The following Rules are the official rules of TennisArena.org web site:

General Rules

1. The tournament starts on March 28th and ends September 31, 2009 (6 months).
2. The time and place of a tennis match is solely to be arranged by both members, www.TennisArena.org cannot take any responsibility as to who, where, and when plays the match. The arrangements can be made by e-mail, phone, scheduled using out website or by verbal agreement.
3. In case the player got sick, left town or acts of God occurred that make the player unavailable for other members, the player shall leave a short message in his/her ´Profile´ as a matter of common courtesy.
4. Entering the result of a match that did not take place or any other unfair behavior will be a basis for losing your membership and removal from the club. All members are requested to follow FAIR PLAY rules on the court. Because all the matches are played without an umpire and lines people, in case of a 'close' ball, the call if the ball was in or out is made only by the player on whose side the ball landed. The suggestions of spectators watching the match can not be taken into consideration.    
5. Each player can participate in both or just one competition of the tournament: Masters Tennis Arena (MTA) and Professional Tennis Arena (PTA)    

Matches

6. Each tournament match is played to the best of 2 sets (the player needs to win 2 sets to win the match, possible results 2:0, 2:1).
7. A player who first wins six or seven games wins a set; except that he must win by a margin of two games over his opponent (all possible results here are: 6:0, 6:1, 6:2, 6:3, 6:4, and 7:5, tie-break is an exception, see point 10).
8. The Tie-Break shall be played when the score reaches six games all in any set of the match (the only possible result here is: 7:6). Game and set is won by the player who first wins 7 points (each point in tie-break is counted as 1), however, a margin of at least 2 points has to be achieved. Tie-break needs to be continued for as long as the margin is achieved. Possible results in tie-break 7:0, 7:1, 7:2, 7:3, 7:4, 7:5, 8:6, 10:8, 11:9 etc.)
9. If possible, every player should bring with him/her three new tennis balls or find other solution to satisfaction of both.
10. Winner of the match is responsible for entering result of the match into the www.TennisArena.org website.
11. Result of the match must be entered into the TennisArena.org site within 2 days of the event, before the end of the month or before 16-th day of the month (whatever comes first).
12. TennisArena.org implements official rules of International Tennis Federation (ITF) and United States Tennis Association (USTA) for any other aspect of tournament (see details below).

Masters Tennis Arena Tournament - MTA

13. The maximum number of matches in a month that can be played is 12. There is no minimum.
14. You can play only twice with the same player in any particular month of the tournament, except if you participate in PTA competition and you must play mandatory match with the same player in your group.
15. Points from each match are added to the total points for each player. Player with the highest total points will be announced as the winner of the MTA tournament.
16. Players will start season with values (PLAYER VALUE) equal to their values from the end of last season (with some corrections). New players will get their PLAYER VALUE according to their level of play. 
17. Winner of the match receives points equal to the opponent's PLAYER VALUE. Loser receives points according to the following formula: (number of won games) x (opponent's PLAYER VALUE) x 2%. Example: You lost (against a player whose value was 180 pts) 5:7, 4:6. Your points: (5 + 4) x 180 x 0.02 = 32.4 ~ 32 pts. 
18. Player value is updated after each match according to the following formula: New Player Value = Previous Player Value + 4% of points won in a match. Example: Before the match in which you won 150 pts your value was 178 pts. After the match you value increases according to the formula: 178 + 0.04 x 150 = 178 + 6 = 184. 
19. All matches played during six months of the tournament will count in this competition. 

Professional Tennis Arena Tournament - PTA

20. All players will be divided into groups of five (exceptionally six) players (six players in group only if the total number of players not divisible by 5). 
21. Group one will consists of players who occupied first five positions in last year tournament. Group two will be created from players that end up in last year tournament on sixth to tenth positions, etc. New players will be added to groups according to their level of play. 
22. Each player within the group is required to play four matches with players from the same group (five matches if group consists of six players). 
23. PTA is scheduled based on monthly period. Period starts on the 1st day of the month and ends on last day of the month. 
24. All matches in the group must be played within one period. 
25. By the end of each period there will be created table for each group. 
26. Only matches played within the group will be considered when creating the table for each group. 
27. Best two players from each group will advance to the group above and last two players from the group will be relegated to the group below.
28. Position within the group will be evaluated based on:
    1. Number of won matches
    2. Number of won sets
    3. Number of won games
    4. Difference between won and lost games
    5. Original ranking in the group
29. All matches played in Professional Tennis Arena will count in Masters Tennis Arena according to MTA rules above. 
30. Player that will end up on the first position in the first group will be announced the winner of PTA. 

Membership

31. Each member is obliged to pay the $ 50.00 membership fee in favor of TennisArena.org within one week from the day of playing first match in the competition. The fee covers only maintenance of this website, hosting fees and domain registration. Every payment as well as expense will be listed on ´Sponsors´ site. Any money surplus will serve as funds for the cups) and a closing-season party. Please pay the membership fee to one of the following people on the court:
    1. Frank Cyrulik
    2. Janusz Kogut
    3. Jarek Chorazykiewicz
    4. Radek Krajewski
    5. Tomek Wozniak
    6. Ernest Brzozowski
32. Each member is entitled to place as many photos in PHOTO GALLERY as he/she likes and express his/her opinions in FORUM.
33. Each member is entitled to develop our Website. Any remarks, feedback or new ideas as to the Website you can place in FORUM or send us by e-mail(CONTACT US).

End of season

34. A closing-season tennis party will be arranged by the end of the season by all club members.

The Singles Game

1. The Court
2. Permanent Fixtures
3. The Ball
4. The Racket
5. Server & Receiver
6. Choice of Ends & Service
7. The Service
8. Foot Fault
9. Delivery of Service
10. Service Fault
11. Second Service
12. When to Serve
13. The "Let"
14. The Let in Service
15. Order of Service
16. When Players Change Ends
17. The Ball in Play
18. Server Wins Point
19. Receiver Wins Point
20. Player Loses Point
21. Player Hinders Opponent
22. Ball Falls on Line
23. Ball Touches Permanent Fixtures
24. A Good Return
25. Hindrance of a Player
26. Score in a Game
27. Score in a Set
28. Maximum Number of Sets
29. Role of Court Officials
30. Continuous Play & Rest Periods
31. Coaching
32. Ball Change

    The Doubles Game

33. The Doubles Game
34. The Doubles Court
35. Order of Service in Doubles
36. Order of Receiving in Doubles
37. Service out of Turn in Doubles
38. Error in Order of Receiving in Doubles
39. Service Fault in Doubles
40. Playing the Ball in Doubles

Appendix I: Regulations for Making Tests Specified in Rule 3.
Appendix II: Alternative Scoring methods (Rule 27)
Appendix III: Procedures for Review and Hearings on the Rules of Tennis
Appendix IV: The Wheelchair Tennis Player - Challenges and Procedures for a Player's Eligibility

ITF Notes
USTA Comment on Tennis Court Layout

The Court shall be a rectangle 78 feet (23.77 m) long and 27 feet (8.23 m) wide. It shall be divided across the middle by a net suspended from a cord or metal cable of a maximum diameter of one-third of an inch (0.8 cm), the ends of which shall be attached to, or pass over, the tops of two posts, which shall be not more than 6 inches (15 cm) square or 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. These posts shall not be higher than 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the top of the net cord. The centres of the posts shall be 3 feet (.914 m) outside the Court on each side and the height of the posts shall be such that the top of the cord or metal cable shall be 3 feet 6 inches (1.07 m) above the ground.

When a combined doubles (see Rule 34) and singles Court with a doubles net is used for singles, the net must be supported to a height of 3 feet 6 inches (1.07 m) by means of two posts, called "singles sticks", which shall be not more than 3 inches (7.5 cm) square or 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter. The centres of the singles sticks shall be 3 feet (.914 m) outside the singles Court on each side.

