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2009 Edition of Friend at Court, The Code, The Rules of Tennis and related information.
The Table of Contents begins on page 11 of 315. The alphabetical index begins on page 289 of 315.
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ADULT TOURNAMENT RULES AND REGULATIONS
USTA NEW ENGLAND
Effective January 2008; with February 2009 administrative updates
Changes may occur in the rules and regulations, tournament schedule, and sectional & designated tournaments during the course of the year. Please check the USTA New England web site for the most current information at the following address:
www.ustanewengland.com
> Adults/Seniors
Updated rules and regulations are shaded.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. ADULT TOURNAMENT PROCEDURES
A. ENTRY AND GENERAL INFORMATION
1. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
a. MEMBERSHIP
b. OUT-OF-SECTION PLAYERS
2. DIVISIONS OF PLAY
a. OPEN DIVISIONS
b. AGE DIVISIONS
c. FAMILY DIVISIONS
d. NTRP DIVISIONS
3. TOURNAMENT ENTRY
4. SEEDING AND RANKING – GENERAL INFORMATION
5. STARTING TIME CONFIRMATION
6. ARRIVAL
7. RULES
B. ADMINISTRATION
1. ENTRIES
2. SEEDING
3. MAKING THE DRAW
4. SEPARATING OPPONENTS
5. COURT TIME AND CONTINUOUS PLAY
6. CONSOLATION
a. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
b. SECTIONAL EVENTS
c. HEAD TAX WAIVER
7. TOURNAMENT SIZE
8. TOURNAMENT RESULTS AND HEAD TAXES
9. TOURNAMENT OFFICIALS
10. TOURNAMENT UMPIRES
11. TENNIS BALLS
II. MATCH PLAY REGULATIONS
A. OFFICIAL TOURNAMENT
B. WITHDRAWAL AND ASSOCIATED PENALTIES
1. EARLY WITHDRAWAL
2. WITHDRAWAL
3. NO SHOW/DEFAULT
4. PENALTY DEFAULT
5. RETIREMENT
C. CONDUCT AND POINT PENALTIES
D. SUSPENSION POINTS
E. SUSPENSION AND REQUEST FOR HEARING
F. MATCH SCHEDULING
1. LENGTH OF MATCHES
2. START OF MATCHES
3. SINGLES PRECEDING DOUBLES
4. NUMBER OF MATCHES
5. REST PERIODS
6. CONTINUITY OF PLAY
7. POSTPONED AND INTERRUPTED MATCHES
G. SCORING
1. REGULAR
2. ALTERNATIVE
III. RANKINGS
A. REQUIREMENTS
1. PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE
2. MATCH RESULTS
3. OUT-OF-SECTION MATCHES
4. NUMBER OF PLAYERS TO BE RANKED
5. OUT-OF-SECTION PLAYERS
6. SPECIAL EVENTS
B. RANKING CRITERIA
C. PROTEST PROCEDURE
D. RANKING REVIEW BOARD
IV. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES
A. WRITTEN COMPLAINTS OF VIOLATIONS
B. APPEAL TO SPECIFIC COMMITTEE
C. GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE
D. APPEAL TO GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE
E. SUSPENSION
V. INTERSECTIONAL TEAMS
I.
ADULT TOURNAMENT PROCEDURES
A. ENTRY AND GENERAL INFORMATION
1. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
a. Membership – All players participating in tournaments sanctioned by USTA New England must show proof of membership in the USTA. Individual, family, multi-year, and life memberships are available. A player may join the USTA by calling USTA Member Services at 1-800-990-USTA, or join online at the following web address:
www.ustanewengland.com
> Membership > Join Online
Tournament directors are instructed that, in cases where the tournament director cannot determine membership and a player cannot provide proof of membership, the player should be referred to Member Services. The player is excluded from entering the tournament until proof of membership is provided.
b. Out-of-Section Players – Out-of section players may compete in all USTA New England sanctioned tournament events except for the Sectional events. There is one N.E. Sectional event for each division of play.
2. DIVISIONS OF PLAY
Men’s singles and doubles, women’s singles and doubles, and mixed doubles, are offered to USTA members in the following divisions of play:
a. Open Divisions
– Open tournaments are the most competitive events offered, and provide a high level of competition for experienced players. Any USTA member can enter an Open division event.
b. Age Divisions
(35, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 75, 80, 85) – Age division tournaments are open to any player who is at or older than the age level of the event, or turns that age within the calendar year. Players may play in a younger age group, but are not eligible to play in an older age division.
