Dress Code Violation = Default ??

Angle Queen

Professional
Last week, we had an "away" match at a club that has a dress code. Yep, they still exist.

I was acting captain (grrrrr!) and my partner and I were set to play the opposing captain and her partner. After warmups, she (reluctantly? yet) politely asked my partner if he had a collared-shirt as those were the club "rules." He did not. She said she'd been told/asked before to stop during USTA play when one of the players wasn't dressed appropriately.

I'm all for being considerate and trying to follow the hosts rules but my question is: Could we have been forced to take a default for a home court dress code violation? I've found nothing in our local rules that requires it but haven't researched it up through sectional, national rules.

Fortunately for us, an opponent from a different line/court had a "spare" shirt in his locker and graciously offered to loan it if someone complained.
 

J_R_B

Hall of Fame
Typically, clubs like that have a pro shop where they sell compliant shirts since your situation is likely not unique. At the very least, it would be a REALLY expensive match for your partner, but he shouldn't have to default.
 

JLyon

Hall of Fame
the home team probably should have let the opposing team know that there is a dress code that must be adhered to for the match.
 

gmatheis

Hall of Fame
I don't see how they can enforce this ... the USTA does not require collared shirts, therefore if that club wishes to host league matches they should have to waive that requirement when they do so.

If the club wants to stick to such a policy they should not be allowed to host USTA league matches.

Atp-Tennis-img7782.jpg


Sorry Mr. Nadal you will have to go home.
 

J_R_B

Hall of Fame
I don't see how they can enforce this ... the USTA does not require collared shirts, therefore if that club wishes to host league matches they should have to waive that requirement when they do so.

If the club wants to stick to such a policy they should not be allowed to host USTA league matches.

Atp-Tennis-img7782.jpg


Sorry Mr. Nadal you will have to go home.

I don't necessarily disagree with your opinion, but I don't see Nadal playing Mid-Atlantic 7.0 mixed any time soon, either.
 

Taxvictim

Semi-Pro
Even the fabled tennis club in Pinehurst, NC, waives its dress code for state USTA matches. There was a sign that said collarless shirts were allowed if the shirt was clearly a form of athletic wear, like Nadal's in the picture above. I guess they don't want folks showing up in screen-print T-shirts, even though a few men were wearing them.

Seriously, you couldn't have found a more flattering pic of Rafa? :)
 

Angle Queen

Professional
Thanks, guys, for your comments.

Typically, clubs like that have a pro shop where they sell compliant shirts since your situation is likely not unique. At the very least, it would be a REALLY expensive match for your partner, but he shouldn't have to default.
That particular club does have a pro-shop. Shirt could have been purchased, I suppose -- especially since we were told prior to the actual start of the match (wonder if you'd get a "time violation" if we'd been playing...and he'd had to run to the shop LOL).

the home team probably should have let the opposing team know that there is a dress code that must be adhered to for the match.
They might have. Remember, I was "acting" captain that day and didn't receive all the pre-match correspondence. The added disadvantage I had was being a gal. They've no such rule for the ladies and I can't remember if I've ever played there in a "mixed" situation before to necessarily know what my partner's dress requirements are/were.

I don't necessarily disagree with your opinion, but I don't see Nadal playing Mid-Atlantic 7.0 mixed any time soon, either.
Yeah. He'd have to self-rate as a 7.0. Couldn't play 7.0 mixed but maybe 10.0 with a 3.0 woman. Wonder what it'd take to get myself bumped down to that level. I'd throw every game/match in the book to make it happen if he happened our way. Pisshah!

Aside: I've often had the dream/nightmare of having a real pro come play in a member-guest tournament.

Even the fabled tennis club in Pinehurst, NC, waives its dress code for state USTA matches. There was a sign that said collarless shirts were allowed if the shirt was clearly a form of athletic wear, like Nadal's in the picture above. I guess they don't want folks showing up in screen-print T-shirts, even though a few men were wearing them.
That's what I would have thought.

And, FWIW, my partner was in a very nice UA collar-less shirt that, from a distance, you'd have difficulty realizing it didn't have the form for stays.
 

goran_ace

Hall of Fame
It would have been in better form if the home team had alerted the visiting team of the dress code, but I would not expect any club to make an exception just because its a USTA league match.

