2009 USTA Jr. Team Tennis rules & regulations
Please click here to view and print a PDF file of the 2009 USTA Jr. Team Tennis Regulations. It is the expectation that these rules will be read by all players and coaches who participate in USTA Jr. Team Tennis in the Pacific Northwest. If you would like to read the 2009 USTA Jr. Team Tennis Regulations in your web browser, please continue to scroll down.
If you have any questions please contact Mark Toppe by phone at (360) 758-9970 or by email at markt@pnw.usta.com.
2009 USTA Jr. Team Tennis Regulations
If you should read no further than this, you should know that it is the expectation that these rules have been read and all participants are responsible for their contents.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP)
USTA Jr. Team Tennis Regulations
1.0 General
2.0 USTA Jr.TeamTennis League Regulations
2.01 Local League
2.02 Progression
2.03 Area, District, State, Section, and National USTA Jr.Team Tennis Championships
3.0 Grievance Procedures
3.01 Committees
3.02 Grievances
3.03 Grievance Appeals
3.04 General Procedures for Grievance and Grievance Appeal
Committees
Glossary
QuickStart Tennis Format
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Summary of Important Changes (or clarifications) for
2009 USTA Jr. Team Tennis Regulations
1.05 Official Rating Program: amended to include the importance of Section Rankings in determining intermediate players.
1.06 Official Ball: amended to identify the age appropriate ball for the 8 & under and 10 & under age categories.
1.07 USTA Membership: amended to confirm that a valid USTA membership is required at the local level and every subsequent championship advancement.
1.08 Player Agreement: amended to identify that individuals participating in ProfessionalTournaments are ineligible for USTA Jr.TeamTennis.
1.21 Sanction: added to assure uniformity of the rules of play and to indicate leagues are officially USTA approved.
2.01C Age Categories: revised to clarify the categories that qualify for national championships and to include 10 & under and 8 & under age categories which include court size, recommended scoring and ball.
2.01G(5)c Section Rankings: revised to improve clarity that each section association will distinguish between Intermediate and Advanced players across all age categories.
The NationalTennis 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.TeamTennis 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.
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.
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.
Players in Wheelchairs
Players in wheelchairs should use these same general characteristics to determine their NTRP skill level.The only difference 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.
2009 USTA Jr. Team Tennis Regulations
1.0 GENERAL
The Regulations in 1.00 GENERAL shall apply to USTA Jr.TeamTennis.
1.01 NAME
The USTA Jr.TeamTennis Committee has approved the adoption of the USTA Jr.Team Tennis Regulations.
1.02 USTA JR. TEAM TENNIS LEAGUE
The USTA Jr.TeamTennis 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. TeamTennis League shall be conducted without regard to race, creed, color, sexual orientation, national origin, or socioeconomic status.
1.02A Age Categories
USTA Jr.TeamTennis 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).
(USTA PNW SECTION COMMENT 1.02B)
For all levels of play, be sure to review the NTRP guidelines, rule 2.01 G(5)c as well as other rules related to eligibility before registering for USTA Jr. Team Tennis. Also consult your coach for more information about NTRP levels. The following comments are designed to assist you in choosing the correct level of USTA Jr. Team Tennis. They are not a substitute for other written rules.
Beginner
Players in the beginner division may have little or no match play experience. Beginner level players may have played in Rookie level tournaments. However, the beginner level is reserved for entry level tennis players.
Intermediate
The intermediate division includes players in a broad range. It includes players who have no tournament experience and may be entry level players. It also includes players who have experienced success in Challenger level tournaments. Some players in the intermediate level may have won matches in Championship level tournaments. Players who do not have any tournament experience are encouraged to play in a tournament before registering for the intermediate level to better gauge their level of play.
Advanced
The advanced division is designed for players who want to play in the highest level of USTA Jr. Team Tennis competition offered by the USTA Section. Advanced players typically play in Championship level tournaments.
1.03 OFFICIAL REGISTRATION SYSTEM
TennisLinkTeamTennis is the official system for registering players and teams for the USTA Jr.TeamTennis League. All teams and players participating in the USTA Jr. Team Tennis Championships must register for the USTA Jr.TeamTennis League using the TennisLink system.The section shall establish deadlines and procedures for registering teams and players onTennisLinkTeamTennis.
