FUN and FAIR

The Code of Ethics for TCKC Tennis

1. Good Sportsmanship is the first rule of tennis, as it is in life. A firm control of temper and language, freedom from criticism of self, partner or opponents and avoidance of mannerisms or movements to distract an opponent makes a tennis player an asset to the game. If you take part in a sport, be a good one.

2. If a ball lands so close to the line as to make an “in” or “out” call questionable, the player should award the doubtful point to the opponent. Remember to call your opponent’s balls as you would like them to call yours.

3. If one partner calls the ball good and the other calls it out, the point goes to the opponents as doubt has been raised. It is not up to the two partners to come to any agreement.

4. Players should adhere to the rule of continuous play during a match. Stalling or intentional delay of the game is unfair to the opponents and against the rules.

5. The foot-fault is one violation that cannot be called in the absence of a linesman. The person who foot-faults unknowingly is taking advantage of the opponent. The person who foot-faults knowingly is cheating.

6. In the course of play there should be no conversation between partners except brief and simple instructions such as “mine”, “out”, “run”, etc.

7. You must volunteer honestly against yourself such violations as double bounce, ball touching your body or clothing, touching the net, reaching over the net, etc.

8. To eliminate arguments the server should announce loudly the set score prior to the first serve and the game score prior to serving each point.

9. In any argument about facts it should be remembered, that both sides have equal weight. If there is a score dispute, go back to the last score on which there was agreement and resume play from that point. If no agreement can be reached, it should be settled by spinning a racquet.

10. Any person who knowingly and continually violates the Code will be guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct. At the discretion of the TCKC Board of Directors, she may be asked to leave the League.

TCKC Code of Ethics is adapted from the USTA “The Code” by Col. N.E. Powel and the SCTA Honor Code of Ethics.