AboutEd Hines Expertise The Rules of Tennis primarily, including junior and collegiate application of the rules as well as recreational play. Please: NO questions about practice drills or ways to improve your game.
Experience Over 30 years playing the game, including USTA and ITA Officials' certification in junior, collegiate, and professional tennis.
Organizations USTA; Atlanta Professional Tennis Umpires Association
Awards and Honors ATP Linesman, Chair Official NCAA Regional Div I and Div III, Blue Gray Tournament Chair, SEC Championships, Southern Conf Championships, Atlantic Sun Conference, Several Junior National and Super National Jr. Tournaments, NCAA Womens Championship Finals, ASI and AT&T (qualifier final) Chair.
Expert: Ed Hines Date: 4/10/2008 Subject: tennis racket
Question I coach HS girls tennis. One of my players asked if she could tie colored ribbons
onto her racket handle (in school colors) for a match. I didn't think there was a
problem with that as long as it didn't distract her opponents or enter the
stringbed. Is this correct? Thank you!
Answer Thom,
Appendix II, a of the Rule of Tennis says, in part: "The racket shall be free of at-
tached objects."
Besides, as you mentioned, I cannot imagine any opponent NOT objecting to this as clear hindrance. I certainly would.
