2010 Vermont Local USTA League Rules

2010 Vermont Local USTA League Rules | USTA Vermont

Adult, Senior, Mixed and Super Senior Divisions - 11/15/09

1. GENERAL

1.1. The following rules and regulations shall be known as the Vermont Local USTA League Rules.

1.2. The Vermont USTA League Rules are supplemental and subordinate to the National and Section USTA League Regulations. Players are responsible for being informed of all USTA, Local League rules and the Code from the Friend at Court. A copy of the Easy Reference Rule Guide should be on the court during USTA matches. A copy of the 2010 VT Local USTA League rules may be accessed on www.ustavermont.com; go to Rules.

1.3. The Vermont USTA League Committee will vote on Vermont policy and regulation changes. Any captain interested in participating on this committee should contact their State League Coordinator.

1.3.1. The Committee is comprised of Level Coordinators and captains who represent league play at all levels. Additionally, ad hoc members may be added at the discretion of the Committee.

1.4. Proposals from captains for rule changes must be submitted in writing to the local coordinator within 30 days after the local league season has ended to be eligible for incorporation in the local rules for the following season. The Vermont League Committee will review and evaluate all proposals. Those proposals accepted are subject to amendment and will be voted on by the Vermont League Committee.

1.5. All changes to the current regulations will be underlined.

1.6. Sportsmanship is an important part of local league play. If any individual demonstrates behavior that could be interpreted as unsportsmanlike or which appears to reflect unfavorably on Vermont League Tennis, such player may be subject to sanctions that range up to suspension from participation in league play.

2. LOCAL LEAGUE

2.1. Match Format: will consist of the following positions with no repeats:
   i. Adult Men & Women 3.0 to 4.5 levels - 2 singles and 3 doubles matches with no repeats
  ii. Adult Men & Women 2.5 and 5.0 levels - 1 singles and 2 doubles matches with no repeats
iii. Senior Men& Women, Super Senior Men & Women, Mixed & Senior Mixed - 3 doubles matches with no repeats

2.2. Player Participation: A player may participate at more than one NTRP level within a division (adult, senior, mixed) in the same local league during the same season. Refer to USTA New England USTA League Regulations III.E. Prior to registering for the second team the player must submit a Player Intent Form. The form and instructions can be found on www.ustavermont.com, select USTA League, select forms.

2.3. Eligibility:

2.3.1. In order to be eligible to play for a team, each player must be a USTA member and such membership must extend through the end of the local season.

2.3.2. Minimum Age Requirement: Adult & Mixed division players must turn 18, Senior & Super Mixed Division players must turn 50 and Super Senior Division must turn 60 within the current calendar year.

2.3.3. Each player must be registered on his or her team roster on TennisLink before playing a match. The State League Coordinator reserves the right to decide on exceptions. Fees associated with registration will be posted annually, refer to Attachment A.

2.3.4. Each player must have a valid computer NTRP rating or must self-rate and can only play at or above their particular NTRP level of play. A player cannot self-rate if he/she has a valid computer rating.

2.3.5. A new player will be prompted on TennisLink to complete a questionnaire as part of the team registration and self-rate process. Upon completion of the questions the player will be assigned a self-rate and can choose to self-rate at a higher level. If the assigned self-rate is higher than what the player had intended to self rate at, the player will be given the opportunity to file an electronic appeal before exiting from the registration page.

2.3.6. A player must complete 2 matches from a prior season's play in order to generate a Year End NTRP computer rating.

2.3.7. A player must play a minimum of 2 matches (1 default may count) during the local league season as a rated player in order to qualify for championship play. In order to advance to National Championships a player must have played a minimum of 3 matches with no defaults.

2.4 Match Fees & Balls: The team captain shall collect the fee for the match time (refer to Attachment A for match fee) from EACH player and pay the fee directly to the club before the start of the match. USTA approved yellow tennis balls, appropriate to the court surface, shall be provided by the home team.

2.5. Registration and in-level NTRP requirements: Teams must meet the minimum requirement of registered players to constitute a valid team by the declared deadline.

