Rules, Regulations & Responsibilities

USTA Adult Indoor, USTA Adult Outdoor, Combo League, Adult Mixed Doubles and Combo Commonwealth League

Captains are urged to review the entire set of rules and regulations as changes have been made to several sections of the document. All changes will remain underlined. All captains and players should be aware that these rules and regulations contain several significant changes from previous versions.

In all matches played, the “Rules of Tennis” and the USTA Regulations shall apply (except as changed or clarified herein for local league play).

When a match is played without officials, the most current Edition, Friend at Court, “The USTA Handbook of Tennis Rules & Regulations” shall apply in any situation not covered by the rules. This publication is available from the MAS (703-556-6120), and is recommended reading for all tennis players. Any person who knowingly violates the “Honor Code” will be guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct. At the discretion of the League Coordinator he/she may be defaulted from an individual match, or from participation in the league.

Team captains must be familiar with the structure of their league, its rules and guidelines as well as the Rules of Tennis, and Codes of Conduct and Dress. Any match that can not be played or completed due to the exclusion of a player for wearing marking soled shoes shall be deemed a default by the offending player or his/her doubles team. It is the team captain's responsibility to ensure organization of his/her team. Good organization will help make your team successful and enjoyable. The Team Captain is responsible for reviewing all information provided by the League Coordinator or it's office, USTA/VA, USTA/MAS or USTA. The information given is meant to assist the captain in the organization of the team by ensuring the captain is well informed. Please read all information that has been provided to you. It is the team captain's responsibility:

Local League Rules & Regulations

USTA membership is required in any USTA program operated by Home Court Tennis Leagues, Inc. USTA memberships can be obtained and renewed through www.usta.com or by calling 1 (800) 990-USTA.

There is a 14 person roster limit in the Women's 2.5 and Men's and Women's 5.0 and Open Levels and a 22 person roster limit in all other levels in the 2008 USTA Indoor & Outdoor Adult League, USTA Mixed Doubles League and the Combo Commonwealth Mixed Doubles and Combo Leagues. It is no longer permitted to use two defaults to qualify for Districts or Sectionals.

League Fees

League fees are due at the time indicated in the administrative instructions distributed to each captain before the start of a league unless otherwise directed. One check from the captain must be submitted for the total league fee. All checks submitted for league fees must be made payable to Home Court Tennis Leagues, Inc. A returned check fee of $20 will apply to all items returned from the bank, in addition to being subject to other remedies available. Individuals having an outstanding past due balance; will be disqualified from any Home Court Tennis Leagues, Inc. program, until such balance is paid in full.

Team Match Format (Indoor, Outdoor, Mixed & Combo and Combo Commonwealth Leagues)

Team matches in the USTA NOVA indoor league shall consist of 2 singles and 3 doubles pairs EXCEPT at the 2.5, 5.0 and open levels where the match format will be 1 singles and 2 doubles.

Team matches in the USTA NOVO outdoor league shall consist of 1 singles and 3 doubles pairs.

Team matches in USTA mixed doubles and Combo Commonwealth league shall consist of 3 mixed doubles pairs.

Team matches in the USTA Combo leagues shall consist of 3 doubles pairs.

Any match won due to accidental injury, should be recorded on TennisLink as "Retired," with any games that were played included in the score. Medical time-outs are limited to 3 minutes. If a player cannot resume after 3 minutes, the player must retire. A total of 2 medical time-outs are permitted during a match except for heat related conditions and cramping. In this case, only one medical time-out is permitted. The "match clock" does not stop under either circumstance discussed above. All matches are to end at the scheduled time, except for the one point tiebreaker as provided in the "Individual Match Scoring" section.

Line-Up Sheets

Exchange of Line-ups: Line-up should be simultaneous and should occur as close as possible to 10 minutes before match time. When exchanging lineup sheets, both captains are strongly encouraged to ensure that court assignments are understood and that the correct doubles’/singles’ teams and players are directed to the appropriate courts so as to eliminate players taking the wrong position on the courts. The home team captain is responsible for making the court assignments. Players should be encouraged to arrive 15 minutes prior to match time.

