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2012 Junior Regulations
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Player Eligibility
A. USTA Membership
B. Abide by Rules of Play
C. Age Eligibility
D. Residency Requirement
2. Sportsmanship & Conduct
A. Point Penalty System
B. Suspension Point System
3. Tournament Level Descriptions
A. Section Championships - Level 3
B. Section Qualifiers - Level 4
C. Section Qualifiers - Level 5
D. District Tournaments - Level 6
E. Local Tournaments - Level 7
F. Novice Tournaments (no ranking points) - Level 8
4. Tournament Entry
A. Entry Limitations on Players
B. Online Entry, Entry Deadlines and Withdrawal
C. Late Entries and Onsite Alternates
D. Refunds
5. Tournament Draws
A. Selection
B. Seeding
C. Wild Card Request Form
6. Tournament Match Play
A. Match Start Times
B. Earliest Start Time
C. Latest Start Time
D. Start Day
E. Lateness Penalty
F. Number of Matches Per Day
G. Rest Periods
H. Postponed and Interrupted Matches
I. Inclement Weather
J. Continuity of Play
K. Different Court Surfaces
L. Balls
M. Officiating
N. Feedback Form
7. Points-Per-Round Ranking System
A. Awarding of Points
B. Standing List
C. Player Records and Ranking Information
D. Point Tables
8. New England Teams at National Team Events
A. Events
B. Selection Requirements
9. National Entry, Endorsement and Quota
A. Online Entry System
B. Endorsement Lists
C. Automatic Selection Quota
D. Other Selection Options
10. Financial Assistance
A. USTA New England Player Grants
B. USTA Multicultural Individual Player Grants
11. Grievance Procedures
2012 Regulation changes are in red type.
1. PLAYER ELIGIBILITY
A. USTA Membership - A player must be a USTA member in order to enter sanctioned USTA
New England tournaments. Memberships purchased online at www.usta.com are processed
immediately.
B. Abide by Rules of Play - All players participating in USTA sanctioned events are expected to
know the rules of playing a tennis match including keeping score and how to play a tiebreak, be
familiar with the general rules of fair play contained in The Code and agree to abide by USTA
Rules and USTA New England Regulations.
C. Age Eligibility -The USTA uses a “month of birth” age eligibility rule for junior players
competing in USTA sanctioned tournaments. Juniors may continue to play in the 10, 12, 14, 16
and 18 age divisions until the month they turn 11, 13, 15, 17, or 19, respectively. Players should
use the starting date of a tournament to determine eligibility when a tournament begins in one
month and ends in the next. Players may “play up” in a higher age group but may not “play
down.” The Section reserves the right to require players to submit a copy of their birth certificate
or other proof of age that is acceptable to the Section.
D. Residency Requirement - USTA New England Level 3, Level 4 and Level 5 tournaments are open only to “residents of New England” whose “legal residence” is in the geographical area of any of the six New England States with the exception of that area of Connecticut which is defined in the By-Laws of the USTA as part of the USTA Eastern Section (i.e. Greenwich, Cos Cob and Riverside).
i. “Residents of New England” are those juniors who are: i) citizens of the United States, ii) permanent resident aliens in possession of a valid alien registration receipt card, iii) aliens who have resided in the New England section of the USTA continuously for more than one year and who are members of families in the diplomatic or consular corps, iv) aliens who have been granted Refugee or Asylee Status, v) aliens who have been granted Temporary Protected Status, or vi) aliens whose 1-485 (Application to Register Permanent Resident or Adjust Status) has been accepted for filing.
ii. “Legal residence” means the true, fixed, and permanent home or the home for the indefinite future of the player’s parent(s) or legal guardian. A player can only have one “legal residence” at any one time. In the case of a player with parents living apart and residing in different USTA sections, the player’s legal residence will be determined as the location where he or she resided for the majority of the past ranking year.
2. SPORTSMANSHIP & CONDUCT
A. Point Penalty System
i. Violations - Point penalties will be imposed against a player for their or their associates’ (parent, relative, coach or other person) unsportsmanlike conduct during a tournament such as the following:
a. Unreasonable delays after the warm-up period, between points and when changing ends, and otherwise unreasonably delaying a match.
b. Audible or visible obscenity.
c. Violently or with anger hitting, kicking or throwing a tennis ball, racket or other equipment.
d. Verbal or physical abuse of any official, opponent, spectator or other person.
e. Disruptive behavior.
f. Coaching by an accompanying person (parents, friends, coaches or spectators) during the
progress of the match except during the time between the second and third set in the 12, 14, 16
and 18 divisions. Coaching is considered to be communication, advice or instruction of any kind,
audible or visible to a player.
ii. Penalties for the above violations:
a. First offense – Point
b. Second offense – Game
c. Third offense – Default
d. Each point penalty imposed under the Point Penalty System, excluding time violations for
delay between points, after the warm-up, after a changeover or after a set-break, will result in two
(2) suspension points being levied against a player. (Refer to B. Suspension Point System.)
