Is It Time To Fix Our Sport?

After watching the debacle in the Nick Kyrgios' match and the women's singles final, perhaps it is time for us to rethink how we officiate tennis matches at the highest level.  Personally, I think the officials are well-trained in the rules but there might should be more training in handling stressful situations.  High stress situations are the most volatile at the collegiate level and become even more tense at the professional level so we need to be sure our officials are well equipped for the situations. 

Please keep in mind that at the professional level these players are highly paid individuals and are the life-blood of the tournament sponsors.  They are accustomed to being pampered and catered to, so that makes dealing with them much more difficult.  It is easy to say "rules are rules and they should be enforced" but monetary considerations shape a lot of thinking.

The best way to open up discussion on this topic is to simply share some of the ideas that we have received from all over everywhere.  Remember--these are not necessarily my own personal ideas but things that have been recommended from coaches, players, fans, and everyone.  Some are a tad overboard but here you go:

*  Make it very plain that all rules will be strictly enforced. 
*  Have a strict system of suspensions for those who continually violate the rules.
*  Allow coaching on court in the same manner as utilized in college.
*  If an official shows bias then they should be suspended or terminated.
*  If an official continually shows arrogance and contempt in dealing with players and coaches, they should be required to attend further training and/or be suspended or terminated.
*  Offer stress training for all officials.  Teaching them how to diffuse a stressful situation will cure many problems.
*  In Grand Slam events, from the semis through the finals, the chair official should be of the same gender as the players (with the exception of the mixed doubles of course).
*  At the US Open, all chair officials in the finals should be Americans only.
*  Monetary fines are fine but progressive code violations and penalties during a match accomplish much more in a key match.
*  Teach officials how to use discretion and wisdom in their dispensing cautions and penalties.
*  Absolutely be sure that the rules are enforced the same for both men and women.

These are just some starting guidelines to make our sport better.  Feel free to share your thoughts and ideas in the comment section.