Pre-Match Briefing

2026 Rule:

17.C.2 Rule Modifications and Hinders. Point out approved rule modifications, court abnormalities, and non-standard court conditions that could be potential safety issues.

13.C.4 Before each match begins, the referee must meet with players at courside to:

13.C.4.b. Point out approved rule modifications, court abnormalities and non-standard court conditions that could be potential safety issues, including but not limited to court repairs or seams, different distances from end lines to back fences, and spectators and their seating.

13.C.4 Before each match begins, the referee must meet with players at courside to:

13.C.4.b. Point out approved rule modifications, court abnormalities and non-standard court conditions that could be potential safety issues, including but not limited to court repairs or seams, different distances from end lines to back fences, and spectators and their seating.

This proposal will delete an incomplete laundry list of examples of non-standard court conditions. The rule, without the laundry list, says everything that needs to said in the rule. The details are unique and specific to each tournament venue. This is typically covered by the Head Referee during the morning referee briefings at the tournament where referees will be directed to mention specific conditions during their pre-match briefing with players.

Pre-match briefings by referees.