Code of Violation

Every sport has a set of rules that the player needs to abide by. They are a set of guidelines that ensure good behaviour and discipline. The violation of this set of rules is called the Code of Violation. This could be not being punctual, not fulfilling media requirements, temperament issues on the court, etc.

Tennis, though a physically intense game, is also a subtle one at the same time. It expects the players and coaches to put up their best behaviour. Hence, it has a set of rules which explain the code of conduct of the game. The guidelines vary depending upon the management authority, like ATP or WTA.

Different kinds of Code Violations

There are different ways in which players tend to breach the code of conduct during the highs and lows of their game.

1. Racket Abuse: It is the most common violation committed by the players. This happens when the player is frustrated and swings his racket hysterically leading to its damage. This might call for a point penalty in serious cases.
   
2. Swearing: Since most matches are aired live on television swearing is considered a violation. This could go against the respected accepted norms of the viewership. The referee who calls the violations might give a warning to the player or even disqualify them for uncontrolled behaviour.
3. Unsportsmanship like Behaviour: This includes different kinds of bad behaviour. It can be by an umpire, player, coach, etc. Impolite behaviour with the staff, challenging the decision of the umpire in a rude way, damaging equipment around during frustrating moments are some of the behavioural mistakes which qualify as unsportsmanship like behaviour. 
4. Coaching: Tennis is one such rare exception where on-court advice by the coaches is not allowed. Though this has been relaxed over the years, coaching while playing the game is not allowed whatsoever. The players are allowed to talk to their coaches during break time but not in the middle of the match.
   
   

Consequences of the Code Violations

The above mentioned are the broad categories the violations can be divided into. However, the chair umpire has the discretionary power to respond to the violation and punish the violator accordingly. There are 3 ways in which the umpire can make a decision.

Initially, for the first non serious violation the umpire can warn the player, and if it repeats the player receives a point penalty. Even after this, if the violation continues the player can be disqualified from the game. In some instances, if the violation is serious and has caused harm to anybody around, the player can be disqualified right away. 

Wrap Up

This rule that determines the code of conduct for the game speaks volumes about how tennis is not just a game that requires physical strength and fitness, but a game that demands mental and behavioural nurturing as well. A good game of tennis married to sportsmanship spirit can create a harmonious ambiance on the court.