The proper role of a tennis official is to ensure that any given tennis match is conducted under the fairest possible conditions. Tennis umpires should serve out of love for the game of tennis and a keen interest in seeing that it is played under the best possible conditions. Ideally, a tennis official is A FRIEND AT COURT, helpful to players and spectators. In this role, tennis officials make a useful contribution to the game."

(from USTA, Friend At Court)