IRTPA Real Tennis Markers & Players Match-Marking Protocol for Rankings Points Tournaments / Matches & World Championships [Markers Protocol]

Transcription

1 IRTPA Real Tennis Markers & Players Match-Marking Protocol for Rankings Points Tournaments / Matches & World Championships [Markers Protocol] It is a Marker s and Player s responsibility to know and understand the contents of this Protocol. This Protocol is to be used in conjunction with the Laws of Tennis and Tournament Rules & Procedures. Index Marker s Pre-Match Duties (pg. 2) Marker s Duties at the Commencement of a Match (pg. 2-3) Players and Coaches Conduct on Court (pg. 3-4) Managing a Match Marker (pg. 4) Match-Calling, Timing & Terminology (pg. 5-6) Assistant Marker & Referee, Assistance from Players (pg. 7) Managing On-court Injuries, Injury Breaks, Cramp (pg. 7-8) Disciplinary Procedures on Court, Recommended Actions (pg. 8-9) Appendix A Markers Resource (pg ) Appendix B Continuous Play (pg. 12) Authors: Nick Wood on behalf of RTPA UK (2015) & IRTPA Adopted by ARTA, Comité Français de Courte-Paume, and T&RA 1

2 Where practicable Markers should be First Aid trained and know the location of the First Aid equipment. Basic medical knowledge is essential, so much as is it required to discern an injury from muscle cramp, and be useful in advice. For marking of matches involving children, Markers should possess National Child Protection check certification, i.e. DBS in UK. Marker s Pre-Match Duties Arrive prepared and in good time Have a complete understanding of prevailing Laws of Tennis, Tournament Rules & Procedures, and know local rules of the hosting club, specifically: 1. Out of court line 2. Chase markings, e.g. Worse than 1st Gallery 3. Over the rafters 4. Netted area in the upper court Ensure court and court areas are fit, clean and safe for play floor (not sweating ), gallery netting secure, etc. Check the net height Ensure the correct set of balls is on court Prepare necessary equipment for marking marker s board, pen, paper, coin, chalk, microphone, etc. Prepare mentally & physically vocals, ascertain match announcements, warmed up. Dress appropriately In event of the court not being fit for play the Marker should report the situation to the Tournament Director and play should not proceed until the court is fit for play to the satisfaction of the Marker and Tournament Director. Marker s Duties at the Commencement of a Match Place set of balls in the Dedans Enforce 10-minute rule if any player is in breach (See Appendix A (I) Marker s Resource) Introduce self to participants, them to each other if necessary Allow minimal equipment/bags on court. Ensure these are kept within a gallery, not in area of play, and don t restrict any spectator s view 2

3 Toss a coin (not racquet) to decide serve Confirm and enforce 5-minute knock-up period Draw conclusion to warm-up period and bring players to the net (even if Marking is being done from Dedans). Remind players of the standard of conduct expected of them, their supporters and coaches, as laid out in the Laws of Tennis. Receive acknowledgment from each/every player (See Appendix A II Marker s Resource) Announcement to spectators - (See Appendix A III (i) Marker s Resource) Introduce the match Tournament; Sponsor; Round; Players (& seeding); Format of match. (See Appendix A III (ii) Marker s Resource) n.b. Coaches cannot coach their player(s) at any time during a match. The Marker should remind coaches of this protocol. Players' and Coaches Conduct on Court Players and coaches shall conduct themselves both on and off the court in a manner consistent with the exemplary standards of etiquette, sportsmanship and conduct expected of the sport. Gamesmanship is part of the mental side of sport, but must never be inconsistent with these standards. In particular, players must: Abide by the laws and spirit of the game; Accept the decisions of markers, assistant markers and tournament referees without question or protest; Exercise self control at all times; Treat their opponents, fellow participants and officials with due respect at all times; Accept success, failure, victory or defeat with good grace and without excessive display of emotion; Not behave in any other way likely to bring the game into disrepute; Not use excessive force when aiming directly for the Dedans from in front of the Service Line at the Hazard End. Observation of this rule shall be the responsibility of each player, but the Marker shall warn any player he considers non-compliant; Ensure that play throughout is reasonably expeditious, especially in changing ends and in being ready to serve and receive service. (See Appendix A VII Marker s Resource - Continuous Play) 3

