TENNIS AUSTRALIA CODE OF CONDUCT
Incorporating the Tennis Australia Junior Disciplinary System (section 1.1) –
The Purpose of the Code
To preserve the image and integrity of tennis in Australia.
Objectives
To maintain the good name of tennis, to promote sportsmanlike conduct and to provide a framework
within which the purpose and objectives are achieved
The Scope of the Code
It shall apply in all sanctioned Championships, Tournaments and Competitions conducted in
Australia, which are not specifically covered by the code of International, National and other
recognised organisations or competitions such as the ITF, ATP, WTA, Davis and Federation Cups.
The Interpretation of the Code
Unless otherwise indicated, the Referee is the ultimate authority, in interpreting the Code of Conduct.
Multiple Referees
Events may appoint one or more Deputy Referees and, particularly in the case of junior tournaments,
are required to use Court Supervisors, and where possible Chair Umpires.
Notification of Code Violations
Any official Warning, Final Warning or Default shall be given immediately the offence occurs. In the
case of a non-umpired match, this should occur as quickly as possible eg. within a few minutes.
Written advice to the player would be provided via the relevant sanctioning body, or during the event
if possible.
Definitive Referees
In the Code, unless inconsistent with the context or subject matter, the singular shall include the
plural.
In the Code, reference to ‘during any tournament or match’, shall be interpreted to include any other
time within the precinct of the site of the sanctioned event. In addition, within the code a ‘suspension’
can be applied after a player’s last match of the tournament or competition.
Doubles Events
Action taken by an official during a doubles match pursuant to a violation of this Code shall be against
the team. Following the match a Code Violation report shall be against the individual player as
appropriate.
Code Violation – Short Titles
1. Withdrawal from Tournament
2. Commencement of Play
3. Dress and Equipment
4. Physical Abuse
5. Verbal Abuse
6. Unsportsmanlike conduct
7. Unreasonable delays
8. Audible Obscenity
9. Visible Obscenity
10. Abuse of Racquets or Equipment
11. Abuse of Balls
12. Leaving the Court
13. Rest Period
14. Best Efforts
15. Coaching
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16. Spectator Interference
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Code Violation Penalties
Where, in the opinion of the Referee, Deputy Referee, Court Supervisor or Umpire, a Code Violation
has occurred, the relevant official shall:
a) For the first Code violation issue a Warning
b) For the second Code Violation issue a Final Warning.
c) For the third Code Violation, in any one match, Default the player.
Notwithstanding paragraphs a, b and c above, where a Referee, Deputy Referee, Court Supervisor or
Umpire is of the opinion that the Code Violation is of a particularly serious nature, he/she may for any
single Code Violation seek the Referees advice on defaulting the player from the match, and the
Referee may also suspend the player from the tournament or competition. Prior to any Default, the
Referee must be consulted. Suspension from the tournament or competition may be necessary,
subject to the right of appeal by the player to the tournament or competition committee.
Code Violations – Specific
1. Withdrawal from Tournament
A Code Violation report to the respective sanctioning authority will be issued if a player withdraws
from an event in a tournament after the advertised date upon which the draw is made, or who
withdraws from an event during a tournament entered by him/her, except in those cases where a
medical certificate or other reasonable cause is provided for non-participation. A report will also be
provided where a player enters 2 tournaments and is a late withdrawal from one of those events. In
the case of medical withdrawals a one-time medical withdrawal without a certificate is permitted once
every 12 months provided notification is given prior to the players match, and confirmed in writing.
2. Commencement of Play
A player is not ready to commence play within fifteen (15) minutes of his/her match being called. The
Referee shall designate the official timepiece.
3. Dress and Equipment
A player does not dress and present himself/herself for play in approved tennis attire (see Tennis
Australia Dress Regulations). Clean and customarily acceptable attire shall be worn at all time during
match play. A player must be given the opportunity to change his/her clothing or order to comply with
the Dress Regulations particularly before a match starts. At the discretion of the Referee/Chair
Umpire a maximum period of 10 minutes may be allowed in order for a player to change attire.
Should this not occur the Code will be applied. The Referee may require a player to change attire
during a match, in particular where there is no Chair Umpire.
4. Physical Abuse
A player physically abuses any official, opponent, spectator or other person within the precincts of the
tournament or competition venue. For the purposes of this rule, physical abuse is the unauthorised
touching of an official, opponent, spectator or other person.
