Yes and no
The play you describe is not normal but it is to be expected, given the age of the boat and the amount of use it has probably had. I also find it interferes with the feedback from the helm (my rudder vibrates over a certain speed). Play (or "slop") in the tiller is most likely due to a worn tiller pivot bolt hole. You have a couple of options here: a) get a new tiller (expen$ive) b) fill the existing hole in the tiller with an epoxy that flows, like Epiglass or West System. Plug or tape the hole securely on one end and fill from the other. Mix more epoxy than you think you'll need, as the wood will absorb a surprising amount. When the epoxy has cured, drill the hole for the pivot bolt. Use a drill press to ensure the hole is perpendicular to the plane of the tiller. Play in the rudder is most likely due to worn (or missing spacers) between the rudder blade and the alumnum housing. These are two hard plastic disks that look like CD's. The easiest fix is to replace them with...old CD's. If you can find some high density polyethylene (HDPE) cut a couple of disks and use those. The tops from a couple of old one-gallon plastic ice tubs will also work in a pinch. Tightening the rudder pivot bolt a bit more will also help. Good luck. Peter H23 "Raven"
