Line Umpire
Overview
A Line Umpire is assigned to a line on the court and calls/signals when the ball goes out, lands on the line or close to the line to assists the Chair Umpire.
Roles & Responsibilities
- Line Umpires must be on time for all assignments and report to the Tournament Director and Tournament Referee.
- Line Umpires are required to dress tidily and wear the correct uniform as prescribed by Tennis New Zealand.
- Once assigned a line, a Line Umpire will take a position which gives the best view of their line.
- Line Umpires are to only call/signal balls on their assigned line and not give opinions on calls on any other lines.
- Line Umpires can call foot faults when assigned to a base, side or centre service line.
- When a Line Umpire is unable to see or a player blocks the view of a call, an unsighted signal is promptly indicated to the Chair Umpire.
- Line Umpires can correct a wrong call immediately.
- A ball should never be called “Out/Fault” prematurely, until it clearly lands out.
- Line Umpires must remain silent if/when the Chair Umpire overrules a call. All player enquiries should be referred to the Chair Umpire.
- If a Code Violation is witnessed, the Line Umpire should report this immediately to the Chair Umpire.
- Line Umpires also assist with toilet or change of attire breaks to ensure the player does not use the break for any other purpose. If a player uses the break for any other purpose, the Line Umpire shall inform the player and the Chair Umpire of the breach in rules.
Attributes
- Punctual
- Confident and remains calm under pressure
- Good eyesight and vision
- Clear and loud voice
- Interpersonal skills with the ability to work well with in a team
- Qualifications
- Tennis NZ Line Umpire Course (Click here to express interest in attending a Line Umpire Course)
- Online Rules of Tennis test
Line Umpire Pathways
National events from semi-finals and finals have Chair and Line Umpires which is the usually the first step in line umpiring.
Line Umpires starting out will start on a long line before the move to a base and serve line.
Most ITF Junior events require Chair and Line Umpires for semi-finals and finals (different requirements for different levels).
Line Umpires that gain experience from National level and ITF Junior events can apply to work at International events such as World Tennis Tour events and Davis Cup Ties.
Electronic Line Calling (ELC) is now available at the higher level tournaments and Grand Slams, however Line Umpires are still required for all ATP/WTA events and certain level of ITF events.
Officials who have gained experienced from National and International events locally can apply for overseas events. Generally National Organisations appoint their national officials first and foremost, however there are times that overseas officials are required.
Line Umpires who have gained sufficient experience can apply to be an Umpire Assistant.
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