From: gaf5@ns1.cc.lehigh.edu (Gail A. Fullman)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.tennis
Subject: Re: grunting rule
Date: 16 Dec 92 13:06:14 GMT
Organization: Lehigh University

In article <BzBu9v.CCq@austin.ibm.com>, frank@austin.ibm.com (F. Karner) writes:
>
>In article <BzB4AI.9Gt@undergrad.math.waterloo.edu>, httse@undergrad.math.water
loo.edu (Herman T. Tse U.S.M.) writes:
>> In article <1992Dec12.2220.6701@dosgate>, "john russell" <john.russell@canrem
.com> writes:
>> > It's against the rules to do anything that distracts your opponent
>> > _during the point_.  So you can hit a winner and shout "YES!", wave your
>> > arms, etc. afterwards, but not make loud noises or distracting movements
>> > while the ball is in play.  If Monica can grunt, her opponents can try
>> > primal scream therapy during points to help them relax and play better
>> > :-)
>>
>> Does anyone have the exact wording of the rules?
>> I can understand understand that it  would be wrong
>> if Monica screams or grunts while her opponent is
>> making a shot...but when she herself is hitting the ball??
>> For example, if I return a shot and as my opponent is about to hit
>> the ball I yell "JINX!!" then I can understand how that is distracting :->
>>
>> There must be explicit or implicit exclusions to the "distract your opponent"
>> clause in the rules.
>>
>> Herm
>> httse@descartes.uwaterloo.ca
>>
>
>Judging from my own reaction, it's not just a distraction when hitting
>the ball.  It's the pent up aggravation and anger that is building up
>over time.  That is the real factor.  If you can ignore obnoxious
>behavior, noises, etc., well good for you.  Some of us are perhaps more
>susceptible to those distractions to the point that it may affect our
>concentration and hence the quality of our game.
>
>If the opponents were given the choice, what would you think that would
>be?  It could be argued that opponents might demand no grunting in order
>to gain an advantage.  But by the same token one cannot assume that
>grunting does not provide an advantage to Seles.
>
>So, it think that in the interest of fairness, grunting should be
>disallowed, and even penalized if it persists after a player complains.
>This should be the end of the discussion.  Your advantage may be my
>disadvantage; your comfort may infringe on my own, etc.
>
>--
>
>         DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in this posting are mine
>            solely and do not represent my employer in any way.
>       F. A. Karner AIX Technical Support | karner@austin.vnet.ibm.com
>
The grunting, or in Monica's case, the two-toned high pitch squeal, disguises
the sound the ball makes coming off the racquet.  Many players listen for that
sound to know how hard the ball was hit.  That was Martina's problem with one
of Seles shots this year.  Monica hit a drop shot, but because Martina
couldn't hear the sound of the ball off the racquet because of Monica's
squeal, Martina thought the ball was harder hit than it actually was.  Since
Monica's squeal is the same volume not matter how hard she hits the ball
(unlike grunters who get louder only when the ball is hit harder), it does
distract her opponent.

Monica seems to be trying to get it under control.
  
-- 

------------------------
|   Gail A. Fullman    |
|   Manager - ADMO     |
|   Ext. 83113         |
------------------------