By Seth Appelbaum, Senior Leagues Vice President
The ALTA summer Senior Leagues for women and men were hot, hot, hot — and I mean with competition and the weather! More than 10,633 players took the courts to play on Thursday and Friday evenings this past summer.
Most players were on the courts to get steps in, to enjoy the company of teammates, and to show good sportsmanship to their opponents. But there was a small percentage of players who took some of the fun out of recreational tennis because they did not know the rules and/or displayed poor sportsmanship.
If you think you may fall into the latter category, please think about your actions and make changes. Would you play poker, golf, checkers, euchre or any other games without understanding the rules? Knowing the ALTA rules is just as important as knowing the rules in other competitions. Some of the most questioned rules each season involve the following:
- The 10-point, third-set tiebreak is the default in ALL Senior Leagues. If all four players agree to play a full third set, it may be played. If even one player on the court does not want to play a full third set, play defaults to a 10-point tiebreak.
- Captains are to control their players and spectators at a match.
- Poor sportsmanship is not acceptable behavior for any player, but for seniors, it is ugly. Please show respect for everyone on and off the court.
- Checking your cell phone during a match is not acceptable.
Please read the ALTA rules and play by them. Maybe put a copy in your bag as reference just to save time and headaches. Or download a copy to your phone. The more players who are familiar with the rules, the better. We thank you and hope to see you on the courts!