2.5.1 Adult Division: A team consists of 8 players at the 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 & 4.5 levels. A team consists of 5 players at the 2.5 and 5.0 levels.

   i. NTRP levels 3.0, 3.5 & 4.0 teams must have a minimum of 6 players on their roster at their published NTRP level of play. The 6 in-level players plus 2 additional players must be registered by the declared registration deadline to be eligible as a valid team.
  ii. NTRP levels 2.5, 4.5 and 5.0 do not have an in-level requirement.

2.5.2 Senior Division: A team consists of 6 players and must have a minimum of 3 players on the roster at their published NTRP level of play. The 3 in-level players plus 3 additional players must be registered by the declared registration deadline to be eligible as a valid team.

2.5.3 Super senior, senior-mixed and mixed doubles teams consist of 6 players. No in-level requirements are enforced.

2.6. Team Playing Up: A team that has been #1 in its flight and has played in the District Championship (or equivalent) will be allowed to play at its rated level AND also one level up during the following championship year, with the submission of Player Intent Forms and the understanding that if they qualify they will play at the District Championships at their qualifying level. The team must consist of a minimum of 8 original members OR at least 6 of the original members with 2 additional members being in-level for the upper flight. Teams may add additional members to complete their roster above the established criteria.

2.7. League Timelines: refer to Attachment A, Fees & Schedule.

3. MATCH REGULATIONS

3.1. Team captains shall exchange line-ups for their entire team before the start of the first match. The captain must designate another player on his/her team to submit the complete line-up in his/her absence. When all matches can not go on at the same time, the home captain, at the request of the visiting captain, must state the order of the position line-up at least 48 hours prior to the match. This order can be changed with the agreement of both captains.

3.2. Positions will be played on a followed by basis. An individual match cannot start earlier than 30 minutes before the scheduled match time.

3.3. Warm-up time limit: 10 minutes, including serves begins at the scheduled time the match is to be played.

3.4. Tardiness: The point penalty system will be enforced with the late player(s) losing toss plus 1 game for each 5 minutes late. Penalties begin at the scheduled time of the match. The match is a default at 15:01 minutes late and considered a 6-0, 6-0 win for the player(s) present. If the player arrives after 5 minutes past the scheduled start time but before the default time, he is to receive a 5-minute injury prevention warm-up. Appeals of a defaulted match based on lateness must be in writing to the local grievance committee.

3.5. Players should determine before the start of a match, whether the curtains on adjacent courts are to be opened or closed. USTA regulations state that if 1 person requests the curtain to be closed, they will remain closed. Curtains will also remain open or closed if it is a pre-determined club rule.

3.6. Coaching is not allowed. Refer to Attachment B: Easy Reference Rule Guide

3.7. Match Scoring Format:

3.7.1. Scoring will be the best of two sets with ad scoring with a 7 point set tiebreak (1st to 7 by 2) at 6-6 in each set. In the event of split sets a 10 point match tiebreak (1st to 10 by 2) shall be played in lieu of a third set. The Coman Tiebreak procedure will be applied in all tiebreaks except the Timed Match tiebreak.

3.7.2. Play will be continuous throughout the match. There is no rest after the 1st game of any set but players will change ends. A 2 minute set break between any sets may be taken if requested by any player on the court.

3.8. If a match has a time limit of 2 or 1-1/2 hours the Timed Match Rules will apply (see 3.9).
Captains are to determine before the start of the match, how the end of time is signaled (clock on court, timer, etc.).
If one individual match is timed, all matches should be timed.

3.9. Timed Match Procedure, Refer to Easy Reference Rule Guide

3.10. How the winner of a flight will be determined: Each position of a team will be awarded 1 point per position win. The team that has the most team wins at the end of the season is the flight winner. In the event of a tie at the end of the season, refer to regulation 7.5.

3.11. Entering Scores & Scorecards:

At the conclusion of the match, both captains must verify the correctness of the score sheet, sign the bottom and keep a copy for their records. If a match is protested and captains have not complied with this regulation the League Tennis Committee can render the protest null and void. Refer to regulation 5.3. Match results must be entered and confirmed (or disputed) on TennisLink, within 48 hours of the match.
Either the home or visiting captain can enter the match results first. After match results have been entered the 2nd captain must confirm or dispute the match information. Any team not complying with this requirement will lose their right to dispute their match results. TennisLink will confirm matches 48 hours after the match results have been entered. Do not wait until the last minute in the event of unforeseen situations or other conflicts.