I've seen some visiting teams exhibit a complete lack of respect for the club that hosts that goes beyond wearing ratty t-shirts - things such as spitting on the court, leaving garbage on the court, excessive yelling and profanity. Not that this type of behavior is acceptable even on public courts, but the USTA does not give them a free pass to do as they please. They need to understand that they are guests and it is a privilege to play there. The home team pays court fees (and sometimes guest fees) on behalf of the guests, you don't get to play there for free just because it's league.
 

gmatheis

Hall of Fame
It would have been in better form if the home team had alerted the visiting team of the dress code, but I would not expect any club to make an exception just because its a USTA league match.

I've seen some visiting teams exhibit a complete lack of respect for the club that hosts that goes beyond wearing ratty t-shirts - things such as spitting on the court, leaving garbage on the court, excessive yelling and profanity. Not that this type of behavior is acceptable even on public courts, but the USTA does not give them a free pass to do as they please. They need to understand that they are guests and it is a privilege to play there. The home team pays court fees (and sometimes guest fees) on behalf of the guests, you don't get to play there for free just because it's league.

It has nothing to do with playing there for free because it is a league. It has to do with the standards set by the USTA for league play. Those standards do not require a collared shirt.

Your argument is flawed because the things you mention (leaving garbage,swearing, etc) would not be tolerated if there were a USTA official present .... but your shirt not having a collar would NEVER be a problem.

The club has a right to impose their rules on their members but they have no right to impose their rules on people playing in a USTA league beyond any rules that would coincide with USTA regulations such as standards of behavior etc.
 

cknobman

Legend
Looking through both the ITF rules and the USTA code there is absolutely no mention of attire/dress code rules and or guidelines.

So I dont see how you could ever be given a default for a "dress code" violation, especially one as trivial as a collared shirt.
 

goran_ace

Hall of Fame
Just because the USTA is silent on the matter does not mean attire cannot be regulated. Sometimes you'll find in your local league rules that visiting teams are guests and must adhere to any club policies and regulations.

I would suggest that if the host club wants to enforce the dress code on visiting teams that someone should take it up with the league coordinator and have that put into the rules so its clear for everyone.
 

beernutz

Hall of Fame
I would argue that if the home team's club has a rule that a particular dress code is required but those rules were not conveyed to the visiting team, then the home team would be the one to default if a visiting team member were prohibited from playing due to a dress code violation. If the visiting team member was present for the match, and it was the home team which stopped him or her from playing then the home team should be the one to default.
 

goran_ace

Hall of Fame
Looking through both the ITF rules and the USTA code there is absolutely no mention of attire/dress code rules and or guidelines.

So I dont see how you could ever be given a default for a "dress code" violation, especially one as trivial as a collared shirt.

The USTA does require 'proper tennis attire' for all sanctioned leagues and events. Sometimes specific examples are given in tournament or league rules.

examples:

Dress Code

According to USTA regulations proper tennis attire is required for all sanctioned USTA tournaments and USTA League Tennis play. We are asking tournament directors to remind players and enforce this regulation.

Clothing not considered proper tennis attire can include, but not be limited to:
· Sports bras worn alone (without a shirt).
· Shirts with references to sex, drugs, alcohol or tobacco.
· Compression shorts worn alone (not covered by shorts or a skirt).


www.chicago.usta.com/Tournaments/Dress_Code/

Dress Code
The NITA Dress Code for all sanctioned tournaments held within the district requires appropriate tennis attire. Specific restrictions include the following:

GIRLS: No sports bras or spandex shorts worn alone; midriff must be covered when arms are down at the side.

BOYS: No tank tops, cut off t-shirts, or cut-off jeans shorts. Sleeveless tennis wear may be worn. No reference to drugs, violence, alcohol, bad language, etc. on clothing.

