PLATFORM TENNIS ETIQUETTE
Every player – especially new ones – should familiarize themselves with the rules of the NJWPTL and the APTA.
Because our players also compete in other paddle (and tennis) leagues, they need to be aware that rules may differ
from league to league. Since the rules can’t cover ever situation that arises in platform tennis, good sportsmanship and
honesty are essential components of enjoyable league play. These etiquette guidelines are offered in that spirit!
Before the match begins
The home captain should:
 Call the visiting team captain by Friday of the prior week to confirm the match and the start times.
 Inform the visiting team of any special circumstances about your courts (availability of bathrooms, water,
unusual parking situations).
 Promptly communicate any need to default to the series leader and the other team.
The visiting team should:
 Call if they encounter traffic delays en route. Failure to do so may result in default depending on the
lateness of arrival.
 Promptly communicate any need to default to the series leader and the other team.
When the visiting team arrives:
 The home team should greet them in the paddle hut.
 If the home team has been playing among themselves prior to the visitors’ arrival, all home players must
exit the courts immediately.
Courtesies
When entering and leaving courts before and after the match:
 As a courtesy to all teams, be aware of other matches being played and do not distract those players while
you are entering or leaving the court and surrounding area.
Cell phones:
 Should be turned off as a general rule.
 If a player must leave her phone on, it should be turned down, preferably silenced, so as not to distract
surrounding courts.
 Other players on the court should be notified before the match begins of the need to leave the cell phone on.
Clothing:
 Should not interfere with ball visibility.
 While this was originally intended for yellow clothing, some shades of green have the same camouflage
effect.
During the match
Warm-up:
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Maximum of 15 minutes should be allotted for warm-up.
Late arrivals should be granted a 5 minute warm-up.
Provide an adequate warm-up for your opponents; do not try to “win the warm-up.”
During serve warm-up, players should catch the ball and serve back.
During play:
 A player should not serve until the receivers are ready.
 A maximum of 20 seconds can be taken between points.
 60 seconds are allowed when teams are switching sides.
 In case of an emergency, such as injury or equipment failure, a 10-minute break is allowed.
 While there are no timeouts between sets, a short bathroom break can be taken if a player requests.
Scoring:
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To avoid confusion, the score should be announced before every serve.
If there is disagreement about the score, players should reconstruct the game and revert to the last agreedupon score.
Distractions:
 Neither during play nor during service, should any player attempt to distract the opposing player with
sudden movements or talking.
 Partners are allowed to give each other quick direction but loud or continuous talking as their opponents are
preparing to strike the ball may result in a let.
 When the point is over, the ball should be tossed or bounced back to the server. It is dangerous to hit the
ball toward your opponent once play has stopped.
Calls:
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Calls should be made promptly to avoid confusion and possible confrontation.
Players should not call the ball out unless they see it out.
If partners disagree about a call on a serve, a let is played.
If partners disagree about a call during play and the ball is “gettable,” a let is played.
If the receiving team asks for the opposing team’s help in making a call, honest help should be given.
Players should exercise care in making calls. Sight lines influence a player’s perception of where the ball
lands but players can call the ball only when it is on their side of the net. All calls should be respected.
Out-of-play balls:
 If a player hits the ball out of the court, she should offer to get it immediately.
 The score should be announced before the player leaves.
 The server should not leave the court unless it is the game ending point.
Comportment on the court:
 Players should comport themselves appropriately at all times.
 Foul language, banging of the paddle on the court or screen, stamping of the feet or any other displays of
anger or frustration have no place on the paddle court.
After the match
 A player from each team should check the score report to make sure it is correct.
 All balls should be returned to the home team.