In addition, the Referee may consider suspension from the tournament or competition in which the
player is competing for any period considered appropriate, subject to the right of appeal to the
tournament or competition committee.
At the discretion of the Referee or Tournament Director, this type of conduct may be dealt with
under the authority of the Tennis Australia Member Protection By-law.
5. Verbal Abuse
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A player, during any tournament or competition, verbally abuses any official, opponent, spectator or
other person. For the purposes of this rule, verbal abuse is defined as a statement directed at an
official, opponent, spectator other person that implies dishonesty or is derogatory, insulting, racially or
otherwise abusive.
6. Unsportsmanlike Conduct
A player shall not, during any match or at any other time within the precincts of the site of a
sanctioned event, engage in conduct that damages the image and integrity of tennis. Players shall at
all times conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner and give due regard to the authority of
officials and the rights of opponents, spectators and others.
For the purposes of the Rule, unsportsmanlike conduct is defined as any misconduct by a player that
is clearly abusive or detrimental to the sport, but does not fall within the prohibition of any specific onsite offence contained herein. In addition, unsportsmanlike conduct shall include, but not be limited
to, the giving, making, issuing, authorising or endorsing any public statement having, or designed to
have, an effect prejudicial or detrimental to the best interests of the tournament and/or the officiating
thereof.
7. Unreasonable Delays
A player unreasonably delays a match. A player shall commence the match after the expiration of the
established warm-up period. Thereafter, play shall be continuous as provided in the Rules of Tennis,
and a player shall not unreasonably delay a match for any cause. Delay on account of the natural
loss of physical condition, injury or refusal to play shall constitute a violation of this section.
NB. Other delays eg. between points and changing ends shall be dealt with as time violations.
8. Audible Obscenity
A player uses offensive or obscene language during any match, or within the precincts of the
tournament site. For the purposes of this Rule, audible obscenity is defined as the use of words
commonly known and understood to be profane and uttered clearly and loudly enough to be heard by
the Chair Umpire, Referee, Court Supervisors, spectators, line umpires or ballpersons.
9.
Visible Obscenity
A player makes offensive or obscene gestures during any match, or within the precincts of the
tournament site. For the purposes of this Rule, visible obscenity is defined as the making of signs by
a player with his hands and/or racquet or balls that commonly have an obscene meaning or import to
reasonable people.
10. Abuse of Racquets or Equipment
A player violently or with anger hits, kicks or throws a racquet or other equipment, or in any way
unreasonably interferes with any Court fixtures and equipment within the precinct of the tournament
site. For the purposes of this Rule abuse of rackets or equipment is defined as intentionally and
violently destroying or damaging racquets or equipment or intentionally and violently hitting the net,
Court, Umpire’s chair or other fixture during a match out of anger or frustration.
11. Abuse of Balls
Players shall not violently, dangerously or with anger hit, kick or throw a tennis ball within the
precincts of the tournament site except in the reasonable pursuit of a point during a match (including
warm up). For the purposes of this Rule, abuse of balls is defined as intentionally hitting a ball out of
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the enclosure of the court, hitting a ball dangerously or recklessly within the court or hitting a ball with
negligent disregard of the consequences.
12. Leaving the Court
A player leaves the Court area during a match (including the warm up) without the permission of the
Court Supervisor, Umpire or Referee.
13. Rest Period
Where the ten (10) minute rest period applies and a player is not ready to resume at the expiration of
such period.
14. Best Efforts
A player does not use his/her best efforts to complete and win a match.
15. Coaching
A player receives any type of coaching from any person while a match is in progress, except where
special provision is made for an event. Communications of any kind audible or visible, between a
player and a coach may be constructed as coaching.
Coaching shall be permitted where there is a ten (10) minute break between sets or during
interruptions to play caused by bad weather or light, where players leave the Court. Coaching is not
permitted whilst a Court is being serviced at the end of or during a set and players are still on Court.
16. Spectator Interference
Where a match is disrupted or interfered with by the action of spectators known to one of the players,
eg. Coach, parents, family or friends, the Referee or Chair Umpire may only utilise the first step of the
Code of Conduct (warning) against the player to ensure that any disruption is controlled. Should
disruption continue to occur the referee may elect to suspend the match until the situation is
controlled. This clause also applies to any on-site disruption. Any further action, either during or after
the match, would be determined by the Tournament Committee or the State/Territory of the player
concerned. Further action would be related to the spectator and not the individual player.
