USTA JR.TEAM TENNIS REGULATIONS

Transcription

1 USTA JR.TEAM TENNIS REGULATIONS

2 CONTENTS QUICKSTART TENNIS FORMAT 1 3 The Court 1 2 The Scoring 3 The Ball 3 NATIONAL TENNIS RATING PROGRAM (NTRP) 4 USTA JR. TEAM TENNIS REGULATIONS General USTA Jr. Team Tennis League Regulations Local League Progression Area, District, State, Section, and National USTA Jr. Team Tennis Championships 3.0 Grievance Procedures Committees Grievances Grievance Appeals General Procedures for Grievance and Grievance Appeal 22 Committees GLOSSARY USTA SECTION OFFICES USTA JR. TEAM TENNIS COORDINATORS Where substantive changes or changes that the editors want to call to your attention have been made since the last publication of USTA Jr. Team Tennis Regulations, there is a vertical line in the margin. For amendments that become effective after press time, please refer to the USTA website,

3 SUMMARY OF IMPORTANT CHANGES (OR CLARIFICATIONS) FOR 2011 USTA JR. TEAM TENNIS REGULATIONS 1.08 Player Agreement: This clarification applies to participation and play and ensures consistency in the application of the same to all players Waiver of Claims: This revision clarifies the rights and obligations of all participants. 2.01B Team Composition: This change is to clarify an existing regulation. 2.01C(4)a and c Court Size and Ball: USTA Regulations were changed to require the 36 foot court for and the USTA/ITF Stage 3 red ball for 8 & under play. 2.01G(5)a More Than One Team: Clarification of existing regulation. 2.03B Substitutions: Clarifying that only one (1) girl and one (1) boy may be substituted within an advancing team. 2.03G Participation: Expanding existing regulation to incorporate More Than One Individual Match from local rules. 3.02A General Procedures: This clarifies an existing regulation. 3.02E(3) Championship Procedures: This amplifies an existing regulation.

4 1 QUICKSTART TENNIS: SCALED TO SIZE QuickStart Tennis is the format to help kids 10 and under learn and play the game. To make things easier for them, a few things have been changed. The court sizes. The racquet sizes. The balls. The scoring system. The QuickStart Tennis format divides kids into two age groups: the first is 8 & Under; the second is 10 & Under. By putting kids with similar physical and social skills together, they have more fun while learning the game and developing basic tennis skills. AGE COURT SIZE RACQUET BALL NET HEIGHT SCORING 8 years & under 36 x18 Up to 23 Red Foam or very low compression 2 9 The Game - 1st to 7 points by 2 The Match - first to win 2 games 10 years & under 60 x21 singles 60 x27 doubles Up to 25 Orange Low compression 3 The Game - 1st to win 7 points by 2 The Set - 1st to win 4 games The Match - Best of 3 sets (3rd set tiebreaker is a single game, 1st to win 7 points by 2) THE COURT To give kids the confidence and ability to cover the entire court, score points and build an all-court game, the QuickStart court is shorter and narrower for both age groups. While the 60 court net height remains at 36 inches, the net height is lower for the 36 court (33 inches). USTA Jr. Team Tennis Regulations authorize play on 36 courts and 60 tennis courts. These regulations also authorize play with different racquets and balls as outlined above. Figure 1 shows the dimensions of a 36 court and Figure 2 shows the dimensions of a 60 court.

5 2 QUICKSTART TENNIS: SCALED TO SIZE (CONT.) The 8 & Under group (36 court) For the five- to eight-year-olds, the court dimensions are 36 long and 18 wide. In many cases, children play across the width of a 78 tennis court, with a portable net or tape dividing the court in half. The length of the 36 court stretches between the doubles sidelines of a 78 court. The width spans from the baseline to the service line of a 78 court. Temporary lines (e.g. throw-down lines, tape or chalk) can be used to mark the boundaries. Since the dimensions are smaller, as many as four courts can be set up across one 78 tennis court Figure 1 The 10 & Under group (60 court) Since nine- and ten-year-olds are typically taller and stronger, their court needs to be larger. For this group, the court dimensions are 60 long by 21 wide for singles play, and 60 long by 27 wide for doubles play. By using temporary lines (throw-down lines, tape or chalk) or painted lines on a 78 court, the 60 court baseline is established midway between the 78 court baseline and the 78 court service line. The 78 court singles sidelines are used to determine the width of the 60 court doubles sidelines. Either temporary lines or painted lines can be installed 3 inside the 78 court singles sidelines creating a 21 wide singles court and a 27 doubles court Figure 2

6 3 THE SCORING The QuickStart Tennis scoring system is simple. It helps organizers plan competition and it gives parents and players a start and finish line. With 8 & Under there are only seven points in a game, so match play is short and sweet. Kids play the best of three games; the first to score seven points (by 2 points) wins the game. The first to win two games wins the match. The longest a match will last is approximately 20 minutes. 10 & Under should play the best of three sets; the first to win four games wins a set. For the third set, the first player to win seven points (by 2 points) wins the match. THE BALL Kids need a ball that s equal to their playing abilities. A regulation tennis ball moves too fast, bounces too high, and is too heavy for the smaller racquet. Each age group, therefore, uses a ball better suited to their unique playing ability. For 8 & Under, a foam ball or very low-compression ball moves slower, bounces lower and travels less distance. For 10 & Under, a low-compression ball moves a little faster and travels farther than the ball used with the younger group, but it is still has a lower bounce than a regulations ball. 8 & Under Red Very Low Compression Red Foam Orange Low Compression Yellow Standard

