The History and Rules of Tennis

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The History and Rules of Tennis

March, 1913

An international conference is held between 12 nations in Paris, and, from this, the

International Lawn Tennis Federation (as it is first known) evolves.

March, 1923

The Annual General Meeting in Paris draws up the official ILTF Rules of Tennis which

are implemented from 1 January, 1924. The United States joins the ILTF, making the

organisation truly international.

March, 1923

The Annual General Meeting in Paris draws up the official ILTF Rules of Tennis which

are implemented from 1 January, 1924. The United States joins the ILTF, making the

organisation truly international.

1977

The ILTF drops the word 'lawn' to take on its present name, the International Tennis

Federation.

1988

After diligent work by ITF President, Philippe Chatrier, and General Secretary, David

Gray, tennis becomes a full medal sport at the Olympic Games in Seoul.

1996

The ITF grows to incorporate 196 National Tennis Association Members including 126

Full Members and 70 Associate Members - a far cry from the original number of 12

founding nations.

The Rules of Tennis

[These rules to conform to the USTA's 1995 Rules of Tennis.]

Index

Explanatory Note

The Singles Game

Rule 1 - The Court

Rule 2 - Permanent Fixtures

Rule 3 - The Ball

Rule 4 - The Racket

Rule 5 - Server and Receiver

Rule 6 - Choice of Ends and Service

Rule 7 - The Service

Rule 8 - Foot Fault

Rule 9 - Delivery of Service

Rule 10 - Service Fault

Rule 11 - Second Service

Rule 12 - When to Serve

Rule 13 - The Let

Rule 14 - The "Let" in Service

Rule 15 - Order of Service

Rule 16 - When Players Change Ends

Rule 17 - The Ball in Play

Rule 18 - Server Wins Point

Rule 19 - Receiver Wins Point

Rule 20 - Player Loses Point

Rule 21 - Player Hinders Opponent

Rule 22 - Ball Falls on Line

Rule 23 - Ball Touches Permanent Fixtures

Rule 24 - A Good Return

Rule 25 - Hindrance of a Player

Rule 26 - Score in a Game

Rule 27 - Score in a Set

Rule 28 - Maximum Number of Sets

Rule 29 - Role of Court Officials

Rule 30 - Continuous Play and Rest Periods

Rule 31 - Coaching

Rule 32 - Changing Balls

The Doubles Game

Rule 33

Rule 34 - The Doubles Court

Rule 35 - Order of Service in Doubles

Rule 36 - Order of Receiving in Doubles

Rule 37 - Service Out of Turn in Doubles

Rule 38 - Error in Order of Receiving in Doubles

Rule 39 - Service Fault in Doubles

Rule 40 - Playing the Ball in Doubles

Appendix I - Regulations for Making Tests Specified in Rule 3

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