Code General
Time Violations
Where a player takes longer than the prescribed time between points or at the change of ends, a time
violation may be assessed. The first violation shall be penalised by a warning and each subsequent
violation by a point penalty.
When a violation is a result of natural loss of physical condition, injury or refusal to play after being
ordered to play by the Chair Umpire, Court Supervisor, Referee or Assistant Referee, a penalty shall
be assessed in accordance with the Code of Conduct.
Injury Time
In the case of medical condition (including cramps), the Referee, Assistant Referee, Court Supervisor
or Umpire may allow a one-time three minute suspension for that condition with the option of
extending this to not more than ten minutes at the discretion of the Referee.
REPORTS
(a)
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The Referee shall complete a Report Form in respect of every offence resulting in a Warning,
Final Warning, Default or Suspension. A copy shall be forwarded to the sanctioning authority
of the event, the player’s Member Association and to the offending player, within 14 days of
the end of the event. This will also apply where offences occur after a player has been
eliminated from all tournament events. The result of the Member Association disciplinary
procedure will be communicated to Tennis Australia, the player and the players Member
Association.
(b)
Junior Tournament/Events
(i) Australian Junior Ranking Tournaments
A full explanation of this is provided in Section 1.1 - Tennis Australia Junior
Disciplinary System, which follows. In brief In the case of a Warning, Final Warning, Default or Suspension, the Referee shall submit
a Code of Conduct Report Form within 14 days of the end of the event to:
(ii)
•
the Tennis Australia Junior Disciplinary Committee, c/o its Convenor, the Chief of
Officials
•
The Host Member Association
•
the Player Development Board/State Association from whence the player comes (if not
the sanctioning State/Territory);
•
the offending player – either at the event or via the host Member Association
•
The result of the Tennis Australia disciplinary procedure will be communicated to the
player, host Member Association and the players Member Association
Other Junior Tournaments
Code Violation report forms for Member Associations sanctioned Junior events must be
forwarded within 14 days to
•
•
•
Member Association
Player involved
Players Member Association
The result of the Member Association disciplinary procedure must be forwarded to Tennis
Australia, player and players Member Association.
(c)
Member Association Competitions
For local Member Associations weekly competitions reports should be sent to the relevant player and
Member Association as soon as possible in accordance with local procedures.
The results of the Member Association disciplinary procedure will be communicated to Tennis
Australia, the players, and other Member Associations.
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TENNIS AUSTRALIA
CODE OF CONDUCT REPORT FORM
1.
Player Details
Name (in full):
Home Address
Player Reg. No. (if applicable):
Home Phone No:
Club:
2.
State:
Offence Details
Offence
Comments
Tournament/Competition Name and Date(s)
Event, Date and Round in which offence occurred
Players involved in Match in which offence occurred
3.
Penalty Details
Action taken by Referee:
Referee’s Name:
Umpire’s Name (if applicable):
Has a copy of this Report been handed or sent to the offending player?
Has a copy of this Report been forwarded to:
• the Association of the sanctioning State/Territory?
• the Player Development Board/State Association from whence
the player comes?
• the Tennis Australia Junior Disciplinary Committee?
Referee’s Signature
Yes/No
Yes/No
Yes/No
Yes/No
Date
Note – There is no Right of Appeal against any penalty awarded under this Code of Conduct.
Should the sanctioning State/Territory impose further penalty following its consideration of this
Report, the player may appeal to that body in accordance with its Regulations against that
further penalty.
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Section 1.1
Tennis Australia Junior Disciplinary System –
Relevant to Tennis Australia sanctioned junior events
PLEASE NOTE: August 2003 – This system is to be revamped to incorporate any new National
Disciplinary System
Tennis Australia Junior Disciplinary Committee and Appeals Committee
The TAJDC Comprises four members (including the convenor) with at least one person having some
legal training. The Convenor of the TAJDC is the Tennis Australia Chief of Officials. The Appeals
Committee comprises three members, which will be drawn from the individual nominations from each
Member Association, and would be convened by the Tennis Australia Juniors Manager. The Player
Development Board would appoint both the TAJDC and Appeals Committee on a 12 monthly basis.