7 4 NATIONAL TENNIS RATING PROGRAM (NTRP) The National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP), which defines the characteristics of a player s levels, is the official system for determining the levels of competition for the USTA Jr. Team Tennis League. Each section association will determine the appropriate use of their ranking system to distinguish between Intermediate and Advanced level for any players, across all age categories, who participate in sanctioned tournaments. Players in the USTA Jr. Team Tennis League without a rating must self-rate or have their team coach/manager rate them in accordance with the NTRP guidelines. Factors such as a player s on-court performance, tennis background, and any additional information should be considered in the self-rating decision. When players are rating themselves and question at which level they should play, they should place themselves in the higher NTRP level of play. Players who are good athletes or intend to spend a great deal of time taking lessons and practicing should be aware that their improvement may be significant enough to surpass their original self-rating by the time they reach the end of the local league season or championship level. If players anticipate their play level will be higher by the time of a championship event, they should enter at a higher level of play at the beginning of the local team season to ensure eligibility. To place yourself: Begin with 1.0. Read all categories carefully and then decide which one best describes your present ability level. Be certain that you qualify on all points of all preceding levels as well as those in the level you choose. When rating yourself, assume you are playing against a player of the same gender and the same ability.

8 5 GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF NTRP PLAYING LEVELS 1.0 Player is just starting to play tennis. 1.5 Player has limited experience and is working primarily on getting the ball in play. Note to team coach/manager: Player needs to coordinate moving when hitting the ball. In fact, player is still concentrating on getting the ball over the net from a stationary position. Player is learning to serve and keep score. 2.0 Player lacks court experience and their strokes need developing. Player is familiar with the basic positions for singles and doubles play. Note to team coach/manager: Player is now beginning to coordinate footwork but is not consistent in hitting the ball over the net. Player can serve to some degree, understands scoring as well as correct positions for serving and receiving, and has limited success with volleys. 2.5 Player is learning to judge where the ball is going, although their court coverage is limited. Player can sustain a short rally of slow pace with other players of the same ability. Note to team coach/manager: Player can keep score unassisted, can call own lines, can serve overhand from the baseline, and has an understanding of the basic rules. 3.0 Player is fairly consistent when hitting medium-paced shots, but is not comfortable with all strokes and lacks execution when trying for directional control, depth, or power. The most common doubles formation is one-up, one-back. Note to team coach/manager: Player is improving court coverage and can sustain a rally and serve with consistency. On ground strokes, player needs to improve control of height, depth, direction, and speed. 3.5 Player has achieved improved stroke dependability with directional control on moderate shots, but needs to develop depth and variety. They exhibit more aggressive net play, have improved court coverage, and are developing teamwork in doubles. Note to team coach/manager: Player is starting to recognize opportunities to attack short balls by coming to net. Player is developing more spin and power on the serve and seldom double faults. 4.0 Player has dependable strokes, including directional control and depth on both forehand and backhand sides on moderate-paced shots. Player can use lobs, overheads, approach shots, and volleys with some success and occasionally forces errors when serving. Rallies may be lost due to impatience. Teamwork in doubles is evident. Note to team coach/manager: Player has added variety in shot selection by using lobs, overheads, volleys, and approach shots with some success. Player can develop a game plan. 4.5 Player has developed use of power and spin and can handle pace. Player has sound footwork, can control depth of shots, and attempts to vary their game plan according to your opponents. Player can hit first serves with power and accuracy and place the second serve. They tend to over hit on difficult shots. Aggressive net play is common in doubles. Note to team coach/manager: Player is developing an offensive weapon.

9 6 GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF NTRP PLAYING LEVELS (CONT.) 5.0 Player has good shot anticipation and frequently has an outstanding shot or attribute around which a game may be structured. They can regularly hit winners or force errors off of short balls and can put away volleys. Player can successfully execute lobs, drop shots, half volleys, overhead smashes, and has good depth and spin on most second serves. Note to team coach/manager: Player is match-wise and uses shots that have a high percentage of success in both singles and doubles. 5.5 Player has mastered power and/or consistency as a major weapon. They can vary strategies and styles of play in a competitive situation and hit dependable shots in a stress situation. Player has had intensive training for national tournament competition at the junior and collegiate levels and has obtained a sectional and/or national ranking. 6.0 to 7.0 Player has had intensive training for national tournament competition at the junior and collegiate levels and has obtained a sectional and/or national ranking. 7.0 Player is a world-class player. PLAYERS IN WHEELCHAIRS Players in wheelchairs should use these same general characteristics to determine their NTRP skill level. The only differences are as follows: Mobility: While players in wheelchairs may have skills that would normally provide them with a certain rating, the mobility factor suggests that when competing against able bodied players, they should participate at an NTRP skill level that provides for competitive rather than compatible play. Serving ability: Due to the nature of the player s injury or disability, a powerful serve may not be possible. In this case, it may be more realistic to self-rate below 3.5, as serve strength becomes key beyond this level. Two Bounce Rule: Players in wheelchairs will receive two bounces while standing players will receive one bounce in integrated play.

