There Are Limits (Electronic Review Challenges)
Electronic line calling systems are operated under rules that limit the number of challenges that can be issued. When these systems were first unveiled, processingRead More
Chair Umpire Initiated Electronic Review
Every once in a while I stumble across a subtle aspect of a rule that was previously unknown to me. This week I learned thatRead More
Electronic Review Procedures
The game that evolved into modern tennis was invented in 1874. To stick a pin in the state of technology at that time, it wasRead More
A Hot-Headed Spat Takes Us Back to Clay
Last week two players had to be physically separated at the German Open during a dispute over clay court line calls. Using that as aRead More
Close Calls and Temper Tantrums
“Electronic Review Procedures” is the last section in Appendix VI of the ITF Rules of Tennis. In the coming weeks, we will delve into theRead More
1 responseConceding the Call
The ITF Rules of Tennis contain detailed procedures for inspecting ball marks resulting from close line calls that occur during officiated matches played on clay.Read More
1 responseAn Untimely Code Violation
The first week of Wimbledon delivered yet another example of a professional tennis player that is a little fuzzy on the finer points of theRead More
That Should Have Left a Mark
The ITF Rules of Tennis includes a detailed appendix that describes procedures for inspection of ball marks for line call verification when tennis matches are played on clay. Today we are examining what happens if the line umpire or chair umpire can’t find the mark. Additionally, this rule also covers the situation when the actual mark is not readable.
Who’s Who in Ball Mark Inspection
In an officiated tennis match, the chair umpire cannot delegate ball mark inspection to a line umpire. The rules are explicit that only the chair umpire may perform that duty. The ITF Rules of Tennis stipulates that the umpire is also supposed to physically climb down from the chair to actually make the inspection.
2 responsesWhen Ball Mark Inspection is Allowed
Ball mark inspection by the chair umpire only applies to tennis matches played on clay courts. Additionally, the rules stipulate the times when ball mark inspection is allowed to occur. The clay court inspection procedures also provide the foundational philosophy underpinning modern electronic line challenge systems.
3 responses