The net shall be extended fully so that it fills completely the space between the two posts and shall be of sufficiently small mesh to prevent the ball passing through. The height of the net shall be 3 feet (.914 m) at the centre, where it shall be held down taut by a strap not more than 2 inches (5 cm) wide and completely white in color. There shall be a band covering the cord or metal cable and the top of the net of not less than 2 inches (5 cm) nor more than 21⁄2 inches (6.35 cm) in depth on each side and completely white in color. There shall be no advertisement on the net, strap, band or singles sticks.

USTA Comment:

The following is an approved method for obtaining proper net tautness. First, loosen the center strap. Next, tighten the net cord until it is approximately 40 inches above the ground, being careful not to over tighten the net. Finally, tighten the center strap until the center of the net is 36 inches above the ground. These measurements should always be made before the first match of the day.

The lines bounding the ends and sides of the Court shall respectively be called the base-lines and the side-lines. On each side of the net, at a distance of 21 feet (6.40 m) from it and parallel with it, shall be drawn the service-lines. The space on each side of the net between the service-line and the side-lines shall be divided into two equal parts called the service-courts by the centre service-line, which must be 2 inches (5 cm) in width, drawn half-way between, and parallel with, the side-line. Each base-line shall be bisected by an imaginary continuation of the centre service-line to a line 4 inches (10cm.) in length and 2 inches (5 cm) in width called the "centre mark" drawn inside the Court, at right angles to and in contact with such base-lines. All other lines shall be not less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) nor more than 2 inches (5 cm) in width, except the base-line, which may be not more than 4 inches (10 cm) in width, and all measurements shall be made to the outside of the lines. All lines shall be of uniform color. If advertising or any other material is placed at the back of the Court, it may not contain white or yellow. A light color may only be used if this does not interfere with the vision of the players.

If advertisements are placed on the chairs of the linesmen sitting at the back of the court, they may not contain white or yellow. A light color may only be used if this does not interfere with the vision of the players.

ITF Note 1:

In Davis Cup, Fed Cup and the Official Championships of the International Tennis Federation, specific requirements with regard to the space behind the baseline and at the sides are included in the respective Regulations for these events.

ITF Note 2:

At club or recreational level, the space behind each baseline should be not less than 18 feet (5.5 m) and at the sides not less than 10 feet (3.05 m).

The permanent fixtures of the Court shall include not only the net, posts, singles sticks, cord or metal cable, strap and band, but also, where there are any such, the back and side stops, the stands, fixed or movable seats and chairs round the Court, and their occupants, all other fixtures around and above the Court, and the Umpire, Net-cord Judge, Foot fault Judge, Linesmen and Ball Boys when in their respective places.

ITF Note:
For the purpose of this Rule, the word "Umpire" comprehends the Umpire, the persons entitled to a seat on the Court, and all those persons designated to assist the Umpire in the conduct of a match.

Balls that are approved for play under the Rules of Tennis must comply with the following specifications:

1. The ball shall have a uniform outer surface consisting of a fabric cover and shall be white or yellow in color. If there are any seams they shall be stitch less.
2. The ball shall conform to the requirements specified in Appendix I (Regulations for making tests specified in Rule 3.), Section iv for size and be more than 1.975 ounces (56.0 grams) and less than 2.095 ounces (59.4 grams) in weight.
3. More than one type of ball is specified. Each ball shall have a bound of more than 53 inches (134.62 cm) and less than 58 inches (147.32 cm) when dropped 100 inches (254.00 cm) upon a flat, rigid surface, e.g., concrete. Ball type 1 (fast speed) shall have a forward deformation of more than .195 inches (.495 cm) and less than .235 inches (.597cm) and return deformation of more than .295 inches (.749 cm) and less than .380 inches (.965 cm) at 18 lb. (8.165 kg) load. Ball types 2 (medium speed) and 3 (slow speed) shall have a forward deformation of more than .220 inches (.559 cm) and less than .290 inches (.737 cm) and a return deformation of more than .315 inches (.800 cm) and less than .425 inches (1.080 cm) at 18 lb. (8.165 kg) load. The two deformation figures shall be the averages of three individual readings along three axes of the ball and no two individual readings shall differ by more than .030 inches (.076 cm) in each case.
4. For play above 4,000 feet (1219 m) in altitude above sea level, two additional types of ball may be used.

1. The first type is identical to ball type 2 (medium speed) as defined above except that the ball shall have a bound of more than 48 inches (121.92 cm) and less than 53 inches (134.62 cm) and the ball shall have an internal pressure that is greater than the external pressure. This type of tennis ball is commonly known as a pressurized ball.
2. The second type is identical to ball type 2 (medium speed) as defined above except that the ball shall have a bound of more than 53 inches (134.62 cm) and less than 58 inches (147.32 cm) and shall have an internal pressure that is approximately equal to the external pressure and have been acclimatized for 60 days or more at the altitude of the specific tournament. This type of tennis ball is commonly known as a zero-pressure or non-pressurized ball.

1. All tests for bound, size and deformation shall be made in accordance with the regulations in Appendix I.
2. The International Tennis Federation shall rule on the question of whether any ball or prototype complies with the above specifications or is otherwise approved, for play. Such ruling may be taken on its own initiative, or upon application by any party with a bona fide interest therein, including any player, equipment manufacturer or National Association or members thereof. Such rulings and applications shall be made in accordance with the applicable Review and Hearing Procedures of the International Tennis Federation (see Appendix III).

ITF Note 1:
Any ball to be used in a tournament which is played under the Rules of Tennis must be named on the official ITF list of approved balls issued by the International Tennis Federation.

Case 1
Which ball type should be used on which court surface?
Decision. Three different types of balls are approved under the Rules of Tennis. However:
a. Ball type 1 (fast speed) is intended for play on slow pace court surfaces (See Appendix I).
b. Ball type 2 (medium speed) is intended for play on medium/medium-fast pace court surfaces (See Appendix I).
c. Ball type 3 (slow speed) is intended for play on fast pace court surfaces (See Appendix I).

USTA Comment:
If after play has begun it is discovered that a player has been using an illegal racket or an illegally strung racket, all points played stand. The player must find another racket immediately. If the discovery occurs after the match is over, the match still counts.

The players shall stand on opposite sides of the net; the player who first delivers the ball shall be called the Server, and the other the Receiver.

Case 1. Does a player, attempting a stroke, lose the point if he crosses an imaginary line in the extension of the net:

Case 2. The Server claims that the Receiver must stand within the lines bounding his Court. Is this necessary?
Decision: No. The Receiver may stand wherever he pleases on his own side of the net.

The choice of ends and the right to be Server or Receiver in the first game shall be decided by toss. The player winning the toss may choose or require his opponent to choose:

1. The right to be Server or Receiver, in which case the other player shall choose the end; or
2. The end, in which case the other player shall choose the right to be Server or Receiver.

Case 1. Do players have the right to new choices if the match is postponed or suspended before it has started?
Decision: Yes. The toss stands, but new choices may be made with respect to service and end.

USTA Comment:
The toss shall be made before the warm-up. Choices should be made promptly after the toss and are irrevocable, except when the match is postponed or suspended before the start of the match.

The service shall be delivered in the following manner. Immediately before commencing to serve, the Server shall stand with both feet at rest behind (i.e. further from the net than) the base-line, and within the imaginary continuations of the centre-mark and side-line. The Server shall then project the ball by hand into the air in any direction and before it hits the ground strike it with his racket, and the delivery shall be deemed to have been completed at the moment of the impact of the racket and the ball. A player with the use of only one arm may utilize his racket for the projection.

USTA Comment:
There is no restriction regarding the kind of service which may be used; that is, the player may use an underhand or overhand service at his discretion.

Case 1. May the Server in a singles game take his stand behind the portion of the base-line between the side-lines of the Singles Court and the Doubles Court?
Decision: No.

USTA Comment:
In singles, the server may stand anywhere in back of the baseline between the imaginary extensions of the inside edge of the center mark and the outside edge of the singles sideline.

Case 2. If a player, when serving, throws up two or more balls instead of one, does he lose that service?
Decision: No. A let should be called, but if the Umpire regards the action as deliberate he may take action under Rule 21.