All age divisions follow USTA National age groupings. Mixed doubles divisions are offered as follows:
-
Mixed 35 doubles – men and women 35 and above
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Mixed 45 doubles - men and women 45 and above
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Mixed 65 doubles - men and women 65 and above
c. Family Divisions
(Father/Daughter, Father/Son, Mother/Daughter, and Mother/Son) – Family doubles events are open to USTA members of the same family without age restriction.
d. NTRP Divisions
(3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5) – The National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) classifies players in specific skill categories (NTRP ratings) to ensure competitive competition. The following criteria apply:
-
Players must enter NTRP events at or above their NTRP rating. (Example: a 3.5 player may play in 3.5 and 4.0 events, but not in 3.0 events.)
-
In doubles, both players must enter events at or above their NTRP rating. (Example: a 3.5 and 4.0 doubles team may play in 4.0 events, but not in 3.5 events.)
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A player must be 19 years or older in the calendar year of the event to play in an NTRP tournament.
A rated player can determine his or her TennisLink NTRP rating on the USTA New England web site at the following location:
www.ustanewengland.com
> USTA League Tennis > TennisLink > Find a Rating [menu on right]
An unrated player must determine an appropriate rating before entering an NTRP event. The player must review the General Characteristics of NTRP Playing Levels, the General & Experienced Player Guidelines, and the Player Background History form. These documents are available on the USTA New England web site at the following location:
www.ustanewengland.com
> Adults/Seniors > NTRP
Once the player has reviewed this information, the player may register for an NTRP tournament event at the appropriate level. The USTA or tournament director may request that the Player Background History form be completed and submitted before or after the tournament, for the purpose of confirming that a player is registered or has played at an appropriate NTRP level.
Following review of available information, the Adult Players Committee may rule that a player is registered out of level, and may remove the player from the event before play has begun. The APC may also issue sportsmanship penalties per Section II of the regulations. There is no NTRP disqualification from an NTRP tournament during the event.
3. TOURNAMENT ENTRY
A player may register online, or may register by contacting the tournament director per the information that is available on the tournament home page or in the handbook. If mail-in entries are allowed, send an entry with a check for the entry fee so that it will arrive before the entry deadline. A player should call the tournament director to confirm that his entry has arrived. Deadline dates and required methods of entry to events vary - it is important to check each tournament individually.
4. SEEDING AND RANKING – GENERAL INFORMATION
Seeding, rankings, standings and rating are not equivalent. Seeding is a player’s position in a tournament based on his current standing relative to other players in that tournament. The seeding at a particular tournament may not be the same as the current standings and a player with a higher published rating may be seeded lower than another player. The Seeding Chairpersons are listed online for contact by tournament directors.
Rankings are from computer data and give an order to players who have met ranking requirements based solely on tournament wins and losses in a specific division during the calendar year. Standings are the current order of players based on wins and losses during the previous 52-week period. Standings use a rolling time frame, meaning each time the standings are updated the time period will reflect the most recent 52 weeks. Notification of tentative rankings on the USTA New England web site will be done in December. Tentative rankings may be republished as needed without notification. The final rankings will be published on the USTA New England web site and in the yearbook.
A rating represents a player’s ability level, generated by computer or self-rating, based on actual match scores and the opponent’s skill level.
5. STARTING TIME CONFIRMATION
Players are responsible for obtaining starting times by reviewing the tournament home page on the USTA New England web site, and by calling the posted telephone number for the tournament.
6. ARRIVAL
A player should arrive and check in at the tournament desk at least 15 minutes before his scheduled playing time. There are penalties for late arrivals.
7. RULES
All players participating in USTA sanctioned events agree to be familiar with and abide by these USTA New England Adult Tournament Rules & Regulations, and the National rules of the USTA. The Code and USTA Regulations (Friend at Court) are available at the USTA bookstore at 888-832-8291, and may be reviewed and printed from the USTA New England web site at the following address:
www.ustanewengland.com
> Adults/Seniors > Tournament Director Info
B. ADMINISTRATION
1. ENTRIES
Tournament directors must accept entries up to the stated close of entries. 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 at the discretion of the tournament director. The other seven-eighths must be selected in the following order: 1) Anyone who would be seeded (after consultation with the proper seeding chairperson); 2) other players with a standing; 3) a lottery of all other players. A draw that is limited must be published must be published on the online tournament home page by the tournament director before the Entries Open date.