(USTA PNW SECTION RULE)
1.03 (A) Each local league in the USTA Section will establish its’ own registration guidelines and deadlines within TennisLink. See rule 2.01H for information on how to register for the 2009 USTA Jr. Team Tennis Section Championship.
1.03 (B) Registration for the USTA Pacific Northwest Jr. Team Tennis Section Championship: Any team that plays in an approved USTA Jr. Team Tennis Local League may advance to and register for a USTA Pacific Northwest Jr. Team Tennis Section Championship provided a minimum of three boys and three girls listed on the roster meet the eligibility requirements. (See Section 2.03A Eligibility) Only those players that meet the eligibility requirements may register for and participate in the USTA Jr. Team Tennis Section Championship.
1.04 OFFICIAL SCORE REPORTING AND STANDINGS SYSTEM
TennisLinkTeamTennis is the official system for reporting scores and providing standings for the USTA Jr.TeamTennis League and is required for USTA Jr.TeamTennis advancement. The section shall establish deadlines and procedures for reporting scores onTennisLinkTeamTennis for USTA Jr.TeamTennis.
(USTA PNW SECTION RULE)
1.04 (A) All scores must be reported within 48 hours of the conclusion of the match unless otherwise dictated by the local league coordinator or section coordinator. Scores not reported within the required time frame may not be counted toward the teams’ local play history.
1.05 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.
1.06 OFFICIAL BALL
Any USTA approved ball may be used for USTA Jr.TeamTennis League matches. The 8 & under age category ball is recommended 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.
1.07 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.
1.08 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 and Bylaws; the USTA Regulations; the Rules of Tennis; the USTA Jr. Team Tennis Regulations; and the standards of good conduct, fair play, and good sportsmanship.
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.
1.09 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 bodily injury, waive all claims for injury and property damage and release and hold harmless the USTA and the host facility, their officials, employees, and agents with respect to any injury or loss caused by negligence or otherwise to the fullest extent permitted by law.
1.10 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.
(USTA PNW SECTION RULE)
1.10 (A) Teams must participate in and meet eligibility requirements in a summer league season between May 1 and July 27 in order to advance to the USTA Pacific Northwest Jr. Team Tennis Section Championships (July 31, 2009 – August 2, 2009) or the USTA Jr. Team Tennis National Championships. Leagues with outside of these dates may appeal to the USTA Committee for approval and will be considered on a case by case basis.
1.11 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.
1.12 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.
1.13 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.
(USTA PNW SECTION RULE)
1.13 (A) In the USTA Pacific Northwest Section, USTA Jr. Team Tennis Coordinators of Local Leagues must apply to the USTA Jr. Team Tennis Section Coordinator in order to have their league approved by the USTA Pacific Northwest. Applications are available on the USTA web page under USTA Jr. Team Tennis. All applications for the 2009 Summer season must be filed and accepted by February 28, 2009.
1.14 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.
1.15 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.TeamTennis League Committee,” to adopt regulations.
1.16 USTA JR. TEAM TENNIS NATIONAL MANAGER
The USTA Jr.TeamTennis League National Manager, under the employ of the USTA, shall be responsible for the day-to-day administration of the USTA Jr.TeamTennis League, including the interpretation of these USTA Jr.TeamTennis League Regulations.
1.17 WAIVER OF RULES AND PROCEDURES PROHIBITED
Except where a waiver is specifically permitted, no USTA Jr.TeamTennis Regulation or USTA Jr.TeamTennis Procedure may be waived by any section association or by any local, area, district, state or section Jr.TeamTennis coordinator or Grievance Committee. Any violation of this Regulation shall be subject to such sanctions as may be imposed by the USTA Jr.TeamTennis Committee (including, for example, the disqualification of any teams involved in any such waivers). Such sanctions may be appealed to the USTA Jr.TeamTennis Committee.