10 7 USTA JR. TEAM TENNIS REGULATIONS 1.0 GENERAL The Regulations in 1.00 GENERAL shall apply to USTA Jr. Team Tennis NAME The USTA Jr. Team Tennis Committee has approved the adoption of the USTA Jr. Team Tennis Regulations USTA JR. TEAM TENNIS LEAGUE The USTA Jr. Team Tennis League is a team competition for girls and boys of specific NTRP levels of play and age categories. The purpose of the program is to provide organized recreational play, emphasizing local competition, with advancement for winning teams from local competition to area, district, state, section, or national championships. The team concept emphasizes fun, fitness, and friends. The USTA Jr. Team Tennis League shall be conducted without regard to race, creed, color, sexual orientation, national origin, or socioeconomic status. 1.02A Age Categories USTA Jr. Team Tennis is divided into five age categories: 18 & under, 14 & under, 12 & under, 10 & under, 8 & under. Only the 18 & under and the 14 & under age categories have advancement opportunities to National Championships. 1.02B Levels of Play The age categories are broken down into levels of play: Advanced (NTRP 3.5 & above), Intermediate (NTRP 3.0 & below), and Beginner (NTRP 2.0 & below; generally, new players of all ages) OFFICIAL REGISTRATION SYSTEM TennisLink Team Tennis is the official system for registering players and teams for the USTA Jr. Team Tennis League. All teams and players participating in the USTA Jr. Team Tennis Championships must register for the USTA Jr. Team Tennis League using the TennisLink system. The section shall establish deadlines and procedures for registering teams and players on TennisLink Team Tennis OFFICIAL SCORE REPORTING AND STANDINGS SYSTEM TennisLink Team Tennis is the official system for reporting scores and providing standings for the USTA Jr. Team Tennis League and is required for USTA Jr. Team Tennis advancement. The section shall establish deadlines and procedures for reporting scores on TennisLink Team Tennis for USTA Jr. Team Tennis OFFICIAL RATING PROGRAM The National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) is the official system for rating levels of competition for the USTA Jr. Team Tennis League (see 2.01G(5)c). In combination with Section Rankings, NTRP provides the guideline for a player s ability level.

11 8 USTA JR. TEAM TENNIS REGULATIONS (CONT.) 1.06 OFFICIAL BALL Any USTA approved ball may be used for USTA Jr. Team Tennis League matches. The 8 & under age category ball is required to be the USTA and ITF Stage 3 red (foam or very low compression) while the 10 & under age category ball is recommended to be the ITF Stage 2 orange (low compression). See 2.01C(4)c for championships at the section level and above, PENN is the official ball USTA MEMBERSHIP 1.07A Any individual who competes in USTA Jr. Team Tennis must be domiciled within the boundaries of a USTA section association. 1.07A(1) Residents of foreign countries who meet membership and age requirements may be invited by a USTA section to participate in the league provided that all such matches are played within the section. 1.07B Any individual who competes in USTA Jr. Team Tennis League Program shall be a current USTA member for the duration of the local league season. 1.07C Any individual who progresses to championship level in the USTA Jr. Team Tennis League shall be a current USTA member for the duration of each championship progression PLAYER AGREEMENT 1.08A As a condition of their participation, all players participating in the USTA Jr. Team Tennis League agree to abide and be bound by the USTA Constitution; the Bylaws; the Regulations; Rules of Tennis; USTA Jr. Team Tennis Regulations; and the standards of good conduct, fair play, and good sportsmanship. All players participating in USTA Jr. Team Tennis League play agree that to abide by the grievance procedures provided within USTA Jr. Team Tennis Regulations and the USTA Regulations and that the decisions shall be final and binding. 1.08B USTA Jr. Team Tennis participation is limited to amateurs. Individuals who participate in any professional tournaments are ineligible for USTA Jr. Team Tennis participation whether identified as a professional or amateur athlete by the respective governing body WAIVER OF CLAIMS Players participating in the USTA Jr. Team Tennis League acknowledge the risks associated with playing tennis, accept those risks voluntarily, and in consideration of their acceptance in the program assume all risks for injury whether property or bodily, waive all claims for any and all injury or damages and agree to release and hold harmless the USTA, any host facility, all officials, employees, volunteers, and agents with respect to any injury or loss caused by negligence or otherwise to the fullest extent permitted, whether in law or equity.

12 USTA JR. TEAM TENNIS YEAR The USTA Jr. Team Tennis League year shall be January 1 through December 31, except that the USTA Jr. Team Tennis Committee may authorize the commencement of a local league season qualifying teams in the USTA Jr. Team Tennis Championships prior to January 1 subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by the committee SECTION ASSOCIATIONS The USTA has seventeen section associations, the names and territories of which are defined in the USTA Bylaws. Each section association is responsible for the development and implementation of USTA Jr. Team Tennis within its geographical territory in accordance with the USTA Jr. Team Tennis Regulations SECTION USTA JR. TEAM TENNIS COORDINATORS Each section association should appoint a section USTA Jr. Team Tennis League coordinator to implement and administer the USTA Jr. Team Tennis League AREA AND LOCAL USTA JR. TEAM TENNIS COORDINATORS Each section USTA Jr. Team Tennis coordinator may appoint area and/or local USTA Jr. Team Tennis coordinators to implement and administer the USTA Jr. Team Tennis League. Any such area (district, state, region, etc.) shall have such geographical boundaries as the section association may determine. The section USTA Jr. Team Tennis coordinator must approve all such appointments TEAM COACHES/MANAGERS Each USTA Jr. Team Tennis League team shall have a team coach/manager responsible for the team and its administrative affairs during the league season USTA JR. TEAM TENNIS COMMITTEE The USTA Jr. Team Tennis League shall be governed by the USTA Jr. Team Tennis Committee appointed by the President of the USTA and subject to the control and direction of the USTA Board of Directors. The USTA Jr. Team Tennis Committee Chair shall appoint a USTA Jr. Team Tennis League Subcommittee, referred to herein as the USTA Jr. Team Tennis League Committee, to adopt regulations USTA JR. TEAM TENNIS NATIONAL MANAGER The USTA Jr. Team Tennis League National Manager, under the employ of the USTA, shall be responsible for the day-to-day administration of the USTA Jr. Team Tennis League, including the interpretation of these USTA Jr. Team Tennis League Regulations.