2. SEEDING
Seeding in elimination tournaments is done to assure that players of recognized outstanding ability do not encounter each other in the early rounds. USTA New England has provided a seeding chairperson in all Men’s divisions. Women’s events must be seeded by tournament directors using standings lists published by USTA New England. The tournament director must contact the seeding chairperson and the recommended order of seeding must be followed. The seeding chairperson has the responsibility for maintaining a current list of players playing the best tennis within that division. The seeding in each tournament is based on this list and current standings, and is the seeding chairperson’s judgment of the players most likely to win. Results from head-to-head matches contested in other age divisions of USTA New England or USTA Sectional and National sanctioned tournaments will count for seeding provided that either player informs the appropriate seeding chairperson in writing within two weeks of the event. Any last minute changes, such as adding late entries, must also have the approval of the seeding chairperson.
3. MAKING THE DRAW
The draw shall be made by the tournament using USTA tournament software (TDM) in accordance with USTA tournament regulations (see Section I.H in Friend at Court). The draw should be publicly made at a designated time and place. Players have the right to attend the making of the draw. The draw must be posted and the players should be notified of their acceptance, or non-acceptance, and starting times. Tournament information must also be available at the USTA New England web site and at a working telephone. The draw may be limited in number of players accepted for entry due to the available court time. Please refer to Sections II.F 1-7 of these rules for additional match scheduling regulations.
4. SEPARATING OPPONENTS
When the drawing procedure operates to bring together for their first round match members of the same family, same school, same club or same town, the referee or tournament director may, at his discretion, place the second name on the corresponding line of the next quarter of the draw. If this happens in the fourth quarter of the draw, the second name may be exchanged with the name of the corresponding line in one of the three preceding quarters, the specific quarter being determined by drawing. Players are not to be exempted from meeting each other because they are doubles partners.
5. COURT TIME AND CONTINUOUS PLAY
As a matter of general practice, tournament court time shall be continuous, with a minimum of interruptions by other activities (e.g., clinics, club matches, lessons). Any variation from continuous play is discouraged by USTA New England and all anticipated interruptions must be published on the online tournament home page by the tournament director before the Entries Open date. Reducing the available number of courts from five to one or two for the duration of a club activity is not continuous play. Nor is it continuous play when ample courts are provided for matches on Friday night, but no other tournament matches are scheduled until mid-afternoon on Saturday. See also Sections II.F.4 and II.F.5.
6. CONSOLATION EVENTS
a. General Requirements
- Consolation events are strongly encouraged for all events. Consolation matches will count for ranking purposes the same as main draw matches, and results must be reported to USTA New England. Age groups or NTRP levels must not be combined for consolation events because mixed-age groups will not count for rankings.
b. Sectional Events -
All Sectional Championship events for both singles and doubles must offer consolation events for first-round or first-match losers. At the discretion of the tournament director, these consolation matches may be 8-game pro-sets.
c. Head Tax Waiver
– The USTA New England head tax (see section I.B.8) will be waived for the divisions of adult events that list, run, and report a consolation event. For head tax purposes, a round robin will be considered a consolation event. Men’s and women’s events are separate divisions. Singles and doubles, within the same gender and age category, are also separate divisions. For example, men’s 65 singles and doubles and women’s 65 singles and doubles are four separate divisions.
7. TOURNAMENT SIZE
All tournaments and events, once scheduled, will be held. An event will be held if there are two or more entries because players count on particular tournaments to fulfill ranking requirements. Prizes for tournaments are awarded at the discretion of the tournament director.
8. TOURNAMENT RESULTS AND HEAD TAXES
All tournament results must be completed on USTA tournament software and uploaded to the USTA web site within three (3) working days of the event. Match results are posted on the USTA web site as soon as they are uploaded, and are included in the rankings after being reviewed by USTA New England, typically within two weeks of being reported by the tournament director.
Head taxes ($3.00 per adult player, per tournament, per division; unless waived per I.B.6.c must be sent to the USTA New England office within three (3) working days of the event.
9. TOURNAMENT OFFICIALS
The tournament director or a designated tournament official (i.e., someone knowledgeable of tournament procedures and rules) must be on location and overseeing the tournament wherever and whenever matches are played. Use of the Point Penalty System is in effect for all events for applicable rule violations.
10. TOURNAMENT UMPIRES
A certified umpire for the event may be provided at the discretion of the tournament director to provide. All non-umpired matches will follow the Code of Conduct for such matches.
