The Code that appears in "Friend at Court" the USTA Handbook of Tennis Rules and Regulations gives guidelines for players on proper tennis etiquette and the courtesy they are expected to show toward their opponents; however there is some more specific information that players, parents, friends, and coaches should know.

Everyone associated with a tournament (players and their parents, friends and coaches, officials, volunteers, and organizers of USTA NorCal sanctioned tournaments) has the duty of encouraging and maintaining the highest standards of personal conduct, fair play, and good sportsmanship. We expect good sportsmanship from every junior player as well as the parents, coaches, and friends who accompany them.

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Below are some standards of conduct that must be followed:

Appearance.
All players are required to wear proper tennis attire. Tournament Directors may, at their discretion, refuse playing privileges to any participant who, in their opinion, is not properly attired. All unkempt appearance is considered discourteous.

Conduct.
It is considered unsportsmanlike conduct to engage in displays of temper, swearing or abusive language, obscene gestures, racquet throwing, hitting the ball in anger, "gamesmanship" or stalling or cheating. Any of the above may be considered grounds for disqualification by the tournament referee or his /her designee whether they occur during or between matches. Official USTA umpires, tournament officials, and their representatives are required to enforce the Point Penalty System. The names of players receiving point penalties will be sent to USTA NorCal immediately following the tournament in which the violations occurred.

Courtesy.
If for any reason you are unable to play a match (or an entire tournament), courtesy and rules dictate that you notify the tournament director as soon as possible so that your opponent is spared having to travel to the tournament site for the match.

Courtesy should be extended to your opponent. If you do not know him/her, introduce yourself. At the conclusion of the match, shake hands and if your opponent has won, offer him/her your congratulations.

Courtesy should always be given to your court official. After the match, it is always courteous to thank the court official and to shake his or her hand.

Courtesy should be extended to your host. When housing, entertainment or meals have been extended to you, it would be very appropriate to write a thank you note to your hosts.

Parents, friends and coaches are expected to observe good manners at all times. They are not allowed to walk on the court at any time or volunteer advice on line calls, scoring or the conduct of the match, except during the official rest period between the second and third sets (there is no official rest period in the Boys' and Girls' 18 events). In addition, they are not able to coach or otherwise talk to players, and sit or stand near a court in such a way as to distract others. The improper behavior of parents, friends and coaches is subject to the USTA Point Penalty System as well as the USTA NorCal Point Penalty Suspension System.