When your serve hits your partner stationed at the net, is it a let, fault, or loss of point?  What is the ruling when your serve, before touching the ground, hits your opponent?  Have you ever had a dispute with a fellow player over a call on the court that you couldn't settle?

A unique aspect of tennis is that, for most matches, players have to call their own lines, keep score, and manage time between points and changeovers.  Typically, in competitive sports like baseball, soccer, football, basketball, there are scorekeepers / timekeepers and continuous umpiring.  Because of the self-regulating nature of tennis, all players have a responsibility to be familiar with the basic rules and customs of tennis.

"Friend at Court:  The USTA Handbook of Tennis Rules and Regulations" serves as our guide and rulebook.  It is available online at the USTA.com website and has also been distributed to all MTA tournament directors.

Of particular concern to the Maine Tennis Association Board of  Directors are reports of unsportsmanlike play and conduct of spectators.  It is our expectation that players, tournament directors, and spectators who participate in MTA / USTA events will familiarize themselves with the rules and customs of tennis, and conduct themselves appropriately.  We are encouraging tournament directors to enforce these standards, if necessary, including the use of the point penalty system, defaults, and disqualifications.

The Maine Tennis Association, through its tournament committee, leagues committee, grievance committee, and Board of Directors, will work to encourage the highest standards of fair, competitive play.  Those who are unable or unwilling to comply with the rules and customs of tennis may be suspended from MTA play and / or subject to penalties.