What is a Shootout? Virtues of the one-day format event: Limited Time Commitment Non-Elimination Low Cost Competitive Introduction Social Impact

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1 What is a Shootout? A one-day format tennis tournament utilizing the non-elimination compass draw. Ideal for use with any group juniors to adults, novice to advanced, USTA sanctioned or nonsanctioned. Virtues of the one-day format event: Limited Time Commitment Multiple matches in a 3-5 hour span. Non-Elimination Guarantees same number of matches for all participants. Low Cost Short time-frame equals lower entry fees, no hotel, no school-time lost. Competitive Introduction Provides incremental steps for new players. Social Impact Friendly environment cultivates camaraderie and sportsmanship. Club Friendly Short, predictable time-frame maximizes courts during slow periods. Grows Tennis Provides play opportunities for the population segment that cannot commit to an entire weekend or 9-week league. Proven Results Some Sections reporting a % increase in participation. How to run it: Operation of a one-day event requires a change in mindset for the organizer - Think MORE play and SHORT and sweet. Your participants are showing up to play for a designated time period. They are going to commit three hours to us, so we want to keep them playing for as much of that period as possible. Entries: Limit your entries by defined totals (4, 8 or 16 draws) or by ranking selection (top 4, 8 or 16 ranked entrants). Bottom Line Make sure you have 4, 8 or 16 players in each draw. 4 Round Robin = 3 guaranteed matches 8 Compass Draw = 3 guaranteed matches 16 Compass Draw = 4 guaranteed matches Scoring: Adults Juniors 1 Set Per Match (3.5 hour event) 1 Set Per Match (3.5 hour event) 2 Sets & Match Tiebreak (5.5 hour event) Schedule: Only schedule the start time (3.5 or 5.5 hour block). For example, all matches to begin at 10:00 am. The remainder of the rounds will be played on a to be followed by basis. For 1-set events, players are usually given 5-10 minutes break between matches and 2-set events are given minutes. Courts: These events are only effective if all matches begin at the same time. Therefore, you will need 2 courts for every 4 player round robin, 4 courts for every 8 compass draw and 8 courts for every 16 compass draw.

2 Compass Draw Operation: Page 2

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4 Troubleshooting: What if I only have 3 or 7 players register or show up? Having Alternates in case of a No Show is immensely helpful. Also, don t overlook the fact that these competitors have signed up and driven down to PLAY. So, if you have two players from different brackets sitting out for a round because they both have a bye, send them out to play an exhibition or practice match. You want everyone to play three matches (if possible), regardless of whether it counts for the draw or not. We are providing the opportunity for them to compete, have fun and get their dollar value all in a short period of time. Note: When you have a bye in two different compass draws, pair up the new players sitting out each subsequent round and everyone gets to keep playing. What if I only have 6 players register or show up? This is an easy one. The top 2 seeds get a bye as usual. The winners move forward in the draw and the 2 losers move into the back draw. If you are using one set per match, the two consolation players would then play two sets against each other resulting in them playing the same number of sets as everyone in the main draw. Everyone leaves happy. What if I only have one draw with one bye? If you don t have anyone to match up with the player sitting out, occasionally and unfortunately, someone will have to wait it out for a round. However, sometimes it is worth it to ask one of your regulars (who happen to be hanging around) or a teaching pro to fill in for a round. The gesture goes a long way. Can I only run two 8-draws if I only have 8 courts? Yes, only two 8-draws during the same time period. Remember, this is nonelimination. You will have the same number of matches each round. You could accommodate another two draws and run that event back to back with the first one. This will prevent any one player from having to be present for more than the 3.5 hour block. Please note: Do not try to stagger the matches by scheduling them. Everyone in each round depends on the results of the previous round. In order to keep these events running smoothly and efficiently, everyone should play each round at roughly the same time. Player Meeting: A bonus of this format is the ability to gather all of the participants in one place at the onset of the event. You can explain the rules, describe the format, introduce your officials, promote future events, etc. This provides the unique opportunity to create a friendly environment, put everyone on the same page and answer questions! For more Information: Contact Jeff Brack, USTA Tennis Innovation Committee jeffbrack@randolphtenniscenter.com Tournament Director, Randolph Tennis Center, Tucson, AZ Page 4

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