Two rules questions:

[Rich Fife]

In the last couple of weeks I've been quoted two "rules" that seem more than
a little questionable, so I figured I'd ask:

1) Player is using one of the E-Force rackets with the big string gaps on
either side of the handle. As happens every once and a while, the ball gets
caught in one of the gaps and sticks. They demand a replay ("It was a freak
accident!"), I say it's the clearest case of a carry I've ever seen. Who's
right?

2) Playing doubles. One of the members of the other team returns the ball,
the other member (who is nowhere near in position to back up his partner)
moves into position to physically block my access to the shot he expects his
partner to return. I call a hinder (we don't use avoidable hinders, but if
there was ever a time to do so...) The player that actually made the return
says it's the doubles partner right and responsibility to do that and "the
pros do it all the time". He's REALLY passionate about this and anyone that
thinks otherwise is dead wrong. "We only have to allow you a clear view of
the ball and we can block your path to it as long as you would have had a
shot had you been able to get around us".

Thanks!

-- Rich --

[Indigo Hound]

Post by Rich Fife
In the last couple of weeks I've been quoted two "rules" that seem
1) Player is using one of the E-Force rackets with the big string
gaps on either side of the handle. As happens every once and a while,
the ball gets caught in one of the gaps and sticks. They demand a
replay ("It was a freak accident!"), I say it's the clearest case of a
carry I've ever seen. Who's right?
2) Playing doubles. One of the members of the other team returns the
ball, the other member (who is nowhere near in position to back up his
partner) moves into position to physically block my access to the shot
he expects his partner to return. I call a hinder (we don't use
avoidable hinders, but if there was ever a time to do so...) The
player that actually made the return says it's the doubles partner
right and responsibility to do that and "the pros do it all the time".
He's REALLY passionate about this and anyone that thinks otherwise is
dead wrong. "We only have to allow you a clear view of the ball and
we can block your path to it as long as you would have had a shot had
you been able to get around us".
Thanks!
-- Rich --

Not sure about #1 ... I suppose that it could be covered under ...

3.15 (i) Apparel or Equipment Loss. If a player loses any apparel,
equipment, or other article, play shall be immediately stopped and that
player shall be called for a penalty hinder, unless the player has just
hit a shot that could not be retrieved. If the loss of equipment is
caused by a player's opponent, then a replay hinder should be called. If
the opponent's action is judged to have been avoidable, then the opponent
should be called for a penalty hinder.

So I guess you would need to decide if the ball getting stuck in his
racquet is "avoidable".

#2 though ... your opponent is dead wrong! The rules state that ...

3.15 (c) Blocking. Moves into a position which blocks the opponent from
getting to, or returning, the ball;

This would qualify as a penalty hinder.

I don't claim to be a rules expert but that is how I would play them.

[Nigel Reed]

Post by Indigo Hound
I don't claim to be a rules expert but that is how I would play them.

Talking of which, where's Otto ?

[Indigo Hound]

Post by Nigel Reed

Post by Indigo Hound
I don't claim to be a rules expert but that is how I would play them.

Talking of which, where's Otto ?

Not sure ... been away from the news group for a while. My local club
closed so I was a bit demoralized.

New club opening soon with better courts and cheaper rates. How about
that? So I was feeling better and thought I would check back in.