4 If a player s coach is excessively vocal in his support for his player to the extent it is intrusive to the balance and flow of the game, the Marker, after a discreet reminder of expected standard of Conduct, has the authority to remove a coach from the court environs. The Marker also has absolute discretion to warn, or have removed from court environs, any spectator or other individual whose conduct is detrimental to the match. Managing a Match - Marker The Marker is in control of the match, and the players, spectators, and coaches conduct at all times. The Marker will maintain control of the match through knowledge, confidence, deportment and strong vocals. The Marker will use his discretion to maintain a consistent match tempo from an acceptable, established pace of play and changes of ends. Play should be continuous. See Appendix A (IV) Marker s Resource for discretionary guidelines on appropriate time allowances. See also Appendix B Continuous Play At all times Marker should ensure own safety. Maintain a clear playing area at all times - all balls on court floor. (Ball trough or against the net acceptable) When Marker is positioned at the net, at a minimum, balls lying on court better than the 1st Gallery should be removed but where practicable all balls should be removed from the playing area. When the Marker is positioned in the Dedans, the players will clear any ball as instructed from the playing area, especially if the ball is lying better than better than the 1 st Gallery. If necessary, Marker will instruct server to delay their service until he is in situ and safe prior to commencement of next point. The Marker should call the score when in position and just prior to when both players are ready to start the next rally. Changing Ends The player at the Server s end will wait for the player at the Hazard end to pass the net first. However, if the player on the Hazard side requires a moment longer (drink, towel down, etc.) he should call his opponent through. Toilet breaks from court should be taken at the end of a set, and these breaks cannot be used for other purposes. Player taking the break should be accompanied off court. Time allowed depends on location of the toilet. Suggest 2 minutes once at the toilet. 4

5 Match-calling Timing. Terminology and How to call the Score It is important for the Marker to be clear, concise and unambiguous when scoring matches. Ensure accurate calls are made swiftly, concisely, clearly and consistently ( not up, chase..., fault, stroke, out ) Call points score moments prior to but without causing undue delay to the next point. At change of ends Complete call of score as at end of rally Initiate change of ends by calling points score and number of chases At the change of ends reiterate points score and each chase Doubles ensure correct player is serving / receiving. Call points score (including who leads**) moments prior to but without causing undue delay to the next rally. **To ensure that rally doesn t start with the incorrect player leading, and inform the audience. If a chase is laid (e.g. Chase 6), call the chase and prior to the start of the next point call the score and one chase, e.g. 15 all, one chase. ( one chase only required for that one time). When situation requires the players to change ends At the end of a rally, call the appropriate score to initiate the change of ends e.g , if there is a chase, also call and One chase, also e.g. 2 Chase Three, 30 all and Two chases As the players approach the net, clarify the score, e.g. 30 all, two chases, Chase Six and Chase Three. A moment before both players are ready to start the next rally, call for example, 30 all, Chase Six. If the one player is leading the other in points, be sure to identify clearly who is leading eg. Forty-Thirty, the receiver leads, Chase Six. This should help if there is doubt after the chase has been played. It is most important that the correct score is called prior to the rally, as after the rally the score stands and cannot be changed. At the end of a game, call Game to Server, 1 game to 3, receiver leads At the end of a set, call Game and third set to the Server, 6 games to 5, Receiver leads 2 sets to 1. Fourth set love all. When retrieving a loose ball from the court, refrain from calling the score until you have returned to your position. 5

