USTA Alabama League
Code of Conduct
Players, spectators and coaches are expected to conduct themselves with honor and integrity at all times with the highest level of sportsmanship, courtesy, and fairness. Players are encouraged to abide by the letter and spirit of the rules of play and to be gracious in both victory and defeat. Individuals are under an obligation to avoid acts that may be considered detrimental to the game of tennis and/or USTA Alabama.
The following procedures and practices apply to all USTA Alabama league championships.
Fair Play
Players shall call all balls, double bounces, and shots, fairly and honestly.
This includes calling out the score after every point, using score cards when
provided, making out calls loudly or sufficiently visible so one’s opponent is
aware of the call, etc.
Abuse of Balls
Players shall not violently, dangerously, or with anger hit, kick, or throw
a tennis ball while on the grounds except in the reasonable pursuit of a point
during a match (including warm-up). For the purposes of this rule, abuse of
balls is defined as intentionally or recklessly hitting a ball out of the
enclosure of the court, hitting a ball dangerously within the court, or hitting
a ball with disregard of the consequences.
Abuse of Equipment
Players and their supporters shall not violently, dangerously, or with anger
hit, kick, or throw a racquet or other equipment within the confines of the
courts. For the purposes of this rule, abuse of racquets or equipment is defined
as intentionally, dangerously, and violently destroying or damaging racquets or
equipment, or intentionally or violently hitting the net, court, or other
fixtures out of anger or frustration.
Physical Abuse
Players and their supporters shall not at any time physically abuse any
official, opponent, spectator, or other person within the confines of the
courts. For the purposes of this rule, physical abuse refers to the unauthorized
touching of another person.
Verbal Abuse
Players and their supporters shall not at any time verbally abuse any official,
opponent, spectator, or other person while on-site or at any associated event.
Verbal abuse is defined as any statement directed at another person that implies
dishonesty or is derogatory, insulting, or otherwise abusive.
Audible Obscenity
Players and their supporters shall not use audible obscenities while on-site or
at any associated event. An audible obscenity is defined as the use of words
commonly known and understood to be profane and uttered clearly and loudly
enough to be heard.
Visible Obscenity
Players and their supporters shall not make obscene gestures while on-site or at
any associated event. A visible obscenity is defined as the making of a sign
with one's hands and/or racquet or balls that commonly has an obscene meaning.
Failure to Give Best Effort
All players shall use their best efforts during matches when competing in a USTA
Alabama league event.
Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Players and their supporters shall at all times conduct themselves in a
sportsmanlike manner and give due regard to the authority of officials and the
rights of opponents, spectators, and others. Unsportsmanlike conduct is defined
as any misconduct that is clearly abusive or detrimental to the success of a
championship, and/or the sport.
Gamesmanship
Players and their supporters shall not participate in gamesmanship. Effective
ways of bending, evading and breaking the rules in order to gain a competitive
edge will not be tolerated. Players are expected to play for the benefit and
love of the sport. All matches should be played in good faith and the benefit
of tennis and fair play.
Disruptive Conduct
Players and their supporters shall not impair, interfere with, or obstruct
orderly conduct, while on-site or at any associated event.