Is It Time To Enforce The Rules? Abolutely!

In an age and era where we see increasing harassment of officials and players at ITA events, Timothy Russell (CEO of the ITA) issued a stern and much-needed edict this week.  Because of some restrictions I cannot offer my personal views on this subject but let me just simply say, "Timothy Russell--thanks for your edict!"

Here is the letter from Timothy Russell:

April 7, 2016

 

Dear ITA Officials:

 

I hope that this note finds you well.  Yesterday, I sent the letter below to all ITA coaches regarding my personal assessment of the current state of parts of the college tennis competitive landscape and my beliefs regarding the requisite sportsmanship needed in our game. You are a critical link to the reality of a world of college tennis that is embedded in principles of fair play, honor, and integrity.

 

As I told the coaches that I would be, I am now writing to you to remind you toenforce our ITA rules - all of our rules - especially the following: 

 

(1)   "All college match play will follow the principles set out in 'The Code' . . ."

(2)   Principle No. 1 of "The Code" states: "Courtesy is expected. Tennis is a game that requires cooperation and courtesy."

(3)   Section I. K. of the ITA Regulations (the Coaches Code of Conduct) states: "The conduct of coaches before, during, and after any competition must be exemplary. Any deviation from this standard shall [i.e., legally that means

must] result in the following penalties with the understanding that all coaching penalties are cumulative for the entire coaching staff (Head Coach, Assistant Coach, Volunteer Coach or a player acting as a Coach) and apply to the whole match - singles and doubles."

(4)   Section II. B. of the ITA Regulations (General Rules), No. 7

Home coach is responsible for spectator conduct states: "The home coach shall [i.e., again, this means

MUST] make sure that the behavior of spectators remains fair and non-abusive.  Failure of the coach to ensure proper behavior shall [i.e.,

MUST] result in the application of the ITA Point Penalty System against the home team and in extreme cases, forfeiture of the match."

(5)  

Section I. F. 3. Restrictions on Players and Spectators: Harassment of players prohibited states: "Team members and their spectators shall not [i.e., MUST not] harass opposing team players."

(6)  

Section I.B.2 of the ITA Regulations (Calls in Matches) clearly states:Opponent gets benefit of the doubt. Whenever a player is in doubt he shall [i.e., MUST] make the call in favor of his opponent.  Balls should only be called 'out' when there is a space visible between the ball and the line."

 

In reference to #5 above, it is clear in discussing the interpretation of our rules with top ITA officials throughout the fall and spring that players and spectators can cheer for their team and their team's players, but cannotharass the opposing team and the opposing team's players.  Very specifically, for example, opposing fans cannot harass a server while that player is serving, or between points of that server's serving game.

 

In reference to #6, from early in our tennis careers, we have been taught not to take a point that we don't deserve. I see no reason to deviate from that timeless principle.

 

Please re-read the ITA Rule 2016 Rulebook that we sent you, and please enforce our rules to the absolute best of your ability.

 

Thank you for all that you do for our sport.  We are thrilled to have all of you as part of the ITA Family.  Please continue to contact our ITA Officials Department, officials@itatennis.com, for any officials-related questions. Continued best wishes.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

 

Timothy Russell, Ph. D.

Chief Executive Officer