13 10 USTA JR. TEAM TENNIS REGULATIONS (CONT.) 1.17 WAIVER OF RULES AND PROCEDURES PROHIBITED Except where a waiver is specifically permitted, no USTA Jr. Team Tennis Regulation or USTA Jr. Team Tennis Procedure may be waived by any section association or by any local, area, district, state or section Jr. Team Tennis coordinator or Grievance Committee. Any violation of this Regulation shall be subject to such sanctions as may be imposed by the USTA Jr. Team Tennis Committee (including, for example, the disqualification of any teams involved in any such waivers). Such sanctions may be appealed to the USTA Jr. Team Tennis Committee AMENDMENTS These USTA Jr. Team Tennis Regulations may be amended by the USTA Jr. Team Tennis Committee upon recommendation of the Chair of the USTA Jr. Team Tennis Committee and the USTA Jr. Team Tennis League National Manager. All proposed amendments shall be in writing and shall be forwarded to the USTA Jr. Team Tennis Committee at least ten days before any meeting of the USTA Jr. Team Tennis Committee. Without the approval of the Chair, the Vice Chair of USTA Jr. Team Tennis Committee, and the USTA Jr. Team Tennis League National Manager, no amendments to these USTA Jr. Team Tennis Regulations shall become effective prior to January 1 of the next USTA Jr. Team Tennis year LOCAL LEAGUE TENNIS SEASONS Each local section association shall determine the dates for the season(s) of the USTA Jr. Team Tennis League CHAMPIONSHIPS COMMITTEES A championships committee of at least three members (one of whom is a USTA Certified Referee or Umpire) shall govern each championship event. At least one member of the championships committee shall be in attendance at all times during play. The Chair of the USTA Jr. Team Tennis Committee shall appoint the championships committee for the national championships SANCTION All local League competition is sanctioned in accordance with USTA Regulations IX.C USTA JR. TEAM TENNIS LEAGUE REGULATIONS The Regulations in 2.00 shall apply to the USTA Jr. Team Tennis League LOCAL LEAGUE 2.01A Number of Teams A local league is a team competition in a specified geographical area that applies specific local team regulations and consists of NTRP level(s) with a minimum of two or more teams per level. A local league may choose to divide any or all NTRP levels into flights. A playoff structure may be established to determine a champion for each NTRP level.

14 B Team Composition To qualify for championship participation, team composition shall consist of a minimum of three (3) boys and three (3) girls eligible to compete at a specific level of competition. Failure to meet the team minimum team composition requirement will have an adverse effect on the ability to substitute players (2.03B). This regulation does not apply to the 10U and 8U age divisions. 2.01C Age Categories 2.01C(1) USTA Jr. Team Tennis is divided into five age categories: 18 & under, 14 & under, 12 & under, 10 & under and 8 & under. 2.01C(2) Only the 18 & under and the 14 & under age categories have advancement opportunities to National Championships. 2.01C(3) Players must remain age eligible through August 31 of the championship year to be eligible for advancement opportunities. 2.01C(4) 10 & Under and 8 & Under Play 2.01C(4)a Court Size Team competition in the 8 & under age division is required to be played on a 36-foot court and team competition in the 10 & under age division is recommended to be on a 60-foot court. Please see page C(4)b Scoring Scoring in the 8 & under age division is recommended to be the best of 3 games with the 1st to 7 points ( by 2 points) in each game and scoring for the 10 & under age division is recommended to be the best of 3 sets of 1st to four games with the 3rd set, 1st to 7 points ( by 2 points ). Please see page C(4)c Ball The 8 & under age category ball is required to be the USTA and ITF Stage 3 red (foam or very low compression) while the 10 & under age category ball is recommended to be the USTA and ITF Stage 2 orange (low compression). Please see page D NTRP Player Rating All players must be rated by their team coach/manager to enter a league. (See NTRP chart.) Local and area league coordinators may require a player to be moved to another level if the player s level of play is above the NTRP level at which the player has been rated by his or her team coach/manager. 2.01E Levels of Play The USTA Jr. Team Tennis play levels are defined as Beginner (NTRP 2.0 & below), Intermediate (NTRP 3.0 & below) and Advanced (NTRP 3.5 & above). Players cannot have a rating higher than the team tennis level at which they are playing.

