Tennis Etiquette
1. Keep the courts tidy and safe
Do not damage the court surface by leaving chewing gum, sticky drink spills or other foreign substances on the surface. No spitting on courts!
Wear non-marking shoes at all times on the courts
Do not leave ball cans and lids, unwanted balls, empty bottles or any other litter on the court, use the bins provided.
Ensure any equipment you are using on court (spare racquet, bag, drinks, clothes etc.) are placed out of the way as to not present a hazard to fellow players.
Always close the gate behind you when entering or leaving the courts.
Please bring your own tennis balls to club nights.
2. Respect players on the court (or adjacent courts)
Do not cross behind a court while a point is underway. When the point is over, move quickly across the back of the court.
If a ball from your court goes onto another court, wait for a break of play on that court (and any courts between you) and then ask for the ball to be returned.
Return balls that come onto your court to the back of the players court carefully to avoid causing a distraction and unwanted break of play on that court (this is applicable also between 1st and 2nd serves), do not interrupt the flow of play.
If a ball comes onto your court and disturbs your game, call a let immediately and replay the point.
Aggravation towards fellow players or spectators will not be accepted, report any incidents to a committee member at the first opportunity.
3. Making calls accurately
A player calls shots landing in or aimed at their side of the court.
Any doubt must be resolved in favour of the opponent. Any ball which cannot be called out with certainty is considered to have been good.
A player should call against themself any ball they clearly see out, regardless of whether they are requested to do so.
A player should acknowledge promptly if a ball touches them, if they touch the net, double hits a ball, if the ball bounces twice or if the ball is hit before it crosses the net.
A player may ask his opponent “Are you sure of your call?” If the player acknowledges any doubt he loses the point.
If a call is changed from out to good, the point is only replayed if the ‘out ball’ was put into play.
Here is a link to some good advice on the etiquette on and around the court.