Point Penalty System (Code Violations)
Also known as: point penalty, point penalty system, code violation, code violations, game penalty, racquet abuse, racket abuse penalty, smash your racket, throw your racket, racket throwing, ball abuse, audible obscenity, unsportsmanlike conduct tennis
A point penalty is a point taken away from a player as punishment for a code violation. Code violations include smashing or throwing your racket, ball abuse, swearing, abusing an opponent or official and unsportsmanlike conduct. In USTA play, the first offence costs a point, the second a game and the third a default. Time violations start with a warning instead.
The USTA Point Penalty System lists the code violations and the penalty for each. There are two groups. Delay violations include not resuming play when directed, or leaving the court without permission. Misconduct includes visible or audible obscenity, abuse of racquets, balls or equipment, abuse of a player or official, and audible or visible coaching.
Code violations climb step by step. The first offence is a point penalty. The second is a game penalty. The third is a default, which ends the player's match. A single flagrant act can lead straight to a default.
A point penalty counts as if the player lost the next point. A penalty given between games applies to the first point of the next game. A game penalty in a tiebreak loses the set. The player who benefits cannot decline the penalty.
Time violations work differently. Going over the time between points or at a changeover gets a warning first. Each later violation costs one point. Pro tours and other events run their own codes, so check the event's rules.
Tips by skill level
When you feel anger rising, turn to the back fence and take two slow breaths before the next point.
Keep a short between-point routine for bad moments. A habit you have practised is easier to fall back on than willpower.
Example
After a double fault, Sam smashes his racquet on the court. The official gives him a point penalty. Ten minutes later he swears loudly, and the second violation costs him a full game.
Why it matters
One outburst can cost a point, a game or the match. Knowing the ladder helps you stay in control when a match gets tense.
Common mistakes
- Thinking a racquet throw only earns a warning, when in USTA play the first code violation costs a point
- Treating time violations and code violations as the same ladder
- Trying to refuse a penalty point given to you
Frequently asked questions
What happens if you smash or throw your racket in tennis?
It is a code violation for racket abuse. In USTA play the first violation costs a point, the second a game and the third a default.
What is a code violation in tennis?
A breach of the conduct or delay rules, such as racquet abuse, obscenity, abuse of an official or stalling. Each one moves you up the penalty ladder.
What is the difference between a time violation and a code violation?
A time violation is for going over the allowed time and starts with a warning, then a point each time. A code violation starts straight at a point penalty.
Sources
Related terms
- Time ViolationA time violation is a penalty for taking too long between points or at a changeover. Under USTA rules the first one is a warning and each one after that costs a point. Pro tours set their own shot-clock penalties.
- Tennis EtiquetteBasic tennis etiquette: warm your opponent up by hitting to them, announce the score before each point when serving, and make prompt, fair calls. Wait until a point ends before walking behind a court or returning a stray ball. Then send the ball straight to a player. Shake hands at the end.
- Line Calls Without Officials (The Code)In matches without officials, each player calls the balls on their own side of the net, and any doubt goes to the opponent. Calls must be prompt and clear, out loud or with a hand signal. If an opponent makes a pattern of bad calls, The Code says you may contact an official.
- Handling Mistakes and FrustrationExpect to miss, and decide in advance how you will respond. After a mistake, turn away, breathe out slowly and use a quick reset, such as the towel or touching the back fence, to let the point go. Then replace it with one simple job for the next point, like moving your feet or hitting deep crosscourt.
- Walkover, Retirement and DefaultA walkover means a player never starts the match, usually because of injury, illness or a personal reason, so the opponent goes through without playing. A retirement means the match started but a player could not finish it. A default is different: an official removes the player, for example for not showing up or under the point penalty system.
Related guides & benchmarks
Have a question about this?
There is nothing here to film. Ask SwingVantage a follow-up question, or keep reading the related terms above.