Respecting the Game. Team Tennis.

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Respect the Start Time: Punctuality is crucial in Team Tennis! Please make every effort to be on time for your match.

Warm-Up Wisely: You get a maximum 10-minute warm-up after the official start time. Remember, there's ample time to warm up before your match even begins, so plan accordingly.

Be Present and Ready: Players must be on-site and ready to walk onto the court when the lineup is submitted. Once lineups are in, no changes can be made unless there's an injury during the warm-up.

Avoid Defaults: To officially activate your match, you must hit at least one ball on the court within 15 minutes of the start time. If you don't hit a ball by 15 minutes past start time, it's an automatic default. If you're running a bit late, get on court immediately and hit one ball – this counts as being "ready to play." After that, you're still entitled to your 10-minute warm-up.

 Understanding the terminology around unplayed or unfinished matches is important. Here's a breakdown of "Retire," "Withdrawal," "Default," and "Forfeit":

Retire (Mid-Match Stoppage) If you are unable to continue a match already in progress, typically due to injury or illness, you retire from the match. The match is then recorded with the score at the time of retirement, and the remaining games/sets are awarded to your opponent.

Withdrawal (Tournament Pre-Match)A withdrawal occurs in a tournament setting when a player notifies officials that they cannot play a scheduled match before the match has started.

Default vs. Forfeit: Understanding Unplayed Matches  Both a default and a forfeit result in an unplayed game recorded as a loss for one side, but they occur under different circumstances:

• Default (Match Day No-Show/Late Arrival)A default happens on match day when a player is expected to show up but does not arrive on time. The default time is 15 minutes past the official match start time. For example, if a match is scheduled for 6:00 PM, and your opponent has not appeared by 6:15 PM, you can claim a default. In this scenario, the missing player's match is typically entered into the lineup from the bottom up.
   
• Forfeit (Pre-Match Player Shortage)A forfeit occurs when a team or player knows in advance (typically well before match day) that they will not have enough players to play a scheduled match, or a specific player cannot make it. The key difference from a default is the advance notice – you already know you'll be short players, as opposed to a default which is a last-minute no-show.

Remember, tennis is about both competition and fun! Embrace the spirit of the game by taking the high road in all your interactions.

Keep a Positive Mindset

Have fun, smile, and laugh! It's okay to laugh at yourself or a wacky shot; it happens to everyone. Don't let your opponent's actions get into your head or distract you. Stay focused on your game.

On-Court Courtesy

• Silence Your Phone: Put your cell phone on airplane mode or silent during matches. If your phone rings during a point, you will lose that point.
• Bathroom Breaks: While players can take bathroom breaks at any time, it's considered good etiquette to do so during changeovers or between sets.
• Announce Balls: When sending balls to the other side of the court, politely and loudly say "Ball!" or "Ball coming!" to alert your opponents. They, in turn, should be alert and watch for incoming balls.
• Pre-and Post-Match Courtesy: A handshake before the match and a high-five after are great ways to show respect and sportsmanship.

Fair Play and Disagreements

• Be a Great Teammate: Always cheer for your teammates' great shots ("good point," "good rally," "nice shot") and maintain good etiquette. It's considered poor sportsmanship to cheer against an unforced error by an opponent.
• No Sideline Coaching: Unlike professional tennis, there is no sideline coaching or line calling from a spectator in local league matches. Your line call is yours alone, as are other calls, unless an umpire is present.
• Resolve Disputes Quickly: If you have a disagreement on the court, try to work it out calmly. Go back to the last point where you both agree on the score, or, if necessary, simply replay the point. Do it quickly and avoid haggling. Play on and keep the match moving! If you're in a tournament and need assistance, always ask a tournament official directly.

Stay Calm and Focused

This game is competitive and fun! Remember to breathe deeply from your diaphragm throughout the match. This helps you stay calm, improves your focus, and allows for better problem-solving and decision-making on the court.