Guideline 3 - FALLEN OBJECT

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G3. FALLEN OBJECT

Rule 7.7 makes it clear that, if any object falls (or is thrown) to the floor of the court, play must stop. Since an injury may occur if a player treads on any object of significant size or texture, the Referee or Marker shall halt play with the call "Stop" or the player(s) may stop and appeal. If the fallen object is unnoticed by players and officials until the end of the rally and the Referee decides that there has been no effect on the outcome of the rally, the result of the rally shall stand (Rule 7.7.6).

Players are responsible for holding onto their equipment. As a general rule, a player who drops or throws a piece of equipment will lose the rally. Exceptions are equipment falling as a result of a collision in which case the Referee may allow a let or award a stroke depending on whether the player has hit a winning return. If the collision results in an appeal for interference, Rule 12 will take precedence.

If a player drops a racket without colliding with the opponent, the Referee shall allow the rally to continue under most circumstances. It is considered that the player is already at a significant disadvantage, as the player must pick up the racket to remain in the rally.

The Referee shall deal with a player's deliberate dropping or throwing of an object to the floor of the court under Rule 17 (conduct on court).

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