The Server shall throughout the delivery of the Service:

1. Not change his position by walking or running. The Server shall not by slight movements of the feet which do not materially affect the location originally taken up by him, be deemed "to change his position by walking or running".
2. Not touch with either foot any area other than that behind the base-line within the imaginary extensions of the center-mark and side-lines.

USTA Comment:
This rule covers the most decisive stroke in the game, and there is no justification for its not being obeyed by players and enforced by officials. No official has the right to instruct any umpire to disregard violations of it. In a non-officiated match, the Receiver or the Receivers partner, may call foot faults after all efforts (appeal to the Server, request for an umpire, etc.) have failed and the foot faulting is so flagrant as to be clearly perceptible from the Receivers side.
It is improper for any official to warn a player that he is in danger of having a foot fault called. On the other hand, if a player asks for an explanation of how he foot faulted, either the Line Umpire or the Chair Umpire should give the player that information.

1. In delivering the service, the Server shall stand alternately behind the right and left halves of the Court beginning from the right in every game. If service from a wrong half of the Court occurs and is undetected, all play resulting from such wrong service or services shall stand, but the inaccuracy of station shall be corrected immediately it is discovered.
2. The ball served shall pass over the net and hit the ground within the Service Court which is diagonally opposite, or upon any line bounding such Court, before the Receiver returns it.

The Service is a fault:

1. If the Server commits any breach of Rules 7, 8 or 9(b);
2. If he misses the ball in attempting to strike it;
3. If the ball served touches a permanent fixture (other than the net, strap or band) before it hits the ground.

Case 1. After throwing a ball up preparatory to serving, the Server decides not to strike at it and catches it instead. Is it a fault?
Decision: No.

USTA Comment:
As long as the Server makes no attempt to strike at the ball, it is immaterial whether the Server catches it in his or her hand or racket or lets it drop to the ground.

Case 2. In serving in a singles game played on a Doubles Court with doubles posts and singles sticks, the ball hits a singles stick and then hits the ground within the lines of the correct Service Court. Is this a fault or a let?
Decision: In serving it is a fault, because the singles stick, the doubles post, and that portion of the net or band between them are permanent fixtures. (Rules 2 and 10, and note to Rule 24.)

USTA Comment:
The significant point is that the part of the net and band "outside" the singles sticks is not part of the net over which this singles match is being played. Thus, such a serve is a fault under the provisions of subparagraph c. above. By the same token, this would be a fault also if it were a singles game played with permanent posts in the singles position. See Case 1 under Rule 24 for difference between "service" and "good return" with respect to a ball hitting a net post.

After a fault (if it is the first fault) the Server shall serve again from behind the same half of the Court from which he served that fault, unless the service was from the wrong half, when, in accordance with Rule 9, the Server shall be entitled to one service only from behind the other half.

Case 1. A player serves from a wrong Court. He loses the point and then claims it was a fault because of his wrong station.
Decision: The point stands as played and the next service should be from the correct station according to the score.

Case 2. The point score being 15 all, the Server, by mistake, serves from the left-hand Court. He wins the point. He then serves again from the right-hand Court, delivering a fault. This mistake in station is then discovered. Is he entitled to the previous point? From which Court should he next serve?
Decision: The previous point stands. The next service should be from the left-hand Court, the score being 30/15, and the Server having served one fault.

The Server shall not serve until the Receiver is ready. If the latter attempts to return the service, he shall be deemed ready. If, however, the Receiver signifies that he is not ready, he may not claim a fault because the ball does not hit the ground within the limits fixed for the service.

USTA Comment:
This rule applies to the first and second serve. The Receiver, having indicated he is ready, may not become unready unless some outside interference takes place. If the Receiver claims to be not ready and does not make any effort to return a service, the Servers claim for the point may not be honored even though the service was good.

In all cases where a let has to be called under the rules, or to provide for an interruption to play, it shall have the following interpretations:

1. When called solely in respective of a service that one service only shall be replayed.
2. When called under any other circumstance, the point shall be replayed.

Case 1. A service is interrupted by some cause outside those defined in Rule 14. Should the service only be replayed?
Decision: No, the whole point must be replayed.

USTA Comment:
If the interruption occurs during delivery of the second service, the Server gets two serves. Example: On a second service a linesman calls "fault" and immediately corrects it, the Receiver meanwhile having let the ball go by. The Server is entitled to two serves on this ground: The corrected call means that the Server has put the ball into play with a good service, and once the ball is in play and a let is called, the point must be replayed. Note, however, that if the serve is an unmistakable ace that is, the Umpire is sure the erroneous call had no part in the Receivers inability to play the ball the point should be declared for the Server.
If a delay between first and second serves is caused by the Receiver, an official, or outside interference, the whole point shall be replayed. If the delay is caused by the Server, the Server has one serve to come. A spectators outcry (of "out," "fault," or other) is not a valid basis for replay of a point, but action should be taken to prevent a recurrence.

Case 2. If a ball in play becomes broken, should a let be called?
Decision: Yes.

USTA Comment:
A ball shall be regarded as having become "broken" if it is found to have lost compression to the point of being unfit for further play, or unfit for any reason, and it is clear the defective ball was the one in play.

The Service is a let:

1. If the ball served touches the net, strap or band, and is otherwise good, or, after touching the net, strap or band, touches the Receiver or anything which he wears or carries before hitting the ground.
2. If a service or a fault is delivered when the Receiver is not ready (see Rule 12).

At the end of the first game, the Receiver shall become Server, and the Server Receiver; and so on alternately in all the subsequent games of a match. If a player serves out of turn, the player who ought to have served shall serve as soon as the mistake is discovered, but all points scored before such discovery shall stand. A fault served before such discovery shall not stand. If a game shall have been completed before such discovery, the order of service shall remain as altered.

The players shall change ends at the end of the first, third and every subsequent alternate game of each set, and at the end of each set unless the total number of games in such set is even, in which case the change is not made until the end of the first game of the next set.
If a mistake is made and the correct sequence is not followed the players must take up their correct station as soon as the discovery is made and follow their original sequence.

A ball is in play from the moment at which it is delivered in service. Unless a fault or a let is called it remains in play until the point is decided.

USTA Comment:
A point is not decided simply when, or because, a good shot has clearly passed a player, or when an apparently bad shot passes over a baseline or sideline. An outgoing ball is still definitely in play until it actually strikes the ground, backstop, a permanent fixture (other than the net, posts, singles sticks, cord or metal cable, strap or band), or a player. The same applies to a good ball, bounding after it has landed in the proper Court. A ball that becomes imbedded in the net is out of play.

USTA Comment:
When a player hits a ball into the net and the opponent, thinking the ball is coming over, strikes at it and hits the net , the opponent loses the point if the opponent touched the net while the ball was still in play.

Case 1. A player fails to make a good return. No call is made and the ball remains in play. May his opponent later claim the point after the rally has ended?
Decision: No. The point may not be claimed if the players continue to play after the error has been made, provided the opponent was not hindered.

USTA Comment:
An out call on As shot to Bs Court must be made before Bs return has either gone out of play or been hit by A. See Case 3 under Rule 29 regarding this situation in an umpired match.

The Server wins the point:

1. If the ball served, not being a let under Rule 14, touches the Receiver or anything which he wears or carries, before it hits the ground;
2. If the Receiver otherwise loses the point as provided by Rule 20.

The Receiver wins the point:

1. If the Server serves two consecutive faults;
2. If the Server otherwise loses the point as provided by Rule 20.

A player loses the point if:

1. He fails, before the ball in play has hit the ground twice consecutively, to return it directly over the net (except as provided in Rule 24(a) or (c)); or
2. He returns the ball in play so that it hits the ground, a permanent fixture, or other object, outside any of the lines which bound his opponents Court (except as provided in Rule 24(a) or (c)); or

   USTA Comment:
   A ball hitting a scoring device or other object attached to a net post results in loss of point to the striker.

3. He volleys the ball and fails to make a good return even when standing outside the Court; or
4. In playing the ball he deliberately carries or catches it on his racket or deliberately touches it with his racket more than once; or

   USTA Comment:
   Only when there is a definite "second push" by the player does the shot become illegal, with consequent loss of point. The word "deliberately" is the key word in this rule. Two hits occurring in the course of a single continuous swing are not deemed a double hit.