11. TENNIS BALLS
In all tournaments sanctioned by USTA New England, three new regulation balls are to be supplied to players at the beginning of every main draw match. Tournament directors have the option of providing a new can of balls prior to the start of the third set. This should be conveyed to the players prior to the start of the match. The request of either player for a new can of balls to start the third set will be granted, unless the event is using a scoring method other than two out of three complete sets. If an alternative scoring method is used, requests for new balls are not permitted. For round robin events, a new can of balls should be provided after every three sets of use.
- Consolation events are strongly encouraged for all events. Consolation matches will count for ranking purposes the same as main draw matches, and results must be reported to USTA New England. Age groups or NTRP levels must not be combined for consolation events because mixed-age groups will not count for rankings. All Sectional Championship events for both singles and doubles must offer consolation events for first-round or first-match losers. At the discretion of the tournament director, these consolation matches may be 8-game pro-sets. – The USTA New England head tax (see section I.B.8) will be waived for the divisions of adult events that list, run, and report a consolation event. For head tax purposes, a round robin will be considered a consolation event. Men’s and women’s events are separate divisions. Singles and doubles, within the same gender and age category, are also separate divisions. For example, men’s 65 singles and doubles and women’s 65 singles and doubles are four separate divisions.
II.
MATCH PLAY REGULATIONS
A. OFFICIAL TOURNAMENT
Once the draw has been made, the tournament is official.
B. WITHDRAWAL AND ASSOCIATED PENALTIES
1. EARLY WITHDRAWAL
If a player withdraws prior to the close of registration, his entry fee is returned and the withdrawing player receives no suspension points. If the registration was completed online, the withdrawing player must withdraw online.
If a player withdraws after the close of registration and before the draw is made,
the withdrawing player receives no suspension points.
2. WITHDRAWAL
If the draw has been made but the tournament has not begun, and the player advises the tournament director that he is not going to play, the player is defaulted. No credit is given towards ranking, and the defaulted player is not given credit towards the minimum number of required tournaments.
The withdrawing player receives two suspension points.
3. NO SHOW/DEFAULT
If the draw has been made and the tournament has begun and a player does not inform the tournament director he is not going to play, the player is defaulted. The defaulting player receives a loss; the opponent does not receive a win. No credit is given toward the minimum number of required tournaments. The defaulting player receives three suspension points.
4. PENALTY DEFAULT
A penalty default is assessed once a player has begun play in a tournament and is defaulted or defaults. The player who defaults receives a loss. His opponent is NOT given credit for a win. If the defaulted player has not completed one match, the tournament will not count as a required tournament.
The defaulting player receives four suspension points.
5. RETIREMENT
If a player is forced to retire during a match (is unable to continue), the player who retires receives a loss; the winner receives credit for a win. Both players receive credit for having played the tournament.
The retiring player receives no suspension points.
C. CONDUCT AND POINT PENALTIES
Sportsmanlike conduct is expected of players at all times. Poor behavior or profanities shall be sufficient cause for default. If any such conduct requires disciplinary action to be taken, a full report should be made to USTA New England. Referees may assign umpires to a match whether the players request it or not. The following is an explanation of the POINT PENALTY SYSTEM.
Point penalties will be imposed against a player for unsportsmanlike conduct during a tournament such as the following:
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Unreasonable delays after the warm-up period, between points and when changing ends, and otherwise unreasonably delaying a match
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Audible obscenity
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Visible obscenity
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Violently or with anger hitting, kicking or throwing a tennis ball, racquet or other equipment
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Verbal or physical abuse of any official, opponent, spectator or other person
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Disruptive behavior
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Coaching by a captain or any other accompanying person (see Rule 31 of the Rules of Tennis)
Following are the penalties for the above violations:
First offense – Point
Second offense – Game
Third offense - Default
The imposition of penalties is primarily a function of the Chair Umpire, but the Referee or tournament director may impose penalties in any umpired or non-umpired match on the basis of his own observations or those of his designated assistants. If a line umpire observes a conduct violation or is the object of a conduct violation by a player, he shall, as soon as possible, without disrupting play in progress, inform the Chair Umpire, Referee or tournament director who will then make a decision under the Point Penalty System.
While normally the imposition of penalties will be in accordance with the basic table, 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 referees’ assistant, may be appealed to the Referee or tournament director; if imposed by the Referee it may be appealed to the Tournament Committee.
A player may not appeal to the Referee or tournament director a penalty imposed by an umpire until a default has been imposed on that player.
