The United States Tennis Association's Friend At Court, a handbook for officials, tournament administrators and players, defines a hindrance as a situation in which a player is hindered from making a shot by anything that is not within the player's control other than a permanent fixture or spectator's outcry.
USTA and ITF Defined
The USTA is the governing body for tennis in America. Both adult and junior players participating in recreational and competitive sanctioned events must adhere to USTA rules. Players hitting the court for fun or competitive matches without officials follow The Code. The International Tennis Federation, ITF is the world governing body of tennis. U.S. college tennis players and those competing in the pro circuit adhere to ITF rules.
Both the USTA and ITF state a player shall be awarded a point if hindered from playing the point through a deliberate act of their opponent. Both organizations also say the point shall be replayed if the player was hindered from playing the point through unintentional acts of opponents, or by something beyond the player's control.
Cell Phones
According to USTA's Friend At Court, cell phones must be turned off during play. If one rings during play and the opponent stops immediately to call a hindrance, the point shall be replayed. If at that point, the owner of the cell phone doesn't turn the volume off, then any further disturbances due to incoming calls mean the opponents are awarded points because of intentional hindrance.
Talking and Grunting
Players can't talk when the ball is in play traveling toward their opponent. If talking interferes with opponents' ability to play the ball, the player loses the point. Players should avoid making loud noises or grunts that may bother opponents or players on adjacent courts. Under extreme circumstances, grunting can be treated as a hindrance and will result in loss of point.
Injury
When a player accidentally injures an opponent, the opponent is still required to resume play or must suffer the consequences. However, if a player intentionally injures an opponent, the injuring player suffers the consequences. For example, when a player throws his racket in anger, thereby injuring an opponent who is unable to finish, the offending player loses the match.
Hindrances by Officials
During officiated matches, umpires who first call the ball as out but then correct their call must decide whether the original call produced a hindrance to all players on the court. The point shall be replayed if the original call was deemed a hindrance. If not, the point shall be awarded to the player who hit the ball.
Early Ball Calls and Body Movements
It's improper etiquette to call balls out before they land, even when it is obvious the ball will land out. If a player continues to make early calls, even after being warned by opponents, the player will lose the point because of deliberate hindrance. Movements or sounds made strictly to distract opponents are considered an intentional hindrance and the player shall lose the point.
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