Be the Referee: Tennis Nets
By
Paige Winne
MHSAA Marketing & Social Media Coordinator
September 24, 2024
Be The Referee is a series of short messages designed to help educate people on the rules of different sports, to help them better understand the art of officiating, and to recruit officials.
Below is this week's segment – Tennis Nets - Listen
Let’s talk tennis… specifically, the rules around the net.
First – tennis nets are 42 inches high at the posts and 36 inches high in the center. And nets measure 42 feet wide.
Players and their equipment CANNOT touch the net during a point. However, a player’s follow-through can cross over the net if the ball was hit to the correct side of the court. But no part of the follow-through can touch the net.
Also, the ball must completely cross the net before it can be hit. If your opponent hits a high lob and you are standing at the net ready to smash a return – you must wait until the ball is completely over the net before hitting it.
Making contact with the net during play or hitting the ball before it’s over the net results in a loss of point.
Previous 2024-25 Editions
Sept. 18: Libero - Listen
Sept. 10: Cross Country Uniforms - Listen
Sept. 3: Soccer Handling - Listen
Aug. 24: Football Holding - Listen
(Photo by Douglas Bargerstock.)
What's My Why: Official Stan Wright
May 27, 2026
Stan Wright, Warren
Wright was recognized this spring for his 30 years as an MHSAA-registered official. He started with basketball, added baseball his second year, and continues to officiate those and also football and softball. He also officiated volleyball for three years.
One, I love the competition. Two, I love giving these kids an opportunity to compete, be a part of them competing.
And also being a part of encouraging them to be the best person they can be as they matriculate from sport to sport and then as they matriculate in life. So, it's all about helping those kids become the best that they can be.
And that's the passion and the joy I get out of it.
“What’s My Why” is a weekly feature telling the stories of MHSAA-registered officials in their own words. If you’re an MHSAA official and would like to share your reason why, please submit a 15 to 45-second video, taken horizontally, to director of officials Sam Davis at [email protected].
Don't miss Officiate Michigan Day 2026, July 25 in Grand Rapids! Check out MHSAA.com/OMD to register and learn more.
What's My Why
May 26: Murray Rose, Zeeland - Watch
May 22: Mike VanLaan, Alto - Watch
May 18: Clint Abbott, Newaygo - Watch