iii. Process
i. The referee, roving official or tournament director may impose point penalties in any umpired or
non-umpired match on the basis of his or her own observations or those of his or her designated
assistants.
ii. While normally the imposition of penalties will be in accordance with the above guidelines, a
flagrantly unsportsmanlike act may result in the imposition of an immediate penalty, even a
default, for a first offense. Such a default, if declared by a chair umpire or referee’s assistant, may
be appealed to the referee or tournament director; if imposed by the referee it may be appealed
to the tournament committee.
iii. A player may not appeal to the referee a penalty imposed by an official unless the penalty is a
default.
iv. The names of players receiving point penalties should be sent to the USTA New England
office immediately following the tournament in which the violations occurred.
B. Suspension Point System
i. Violations and Penalties - Suspension points will be recorded against a player for the
following violations that occur in any draw:
a. Each point penalty imposed under the Point Penalty System (refer to A. above) excluding
time violations for delay between points, after the warm-up, after a changeover or after a set-
break) – 2 points
b. Default or withdrawal for refusal to play or continue to play for any reason other than an illness, injury or personal emergency – 3 points
c. Entering two tournaments (with overlapping dates) at the same time without written permission
from both tournament directors – 3 points
d.. Entering two singles or two doubles events at one tournament – 3 points
e. Default for a no-show in singles or doubles – 5 points
f. Default due to late arrival for a match – 1 point
g. If a player, or one player of a doubles team, is forced to retire during a match (is unable to
continue) – 0 points
h. Leaving the court during a match without the permission of the Umpire, Referee or
Tournament Director except to get a linesperson – 2 points
i. Inappropriate behavior, verbal or physical abuse against an official, player, spectator, or other
person at a tournament site by a parent, relative, coach or other person associated with a player
– up to 4 points and/or player associate may be suspended from attending USTA sanctioned
tournaments and events.
j. Unsportsmanlike or inappropriate conduct at a tournament site while on or off the court – 5
points
k. Default for flagrantly unsportsmanlike conduct at a tournament site while on or off the court – 8
points
l. USTA New England maintains a zero-tolerance policy on violence; anyone who is involved in
verbal or physical acts of violence against an official, player, spectator or other person at a
tournament site -may be suspended from attending USTA sanctioned tournaments and events.
ii. Suspension Process
a. Suspension points do not have any impact on a player’s standing or ranking and are removed
from their record 12 months after the date of the tournament when the suspension points were
levied.
b. Any suspension points received out-of-section will count in New England.
c. If a player receives ten (10) or more suspension points within a twelve (12) month period, he
or she will be suspended from competing in USTA New England sanctioned events for eight (8)
weeks.
d. If a player who has been suspended once receives eight (8) or more suspension points during
a twelve (12) month period, he or she will be suspended from competing in USTA New England
and USTA sanctioned events for six (6) months.
e. If a player who has been suspended twice receives six (6) or more suspension points during a
twelve (12) month period, he or she will be suspended from competing in USTA New England
sanctioned events for the remainder of his or her junior career.
f. USTA New England will notify the national USTA office of any player with regard to
suspensions received in USTA New England sanctioned events.
iii. Appeal Process
a. Upon receipt of a suspension notice, a suspended person or player will have the right to contact the section office to correct any errors in the record, and the right to a hearing before the USTA New England Junior Sportsmanship Committee. To correct the record or to request a hearing, a suspended person or player must make a written request to the USTA New England Junior Sportsmanship Committee within five (5) days following the receipt of the suspension notice.
b. If the Committee affirms the suspension, the suspension will commence the day after the
committee has made a decision affirming such suspension.
c. If a hearing is not requested, the suspension will commence the day after the expiration of the
five-day period.
3. TOURNAMENT LEVEL DESCRIPTIONS
A. Section Championships - Level 3 ranking points
i. The New England Junior Section Championships offers an elite level of competition where
players also receive national ranking points if they win at least one round.
ii. Singles draw is limited to maximum of 32 players with a full-feed-in consolation (FFIC).
iii. All matches are best-of-three tiebreak sets and use regular scoring. Only in an emergency,
such as a power failure, extreme weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstance, may a
Match Tiebreak (first to 10 points by a margin of two) be used in lieu of a third set. Such an
occurrence should be rare.
iv. Doubles draw is limited to maximum of 16 teams and is single elimination. All matches are
eight game pro sets with regular scoring and a set tiebreak at 8-8.