5. He or his racket (in his hand or otherwise) or anything which he wears or carries touches the net, posts, singles sticks, cord or metal cable, strap or band, or the ground within his opponents Court at any time while the ball is in play; or

   USTA Comment:
   Touching a pipe support that runs across the Court at the bottom of the net is interpreted as touching the net. See USTA Comment under Rule 23 for a ball which hits a pipe support.

6. He volleys the ball before it has passed the net; or
7. The ball in play touches him or anything that he wears or carries, except his racket in his hand or hands; or

   USTA Comment:
   This loss of point occurs regardless of whether the player is inside or outside the bounds of the Court when the ball touches the player.

8. He throws his racket at and hits the ball; or
9. He deliberately and materially changes the shape of his racket during the playing of the point.

Case 1. In serving, the racket flies from the Servers hand and touches the net before the ball has touched the ground. Is this a fault, or does the player lose the point?
Decision: The Server loses the point because his racket touches the net whilst the ball is in play (Rule 20(e)).

Case 2. In serving, the racket flies from the Servers hand and touches the net after the ball has touched the ground outside the proper court. Is this a fault, or does the player lose the point?
Decision: This is a fault because the ball was out of play when the racket touched the net.

Case 3. A and B are playing against C and D, A is serving to D, C touches the net before the ball touches the ground. A fault is then called because the service falls outside the Service Court. Do C and D lose the point?
Decision: The call "fault" is an erroneous one. C and D had already lost the point before "fault" could be called, because C touched the net whilst the ball was in play (Rule 20(e)).

Case 4. May a player jump over the net into his opponents Court while the ball is in play and not suffer penalty?
Decision: No. He loses the point (Rule 20(e)).

Case 5. A cuts the ball just over the net, and it returns to As side. B, unable to reach the ball, throws his racket and hits the ball. Both racket and ball fall over the net on As Court. A returns the ball outside of Bs Court. Does B win or lose the point?
Decision: B loses the point (Rule 20(e) and (h)).

Case 6. A player standing outside the service Court is struck by a service ball before it has touched the ground. Does he win or lose the point?
Decision: The player struck loses the point (Rule 20(g)), except as provided under Rule 14(a).

Case 7. A player standing outside the Court volleys the ball or catches it in his hand and claims the point because the ball was certainly going out of court.
Decision: In no circumstances can he claim the point:
i.  If he catches the ball he loses the point under Rule 20(g).
ii.  If he volleys it and makes a bad return he loses the point under Rule 20(c).
iii. If he volleys it and makes a good return, the rally continues.

If a player commits any act which hinders his opponent in making a stroke, then, if this is deliberate, he shall lose the point or if involuntary, the point shall be replayed.

Case 1. Is a player liable to a penalty if in making a stroke he touches his opponent?
Decision: No, unless the Umpire deems it necessary to take action under Rule 21.

Case 2. When a ball bounds back over the net, the player concerned may reach over the net in order to play the ball. What is the ruling if the player is hindered from doing this by his opponent?
Decision: In accordance with Rule 21, the Umpire may either award the point to the player hindered, or order the point to be replayed (see also Rule 25).

Case 3. Does an involuntary double hit constitute an act which hinders an opponent within Rule 21?
Decision: No.

USTA Comment:
"Deliberate" means a player did what he intended to do, although the resulting effect on the opponent might or might not have been what he intended. Example: a player, after returning a ball advises the players partner in such a loud voice that their opponents are hindered. "Involuntary" means a non-intentional act such as a hat blowing off or a scream resulting from a sudden wasp sting.

A ball falling on a line is regarded as falling in the Court bounded by that line.

USTA Comment:
In a non-officiated match, each player makes the call on any ball hit toward the players side of the net. If a player cannot call a ball out with certainty, the player should regard it as good. In doubles, normally the Receivers partner makes the calls with respect to the service line, with the Receiver calling the side and center lines, but either partner may make the call on any ball clearly seen.

If the ball in play touches a permanent fixture (other than the net, posts, singles sticks, cord or metal cable, strap or band) after it has hit the ground, the player who struck it wins the point; if before it hits the ground, his opponent wins the point.

Case 1. A return hits the Umpire or his chair or stand. The player claims that the ball was going into Court.
Decision: He loses the point.

USTA Comment:
A ball in play that strikes a pipe support running across the Court at the base of the net is treated the same as a ball landing on clear ground. See USTA Comment under Rule 20(e) for a player who touches a pipe support.

It is a good return:

1. If the ball touches the net, posts, singles sticks, cord or metal cable, strap or band, provided that it passes over any of them and hits the ground within the Court; or
2. If the ball, served or returned, hits the ground within the proper Court and rebounds or is blown back over the net, and the player whose turn it is to strike reaches over the net and plays the ball, provided that he does not contravene Rule 20(e); or
3. If the ball is returned outside the posts, or singles sticks, either above or below the level of the top to the net, even though it touches the posts or singles sticks, provided that it hits the ground within the proper Court; or
4. If a players racket passes over the net after he has returned the ball, provided the ball passes the net before being played and is properly returned; or
5. If a player succeeds in returning the ball, served or in play, which strikes a ball lying in the Court.

USTA Comment:
Paragraph (e) of the rule refers to a ball lying on the Court at the start of the point as a result of a service let or fault or as a result of a player dropping it. If a ball in play strikes a rolling or stationary "foreign" ball that has come from elsewhere after the point started, a let should be played. See Case 7 under Rule 25 which pertains to an object other than a ball that is being used in the match.

ITF Note:
In a singles match, if, for the sake of convenience, a Doubles Court is equipped with singles sticks for the purpose of a singles game, then the doubles posts and those portions of the net, cord or metal cable and the band outside such singles sticks shall at all times be permanent fixtures, and are not regarded as posts or parts of the net of a singles game.
A return that passes under the net cord between the singles stick and adjacent doubles post without touching either net cord, net or doubles post and falls within the court, is a good return.

USTA Comment:
In doubles this would be a "through" loss of point.

Case 1. A ball going out of Court hits a net post or singles stick and falls within the lines of the opponents Court. Is the stroke good?
Decision: If a service: no, under Rule 10(c). If other than a service: yes, under Rule 24(a).

Case 2. Is it a good return if a player returns the ball holding his racket in both hands?
Decision: Yes.

Case 3. The service, or ball in play, strikes a ball lying in the Court. Is the point won or lost thereby?
Decision: No. Play must continue. If it is not clear to the Umpire that the right ball is returned a let should be called.

USTA Comment:
A ball that is touching a boundary line is considered to be "lying in the Court."

Case 4. May a player use more than one racket at any time during play?
Decision: No. The whole implication of the Rules is singular.

Case 5. May a player request that a ball or balls lying in his opponents Court be removed?
Decision: Yes, but not while a ball is in play.

USTA Comment:
This request must be honored.

In case a player is hindered in making a stroke by anything not within his control, except a permanent fixture of the Court, or except as provided for in Rule 21, a let shall be called.

USTA Comment:
See Rule 13 and its USTA Comments regarding lets.

Case 1. A spectator gets into the way of a player, who fails to return the ball. May the player then claim a let?
Decision: Yes. If in the Umpires opinion he was obstructed by circumstances beyond his control, but not if due to permanent fixtures of the Court or the arrangements of the ground.

Case 2. A player is interfered with as in Case No.1, and the Umpire calls a let. The Server had previously served a fault. Has he the right to two services?
Decision: Yes. As the ball is in play, the point, not merely the stroke, must be replayed as the Rule provides.

Case 3. May a player claim a let under Rule 25 because he thought his opponent was being hindered, and consequently did not expect the ball to be returned?
Decision: No.

Case 4. Is a stroke good when a ball in play hits another ball in the air?
Decision: A let should be called unless the other ball is in the air by the act of one of the players, in which case the Umpire will decide under Rule 21.

