The Bathroom Break

[JavierLW]

Yeah, that's just as true in women's 3.0 and 3.5 tennis. Most often patience wins. At our club, when it gets dark you move to the lights. This time of year there is about a 2 hours of daylight when the matches start. I can't think of a single match this year when at least one doubles court didn't have to move to the lights. And in every split start time match I've played, where the first three matches start at 6 and the last two start not before 7:15 I've always gotten on the court after 8pm. Then again, time isn't of the essence. If you don't start on time there are no penalties, and you can have a decent warmup. Though I haven't been on a court when the lights went out, I have team mates that have run up against that, and then the rest of the game is rescheduled for later.




It's just an entirely different strategy and mind set. For instance, I have a fairly weak shoulder. I can serve pretty decently for about 6 games. I tend to start the first set warming my shoulder up and serving second spin serves. By the end of the first set, and through the second set I can serve full out. That means I'm serving at full strength often to close out the match. However, if the first set means more than the second I'm going to show up early and warm up my shoulder. If I'm stuck serving weak in the second set then I just need to walk slower to pick up balls and maybe it won't even get to my serve. But I'm not practiced in that kind of strategy, and if playoffs, or nationals were timed matches teams from my area would be at a distinct disadvantage, as they wouldn't be familar with those types of techniques. That's why I'm wondering if these indoor timed leagues end up at Nationals, and how they do there.

I agree it's a different mindset, however you are not always in control of the situation no matter what mindset you are in.

I dont care how much you warm up, or how much of a quick starter you think you are, you will come up across a tough match from time to time. The other team can warm up early too.

In a normal match like that timed or untimed, someone may break out of that and figure something out before the other team.

If the match starts out slow it's not always because you werent ready, sometimes you are just in a good match....

Tennis is not normally a timed sport. In football, hockey, soccer, lacrosse, basketball, you may of won the game far before the clock is even over just because there isnt enough time left. So you end up playing meaningless "garbage" time.

That's the beauty of a normal tennis match. You could be down 0-5, 0-40, and you still have another point to play, that set will not be over until your opponent can manage to get the 6th game. (unless you've given up at this point which is likely for a lot of people)

Hell, timed matches would even favor me. I have a habit of starting off really great, especially on my serve, but as the match wears on and I get tired, and my opponents get used to my serve it starts to get really hard to finish the match out on top. But Id rather lose every single time so I can figure that out then get some cheap victory because time ran out.

Ive also been in matches where I might of won the first set and my opponent played better in the second but lost because time ran out. I dont give myself more credit just because I happened to have started out well and he didnt.

It's a lot harder to finish a match on top when you are down then it is to start out ahead in the first place. Especially at 3.0 or 3.5 where a lot of players tend to cave to the pressure easily if something bad happens anytime during the match. (which means they lose, unless their opponents do something dumb to get their confidence back up)

 

[Cindysphinx]

Javier, let me explain a couple of facts that seem to have been missed.

In our league, we play our matches at three main facilities. One is a huge private club. I think it has 12 indoor courts.

The second is a county-owned facility. It has six indoor courts. It has closed for a portion of the last two summers for repairs.

The third is a county-owned facility. It has been closed since Aug. 2006 for a complete renovation, including AC (I hear).

Therefore it is incorrect to say the reason we have timed matches is because of the "policies of the clubs." We have timed matches because it is impossible to schedule all matches on 24 courts unless you schedule them around the clock.

Then we have to consider that players do not want certain things. They do not want to drive 90 minutes each way to play at another facility that the league could use.

They will not tolerate start times earlier than 7 pm, and 7 pm start times result in much complaining and some defaulted matches. Traffic here is insane, and people have jobs.

They do not want split starts, where matches take place at different times or different places.

Now, we do rely extensively on private clubs in the winter. These clubs usually have only three courts at a time (some do not even have the five courts that spring league requires). These clubs sell us the crap court time no member would want (e.g. 9:30 on Sunday night). These clubs charge the league a lot of money, because they can and because their members are resentful when they cannot get a court because USTA has them all. These clubs expect the very best behavior from USTA players, and there has been conflict in the past.

