The United State Tennis Association, or USTA, has formalized a player's guide for matches in which officials are not present. Section 12 of this code deals with how players should call a ball "in" or "out." This includes rules as to which player is allowed to call the ball, what to do once a call has been made, and what to do when an error has been made or there is a doubt as to whether a call of "out" is correct.
How Calls Are Made
When no referee or official is present, players must call the game themselves. Each player or team is responsible for making calls on its side of net. Players are not allowed to make calls for the other side of the net unless an opponent asks for assistance.
Procedure for Doubting Calls
While players may make calls only for their side of the net, they do have the right to disagree with a line call on the other side. However, they may not walk to the other side of the net to inspect a ball mark. They can inspect marks only from their side of the net. If this becomes a recurring issue, then the two players should request a line judge to preserve good sportsmanship. If doubles partners disagree on a call, the benefit of the doubt goes to the opponents.
After Making the Call
The moment a ball is called "out," play should stop. If one doubles player calls a ball "out" at the same moment that the other player decides the ball is "in" and plays the ball, it could be considered hindering the opponents. If this happens and the opponents have stopped play, a let should be played. Calls should be prompt and immediate to avoid confusion, unless a ball mark must be examined to determine if a ball was "in" or "out."
Correcting an Error
If a player becomes uncertain about a call or realizes that he called "out" on a ball that was "in," the point goes to the opponent and is not replayed. If a player wants to reverse a fault call on a serve that hit the net, the server is entitled to two serves. If a player expresses any doubt about a call, it is ruled "in."
Member Comments