Our very own and the most illustrious, Joyce Grant from Denver, Colorado, sent us this unique scenario. Let us know how you would rule...The new ITA rule states that if a player in a doubles match (in a dual match setting) commits a codeable offense after his doubles match and if the doubles are still playing, then the code would go on the highest match still playing.
SCENARIO: Both doubles players (on team #2) on team B simultaneously slam their rackets to the ground when their match was finished. Team B still had their #1 doubles still playing.
Would you:
1. Ignore it and hope noone saw it.
2. Code one of the players a point and the other a game and then assess a game penalty on the #1 doubles.
3. Code both of the players a point and then assess a 2 point penalty on the #1 doubles match.
4. Call Jane and ask her what to do.
Let us hear your opininions... Hopefully Joyce will be reading and share what they actually did in this situation.
18 comments:
If they slammed their racket at the same time I would only code a point at the start of the game at #1, since they are a team you can not code a point each. Now if they slammed one and then a minute or so later slammed another then I would assess a point and then game penalty.
Very interesting though.
Since this doubles match is over, it would be 2 separate code's assessed 1 to each player.(at this point it would be individual-player penalties) This results in a 2-point penalty assessed to the #1 doubles match
I would do option 2. If the behavior happened 5 seconds apart it would be 2 separate codes. The fact that they happened at the same time doesn't change anything. Game penalty on #1 doubles.
Being only a Provisional ITA, I would do #2. Then stand by the #1 doubles to see the explosion.
I would say #2.
I would assess a code violation/point penalty and assess it to the highest doubles match in progress.
I agree with Big Jim. Since the doubles match is over, it would be two separate code violations, one against each player. This results in two point penalties being assessed to the highest doubles match still in progress, unless of course they are in a tiebreak in which case both point penalties would be assessed immediately. The rules are quite clear in this regard.
Here is Joyce's response to me:
Randy,
The umpire assessed a point penalty, but the sectional chair later ruled that it should be 2 points?? I would have only issued a single point violation, but would have preferred just to ignore it since the acts did not harm or threaten anyone or put anyone in danger.
The picture you posted is pretty close to how they both threw the racquest, together and simultaneously, but they did not bounce anywhere.
I don't think this will be the last time this come up.
Joyce
The more I think about this one the more I think this would have been my response:
Do nothing, run and hide, then call Herb Taylor for a new rule.
>>>I would have only issued a single point violation, but would have preferred just to ignore it since the acts did not harm or threaten anyone or put anyone in danger.<<<
WOW!!!
And you wonder why we have problems in the tennis officiating world.
Well, quit wondering!!
Diversity rules!!
So would it have been different if one had thrown his racket and his partner had screamed M_____ F_____ at the same time? Two players, two codes. Game penalty on #1 doubles.
"....but would have preferred just to ignore it since the acts did not harm or threaten anyone or put anyone in danger."
Freaking incredible!!! No wonder players at various levels think they can get away with anything they want. Our "illustrious" official would prefer to ignore their transgressions. Is this from the mouth of the official who claims to have the entire rule book memorized, verbatim? Randy, how about a posting about consistency in officiating?
I believe officials, and not coaches, should write the ITA rules. I nominate Herb Taylor and Joyce Grant to lead the effort.
Throw in Sara Lammerts to the mix and you will have a real cluster%(*@ group of scholars. I'm sure we will see a new section added on proper pencil breaking techniques.
HaHa - who is Sara Lammerts?
If the two teams had already shaken hands, the match is over and the two players are no longer a team. Two individuals, 1 pt penalty each. Two point penalty against the #1 doubles match.
If the teams had not shaken hands, then the #2 doubles is not technically over. Thus, two code violations by a team. Game penalty against the #1 doubles.
Very good Kevin! I hadn't thought of that. We'll see how the others react to this new twist.
Guys,
Remember there is no requirement for players to shake hands after a match, USTA , ITA or otherwise. If they do shake hands I agree it does signify a match is over. But once match point is decided, the match is over regardless if they shake hands or not. Any code occuring after the match point is decided is a carryover issue.
Randall Edwards
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