D. SUSPENSION POINTS
The tournament director will notify USTA New England office with the tournament software or in writing of any points levied against any player.
Suspension points will be recorded against a player for the following reasons. Suspension points do not affect a player’s standing.
E. SUSPENSION AND REQUEST FOR HEARING
A player will be notified and warned when he has received seven suspension points. If a player receives ten or more suspension points during a 12-month period, he will be suspended from competing in USTA New England sanctioned events for eight weeks.
F. MATCH SCHEDULING
1. MATCH FORMATS AND SCORING
a. Sectional and Designated events match format:
All matches are best-of-three tiebreak sets and use regular scoring with 7-Point Set Tiebreak. Only in an emergency, such as a power failure, extreme weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstance, may a 10 Point Match Tiebreak (first to 10 points by a margin of two) be used in lieu of a third set.
b. Other events match formats:
Matches for other events may be played per the format above. Matches may also be played by an alternative format if posted by the tournament director on the tournament home page before the Entries Open date (unless the alternative format is used in an emergency as described above). Alternative formats include but are not limited to No-Ad scoring, matches consisting of the best-of three sets with a 10 Point Match Tiebreak in lieu of the third set, Pro Sets, matches consisting of one set only, and Short Sets. An objective of alternative formats is to increase participation by providing more predictable scheduling of play for players and tournament directors.
c. Coman Tiebreak Procedure:
The Coman Tiebreak Procedure (change ends after the first point, then after every four points) may be used for set and match tiebreaks provided this is specified on the tournament home page before the Entries Open date. If not specified the regular procedure for changing ends will be used.
d. Additional information:
Refer to Friend at Court for additional details – Part 1 ITF RULES OF TENNIS Rule 10 and Appendix IV; and Part 3 USTA REGULATIONS I.E.
2. START OF MATCHES
a.
In any division of play, singles play will start on the second day of a three day tournament if there are 16 or fewer players. Singles will start on the first day of a two day tournament. See also Section II.F.4.d below.
b.
In any division of play, doubles play will start on the second day of a three day tournament if there are 16 or fewer teams. Doubles may start on either day of a two day tournament.
c.
Matches may be scheduled on other days (example: a draw with less than 16 players may start on Friday of a three day tournament), provided the information is posted by the tournament director on the tournament home page before the Entries Open date.
d.
Matches may not start before 8 a.m. or after 10 p.m.
e.
Summer weekend tournament matches (Friday of Memorial Day weekend to Monday of Labor Day weekend) may not start before 2 p.m. on a Friday; with the exception of the N.E. Men’s Open Sectional Championship.
f.
Winter weekend tournament matches may not start before 4:00 p.m. Friday.
g.
Exceptions: Matches may be scheduled at other times by the tournament director provided that USTA New England approves of the exception. The starting times must be posted by the tournament director on the tournament home page before the Entries Open date.
3
. SINGLES PRECEDING DOUBLES
In an event where one or more players is involved in both singles and doubles, it is recommended through the quarterfinals and mandatory for semifinals and finals, that in any given round, singles be played before doubles.
4. NUMBER OF MATCHES
a. No adult player
shall be required to play more than five matches per day, or more than three matches in any one event. Note specific exceptions that follow.
b. When counting
the number of matches played in a day, in all divisions, any two consolation matches using an alternative match format will count as one match.
c. In the 35’s through 65’s divisions
, a player shall not be required to play more than four matches in one day in the same division (including consolation and doubles). No more than two matches may be singles.
d. In the 70’s and above divisions
, two rounds of singles may be played on the first day of play. Thereafter, only one round of singles may be played per day. However, an additional consolation match may be played when necessary. In any combination of singles and doubles (including consolations) the total matches played per day may not exceed two.
5. REST PERIODS
a. Between points:
A maximum of twenty (20) seconds is allowed, per Friend at Court Rules of Tennis 29.a.
b. When changing ends:
There is no rest on the changeover after the first game of any set. During all other changeovers players are entitled to 90 seconds of rest, per Friend at Court Rules of Tennis 29.a.
c. Between sets:
In all divisions except Men’s Open, either player is entitled to a rest which shall not exceed 10 minutes between the second and third set. Players in the Men’s Open are not entitled to a rest period between sets.
d. Between matches:
In the Open division, the Referee shall offer a player who is required to play back-to-back matches a minimum rest period of 30 minutes. Players in 35’s, and 45’s divisions shall be offered a minimum rest period of 60 minutes; players in 50’s, 55’s and 60’s divisions shall be offered a minimum rest period of 90 minutes; and players in 65’s, 70’s, 75’s, 80’s and 85’s divisions shall be offered a minimum rest period of 120 minutes. Additional rest time may be authorized by the referee when the length of the prior match or severe weather or other conditions, in the referee’s opinion, justify an extension. When a player is competing in more than one division, the foregoing shall not apply to matches in different divisions.
