More On Ball versus White
by Hunt Richardson
(Complete Thread)
April 23, 2012 - At 8-9, White serving, White prevents Ball's swing, a clear Point to Ball. White's shot passes the middle of the service box and he bounces bodily off Ball as Ball attempts to swing. Why was the correct 'Point to Ball" decision overruled?
Looks like a no-brainer to me.
White's breaking his racquet, failing to request to leave the court, and passive/aggressive slamming of the door was poor sportsmanship. The Referee should have immediately awarded a Conduct Point to Ball which would have given him the game.
Also a Conduct Point to Ball after White hit the wall with his hand hard in frustration at 11-all.
About the last rally, the recording at http://dailysquashreport.com/4_20_12_pst.htm offers a better vantage point. Ball's last shot, a hard low drive that bounces twice before going off camera, is not as tight as it "should" be but Ball backs away from it and White bangs into him. White could not hit a winning shot, so it would be a "marginal" Let in my book, but since (1) Ball knows where White was coming from, (2) he is a very experienced touring pro, (3) he does not make "every effort" to clear, and (4) there are no Lets in PST, it must be a stroke.
Re conduct, I recommend that PST rules players be required to leave their attitudes outside the court when they challenge referees' decisions. Pro tennis players used to rant a lot on line calls (John McEnroe often took the match "off the court" to argue with the Umpire, created a little chaos that would feed his competitive fire while disrupting his opponent's rhythm). Player rants have dropped considerably since the challenge option was added to the rules of tennis. The same reduction in whining may be said of PSA players who challenge decisions on interference.
Other pro sports have referees who immediately levy points (later sometimes heavy fines) against players who flagrantly foul or who disrespect referees. So what's the point of having a tantrum, pouting or hissing at the referee when you are allowed to get your point across by saying "I challenge"? Complaining only makes you look immature and "brings the game into disrepute" as per WSF Rules.
Hunt Richardson
US National Referee Assessor and Instructor
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