3.12. If all positions of a match are not played or matches are started but not finished on the same date (ex: match had to be stopped before the allotted time limit due to weather or unforeseen circumstances), the finished matches should be entered on TennisLink. The positions that have not been played should be entered as double default. The captain must notify the level league coordinator, on the date of the originally scheduled match, of any rescheduled or incomplete matches. After the remaining positions have been
completed both captains must email the level league coordinator and provide him/her with the match number, player names, position played, date played and match results. The state league coordinator will make corrections to the TennisLink score sheet.

3.13. Scheduling, Match Cancellations & Rescheduling Matches:

3.13.1 The HOME TEAM MUST specify the surface to be played on at the time of scheduling. A captain has the right to refuse to play on change of surface except in case of rain. In cases where more than one surface will be used, the home captain must inform the visiting captain (within 10 days of the match) of the type of surface upon which the individual matches will be played. If the surface is changed without notice, the match will be rescheduled at the visiting team's venue.

3.13.2 All matches scheduled and played between October 1 - April 30th must be played indoors.

3.13.2.1 If both captains agree to play the match outdoors within the time frame specified, they must report this to the Level Coordinator. A rain date must also be scheduled with back-up indoor courts pursuant to rule 3.13.5 at least 48 hours before the originally scheduled match.

3.13.3 All positions of a team match must be played on the same date as indicated on the original schedule.

3.13.4 If there is a change in time, date or location of the regularly scheduled match, due to an emergency, it is the home captain's responsibility to notify the visiting team captain at least 72 hours in advance of the start of the scheduled match. A message left on a machine or by email does not constitute contact. Failure to comply may result in default.

3.13.5 When a match is scheduled to be played outdoors, the captains must also schedule a rain date in case of inclement weather. The rain date must include back-up indoor courts to be used in the event of rain on the rain date. Be aware of weather conditions in advance and communicate with visiting captains in order to arrive at a mutual agreement regarding any match start times or match location changes. If the visiting team has available indoor courts, and both captains agree, the match could be played at the visiting team's courts.

3.13.5.1 If the captains cannot agree on a mutually accepted date for a re-scheduled match, the home captain should provide the visiting team with 3 alternate dates from which to choose. All positions of a team match do not have to be played at the same re-scheduled time. The league coordinator should be contacted if the captains are unable to agree upon a mutual date.

3.13.5.2 When a match is cancelled and re-scheduled, notify the league coordinator immediately and inform him/her of the date, time and location of the re-scheduled match.

4. GRIEVANCES

4.1. Grievances must be in writing on the official USTA Grievance Form (www.ustavermontcom) and completed by the team captain, emailed to the league coordinator or postmarked within 3 days of the dispute. The grievance facilitator will inform all teams involved of the grievance. Within a timeframe provided by the grievance facilitator, the captain of the team that was grieved against may submit a letter to the facilitator in defense of his/her team's position.

4.2. The grievance will be resolved within 15 days by the Vermont Grievance Committee, and the facilitator will notify all teams of the decision.

4.3. Either captain can file a grievance appeal on the official USTA form within 3 days of the Grievance Committee's decision.

4.4. If the above procedure is not adhered to, the grievance could be rendered null and void.

4.5. The Grievance Committee is made up of 3 members and does not include a local league coordinator who may have a conflict of interest in the grievance situation, as a voting member.

5. FORFEITURES, DEFAULTS and RETIRED MATCHES

5.1. Forfeitures & Defaults:

5.1.1 Positions must be forfeited from the bottom up: Singles: The #2 singles must be forfeited before the #1 singles may be forfeited. Doubles: The #3 doubles must be forfeited before the #2 doubles and the #2 doubles must be forfeited before the #1 doubles. 2.5 & 5.0 adult, senior or mixed division- the same principle applies where the forfeit order begins with the lowest doubles position or the singles position (applies to 2.5 & 5.0 adult).

5.1.2 If any individual doubles or singles team has started their match before a team in a higher position starts its match, and the higher position team has to default, the order of play should remain as it is on the line-up sheet.

