Full Explanation of Three Minute Break Rule

For those who work USTA junior tournaments, here is the full explanation of the 3 minute break rule. We hope you find it helpful.

Procedures for 3-Minute Rest Period before Match Tiebreak in Junior Matches

When a 3-minute rest period is taken in a junior match before a Match Tiebreak, the procedures below shall be followed.

1. The official starts the clock on the 3-minute rest period after explaining the rest period and giving any explanation required because of a request for a toilet/change of attire break. There are three possible situations.

· No player requests an immediate toilet/change of attire break. The official simply starts the clock at the end of the explanation.

· At least one player requests an immediate toilet/change of attire break. The official starts the clock at the end of the explanation in order to time the rest period and the toilet/change of attire break. (The toilet/change of attire break must be timed so that the official has at least some objective information on which to determine whether a player has exceeded the reasonable time allowed for the toilet/change of attire break.)

· One or more player requests a toilet/change of attire break after the 3-minute rest period.

o The official starts the clock at the end of the explanation.

o The official starts the clock again at the end of the 3-minute rest period so that the official has at least some objective information on which to determine whether a player has exceeded the reasonable time allowed for the toilet/change of attire break.

2. Players must remain on court or in an area adjacent to the court designated by an official.

3. The official shall monitor the entire 3-minute rest period to ensure that players do not leave the court or the designated area. The official must continue to monitor the court until play resumes, even if the official’s assistance is needed or requested on another court.

4. Coaching is permitted during the 3-minute rest period and must take place on court or in an area adjacent to the court designated by an official. Coaching may take place using a cell phone or other communication device. The device must be turned off and stowed at the conclusion of the 3-minute rest period.

5. A player who is not ready to play at the end of the 3-minute rest period may receive a time violation, just as the player would for being late after a changeover or 2-minute Set Break. Should an additional 20 seconds pass without the player being ready, a code violation for delay of game may be issued.

6. If both players or teams are not ready to play, assess the time violation penalty against the last player or team who is ready to play.

7. A player may choose to take a toilet/change of attire break during the 3-minute rest period, but in doing so, the player waives the right to further coaching and coaching is not permitted during the toilet/change of attire break. Reasonable time is given for this break. The break must be timed so that the official has at least some objective information on which to determine whether a player has exceeded the reasonable time allowed for the toilet/change of attire break. Coaching for any player not taking a toilet/change of attire break ends at the conclusion of the 3-minute rest period.

8. Preferably any toilet/change of attire break is taken at the conclusion of the 3-minute rest period. Reasonable time is given for this break. Coaching is not permitted for a player who is taking a toilet/change of attire break or for any player waiting for another player to return from a toilet/change of attire break.

Instruction to Players Before Start of 3-Minute Rest Period

1. Instruct the players immediately before beginning to time the rest period.

· The 3-minute rest period will begin at the conclusion of this explanation.

· Coaching is allowed during the rest period.

· Coaching must occur on court or in the area that the Referee has designated that is next to the court.

· “Time” will be called at 2 and ½ minutes and players must be ready to play in 30 seconds thereafter;

· Failure to be ready to play will result in a time violation.

· Further delay will result in code violations.

2. If a player requests a toilet/change of attire break:

· Explain that the toilet/change of attire break may be taken after the 3-minute rest period and that the player has reasonable time to complete the break. No player may receive coaching during a toilet/change of attire break.

· If a player insists on the need to take the break now, explain that the player loses the right to receive coaching and has reasonable time to complete the break.

3. Assuming that at least one player takes advantage of the rest period, the official calls "Time" at 2 ½ minutes and advises the players that within 30 seconds all coaching must cease and they must be ready to play.

4. If a player is not ready to play, the official assesses a time violation. The penalty will be either a warning or a point penalty depending on whether the player or team has received a previous time violation.

5. If the player is not ready to play in an additional 20 seconds, the official assesses a code violation. The penalty is a point penalty, game penalty, or default depending on whether the player or team has received a previous code violation. Note that if the penalty is a game, the match is over.

6. If the player is not ready to play in an additional 20 seconds, the official assesses a code violation resulting in the match being over.

Reasonable Time for Toilet/Change of Attire Break

1. The rules allow players reasonable time for a toilet/change of attire break. Penalties for lateness after a toilet/change of attire break should be assessed in only the most blatant case of delay. The players must be given the benefit of the doubt.

2. When the courts are arranged for easy access to toilet facilities, the Referee may give guidance to the players and officials as to how long it should take for a round trip to the toilet. But even then, it is impossible for the Referee to fix a specific time as being reasonable because of variables including:

· The possibility of there being a line to use the facilities.

· The difference in the reasonable amount of time needed to use the toilet or locker room depending on the specific reason for the trip.

3. A blatant case that justifies assessment of a penalty for lateness requires the official to be convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that a player has abused the right to a toilet/change of attire break. The official may assess a time violation (warning or point penalty depending on whether the player or team has previously received a time violation). If play has not begun within 20 seconds of issuing the time violation, a code violation (point, game, or default) may be assessed.

4. Remember that the bigger issue with toilet/change of attire breaks is with a player receiving unauthorized coaching. The penalty for receiving unauthorized coaching is a code violation.