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TENNIS CLUB Don Holway, dbh1124@live.com

Summer rain and heat have really quelled the action on the tennis courts. There have been
some early morning matches, but as the sun rises along with the temperature, and the
afternoon thunder storms brew, intelligent tennis players seek cooler and dryer locations.

This is the time of year that thunderstorms are nearly a daily occurrence. According to the
National Weather Service, no place outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area. If
you can hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you. When you hear thunder,
immediately move to safe shelter: This should be a substantial building with electricity or
plumbing or an enclosed, metal-topped vehicle with windows up. Stay safe.

Please remember, do not use the ball machine if the courts or the balls are wet. Using wet
or damp balls in the machine will cause damage to the internal parts.

Scheduling reminder: Our courts are now on the summer schedule for dedicated time. Use our online scheduling
website to reserve the ball machine and court time during non-dedicated time periods. http://pgitennis.wikispaces.com
Full instructions for using the Reservation System are included on the website.

New members are always welcome regardless of their level of play. For more information please visit our web-site at
www.pgica.org/clubs/tennis.htm or contact Don Holway at 941-347-4420, dbh1124@live.com.

Rule of the Month from USTA Publication “2017 Friends at Court.” Rule pertaining to Continuous Play.

Rule 29. CONTINUOUS PLAY
As a principle, play should be continuous, from the time the match starts (when the first service of the match is put in
play) until the match finishes.

Between points, a maximum of twenty (20) seconds is allowed. When the players change ends at the end of a game, a
maximum of ninety (90) seconds are allowed. However, after the first game of each set and during a tie-break game,
play shall be continuous and the players shall change ends without a rest.

USTA Comment 29.1: The 20-second time limit does not apply if a player has to chase a stray ball.

If you are interested in reading the book “2017 Friend at Court,” the full compilation of USTA rules, you can find it online
at the USTA website: https://www.usta.com/content/dam/usta/pdfs/Friend%20at%20Court.pdf
It makes sense to know the rules.

SEE YOU AT THE COURTS!

photo by Don Leitch

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