The TAJDC, and when required the Appeals Committee, will deal with all Tennis Australia Code of
Conduct related disciplinary matters involving Australian players within any Tennis Australia
sanctioned junior events, tournaments and activities.
State Member Associations
Each Member Association should have its own mechanism to deal with events other than those
outlined above.
The TAJDC and all Member Associations will automatically support and apply within their
State/Territory the decisions of other recognised tribunals. Therefore a suspension at Member
Association/National level must immediately be notified to all other Member Associations and Tennis
Australia by the body imposing the suspension.
Offences
(a)
Code of Conduct reports relating to warnings, final warnings and defaults must be submitted
to the convenor of the TAJDC within seven days of the end of the event.
(b)
On receipt of the Code of Conduct Violation report the TAJDC convenor will automatically
impose suspension points, as detailed in the attached penalty schedule and advise the player
and the player’s Member Association via a standard letter and copy of the Code of Conduct
Violation Suspension Points Policy.
In the event of a severe on-court offence the matter will be referred to the TAJDC for
determination.
Severe Offences
Severe offences are those which result in immediate suspension from a tournament or team. Code of
Conduct reports relating to tournament suspensions must be submitted immediately to the TAJDC
convenor. The Referee Code of Conduct report must be submitted immediately or within 7 days of
the offence.
A minimum of three TAJDC members nominated by the Convenor will consider the allegations and
where necessary decide any additional penalty.
Suspension & Appeals Procedure
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(a)
If six suspension points are accumulated in any continuous period of 12 months an automatic
suspension shall apply. The suspension shall be an Australia wide suspension and shall,
unless an appeal is lodged, apply to the next National Junior Points Tournament in the players
home State, or may be a National Event or Team Event (at the discretion of the TAJDC). This
will apply after the Code of Conduct Violation report, which triggers the automatic suspension,
is received by the Tennis Australia office.
(b)
For suspensions to be enforced following fourth term (or third term in State/Territories with a
three term year) the suspension week would be at the discretion of the Chairperson of the
TAJDC. As a guide, the Masters week or the first week of January should be considered.
(c)
If an appeal is lodged the automatic suspension shall be stayed pending determination of the
appeal. If the suspension is upheld by the Appeals Committee the suspension shall apply for
the first week of the next relevant Junior Tour Event after the Appeals Committee
determination.
(d)
Any three members of the TAJDC may determine a period of suspension other than the
automatic one week suspension should the seriousness of the breach of the Code of
Conduct warrant such action.
(e)
The player has the right to appeal against a decision made by the TAJDC. This appeal must
be submitted to the Tennis Australia Junior Appeals Committee in writing within seven days of
receipt of the notice of suspension, and be heard within 21 days. The appeal will be
accompanied by a deposit of $100, which will be refunded, only if the appeal is upheld. The
appellant will not appear in person before the Appeals Committee. The committee of three
may conduct their hearing by telephone or other electronic means as agreed to.
(g)
Appellants are encouraged to provide independent and unbiased evidence to support an
appeal that is lodged, along with the $100 deposit.
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SUSPENSION POINT PENALTY SCHEDULE
OFFENCE
ACTION TAKEN
Leaving the court
Unsportsmanlike conduct
Best Efforts
Dress & Equipment
Abuse of Equipment (Racquet)
Abuse of Balls
Audible Obscenity
Visible Obscenity
Unreasonable delays
Coaching
Verbal Abuse
Warning
Final Warning
Default (following warnings)
Default without any warning
Suspension (following warnings)
Suspension without warning
SUSPENSION
POINTS
1
2
3
6
4
7
Warning
Final Warning
Default (following warning)
Default without warning
Suspension (following warnings)
Suspension without warning
Warning
Final Warning
Default (following warnings)
Default without warning
Suspension (following warnings)
Suspension without warning
Report
1
3
4
8
5
9
2
3
4
9
6
10
1
Default
Report
3
3
Physical Abuse
Withdrawal from tournament
After Draw Deadline
Commencement of play (no show)
Late withdrawal (to play another event)
Note: Whilst suspension points are applied for serious breaches of the code eg. Physical Abuse etc, it
is likely that these matters may be referred to a Disciplinary Tribunal in order to determine any
possible penalty.
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