Rule of the day: In or Out?

 by Jenna Wright

“If you are 99% sure the ball was out, it was in.” 

          This quote should always be stored in the back of one’s mind when making close calls. A ball that catches any part of the line is considered “in” at all times, no matter what kind of shot was preformed. Most players will experience uncertainty when making a call at least once throughout a match. It is important to keep in mind the rules in the event of these occurrences.  

It is okay to call a shot “out” if… 

·       The player is 100% sure the ball landed out of bounds and outside of the lines.

·       They player requests help to make the call from their opponent and the opponent informs the player that the ball landed out.

·       After the player has hit the ball, as long as their shot has not yet gone out of play or their opponent has not attempted to return the shot.

·       The shot hits a permanent standing (net post, bench, scoreboard, etc.), and then lands in play. 

It is NOT okay to call a shot “out” if… 

·       The player is unsure or did not actually see the ball land.

·       The ball touches any part of their body or racquet, even if they are standing completely out of bounds.

·       The player hits the ball with racquet’s edge and then the ball lands out. This is also referred to as “tipping” the ball.

·       A team disagrees on weather a ball was in or out (doubles).

·       Spectators tell their teammates the ball was out.