Rules for Tennis Officials

Tennis officials have many duties. When officiating a match, they are primarily responsible for making line calls, monitoring the net and calling faults. Line calls refer to whether the ball is considered in or out. Officials also have to measure the net and call for ball changes. The official must also watch the feet to make sure that a player's foot does not cross the base line before the ball is served. Officials must also adhere to rules issued by the International Tennis Federation (ITF).

  1. Line Calls

    • It is the responsibility for the official to call a ball in or out. The player is always given the benefit of the doubt if there is what the the ITF calls, "reasonable possibility that such a ball could have been played." In the case that the point was not played out the official must call a "let" which is essentially a replay. That is unless it was a clear winning shot. A call by an official can be challenged and overruled, however, ultimately, the official makes the final judgment.

    Penalties

    • When players violate tennis rules, it is the responsibility of the official to enforce penalties. If a player is late in coming to the match or is taking too long between point or games, it is called a delay of game and can result in a penalty. If a player hinders his opponent during a point, it will be called "hindrance" and will result in the loss of a point. Player misconduct on the court, such as unsportsmanlike conduct, is penalized by the official, as well.

    Code for Officials

    • Officials must be in compliance with a code to be eligible to officiate a tennis match. They must be in good physical condition, have 20-20 vision, be punctual and maintain a professional demeanor. Officials must thoroughly understand the rules of tennis. They must also be impartial by not socializing with players, betting on matches or engaging in any behavior that would lead to bias.