B. Section Qualifiers - Level 4 ranking points
i. There are three (3) Level 4 tournaments offering the highest level of competition where players also receive national ranking points if they win at least one round.
ii. Singles draw is limited to maximum of 16 players with a Feed In Consolation, FIC, through the quarter finals and a main draw semi-final losers playoff for third and fourth place.
iii. All main draw and Saturday FIC singles matches are best-of-three tiebreak sets and use regular scoring. Only in an emergency, such as a power failure, extreme weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstance, may a Match Tiebreak (first to 10 points by a margin of two) be used in lieu of a third set. Such an occurrence should be rare. All Sunday FIC draw matches shall use match tie break in lieu of third set.
v. Doubles draw is limited to maximum of 16 teams and is single elimination with a Feed in Consolation, FIC, through the quarter finals. All matches are eight (8) game pro sets with regular scoring and a set tiebreak at 8-8.
C. Section Qualifiers - Level 5 ranking points
i. There are eight (8) Level 5 tournaments offering an advanced level of competition where players also receive national ranking points if they win at least one round.
ii. Singles draw is limited to maximum of 24 players and are single elimination with semi-final losers playing off for third place (winner third, loser fourth) and quarter final losers playoff for fifth place (winner fifth, finalist sixth, losers tie seventh). Exceptions are the New England Clay Court Championships and the New England Hard Court Championships where singles draws will be limited to a maximum of 32 players.
iii. All singles matches are best-of-three tiebreak sets and use regular scoring. Only in an emergency, such as a power failure, extreme weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstance, may a Match Tiebreak (first to 10 points by a margin of two) be used in lieu of a third set. Such an occurrence should be rare.
iv. Doubles draw is limited to maximum of 16 teams and is single elimination with a Feed in Consolation, FIC, through the quarter finals. All matches are eight (8) game pro sets with regular scoring and a set tiebreak at 8-8.
D. District Tournaments - Level 6 ranking points
i. These tournaments offer an intermediate to advanced level of competition for USTA members.
ii. Singles draws are single elimination and if, based on court availability, there is a draw size
limit, it is posted prior to the entry deadline on the tournament home page. All matches are best of three tiebreak sets and use regular scoring. A Match Tiebreak (first to 10 points by a margin of
two) may be used in lieu of a third set.
iii. Doubles draw for one (1) day doubles only event is limited to maximum of 16 teams and is
single elimination with a first match loser consolation (FMLC) or round-robin if only three (3)
teams. Doubles draw for multi day event is limited to maximum of 16 teams and is single
elimination with optional consolation. All matches are eight game pro sets with regular scoring
and a set tiebreak at 8-8.
E. Local Tournaments - Level 7 ranking points
i. These tournaments offer an introductory to intermediate level of competition for USTA members.
ii.16 and18 and under divisions singles draws are single elimination and if, based on court availability, there is a draw size limit; it is posted prior to the entry deadline on the tournament home page. All matches are best-of-three tiebreak sets and use regular scoring. A Match Tiebreak (first to 10 points by a margin of two) may be used in lieu of a third set. If only three (3) players register then a round-robin may be used.
iii. 12 and 14 and under singles draws are one (1) day events with round robin flights using tiebreak sets and no-ad scoring. Some 12 and under tournaments may be designated for approved green ball type use. Green ball type shall be stated in tournament title prior to registration open date. Players are selected to flights in descending order of standing. Flights will have 4, 5 or 6 players. (Example; with 10 players-flight A will have the four (4) highest ranked players, flight B will have the next six (6) highest ranked players.) Players play three (3) matches in flights of 4 and 6 players and four (4) matches in flights of 5 players. No playoffs. In a tiebreak set, the first player to win six games, by a margin of at least two games, is the winner. If the score reaches 6-games all, a Set Tiebreak (12-point tie-break, first to 7 points by a margin of two) should be played. So this means a player can win 6-0, 6-1, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 or 7-6. The player who wins the most matches in the round-robin is the winner. Wins includes wins against a player who defaults, withdraws or retires. Defaults, withdrawals and walkovers do not have game scores and do not count toward % of games won. Retirements include game scores and they do count toward % of games won. Tiebreak counts as 1 game toward % of games won. If two players are tied, the winner of the head-to-head match is the winner. If three or more players are tied, the winner is determined by using the first of the following methods that successfully breaks the tie:-The win-loss record (head-to-head) in matches involving just the tied players;-The player with the highest percentage of games won of all games played (games won divided by total games played).-To the extent that the above methods eliminate players from consideration at any step, the win-loss record between the remaining players shall be considered before going on to the next step.-If at any point only two entrants remain tied, then the head-to-head result (if played) between these two entrants determines the winner. -If a tie cannot be broken after all the steps are employed, a random drawing between the remaining tied entrants shall be used to determine the winner.
