Carrollton Tennis Association’s (CTA) rules of conduct and policies for violations.

It is the objective of the CTA to grow our league and not restrict anyone from playing in our leagues. However, if behavior or conduct occurs that is interfering in other’s enjoyment of the game, the CTA Board has the right and duty to act in a way that discourages that behavior.

Objectionable conduct primarily concerns how it affects others on the same court and, sometimes, the surrounding courts. While the USTA has listed policies and guidelines for these actions, the CTA Board would like to refine them to a shorter and more appropriate list. These abbreviated rules do not negate any of the lengthier USTA conduct policies.

1. The most common breach of conduct involves harassment of other players /officers. Harassment is defined as behavior that is intended to disturb or upset and is usually repetitive in nature. This type of conduct would include belittling a player or officer on or off the court; in person, on the phone or via email.
2. Profanity is included in the CTA current code of conduct. Regarding this matter, each player should realize that they are an ambassador for and emblematic of the CTA. However, it is the decision of the board that much emphasis should be put on the target of the profane statement, the loudness and the frequency. It is not our intention to be the tennis police and kick someone out of a league if he or she very occasionally and quietly mutters a profanity at themselves for a missed shot. If this behavior affects other players/officers negatively, this will be taken into account.
3. Intimidation of other players/officers verbally or physically will be subject to disciplinary action if this is a regular occurrence.  The degree of this intimidation will also be taken into account.
4. Using league distribution lists for personal agendas is strictly prohibited.  This includes disagreements within a league, or CTA business.  Since the proper channel for any CTA business is through league directors and/or board members it is never necessary to contact players for such propaganda.  This behavior is unbecoming of any player and subject to the same punishment process as abusive behavior on the court.
5. All other policies of conduct already contained in the CTA Code of Conduct page, as well as those in the USTA Code, will remain in effect.

The CTA Board’s disciplinary actions regarding conduct violations:

1. First offense – An e-mail warning which details the specific improper conduct as it was reported by others on or off the court relating to CTA business.
2. Second offense – Suspension of the involved player for the remainder of the current session and from CTA league play for one year from the date of notification.
3. A Third offense – ban. An email ban notice is issued to the involved player banning him/her from all league play and all CTA sponsored activities for an indefinite period.

The player that is the subject of the disciplinary action has the right to appear before the board and plead their case. They are also encouraged to present any person that might support his/her case.