Mia Ford
I love talking about the rules of tennis! So many scenarios play out on the courts; however, the rules for them aren’t always clear. One rule that constantly needs addressing regards the unintentional or deliberate hindrance.
Recently, Deb C. wrote in with a rule question, and it’s that could apply to all of us at some point:
In my doubles league match, my partner was serving at deuce to try and get us to a tiebreak. When the opponent returned her serve, the opponents watching on the sidelines yelled out, “Great return!” as my partner was moving for the ball. Then, the ladies started yelling out things like “Way to make her move!”, “They suck!”, and stuff like that as we were trying to play. My partner got so frustrated, and during a changeover, she asked the seated opponents to be quiet during the points. Of course, they didn’t.
Needless to say, we let the opponents into our heads, and we lost the match.
Now, these aren’t random people walking by watching. They were opponents who had finished their matches and knew that the day’s win depended on our match. I know it’s a deliberate hindrance if your tennis opponent yells out as you’re trying to hit your shot. But what about players from the opponent’s team in a league match heckling you as you’re trying to play?
Obviously, it’s rude and annoying, but is it against the rules?
That’s a GREAT question, Deb!
Is this a deliberate hindrance in tennis?
Here is the rule in the Handbook of Tennis Rules and Regulations as it applies under “Hindrance Issues”:
Rule 36. Let due to unintentional hindrance and loss of point due to deliberate hindrance […] Out calls and other noises from spectators are not hindrances and, therefore, are not considered grounds for a player calling a let or claiming the point.
That’s right. Distracting noises, talking, or even yelling during a match is considered a deliberate hindrance in tennis ONLY if your match opponents do it. Yep… you read that right. Why this rule doesn’t apply to heckling opponents on the sidelines is beyond me because the amount of distraction is EXACTLY the same, if not worse!
Though you can’t stop them from being jerks, you can prevent them from ruining your match: Keep your focus on your game, and if you’re playing doubles, help your partner do the same. Don’t let these rude players into your head and distract you from doing what you must to win.
And just think – wouldn’t beating them be the best feeling EVER?
Is heckling punishable at all?
While it isn’t a “hindrance” for spectators to heckle players during a match, it is definitely unsportsmanlike conduct. Get the team captains involved right away. If nothing changes, file a grievance with the league coordinator (unsanctioned leagues) or the USTA Local Grievance Committee. The officials may take disciplinary action against the player(s) or even the entire team. The severity of punishment depends on whether or not they have a pattern of disregard for the rules and tennis etiquette. In the worst-case scenario, they kick the entire team out of the league. Yes – that can happen!
Whatever action they take may not save your match today. However, it could help prevent those ladies from doing it in the future.
What are your thoughts about off-court heckling? What if it is done for the sole purpose of causing a player or doubles team to lose? Do you think it’s a deliberate hindrance? Let’s discuss in the comments below!