1.18 AMENDMENTS
These USTA Jr.TeamTennis Regulations may be amended by the USTA Jr.TeamTennis Committee upon recommendation of the Chair of the USTA Jr.TeamTennis Committee and the USTA Jr.TeamTennis League National Manager. All proposed amendments shall be in writing and shall be forwarded to the USTA Jr.TeamTennis Committee at least ten days before any meeting of the USTA Jr.TeamTennis Committee.Without the approval of the Chair, the Vice Chair of USTA Jr.TeamTennis Committee, and the USTA Jr.TeamTennis 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.
1.19 LOCAL LEAGUE TENNIS SEASONS
Each local section association shall determine the dates for the season(s) of the USTA Jr.TeamTennis League.
(USTA PNW SECTION RULE)
1.19 (A) The USTA will offer several USTA Jr. Team Tennis league seasons. The time of the leagues will depend on the local league provider. Only participants in the Summer season will have a chance to qualify for the USTA Jr. Team Tennis Sectional or National Championship. Local league providers may apply with the USTA Jr. Team Tennis Coordinator to offer a winter, spring or fall season that qualifies teams to advance to the USTA Jr. Team Tennis Section Championship. Applications for the 2010 USTA Jr. Team Tennis season must be sent by e-mail to Markt@pnw.usta.com . Each application will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
1.20 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 championship 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.
1.21 SANCTION
Local League competition is sanctioned in accordance with USTA Regulations IX.C.2.
2.00 USTA JR. TEAM TENNIS LEAGUE REGULATIONS
The Regulations in 2.00 shall apply to the USTA Jr.TeamTennis League.
2.01 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.
(USTA PNW SECTION RULE)
2.01A (1) For a complete list of USTA Jr. Team Tennis Leagues eligible to advance teams to the 2009 USTA Pacific Northwest Jr. Team Tennis Section Championship, go to the USTA Pacific Northwest Web page.
2.01B Team
A team shall consist of a minimum of three (3) boys and three (3) girls eligible to compete at a specific level of competition. Team members may not have a higher NTRP rating than the level at which they are competing.
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 recommended 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 Appendix A.
2.01C(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 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. Please see Appendix B.
2.01C(4)c Ball
The 8 & under age category ball is recommended 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 Appendix C.
2.01D 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.
2.01F Scoring
Leagues may use a scoring format which best meets the needs of the local league. (See theTennisLinkTeamTennis 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 Each division within a local league shall play at least one round robin competition wherein every team plays every other team. Any division may be divided into flights and the flight winners entered into a playoff structure to establish a local league champion for that level.
2.01G(1)b All teams are required to play a minimum of three (3) team matches.
2.01G(1)cThe 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.
2.01G(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.
2.01G(2)c The scoring in the event of a default, forfeit or disqualification shall be according to the format selected inTennisLinkTeamTennis.
2.01G(2)d Scores must be recorded inTennisLinkTeamTennis 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.
(USTA PNW SECTION RULE)
2.01G(2)d (Continued)
In order to meet the play history eligibility requirement for the USTA Section Championship, players must have matches recorded in TennisLink on two separate dates.
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 section 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 your section association. Prior to an advancing championship, the player must declare which team he or she will participate on in such championship.
(USTA PNW SECTION RULE)
2.01G(5)a (Continued) Players in the USTA Pacific Northwest Section may play on more than one team in any season provided:
1. The player sends an e-mail to Markt@pnw.usta.com declaring which team he or she will play for in the USTA Jr. Team Tennis Section Championship. The e-mail must be sent before the team registers for the 2009 USTA Jr. Team Tennis Section Championship.
2. The player notifies both coaches which team he or she will play for at the USTA Jr. Team Tennis Section Championship before the team registers for the Section Championship.
3. The two teams are not in the same age and skill group.
2.01G(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 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 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.)
(USTA PNW SECTION RULE)
2.01G(5)c (continued) Players are excluded from playing in the intermediate division if any of the following apply:
1. They have earned 200 or more points in Championship level USTA Pacific Northwest sanctioned tournaments in any combination of the following age groups: 18-and-under, 16-and-under, 14-and-under, 12-and-under, according to the 2008 Pacific Northwest Rolling Standing Lists published on 12/17/2008. (For example, if a player has 155 points in the 14-and-under age group and 120 points in the 16-and-under age group, that player is NOT eligible to play in the intermediate division under this rule.)
