Campus Recreation
Students playing intramural basketball in the Student Recreation Center.

Tennis Rules

All Montclair State University School Policies are in effect, including Student Code of Conduct.
All Montclair State University Department of Campus Recreation “Intramurals 101” policies are in effect.

GENERAL INFORMATION

  1. Players: An official team shall consist of one (1) player for singles and two (2) players for doubles.
  2. Game Length: The winner of the match will be the first player or team to win two sets, or the team leading after an hour of play.
  3. Officials: There will be no officials for tennis. Tennis matches will be self-officiated. It is suggested that any disagreement be determined by a replay of point, or Directors discretion.
  4. Playing Area: All tennis matches will be played on the Tennis Courts near the Softball Field.
  5. Tie Break: If a set is in progress after the hour then the current game shall not count and whatever the score is in that set will determine the winner. (Example: Mike and Tim are tied at one set each. Mike is leading the third set 4-3. Tim is leading the next game 30-0 and the time limit is up. That current game does not count and Mike wins the set 4-3 and wins the match two sets to one set over Tim)

GAME PLAY

Serving – Singles

  1. In tennis, play is started with the serve which is made by tossing the ball into the air and hitting it with the racket before it touches the ground. The server stands behind the baseline and to the right or left of the center mark, but not outside the singles sideline.
  2. The serve for the first point of a game always begins to the right of the center mark and is made to the opponent’s right service court. After each point is played, alternate service court. The same individual continues serving until the game is completed.
  3. The server has two attempts to put the ball into play.
  4. The serve is a fault if the server:
    • Does not take the proper position before serving.
    • Commits a foot fault (foot touches baseline any time prior to hitting ball).
    • Fails to hit the ball into the proper service court/service box.
    • Misses the ball in attempting to strike it. However, the server may toss and catch the ball without penalty.
  5. If any of these occurs on the first serve, it is a fault.
  6. If any of these occurs on both serves, it is a double fault, and the point is lost.
  7. The ball must clear the net and land in the proper service court before being hit by the receiver. However, after the service, the ball may be hit before it bounces. A ball touching the line is considered good.

Serving – Doubles

  1. In tennis, play is started with the service which is made by tossing the ball into the air and hitting it with the racket before it touches the ground. The server stands behind the baseline and to the right or left of the center mark, but not outside the doubles sideline.
  2. The service for the first point of a game always begins to the right of the center mark and is made to the opponent’s right service court. After each point is played, alternate service court. The same individual continues serving until the game is completed.
  3. The order of serving is decided at the beginning of each set. The pair serving first decides who is to serve in the first game, and the other partner will serve in the third game. The opponents also decide who is to serve to first in the second game, and the other partner will serve in the fourth game. Both pairs alternate in the remaining games of the set.
  4. The server’s partner must stand in the opposite service box on their side of the court during service.
  5. If a player serves out of turn, the proper server must serve as soon as the mistake is discovered. All points earned are counted. If a complete game is played with the wrong server, the order of service remains as altered.
  6. The server has two service attempts to put the ball into play.
  7. The service is a fault if the server:
    • Does not take the proper position before serving.
    • Commits a foot fault (foot touches baseline, anytime prior to hitting ball).
    • Fails to hit the ball into the proper service court.
    • Misses the ball in attempting to strike it. However, the server may toss and catch the ball without penalty.
  8. If any of these occur on the first service, it is a fault.
  9. If any of these occurs on both serves, it is a double fault, and the point is lost.
  10. The ball must clear the net and land in the proper service court before being hit by the receiver. However, after the service, the ball may be hit before it bounces. A ball touching the line is considered good.

Scoring the Game

  1. The server is responsible for announcing the score before the service. The server’s score is always called first.
  2. A game equals four points. The scoring in tennis is 15 for the first point won, 30 for the second, 40 for the third point won, and “game” for the fourth point. A score of zero is referred to as “love”. If the game is tied at 40-40 then the next point wins that game.
  3. Changing Sides: The players change sides of the court at the end of the first, third, and every subsequent alternate game of the set. During the tie break, sides are changed at a total of four points between the two players. Players change ends every four points.

A Let

  1. A let is a ball which strikes the net, strap or hand, but lands in the proper court on the serve.
  2. A let is called when a player is unable to play a shot due to circumstances beyond his/her control, such as interference by a ball or a player from another court.
  3. A let occurs if a serve is delivered before the receiver is ready. If however, the receiver attempts to return the serve, he/she is considered to be ready.
  4. When a let occurs on a serve, only that serve is repeated.
  5. The ball is in play if it hits the net during the subsequent play after the serve.

Player Loses Point

  1. If the ball bounces twice on a players side of the net or if a player does not return the ball to his/her opponent’s court.
  2. If a player’s body, clothing or racket touches the net while the ball is in play.
  3. If a player reaches over the net to play a ball unless the ball has bounced back over the net due to a spin or the wind.
  4.  If the ball is hit twice while on his/her side of the court.

Please Note: All rules are subject to change at a moment’s notice, and are at the digression of the Sports Director. If any participant argues with an official or Director, they may be ejected from the game and/or the field space. If any issues occur, Campus Police may be called.