iv. 10 and under division singles draws are one (1) day events with round-robin flights using tiebreak sets and no-ad scoring. 10 and under division matches play with approved lower and slower bouncing orange type ball on a 60 x 21 foot court. Players are selected to flights in descending order of standing. Flights will have 4, 5 or 6 players. (Example; with 10 players-flight A will have the four (4) highest ranked players, flight B will have the next six (6) highest ranked players.) Players play three (3) matches in flights of 4 and 6 players and four (4) matches in flights of 5 players. No playoffs. In a tiebreak set, the first player to win six games, by a margin of at least two games, is the winner. If the score reaches 6-games all, a Set Tiebreak (12-point tie-break, first to 7 points by a margin of two) should be played. So this means a player can win 6-0, 6-1, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 or 7-6. The player who wins the most matches in the round-robin is the winner. Wins includes wins against a player who defaults, withdraws or retires. Defaults, withdrawals and walkovers do not have game scores and do not count toward % of games won. Retirements include game scores and they do count toward % of games won. Tiebreak counts as 1 game toward % of games won. If two players are tied, the winner of the head-to-head match is the winner. If three or more players are tied, the winner is determined by using the first of the following methods that successfully breaks the tie:-The win-loss record (head-to-head) in matches involving just the tied players;-The player with the highest percentage of games won of all games played (games won divided by total games played).-To the extent that the above methods eliminate players from consideration at any step, the win-loss record between the remaining players shall be considered before going on to the next step.-If at any point only two entrants remain tied, then the head-to-head result (if played) between these two entrants determines the winner. -If a tie cannot be broken after all the steps are employed, a random drawing between the remaining tied entrants shall be used to determine the winner.
v. Doubles draw for one (1) day doubles only event is limited to maximum of 16 teams and is single elimination with a first match loser consolation (FMLC) or round-robin if only three (3) teams. Doubles draw for multi day event is limited to maximum of 16 teams and is single elimination with optional consolation. All matches are eight game pro sets with regular scoring (12 and 14 and under divisions use No-ad scoring) and a set tiebreak at 8-8.
F. Novice - Level 8 NO ranking points
i. These tournaments offer an introductory level of competition for players with recreational skills
but limited or no tournament experience.
ii. Out-of-state juniors are welcome to participate and will be listed in their respective position in
the rankings but will not receive a numerical ranking.
iii. Round-robin, single-elimination and QuickStart formats may be used. Some events have
consolations and doubles. The format for each individual event is available from the respective
tournament director (refer to the tournament schedule).
iv. Results count only towards a ranking in each state and will not count towards a New England
standing or ranking.
4. TOURNAMENT ENTRY
A. Entry Limitations on Players
i. A player may enter any level of tournament for which they are age-eligible but they may only
play in one (1) age division at each tournament. At one (1) day doubles events ONLY a player
may play in two (2) age divisions provided that they are scheduled on separate different days.
ii. A player may enter only one singles event and one doubles event at each tournament. Refer to
exception in 3. A. i. above.
iii. When entries close, a player shall not be entered in two or more sanctioned tournaments if
any parts of the tournament overlap, unless each tournament director understands the situation
and concurs in writing.
B. Online Entry, Entry Deadlines and Withdrawal
i. Players enter USTA New England tournaments using the online TennisLink Registration
System.
ii. The entry deadline for weekend tournaments (Friday, Saturday and Sunday start dates) is the
previous Sunday at 11:59 p.m. The entry deadline for weekday tournaments is five (5) days prior
to the start date at 11:59 p.m. Any exceptions to this are noted on the TennisLink schedule.
iii. Please check the online TennisLink tournament schedule for entry deadlines for the following: the New England Section Championships, the USTA 12, 14 and 16 Zone Team Championships, the 16 and 18 USTA Intersectional Team Championships and the WTT Junior Nationals.
iv. Players withdrawing from tournaments prior to the deadline must use the online TennisLink
Registration System to do so. Players withdrawing after the registration deadline must contact the
tournament director directly.
C. Late Entries and Onsite Alternates
i. Tournament entries received after the published tournament deadline may be accepted at the
discretion of the Tournament Director.
ii. After the tournament draw is made, a late entry, or a player coming to a
tournament as an onsite alternate, may be accepted to replace a withdrawing player, if the
replacement does not invalidate the seeding.
D. Refunds
i. The tournament shall refund a player’s entire entry fee if the player is not selected, if a player is selected in error, if the player did not play a match because his/her only opponent withdrew or if the player plays no matches because the tournament is cancelled due to inclement weather.
ii. No refund is required after the online registration entry deadline.
iii.The TennisLink processing fee is non-refundable in the above instances.
