British Tennis Forum

emmsie69 wrote:

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Coup Droit wrote:

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Yes, I agree, you'd hope the police have better things to do - but B00thy has a point

If something IS a criminal offence, why should we allow it just because it's sport?

If Jack damages the court, that's OK? But if he goes and damages the clubhouse afterwards, that's not OK? Because one is in the heat of the moment and one isn't? Well, that's not a defence in most legal areas

English law has had a huge amount of hoo-hah about what level of consent is assumed for harm suffered in contact sports - a normal rugby tackle that breaks a player's arm is fine, a tackle 'off the ball' that does the same is just a violation of sporting rules ???? but if it's at the other end of the pitch it's GBH? Or does it have to be actually after the match ?

Not trying to be difficult - and, of course, in practice, deliberately making a few big divots is not a biggie - and it certainy doesn't offend or upset me - and some feistiness in sport is a good. But it does beg a few questions.....

And people who deliberately break their own rackets should be forced to donate to donate to some environmental charity - or a fund to provide free rackets to kids in deprived areas

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 My Son used to break his rackets, in the end I told him the next time he broke his racket, he'd be getting a £5 one from Woolies, maybe the punishment should be using a wooden racket at the next tournament

ETA The threat worked on him.

-- Edited by emmsie69 on Monday 12th of May 2025 05:43:09 AM

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 Exactly

My son never used to break rackets but he did go in for theatricals - completely over the top - ridiculous

So, yes, he got taken off the court in one important match, that he was winning 

And, yes, he never did it again

We'll see if the addict's fine happens. And it's too generic.

As said, I think it should be changed and the remedy should be directed at the harm