Case 5. If an Umpire or other judge erroneously calls "fault" or "out", and then corrects himself, which of the calls shall prevail?
Decision: A let must be called unless, in the opinion of the Umpire, neither player is hindered in his game, in which case the corrected call shall prevail.

Case 6. If the first ball served a fault rebounds, interfering with the Receiver at the time of the second service, may the Receiver claim a let?
Decision: Yes. But if he had an opportunity to remove the ball from the Court and negligently failed to do so, he may not claim a let.

Case 7. Is it a good stroke if the ball touches a stationary or moving object on the Court?
Decision: It is a good stroke unless the stationary object came into Court after the ball was put into play in which case a let must be called. If the ball in play strikes an object moving along or above the surface of the Court a let must be called.

Case 8. What is the ruling if the first service is a fault, the second service correct, and it becomes necessary to call a let either under the provision of Rule 25 or if the Umpire is unable to decide the point?
Decision: The fault shall be annulled and the whole point replayed.

1. If a player wins his first point, the score is called 15 for that player; on winning his second point, the score is called 30 for that player; on winning his third point, the score is called 40 for that player, and the fourth point won by a player is scored game for that player except as below:
   If both players have won three points, the score is called deuce; and the next point won by a player is scored advantage for that player. If the same player wins the next point, he wins the game; if the other player wins the next point the score is again called deuce; and so on, until a player wins the two points immediately following the score at deuce, when the game is scored for that player.
2. Optional Alternative Scoring System

Doubles
In doubles a similar procedure to that for singles shall apply. At deuce the Receiving Team shall choose whether it wishes to receive the Service from the right-half of the court or the left-half of the court. The team who wins the deciding point is scored the game.

Mixed Doubles
In mixed doubles, a slightly different procedure will apply as follows: At deuce, with the male player serving, he shall serve to the male player of the opposing team irrespective of which half of the court he is standing, and when the female player is serving, she shall serve to the female player of the opposing team.

USTA Comment:
In a non-officiated match the Server should announce, in a voice audible to the Receiver and spectators, the set score at the beginning of each game, and point scores as the game goes on. Misunderstandings will be avoided if this practice is followed.

USTA Comment:
USTA Regulation I.V.11. authorizes the Referee to switch to No-Ad scoring before the start of any round without prior notice in all tournaments other than national junior championships after inclement weather or other factors cause the tournament to fall behind its published schedule.

1. A player (or players) who first wins six games wins a set; except that he must win by a margin of two games over his opponent and where necessary a set shall be extended until this margin is achieved.
2. The tie-break system of scoring may be adopted as an alternative to the advantage set system in paragraph (a) of this Rule provided the decision is announced in advance of the match.

USTA Comment:
USTA Regulation I.V.3. requires that a Tie-Break be played in all sets.
In this case, the following Rules shall be effective:
The tie-break shall operate when the score reaches six games all in any set except in the third or fifth set of a three-set or five-set match respectively when an ordinary advantage set shall be played, unless otherwise decided and announced in advance of the match.

USTA Comment:
USTA Regulation I.V.4. authorizes the use of the Set Tie-Break or the Super Tie-Break in lieu of the third or final set in selected tournaments.
The following system shall be used in a tie-break game.

Singles

1. A player who first wins seven points shall win the game and the set provided he leads by a margin of two points. If the score reaches six points all the game shall be extended until this margin has been achieved. Numerical scoring shall be used throughout the tie-break game.
2. The player whose turn it is to serve shall be the Server for the first point. His opponent shall be the Server for the second and third points and thereafter each player shall serve alternately for two consecutive points until the winner of the game and set has been decided.
3. From the first point, each service shall be delivered alternately from the right and left Courts, beginning from the right Court. If service from a wrong half of the Court occurs and is undetected, all play resulting from such wrong service or services shall stand, but the inaccuracy of station shall be corrected immediately it is discovered.
4. Players shall change ends after every six points and at the conclusion of the tie-break game.
5. The tie-break game shall count as one game for the ball change, except that, if the balls are due to be changed at the beginning of the tie-break, the change shall be delayed until the second game of the following set.

Doubles
In doubles the procedure for singles shall apply. The player whose turn it is to serve shall be the Server for the first point. Thereafter each player shall serve in rotation for two points, in the same order previously in that set, until the winners of the game and set have been decided.

Rotation of Service
The player (or pair in the case of doubles) whose turn it was to serve first in the tie-break game shall receive service in the first game of the following set.

Case 1. At six all the tie-break is played, although it has been decided and announced in advance of the match that an advantage set will be played. Are the points already played counted?
Decision: If the error is discovered before the ball is put in play for the second point, the first point shall count but the error shall be corrected immediately. If the error is discovered after the ball is put in play for the second point the game shall continue as a tie-break game.

Case 2. At six all, an advantage game is played, although it has been decided and announced in advance of the match that a tie-break will be played. Are the points already played counted?
Decision: If the error is discovered before the ball is put in play for the second point, the first point shall be counted but the error shall be corrected immediately. If the error is discovered after the ball is put in play for the second point an advantage set shall be continued. If the score thereafter reaches eight games all or a higher even number, a tie-break shall be played.

USTA Comment:
Examples of questions of fact include whether a ball is in or out, whether a ball touched a player, whether a ball bounced twice, and whether the servers foot touched the baseline before hitting a serve. Examples of questions of tennis law include whether an act was a hindrance; whether a player should have been assessed a code violation for his conduct; and the procedure for correcting errors in serving order, serving and receiving position, and ends.

Case 3. If during a tie-break in a singles or doubles game, a player serves out of turn, shall the order of service remain as altered until the end of the game?
Decision: If a player has completed his turn of service the order of service shall remain as altered. If the error is discovered before a player has completed his turn of service the order of service shall be corrected immediately and any points already played shall count.
Alternative scoring methods approved until 31 December 2001 can be found in Appendix II.

A match can be played to the best of 3 sets (the player/team needs to win 2 sets to win the match) or to the best of 5 sets (the player/team needs to win 3 sets to win the match).

Play shall be continuous from the first service until the match is concluded, in accordance with the following provisions:

1. If the first service is a fault, the second service must be struck by the Server without delay.
   
   The Receiver must play to the reasonable pace of the Server and must be ready to receive when the Server is ready to serve.
   
   When changing ends a maximum of ninety (90) seconds shall elapse from the moment the ball goes out of play at the end of the game to the time the ball is struck for the first point of the next game.
   
   However, after the first game of each set and during a tie-break, play shall be continuous and the players shall change ends without a rest period.
   
   At the conclusion of each set, there shall be a set break of a maximum of one hundred and twenty (120) seconds from the moment the ball goes out of play at the end of the game to the time the ball is struck for the first point of the next game.
   
   The Umpire shall use his discretion when there is interference which makes it impractical for play to be continuous.
   
   The organizers of international circuits and team events recognized by the ITF may determine the time allowed between points, which shall be a maximum of twenty (20) seconds from the moment the ball goes out of play at the end of one point to the time the ball is struck for the next point.
2. Play shall never be suspended, delayed or interfered with for the purpose of enabling a player to recover his strength, breath, or physical condition. However, in the case of a treatable medical condition, the Umpire may allow a one-time three minute suspension for that injury.

   USTA Comment:
   The 20-second rule applies only to certain international circuits and team events recognized by the ITF. When practical, in USTA sanctioned tournaments using a certified official in direct observation of the match, the time which shall elapse from the moment the ball goes out of play at the end of the point to the time the ball is struck shall not exceed 25 seconds.

3. If, through circumstances outside the control of the player, his clothing, footwear or equipment (excluding racket) becomes out of adjustment in such a way that it is impossible or undesirable for him to play on, the Umpire may suspend play while the maladjustment is rectified.

   USTA Comment:
   If equipment other than a racket becomes unusable through circumstances outside the control of the player, play may be suspended for a reasonable period and the player may leave the Court to correct the problem. If a racket or racket string is broken or the racket is found to be illegal, Rule 30 does not permit play to be suspended. A player who leaves the Court to get a replacement is subject to code violations) under the Point Penalty System.