Where a split match occurs captains or their designees are required to exchange all court line-ups ten minutes prior to the start of the match. (See National Rule 3.01H(4))

NOTE: Blank scorecards to be used as line-up sheets may be generated by TennisLink. Follow instructions to pull up scorecard screen under Scoring Via TennisLink/Reporting a match. Click Print Score Card. (Handwritten line-up sheets may be used.) It is HIGHLY recommended that you verify that all players are recorded on official TennisLink team roster prior to each match. If an unregistered player plays in a match, the match will become a 6-0, 6-0 default loss for the team with the unregistered player. No default monies will be applied to either team in the case where a match was played.

Line-up Changes Prior to Match Time: Once line-up sheets are exchanged and a team has an extra player is onsite, insert him/her into the line-up in place of any absent player before the formal exchange so as to minimize or avoid defaults. No substitution is permitted after the formal exchange of line-ups, except for injury to, illness of, or disqualification of a player, prior to the start of such match. (See National Regulations 3.01H(4)).
USTA Q&A Interpretations (2008)

What happens when two players on a team don’t show up that are members of two different doubles teams? The National Office has authorized the two players to be able to play together at the higher position in order to avoid an additional forfeit. For example, if the two players came from the #1 and #3 doubles positions, these players would play at #1 doubles, the number two doubles team would remain the same and the forfeit would occur at the number three doubles position. See Reg. 3.01H (4)

After Match is Played: The Captain or his/her designee must sign each line-up sheet (with the score recorded) after the match. Doing so attests to the accuracy of the player names, positions and scores recorded thereon and establishes the basic facts of the match. Each captain should keep this signed copy for their records.

At private facilities DO NOT TAKE TO THE COURTS UNTIL YOUR SCHEDULED MATCH TIME. All players are entitled to a warm-up period, not to exceed 10 minutes. If a player is late by X minutes, the lateness penalty for X minutes shall apply. (Refer to point penalty system) The full 10-minute warm-up period shall still be granted if desired by any player. A player may have a partner or team member, or any other person provide the warm-up if the opponent refuses to do so. It will be the home team captain's (or designee’s) responsibility to limit the warm-up period to 10 minutes. If a player designated for the match goes to the court for warm-up and is injured or becomes ill during warm-up, a substitution is allowed and should be so noted on the line-up sheet and scorecard. Once the first serve of the match is delivered, no changes of line-up may be made for any reason. Players may purchase court time prior to their scheduled match time prior to their scheduled match time for team warm-ups. In these cases, a receipt must be shown if asked for by the opposed captain.

Time/Clocks

Court Shifts/Continuous Play

A 10-minute warm-up period is scheduled in the 2-hour time period allotted for mixed doubles and USTA/NOVO outdoor league or the 1½-hour USTA/NOVA indoor league matches, and should begin promptly at the time the match is scheduled to begin. Players are to exchange sides after every odd game for USTA/NOVO outdoor league and USTA mixed doubles league. Exchange should take place AFTER EACH SET is complete for the USTA/NOVA indoor league matches that run 90 minutes. Brief water breaks etc. are limited to 90 seconds after odd games except after the first game and during a tie-break game in all mixed, outdoor and indoor adult leagues. Between points, a maximum of 20 seconds is allowed. This timeframe starts from the moment the ball goes out of play at the end of the point until the serve is struck to start the next point. This limit does not apply if a player has to chase a stray ball. Play is continuous; players are not to leave the court except in an emergency or other approved absence, e.g., bathroom).

In an attempt to minimize stalling towards the end of match, no bathroom breaks will be permitted in an ongoing match during the last 15 minutes of play. If a player chooses to use the bathroom during the last 15 minutes of play, the match will be considered a default, resulting in a 6-0, 6-0 win to the opposing team. Bathroom breaks are limited to a reasonable amount of time, not to exceed five minutes for all indoor matches. Outdoor matches are not to exceed 10 minutes.

