To eradicate bad calls, upset and, frankly, cheating which occurs often in LTA tournaments – particularly at a higher junior level – we have introduced umpires for all our matches to ensure fair play.

Tennis Kids, are offering youngsters a chance to play matches with an umpire, or even become an umpire themselves in indoor tennis matches in Warwickshire.

Named umpires will now be present to ensure fair play at all Tennis Kids matches at weekly tournaments in both mini and full tennis tournaments every week at Tudor Grange Leisure Centre’s indoor tennis courts.

Sri Lankan pro player Janali Manamperi, who is organising the events said “A lot of parents have been unhappy that because children have to call their opponents shots in or out in junior competitions, they feel frustrated at some bad decisions being made.

We have decided that for all matches in our weekly tournaments at Tudor Grange Leisure Centre on Sundays, we will have independent umpires for every match, whether it is a low grade mini tennis match or a high level match with older children on full courts. At some games we will also have ball boys and girls, too!

Parents have welcomed the initiative with the general feeling that this innovation will create a much better atmosphere, not only with the children but amongst the parents. It’s important that we play well, but play fair”, said Janali.

Tournaments weekly include mini or ‘short’ tennis and full court tennis for various standards, with adult events planned on being introduced in the coming weeks.