15 12 USTA JR. TEAM TENNIS REGULATIONS (CONT.) 2.01F Scoring Leagues may use a scoring format which best meets the needs of the local league. (See the TennisLink Team Tennis online system.) For play at or below the section level, the section association may authorize the use of any USTA approved scoring methods. 2.01G Competition Format 2.01G(1) Round Robin or Other Format 2.01G(1)a All teams are required to play a minimum of three (3) team matches. 2.01G(1)b The league coordinator may use the format which best meets the needs of the local league, including a round robin or other format. 2.01G(2) Team Match and Scoring 2.01G(2)a To prepare the local teams for advancement to section championships and above, it is recommended that each team match consist of one boy s and one girl s singles, one boys and one girls doubles, and one or two mixed doubles. 2.02G(2)b The method of determining the winning team of a local team tennis match and the winner of the local team tennis competition is determined by the local league coordinator. 2.02G(2)c The scoring in the event of a default, forfeit or disqualification shall be according to the format selected in TennisLink Team Tennis. 2.02G(2)d Scores must be recorded in TennisLink Team Tennis to meet the local play history eligibility requirements of three (3) team matches (said matches may not come from a one day event at the local level) prior to advancement to the championship levels. 2.01G(3) Individual Match An individual match is any singles match, doubles match, or mixed doubles match played as part of a team match. 2.01G(4) Team Lineups The coaches/managers for each team shall exchange their team match cards simultaneously prior to the beginning of the team match. No substitutions may be made in an individual match after the lineup has been presented, except for injury to, or illness of a player prior to the start of such match and except under such further circumstances as the section association authorizes. If the substitution is made during the warm-up, the substitute player is entitled to a five-minute warm-up. 2.01G(5) Player Participation 2.01G(5)a More Than One Team A Sectional Association may authorize participation on more than one team. Players may play on more than one team in a local league during the same season, based on the decision of their Sectional Association.

16 G(5)b More Than One Individual Match An individual may play in any number of individual matches in a team match as determined by the section association. 2.01G(5)c Section Rankings Each sectional association will determine the appropriate use of their ranking system to distinguish between Intermediate and Advanced level for any players, across all age categories, who participate in Sanctioned tournaments as long as this determination is on file and has the agreement with the USTA Jr. Team Tennis National Manager. (Please contact your section coordinator for more information.) 2.01G(5)d National Ranking Players with a national ranking, in any age division and determined at a specified time of the year, must enter at the advanced level (NTRP 3.5 and above) at any age division. (Please contact your section coordinator for more information.) 2.01G(6) Coaching The local league coordinator shall determine whether and at what times to allow coaching at the local level. In no event is coaching permitted during a tiebreak. 2.01H Local League Champions At the conclusion of the local competition, the local coordinator shall certify to the area, district, state or section coordinator the results of the competition and contact information for the qualifying teams coaches/managers. The local competition must be concluded prior to the deadline set by the section association PROGRESSION Each section association shall announce the national championship method of progression, (in accordance with all USTA Jr. Team Tennis Regulations), suitable for its geographical boundaries for advancement of its local USTA Jr. Team Tennis League teams to section USTA Jr. Team Tennis Championships. Such progression must come from the local or area league and not the state, district, or equivalent. Qualifying teams must be coed, registered through TennisLink Team Tennis, and have at least three match results recorded in the system to advance to the next championship level. 2.02A Local, Area, District, State Competition Each team that wins a specific level of team tennis competition shall be entitled to advance to the next level of competition in accordance with the method of national progression determined by the national association. 2.02B Section League Championships Each section association shall hold a section USTA Jr. Team Tennis League Championship for at least the 18 & under and 14 & under age categories to determine the section champions. Winning teams at the Intermediate and Advanced levels shall be eligible to compete in the USTA Jr. Team Tennis National Championships. If the winning team at any level of competition is unable to compete further towards the national championships, then the section USTA Jr. Team Tennis coordinator may select the second place team for such further competition, etc.

17 14 USTA JR. TEAM TENNIS REGULATIONS (CONT.) 2.02C National Championships The teams winning the national championships in each age category and play level shall be that year s USTA Jr. Team Tennis National Champions AREA, DISTRICT, STATE, SECTION, AND NATIONAL USTA JR. TEAM TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS In all championships after local league competition, the following shall apply: 2.03A Eligibility A player is eligible to progress to championship level competition, including National Championships, if that player has played on the same team in at least three team matches during its local USTA Jr. Team Tennis season and has the results of said three matches recorded in TennisLink Team Tennis. (See 2.01G(2)) Only one match result may be the product of a defaulted or forfeited match by the opposing team to count towards advancing for all players involved. A retired match shall count toward advancing for all players involved. 2.03B Substitutions If a player on a qualifying team advancing to a championship competition is, for whatever reason, unable to participate, a substitute player may be added to the qualifying team s roster from the same local league in order to meet the minimum team size requirement (See 2.01B.) 2.03B(1) In no event can more than two substitutes, one (1) boy and one (1) girl, be added to a team s roster for competition. 2.03B(2) Any substitutions must be approved prior to the championship in which the substitution is occurring. 2.03B(3) If the qualifying team cannot field the minimum number of qualifying players, the second place team may advance for further competition. 2.03B(4) Substitution players are only allowed for those teams who originally had the team minimum of three (3) girls and three (3) boys. (See 2.01B) 2.03B(5) Eligibility of substitute players for a team advancing from one level of championship to another may be impacted by the return of the original player. The coach/manager must decide which player will participate since a team roster cannot be increased (See 2.01B) for subsequent advancements. 2.03C Official Championships Entry All teams must register in TennisLink Team Tennis for all championships. 2.03D Scoring Leagues may use a scoring format which best meets the needs of the championship. (See the TennisLink Team Tennis online system for approved options.) For play at or below the section level, the section association may authorize the use of any USTA approved scoring methods.

