ITF

ITF Rules of Beach Tennis 2016 Page 9 of 28 a. The server breaks rules 17, 18 or 19; or b. The server misses the ball when trying to hit it; or c. The ball served touches a permanent fixture or net post; or d. The ball served touches the server or server's partner, or anything the server or server's partner is wearing or carrying. Case 1: After tossing a ball to serve, the server decides not to hit it and catches it instead. Is this a fault? Decision: No. A player, who tosses the ball and then decides not to hit it, is allowed to catch the ball with the hand or the racket, or to let it fall to the ground. 21. WHEN TO SERVE & RECEIVE The server shall not serve until the receiver(s) are ready. However, the receiver(s) shall play to the reasonable pace of the server and shall be ready to receive within a reasonable time of the server being ready. A receiver who attempts to return the service shall be considered as being ready. If it is demonstrated that the receiver is not ready, the service cannot be called a fault. 22. THE LET DURING A SERVICE A ball served that touches the net or band and continues over the net is in play (no let rule). 23. THE LET In all cases when a let is called the point shall be replayed. Case 1: If the ball is broken during the playing of a point should a let be called? Decision: Yes. Case 2: If, during the playing of a point, one of the lines on the playing area is broken or becomes unattached should a let be called? Decision: Yes. Case 3: If either member of the receiving doubles team is not ready when the ball is served should a let be called? Decision: Yes 24. PLAYER/TEAM LOSES POINT The point is lost if: a. The server serves a fault; or b. The ball hits the ground inside the court area on their side of the net; or c. A player/member of a doubles team returns the ball in play so that it hits the ground, or an object, outside the correct court; or d. A player/member of a doubles team returns the ball in play so that, before it hits the ground, it hits a permanent fixture or the net post; or e. A player/member of a doubles team deliberately carries or catches the ball in play on the racket or deliberately touches it with the racket more than once; or f. A player/member of a doubles team or the racket, whether in a player's hand or not, or anything which that player is wearing or carrying touches the net, net posts, cord or metal cable or band, or the opponent(s) court at any time while the ball is in play; or g. A player/member of a doubles team hits the ball before it has passed the net; or h. The ball in play touches a player/member of a doubles team or anything that that player is wearing or carrying, except the racket; or i. The ball in play touches a racket when a player is not holding it; or j. Both members of a doubles team touch the ball when returning it.

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