Player and Spectator Conduct

In recognition of the support by the USTA Southern to competitions such as the USTA Junior Team Tennis Section Championships, certain behavior is expected.  Players at the Section Championship level become role models for other players and athletes.  We expect the highest level of sportsmanship and exemplary behavior both on and off the court.  Each player shall abide by the following rules of conduct while at the USTA Junior Team Tennis Section Championships:

1.If you have any doubt as to whether a ball is out or good, you must give your opponent the benefit of the doubt and play the ball as good.

2. It is your obligation to call all balls on your side, to help your opponent make calls when the opponent requests it, and to call against yourself (with the exception of a first service) any ball that you clearly see out on your opponent’s side of the net.

3. Any “out” or “let” call must be made instantaneously; otherwise the ball continues in play.

4. Do not enlist the aid of spectators in making line calls.

5. If you call a ball out and then realize it was good, you should correct your call.

6. To avoid controversy over the score, the Server should announce the set score before starting a game and the game score prior to serving each point.

7. If players cannot agree on the score, they may go back to the last score on which there was agreement and resume play from that point, or they may spin a racket.

8. Do not stall, sulk, complain, or practice gamesmanship.

9. Wait until the players on another court have completed a point before retrieving or returning a ball.

10.From the beginning of the match, play must be continuous.  Attempts to stall or to extend rest periods for the purpose of recovering from a loss of physical condition are clearly illegal.

11.Intentional distractions that interfere with your opponent’s concentration or effort to play the ball are against the rules.

12. Players are expected to put forth a full and honest effort regardless of the score or expected outcome.

13. Players are expected to maintain full control over their emotions and the resulting behavior throughout the match.  If you begin to lose your composure during play, try the following:

a.       Take several deep breaths, exhale as slowly as possible and feel your muscles relax

b.       Concentrate on your own game and behavior while ignoring distractions from your opponent or surroundings.

c.        Be your own best friend – enjoy your good shots and forget the poor ones.

Spectator  Conduct

One of the goals of USA Team Tennis is to allow the players a competitive setting without the pressures of a tournament.  In as much as almost a thousand children are here, and the purpose of the Section Championship is to allow the best team on the court to play and win, clapping for good shots will be allowed provided spectators clap for both teams' good shots.  Cheering can get out of control, often intimidating children on the court, disrupt other matches in progress and cause conflict between opposing teams. 

Remember, our concern is the well being of every junior participating in this event. We want all teams that play to feel good after every match.  Site officials will impose penalties if abuse occurs.  If cheering gets out of hand, the spectators will be informed that any cheering or clapping will not be allowed the remainder of the match.  If abuse continues the person(s) will be asked to leave the site.  Any violation of rules may be enforced by the point penalty system.  Team Captain/Coaches are responsible for their spectators and should make sure their parents and players understand.

Spectators should use common sense.  Think how your child would feel in a situation before            subjecting another child to unfairness.

Remember, these teams are all champions already.  Even though the score may not reflect it, every child is a winner.  Let them play the matches on the courts.  Let's all help the players have a wonderful experience so they continue to play tennis in the future.            

Failure to comply with any of the above regulations may result in dismissal from the event may occur.

Please print and give one to each player and spectator with your team.