   USTA Comment:
   Loss of, or damage to, a contact lens or eyeglasses shall be treated as equipment maladjustment. All players must follow the same rules with respect to suspending play, even though in misty but playable weather, a player who wears glasses may be handicapped.

4. The Umpire may suspend or delay play at any time as may be necessary and appropriate.
5. After the third set, or when women take part the second set, either player shall be entitled to a rest, which shall not exceed 10 minutes, or in countries situated between latitude 15 degrees north and latitude 15 degrees south, 45 minutes and furthermore, when necessitated by circumstances not within the control of the players, the Umpire may suspend play for such a period as he may consider necessary. If play is suspended and is not resumed until a later day the rest may be taken only after the third set (or when women take part the second set) of play on such a later day, completion of an unfinished set being counted as one set.
   
   If play is suspended and is not resumed until 10 minutes have elapsed in the same day the rest may be taken only after three consecutive sets have been played without interruption (or when women take part two sets), completion of an unfinished set being counted as one set.
   
   Any nation and/or committee organizing a tournament, match or competition, is at liberty to modify this provision or omit it from its regulations provided this is announced before the event commences. With respect to the Davis Cup and Fed Cup, only the International Tennis Federation may modify this provision or omit it from its Regulations.
   
6. A tournament committee has the discretion to decide the time allowed for a warm-up period prior to a match but this may not exceed five minutes and must be announced before the event commences.

   USTA Comment:
   When there are no ball persons, the warm-up may be extended to 10 minutes.

   USTA Comment:
   When a match is resumed after a suspension of more than ten minutes, it is permissible for the players to engage in a re-warm-up that may be of the same duration as that at the start of the match. The preferred method is to warm-up with other used balls and then insert the match balls when play starts. If the match balls are used in the re-warm-up, then the next ball change will be two games sooner. There shall be no re-warm-up after an authorized intermission or after a suspension of ten minutes or less.

7. When approved point penalty and non-accumulative point penalty systems are in operation, the Umpire shall make his decisions within the terms of those systems.
8. Upon violation of the principle that play shall be continuous the Umpire may, after giving due warning, disqualify the offender.

During the playing of a match in a team competition, a player may receive coaching from a captain who is sitting on the court only when he changes ends at the end of a game, but not when he changes ends during a tie-break game.
A player may not receive coaching during the playing of any other match. The provisions of this rule must be strictly construed.
After due warning an offending player may be disqualified. When an approved point penalty system is in operation, the Umpire shall impose penalties according to that system.

USTA Comment:
Even though the USA Adult and Senior League Programs are team competitions, coaching is not permitted except during authorized rest periods.

Case 1. Should a warning be given, or the player be disqualified, if the coaching is given by signals in an unobtrusive manner?
Decision. The Umpire must take action as soon as he becomes aware that coaching is being given verbally or by signals. If the Umpire is unaware that coaching is being given, a player may draw his attention to the fact that advice is being given.

Case 2. Can a player receive coaching during an authorized rest period under Rule 30(e), or when play is interrupted and he leaves the court?
Decision. Yes. In these circumstances, when the player is not on the court, there is no restriction on coaching.

USTA Comment:
No player may receive coaching during a toilet visit, a Set Break, Medical Time-Out, when a player leaves the court seeking the assistance of the Referee, or when equipment or clothing is being adjusted.
ITF Note: The word "coaching" includes any advice or instruction.

In cases where balls are to be changed after a specified number of games, if the balls are not changed in the correct sequence, the mistake shall be corrected when the player, or pair in the case of doubles, who should have served with new balls is next due to serve. Thereafter the balls shall be changed so that the number of games between changes shall be that originally agreed.

All of Rules 1-32 shall apply to the Doubles Game except as so noted in rules 34-40.

For the Doubles Game, the court shall be 36 feet (10.97m.) in width, i.e. 41⁄2 feet (1.37m.) wider on each side than the Court for the Singles Game, and those portions of the singles side-lines which lie between the two service-lines shall be called the service side-lines. In other respects, the Court shall be similar to that described in Rule 1, but the portions of the singles side-lines between the base-line and service-line on each side of the net may be omitted if desired.

USTA Comment:
The Server has the right in doubles to stand anywhere in back of the baseline between the imaginary extension of the inside edge of the center mark and the imaginary extension of the outside edge of the doubles sideline.

The order of serving shall be decided at the beginning of each set as follows:
The pair who have to serve in the first game of each set shall decide which partner shall do so and the opposing pair shall decide similarly for the second game. The partner of the player who served in the first game shall serve in the third; the partner of the player who served in the second game shall serve in the fourth, and so on in the same order in all the subsequent games of a set.

Case 1. In doubles, one player does not appear in time to play, and his partner claims to be allowed to play single-handed against the opposing players. May he do so?
Decision: No.

The order of receiving the service shall be decided at the beginning of each set as follows:
The pair who have to receive the service in the first game shall decide which partner shall receive the first service, and that partner shall continue to receive the first service in every odd game throughout that set. The opposing pair shall likewise decide which partner shall receive the first service in the second game and that partner shall continue to receive the first service in every even game throughout that set. Partners shall receive the service alternately throughout each game.

Case 1. Is it allowable in doubles for the Servers partner or the Receivers partner to stand in a position that obstructs the view of the Receiver?
Decision: Yes. The Servers partner or the Receivers partner may take any position on his side of the net in or out of the Court that he wishes.

If a partner serves out of his turn, the partner who ought to have served shall serve as soon as the mistake is discovered, but all points scored, and any faults served before such discovery, shall be reckoned. If a game shall have been completed before such discovery, the order of service remains as altered.

USTA Comment:
For an exception to Rule 37, see Case 3 under Rule 27.

If during a game the order of receiving the service is changed by the Receivers it shall remain as altered until the end of the game in which the mistake is discovered, but the partners shall resume their original order of receiving in the next game of that set in which they are Receivers of the service.

The service is a fault as provided for by Rule 10, or if the ball touches the Servers partner or anything which he wears or carries; but if the ball served touches the partner of the Receiver, or anything which he wears or carries, not being a let under Rule 14(a) before it hits the ground, the Server wins the point.

The ball shall be struck alternately by one or other player of the opposing pairs, and if a player touches the ball in play with his racket in contravention of this Rule, his opponents win the point.

ITF Note 1:
Except where otherwise stated, every reference in these Rules to the masculine includes the feminine gender.

ITF Note 2:
See Rule 26(b) with regard to the Optional Alternative Scoring System in Doubles and Mixed.

USTA Comment:
The partners do not have to "alternate" in making returns. In the course of making one return, only one member of a doubles team may hit the ball. If both of them hit the ball, either simultaneously or consecutively, it is an illegal return. Mere clashing of rackets does not make a return illegal unless it is clear that more than one racket touched the ball.

Regulations for Making Tests Specified in Rule 3.

1. Unless otherwise specified all tests shall be made at a temperature of approximately 68° Fahrenheit (20° Centigrade) and a relative humidity of approximately 60 per cent. All balls shall be removed from their container and kept at the recognized temperature and humidity for 24 hours prior to testing, and shall be at that temperature and humidity when the test is commenced.
2. Unless otherwise specified the limits are for a test conducted in an atmospheric pressure resulting in a barometric reading of approximately 30 inches (76cm.).
3. Other standards may be fixed for localities where the average temperature, humidity or average barometric pressure at which the game is being played differ materially from 68° Fahrenheit (20° Centigrade), 60 per cent and 30 inches (76cm.) respectively. Applications for such adjusted standards may be made by any National Association to the International Tennis Federation and if approved shall be adopted for such localities.
4. In all tests for diameter, a ring gauge shall be used consisting of a metal plate, preferably non-corrosive of a uniform thickness of one-eighth of an inch (.318 cm). In the case of Ball Type 1 (fast speed) and Ball Type 2 (medium speed) balls, there shall be two circular openings in the plate measuring 2.575 inches (6.541 cm) and 2.700 inches (6.858 cm) in diameter, respectively. In the case of Ball Type 3 (slow speed) balls, there shall be two circular openings in the plate measuring 2.750 inches (6.985 cm) and 2.875 inches (7.302 cm) in diameter, respectively. The inner surface of the gauge shall have a convex profile with a radius of one-sixteenth of an inch (.159 cm). The ball shall not drop through the smaller opening by its own weight and shall drop through the larger opening by its own weight.
5. In all tests for deformation conducted under Rule 3, the machine designed by Percy Herbert Stevens and patented in Great Britain under Patent No. 230250, together with the subsequent additions and improvements thereto, including the modifications required to take return deformations, shall be employed. Other machines may be specified which give equivalent readings to the Stevens machine and these may be used for testing ball deformation where such machines have been given approval by the International Tennis Federation.
6. Procedure for carrying out tests:

N.B. The proposed overlap in ITF Surface Pace Rating values for the above categories is to allow some latitude in ball selection.

