How does the Point Penalty System work, and what counts as a code violation?

Question

Accepted Answer

The Point Penalty System applies to the warm-up and the match in every sanctioned tournament. It doesn't apply to Red Ball Net Generation programs, and applies to Orange, Green and Yellow Ball Net Generation programs only when the section authorizes it (USTA Reg. IV.D.1).

Code violations (Table 14):

First offense: point
Second offense: game
Third offense: default

Misconduct includes visible or audible profanity or obscenity; abuse of racket, balls or equipment; verbal or physical abuse; audible or visible coaching; abusive conduct by a person associated with a player; retaliatory calls; failure to follow an official's instructions; leaving the playing area without authorization; and violating any USTA tournament regulation.

Delay code violations include not resuming within 30 seconds after a medical or bleeding time-out, delay from obvious cramping after a cramping time-out has been used, not playing within 25 seconds of being directed to resume, and getting a replacement racket that isn't on court.

A single flagrant act by a player or someone associated with them may result in immediate default (Reg. IV.D.7).