By Sherry Benz
Tennis Talk 12/8/22
Just a few more notable items from Friend at the Court (3), a handbook of tennis rules and regulations developed by USTA. Many of the rules pertain to match play, but we should understand them even for social play as disagreements can occur when rules are ignored.
Continuous Play
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.
Between points, a maximum of twenty-five (25) seconds is allowed. When the players change ends at the end of a game, a maximum of ninety (90) seconds are allowed. However, after the first game of each set and during a tie-break game, play shall be continuous and the players shall change ends without a rest. At the end of each set there shall be a set break of a maximum of one hundred and twenty (120) seconds.
The warm-up time shall be a maximum of five (5) minutes. Wow, do we ignore this one!
Hindrance Issues
A player who claims a hindrance must stop play as soon as possible.
Talking when the ball is in play:
· Talking is allowed between partners when the ball is moving towards them, but is not allowed when the ball is moving towards the opponents. Example: If your partner hits a weak lob and yells “get back”, the opponent can claim a hindrance because he was distracted by the yell.
Body movement:
· Any movement or any sound that is meant to distract an opponent, such as waving arms, waving the racket or stamping your feet constitutes an intentional hindrance and there is loss of point. An unintentional hindrance such as a hat falling on the court entitles the player to a “let”.
Cellphone:
A ringing cellphone is an intentional hindrance. If it occurs during play, the player may stop play and claim the point.
