How can I convince an opponent that her interpretation of a tennis rule is wrong?

[Orange]

How can I convince an opponent in non-officiated play (either USTA league, local ladder, or local interclub) that she is mistaken in her interpretation of a rule?

Here is one example: I have had several opponents recently who are convinced that "you are not allowed to call a let for something that happens on my side of the net." My opponents have heard this so often that they just know that it is true.

I know that this is not true. Friend at Court says:

USTA Comment 23.4: Who may call a let? Only an official or player may call a let. A player may call a let only on the player’s court.​

It does not say that a player may call a let only on the player's side of the court.

Section 18 of the Code says:

18. Let called when ball rolls on court. When a ball from another court enters the playing area, any player on the court affected may call a let as soon as the player becomes aware of the ball. ​

How would you handle this as a practical matter, once you've stopped play, called a let, and the opponent has claimed, "It is my point because you are not allowed to call a let for anything that happens on my side of the net?" If you were a team captain, what would you tell your players in advance to help them in this situation?

 

[OrangePower]

You are not going to convince some people without pulling out a copy of the rules / code and showing it to them in black and white.

So from a practical point of view, your choices are:

- Carry around a copy of the rules / code in your tennis bag, and pull it out as needed. Many people will advocate that. I don't - I couldn't be bothered, plus pulling it out during a match I think would be disruptive to the flow of the match and would sour the mood even more. But that's just me.

- Just agree to disagree with your opponents, even though you know you are right, and then make a temporary compromise on the court. This is what I usually do - for me it's just not worth getting into a contentious situation in rec tennis.

Just to put it in context, I think this situation arises for me *maybe* once or twice a year, if that much.

 

[Orange]

OrangePower, I appreciate the fact that you understand that I'm asking from a practical standpoint.

Similar situations happen very often to me because I play 2.5 and 3.0 players, many of whom are beginning players and perhaps are learning the rules as they go.

I have a copy of the rules/code in my bag, but I've never used it to settle a dispute (although I've offered).

 

[tennis tom]

Pull out your copy of "FRIEND AT COURT" and show them the citation. Possession is 9/10ths of the law and you possess the tennis law--if they still disagree then they are idiots, don't play with them if you can help it.

This should be the first thing that goes into a beginner's bag if they plan on playing more then once a year.

 

[Cindysphinx]

Here's what I would do.

I would approach the net and call them to the net (no yelling across the bubble). I would look them dead in the eye. I would say, "I've heard people say [wrong interpretation], so I see where you would have gotten that idea. Trust me; [wrong interpretation] is not right. I hate to be a stickler, but sooner or later [wrong interpretation] is going to get you into a lot of trouble."

If they back down, fine.

If they do not back down, follow up with this:

"You know, this rules stuff is really important. Tell you what I'll do. When I get home, I'll shoot you an email with the rule in it. And if it turns out I was wrong, I will include a really big apology. Cool?"

 

[john hempel]

How can I convince an opponent in non-officiated play (either USTA league, local ladder, or local interclub) that she is mistaken in her interpretation of a rule?

Here is one example: I have had several opponents recently who are convinced that "you are not allowed to call a let for something that happens on my side of the net." My opponents have heard this so often that they just know that it is true.

I know that this is not true. Friend at Court says:

USTA Comment 23.4: Who may call a let? Only an official or player may call a let. A player may call a let only on the player’s court.​

It does not say that a player may call a let only on the player's side of the court.

Section 18 of the Code says:

18. Let called when ball rolls on court. When a ball from another court enters the playing area, any player on the court affected may call a let as soon as the player becomes aware of the ball. ​

How would you handle this as a practical matter, once you've stopped play, called a let, and the opponent has claimed, "It is my point because you are not allowed to call a let for anything that happens on my side of the net?" If you were a team captain, what would you tell your players in advance to help them in this situation?

a copy of the rulebook in your tennis bag is very handy ad frequently add's to positive conversations or questions, but also eliminates problems with negative situations.

if you have the book in your bag, you'll find that you use it for interest sake far more than you might imagine.

 

[JLyon]

Just say firmly that ANYONE can call a let, even if ball is on opposite side of net it can be considered a distraction and a let may be called

 

[kylebarendrick]

I've never once had someone thank me when I've pulled out a rulebook to settle a dispute during a match (I've done it 2 or 3 times). In each case, they acted like I was trying to pull a fast one on them and they did their best to twist the clear wording of the rule into an interpretation that supported their position.

 

[sundaypunch]

OrangePower, I appreciate the fact that you understand that I'm asking from a practical standpoint.

Similar situations happen very often to me because I play 2.5 and 3.0 players, many of whom are beginning players and perhaps are learning the rules as they go.

I have a copy of the rules/code in my bag, but I've never used it to settle a dispute (although I've offered).

I would just be happy that a 2.5 player knew what a let was.

 

[Sumo]

You could give them an example of why their interpretation is wrong.

If I believed my opponent couldn't call a let because of something on my side and was presented with the situation of what should be done if a ball from another court is rolling towards my feet, I would have trouble saying a let still shouldn't be called.

 

[KineticChain]

if they disagree with you, just make this face

 

[S&V Specialist]

Simple answer: You will never convince a woman she is wrong by telling her she is wrong. She must discover her wrongs herself.

 

[JoelDali]

If she has spider veins give her the point. She's gonna die soon anyway.

 

[Chelsie1]

You could give them an example of why their interpretation is wrong.

If I believed my opponent couldn't call a let because of something on my side and was presented with the situation of what should be done if a ball from another court is rolling towards my feet, I would have trouble saying a let still shouldn't be called.

I like your approach. That way when I see a ball rolling behind them I can call a let, as opposed to letting them take their chances.

 

[Orange]

I am going to go practice responding as KineticChain suggested, and then when I have perfected that, I will re-read the rules.