5. TOURNAMENT DRAWS
A. Selection
i. Selection into all tournaments is based on current standing lists, in ascending order and not on a first-come, first-served basis.
ii. Ties will be broken as follows: A player whose best event has the highest number of points,
second best, third best, etc through eight events.
iii. The tournament director has the right to limit the size of a Level 6 or Level 7 draw if he or she
deems it necessary and this limit is posted prior to the registration (entries) open date on the
tournament home page on the TennisLink schedule.
iv. If the number of applications for entry exceeds the size limit of the draw, the following
procedure will be used. One-eighth of the draw may be selected from eligible players at the
discretion of the tournament director. The other seven eighths must be selected according to the
most current standing list available. In all Level 7 divisions the other seven eighths must be
selected using a bottom up approach whereby the unranked and lowest ranked players on the
most current standing list available are selected first until the draw limit is reached.
v. In 10, 12 and 14 and under round-robin flights, players are selected to flights in descending order of most current combined standing list available and by filling the smallest size flight for that tournament first.
vi. Registrants who identify partners will have priority for selection provided that each player registers online and provides credit card information. Tournament director will randomly match selected doubles players who do not identify a partner. Doubles draws for Level 3 New England
section championships and Level 5 Clay and Hard court championships are filled as
follows; both players in singles and registered as a team will be selected first, one player
in singles and registered as a team will be selected next, players in singles and registered
for doubles without a partner selected next, players not in singles and registered for
doubles selected next.
vii. USTA New England expect that all tournaments and events, once scheduled, will be held. An
event will be held if there are two or more entries except if it is a 10, 12 or 14 and under round robin. If there are four or fewer entries, awarding of prizes is at the discretion of the tournament director.
viii. Players are randomly selected into draws using USTA Tournament Data Manager (TDM)
software. Tournament Directors may separate siblings from playing each other in the first round
of a singles or doubles draw or from a round robin flight.
ix. At one day doubles only tournaments when a team withdraws from the main draw the tournament director will normally replace the withdrawn team in the consolation draw with a BYE. The withdrawn team will remain in the consolation if they are able to play (ex they were defaulted late for the main draw or a player was temporarily ill but is able to play a consolation match a couple of hours later.) A team that gets a withdrawal win in the main draw and then loses will not go into the consolation draw. Tournament directors will be advised to attempt to give this team a second play opportunity for the practice but not as part of the consolation draw for points and scheduled as if it were a match for points.
B. Seeding
i. Seeding for Level 6 and 7 singles tournaments is based on the most current combined
standing list available and is done using the auto seed function of the USTA Tournament Data
Manager (TDM) software.
ii. Seeding for Level 3, 4, and 5 singles tournaments is based on the most current combined
standing list available and all other information relevant to seeding including, but not limited to,
head-to-head results and national rankings / standings. Any deviation from the standings list
requires approval of either the chair of the Player Development Committee or the National
Selection Committee.
iii. Seeding for doubles tournaments is based on the most current doubles only standing
list available using the average doubles rankings of each team (pair).
iv. Ties will be broken as follows: A player whose best event has the highest number of points,
second best, third best, etc through eight events.
v. All levels; 3 -11 players = 2 seeds, 12 - 23 players = 4 seeds, 24 - 47 players = 8 seeds. Level 3 and 5 singles tournaments will seed eight (8) players if 17 or more players.
C. Wild Cards
i. At all Level 5 tournaments and at the Level 3 New England Section Championships, four (4)
positions are reserved in the draw in each age division for wild cards. At the three Level 4
tournaments, two (2) positions are reserved in the draw in each age division for wild cards.
ii. Wild cards are reserved for, but not limited to, players who have not played for extended
periods of time due to injury, players who are aging up with a high standing in a lower age group
and players who have moved into the section with a high national or comparable standing from
another section.
iii. Application forms for wild cards are available on the USTA New England website at this link Wild Card Request Form and must be received via email, fax or U.S. mail by the Player Development Manager prior to the respective tournament entry deadline.
iv. Players requesting a wild card must also follow the normal online entry process for the
tournament by the entry deadline.
v. Wild cards will be selected by the USTA New England Player Development Manager, with the
approval of either the chair of the Player Development Committee or the chair of the National
Selection Committee.
6. TOURNAMENT MATCH PLAY
A. Match Start Times:
USTA New England encourages all tournament directors to publish the draw with all match times
for each event to the USTA website no later than 72 hours before the start time of the first match
of the event. Players are responsible for obtaining their own match time by checking the
TennisLink Tournament Home Page.
B. Earliest Start Time
All Divisions: 8:00 am, 4:00 pm on public school days.
C. Latest Start Time
10 and 12 Divisions: 8:30 pm
14 Division: 9:00 pm
16 and 18 Divisions: 10:00 pm
D. Start Day
First date of scheduled event, unless 16 or fewer entries in a division, where play may not start
before Saturday or second day of scheduled 3 day event. Summer or school vacation event with
a division with 16 or fewer entries may start play on the first date of the scheduled event if this is
posted on the tournament home page before the ‘Entries Open’ date.
E. Lateness Penalty
i. Players are expected to check and comply with all scheduling done by the tournament. A player
is deemed to have arrived when the player checks in at the place designated for checking in and
is properly clothed, equipped and ready to play. The lateness penalty clock starts when the match
is called, a court is available and a player has not arrived.
ii. Penalties for late arrival are as follows:
5:00 minutes or less: Loss of toss plus 1 game.