Players who do not comply with the dress code standards can be asked to change clothes and prevented from playing until they are wearing appropriate tennis attire.


www.northernillinois.usta.com/Tournaments/Dress_Code/


Dress Code

The tournament committee has set a dress code in this tournament the rules to which all participants are expected to adhere. These rules are based on our community standards and all participants must observe, all rules, at all of the sites used during the tournament. Good manners on and off the court will be required of all participants, coaches and family at all times. Proper tennis attire should be worn. For females, proper attire does not include, roll down waist bands on skirts or shorts, or exposure of skin between tops and skirts or shorts. For males proper attire does not include tank tops or sleeveless shirts, or shorts worn below the waist. Shirts must be worn at all times. Please respect our standards and adhere to our rules. Failure to do so will result in the player being required to change prior to the match. This delay may result in penalties (pps) being assessed .
 

goober

Legend
Local league rules often indicate that you must follow dress code rules for the clubs you play at. Violations can lead to defaults. It is up to the home team to inform the visiting team of any dress codes before hand. I am not sure if they can default you if they did not tell you ahead of time that there will be a dress code.

So basically you have to look into your local league rules.
 

Taxvictim

Semi-Pro
I would argue that if the home team's club has a rule that a particular dress code is required but those rules were not conveyed to the visiting team, then the home team would be the one to default if a visiting team member were prohibited from playing due to a dress code violation. If the visiting team member was present for the match, and it was the home team which stopped him or her from playing then the home team should be the one to default.

Agree. It should be a home team default if they refuse to play with someone who doesn't have a collar, absent sufficient notice of the dress code.
 

cak

Professional
In Norcal in the LLAR there is a reference to attire which specifically says if there is a dress code the captains should inform the other captains of the dress code. And yes, visiting teams must comply.

There used to be a section on the website that had information like that. (For instance, some teams in Cupertino provide water but want you to bring water bottles to fill.) Now that information is just added in the time field.

A little insight into the private clubs; there are members that don't play USTA and are peeved when they find they can't get a court because they are filled with opponents from outside their club. They get more peeved if the non-members don't align to their vision of propriety. And then they complain to the board, who threatens to pull USTA teams. So the captains are walking a tightrope already.

If, as a visitor, you'd like to play against this club at their home (which often are very nice facilities) you might want to try and be good guests, because too many bad guests, and the privilege for everyone is taken away.
 
I'll bet you anything that somewhere in the REAL Captain's match info, there was mention of the dress code, and s/he didn't do their job of adequately informing the "acting" captain of it. The club is private property and they can impose any rules they want that are within the law. It's like going to a nice restaurant which says you have to wear a jacket and tie. (They usually do have some available for the unprepared). It would be a clever league strategy though, if the home team did not inform opponents of the dress code for defaults or at least putting visiting players into a pre-match panic, running around for a collared shirt wasting, valuable energy, but that would go against the Code of Sportsmanship.

I'll wager it was a communication failure by the captain to convey the rules to the acting captain displaying a lack of commitment to her/im's job. But maybe s/he had something more important to attend to like a tee time at a golf-club that doesn't allow shorts or denim in their clubhouse. If it were up to me we'd all be playing naked, clothing is so confining for a full range of motion. Please follow-up with the details of the breakdown in communication.

More and more clubs are dropping the collar rule in favor of dedicated tennis "t"-shirts. The hallowed courts of the tennis only clubs that have dress and behavior codes are an endangered species in favor of the modern "fitness" clubs that have tennis courts, zumba, and hard bodies jumping around on contraptions.

The collar does serve a vestigial function on hot days providing cooling when it gets soaked with sweat with the open neck ventilating the chest. Now you can buy a neckerchief thingy and soak it in cold water. The Aussies used to put a cabbage leaf under their tennis hats to keep cool.
 
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floridatennisdude

Hall of Fame
It has nothing to do with playing there for free because it is a league. It has to do with the standards set by the USTA for league play. Those standards do not require a collared shirt.

Your argument is flawed because the things you mention (leaving garbage,swearing, etc) would not be tolerated if there were a USTA official present .... but your shirt not having a collar would NEVER be a problem.

The club has a right to impose their rules on their members but they have no right to impose their rules on people playing in a USTA league beyond any rules that would coincide with USTA regulations such as standards of behavior etc.

