen to enjoy our sport so we have just a simple ‘ground rule’ to make the playing experience more enjoyable for all and that is “Keep it clean!” The “it” being:

  • the courts
  • your language
  • your play.

Leave the courts free of litter, collect in tennis balls for other players to use and don’t let the frustrations of the game make you an unpleasant person to play with.

The following is an extract from British Tennis website on court etiquette which reflects our approach.

  • Please do not walk behind players whilst a game, a rally or coaching is in progress, this is to avoid distracting other members and most importantly to avoid any potential accidents on court
  • If you are trying to cross a court please wait until you are invited to and it is safe to do so
  • If a stray ball comes onto your court don’t knock it back immediately, wait until the owners are ready and then hit it to the server’s end
  • During play and particularly between games, keep the amount and volume of conversation down to a minimum necessary to play and enjoy your own games. Too much chatter can be disturbing to those playing nearby and, in between games, can hold up play for people waiting.

Line calls can be a problem and we recommend the use of what the Americans call the ‘honour system’.

  • Only call the lines on your side of the net
  • Call clearly and firmly what you see and what you honestly believe to be correct
  • If you are not absolutely certain or didn’t see the ball clearly, the ball was IN and must be given in the opponents favour
  • If occasionally you have serious doubts as to your opponent’s eye-sight, ask politely if they are certain as to the accuracy of their call. If they say that they are, get on with the next point
  • If you feel your opponents regularly have difficulties making correct calls, start looking for different opponents
  • If in social friendly matches there is some doubt over a line call, offer to play the point again rather than cause undue aggravation and time wasting
  • Do not criticise your partner or opponent, be positive and offer encouragement instead
  • Overall, use your best judgement – we all want to be competitive but don’t let your emotions get on top of you

Thanks for reading and enjoy playing!

Tennis Committee