Rule 7 - CONTINUITY OF PLAY

Idea by Clive Pollard

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This Rule is complicated and deserves explanations.

7. CONTINUITY OF PLAY

After the server delivers the first service, play shall be continuous so far as is practical. However,

7.1 at any time the Referee may suspend play, because of bad light or other circumstances beyond the control of the players and officials, for an interval decided by the Referee. The score shall stand. If another court is available and the original court remains unsuitable for play, the Referee may transfer the match to it.

7.2 There shall be a 90-second interval between the end of the warm-up and the start of the first game and between all games. Players may leave the court during these intervals but must be ready to play before * the end of the 90-second interval.

If both players agree, play may start or restart prior to the end of the 90-second interval.

* In practice, we use 'at the end of...'

Guideline 1

7.3 If a player satisfies the Referee that a change of equipment, clothing or footwear is necessary, the player may leave the court to make the change as quickly as possible, but must do do within 90 seconds.

7.4 After 75 seconds of a permitted 90-second interval, the Referee shall call "Fifteen seconds" to advise the players to be ready to resume play. At the end of 90 seconds, the Referee shall call "Time".

It is the responsibility of the players to be in a position to hear the calls of "Fifteen seconds" and "Time".

Should one or both players not be ready to restart play when "Time" is called, the Referee shall apply Rule 17.

7.5 If a player is injured, ill or disabled the Referee shall apply Rule 16.

  Guideline 2

7.6 The Referee, on deciding that a player has delayed play unreasonably, shall apply Rule 17.

Guideline 3

7.7 If an object, other than a player's racket, falls to the floor of the court while a rally is in progress the requirements are:

7.7.1 the Referee, on noticing a fallen object, shall stop play immediately.

7.7.2 a player noticing a fallen object may stop play and appeal.

7.7.3 if the object falls from a player, then that player shall lose the rally unless the player has hit a winning return or the cause is a collision with the opponent. In the latter case, the Referee shall allow a let unless the player appeals for a let because of interference, in which case the Referee shall apply Rule 12.

7.7.4 if the object falls from a source other than a player, the Referee shall allow a let unless the player has hit a winning return.

7.7.5 if the player has already made a winning return when the object falls to the floor of the court, that player shall win the rally.

  Guideline 3

7.8 If a player drops their racket, the Referee shall allow the rally to continue unless interference occurred (Rule 12), the ball touched the racket (Rule 13.1.1), distraction occurred (Rule 13.1.3) or the Referee applies a conduct penalty (Rule 17).

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