Depending on whether you're playing a fun match with a friend, in a sanctioned tournament, or at a high school or collegiate match, more than one set of rules may apply to your tennis match. Starting with the basic rules of tennis, then determining who or what organization is sanctioning or overseeing the match you're playing that day, will ensure that your match is played under the correct rules of the game.
International Rules
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) is the governing body of tennis worldwide, and sets the basics rules of tennis, including for scoring, time between points and games, requirements for equipment and court construction. These rules are the ultimate authority governing Davis Cup, "Grand Slam" (Australian Open, Wimbledon, French Open, U.S. Open) and ITF junior tournament matches, and are used with slight variations for most other tennis matches worldwide.
National Rules
Each country may add to or amend ITF rules to better facilitate professional and recreational play. For example, in the U.S., the United States Tennis Association (USTA) sets the rules for match play, primarily as it pertains to its sanctioned professional and recreational tournaments and its recreational leagues. Most non-USTA organizations in the U.S. (e.g., high schools, colleges, park districts, country clubs, etc.) follow USTA rules.
Local/Organizational Rules
Each organization running a competition may modify the rules to address local or organizational conditions. For example, if a local facility has many people who want to play and few courts, they may change the scoring format from best-of-three sets to an eight-game pro set, or use no-ad scoring. A high school conference may set rules regarding line-up strengths for matches, while a collegiate conference may require that a tie-break be played if players split the first two sets. Even international organizations, like the men's and women's professional tours, may have different rules regarding use of a trainer, default times, etc. In some instances, several sets of rules may apply to your match. For example, your high school tennis match may use UTA rules, as well as rules set forth by your state's Interscholastic Athletic Association, as well as whatever rules your local conference or district have created.
Officiated vs. Unofficiated Matches
During an officiated match, a player who throws his racquet, stalls or swears may be given a warning, then a point penalty, game penalty and match default. The same behavior may not be sanctioned during an unofficiated match, because neither player may issue warnings or penalties. In an unofficiated match, players must make their own calls, and may not use outside help (spectators or even roaming referees).
Etiquette
It's been said that, "You can't legislate morality," but organizations like the USTA try, with rules set forth in its "Code of Conduct." During the warm-up for a match, balls should be hit in order to help your opponent prepare for the match, not to practice your winning shots. When a first serve is obviously long, a player should not return the ball, and should aim it into the net or let it roll to the back fence, in order not to delay the server's second serve. To do otherwise is considered gamesmanship. An example of a local etiquette rule is the Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association's prohibition against clapping or cheering for any player during junior matches.
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