18 E Competition Format The championships committee shall determine the format for the competition, and it may be round robin competition, single elimination competition or a combination of the two. 2.03E(1) Round Robin If round robin competition is used, each team shall play every other team in its flight and the team with the majority of total games shall be the champion in its flight. The use of flights requires a playoff structure to establish a champion. 2.03F Team Match and Scoring A team match will consist of one girl s and one boy s singles, one girls and one boys doubles, and one or two mixed doubles matches. The team winning the majority of games will be determined the winner. 2.03G Participation 2.03G(1) More Than One Match Prior to an advancing championship, a player, who is eligible from more than one team, must declare which team s/he will participate on at the championship. 2.03G(2) More Than One Individual Match One girl and/or one boy may participate in up to two individual lines/matches per team match. In no event may one player play in three individual matches. 2.03H Substitutions No substitutions may be made in an individual match after the lineup has been presented, except for injury to, or illness of, a player prior to the start of such match, and except under such further circumstances as the championships committee may authorize. If the substitution is made during the warm-up, the substitute player is entitled to a five minute warm-up. The substitution is a line substitution and the lineup shall remain the same. 2.03I Coaching Coaching will be permitted during the rest period, if any, or between individual matches. In no event is coaching permitted during a tiebreak. 2.03J Procedures in the Event of a Tie In the event of a tie between two or more teams in a flight, whether in round robin or single elimination competition, the tie shall be broken by the first of the following procedures that breaks the tie: 2.03J(1) Head-to-Head Winner of a head-to-head match. 2.03J(2) Playoff Procedure If teams are still tied, the teams coaches/managers will designate a girl and boy to play a mixed doubles match tiebreak for the match.

19 16 USTA JR. TEAM TENNIS REGULATIONS (CONT.) 2.03K Individual Defaults An individual default occurs when a player fails to appear on time, or is defaulted by a tournament official for misconduct. 2.03L Scoring of Individual Defaults The defaults described in 2.03K will be scored in accordance with the format in TennisLink Team Tennis. In the event of a default by both opposing players, neither team receives credit for that match win or the games. 2.03M Team Defaults A team must have a minimum of six eligible players (see 2.01B) available at the start of the championship event. A team may default a maximum of two positions in a team match without defaulting the entire match. In such cases, the default(s) is/(are) dependent on the number and the gender of the defaulting players. If a team is short a boy and a girl, then the boy s singles and girl s singles must be defaulted (you may not default the mixed doubles match). The intent is to impact the least number of players on the opposing team as a result of a default. 2.03N Scoring of Team Defaults If a team defaults an entire team match for any reason during round robin play, then all matches of that team played or to be played, shall be null and void. If all teams in contention for the championships have already played the defaulting team in good faith, the matches stand as played. Sanctions or penalties may be imposed on said team. 2.03O Retirement A retirement occurs when an individual match has started and a player or a doubles team is unable to continue due to injury, loss of condition, or emergency. 2.03P Scoring of Retirements In case of a retirement, the non-retiring player or doubles team shall be credited with such number of additional games as would have been won if the match was completed and the non-retiring player or doubles team won every subsequent game. 2.03Q Awards Awards given at the championship levels will be based on eight players per team. 2.03Q(1) Division Award-Winners First through fourth teams in each division will be given awards at the national championships. 2.03Q(2) USTA Sportsmanship Awards One girl and one boy in each age division shall be awarded the USTA Sportsmanship Award during the national championships GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES The Guidelines in 3.00 GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES shall apply to all USTA Jr. Team Tennis Leagues.

20 COMMITTEES 3.01A Grievance Committees All grievance committees shall consist of no less than three persons, including a chair, to adjudicate grievances. The members of the committee may be the same as or different in whole or part, from the committee first approved. 3.01A(1) Local With the approval of the section association, each local league may appoint a local USTA Jr. Team Tennis Grievance Committee. The members of the committee are to be approved by the section USTA Jr. Team Tennis coordinator. 3.01A(2) Area, District, State and Section Each section association shall appoint an area, district, state and/or section USTA Jr. Team Tennis Grievance Committee. The members of the committee are to be approved by the section USTA Jr. Team Tennis coordinator. 3.01A(3) Championships Grievance Committees 3.01A(3)a Area, District, State and Section Championships Each section association shall appoint an area, district, state and/or section USTA Jr. Team Tennis Championship Grievance Committee. The members of the committee are to be approved by the section USTA Jr. Team Tennis coordinator. 3.01A(3)b National Championships The Chair of the USTA Jr. Team Tennis Committee shall appoint a national USTA Jr. Team Tennis Championships Grievance Committees. The members may be the same as, or different in whole or in part, from the members of the national USTA Jr. Team Tennis Championships Committee. 3.01B Grievance Appeal Committees All grievance appeal committees shall consist of no less than three persons, including a chair, to consider appeals from the grievance committees. No member of a grievance appeal committee may be a member of a grievance committee. 3.01B(1) Local With the approval of the section association, each local league may appoint a local USTA Jr. Team Tennis Grievance Appeal Committee. The members of the committee are to be approved by the section USTA Jr. Team Tennis coordinator. 3.01B(2) Area, District, State and Section Each section association shall appoint an area, district, state and/ or section USTA Jr. Team Tennis Grievance Appeal Committee. The members of the committee are to be approved by the section USTA Jr. Team Tennis coordinator. 3.01B(3) National The Chair of the USTA Jr. Team Tennis Committee shall appoint a national USTA Jr. Team Tennis Grievance Appeal Committee.