I would think a club could impose its rules on guests via USTA league matches. They are a guest no matter the reason. However, in this example if the guy were asked to buy a shirt or forfeit, I think that would be unfair. The club standard should more or less be to require rescheduling of the particular match. That way, the home team knows to communicate this thoroughly or else they have to go through the hassle of rescheduling these matches.

Glad I don't play there. I own zero collared shirts.
 

gameboy

Hall of Fame
USTA may not have a dress code, but Wimbledon certainly does. You still have to wear "predominantly white" attire at Wimbledon - even Nadal...
 

Cindysphinx

G.O.A.T.
Men only right? Who want's to see a dude in compression shorts playing tennis!

: raises hand :

In our league, the matches are scheduled at various clubs by the league coordinator. If you show up in something that is not permitted at that club, you will forfeit. Captains are told of the restrictions at the beginning of the season, and it is up to them to tell their players.

Our league is not ambiguous about enforcement of club rules, no matter how silly. If a player violates a club rule or is rude or inappropriate with staff (e.g. taking the court early), the player can be reported to the league. A player who is reported will be banned from playing at that facility, and if the player does play a match at that facility it will be recorded as a default. I heard the rule has been applied a couple of times for league players who mouthed off to staff.

One of my mixed partners used to show up in jeans. Because we were at county facilities, this was permitted. I don't know what he did for the private clubs.

Cindy -- who tries not to wear her black Prince T22s because one club actually inspects every player's footwear to make sure it is non-marking, and she doesn't want a misinformed staffer to think her shoes are a problem
 

Cindysphinx

G.O.A.T.
If, as a visitor, you'd like to play against this club at their home (which often are very nice facilities) you might want to try and be good guests, because too many bad guests, and the privilege for everyone is taken away.

+1.

I am not a member of a private club, but I treat private clubs like land mine fields. I don't want no trouble, see. I don't rudely eject members when their time is up. I don't get shirty with the staff. I don't use the fitness room. I remove my trash and that of my players. I park in an appropriate space. I don't sneak out onto the court to warm up without express permission from the front desk. I don't complain about club policies or sneak banned items onto the courts.

The sense of entitlement of some folks around here is breathtaking. Maybe it is a Washington DC thing -- folks are a little too used to feeling "powerful"?
 

blakesq

Hall of Fame
Jeez. Cindy, I feel bad for you, you must play in the most irritating league in the world.

: raises hand :

In our league, the matches are scheduled at various clubs by the league coordinator. If you show up in something that is not permitted at that club, you will forfeit. Captains are told of the restrictions at the beginning of the season, and it is up to them to tell their players.

Our league is not ambiguous about enforcement of club rules, no matter how silly. If a player violates a club rule or is rude or inappropriate with staff (e.g. taking the court early), the player can be reported to the league. A player who is reported will be banned from playing at that facility, and if the player does play a match at that facility it will be recorded as a default. I heard the rule has been applied a couple of times for league players who mouthed off to staff.

One of my mixed partners used to show up in jeans. Because we were at county facilities, this was permitted. I don't know what he did for the private clubs.

Cindy -- who tries not to wear her black Prince T22s because one club actually inspects every player's footwear to make sure it is non-marking, and she doesn't want a misinformed staffer to think her shoes are a problem
 

704Pusher

New User
A little insight into the private clubs; there are members that don't play USTA and are peeved when they find they can't get a court because they are filled with opponents from outside their club. They get more peeved if the non-members don't align to their vision of propriety. And then they complain to the board, who threatens to pull USTA teams. So the captains are walking a tightrope already.

If, as a visitor, you'd like to play against this club at their home (which often are very nice facilities) you might want to try and be good guests, because too many bad guests, and the privilege for everyone is taken away.

+1

At our club, the club sells alcohol and ABC laws forbid outside alcohol brought into club. This includes tennis courts, we sometimes have issues with visiting teams bringing coolers.
 

woodrow1029

Hall of Fame
The club has a right to impose their rules on their members but they have no right to impose their rules on people playing in a USTA league beyond any rules that would coincide with USTA regulations such as standards of behavior etc.