In order to calculate your standing points go to: http://www.pnw.usta.com/home/default.sps. Under Jr. Tennis, select “Rankings.” Select the correct “year,” “division” and “12 month rolling standing list.” Click “find-it.” Please note that there may be some tournaments from the end of 2007 included in a players’ point total for the purpose of USTA Jr. Team Tennis.
2. They have acquired four or more match wins in Championship level USTA Pacific Northwest sanctioned tournaments between Jan. 1, 2008 through July 7, 2009 in any combination of the following age groups: 18-and-under, 16-and-under, 14-and-under, 12-and-under. All wins that result in points being earned count as wins for the purpose of this rule. A walk-over, withdrawl, retirement and a default all count as wins. (For example, a player with 2 wins in Championship level tournaments in the 14-and-under age group and 2 wins in Championship level tournaments in the 12-and-under age group must play in the advanced group.) This rule applies to singles wins only.
3. Players may appeal their own placement for level of play. Appeals must be made in writing to the USTA Jr. Team Tennis Committee by July 7, 2009.
2.01G(5)c (continued) Players that permanently reside outside the USTA Pacific Northwest must play in the advanced division unless they have prior authorization from the USTA/PNW Jr. Team Tennis Committee.
COMMENT: Participants in USTA Jr. Team Tennis from British Columbia must consult their local league rules for eligibility requirements.
2.01G(5)d National Ranking
Players with a national ranking must enter at the advanced level (NTRP 3.5 and above).
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.
(USTA PNW SECTION RULE)
2.01H (continued) Local League Champions
(a) Teams and players that do not meet the eligibility requirements by July 27 will not be permitted to participate in the USTA Pacific Northwest Jr. Team Tennis Section Championship on July 31, through Aug. 2.
2.01H (continued) Registration
Teams participating in USTA Pacific Northwest Jr. Team Tennis Leagues in the summer of 2009 are invited to advance to the USTA Pacific Northwest Jr. Team Tennis Section Championships on a first-come first-serve basis. Teams interested in participating must follow both of the following two steps:
(Step 1) E-mail an RSVP to Mark Toppe at Markt@pnw.usta.com after June 23 and before July 9, 2009. The e-mail must include the following:
(a) Team Number
(b) Parent Manager/Coach Name & Phone number
(c) alternate contact name and phone number
(d) Team Name
(e) Name of League
(f ) Division of play. (Only one team per coach at each age group sectional event) You will receive an e-mail confirmation in reply sent to the same e-mail used to make the RSVP. By sending the RSVP, the team acknowledges that they have read and agree to comply with the USTA Jr. Team Tennis Rules.
(Step 2) Register and pay the entry fee in Tennis Link after all the participants from the advancing team have met the eligibility requirements. The minimum team size at the USTA Jr. Team Tennis Section tournament is 3 boys and 3 girls. Teams with fewer than 3 boys and 3 girls will be subject to penalties at the USTA Jr. Team Tennis Section Championship. More than 3 boys and 3 girls is recommended.
2.02 PROGRESSION
Each section association shall announce the national championship method of progression 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 TennisLinkTeamTennis, 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.TeamTennis 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.TeamTennis 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.TeamTennis coordinator may select the second place team for such further competition, etc.
2.02C National Championships
The teams winning the national championships in each age category and play level shall be that year’s USTA Jr.TeamTennis National Champions.
2.03 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 (3) team matches during its local USTA Jr.TeamTennis season and has the results of said three (3) matches recorded inTennisLinkTeamTennis. (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.
(USTA PNW SECTION RULE)
2.03A (continued) Eligibility
(1) Teams must participate in an approved USTA Jr. Team Tennis League in order to qualify for the USTA PNW Jr. Team Tennis Section Championship.
