Based in Audubon, Iowa, Christopher Francis Stubbs, MD, has several years of experience as a primary care physician at a local county hospital. Beyond his work in medicine, Dr. Christopher Stubbs enjoys leading an active lifestyle. His interests range from off-roading excursions to playing tennis.
Calling the lines during a recreational tennis match can be difficult, particularly for beginners, as there usually is no umpire, and players must do it themselves. Fortunately, there are a few rules of etiquette that should bring about a quick resolution to any issue with a line call.
First and foremost, when recreational players are calling lines during a match, they should only concern themselves with balls hit to their side of the court. While players are free to concede a point if they feel a shot they hit to the opposing court was “out,” they have no recourse for overruling an out call by the other player that they disagree with. In some cases, opponents may agree to replay a point if the call was particularly contentious, but it is strongly advised that players accept an opponent’s ruling and move forward.
With this in mind, players should always favor the opponent when calling shots. Even if a player is 90 percent sure a ball was hit long or wide, the 10 percent of doubt should lead to an “in” call for the other player. Similarly, players can only make calls on shots they can clearly see. If a lob flies high overhead and appears to be going well long, but lands before the receiving player can turn around and see it land, that player must call the shot in.
Lastly, if a player calls a ball out but then realizes the shot was actually good, the point should be replayed. After the first such instance, the player who made the incorrect ruling must concede the point to the opponent, taking a “hindrance” penalty rather than replay the point.
Christopher Stubbs 