Sure they do, but the home team needs to make the visitors aware of it. Most leagues (in my experience) have had provisions that local club rules regarding dress code, etc. must be followed, but appropriate notice must be given to the visiting teams.
 

OrangePower

Legend
In Norcal in the LLAR there is a reference to attire which specifically says if there is a dress code the captains should inform the other captains of the dress code. And yes, visiting teams must comply.

There used to be a section on the website that had information like that. (For instance, some teams in Cupertino provide water but want you to bring water bottles to fill.) Now that information is just added in the time field.

A little insight into the private clubs; there are members that don't play USTA and are peeved when they find they can't get a court because they are filled with opponents from outside their club. They get more peeved if the non-members don't align to their vision of propriety. And then they complain to the board, who threatens to pull USTA teams. So the captains are walking a tightrope already.

If, as a visitor, you'd like to play against this club at their home (which often are very nice facilities) you might want to try and be good guests, because too many bad guests, and the privilege for everyone is taken away.

Cak is correct - this is the section from the NorCal LLAR:

3. Attire

The site of the home team's courts may determine appropriate tennis attire. It is the responsibility of the home team to contact the visiting team to clarify what is appropriate tennis attire at the home team's site. Home teams are encouraged to post specific site attire regulations.

So as long as the information is adequately communicated to the visiting team, the home team can prevent someone from playing if they violate the dress code.

I don't belong to a private club, but when I'm at one as a guest (whether for USTA or not), I have no problems following their rules - as long as I've been told what they are.
 

onehandbh

G.O.A.T.
Grab a sheet of white printer paper from the club house and tear out a
strip of paper. Tape it to the shirt. voila! Make sure the color goes all the way
around like a Catholic priest.
 

Cindysphinx

G.O.A.T.
Jeez. Cindy, I feel bad for you, you must play in the most irritating league in the world.

No need to feel bad for me. If you act like a jerk at a private club where you are a guest, you will have a problem.

Be decent, and you'll be fine.

Sadly, this area is loaded with people who think rules do not apply to them.
 

ollinger

G.O.A.T.
About 15 years ago when I lived in Summit, NJ (where Jon Corzine has his rather spacious home) I was asked to fill in for someone in a summer league match held at a very tony club in Summit. We were told ahead of time that white was to be worn, so I did. When I got there, I was told there was some concern about my tennis shoes, which were white, but had a "rather prominent logo" on them, and that I could get shoes (absolutely all-white) in their pro shop. My shoes could be described as 95 percent white with a not-so-loud brand logo. They finally told me I could wear what I had brought, since it was only this time, for a few hours.
 

PBODY99

Legend
We have clubs that demand White & collared shirts. If you play in Middle States, you know. My advise for my men team is to keep a set of whites as you "extra" outfit. 2008,I had to change my shoes due to the pattern of the Adidas Feather as it was too aggressive for the grass at the club we were playing.
 

forthegame

Hall of Fame
Tennis is meant to be fun, what some of you guys describe isn't.

I believe in respecting the home club's rules but dress code for a visiting team? Shoes that are not allowed because they have a speck of colour in them?? Logoless shoes???

I'm sorry, but that doesn't sound like fun. I would probably have to go shopping extensively and use up my life savings in order to play USTA league.
 

user92626

G.O.A.T.
Tennis is meant to be fun, what some of you guys describe isn't.

I believe in respecting the home club's rules but dress code for a visiting team? Shoes that are not allowed because they have a speck of colour in them?? Logoless shoes???

I'm sorry, but that doesn't sound like fun. I would probably have to go shopping extensively and use up my life savings in order to play USTA league.


I am with you. The league as described sounds like something bored housewives and bums would invent and participate. In fact when people are bored and idle, they come up with some of the craziest things! :)
 

volleygirl

Rookie
It has nothing to do with playing there for free because it is a league. It has to do with the standards set by the USTA for league play. Those standards do not require a collared shirt.

Your argument is flawed because the things you mention (leaving garbage,swearing, etc) would not be tolerated if there were a USTA official present .... but your shirt not having a collar would NEVER be a problem.