21 18 USTA JR. TEAM TENNIS REGULATIONS (CONT.) 3.01B(4) Championship Grievance Appeal Committees 3.02 GRIEVANCES 3.01B(4)a Area, District, State and Section Championships Each section association shall appoint an area, district, state and/or section USTA Jr. Team Tennis Championship Grievance Appeal Committee. The members of the committee are to be approved by the section USTA Jr. Team Tennis coordinator. 3.01B(4)b National Championships The Chair of the USTA Jr. Team Tennis Committee shall appoint a national USTA Jr. Team Tennis Championships Grievance Appeal Committee. No member of the grievance appeal committee may be a member of the grievance committee. 3.02A General Procedures 3.02A(1) All complaints alleging a violation of the USTA Constitution and Bylaws; the USTA Regulations; the Rules of Tennis or other USTA regulations (unless modified by these USTA Jr. Team Tennis Regulations); the USTA Jr. Team Tennis Regulations or standards of good conduct, fair play and good sportsmanship, shall be filed in writing with the USTA Jr. Team Tennis Grievance Committee responsible for enforcement. 3.02A(2) All complaints involving the administration of the league shall be filed and heard at the next higher level in the same manner as any other complaint. 3.02A(3) Any complaint against the USTA Jr. Team Tennis League National Manager shall be filed in writing with the USTA Jr. Team Tennis Committee. The decision of the USTA Jr. Team Tennis Committee shall be final and binding. 3.02A(4) All complaints with regard to any aspect of the USTA Jr. Team Tennis League shall be processed through the USTA Jr. Team Tennis League Grievance and Grievance Appeal Committees at the appropriate level (i.e., local, area, section, or national.) Decisions of such grievance appeal committees shall be final and binding. 3.02A(5) All complaints against an individual or team may only be filed by; (a) the team coach/manager of the team who has competed in the match where the alleged violation occurred, (b) the league coordinator, or (c) a member of the championships committee. 3.02A(6) The league coordinator, a member of the Championship Committee, a member of the Grievance Committee, or a member of the Grievance Appeal Committee may file a grievance at any time.

22 A(7) Play during grievance procedures: An individual may continue to play during a grievance investigation and hearing but must understand that, if upheld, all matches played during that time may be defaulted. 3.02B Rating Grievances Team coach/manager who rates a player and places that player on a USTA Jr. Team Tennis team by intentionally misrepresenting that player s actual skill level is considered to have violated the standards of good conduct, fair play, and good sportsmanship and may subject that team coach/manager s player or team to a grievance complaint and possible disqualification. 3.02C Self-rate Grievance Complaint Self-rated players who enter the USTA Jr. Team Tennis League by intentionally misrepresenting their actual skill level are considered to have violated the standards of good conduct, fair play, and good sportsmanship and may be subject to a grievance complaint and disqualification. 3.02D Local Team Procedures 3.02D(1) All complaints alleging a violation during local team competition shall be filed in writing with the local, area, or district USTA Jr. Team Tennis coordinator having jurisdiction prior to the commencement of the next team match involving such individual or team, or within 24 hours after the end of local team tennis play, whichever occurs first. 3.02D(2) Upon receipt of the complaint, the local, area, or district USTA Jr. Team Tennis coordinator will immediately send a copy to the chair of the appropriate USTA Jr. Team Tennis Grievance Committee and to the party (or parties) against whom the complaint has been filed. 3.02D(3) A complaint regarding failure to meet eligibility requirements (e.g., age misrepresentation or USTA member) may be filed by a team tennis coach/manager or team tennis coordinator at any time. A USTA Jr. Team Tennis coordinator may declare a player ineligible and disqualify that player without filing a grievance prior to the disqualification. 3.02D(4) Scoring of Eligibility Disqualification in Local Team 3.02D(4)a In the event of an eligibility disqualification during the local team tennis season and up to 24 hours after the end of local team play, all matches played by the player shall be considered losses and those matches shall be considered wins for the opposing players or doubles teams and scored according to the format described in TennisLink Team Tennis.

23 20 USTA JR. TEAM TENNIS REGULATIONS (CONT.) 3.02D(4)b In the event of an eligibility disqualification after conclusion of the local USTA Jr. Team Tennis season, the team will remain eligible to participate and retain games received up to the disqualification, but the ineligible player will not be allowed to advance. 3.02E Championship Procedures 3.02E(1) All complaints alleging a violation during championships competition shall be in writing and delivered to the duly appointed site director within 30 minutes of completion of the team match, or prior to the commencement of the next team match involving the player or team, whichever occurs first. 3.02E(2) At the time a complaint is filed, a copy of such complaint shall be sent to the party (or parties) against whom the complaint has been made. 3.02E(3) A complaint regarding failure to meet eligibility requirements (e.g., age misrepresentation, USTA member, or team composition) may be filed prior to or during the championship event. A USTA Jr. Team Tennis coordinator may declare a player and/or a team ineligible and disqualify that player without filing a written grievance. 3.02E(4) Scoring of Eligibility Disqualification for Championships 3.02E(4)a In the event of an eligibility disqualification prior to or after the conclusion of a championship event, the team will remain eligible to participate and retain games received up to the disqualification, but the ineligible player will not be allowed to advance. 3.02E(4)b In the event of an eligibility disqualification in a round robin format during the championship event, the player will not be allowed to advance on that team and all matches played by the player shall be considered losses and those matches shall be considered wins for the opposing players or doubles teams and scored according to the format described in TennisLink Team Tennis. 3.02E(4)c In the case of a disqualification in single elimination, the last individual match played by the player shall be considered a win for the opposing player or doubles team and scored according to the format described in TennisLink Team Tennis. 3.02F Grievance Committee Action 3.02F(1) Following the receipt of a complaint, the appropriate USTA Jr. Team Tennis Grievance Committee shall, as soon as reasonable, (a) cause such investigation of the alleged violation to be made as the committee deems appropriate and, if the committee deems the same to be necessary, shall (b) arrange for a hearing at which the parties involved shall have the right to appear personally and present evidence.