5:01-10:00 minutes: Loss of toss plus 2 games.
10:01-15:00 minutes: Loss of toss plus 3 games.
More than 15:00 minutes: Default
F. Number of Matches Per Day
i. Round-Robin: Maximum of six (6) matches per day, of which only four (4) may be singles sets.
Maximum of four (4) doubles pro sets per day.
ii. Single Elimination: Maximum of five (5) matches per day, of which only two (2) may be singles.
Maximum of four (4) matches per day, of which only three (3) may be singles if a match tiebreak
is being used in lieu of the third set. Maximum of four (4) doubles matches per day.
G. Rest Periods
i. Changeovers -There is no rest period on the changeover after the first game of each set and
during a tie-break. During all other changeovers players are entitled to a maximum of 90 seconds
of rest.
ii. Between First and Second Sets -Maximum of 120 seconds of rest.
iii. Between Second and Third Sets - A ten-minute rest period is mandatory in the 12, 14, 16 and 18 divisions. Coaching is allowed during this ten-minute rest period. Three-minutes in all divisions if a Match Tie-Break is being played in lieu of a third set. Coaching is allowed during this three-minute break.
iv. Between 12, 14, 16, 18 Division non round-robin Matches – One hour minimum between consecutive singles matches. A half-hour between a singles and a doubles match and ten-minutes between consecutive doubles matches.
v. Between 10, 12, 14 Division Round-Robin singles matches -Tournament Director discretion. Suggested up to five minutes rest between a player’s first two tiebreak set matches, and up to a ten-minute rest between his or her second and third tiebreak set matches. Up to ten-minutes between consecutive doubles pro-set matches.
vi. Consecutive Days -A player must be given 12 hours rest between the end of a night match
and the beginning of the next day’s morning match.
H. Postponed and Interrupted Matches
The postponing and interrupting of matches because of weather, darkness or court conditions
shall be at the sole discretion of the Tournament Director. Interrupted matches shall be resumed
from the point of interruption as soon as ordered by the Tournament Director. If matches cannot
be completed by the published tournament end date then all matches completed to that point will
earn points-per-round and count in the standings. The remaining matches will not be rescheduled
at a later date.
I. Inclement Weather
In the event of inclement weather forecasts, tournaments do not get cancelled, nor do they get
rescheduled. In the event of actual inclement weather; each Tournament Director has the sole
authority to exercise their discretion to continue their tournament based upon the ability of the
facility being open to do so, and each player (parent), has the sole authority to exercise their own
discretion as to whether or not it is safe for them to travel to their match (es). Any matches that
are played and any player(s) that are on site and advance due to a withdrawal will be awarded
points-per-round reached.
J. Continuity of Play
Tournament court time shall be continuous, with a minimum of interruptions by other activities
(e.g., clinics, club matches or lessons). Matches should begin as early as possible on each day of
a tournament, in compliance with regulation 5. A. – I. above and later with travel time
consideration for Friday night matches.
K. Different Court Surfaces
In Level 6 and Level 7 tournaments matches may be scheduled on different surfaces at the same
event, in one age division, only if this is stated prior to the entry deadline on the tournament home
page in the schedule.
L. Balls
i. Three new regulation yellow balls are to be supplied to players at the beginning of every main draw match as well as playoffs through tenth place in Level 3, 4 and 5 tournaments.
ii. Tournament directors have the option of providing three new yellow balls prior to the start of the third set. This should be conveyed to the players prior to the start of the match and if so then the
request of either player for a new can of balls to start the third set will be granted.
iii. In 12 and 14 and under round-robin events, three new yellow balls shall be provided after every three (3)sets of use.
iv. In 12 and under green ball round-robin events, three new green balls shall be provided after every three (3)sets of use.
v. In 10 and under round-robin events, three new regulation orange type balls shall be provided at the beginning of play at the tournament.
M. Officiating
i. It is a USTA New England requirement to have a certified official onsite during match play at
Level 3, 4, and 5 singles events. A player must tell their opponent what they are doing when they
leave the court to seek an official. The official does not have to stay on one court for the duration
of that match.
ii. At Level 6 and 7 events, a player may request an umpire if need has been demonstrated by a
pattern of code violations by an opponent. A player must tell their opponent what they are doing
when they leave the court to seek an official. The umpire does not have to stay on that court for
the duration of that match.
iii. The tournament director must be prepared to provide an umpire over 18 years of age who
knows the rules of tennis and conditions of tournament play for a match. An umpire should be
unbiased; therefore, a parent or coach of one of the players in the contested match is not an
appropriate umpire for the match. When a tournament director assigns someone to adjudicate a
match each player continues to call his or her own lines, then if a questionable call has been
made a player may appeal to the assigned umpire, this umpire then gives his or her decision
based on what he or she has seen. That decision is final.
iv. Parents, coaches and spectators do not have a voice in player disagreements.
v. Referees may assign umpires to a match whether the players request it or not.