The club has a right to impose their rules on their members but they have no right to impose their rules on people playing in a USTA league beyond any rules that would coincide with USTA regulations such as standards of behavior etc.



If its a private club, I would guess that that do have that right.
 

volleygirl

Rookie
No need to feel bad for me. If you act like a jerk at a private club where you are a guest, you will have a problem.

Be decent, and you'll be fine.

Sadly, this area is loaded with people who think rules do not apply to them.


Agree with you Cindy. If its a private club, you go by their rules, not what you feel their rules should be.
 

gmatheis

Hall of Fame
Here's the thing.

If I play in a USTA league and my team plays out of a public facility I probably have no desire to play at a club that enfores some rules like all white or collared shirts only no matter how nice their courts may be.

Unfortunately because it is a league match hosted at such a club why should I be forced to buy new clothes or forfeit my match (asuming that my current tennis attire is within reason ... like no cut off shorts or tshirts with profane language printed on them etc etc)

I currently do not own any all white outfits or any tennis shirts with a collar. I hate white stuff because it almost always gets some kind of stain that wont completely come out and collars bother my neck especially when it gets really hot.

As far as behaving when you're a guest at a club I think that goes without saying. Be polite to everyone , pick up your trash, in general be a friendly person.

But requiring me to purchase different attire to play a USTA league match is just plain stupid and wrong and should not be done.
 

Fuji

Legend
I just wanted to add my 2 cents here.

My normal club has a dress code that is not enforced, but it is there if anyone does choose to enforce it. (All shirts must have sleeves, and proper footwear absolutely must be worn.)

Another club in the city that is VERY VERY expensive and very high end has its dress code enforced to the nines, regardless of guest status or not. (Collared shirts and white outfits for being a member.)

Just a bit of extra info for you to consider. :)

-Fuji
 

kylebarendrick

Professional
Another Norcal person here... The worst dress code in our area is a club that has rules against black soled shoes - regardless of whether they are non-marking. Adidas barricades are on their banned list. I keep an old pair of white-soled shoes in my garage just for playing there. That rule is obnoxious and I'd argue unfair to visiting teams. Other rules (no sleeveless shirts for instance) don't bother me as long as they are communicated in advance.
 

OrangePower

Legend
Here's the thing.

If I play in a USTA league and my team plays out of a public facility I probably have no desire to play at a club that enfores some rules like all white or collared shirts only no matter how nice their courts may be.

Unfortunately because it is a league match hosted at such a club why should I be forced to buy new clothes or forfeit my match (asuming that my current tennis attire is within reason ... like no cut off shorts or tshirts with profane language printed on them etc etc)

I currently do not own any all white outfits or any tennis shirts with a collar. I hate white stuff because it almost always gets some kind of stain that wont completely come out and collars bother my neck especially when it gets really hot.

As far as behaving when you're a guest at a club I think that goes without saying. Be polite to everyone , pick up your trash, in general be a friendly person.

But requiring me to purchase different attire to play a USTA league match is just plain stupid and wrong and should not be done.

Well, different people have different perspectives. You don't like white clothes because they stain. Other people don't like non-white clothes because of tradition. Both are legitimate viewpoints.

So I think that as long as it is known up front that you may have matches at clubs that enforce a dress code, then it's up to you to decide whether you want to play in such a league or not.

If you elect not to participate, that's legitimate and entirely up to you. But if you elect to participate in the league, then you do so accepting that there may be matches where you need to wear whites / collars. Of course you could always ask to be left out of the lineup for such matches if you don't want to conform.

Another example: Some facilities (often public) don't allow alchohol on the premises. I personally enjoy a refreshing adult beverage after matches, and we always have some at hand for our home matches. But if playing at a facility that doesn't allow it, I'm not going to complain about the lack of hospitality. Even though I personally think it's stupid :)
 

Rattler

Hall of Fame
the home team probably should have let the opposing team know that there is a dress code that must be adhered to for the match.

This.


I'd add if they failed to do so, then they should have bought your partner the shirt.
 

volleygirl

Rookie
Well, different people have different perspectives. You don't like white clothes because they stain. Other people don't like non-white clothes because of tradition. Both are legitimate viewpoints.