But.

Bottom line: Having timed matches means we can have a thriving league, at convenient start times, without split matches, where matches start on time, where no court time is wasted, where there is never a weather delay, at an affordable price ($13-$15 per match).

**Year round.**

Me, I'd prefer perfection, but I will make do with timed matches. I would not be happy with the situation where you are, where you have to make do with non-league play for half of the year.

But if that is OK with you so that you can have all the time you want to finish your league matches, fine.

Me, I'll take 16 completed matches and five timed matches for 2008 in a year-round league any day.

 

[Cindysphinx]

That's why I'm wondering if these indoor timed leagues end up at Nationals, and how they do there.

All three jurisdictions in our section (except WV -- I don't know the story there) have timed matches. DC matches are indoor and outdoor, MCTA is almost entirely indoors, NOVA is indoor and outdoor.

Our teams do go to Nationals and do as well as anyone else.

If you played timed matches with a shoulder problem, you'd have to adjust. You'd have to decide you need to do what it takes to play well from the first point of the match.

But really. Doesn't everyone go into a match trying to win every point from the get-go?

I don't think there are techniques one must master to play timed matches. It helps to know the exact rules. But bottom line, I try to ignore the clock as much as possible and just play the best I can. If time becomes a factor, then I would adjust as I have described.

 

[Topaz]

.

Topaz, how many matches of yours have timed out?

Three so far...and I've lost them all.

But that doesnt mean that most people would prefer them.

.

Personally, I'd prefer the timed match over not getting to play as much, particularly over the winter.

We've been through this with you before Javier...you can swoop in here and make your grand statements all you want. The thing is, the only people who can tell you *for a fact* why and how it is run in our area are Cindy and I. Yet you don't seem to believe and/or trust our statements.

We actually know what we're talking about.

 

[Serpententacle]

That is a tough situation. However, I still want to know: What's the benefit of following someone in the bathroom? The time is still gone, no?


http://www.tenniswithattitude.blogspot.com

Following some people into the bathroom might also cause "stage fright", which further prolongs the break. :neutral:

 

[MariaS]

Do they also follow them into the stall? Sheesh!

 

[Cindysphinx]

That is a tough situation. However, I still want to know: What's the benefit of following someone in the bathroom? The time is still gone, no?


http://www.tenniswithattitude.blogspot.com

Answer: The rule says "To minimize the potential for gamesmanship." Specifically, I would imagine you'd want to be there:

1. To make sure they are not receiving coaching.

2. To makes sure they are tending to matters expeditiously.

3. To make sure the player isn't doing something else that is not authorized, like go to their car to get some piece of equipment or something to eat or what have you.

Say you follow a player into the bathroom and she uses the facilities. She then changes her clothing and socks and splashes water on her face. That would be stalling and the basis for a grievance.

You can take *up to* five minutes for a bathroom break. The bathroom break must be "truly necessary."

The only way to gather evidence that there was stalling is to know first-hand what happened in the bathroom. If you don't wish to accompany them, you don't have to.

 

[drakulie]

^^Which is why I said earlier you should apply to become the "pee police" of your league. Don't forget your whistle.

 

[justsomeguy]

Answer: The rule says "To minimize the potential for gamesmanship." Specifically, I would imagine you'd want to be there:

1. To make sure they are not receiving coaching.

2. To makes sure they are tending to matters expeditiously.

3. To make sure the player isn't doing something else that is not authorized, like go to their car to get some piece of equipment or something to eat or what have you.

Say you follow a player into the bathroom and she uses the facilities. She then changes her clothing and socks and splashes water on her face. That would be stalling and the basis for a grievance.

You can take *up to* five minutes for a bathroom break. The bathroom break must be "truly necessary."

The only way to gather evidence that there was stalling is to know first-hand what happened in the bathroom. If you don't wish to accompany them, you don't have to.

Gather evidence? Seriously?

If they get five minutes, they get five minutes. If those are the rules, they are not doing anything wrong. If they take advantage of the situation, then they suck, but this is going way too far. Who cares what they do? Beat your opponent on the court, and wait for them there while they go to the bathroom. Play inside the lines.