6 Always be prepared to wait until distractions, such as applause, have ceased before calling the score. Scoring games At the conclusion of each game Game The games score (within set) Who leads - and occasionally include the set score Scoring sets At the conclusion of each set Game and set The sets score Who leads Conclusion of match Game, Set and match (player) wins by (set score) The next match will take place in... Calling the playing of Chases - The term Chase off is used when a ball falls at the chase being played. - The term Lost the chase is used a ball falls worse than the chase being played. - The term Won the chase is used a ball falls better then the chase being played. - If the ball falls within 2 yards of the chase being played, where the ball fell should be called, for clarification, e.g. for a chase of 2 yards Lost the chase, fell Better than Three or similarly Won the chase, fell A Yard. Calling when playing off Hazard Chases - The term used if a hazard chase is won or lost should refer to the server, as it is the server who is attempting to beat the chase, e.g. Hazard Chase 2, Server won the Chase. - The term Stroke is to be used when the ball falls on the stroke line or closer to the back wall at the hazard end the ball in play is illegally interfered with during the flight of the ball 6

7 Assistant Marker & Referee, Assistance from Players The Marker may request the opinion of the Assistant Marker, but is not obliged to follow that opinion. The Marker must have good reason for not following the Assistant Marker s opinion having requested it. The request must be immediate, and should not be or seen to be at the request of the players. The Marker would say, Assistant Marker, please give your opinion... e.g. as to whether that was a chase or a stroke or Assistant Marker, please clarify the score. To clarify the decision taken, the Marker would call Accepted, thank you or Declined, thank you. Then call the score for clarification e.g. not up, 30 all. Frequently players will assist the marker by giving their view on an occurrence, e.g. faint snick on their racquet, etc. The Marker is under no obligation to accept this assistance and must make unbiased and dispassionate calls. Unless they are less than reasonably convinced of their own accuracy, a Marker should resist corrections at the suggestion of the players. Any corrections should be made immediately. The Marker is encouraged to accept assistance from a player, in an instance where the player cannot possibly take any advantage from the call. e.g. a player calls not up on themselves and also loses the point. A player at the service end calling stroke, indicating he has hit the ball would only be accepted if, in the view of the Marker, it were to that player s disadvantage. Managing On-court Injuries The Marker should always: Be conscious of players welfare Take seriously any injury concerns Advise compassionately but without bias 7

8 Injury breaks An injury break of 5 minutes is allowed for treatment once the injury is assessed. One injury break is allowable per injury. In the case of a blood injury time can be taken to dress the wound. Muscle cramps are a part of the game but they are not an injury. If a player suffers from cramp, the Marker should demonstrate sympathy, but will insist on continuous play. If the Marker believes a player has or player concedes having cramp, play must resume immediately. If the player is unable to continue or persistently takes more time in all actions, the Marker will request the player forfeiture the match, or the Marker will default the player for breach of continuous play see Appendix B Continuous Play The player continues at his/her own risk. Disciplinary Procedures on Court - Recommended actions At the sign of any issue arising, the Marker should act immediately and attempt to defuse any situation prior to escalation, by immediately approaching the player and having a discreet word (issuing an Informal Reminder/Warning). If further instance of an issue occurs, the Marker should give an audible Formal Warning. Certain conduct may be considered of sufficient severity that an informal reminder/warning would be insufficient and the Marker should issue an immediate Formal Warning. In the event of a Formal Warning or the forfeiture of the match (Dismissal), the Marker will write a report to the tournament organizers who will, on consideration, decide on whether any further action should be taken. The following is a guide only and a Marker must to use their discretion for application to individual circumstance: 8

9 Offence Action Deliberate racquet abuse a. A racquet thrown in frustration Informal reminder b. A racquet or any item thrown or hit in anger Formal warning Deliberate ball abuse a. A ball hit forcefully against the wall, over the net or at any netting Formal warning b. A ball deliberately hit at Marker, opponent or spectator Formal warning c. A ball hit aggressively when not in play Formal warning Foul or offensive language a. Muttered foul, offensive or abusive language Informal reminder b. Audible foul, offensive or abusive language Formal warning Verbal or non verbal dissent to Marker, opponent, spectator/crowd Slow play and/or time wasting Persistent slow play and/or time-wasting Any other antisocial conduct Violent conduct of any kind Any actions that brings the game into disrepute Any action that threatens the safety of other player(s), Marker, or spectators Formal warning Informal reminder Formal warning Informal reminder Dismissal Formal warning Dismissal 9

