Northern

Be a Good Sport!

Sportsmanship Makes a Difference!

USTA Northern encourages all players to show good sportsmanship on and off the court. This includes respecting your opponents, playing fair, abiding by the rules, and doing your part to ensure a fun and safe environment for all!

The USTA provides resources in order to ensure positive play experiences and good sportsmanship. Check out Friend at Court to learn more about the Rules of Tennis and The Code.

Here are some tips to display good sportsmaship.

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Be Your Best Player

Do's

Act in a way you can be proud of
Respect your opponent, officials and spectators
Acknowledge well-played points
Respect your opponent's calles
Call the ball IN when in doubt
Address issues with tournament officials
Call the score clearly prior to serving
Congratulate the winner
Thank tournament officials
Have FUN

Don'ts

Use insensitive or profane language
Accuse opponents of cheating
Engage with parents and coaches while playing
Bully or taunt opponents (on or off court)
Lose your temper or abuse your racquet
Deafult matches unless injured or sick
Be disrepectful to staff, spectators or opponents

Sportsmanship
Player Sportsmanship
Spectator Sportsmanship

Be Your Best Spectator

Do's

Respect all players, staff and other spectators
Support all players, win or lose
Clap politely for good shots and points
Raise concerns with officials or staff
Keep winning and losing in perspective
Honor all scheduled matches
Strive for a postive experience for all

Dont's

Interfere with the match
Challenge line calls
Make negative accusations
Use profane or insensitive language
Cheer errors or double faults
Illegally coach
Post negative comments online about players
Record a match without permission
Punish players for losses

Take the Junior Sportsmanship Player Pledge NOW!

All Northern Section tournament players are asked to sign the Player Pledge annually (once per calendar year). By doing so, you are helping us create awareness and facilitate a positive culture for all tennis players in the Northern Section. Players should individually access the link above and read the Pledge carefully, marking your agreement by checking each box. Once completed, hit “submit” so that the Northern Section has a record of your Pledge Agreement.

Click here for the official Player Pledge for USTA Northern.

Thank you for taking Sportsmanship to heart when you play tennis!

Additional Resources

Below are links to resources you may find useful for a variety of topics, sportsmanship in particular. For additional information, please contact Marc Stingley at marc@northern.usta.com.

2024 USTA Northern Player Pledge

2024 Friend At Court (rules and regulations)

Grievance Report Form

USTA Resources for Players

USTA Player Development Resources

USTA Sportsmanship Matters!