(2) In order to qualify for the USTA Jr. Team Tennis Section Championship, a player must:
a. Compete in three separate dual matches against three separate opposing teams. (For example, a girl who plays girls singles and girls doubles in one dual match against the same team will receive credit for only one match.)
b. If there are only two teams competing in a league, all three dual matches may be played against the same team.
c. Record all three match scores under the team number that is advancing to the USTA PNW Jr. Team Tennis Section Championship prior to the registration deadline of the USTA PNW Jr. Team Tennis Section Championship.
(3) It is the responsibility of the player and the coach to be certain that an accurate record of the players’ match history is recorded in TennisLink.
(4) It is the responsibility of the player and the coach to be certain that the player meets the necessary qualifications to compete in the USTA PNW Jr. Team Tennis Section Championship.
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.) In no event can more than two substitutes be added to a team’s roster for competition. Any substitutions must be submitted to and approved prior to the championship. If the qualifying team cannot field the minimum number of qualifying players, the second place team may advance for further competition.
2.03C Official Championships Entry
All teams must register inTennisLinkTeamTennis for all championships.
2.03D Scoring and Rest
Leagues may use a scoring format which best meets the needs of the championship. (See theTennisLinkTeamTennis 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.
2.03E 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
An individual may play in either one singles or one doubles match within each team match unless the team has only the team minimum of six players, in which case, one girl and one boy may play in two individual matches. Every attempt should be made by the team coach/manager to play all players on the team roster in every individual match.
2.03G(1) More Than One Match
An individual may play in either one singles or one doubles match within each team match unless the team has only the team minimum of six players. 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.
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 TennisLinkTeamTennis. 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, depending on the gender of the defaulting player, the singles match would be the first to be defaulted.
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.
3.00 GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES
The Guidelines in 3.00 GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES shall apply to all USTA Jr.Team Tennis Leagues.
3.01 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.TeamTennis Grievance Committee.The members of the committee are to be approved by the section USTA Jr.TeamTennis coordinator.
3.01A(2) Area, District, State and Section
Each section association shall appoint an area, district, state and/or section USTA Jr.TeamTennis Grievance Committee.The members of the committee are to be approved by the section USTA Jr.TeamTennis 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.TeamTennis Championship Grievance Committee.The members of the committee are to be approved by the section USTA Jr.TeamTennis coordinator.
3.01A(3)b National Championships
The Chair of the USTA Jr.TeamTennis Committee shall appoint a national USTA Jr.TeamTennis Championships Grievance Committee. The members may be the same as, or different in whole or in part, from the members of the national USTA Jr.TeamTennis 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.TeamTennis Grievance Appeal Committee.The members of the committee are to be approved by the section USTA Jr.TeamTennis coordinator.
3.01B(2) Area, District, State and Section
Each section association shall appoint an area, district, state and/or section USTA Jr.TeamTennis Grievance Appeal Committee. The members of the committee are to be approved by the section USTA Jr.TeamTennis coordinator.
3.01B(3) National
The Chair of the USTA Jr.TeamTennis Committee shall appoint a national USTA Jr.TeamTennis Grievance Appeal Committee.
3.01B(4) Championship Grievance Appeal Committees
3.01B(4)a Area, District, State and Section Championships
Each section association shall appoint an area, district, state and/or section USTA Jr.TeamTennis 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.TeamTennis Committee shall appoint a national USTA Jr.TeamTennis Championships Grievance Appeal Committee. No member of the grievance appeal committee may be a member of the grievance committee.
3.02 GRIEVANCES
3.02A General Procedures
(USTA PNW SECTION RULE)
3.02A (continued)
Parties filing a grievance or an appeal must be certain to file their appeal at the appropriate level. Grievances and appeals concerning the USTA Pacific Northwest Jr. Team Tennis Section Championship or the local leagues in the Pacific Northwest Section must be filed with the USTA Pacific Northwest Grievance or Appeals Committees.
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.TeamTennis Grievance Committee responsible for enforcement.
3.02A(2) A complaint against the administration of the league shall be filed and heard in the same manner as any other complaint. Any complaint against the USTA Jr.TeamTennis League National Manager shall be filed in writing with the USTA Jr.TeamTennis Committee.The decision of the USTA Jr.TeamTennis Committee shall be final and binding.