N. Tournament Feedback
Players, parents and coaches are encouraged to provide the Section office with feedback about
any junior tournament by using the online tournament evaluation form which can be found on the
USTA New England website at this link Tournament Feedback Form.
7. POINTS-PER-ROUND RANKING SYSTEM
A. Awarding of Points
i. All matches played in the main draw or consolation draw of a USTA New England Level 3, 4, 5,
6 or 7 tournament or a USTA Level 1 National Championship tournament, will award points to the winner. All matches played in the USTA Level 1 Boys & Girls 18's National Team Championships, Boys & Girls 16's Intersectional Team Championships and Level 2 Boys & Girls 12's,14's and 16's Zone Team Championships will award points to the winner.
ii. Main draw and consolation draw points are a fixed number; the round a player reaches
determines the points awarded.
iii. A player must win a round to receive any points for the tournament.
iv. A player who advances because of a withdrawal, walkover, default or retirement shall receive
points for advancing.
v. Byes do not qualify as wins and a player who advances when a bye occurs must win the next
round to receive points.
vi. A player who is defaulted from a tournament for code violations under the Point Penalty
System forfeits all points earned during the tournament.
vii. A player who withdraws after having already started the tournament or is defaulted for not
informing the tournament director he or she is not going to play will have all matches completed in
the tournament up to the point of withdrawal count toward their standing.
viii. Non-sanctioned events will not be considered in determining the standing in any division.
ix. Even if sanctioned, interscholastic and intercollegiate tournaments are not considered in
determining standing.
x. Points earned at USTA national Level 2 (non-team) and Level 3 events will be included in national, but not in New England, computations.
B. Standing List
i. A player must be a USTA Member and must be a New England Section resident to be eligible
for a section standing.
ii. Each age division will have one (1) current combined (singles and doubles) standing list for
that age division and one (1) doubles only standing list (for individual players, not teams)
for that age division, both of which will be posted on the USTA New England web site after
tournament results are received in the Section office.
iii. All eligible players who have won at least one (1) match in a USTA sanctioned tournament as described in Regulation 8.A will have a standing. Eligible players in 10 and under USTA sanctioned tournaments will have a standing even without any wins, as ten (10) participation points per tournament played will be awarded.
iv. A player needs to play at least one (1) match in an age group in the 52 weeks prior to the date of computation to appear as an eligible player on either the combined or doubles only standing list of that age division.
v. All matches played in a particular age division will count towards a player’s standing in that age
division.
vi. Players can also use points earned in an older age division in the calculation of their combined standing in their natural age division. To calculate the combined standing for the 12, 14, 16 and 18 and under divisions the computation will use a player’s best eight (8) singles point values to calculate standing in their natural age division, regardless of in which division the points were earned. The calculation will then add 25% of a player’s best eight (8) doubles point values regardless of in which division the points were earned. The 10 and under division standing lists will not include or calculate point values earned in any older age division.
vii. Players can also use points earned in an older age division in the calculation of their
doubles only standing in their natural age division.
viii. Combined standing lists are based on a player’s best eight (8) tournament points earned in
sanctioned singles tournaments, plus 25% of a player’s best eight (8) tournament points earned
in sanctioned doubles tournaments, as described in Regulation 8.A, in the 52 weeks prior to the
date of computation. A player’s tournament record can be reviewed by clicking on the player’s
name in the standing list. The record specifies which tournament “Event Points” do not count
toward total points.
ix. Doubles only standing lists are based on a player’s best eight (8) tournament points
earned in sanctioned doubles tournaments, as described in Regulation 8.A, in the 52
weeks prior to the date of computation
x. Once a player is no longer age eligible for an age division, his/her name will no longer appear
on the standing list for that division. However, all tournament results will remain for that division
for a 52-week period of time.
xi. Standing lists are generated by computer using a points-per-round ranking program and
unless factual data is lacking or incorrect, standing as determined by the computer program is
honored.
xii. Ties on the standing list will be broken as follows: A player whose best event has the highest
number of points, second best, third best, etc through eight (8) events.
C. Player Records and Ranking Information
i. A player’s New England and National records and ranking information are available for viewing and printing on the USTA New England web site.
ii. Players are responsible for regularly reviewing their player records and should promptly submit corrections to the Tournament Director.
iii. Players with questions on New England standings should review ranking system information in 8. A and B above, and also review the frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the New England junior tournament page.
iv. To request a correction to ranking information contact Ranking Manager Jim Purington at the Section office purington@newengland.usta.com
v. Players with questions on National tournament results and ranking information must contact the National junior competitive office jrcomp@usta.com
D. Point Tables
8. NEW ENGLAND TEAMS AT NATIONAL TEAM EVENTS
A. Events - results from these events count for national and New England ranking points.
i. USTA 18 NATIONAL TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS
Matches played each year between teams from the 17 sections of the USTA in early August.
