The Final Handshake
Last Wednesday’s post on Principle 2 of The Code noted that the text has remained largely consistent between the 2001 and 2025 editions of the USTA FriendRead More
All Points Played in Good Faith Count
Principle 2 of The Code opens with one of the most elegant statements in all of tennis ethics: “Points played in good faith are counted.” For context, hereRead More
Temper Tantrums, Profanity, Racquet Smashing, and Ball Abuse
This is the final post of what has turned out to be a lengthy examination of Principle 1 of The Code. Despite the brevity of thatRead More
Is Grumpy Behavior Unsportsmanlike?
Over the past few weeks, we’ve been unpacking Principle 1 of The Code, which is currently striking in its brevity but also foundational to sportsmanship inRead More
1 responseYe Shall Not Complain about Drop Shots and Lobs
Our Wednesday rules-focused series continues with a look at another now-deleted directive from the 2001 edition of The Code. It appeared under the first principle, “CourtesyRead More
1 responseIs it Possible to be Overly Gracious?
Our Wednesday rules-focused series is currently breaking down the principles outlined in “The Code” within the USTA’s Friend at Court. For additional historical context, IRead More
Nice Shot! (Principle 1 of The Code of Yore)
Last Wednesday, I noted that earlier versions of Principle 1 within The Code contain more detail than the current simple declaration “Courtesy is expected.” For example, theRead More
1 responseCourtesy is Expected (Principle 1 of The Code)
The first principle in the current version of The Code is striking in its brevity. Courtesy is expected. Tennis is a game that requires cooperation and courtesy.Read More
2 responsesThe Sportsmanship Policy in the Preface to The Code
A Sportsmanship Policy is printed in the preface of The Code in the current edition of the USTA Friend at Court. Before even getting to the principles themselves, readersRead More
The Preface to The Code: Why Tennis Needs More Than Rules
Over the next few months, we will conduct a thorough examination of the principles outlined in The Code. For the uninitiated, that resource is aRead More