Question Regarding Linesmen

[I.Haychew]

Just wondering...

Is there some rule that prevents linesmen from intentionally touching a tennis ball? I've watched quite a few tennis matches over the years, and not ONCE have I seen a linesman extend a hand to keep from getting pelted by a ball. Instead, they always seem to try to "duck" the ball. What's up with that? Anybody know? I'd like to see what would happen if a player would toss a sweaty towel on a linesman's head. Would the linesman stay like a statue and wait for a ball kid to remove it? Just curious.

 

[Murat B.]

I think it depends on the tournament. I have seen linesmen actually catch the ball and give it to the ball boys in some tournaments but for the life of me I cannot remember which tournaments. It does happen though...

 

[tented]

I read the sections of the official ATP rulebook concerning line judges and ball persons (their phrase), and it doesn't mention anything specific -- it doesn't say a line judge can or cannot touch the tennis balls, nor does it say the ball persons can exclusively handle them.

There are multiple rules concerning the number of line judges you have access to, and where they should be accordingly, so I'm assuming that if you have a full complement of ball persons and line judges there's no need for them to do each other's jobs. At smaller tournaments, however, with fewer line judges, I could see where they would need to perform double-duty, and catch balls, etc.

 

[brokenshoelace]

lol, I've often wondered about that actually. It's always hilarious to see them try to avoid an incoming ball (usually after a serve down the T) while maintaining their stance.

 

[lindseywagners]

They are surprisingly good at ducking out of the way. I don't know if I've ever seen one get hit with a ball. Though I have seen them trip over those advertising boxes.

 

[Murat B.]

They are surprisingly good at ducking out of the way. I don't know if I've ever seen one get hit with a ball. Though I have seen them trip over those advertising boxes.

One got nailed today right on the kidney from a Milos serve...Looked painful...

 

[tented]

They are surprisingly good at ducking out of the way. I don't know if I've ever seen one get hit with a ball. Though I have seen them trip over those advertising boxes.

See? Nalbandian was providing a public service when he kicked in that box at Queen's Club.

 

[Didi]

See? Nalbandian was providing a public service when he kicked in that box at Queen's Club.

:laydownlaughing

 

[JesuslookslikeBorg]

stefan Edberg killed a linesman at the u.s open once.

he didn't do twenty to ten in the pen though.