Rules and Scoring

Match Scoring Rules

Each player receives one point for each set won. If you win in straight sets you receive three points and the loser receives none. If the match goes to three sets the loser gets one point and the winner gets two. If a player must forfeit, the opponent will get two points. If a player drops out of a league having played some matches, those results will not count. Disputes will be resolved by the league director whose decision is final.

The top two point earners will be the league winners. In the case of a tie, first place will be to the player who won the match in which those two played each other.

General Rules
Top of Page

Play will be governed by the rules of the USTA and basic rules of tennis etiquette. The following are simplified directions for some of the most abused rules and points of etiquette:

1. A ball is called in if any part of the ball lands on the line. If you cannot call the ball out immediately then the ball is presumed good.

2. A player loses the point if he/she catches or touches the ball before it bounces…even if it is obviously going to be out.

3. Never walk near or behind a court when it is occupied. You may ask quietly and courteously when there is not a point in play.

4. It is the responsibility of the players on the court to call a let should a ball interfere or roll onto their court during play. It is too late to call a let after the point is over.

5. A “carry” is now legal but not a double hit.

6. If for any reason you must leave the court before the match is over (i.e. injury)…you must forfeit the match.

7. If you are unable to complete a match due to court conditions, it must be finished as soon as possible starting from the point at which it was interrupted.

8. If you fail to show up at you designated time…after 20 minutes a forfeit will be claimed.

9. We play 12 point tie-breakers.

10. No children, no pets, no visitors on the courts during league matches.

11. Please report all abuse of the courts (i.e. roller skating, bike riding, etc.) to the police when you notice it. Only playing tennis in tennis shoes may be on the courts.

Tie-Break Rules
Top of Page

In singles, a player who first wins seven points wins the game and the set provided he leads by a margin of two points. If the score reaches six points all the game is extended until this margin has been achieved. Numerical scoring is used throughout the Tie-break Game. The player whose turn it is to serve is the Server for the first point; his opponent is the Server for the second and third points; and thereafter, each player serves alternately for two consecutive points until the winner of the game and set has been decided.

In doubles, the player whose turn it is to serve is the Server for the first point. Thereafter, each player serves in rotation for two points, in the same order as determined previously in that set, until the winners of the game and set have been decided.

From the first point, each service is delivered alternately from the right and left courts, beginning from the right court. The first Server serves the first point from the right court; and the second Server serves the second and third points from the left and right courts, respectively; the next Server serves the forth and fifth points from the left and right courts, respectively; and so on.

Players change ends after every six points and at the conclusion of the Tie- break Game. The player (or doubles pair) who served first in the Tie-break Game shall receive service in the first game of the following set.

Top of Page