Interruption of Play due to Power Failure

In the case where a match is interrupted due to a power failure, the following rules shall apply: If the match is interrupted for 15 minutes or less, play will resume and continue for the full 1.5 hours – i.e., play will continue for the exact amount of time of the interruption past the time when the match would have ended. The starting time of any match scheduled to use the courts following an interrupted match shall be delayed by the amount of time of the interruption, not to exceed 15 minutes. If the interruption is longer than 15 minutes and both captains agree to an abbreviated match, then match may continue for no longer than 15 minutes past the time the match was originally scheduled to end. If both captains do not agree to the abbreviated match then the match will be cancelled and rescheduled by Ingrid Clark (Captains must notify Ingrid of cancellation). If a match is cancelled, then the following match should start on time.

Note: There may be times, due to other court time obligations, that a match cannot go beyond the scheduled end time. This decision will be up to the discretion of the Management.

Lateness

Lateness is calculated from the time the match is scheduled to begin as posted in the printed league schedule. Example: A match is scheduled to be played from 7:00pm - 9:00pm - "lateness" is calculated from 7:00pm; the warm-up period is part of the overall match time. All players are to be present and ready to play by the time posted in the schedule.

Regarding each individual match in both singles and doubles, if neither team has the appropriate number of players to start the match, default time for that individual match starts when the team has obtained the correct number of players to start the match.

Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited at public parks and at private country clubs. If you consume alcoholic beverages during a league match you are in violation of a league rule. Players consuming alcoholic beverages at public parks or private country clubs before, during, or after a league match may be automatically disqualified from the league. If you choose to celebrate with your team - find somewhere else other than the public park or private country club. Please don't drink and drive! Specifically at the private clubs, it should be remembered that as guests, USTA players and their guests/spectators attending every match are required to follow the rules of each of these facilities. Whether you are playing or cheering on your team, remember to follow these rules.

Spectators/Fans/Supporters: Remember…there is no communication allowed between spectators and players and absolutely no coaching of any kind!! There will be no glass hitting/pounding/ or tapping or any type of interference between spectators and players. The following applies only if a match is scheduled in a location that does not have spectator viewing areas. Only 1 spectator from each team will be allowed on the court to watch the match in progress unless a prior agreement between the opposing captains allow for more spectators. These spectators must enter the court at the beginning of the match and will not be able to leave the court until the match has been completed (in the case of an emergency). If the spectators choose to sit on the benches, remind these spectators that these benches are for the players use. Please allow the players to use these benches on the 90 seconds allowed on odd games. Remember…there is no communication allowed between spectators and players and absolutely no coaching of any kind!!

Any cancellation in matches due to severe weather will be recorded on the HCTL phone message at 540-882-4688. Any USTA matches cancelled due to severe weather, will be rescheduled by HCTL.

In all leagues, a pre-determined amount or “deposit” will be collected pre-season from each team. This deposit may be applied to any defaults/forfeits that this team may have or it may be applied to the entire league fee. Any unused portion of this deposit will be refunded to the team captain at the end of the season along with any additional funds due for defaults/forfeits. If a team “pulls out” of the league after the registration deadline for the league he or she registers for, this deposit will become non-refundable. In any USTA match, a non-team member substitute player is no longer an option to avoid paying the fee, unless the captains agree. ALL FORFEITS AND DEFAULTS ARE AUTOMATICALLY ASSESSED THE FEE. Captains should exhaust all possibilities to ensure forfeits or defaults are a last resort. Please keep in mind that when you default or forfeit a match not only do you lose that match, but you are assessed an individual match fee and you have inconvenienced the other
team members who were scheduled to play.

Default

A default can occur in any position if the player designated on the line-up sheet is expected to play but fails to show. The line-up sheet should be marked accordingly and "Default" entered in TennisLink. Changes in the line-up may be made only in accordance with these rules. If a player(s) fails to show or is later than 15 minutes after the scheduled start of the match, the match is considered a default. Both sets are awarded to the team receiving the default 6-0, 6-0. The "forfeit and default penalty" will be applied to a player who is later than 15 minutes even if both teams agree to play at this point.

Local League Grievance & Appeal Procedure

All local league grievances and appeals will follow the procedures outlined the 2008 Regulations Booklet (2.00 Grievance Procedures).

The direct link is: http://www.usta.com/leagues/custom.sps?iType=933&icustompageid=16102#201Committees

For all advancing 2008 Leagues to Districts, Sectionals, Regionals and Nationals, it should be noted that the Coman Tiebreaker will be used (both set and match). Our local league voted not to enforce this rule during our regular local league seasons.

