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, readers are presented with a clear statement of values that frames how the sport expects players to conduct themselves. The inclusion of this text sets the tone for everything that follows, underscoring that tennis is built not just on rules and regulations, but on the character and behavior of those who play it.
Sportsmanship is the foundation of tennis. It is essential to tennis as a welcoming, open, and inclusive sport. Sports integrity follows a boundless set of core values and attributes that enrich the lives of all who participate. These attributes include, but are not limited to:
- Understanding and following the rules
- Being fair
- Acting with character
- Respecting others
- Winning with humility and losing with grace
- Maintaining composure
- Being accountable for one’s own actions
- Giving others the benefit of the doubt
Tennis is more fun when players are good sports, and when persons associated with the players and the sport reinforce the ideals of good sport conduct. It entices people to stay involved with the sport their entire lives.
Being a good sport is its own reward—both on and off the tennis court. Sportsmanship builds trust, generates mutual respect, and promotes friendship among all people. As we grow and develop the game, we do so with the highest commitment to sports integrity.
USTA Friend at Court 2025, Part 2 – The Code, Sportsmanship Policy
It is tempting to unpack the various aspects of that statement into a series of standalone posts. In fact, that would be entirely consistent with the “Overthinking” ethos of this site, and it will likely occur at some point in the distant future. For today, I will try to confine myself to the broad strokes. Even at a glance, the overarching themes are clear. Sportsmanship isn’t just about following the rules but also about fairness, respect, accountability, and composure. The Sportsmanship Policy in The Code emphasizes character both in winning and losing, and it connects the conduct of individuals to the health of the sport itself. The policy reminds us that tennis is more enjoyable and, consequently, more sustainable when its participants embody these values.
This Sportsmanship Policy was definitely not part of Col. Nick Powel’s original version of The Code. However, at some point, it was added to the Friend at Court as a framing statement. Its inclusion reflects a recognition by the USTA that explicitly articulating the ideals of sportsmanship is essential.
It is also noteworthy that the USTA Friend at Court itself has undergone structural changes over the years. Older editions positioned The Code after USTA Rules and Regulations, along with supplemental information for officials. In the 2025 edition, The Code comes directly after the ITF Rules of Tennis. That reordering feels deliberate. In this modern era of short attention spans, if players manage to read Part 1 (the ITF Rules of Tennis) and Part 2 (The Code), that would be an accomplishment. By contrast, the more bureaucratic sections of policy and officiating notes, which used to come between those two things, are unlikely to hold the attention of the average reader.
Featuring this Sportsmanship Policy in this spot highlights its critical importance to tennis. It also suggests that many players were reading The Code without fully internalizing its spirit and intent. By planting a clear, values-driven statement right at the threshold, the USTA is reinforcing the message: Tennis only thrives when good sportsmanship is the foundation of everything we do.
- “The Code of Tennis“, Grimbsy Tennis Center Hosted Document, dated 1 January 1992.
- Friend at Court: The Handbook of Tennis Rules and Regulations, USTA, 2025
- Friend at Court: The USTA Handbook of Tennis Rules and Regulations, USTA, 2001. (Hardcopy.)
