Official Tennis Rules

TEAM

1. Team rosters shall include a minimum of 4 players, 2 of each gender.
2. Each match shall be played by 2 players, 1 of each gender. Players may alternate between matches. Every player present must play at least on match.
3. All players must be registered with the League to play with the team. Unregistered substitutes are not permitted. Any team found to be playing with an unregistered player will forfeit the game.
4. Late Registration: a team may add players to the roster through the 2nd scheduled match provided the team captain approves with the league fee pro-rated for the remainder of the season. All players must be formally registered with the League and paid in full prior to playing.

TIME

1. Each game will be 55 minutes in length. Team will complete as many matches as possible in that time frame. The team with the most matches won will be declared the winner.
2. If a round is in progress at the conclusion of the 55 minute time limit, it will be allowed to be finished barring it does not exceed 60 minutes. At that point, the team with the highest score will win the match.

RULES OF PLAY

1. Toss:
   
   Before starting play, opponents shall toss a coin or spin the racket. Winner(s) shall have the option of serving, receiving or choosing side of court.
   
   
2. Serving:
   
   
   1. In tennis, play is started with the service, which is made by tossing the ball into the air and hitting it with the racket before it touches the ground. Server stands behind the baseline and to the right or left of the center mark, but not outside the doubles sideline.
   2. The service of the first point of a game always begins to the right of the center mark, and is made to the opponent’s right service court. After each point is played, alternate service court. The same team continues serving until the game is completed, alternating between players.
   3. Teams will alternate serving after each match
   4. The server’s partner may stand anywhere during service.
   5. The server has two service attempts to put the ball into play.
   6. The service is a fault if the server:
      
      
      • Does not take the proper position before serving.
      • Commits a foot fault. (Foot touches baseline prior to hitting ball).
      • Fails to hit the ball into the proper service court.
      • Misses the ball in attempting to strike it (Server may toss and catch the ball without penalty).
        
        
      If any of these occur on the first service, it is a fault.  If any of these occur on both services, it is a double fault, and the point is lost. 
      
      
   7. The ball must land in the proper service court before being hit by the receiver. If it hits the net and lands in the proper service court, it is a live ball. After the service, the ball may be hit before it bounces. A ball touching the line is considered good.
      
      
3. Receiving:
   
   The order of receiving is decided at the beginning of each set. Players alternate receiving services during a game.
   
   
4. Scoring the Game: 
   
   
   1. The serving team is responsible for announcing the score before the service. The serving team’s score is always called first.
   2. A Game equals four points. The scoring in tennis is 15 for the first point won, 30 for the second, 40 for the third, and “game” for the fourth point. A score of zero is referred to as “love”. When each team has a score of 40, the score is ‘deuce’, which means that one team must win by two consecutive points, in order to win the game. 
      
      If the serving team wins the next point, the score is called “ad in” and they win the following point, it is game. If the receiving team wins the first point deuce, the score is called “ad out”, and they win the next point, it is their game. However, if after the score is either “ad in” or “ad out”, the other team wins the next point, the score then becomes deuce again.
      
      
5. Changing Sides:
   
   The opposing teams change sides of court at the 30 minute mark, as announce by the League Official.
   
   
6. Player Loses Point:
   
   
   1. If the ball bounces twice on the opponent’s side of the net or if a pair does not return the ball in their opponent’s court.  Balls on the line are in.
   2. If a player’s body, clothing, or racket touch the net while the ball is in play.
   3. If a player reaches over the net to play a ball.
   4. If the ball is hit twice while on their side of the court.

OFFICIATING

1. All games will be self officiated by players. A League staff member will be present to answer questions and keep game time.
2. Unsportsmanlike conduct, including but not limited to, throwing rackets, conducting yourself in an inappropriate manor, or excessive taunting shall be grounds for ejection. The League Official has ultimate say.

EQUIPMENT

1. Balls will be provided and a limited number of rackets will be available for use. It is strongly encouraged that players bring their own rackets.

FORFEITS

1. Teams must be ready to play and meet game start requirements at the posted game time. Any team not ready to play at this time shall forfeit, and the opposing team shall take a default win.
2. If neither team is ready to play, both teams shall forfeit.
3. Any team found to be playing with a player not registered with the League or team shall forfeit the game.

Cancelation Policy

1. Our cancelation and make-up policy is explained our FAQ.