Courtesy Campaign
Court-esy has four elements:
· Players will conduct themselves in a way which is consistent with the values of Tennis and its laws;
· Players will always respect other players and the marker and match officials;
· Players will not dispute the marker’s decision either by word or action; and
· Players will not act in any way which brings the game into disrepute.
Over recent months, the T&RA has been considering the rules of Tennis and part of the outcome is a set of rules to deal with unacceptable behaviour by players. As primary arbiters of on-court behaviour through their role as markers, Tennis professionals have been trained in the application of these rules. It is appropriate that the laws of the game should be modernised and brought into line with other sports. However, playing Tennis is not just about following the rules, but is also about the joy of playing.
Most Tennis players believe "doing the right thing" on court is fundamental. The game has formalised aspects of good behaviour: the carefully choreographed protocols of how players change ends by giving precedence to the incoming server and the acknowledgement of opponent and dedans before serving at the start of the match. But there is no question that players notice when other, perhaps less codified, standards on the court fall short of expectations. Perhaps good behaviour on court is founded in the game’s long tradition; in its early form in Renaissance Italy, Tennis was associated with courtly behaviour (being polite, dignified and showing courtesy to other players).
Good behaviour on the court should be encouraged. The T&RA rules (http://www.tennisandrackets.com/real-tennis-tournament-rules.aspx#link_F ) set out how players should conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the etiquette, sportsmanship and exemplary standards of behaviour expected of the sport, including exercising self control at all times; treating your opponents and fellow participants with due respect at all times; accepting success, failure, victory or defeat with good grace and without excessive display of emotion; and not behaving in any other way likely to bring the game into disrepute.