
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, March 17, 1992                   TAG: 9203170173
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: LONDON                                LENGTH: Short

ITF MAY CHANGE RULES

The International Tennis Federation is examining ways of reducing the dominance of the big serve, including raising the net and limiting the power of rackets.

The ITF's rules committee said Monday that it had ruled out changing the dimensions of the court or allowing only one serve, but was studying other measures to curb the speed and power that have taken over the men's game.

The committee met last Friday in Key Biscayne, Fla. Officials said the panel would consult with other tennis organizations on proposals to:

Raise the height of the net.

Regulate technology in the production of rackets, balls and court surfaces.

Change the foot fault rule to prohibit jumping.

Reduce the time allowed between points from 25 to 20 seconds.

"These things will need a lot more discussion," said Jim Cochrane, chairman of the rules committee. "Nothing may come out of it."

by CNB