Alternative Scoring methods (Rule 27)

1. "Short" sets

   The first player/team who wins four games wins the Set, provided there is a margin of two games over the opponents). If the score reaches four games all, a tie-break game shall be played.

2. Deciding tie-break game

   When the score in a match is one set all, or two sets all in best of five sets matches, one tie-break game shall be played to decide the match. This tie-break game replaces the deciding final set. Approved as an experiment until 31 December 2002:

3. Deciding "SUPER TIE-BREAK GAME"

The player who first wins ten points shall win this super tie-break and the match provided he leads by a margin of two points.

1. Introduction
   1.1 These procedures were approved by the Board of Directors of the International Tennis Federation ("Board of Directors") on 17 May 1998.
   1.2 The Board of Directors may from time to time supplement, amend, or vary these procedures.
2. Objectives
   2.1 The International Tennis Federation is the custodian of the Rules of Tennis and is committed to:
   a. Preserving the traditional character and integrity of the game of tennis.
   b. Actively preserving the skills traditionally required to play the game.
   c. Encouraging improvements, which maintain the challenge of the game.
   d. Ensuring fair competition.
   2.2 To ensure fair, consistent and expeditious review and hearings in relation to the Rules of Tennis the procedures set out below shall apply.
3. Scope
   3.1 These Procedures shall apply to Rulings under:
   a. Rule 1The Court.
   b. Rule 3The Ball.
   c. Rule 4The Racket.
   d. Appendix 1 of the Rules of Tennis.
   e. Any other Rules of Tennis which the International Tennis Federation may decide.
4. Structure
   4.1 Under these procedures Rulings shall be issued by a Ruling Board.
   4.2 Such Rulings shall be final, save for an entitlement to appeal to an Appeal Tribunal pursuant to these procedures.
5. Application
   5.1 Rulings shall be taken either:
   a. Following a motion of the Board of Directors; or
   b. Upon the receipt of an application in accordance with the procedures set out below.
6. Appointment and Composition of Ruling Boards
   6.1 Ruling Boards shall be appointed by the President of the International Tennis Federation ("President") or his designee and shall comprise of such number, as the President or his designee shall determine.
   6.2 If more than one person is appointed to the Ruling Board the Ruling Board shall nominate one person from amongst themselves to act as Chairperson.
   6.3 The Chairperson shall be entitled to regulate the procedures prior to and at any review and/or hearing of a Ruling Board.
7. Proposed Rulings by the Ruling Board
   7.1 The details of any proposed Ruling issued upon the motion of the Board of Directors may be provided to any bona fide person or any players, equipment manufacturer or national association or members thereof with an interest in the proposed Ruling.
   7.2 Any person so notified shall be given a reasonable period within which to forward comments, objections, or requests for information to the President or his designee in connection with the proposed Ruling.
8. Application for Rulings
   8.1 An application for a Ruling may be made by any party with a bona fide interest in the Ruling including any player, equipment manufacturer or national association or member thereof.
   8.2 Any application for a Ruling must be submitted in writing to the President.
   8.3 To be valid an application for a Ruling must include the following minimum information:
   a. The full name and address of the Applicant.
   b. The date of the application.
   c. A statement clearly identifying the interest of the Applicant in the question upon which a Ruling is requested.
   d. All relevant documentary evidence upon which the Applicant intends to rely at any hearing.
   e. If, in the opinion of the Applicant, expert evidence is necessary he shall include a request for such expert evidence to be heard. Such request must identify the name of any expert proposed and their relevant expertise.
   f. When an application for a Ruling on a racket or other piece of equipment is made, a prototype or, exact, copy of the equipment in question must be submitted with the application for a Ruling.
   g. If, in the opinion of the Applicant, there are extraordinary or unusual circumstances, which require a Ruling to be made within a specified time or before a specified date he shall include a statement describing the extraordinary or unusual circumstances.
   8.4 If an application for a Ruling does not contain the information and/or equipment referred to at Clause 8.3 (a)-(g) above the President or his designee shall notify the Applicant giving the Applicant a specified reasonable time within which to remedy the defect. If the Applicant fails to remedy the defect within the specified time the application shall be dismissed.
    
9. Convening the Ruling Board
   9.1 On receipt of a valid application or on the motion of the Board of Directors the President or his designee may convene a Ruling Board to deal with the application or motion.
   9.2 The Ruling Board need not hold a hearing to deal with an application or motion where the application or motion, in the opinion of the Chairperson can be resolved in a fair manner without a hearing.
10. Procedure of the Ruling Board
    10.1 The Chairperson of a Ruling Board shall determine the appropriate form, procedure and date of any review and/or hearing.
    10.2 The Chairperson shall provide written notice of those matters set out at 10.1 above to any Applicant or any person or association who has expressed an interest in the proposed Ruling.
    10.3 The Chairperson shall determine all matters relating to evidence and shall not be bound by judicial rules governing procedure and admissibility of evidence provided that the review and/or hearing is conducted in a fair manner with a reasonable opportunity for the relevant parties to present their case.
    10.4 Under these procedures any review and/or hearings:
    a. Shall take place in private.
    b. May be adjourned and/or postponed by the Ruling Board.
    10.5 The Chairperson shall have the discretion to co-opt from time to time additional members onto the Ruling Board with special skill or experience to deal with specific issues, which require such special skill or experience.
    10.6 The Ruling Board shall take its decision by a simple majority. No member of the Ruling Board may abstain.
    10.7 The Chairperson shall have the complete discretion to make such order against the Applicant [and/or other individuals or organizations commenting objecting or requesting information at any review and/or hearing] in relation to the costs of the application and/or the reasonable expenses incurred by the Ruling Board in holding tests or obtaining reports relating to equipment subject to a Ruling as he shall deem appropriate.
11. Notification
    11.1 Once a Ruling Board has reached a decision it shall provide written notice to the Applicant, or, any person or association who has expressed an interest in the proposed Ruling as soon as reasonably practicable.
    11.2 Such written notice shall include a summary of the reasoning behind the decision of the Ruling Board.
    11.3 Upon notification to the Applicant or upon such other date specified by the Ruling Board the Ruling of the Ruling Board shall be immediately binding under the Rules of Tennis.
12. Application of Current Rules of Tennis
    12.1 Subject to the power of the Ruling Board to issue interim Rulings the current Rules of Tennis shall continue to apply until any review and/or hearing of the Ruling Board is concluded and a Ruling issued by the Ruling Board.
    12.2 Prior to and during any review and/or hearing the Chairperson of the Ruling Board may issue such directions as are deemed reasonably necessary in the implementation of the Rules of Tennis and of these procedures including the issue of interim Rulings.
    12.3 Such interim Rulings may include restraining orders on the use of any equipment under the Rules of Tennis pending a Ruling by the Ruling Board as to whether or not the equipment meets the specification of the Rules of Tennis.
13. Appointment and Composition of Appeal Tribunals
    13.1 Appeal Tribunals shall be appointed by the President or his designee from [members of the Board of Directors/Technical Committee].
    13.2 No member of the Ruling Board who made the original Ruling shall be a member of the Appeal Tribunal.
    13.3 The Appeal Tribunal shall comprise of such number as the President or his designee shall determine but shall be no less than three.
    13.4 The Appeal Tribunal shall nominate one person from amongst themselves to act as Chairperson.
    13.5 The Chairperson shall be entitled to regulate the procedures prior to and at any appeal hearing.
14. Application to Appeal
    14.1 An Applicant [or a person or association who has expressed an interest and forwarded any comments, objections, or requests to a proposed Ruling] may appeal any Ruling of the Ruling Board.
    14.2 To be valid an application for an appeal must be:
    a. Made in writing to the Chairperson of the Ruling Board who made the Ruling appealed not later than [45] days following notification of the Ruling;
    b. Must set out details of the Ruling appealed against; and
    c. Must contain the full grounds of the appeal.
    14.3 Upon receipt of a valid application to appeal the Chairperson of the Ruling Board making the original Ruling may require a reasonable appeal fee to be paid by the Appellant as a condition of appeal. Such appeal fee shall be repaid to the Appellant if the appeal is successful.
15. Convening the Appeal Tribunal
    15.1 The President or his designee shall convene the Appeal Tribunal following payment by the Appellant of any appeal fee.
16. Procedures of Appeal Tribunal
    16.1 The Appeal Tribunal and their Chairperson shall conduct procedures and hearings in accordance with those matters set out in sections 10, 11 and 12 above.
    16.2 Upon notification to the Appellant or upon such other date specified by the Appeal Tribunal the Ruling of the Appeal Tribunal shall be immediately binding and final under the Rules of Tennis.
17. General