So I think that as long as it is known up front that you may have matches at clubs that enforce a dress code, then it's up to you to decide whether you want to play in such a league or not.

If you elect not to participate, that's legitimate and entirely up to you. But if you elect to participate in the league, then you do so accepting that there may be matches where you need to wear whites / collars. Of course you could always ask to be left out of the lineup for such matches if you don't want to conform.

Another example: Some facilities (often public) don't allow alchohol on the premises. I personally enjoy a refreshing adult beverage after matches, and we always have some at hand for our home matches. But if playing at a facility that doesn't allow it, I'm not going to complain about the lack of hospitality. Even though I personally think it's stupid :)



Well said OP
 

gmatheis

Hall of Fame
Well, different people have different perspectives. You don't like white clothes because they stain. Other people don't like non-white clothes because of tradition. Both are legitimate viewpoints.

So I think that as long as it is known up front that you may have matches at clubs that enforce a dress code, then it's up to you to decide whether you want to play in such a league or not.

If you elect not to participate, that's legitimate and entirely up to you. But if you elect to participate in the league, then you do so accepting that there may be matches where you need to wear whites / collars. Of course you could always ask to be left out of the lineup for such matches if you don't want to conform.

Another example: Some facilities (often public) don't allow alchohol on the premises. I personally enjoy a refreshing adult beverage after matches, and we always have some at hand for our home matches. But if playing at a facility that doesn't allow it, I'm not going to complain about the lack of hospitality. Even though I personally think it's stupid :)

When I sign up for a leage out of a public court (say a high school or a something) I have no idea where the other teams in the league will be signing up from.

And alcohol allowed or not allowed is entirely a different thing ... you are talking about can you have a beer while you play .. i'm talking about a club that I dont belong to and dont want to belong to making me purchase special clothing only because a team decided to make that their home court which I had no control over when I signed up for league tennis out of a public facility.

A closer example involving drinks would be that the club forced you to bring 3 bottles of perrier and not have any other type of water on the court. (silly I know but more along the lines of what's going on here than whether or not you can bring alcohol on court)

So my choices are.
#1 I dont get to play USTA league tennis.
#2 Play league but let my team down and tell them I cant play when the match is at that club.
#3 Waste money on clothes I don't want and wont wear anywhere else.

I have no problem with a private club having rules, I just don't think they should be allowed to host USTA league events unless they relax those rules to a reasonable point. i.e. such as relaxing the collar rule or all white rule.

Rules such as no profanity, excessive shouting, no clothes full of holes etc are fine.
 

Cindysphinx

G.O.A.T.
So my choices are.
#1 I dont get to play USTA league tennis.
#2 Play league but let my team down and tell them I cant play when the match is at that club.
#3 Waste money on clothes I don't want and wont wear anywhere else.

I have no problem with a private club having rules, I just don't think they should be allowed to host USTA league events unless they relax those rules to a reasonable point. i.e. such as relaxing the collar rule or all white rule.

Rules such as no profanity, excessive shouting, no clothes full of holes etc are fine.

I don't like all-white dress codes either.

Still, it is not that big a deal to follow a dress code. If you sign up to play in a league, you deal with whatever that requires. It might be super-long drives to some courts. It might mean matches at inconvenient times. And it might mean following a fussy dress code.

If it means you need to get a white polo shirt and a pair of shots at Target or at E Bay, that's what you do. I keep my white clothes in a bin on the rare occasions I must play at one of the clubs around here with an all-white dress code.

And the whole time I am there, I am looking around wondering why anyone would join a club with an all-white dress code. It just makes no sense to me, especially since the clubs have clay courts. Blech.

Cindy -- thinking the white dress codes are rather pointless because you can get around them because your warm-ups can be any color and you can play your whole match in them
 

tennis_ocd

Hall of Fame
.... I have no problem with a private club having rules, I just don't think they should be allowed to host USTA league events unless they relax those rules to a reasonable point. i.e. such as relaxing the collar rule or all white rule.

Rules such as no profanity, excessive shouting, no clothes full of holes etc are fine.
How blissful life would be if only each individual was able to make up their own rules....
 
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