COMAN TIE-BREAK PROCEDURES:
(enforced at Districts, Sectionals, Regionals and Nationals)

For Mixed Doubles, each match will be the best two out of three sets using regular USTA scoring (not No-Ad). For the USTA NOVA Indoor and Outdoor Adult League, each match will be the best two out of three sets, with a MATCH tiebreaker to be played in lieu of the 3^rd set. (First team to 10 points, win by two).

At 6 games each in any set, a 12-point tiebreaker will be used (first team to 7 points, win by 2.) At the end of the timed playing period, IF THE BALL IS IN PLAY, finish the point you are playing but do not start a new point. If a player is serving and a fault is caused during buzzer sounding, the player is entitled to finish the point and take the second serve. If all players in a match fail to note that match time has expired and they continue to play until they realize it, all points that have been played will count. The match is over once all players on the court shake hands.

In any situation described below, incomplete games are to be totally disregarded in scoring irrespective of what the score may be in that incomplete game. The exception to this is tiebreaker games: see "Tiebreaker Incomplete."

If at the end of the timed playing period the match is incomplete, the match status shall be reported on TennisLink as "Retired" and the following rules shall apply:

3rd Set Tiebreaker Incomplete -If a side is ahead by one or more points, it shall be considered to have won the ‘match tie-break’ and the match. If there is a tie in the number of points won, one point will be played to determine the winner of the match tiebreaker. A spin of the racquet shall be used to determine which player will serve the point (the non-serving team has the option of which side to receive serve, deuce or ad court), but in no event will players change courtsides.

3rd Set Incomplete -If a minimum of 6 games have been completed and one team is ahead by two games or more, or if one side is ahead by a minimum of 4 games, regardless of a number of games completed, the set shall be "valid" and the match win will go to the team winning this 3rd set. Scores of 3-3, 3-4, 4-3, 4-4, 5-4, 4-5, 5-5, 6-5, 5-6 and 6-6 are all invalid sets. If there is not "valid" third set, the match win would go to the side that has won the most games during the match. The game count should include the games played in the incomplete third set. If there is a tie in the number of games won, a single tiebreak point will be played to determine the winner of the match. Again, a spin of the racquet shall be used to determine which player will serve the point (the non-serving team has the option of which side to receive serve, deuce or ad court) is to be reported on TennisLink as the winner of the match with the actual game score (Point break excluded). All unfinished match tiebreakers will be recorded as 1-0 in TennisLink with a drop-down of “Completed” used.

2nd Set Split (Where match tie-break has not begun)-The match shall go to the side that has won the most games during the match. If there is a tie in the number of games won, one point will be played to determine the winner of the match. A spin of the racquet shall be used to determine which player will serve the point (the non-serving team has the option of which side to receive serve, deuce or ad court), but in no event will players change courtsides. The match winner (by game count or point-break) is to be reported on TennisLink as the winner of the match with the actual game score (point break excluded).

2nd Set Incomplete-If a minimum of 6 games has been completed or one side is ahead by a minimum of 4 games, the set shall be "valid." If there is no "valid" second set, the match goes to the winner of the first set. If a side is either a) ahead by two games or more where a minimum of 6 games has been completed of a "valid" set, or b) ahead by a minimum of 4 games, it shall be considered to have won the set. (3-3, 3-4, 4-3, 4-4, 5-4, 4-5, 5-5, 6-5, 5-6, 6-6 are all ‘invalid’ sets and the match win would go to the winner of the first set.)

If the sets are now split at one set each, procedure follows 2nd Set Split (Where match tie-break has not begun) and the match shall go to the side that has won the most games during the match. If there is a tie in the number of games won, a single tiebreak point will be played to determine the winner of the match. Again, a spin of the racquet shall be used to determine which player will serve the point (the non-serving team has the option of which side to receive serve, deuce or ad court), but in no event will players change courtsides. The match winner (by game count or point-break) is to be reported on TennisLink as the winner of the match with the actual game score (point break excluded).

2nd Set Tiebreaker Incomplete- If a side is ahead by one point or more, it shall be considered to have won the set tiebreaker. If there is a tie in the number of points won, one point will be played to determine the winner of the set tiebreaker. A spin of the racquet shall be used to determine which player will serve the point (the non-serving team has the option of which side to receive serve, deuce or ad court), but in no event will players change courtsides.