24 F(2) The USTA Jr. Team Tennis Grievance Committee shall have the power to dismiss the complaint or to direct the correction of any violations by reasonable means, including the suspension of a player or team. (See 1.08.) 3.02F(3) The USTA Jr. Team Tennis Grievance Committee shall prepare a written decision setting forth the basis for its decision and the deadline for any written appeal and promptly deliver copies to the parties involved. 3.02F(4) The decision of the USTA Jr. Team Tennis Grievance Committee shall be by majority vote GRIEVANCE APPEALS 3.03A General Procedures 3.03A(1) Any party to the complaint may appeal the decision of the grievance committee to the grievance appeals committee within the time fixed by the grievance committee in its findings. Upon receipt of an appeal of the decision of the grievance committee, the grievance appeal committee shall act promptly to resolve the appeal. 3.03A(2) Play During Grievance Appeal Procedures 3.03A(2)a If a player or team was suspended by the grievance committee decision, the individual or team may not play during the appeal process. 3.03A(2)b If the grievance was denied and appealed by the petitioner, the individual may play during his/her appeal process but must understand that if the decision of the grievance committee is reversed; all matches played during that time may be defaulted. 3.03A(3) The party appealing shall file written notice of appeal with the Chair of the appropriate grievance appeal committee and shall, at the same time, send a copy to the Chair of the grievance committee whose decision is being appealed, area, district, state or section USTA Jr. Team Tennis coordinator, and to the other party (or parties) involved in the complaint. 3.03A(4) The parties appealing shall have an opportunity to submit in writing facts and arguments in support of their respective positions. 3.03B Grievance Appeal Committee s Action 3.03B(1) The grievance appeal committee shall not be required to hold any hearing except as provided in 3.03B(2). Its decision may be based entirely on the findings of fact by the grievance committee whose decision is being appealed and on the facts and arguments submitted in writing by the parties to the appeal. 3.03B(2) If the grievance committee did not hold a hearing, the grievance appeal committee shall do so, provided any party involved in the complaint so requests in writing. However, the committee may hear such further evidence as it, in its absolute discretion, deems appropriate.

25 22 USTA JR. TEAM TENNIS REGULATIONS (CONT.) 3.03B(3) The grievance appeal committee shall have the power to affirm, modify, or reject the decision of the grievance committee. If the grievance committee has imposed a penalty, the grievance appeal committee may not impose a harsher penalty. Any player or team suspended for a period of 12 months or more may appeal the final decision of the grievance appeal committee to the national USTA Jr. Team Tennis Grievance Appeal Committee within the deadline established by the grievance appeal committee. 3.03B(4) A copy of the grievance appeal committee s written decision setting forth the basis of its decision shall be promptly sent to all interested parties and such decisions shall be final and binding. The following exception shall apply: Any player or team suspended for a period of 12 months or more may appeal the final decision of the grievance appeal committee to the national USTA Jr. Team Tennis Grievance Appeal Committee within the deadline established by the grievance appeal committee. The administration may not appeal the decision of the grievance appeal committee. 3.03B(5) The decision of the grievance appeal committee shall be by majority vote. 3.03C National USTA Jr. Team Tennis Grievance Appeal Committee Action 3.03C(1) The national USTA Jr. Team Tennis Grievance Appeal Committee shall hear appeals from players/teams who have been suspended for a period of 12 months or more by a local, area district, state or section grievance appeal committee. Upon receipt of an appeal of the decision of the grievance appeal committee, the national grievance appeal committee shall act promptly to resolve the appeal. 3.03C(2) The national USTA Jr. Team Tennis Grievance Appeal Committee shall have the power to conduct such investigation as they deem necessary and to affirm, modify or reject the decision of the local, area, district, state or section grievance appeal committee but may not impose any harsher penalties. 3.03C(3) The national USTA Jr. Team Tennis Grievance Appeal Committee shall notify the affected player(s)/coach(es)/ manager(s) and local, area, district, state or section grievance appeal committee in writing of its decision GENERAL PROCEDURES FOR GRIEVANCE AND GRIEVANCE APPEAL COMMITTEES 3.04A Telephone Conference Calls If one or more members of a grievance committee or grievance appeal committee cannot be present at a hearing, such members may, at the discretion of the chair, participate by means of a telephone conference call. If any witness cannot be present at a hearing to present evidence, such witness may, at the discretion of the chair, be permitted to do so by means of a telephone conference call. 3.04B Written Requirement The requirement that a notice or other document be in writing is satisfied if it is sent by a telegram, fax, , or equivalent communication.

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