How can you even concentrate on tennis while constantly worrying that you are getting burned on a let or taken advantage of during a bathroom break?

 

[Cindysphinx]

Gather evidence? Seriously?

If they get five minutes, they get five minutes. If those are the rules, they are not doing anything wrong. If they take advantage of the situation, then they suck, but this is going way too far. Who cares what they do? Beat your opponent on the court, and wait for them there while they go to the bathroom. Play inside the lines.

How can you even concentrate on tennis while constantly worrying that you are getting burned on a let or taken advantage of during a bathroom break?

Please go back and read the rule carefully.

They do not "get five minutes."

Again. I am just telling you the rules. I have never had an opponent take a bathroom break late in a timed match. One of my players did, and I explained above what occurred.

Now.

My opponents the other night (two much older ladies who were very nice and very very skilled) took a bathroom break between the first and second sets. They spanked us 0-6 in the first set in 21 minutes (not including warm-up). One player said "Anyone mind if I go to the bathroom?" We said, "No problem, go ahead." I have no idea how long she was gone, nor did I follow her. I didn't time her. She needed to go to the bathroom, so she went and came back and resumed the match.

That is how things work. Almost everyone acts in a civil and reasonable fashion. Disputes rarely occur. Most don't stall; a very few do. The rules are for them.

Some of you need to chill out. You are letting your imaginations run away with you.

 

[JavierLW]

2. To makes sure they are tending to matters expeditiously.

I think having someone follow you into the bathroom may have quite the opposite effect here.

(what are you going to yell "hurry up in there!!!!"?)

 

[justsomeguy]

Please go back and read the rule carefully.

They do not "get five minutes."

Again. I am just telling you the rules. I have never had an opponent take a bathroom break late in a timed match. One of my players did, and I explained above what occurred.

Now.

My opponents the other night (two much older ladies who were very nice and very very skilled) took a bathroom break between the first and second sets. They spanked us 0-6 in the first set in 21 minutes (not including warm-up). One player said "Anyone mind if I go to the bathroom?" We said, "No problem, go ahead." I have no idea how long she was gone, nor did I follow her. I didn't time her. She needed to go to the bathroom, so she went and came back and resumed the match.

That is how things work. Almost everyone acts in a civil and reasonable fashion. Disputes rarely occur. Most don't stall; a very few do. The rules are for them.

Some of you need to chill out. You are letting your imaginations run away with you.

If you say so. You can be the weird chick in the clothes that always smell like B.O. who feels it is a good idea to follow your opponent into the bathroom. Oh boy!

Justsomeguy, who thinks Cindysphinx is taking this league stuff way too seriously and has crossed the point into acting childish (no matter what the rules are).

 

[BullDogTennis]

if someone told me i couldnt geet a bathroom break or something of that nature id just say ok, and go right on the court ok maybe not that far, but i mean what is 5 minutes out of a whole match? take the time to rest up or stretch. if someone needs 5 minutes to get water or anything id gladly give it to em, and id take advantage of the time

 

[Cindysphinx]

If you say so. You can be the weird chick in the clothes that always smell like B.O. who feels it is a good idea to follow your opponent into the bathroom. Oh boy!

Justsomeguy, who thinks Cindysphinx is taking this league stuff way too seriously and has crossed the point into acting childish (no matter what the rules are).

Dude. Read the whole thread carefully before you pop off. Seriously. You are quite confused. It is abundantly clear from your post that you don't even know what we're talking about here.

 

[justsomeguy]

Dude. Read the whole thread carefully before you pop off. Seriously. You are quite confused. It is abundantly clear from your post that you don't even know what we're talking about here.

What is there to be confused about? Don't follow people into the bathroom! Grow up! You are acting like a child on, and off, the tennis court. Nuff said.

Good day to you, Madam!

 

[FedererISBetter]

I thought people arn't allowed to leave the court if the game started already...yes? no? At least it was a colligate rule from my understanding.

 

[Cindysphinx]

What is there to be confused about? Don't follow people into the bathroom! Grow up! You are acting like a child on, and off, the tennis court. Nuff said.

Good day to you, Madam!

"What is there to be confused about?" Spoken like someone too lazy to read a lengthy thread.

Dude, read the thread before you comment. Come on, I know you are up for the challenge. You have made an assumption that enjoys no basis in fact, which is causing you to say some silly things.

FedererIsBetter:

I thought people arn't allowed to leave the court if the game started already...yes? no? At least it was a colligate rule from my understanding.

Depends on the league, I suppose. I know our rules allow a player to leave the court if they have an equipment failure (broken string), but time penalties start to accrue, which can result in loss of games or a default. Which is why you really should bring your extra racket to the court rather than leave it in the trunk of your car.

 

[Spokewench]

And what happens then? Let's just say you think they're not tending to matters expeditiously enough. Now that's five more minutes of two opponents squawking at each other -- at least. Then you have to file a grievance on a suspicion. Then a grown-up in the USTA has to come out and separate you two. That's far more time devoted to a (timed!) tennis match than necessary. I get it -- it's the rule and you're obviously prepared to defend it to the end, but this is why women have a reputation for being too catty in leagues. Even among fellow women.

http://www.tenniswithattitude.blogspot.com

Rules are rules - I understand that; but courtesy and common sense are more important to me. If someone needs to go to the bathroom, they need to go so I say let them, stretch and come back stronger after the break. If it is a timed event, be courteous but ask them to be quick about it. There are some people who will take advantage of the rules and then the rules even become a problem. I know one such person that has read the rules and if that person can do something, they do it, over and over. This is not the intent. There will always be people who do this; however, a person who is normally courteous should not be held accountable for those people who try to take advantage. We all know who those people are by their actions so act accordingly.

I would like to ask Naffi not to lump women in a group just because there are a few who like to take advantage. There are men who do the same thing. So why not back off of the women bashing - it is unproductive and rude.

spoke

 

[Cindysphinx]

And what happens then? Let's just say you think they're not tending to matters expeditiously enough. Now that's five more minutes of two opponents squawking at each other -- at least. Then you have to file a grievance on a suspicion. Then a grown-up in the USTA has to come out and separate you two. That's far more time devoted to a (timed!) tennis match than necessary. I get it -- it's the rule and you're obviously prepared to defend it to the end, but this is why women have a reputation for being too catty in leagues. Even among fellow women.

http://www.tenniswithattitude.blogspot.com

Defend it? No, you asked some direct questions, Naffi, and I gave you my understanding of the purpose and operation of the rule. If you think it is a dumb rule, it is fine for you to think that and say that.

You want my opinion?

I think MCTA (my league) should adopt the rule in Topaz's league.

And if you review the thread, you will see that I said that early on. Remember when I said our rule has no teeth and isn't objective? Recall how I explained that MCTA adopted the NOVA rule for last season and then changed back to this current rule?

That's what I meant. The NOVA rule is better, and our MCTA rule is impractical and unenforceable.

 

[Cindysphinx]

So why not back off of the women bashing - it is unproductive and rude.

spoke

Ditto, spoke.

 

[naffi]

Thought I posted this last night ...
First, I'm a woman, so I think I have the right to make observations about my sisters-in-arms. Second, I've had women tell me the reason they don't join leagues is that they have way too much drama, so that's not woman bashing. Bashing, in my opinion, involves making untrue and crude comments, and I certainly haven't done that here. Now that's all straightened out, let's get back on topic, although I've pretty much said more than I ever intended on it.


http://www.tenniswithattitude.blogspot.com

Ditto, spoke.

 

[Cindysphinx]

Fair enough, Naffi. Although I was responding to Spokewrench . . .

But I do think it is silly to make gender stereotypes when it comes to behavior. Some men are hot-heads, some are not. Some women are rules-bound, some are not.

I play on a mixed team, and we have little e-mail exchanges where players share experiences from the last match. Our captain (a man) has pointed out when opponents stall. He also filed a grievance last season over a time issue. Me, I'm a chick and I have never filed a grievance.

Gender stereotypes don't advance the discussion much, IMHO.

 

[Raiden.Kaminari]

But Id rather lose every single time so I can figure that out then get some cheap victory because time ran out.

The way I've read the thread, the rules were put in place because there were a few individuals who gamed the system to actually get the cheap win.

In many sections, there are LLAR (local league area rules) to deal with these types of player who do things that are unsportsmanlike "just because there isn't a rule" (mostly lawyers, I'm afraid). How many times do you encounter a player unfamiliar with "The Code?" In fact, most LLARs are filled because these few players constantly push the limit of fair play.

At some post season local events, I've witnessed known "dishonorable" players to be followed to the restroom by their opposing teammates to ensure that they do not receive illegal coaching (when they are supposed to be on restroom break). So I don't see a reason why some guys in this thread or offended that an opponent would follow them to the restroom. The more educated and civilized person would actually understand why the rule was in place.

 

[Cindysphinx]

So I don't see a reason why some guys in this thread or offended that an opponent would follow them to the restroom. The more educated and civilized person would actually understand why the rule was in place.

Well, uh . . .

:stops to wonder whether she should throw gasoline on this particular fire:

I think the knee-jerk reactions on this thread to the very idea that an opponent might follow someone into the bathroom stem from either or both of two issues:

1. The clear implication that your opponent does not trust you, which is insulting. RaidenK touched on this.

2. Vague, latent homophobia, in that paying a bit too much attention to the latrine activities of other dudes is frowned upon.

 

[Serpententacle]

Perhaps to solve this problem, a port-a-potty can be installed near (not too near :wink the court. Therefore the player using the bathroom has privacy, and the opponents would make sure no cell-phone was taken with the player. Not to mention no one wants to occupy a port-a-potty for very long.

 

[Topaz]

The way I've read the thread, the rules were put in place because there were a few individuals who gamed the system to actually get the cheap win.

In many sections, there are LLAR (local league area rules) to deal with these types of player who do things that are unsportsmanlike "just because there isn't a rule" (mostly lawyers, I'm afraid). How many times do you encounter a player unfamiliar with "The Code?" In fact, most LLARs are filled because these few players constantly push the limit of fair play.

At some post season local events, I've witnessed known "dishonorable" players to be followed to the restroom by their opposing teammates to ensure that they do not receive illegal coaching (when they are supposed to be on restroom break). So I don't see a reason why some guys in this thread or offended that an opponent would follow them to the restroom. The more educated and civilized person would actually understand why the rule was in place.

Lol! Maybe Cindy and I should have mentioned that we are in a particular area that is *flush* with lawyers!!!

 

[raiden031]

Well, uh . . .

:stops to wonder whether she should throw gasoline on this particular fire:

I think the knee-jerk reactions on this thread to the very idea that an opponent might follow someone into the bathroom stem from either or both of two issues:

1. The clear implication that your opponent does not trust you, which is insulting. RaidenK touched on this.

2. Vague, latent homophobia, in that paying a bit too much attention to the latrine activities of other dudes is frowned upon.

I don't think either reasons are common. I would say that it is an invasion of privacy to follow someone in the bathroom to find out what they are doing. I think its sad that someone would take a league tennis match so seriously that they would resort to this behavior. I would say the most an opponent should do is enforce the time limit for a bathroom break. If bathroom breaks are not allowed in the last 15 minutes, then its up to the opponent on whether they will allow it. But if they allow it, then they shouldn't follow them, because that is really rediculous.

 

[Topaz]

I don't think either reasons are common. I would say that it is an invasion of privacy to follow someone in the bathroom to find out what they are doing. I think its sad that someone would take a league tennis match so seriously that they would resort to this behavior. I would say the most an opponent should do is enforce the time limit for a bathroom break. If bathroom breaks are not allowed in the last 15 minutes, then its up to the opponent on whether they will allow it. But if they allow it, then they shouldn't follow them, because that is really rediculous.

Which is more sad, though? The person who would stall by using a bathroom break to 'win' a match, or the person who attempts to stop that person from taking away their chance to win a match?

Everyone keeps losing sight of how this came about...it FIRST started with people leaving a timed match, saying they had to go to the bathroom when THEY DIDN'T HAVE TO GO...instead they were stalling out a timed match so that they could win.

Why no posts talking about that disgusting behavior? I find that pretty rIdiculous myself.

 

[raiden031]

Which is more sad, though? The person who would stall by using a bathroom break to 'win' a match, or the person who attempts to stop that person from taking away their chance to win a match?

Everyone keeps losing sight of how this came about...it FIRST started with people leaving a timed match, saying they had to go to the bathroom when THEY DIDN'T HAVE TO GO...instead they were stalling out a timed match so that they could win.

Why no posts talking about that disgusting behavior? I find that pretty rIdiculous myself.

Since bathroom breaks are not allowed in the last 15 mins, it is up to the opponent whether they trust the person really needs to use the bathroom. If you don't believe them, then say no. I guess you don't value bathroom privacy but I know I do and wouldn't want anyone spying on me for any reason. Especially if it is for a league tennis match.

Also I will add that I can usually make good character judgements on my opponents and an opponent that is likely to stall with a bathroom break is probably going to stall by slowing down the flow of the game in between points and games. If an opponent is being sportsman-like throughout the match and has what appears to be an urgent need to use the bathroom in the last 15 mins, I might grant it, but otherwise I won't. So with that said there is no need to follow someone to the bathroom.

 

[Cindysphinx]

Raiden, if you feel uncomfortable following someone into the bathroom, there is no reason you should do it. It is not mandatory.

But you and I play in the same league sometimes. If someone followed *you* into the bathroom in the last 15 minutes of a timed match, you'd have to understand that not only is this authorized, it is *recommended.*

The people who suggested they would resort to physical violence if someone did exactly what the rules recommend (not you, Raiden) are way out of line, IMHO.

 

[raiden031]

Raiden, if you feel uncomfortable following someone into the bathroom, there is no reason you should do it. It is not mandatory.

But you and I play in the same league sometimes. If someone followed *you* into the bathroom in the last 15 minutes of a timed match, you'd have to understand that not only is this authorized, it is *recommended.*

The people who suggested they would resort to physical violence if someone did exactly what the rules recommend (not you, Raiden) are way out of line, IMHO.

Regardless of whether its allowed by the rules, I don't think its right to follow someone in.

Doesn't the rule state that bathroom breaks in the last 15 are not allowed? So if you don't trust them why don't you just deny their request? Saying that you will allow it as long as you are allowed to invade their privacy isn't the right answer in my opinion.

 

[Topaz]

Regardless of whether its allowed by the rules, I don't think its right to follow someone in.

Doesn't the rule state that bathroom breaks in the last 15 are not allowed? So if you don't trust them why don't you just deny their request? Saying that you will allow it as long as you are allowed to invade their privacy isn't the right answer in my opinion.

Raiden, please read the whole thread. You're confusing the NOVA and MOCO rules.

And nowhere in this thread have I said that I don't value bathroom privacy. I'd appreciate it if you stuck to the topic of the things I've actually written.

 

[Nellie]

The real problem is that stalling can and does occur, regardless of the rules. Things like people going to collect every ball after every point, even though they have only carried 2 throughout the match - people intentially missing first serves, people talking for 20 seconds between points.

Back to the orginal post. The rules appear to say the it is okay to go at a set change within the 2 minutes. So, it seems that you have give someone at least a short bathroom break. Per the stalling discussed above, would your player have been mad if the opponent took the full 2 minuted rest between the sets and/or took 90 seconds on every changeover at the odd games ?

 

[raiden031]

Raiden, please read the whole thread. You're confusing the NOVA and MOCO rules.

And nowhere in this thread have I said that I don't value bathroom privacy. I'd appreciate it if you stuck to the topic of the things I've actually written.

Ok so in MoCo they are currently allowed to use the bathroom. I would not follow their recommendation and instead would file a grievance if they took so much time that it amounted to stalling.

But really, can anyone expect to get a fair match within 90 minutes? I feel like you should expect to lose if you don't win the first set because I bet at least 80% of my doubles matches are + or - 90 minutes. Thank God I am not in Mont. Co. but instead play in Ho. Co. where we get 2 hours, and often even get an extra 30-45 mins before start time to warm up.

 

[JavierLW]

The real problem is that stalling can and does occur, regardless of the rules. Things like people going to collect every ball after every point, even though they have only carried 2 throughout the match - people intentially missing first serves, people talking for 20 seconds between points.

Back to the orginal post. The rules appear to say the it is okay to go at a set change within the 2 minutes. So, it seems that you have give someone at least a short bathroom break. Per the stalling discussed above, would your player have been mad if the opponent took the full 2 minuted rest between the sets and/or took 90 seconds on every changeover at the odd games ?

That's a good point that I dont think a lot of people that complain about slow play do not consider.

If you REALLY took as much time as was offered you, you would NEVER get a match done in 90 minutes.

I played a friend of mine once in a best of 5 set match, and I intended to purposely take every second that was allotted me. So I brought a kitchen timer with me and kept it in my pocket.

I challenge anyone to do that sometime.

Sitting there for 90 seconds during a changeover (from the very time the last point ends to the time the new game starts) is going to seem very strange, yet you're still following the rules.

(incidently it was also bad for my game, running around for 5 minutes and then standing around for 90 seconds cooling off makes it hard to get into the next game)

I agree that even when allowed, bathroom breaks can be a underhanded dirty way of getting a win. Even when it's not a timed match, a well timed stall can be used to change momentum to your favor.

But I still wouldnt follow anyone into the bathroom, or mention that I would do that. That's just "ewwwy".

 

[Serpententacle]

Hey, if someone's so desperate to take a bathroom break to win a match, then let the trial be held in their conscience.

 

[Cindysphinx]

Ok so in MoCo they are currently allowed to use the bathroom. I would not follow their recommendation and instead would file a grievance if they took so much time that it amounted to stalling.

Unless you could prove that the bathroom break wasn't truly necessary or that they had a pattern of doing this, you'd lose. The only way I can think of to prove that a bathroom break isn't "truly necessary" is to prove that they did not in fact use the bathroom. Hence the need to know what they're doing if you feel a grievance is in order.

I have a feeling that is how this silly rule came to be in the first place. The pooh-bahs in our league figured they needed to give the grieving player the right to monitor if they expected that player to prove the break wasn't truly necessary.

But really, can anyone expect to get a fair match within 90 minutes? I feel like you should expect to lose if you don't win the first set because I bet at least 80% of my doubles matches are + or - 90 minutes. Thank God I am not in Mont. Co. but instead play in Ho. Co. where we get 2 hours, and often even get an extra 30-45 mins before start time to warm up.

As I said, I have four timed matches and seventeen completed matches this season, so anytime I take the court the chances we'll finish are pretty good (much higher in mixed, much lower in singles).

And yes, if you lose the first set, you are well and truly in trouble. I have some comeback wins in 2-hour timed matches, but it is very difficult in 90 minutes. The exception is where you get killed very quickly in the first set and then somehow manage the second set and the tiebreak.

Someone said that if someone wants to stall, it is easy to do so throughout the match. That kind of misses the point. People stall once they are ahead and the stalling will deprive their opponent of the chance to compete. If you stall any earlier, you might be depriving yourself of a chance to win.

Take my player, for example. Neither player stalled in that massive pushfest of a first set. That is because neither knew who would win the first set. Once the other player had the first set in the bag, that is when she decided to use the facilities.

Regarding whether some players start taking the full 20 seconds between points and full time between changeovers in the second set when they hadn't before . . . a few do. I don't think much of that behavior, but it is within the rules. Most can be embarrassed and pressured if the trailing team stands in their positions, tapping their toes, waiting for the slow-pokes. I've done that before, and it does tend to speed people up.

 

[MTXR]

I don't know what type of people everyone here plays with, but in my area, if you need to take a bathroom break you take a bathroom break. I have never seen anyone stall using a bathroom break... If i suspect stalling, i call them out on it.