Below you will find answers to past questions that have been submitted to USTA.com's The Final Word column. Search the categories to the right if you're interested in particular knowledge areas.
About the Author:
Since 1997, Richard Kaufman has served as Director of Officials for the USTA and Chief Umpire of the US Open. He is currently an ITF Certified Gold Badge Chief Umpire and an ITF Certified Silver Badge Referee, and has been a USTA Certified Official since 1977. Kaufman, formally an ITF Gold Badge Chair Umpire, officiated as the Chair Umpire for the US Open Men's Final (1983, 1987, 1996), US Open Women's Final (1988 and 1995), the Australian Open Men's Final (1987), the Wimbledon Men's Doubles Final (1987), the French Open Men's Doubles Final (1988), and the Men’s Masters Finals between 1985 and 1996.