Beyond the Rules

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Tennis is more than a game. It is a social sport built on respect, sportsmanship, and consideration for others. While the official rules govern how the game is played, tennis etiquette helps ensure that everyone enjoys their time on the courts. At Coverdale Tennis Club, we encourage all members to play hard, play fair, and be fun to have on court.

Court Etiquette

• Speak quietly when standing near courts that are in use.

• Never walk behind a court while a point is being played. Wait until the point is over, then cross quickly and safely.

• Keep racquet covers, ball cans, jackets, and personal items out of playing areas. Please do not hang clothing or towels on net posts.

• Before starting a match, determine who serves first by spinning a racquet or tossing a coin.

• When returning balls to a neighbouring court, roll them to the back of the court and never send them back while a point is in progress.

• Retrieve balls for your partner and opponents whenever possible.

• Encourage others. Positive comments go much further than criticism.

Calling Lines

Honest line calls are an important part of tennis.

• Call only the lines on your side of the court and make your calls clearly so your opponents can hear them.

• If the ball is good, say nothing and continue play.

• Always respect your opponent's line calls.

• If there is uncertainty or disagreement, offer a let and replay the point—even on a second serve.

• If you are unsure whether a ball was in or out, it is considered in.

Ball Management

Keeping play moving makes the game more enjoyable for everyone.

• Keep balls in your hand, pocket, ball clip, or against the fence directly behind the centre mark.

• If your opponent is retrieving a ball, use that time to collect balls on your side of the court.

• The player closest to a ball should retrieve it and send it to the server.

• Roll or gently bounce balls to the server so they can be easily caught.

• Never hit balls hard toward the server's end of the court or force someone to retrieve a ball from the fence.

Efficient ball management keeps matches flowing and allows everyone to spend more time playing and less time waiting.

Keeping Score

Clear communication prevents confusion.

• The server should announce the score at the beginning of each game and before every point.

• If you cannot hear the score, ask the server to repeat it.

• If there is confusion about the score, address it immediately rather than trying to reconstruct it later.

Doubles Etiquette

• In doubles, avoid making line calls on balls landing near your partner's sideline unless the call is obvious and your partner could not see the ball.

• On serves, the player with the best view should make the call, and partners should respect one another's judgment.

Sportsmanship and Demeanour

Tennis is meant to be enjoyable.

• Maintain a positive attitude, regardless of how you are playing.

• Respect your opponents, partners, and fellow members.

• Celebrate great shots from either side of the net.

• Remember that people are much more likely to enjoy playing with someone who is encouraging, gracious, and fun to be around.

Our Commitment

Coverdale Tennis Club is committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment for everyone. We respect the rights, dignity, and contributions of all individuals and strive to ensure that every member can enjoy tennis in an environment free from intimidation, harassment, discrimination, and abuse.

Play with integrity. Encourage others. Respect the game. Most importantly, be fun to have on court.