Players, spectators and coaches are expected to conduct themselves with honor and integrity at all times with the highest level of sportsmanship, courtesy, and fairness. Players are encouraged to abide by the letter and spirit of the rules of play and to be gracious in both victory and defeat. Individuals are under an obligation to avoid acts that may be considered detrimental to the game of tennis.

The following procedures and practices apply to all GTA sponsored tournaments, events, and team play.

Fair Play
Players shall call all balls, double bounces, and shots, fairly and honestly. This includes calling out the score after every point, using score cards when provided, making out calls loudly or sufficiently visible so one’s opponent is aware of the call, etc.

Abuse of Balls
Players shall not violently, dangerously, or with anger hit, kick, or throw a tennis ball within the confines of the courts except in the reasonable pursuit of a point during a match (including warm-up). For the purposes of this rule, abuse of balls is defined as intentionally or recklessly hitting a ball out of the enclosure of the court, hitting a ball dangerously within the court, or hitting a ball with disregard of the consequences.

Abuse of Equipment
Players and their supporters shall not violently, dangerously, or with anger hit, kick, or throw a racquet or other equipment within the confines of the courts. For the purposes of this rule, abuse of racquets or equipment is defined as intentionally, dangerously, and violently destroying or damaging racquets or equipment, or intentionally or violently hitting the net, court, or other fixtures out of anger or frustration.

Physical Abuse
Players and their supporters shall not at any time physically abuse any official, opponent, spectator, or other person within the confines of the courts. For the purposes of this rule, physical abuse refers to the unauthorized touching of another person.

Verbal Abuse
Players and their supporters shall not at any time verbally abuse any official, opponent, spectator, or other person within the confines of the courts. Verbal abuse is defined as any statement directed at another person that implies dishonesty or is derogatory, insulting, or otherwise abusive.

Audible Obscenity
Players and their supporters shall not use audible obscenities while on-site. An audible obscenity is defined as the use of words commonly known and understood to be profane and uttered clearly and loudly enough to be heard.

Visible Obscenity
Players and their supporters shall not make obscene gestures while on-site. A visible obscenity is defined as the making of a sign with one’s hands and/or racquet or balls that commonly has an obscene meaning.

Failure to Give Best Effort
All players shall use their best efforts during matches when competing in a GTA sponsored event.

Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Players and their supporters shall at all times conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner and give due regard to the authority of officials and the rights of opponents, spectators, and others. Unsportsmanlike conduct is defined as any misconduct that is clearly abusive or detrimental to the success of a tournament, event, and/or the sport.

Gamesmanship
Players and their supporters shall not participate in gamesmanship. Effective ways of bending, evading and breaking the rules in order to gain a competitive edge will not be tolerated. Players are expected to play for the benefit and love of the sport. All matches should be played in good faith and the benefit of tennis and fair play.