3.02A(3) All complaints with regard to any aspect of the USTA Jr.TeamTennis League shall be processed through the USTA Jr.TeamTennis 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(4) All complaints shall be filed against the individual or team complained against, (a) by the team coach/manager of the team who has competed in the match where the alleged violation occurred, (b) by a team coordinator, or (c) by a member of a championships committee.
3.02A(5) 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.TeamTennis 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.TeamTennis 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.TeamTennis coordinator will immediately send a copy to the chair of the appropriate USTA Jr. TeamTennis 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.TeamTennis 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 inTennisLinkTeamTennis.
3.02D(4)b In the event of an eligibility disqualification after conclusion of the local USTA Jr.TeamTennis 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 or USTA member) may be filed prior to or during the championship event. A USTA Jr.TeamTennis coordinator may declare a player ineligible and disqualify that player without filing a grievance prior to the disqualification.
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 inTennisLinkTeamTennis.
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 inTennisLinkTeamTennis.
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.
3.02F(2) The USTA Jr.TeamTennis 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.TeamTennis 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.TeamTennis Grievance Committee shall be by majority vote.
3.03 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.TeamTennis 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.
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.TeamTennis 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.TeamTennis 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.TeamTennis 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.TeamTennis 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.TeamTennis 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.
3.04 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, e-mail, or equivalent communication.
GLOSSARY
Advanced: The level of play for participants who have an NTRP of 3.5 & above.
Appeal: Request for reconsideration of a previous decision, determination or finding.
Championship: Any USTA Jr.TeamTennis program competition held beyond local league competition or playoffs.
Competitive: A match in which the outcome is unpredictable.
Default: When a player or team fails to appear on time or is removed by a tournament official for misconduct.
Intermediate: The level of play for participants who have an NTRP of 3.0 & below.
Eligibility: Qualifications to play.
Flight: A group of teams competing at a specified NTRP level within a local league or championship competition where every team in that group plays every other team to declare a winner.
Grievance: Written formal complaint regarding an alleged violation of a regulation or procedure.
Individual match: Any singles or doubles match played as part of a team match.
Level of play: NTRP skill levels offered in the program.
Local team tennis program: A team competition in a specified geographical area that applies specific local team tennis regulations and consists of NTRP level(s) with a minimum of two or more teams per NTRP level.
Match tiebreak: First to 10 by a margin of two. (See www.usta.com, Rules, #27.)
NTRP: NationalTennis Rating Program.
Player: The individual who registers on a team.
Retirement: Occurs when an individual match has started and a player is unable to continue due to injury, loss of condition, or emergency.
Round robin: Each team plays every other team in its flight.
Self-rating: An entry rating determined by the player or team coach/manager entering the program in accordance with the NationalTennis Rating Program (NTRP) Guidelines.
Set break: The two-minute period between the completion of the last game of a set and the beginning of a succeeding set.
Set tiebreak: First to 7 by a margin of two. (See www.usta.com, Rules, #27.)
Start of a match: First service attempt on an individual court.
Team: Individuals rostered together.
Team Tennis coordinator: Person appointed or hired to implement and administer the TeamTennis League.
Team Tennis progression: Local team tennis team winners have the opportunity to advance through local, area, district, state, section, and national championships competition.
Team Tennis year: January 1 through December 31.
Team match: (Local team match):The number of individual singles and doubles or any combination as determined by the local team tennis program. (Championship team match): Girl’s Singles, Boy’s Singles, Girls’ Doubles, Boys’ Doubles, and Mixed Doubles.
Tiebreak procedures: Process to determine the winner of a Round Robin or Single Elimination in the team competition if the teams are tied.
Three-match rule: Each player advancing to championship competition must have reported scores in a minimum of three (3) local matches on the advancing team.
USTA section: One of seventeen defined associations that comprise the USTA.
Waiver of claims: As a condition of participation, each player gives up the right to any demand for injuries sustained in traveling to or from or participating in the program.
Waiver of rules: Except where specifically permitted, no USTA Jr.TeamTennis Guideline or Procedure may be disregarded.