If the sets are now split at one set each, procedure follows for 2nd Set Split (Where match tiebreaker has not begun).

1st Set Incomplete
If a side is ahead by one game or more, it shall be considered to have won the match. If there is a tie in the number of games won, one point will be played to determine the winner of the match. A spin of the racquet shall be used to determine which player will serve the point (the non-serving team has the option of which side to receive serve, deuce or ad court), but in no event will players change court sides.

1st Set Tie-break Incomplete
If a side is ahead by one point or more, it shall be considered to have won the match. If there is a tie in the number of points won, one point will be played to determine the winner of the match. A spin of the racquet shall be used to determine which player will serve the point (the non-serving team has the option of which side to receive serve, deuce or ad court), but in no event will players change court sides.

Team Match Scoring

Team results and ranking will be calculated by TennisLink and are available online at www.usta.com.

Scoring Via TennisLink^sm

An official scorecard in TennisLink must be completed for each match played. Instructions for reporting and confirming/disputing match results are as follows:

TennisLink allows team captains (or the players they designate) to enter match results, and to confirm or dispute the results recorded by their opponents after scheduled matches. It also allows District Administrators to resolve “disputed” results and to modify the scorecard in question in order to finalize the results. Once a scorecard has been finalized, it can be viewed using either the ‘Stats and Standings’ Reports option.

If the conditions stated above are present, you’ll see a confirmation page listing the teams associated with the match number you entered. If this is the correct match, click "Next." The system will then check to determine if another member is currently entering scores for this match, and display the appropriate screen:
If the scorecard is currently in use, the system will display a message to inform you of this. If you receive this message you cannot continue.

If the scorecard is not currently in use, the system will display the scorecard screen.
On the scorecard screen, do the following:

First enter the match date and year using default format on screen. From the player drop-down lists, select the players from the home and visiting teams for each match.
Click the "Winner" button to identify the winning team for each match.

Type the scores for each match, reporting the winning team first. If you’re reporting scores for a 3^rd set, the third set score should be entered as 1-0. For example, a valid score would be 6-4, 4-6, 1-0. All unfinished match tiebreakers will be recorded as 1-0 in TennisLink with a drop-down of “Completed” used.

Select the final outcome for each match from the Completed drop-down list. You have the following options:

a. Completed - The players finished the match and played to a winning score.

b. Retired 1) One player (or doubles team) withdrew from the match while it was in progress. The player(s) who withdrew lose the match, even if they were leading at the time of the retirement. The score is reported as it stood when play concluded. 2) Since the “Timed Match” option is still under development and not yet in use, if a match ends due to time, the “Retired” option must be used. Enter the scores exactly how it ended and determine the winner using the “Individual Match Scoring” rules.

c. Timed Match - Local league plays time-limited match format, and time expires before the individual match has concluded. (This option under development and still not in use.)

d. Default - One player (or doubles team) failed to arrive within 15 minutes of the scheduled match. The opposing player(s) automatically win the match.

e. Double Default - Both players (or both doubles teams) failed to arrive within 15 minutes of the scheduled match. The match has no winner.

When you’ve finished entering the match results, click "Next." The system will check your entries to make sure they comply with the USTA scoring rules, and then it will display the appropriate screen. If one or more of your entries is not considered valid, you’ll see a screen that describes the missing or inconsistent information. Click the "Back" button to modify and submit match results. If all of your entries are considered valid, then the information is redisplayed in a confirmation page.
When you see the confirmation page, review the information carefully. Based on your review, do one of the following:

If you’ve entered incorrect match results, click "Back" to return to the scorecard screen. Correct your errors, and then click "Next" to see your new confirmation page.

If the information is correct, click "Finish" to save your information in the TennisLink database. The system will display a message telling you that the scores were entered successfully.

NOTE: You must click FINISH before exiting the scorecard screen. If you exit the screen without clicking FINISH, you'll need administrative assistance to access the screen again.

To "confirm" or "dispute " a scorecard: (Matches not disputed within 48 hours are automatically confirmed. No corrections to the scores or players can be made after this time!!)

