What's the Call: Poaching peril

Have you ever had a dispute with a fellow player over a call on the court that you couldn’t settle? Maybe you’re just curious about how some scenarios, from the common to the ridiculous, are resolved.

Question: During a really tight tiebreaker in my doubles match, we decided on the next point that my partner at the net would poach after my serve. I hit a great serve and she was able to poach and put the ball away. Our opponents claimed that she hit the ball before it crossed the net. Can they call that on us?  

Answer: Honesty is the best policy and to keep your nose from growing like Pinnochio. The player who hit the ball should admit reaching over. Your opponents can ask if you reached over, but the player must call it on themselves. If you did, you are responsible for making this call and conceding the point if you hit the ball before it crossed the net. (Code 19) 

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For the "Friend at Court" handbook and more information on the rules of tennis, visit the rules and regulations homepage.