What Is The Code ?

The Code is a set of principles designed to guide fair play in matches without officials, which includes USTA league matches.  The Code relies on:

• Honesty

• Sportsmanship

• Mutual respect

It exists to help players resolve issues on the court, in the moment, without conflict or escalation.

Why The Code Matters

USTA league tennis works because players are trusted to make fair calls - even when the match is competitive.

The Code:

• Promotes fairness and integrity

• Sets expectations for player behavior

• Reduces disputes and misunderstandings

• Protects the spirit of the game

Without it, self-officiated matches would quickly become frustrating and contentious.

Key Principles of The Code

Some of the most important concepts include:

Making Calls

• Players are responsible for calls on their own side of the court

• Any doubt means the ball is good

• Players should give opponents the benefit of the doubt

Score & Line Disputes

• Issues should be resolved calmly and immediately

• If agreement cannot be reached, players should replay the point

• Arguments and prolonged debates are discouraged

Sportsmanship

• Respect opponents, partners, and captains

• Avoid coaching, profanity, or disruptive behavior

• Treat every match as a shared responsibility

Foot Faults & Hindrance

• Foot faults may only be called on oneself unless an official is present

• Unintentional hindrance results in replay of the point

• Intentional hindrance results in loss of the point

Why This Is Especially Important in League Play

League tennis brings together players of:

• Different skill levels

• Different backgrounds

• Different expectations

The Code provides a common standard so everyone knows what is fair and acceptable - regardless of experience level.

Following The Code:

• Keeps matches enjoyable

• Protects league integrity

• Reduces the need for grievances

• Strengthens our tennis community

Captain & Player Responsibility

All captains and players are expected to:

• Be familiar with The Code

• Encourage respectful behavior on their teams

• Help resolve issues before they escalate

When questions arise, The Code should be the first reference point, not a last resort.

• Warm-ups begin at the match start time and are limited to 5 minutes including serves. However, if all players are present and match courts are available, the warm-up may start sooner. If a player arrives after the match start time but before the 15-minute default time, the player(s) is entitled to 5 minutes for warm-up. 

• Time allowed between points and games is 20 seconds.

• Time allowed in a change-over is 90 seconds, except after the first game of each set and during a tiebreak where play should be continuous.

• Time allowed between sets including a match tiebreaker is 120 seconds.

• Restroom breaks should be limited to 5 minutes and preferably taken on an odd game changeover or between sets. Only a partner or an opponent should accompany a player to the restroom.

• Medical timeout is limited to 3 minutes. Only one medical timeout is allowed per injury or illness.  If the injured player cannot resume play after 3 minutes the line is retired.

• Bleeding timeout consists of up to 15 minutes to stop visible bleeding, clean up the court, and dispose of contaminated items.

Coman Tie Break

The Coman tiebreak is a tennis scoring system used for set or match tiebreaks (e.g., at 6-6 in a set or in leiu of a third set when you have split sets) - players switch ends after the first point and then every four points thereafter, allowing doubles teams to serve from their usual sides, making it fairer and more consistent for all players. 

Coman Tie Break Procedure | CLICK

What's The Call?

Have you ever been unsure of the rules during your tennis match? Whether you play for fun or you’re in a competitive league, USTA provides you with articles discussing everything about how tennis scoring works. When you want to learn how to play tennis, for singles or doubles, we help solve your problems with answers to your questions related to tennis rules and regulations.

Plus, we provide answers surrounding the rules of tennis serves. If there’s an issue weighing on your mind from a match you’ve played recently, one of our articles will help answer your question.