USTA New England send seven (7) players and a section provided coach to each event. The
section covers expenses for player entry fees, hotel rooms and meals. New England Section
Registration Site boys, ID# 450519012 and New England Registration site girls, ID# 450519112
ii. USTA 16 INTERSECTIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Intersectional team matches are played between teams from the 17 Sections of the USTA in
mid-July each year. USTA New England sends a team of four (4) boys and four (4) girls and
provides a coach. The section covers expenses for player entry fees, lodging and most meals.
New England Section Registration Site ID# 450518912
iii. USTA 16 ZONE TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS
The USTA sanctions four (4) Zonal Championships for 16-and-under boys and girls, held in late
July each year. New England is in the North zone. USTA New England sends a team of twelve
(12) boys and twelve (12) girls and provides two (2) team coaches. New England Section
Registration Site ID# 450518612
iv. USTA 14 ZONE TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS
The USTA sanctions four (4) zonal championships for 14-and-under boys and girls, held in late
July each year. New England is in the North zone. USTA New England sends a team of twelve
(12) boys and twelve (12) girls and provides two (2) team coaches. New England Section
Registration Site ID# 450518312
v. USTA 12 ZONE TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS
The USTA sanctions four (4) zonal championships for 12-and-under boys and girls, held in late
July each year. New England is in the North Zone. USTA New England sends a team of twelve (12) boys and twelve (12) girls and provides two (2) team coaches. New England Section
Registration Site ID# 450517912
B. Selection Requirements
i. All players who wish to be considered for any of the teams listed in A. above must register
using the New England Registration site on the New England TennisLink online schedule.
ii. Team entry information and procedures will be mailed from the section office by May 15th to
the top 30 players in the standings in each age division. Any player not in the top 30 who feels they have a reasonable chance to be selected for a team may follow the registration procedures online on TennisLink.
iii. Selection will be based on the current combined endorsement list. The USTA New England
National Selection Committee reserves the right to endorse a maximum of two boy and two girl
players each, for the USTA Boys 18 and Girls 18 National Team Championships, and a maximum
of two boy and two girl players each for the USTA 16 Intersectional Championships, who may not
have met the competitive requirements.
iv. Players who have exhibited a pattern of poor sportsmanship on or off the court may be
refused selection.
9. NATIONAL ENTRY, ENDORSEMENT AND QUOTA
A. On-line Entry System
i. All players who wish to be considered for any USTA National Championship Level 1
tournament, National Open Level 2 tournament or any Level 3 Regional tournament listed on the USTA National Junior Tournament Schedule must apply to the tournament using the USTA online
TennisLink registration system.
B. Endorsement List
i. Only USTA National Championship Level 1 tournaments require endorsement from USTA New England for entry. (Participation in Level 1 and Level 2 team tournaments also require section endorsement but an endorsement list is not published).
ii. Section endorsement for entry into these Level 1 tournaments will be based on a player’s
position on the section combined standing list, in the age division in which the player is seeking
endorsement, at the time of endorsement.
iii. Ties will be broken as follows: A player whose best singles event has the highest number of
points, second best, third best, etc through eight events.
iv. Updated endorsement lists will be published on the USTA New England web site before the
entry deadline date for each of the four (4) National Championship Level 1 tournaments.
v. The tournaments from which results will be included in computing a particular endorsement list
will be posted on the USTA New England web site.
vi. Players who have exhibited a pattern of poor sportsmanship on or off the court may be
refused endorsement.
vii. Non-residents may participate in Level 6 and 7 tournaments and may appear on the section
standing ineligible list. However, they will not receive New England endorsement into USTA
National junior tournaments.
C. Automatic Selection Quota
i. Players from New England can gain acceptance into the Level 1 USTA National Championship
tournaments by Section quota.
ii. For 2012 New England’s quota is two (2) players for a 128-player draw and four (4) players for
a 192-player draw. (Each USTA section have a quota of automatic selection slots based on the
number of juniors enrolled in that section).
iii. The quota is filled with players who appear on the endorsement list in that age division and
who have also registered by the deadline.
iv. There are no Section quotas for Level 2 and 3 tournaments.
D. Other Selection Options
i. National Open Level 2 qualifiers
ii. National standing list
iii. Wild Cards
10. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
A. USTA New England Player Grants
A limited amount of financial assistance is available for New England players who are in need
and who are competing at the Level 1 National Championships and Level 2 National team events
described in Regulations 8. & 9. above. Please submit a Financial Assistance Request Form to the Player Development Manager at the USTA New England section office if financial assistance is needed. All inquiries are kept strictly confidential. Sportsmanship and conduct records of players applying are also taken into consideration.
B. USTA Multicultural Individual Player Grants
Please contact the Player Development Manager at the USTA New England section office for an application for these grants awarded to players for National Competition & Training.
11. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES