What should be the rule on racquet smashing?

[vbranis]

Simple question: How do you feel about the current rules on racquet smashing? I'm having a heated debate with a friend on what the majority of tennis fans think.

 

[Rattler]

Are you playing under ITF rules or USTA rules?

 

[vbranis]

ATP

 

[Rattler]

Under the ITF, if it’s the first Code of Conduct offense...then it’s a warning...USTA & ITA (College) then it’s a point, if the first offense.

 

[NEW_BORN]

Sometimes you just have to let out your emotions. I think it's your prerogative what you do with your property. So, no penalty as long as you don't damage the court surface or surrounding equipment.

 

[SuperSpinner]

Penalty should depend on if you have a daughter. (Note: sons do not count).

 

[OhYes]

Djokovic bounces too much - shot clock, Djokovic wins everything - speed up the courts, Djokovic brakes racket - immediate default.

 

[MLM]

The rule as it is is perfectly fine. I’ve always been one to wear my heart on my sleeve so I can’t say I blame anyone for the practice.

 

[duaneeo]

The penalty should be decided by the dead racquet's family.

 

[Deleted member 733170]

Not a fan of it myself, but the current rule seems about right all things considered.

 

[Red Rick]

As long as it happens on the guy who decided to speed up Paris at Fed's request I'm all for it.

 

[Four-ever]

Warning once. After that, the racquet's family get to smash the player.

 

[Ann]

Automatic fine that gets bigger with every smash. I hate the point/game etc. penalty. And because this would take money out of pockets the youngin's (who have the least cash) would get out of the habit of doing this, quickly.

 

[bigserving]

Make it a mandatory post match ritual. After match point, the players shake hands at net, exchange racquets, then smash their opponents racquet.

 

[TagUrIt]

I find racquet smashing appalling and a complete lack of self control or discipline. It’s like a child throwing temper tantrum. I personally think whoever smashes a racquet (male or female) should be immediately disqualified. That’s probably too harsh for most, so I’ll say it should be loss of a game.

 

[oldmanfan]

Automatic fine that gets bigger with every smash. I hate the point/game etc. penalty. And because this would take money out of pockets the youngin's (who have the least cash) would get out of the habit of doing this, quickly.

I don't mind that, but that will not impact much on the top20 players unless the fine stacks up to monstrous amounts. Maybe both an increase in fines (with a cap, and resets every year) AND point/game penalty, no warnings. First smash, lose a point, then lose a game for each subsequent racquet smashes. I'm harsh on this bc tennis is supposed to be a classy sport, and racquet smashes kill tennis' image.

 

[GabeT]

Death penalty. Public square. On national tv. Free popcorn

 

[Federev]

You should be allowed to smash if you have a daughter.

 

[axlrose]

Safin and Fedr: manly, keep doing it!

Djokovic : Gulag or Dachau.

 

[Deleted member 3771]

Penalty: Bunking with Pepe Imaz for a week while on his Anger Management reality Tv show.

 

[Zoolander]

The penalty should be decided by the dead racquet's family.

What if Baghdatis kills the whole family? Who then seeks revenge?

 

[Pistol10]

 

[Tennis_Hands]

Immediate point penalty plus a $5000 fine a pop.

Oh, and, BaggyGOAT.

 

[vive le beau jeu !]

there should be a panel of selected judges (preferentialy some former players who used to excel in that discipline) giving grades on the smashing, assessing style, efficiency, etc.

ivanisevic 5-5-5-5-5
gulbis 5-5-5-5-5
safin 5-5-5-5-5
gonzalez 5-5-5-5-5
zverev 0-0-0-0-0 (maybe a stricly positive number if frequency is taken into account)

 

[Tennis_Hands]

there should be a panel of selected judges (preferentialy some former players who used to excel in that discipline) giving grades on the smashing, assessing style, efficiency, etc.

ivanisevic 5-5-5-5-5
gulbis 5-5-5-5-5
safin 5-5-5-5-5
gonzalez 5-5-5-5-5
zverev 0-0-0-0-0 (maybe a stricly positive number if frequency is taken into account)

Haha.

I can see it: Goran and Safin having a chat on the execution of the effortlessness of the smash (and giving additional points for pretending to be surprised at the result), and Gonzo giving scores for body language, with Gulbis accessing overall nonchalance.

Absolutely beautiful!

 

[duaneeo]

What if Baghdatis kills the whole family? Who then seeks revenge?

All racquet killers now know what to do to avoid punishment! Bad post, bad post.

 

[MLRoy]

It should be treated the same way shaking your fist, and yelling "'YAS', BEECH!" at your opponent, who's smaller yet kicking your fat asss is treated: no warning or penalty. It should be encouraged & applauded, beech. YO' WELCOME!