10 Appendix A Marker s Resource I. 10 minute rule - It is the responsibility of the players to arrive on court at the correct scheduled time of their match; or after the previous match has been completed. If either player is delayed for ANY reason a 10 minute allowance is made. Any player who arrives later than 10 minutes after the expected time on court will be scratched/defaulted. II. III. IV. To players only at net, prior to tossing of coin: You know and understand what conduct is expected from you and your supporters, as laid out in The Marker s Protocol, correct? At this point, the Marker must receive some acknowledgment from each/all players. Whether this is verbal or a nod is at the discretion of the Marker. Announcements: i. Ladies & gentlemen, welcome. This match will begin in a few moments. As a courtesy to the players please ensure your mobile phones are turned off and there is no flash photography at any time. Please remain seated and keep your movement to a minimum until the players change ends. At all times please be respectful to the players. Thank you. ii. This is the (first round/semi-final) of the (German National Open) for (2013), sponsored by (Wright Brothers Investments) and (the Turtles & Roosters Association). (pause) At the hazard end, playing for/representing/from (The Picket Court Club) and number six seed, (Mr Bruno Budge). (pause) And at the service end, playing for/representing/from (The Victorian National Club), the current World Champion and number one seed, (Mrs Clara Phyll). (pause) This match is best of five full sets, first to six games. First set, love all As a guideline the allowable times are as follows: Between points 15 seconds Change of ends 45 seconds End of Set 60 seconds (e.g. to change shirt) Break from court as swift as possible Note: These timings are not set rules, and players should not look to take maximum time indicated. 10

11 V. Standard Wording for clear and unambiguous chase calls - The following is a list of standard wording for Markers when calling chases to ensure that the calls are clear and unambiguous. Markers are expected to adopt use of the following terms when calling chases and managing a game. Calling Chases Chase... Better than half a yard Half a yard Better than a yard A yard Worse than a yard One and two Better than two Two Worse than two Two and three etc. Worse than six Half a yard worse than six Better than the Last Gallery Last Gallery Worse than the Last Gallery Half a yard worse than the Last Gallery Nearly a yard worse than the Last Gallery A yard worse than the Last Gallery More than a yard worse than the Last Gallery Better than the Second Gallery The Second Gallery Worse than the Second Gallery Better than the Door Gallery The Door Gallery Worse than the Door Gallery Better than the First Gallery The First Gallery The Line Calling Hazard Chases Hazard Chase... Better than half a yard Half a yard Better than one A yard Worse than one One and two Better than two Two Worse than two Better than the Second Gallery The Second Gallery Worse than the Second Gallery Better than the Door Gallery The Door Gallery Worse than the Door Gallery Better than the First Gallery The First Gallery The Line NB - There are some courts where there is a chase line Half a yard worse than First Gallery. Also where there is a Hazard chase line Half a yard worse than 2, Hazard. 11

12 V. Disciplinary delivery standard wording The wording used by all Markers should be consistent; the recommended wording is: Informal Reminder of conduct required: (name) I remind you that players are expected to conduct themselves to the standards as laid out in the Marker s / Players Guide. Official Warning: (name) your conduct is unacceptable. This is your first and only warning. Should you continue in your actions, or breach the required standards of conduct in any other way you may forfeit the match. On occasion of a further offence (Dismissal): (name), I have already warned of the consequences of your unacceptable conduct. You have continued to fail to comply with the standard of conduct required and I therefore award the match to your opponent. Game, set & match, Mr/Mrs X. On occasion of one-off offence that requires instant dismissal (Dismissal): (name) I warned of the consequence of unacceptable conduct at the start of the match. You have failed to comply with the standard of conduct required in a serious way and I therefore award the match to your opponent. Game, set & match, Mr/Mrs X. Appendix B from Laws of Tennis 16. Continuous Play (a) After the first Service has been delivered, play shall be continuous and, having regard to all the circumstances, reasonably expeditious unless the Marker decides otherwise. (b) No player may leave the Court without the express permission of the Marker and then only for a good reason and for the shortest possible time. 12