1. Challenges
   a. The following parties have the right to question a players eligibility:
   ITF Member Nations (through their General Secretary);
   The wheelchair tennis Players Representatives Committee (through their Chairperson);
   The ITF Wheelchair Tennis Committee.
   ITF Note - IWTA Member Nations who are not represented by their National Tennis Federation, may submit a challenge through the ITF Wheelchair Tennis Committee who must decide if the challenge should proceed to the Eligibility Sub-Committee.
   b. On receipt of a formal written challenge from any of the parties named in 1.a. above, the ITF must inform the player and ask them to submit sufficient objective medical evidence of permanent physical disability in writing to the Eligibility Sub-Committee of the ITF Wheelchair Tennis Committee within 28 days. The Eligibility Sub-Committee (which shall be made up of at least one medical doctor from the ITF Medical Commission and at least two ITF appointed experts in the Rules of Wheelchair Tennis) must then review the case.
   ITF Note 1 -The player may continue to play during the Eligibility Sub-Committees investigation. Should the outcome of the Eligibility Sub-Committee be that the player does not meet the minimum criteria as laid out in Rule I of the Rules of Wheelchair Tennis, the player must then cease to play with immediate effect. The only exception to this is in the case of an appeal against the decision by the player as outlined in the Appeals Procedure below.
   ITF Note 2 - Failure to submit medical evidence as described above within 28 days of the request being made by the ITF, shall result in automatic suspension of that player until such time as evidence is provided.
   ITF Note 3 - The costs incurred by the player in obtaining the medical evidence shall be borne by the player. All costs incurred in the evaluation of medical evidence provided by the player will be the responsibility of the ITF. The player will be instructed by the ITF, regarding how, when and where to provide the necessary medical evidence.
   c. If the Eligibility Sub-Committee judges that a player is eligible to compete, their eligibility may not be challenged again for a minimum of 12 months. After this time, all challenges shall be subject to the same procedures as laid out above. If, after a second challenge, the player is still deemed eligible to compete, their eligibility may not be challenged again for a further 3 years.
   ITF Note - If a player is challenged after already having been deemed eligible to compete, they may continue to play while any new challenges are being considered.
2. Appeals Procedure
   a. If the Eligibility Sub-Committee judges that supporting medical evidence is insufficient, then the player may appeal within 14 days of the decision and request an evaluation by an independent medical doctor appointed by the ITF Member Nation for that player.
   Further to receiving the submission from the medical doctor appointed by the ITF Member Nation, the ITF Medical Commission will give a ruling on the eligibility of the player which shall not be subject to further appeal for a minimum of 12 months (see b. below).
   ITF Note 1 - In the case of an appeal being made, the player may continue to play until after the appeal has been heard.
   ITF Note 2 - The costs of the evaluation for the appeal will be at the player's expense. All costs incurred in the evaluation of medical evidence provided by the medical doctor will be the responsibility of the ITF.
   b. If a persons circumstances change in relation to their physical disability in the future, the person is entitled to submit a request to the ITF to be reconsidered. This request may only be made a minimum of 12 months after the first appeal decision. Such a request shall be supported by the new medical evidence and shall be subject to the same process as outlined in Rule I of the Rules of Wheelchair Tennis and this Appendix IV.
   If, after the second appeal, the player is still deemed ineligible to compete, their case may not be reconsidered for a further 3 years.
   ITF Note - If the Eligibility Sub-Committee has already judged that a player is currently ineligible, they may not compete while any new medical evidence is being considered.

ITF Notes:

i. If a singles court only is required, no lines are necessary outside the points a, b, c, d, but the court can be measured out as above. Alternatively, the corners of the base-line (c, d) can be found if preferred by pegging the two tapes at a and b instead of at A and B, and by then using lengths of 47'5" (14.46 m) and 39'0" (11.89 m). The net posts will be at n, n, and a 33'0" (10 m) singles net should be used.

ii. When a combined doubles and singles court with a doubles net is used for singles, the net must be supported at the points n, n, to a height of 3 feet 6 inches (1.07 m) by means of two posts, called "singles sticks", which shall be not more than 3 inches (7.5 cm) square or 3 inches (7.5 cm) in diameter. The centers of the singles sticks shall be 3 feet (.914 m) outside the singles court on each side. To assist in the placing of these singles sticks it is desirable that the points n, n, should each be shown with a white dot when the court is marked.

USTA Comment:

The ITF, not the USTA, is responsible for the Rules of Tennis. Amendments to the Rules of Tennis are made through the procedures of the ITF. Rule 69 of the ITF controls the manner in which amendments may be made to the Rules of Tennis. Amendments to USTA Comments are made by the process described in USTA Regulation XII.H.

International Tennis Federation Rule 69

The official and decisive text to the Rules of Tennis shall be for ever in the English language and no alteration or interpretation of such Rules shall be made except at an Annual General Meeting of the Council, nor unless notice of the resolution embodying such alteration shall have been received by the Federation in accordance with Article 16 of the Constitution of ITF Ltd. (Notice of Resolutions) and such resolution or one having the like effect shall be carried by a majority of two-thirds of the votes recorded in respect of the same.

Any alteration so made shall take effect as from the first day of January following unless the Meeting shall by the like majority decide otherwise.

The Board of Directors shall have power, however, to settle all urgent questions of interpretation subject to confirmation at the General Meeting next following.

This Rule shall not be altered at any time without the unanimous consent of a General Meeting of the Council.

USTA comment on Tennis Court Layout

All courts should be laid out for singles and doubles play. The same lines except for the sideline extensions for doubles player required for each.

Courts in the northern two-thirds of the United States should generally be laid out with the long axis north and south; it is advantageous, however, to orient the courts in the southern one-third of the country 15°-25° west of true (not magnetic) north in order to minimize the adverse effects of the afternoon winter sun.

Figure 1 indicates the exact dimensions of the lines as well as recommended side and back spacing. Note that the dimensions shown in the diagram are measurements to the outside edge of the lines. For regulation play, the space behind the baseline (between the baseline and fence) should not be less than 21 feet, for an overall dimension of 60' x 120'. For stadium courts, this perimeter spacing should be increased to allow space for line umpires without impeding the players. (See Rule 1.) Net posts should be located with their centers three feet outside the doubles sideline.

Most courts are laid out with lines two inches (2") wide. Lines may be one inch (1") to two inches (2") wide excepting the center service line which must be two inches (2") wide and the baselines which may be up to four inches (4") wide.

For more detailed information on the subject, Tennis Courts, a book containing United States Tennis Association and U.S. Tennis Court and Track Builders Association recommendations for the construction, maintenance, and equipment needs of a tennis court installation, can be obtained by contacting the USTA Bookstore, AT 888-832-8291.