On the number menu on the left of your screen, click "Scorecard."
Type the match number for which you wish to confirm scores, the press "Enter." When you enter the match number, the system determines whether or not you may confirm scores for the match. To confirm/dispute scores, both of these conditions must be present:

You must be registered as a captain of one of the teams involved in the match.

A member of the opposing team must have already entered the match results. If scores have not yet been entered, you can enter the scores. However, if a member of your own team has already entered the scores, you cannot continue. Only a member of the opposing team will be allowed to continue.
If the conditions stated above are present, you’ll see a confirmation
page listing the teams associated with the match number you entered. If this is the correct match, click "Next" to go to the scorecard screen.
On the scorecard screen, you’ll see the match results entered by a member of the opposing team. Review the information and then do one of the following:

If you agree with the recorded results, select the "Confirm" button, and then click the "Next" button. The system will display a message telling you that your selection was entered successfully.

If you disagree with the recorded results, select the "Dispute" button, then click the "Next" button. The system will display a message telling you that your selection was entered successfully.

NOTE: If you confirm the match results, no further action needs to be taken with the scorecard. However, if you dispute the match results, the dispute must be e-mailed to your local league coordinator, which will then be resolved by the Virginia District Administrator.

When asking for a change to a particular match, please include: 1) match code, 2) playing level, 3) date match was played, 4) position to be corrected (i.e. #2 doubles, #1 singles) and 5) clearly indicate what changes should take place.

Contact HCTL League Coordinator, Ingrid Clark, for instructions.

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Honor Code of Ethics

This HONOR CODE OF ETHICS has been adopted in order that all followers of tennis will know what is expected of them as players and as spectators and, thereby, enhance the enjoyment of the game for everyone. Any person who knowingly violates this Honor Code will be guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct. At the discretion of the official USTA umpire OR League Coordinator he may be defaulted.

CONDUCT OF PLAY

1. Players must know and adhere to the official Rules of Tennis, the Code, and all Local League Rules.

2. Players may not accept any coaching during the progress of the match. At no time may they consult with players, friends, coach or spectators. Any player who receives coaching during course of a match is subject to immediate disqualification.

3. It is considered unsportsmanlike conduct if you engage in (a) abusive display of temper, (b) loud or abusive language, c) swearing, (d) racket throwing, (f) hitting the ball in anger, (g) "gamesmanship" or stalling, (h) cheating. Any of the above may be considered as grounds for disqualification by the League Coordinator.

4. If you do not have an umpire, then you must call all balls as if you were a linesman (except that any doubt must be resolved in favor of your opponent).

5. In the absence of an umpire, your obligation is to call all balls fairly and honestly on your side of the net, and to help your opponent when requested. When your opponent asks for help in making a line call, it is your obligation to call against yourself if you clearly saw the ball out. Don't say "it's your call" when you know the ball was clearly out.

6. In the absence of an umpire, it is the responsibility of the server to call out the score. This should be done before every point and in a voice loud enough for all players on the court to hear.

7. Do not question your opponent's call. You may ask your opponent's opinion when he is in a better position than you to see ball. Do not enlist the help of a spectator.

8. Calls of "out" and "let" should be made instantly. A delay or doubtful call implies that it was not seen clearly. A ball you cannot call out is presumed good. Do not play a let or play the point over if you are not sure if the ball was out or not - in this case the point must be awarded to your opponent.

9. In doubles the receiver's partner may call the service line. If an incorrect fault is called and the receiver RETURNS THE BALL IN PLAY, then a let should be played. If the ball had not been returned in play, the point would have been your opponent's.

10. In doubles, when one partner calls a ball out and the other one good, the doubt that has been established means that the ball must be considered to have been good.

11.When the first serve is obviously out, it is discourteous to return it across the net.

12. A foot fault is a violation. The person who unknowingly foot faults is taking advantage of his opponent. The person who knowingly foot faults is cheating.

13. Exclamation in the course of play can be used against you, as the opponent is entitled to demand a replay. However, he must do so immediately and not go ahead with the point and claim a replay later, after he has lost the point.

Grievance & Appeal Form

Click for HTML print version of form.

Click for PDF print version of form

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