5.1.3 The Local League Committee will review teams defaulting out of order.

5.1.4 Any team who defaults more than 5 positions (adult) or 3 positions (senior or mixed) in one season may jeopardize their participation in Vermont USTA Local League tennis for the next championship year. The Local League Committee reserves the right to decide on any exceptions.

5.1.5 The Vermont local league committee will review teams with repeated defaults. Action may be taken against the team captain, which may result in losing his/her position as team captain. The local league committee reserves the right to decide on the exceptions.

5.1.6 Any team (a team consists of enough players to win the match) who forfeits an entire team match during the local league season (regardless if the default is during the match or prior to the commencement of the match) may jeopardize the team's participation in the Vermont USTA League Local League for the next championship year. The Local League Committee reserves the right to decide on any exceptions.

5.2 Injuries:

5.2.1. A one time, 3-minute medical time out is allowed for injury, illness, and heat related condition or cramping. If the match does not resume play after 3 minutes the player (singles) or the pair (doubles) is subject to point penalty system (refer to 3.4).

5.2.2. A maximum 15 minute medical time out is allowed for bleeding injury. If the match does not resume play after 15 minutes the match is retired.

5.2.3. If a player is injured within the 10-minute warm-up period, as a result of the warm up, a legal substitute team member (a rated player on the roster who has not already played in that particular match) can play in place of the injured player. If the balance of the warm-up period is under 5 minutes the substitute player will be allowed a 5-minute injury prevention warm-up. The order of play would remain as scheduled.

5.3. If match results or the individual player name is disputed, the scorecard showing the signature of both captains must be available from both captains. Failure to produce a signed scorecard may render the protest null and void and the match may be recorded as a double default.

6. NTRP PLAYER DISQUALIFICATION

6.1. All players are subject to disqualification at the local, district and section levels. If a player is disqualified, he/she will be prohibited from further league play at that NTRP level for the remainder of the league season and all matches played will be scored as a 6-0, 6-0 win for his/her opponents. Refer to USTA League regulation 3.04. The USTA New England Section office will notify the disqualified player and his/her captain.

7. DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY

7.1. Refer to Attachment A for the dates and location of the District Championships for Vermont.

7.2. Each team that has been invited to play in the District Championships must accept the invitation by phone or email within 24 hours from the end of the local league season. Any team qualifying during a make-up period must accept their invitation immediately following their last match.

7.3. A player must have played a minimum of 2 matches (1 default may count) during the league season as a rated player in order to qualify for championship play.

7.4. Each player must be a member of USTA and such membership must extend through the end of the Championship season.

7.5 The winning team in each four team flight and the winner and runner-up (or wildcard) of each flight of five or more teams qualify to play in the District Championships, based on the points accumulated throughout the season. Most team matches won - determines the team winner of the local season. In the event of a tie at the end of the local season, the winner will be determined as follows:
* Most individual positions won
* Fewest sets lost
* Fewest games lost
* Head to head
* Coin toss

7. 6 The district tournament committee reserves the right to add wildcards at any NTRP level based on District Championship schedules. The Section League Coordinator and the district tournament committees have final approval of all wildcards.

7.7. The first place team from each level at the District Championships will be invited to play in the Section Championships.

8. SECTION and NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY

8.1. Refer to Attachment A for the dates and location of the Section and National Championships for the Adult, Senior, Supersenior, Mixed and Senior Mixed Divisions.

8.2.1. If teams are tied at the local level, regulation 7.5 above will apply. The winning team in each four team flight and the winner and runner-up (or wildcard) of each flight of five or more teams qualify to play in the Section Championships, based on the points accumulated throughout the season.

8.3. The first place team from each level at section championships will be invited to play at the National Championships. Dates and locations can be viewed by going to www.ustanewengland.com select USTA League (in left column index) select 'championship' or go to www.usta.com.

8.4. A first place section championship team that chooses not to compete at the national championship level must move up one level as a team or disperse to form new teams with no more than 3 players (adult division 3.0 - 4.5 levels and all senior division levels) or 2 players (adult division 2.5 and 5.0) who were on the final roster at the conclusion of local league play on any single team for the following league championship season. Any player, who did not participate in a match during the championship year, including defaults received, is excluded from this regulation.