6. CONTINUITY OF PLAY
Play must be continuous. Under certain circumstances, play may be suspended, delayed or interfered with to enable a player to recover from natural loss of physical condition. The tournament referee must either employ the Point Penalty System or use his best judgment regarding unacceptable delay of the match. Players desiring water may not leave the court, but may have it brought to them.
7. 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 referee. Interrupted matches shall be resumed from the point of interruption as soon as ordered by the referee. Matches that are rescheduled because of inclement weather should be rescheduled to accommodate the affected players while taking the court availability into consideration.
III.
RANKINGS
A. REQUIREMENTS
The ranking year begins on January 1 and ends on December 31, and includes all tournaments that begin during the year. Rankings are based solely upon the player’s record for one calendar year, and solely upon the results within an age division or level in which the ranking is given.
End-of-year tentative and final rankings will be determined at the completion of the ranking year. To be eligible for an end-of-year USTA New England numerical ranking, a player must be registered with USTA Member Services with a New England Principal Residence (see section III.A.1 below), must have played the required number and distribution of tournaments, and must have at least one match win. Players not meeting ranking criteria are listed as "Ineligible Players."
The Adult Ranking Requirements table and listing of Sectional and Designated events are posted on the USTA New England web site at the following address:
www.ustanewengland.com
> Adults/Seniors > Rankings/Standings
Tournament Divisions are listed along the top of the ranking requirements chart, and the ranking requirements for singles and for doubles are listed on the left side. Singles and doubles are ranked separately. All requirements listed in a row for each division must be met or exceeded to receive a ranking.
Weight values for ranking calculations are as follows:
Standings lists
are a type of ranking list that are calculated on a 52-week rolling calendar. Eligible players on a standings list may not have met all of requirements for an end-of-year ranking. Singles players must have at least two tournaments played (with a Sectional event counting as one tournament played for standings list eligibility) and one match win to qualify for a standing. Doubles players must have at least one match win to qualify for the standings. . Players not meeting ranking criteria are listed as "Ineligible Players." Standings are published on the USTA New England web site following the posting of each tournament’s results by the tournament director.
1. PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE
Only a player with his principal residence in the USTA New England Section, as defined by USTA and USTA New England By-laws, is eligible for ranking consideration. If a question of the principal residence of a player should arise, the burden of proof shall lie with the player. A parent and child doubles team is eligible for ranking consideration if either member of the team has his principal residence in New England.
2. MATCH RESULTS
All matches in all USTA New England sanctioned events within any given ranking division, including consolation events, will be considered for ranking purposes. Non-sanctioned events will not be considered. In determining the ranking of any division, the Ranking Review Board will not consider results from other divisions.
3. OUT-OF-SECTION MATCHES
Head-to head matches in any ranking division between USTA New England players in events sanctioned by the USTA or other USTA Sections will be considered for ranking purposes provided such results are submitted in writing to the USTA New England office by either player or team before January 5 of the next ranking year. The event does not count as one of the required events for ranking eligibility.
4. NUMBER OF PLAYERS TO BE RANKED
All adult players who have met eligibility requirements for a division are eligible for a ranking.
5. OUT-OF-SECTION PLAYERS
Out-of-section players who have met eligibility requirements for a division are eligible for a ranking, and will be placed in the yearbook rankings in the proper order with an asterisk. USTA New England players will be ranked numerically in the yearbook as if the non-resident were not included. Out-of-section players may not compete in the USTA New England Sectional Championships.
6. SPECIAL EVENTS
Results from the following events are not considered in determining rankings: Addie Cup, Atlantic Coast, Church Cup, Friendship Cup, Sears Cup, Talbert Cup, Thurston Cup, interscholastic and intercollegiate tournaments, and USTA League Tennis play.
B. RANKING CRITERIA
Rankings are indicative of a player’s record of play in sanctioned tournaments during the ranking year under consideration, relative to the records of other players during the same ranking year. Rankings for a particular year do not take into account rankings or results of prior years, nor are they necessarily an accurate reflection of ability.
A player’s total record of wins and losses (direct and indirect) and in general his exposure against quality opponents will determine his position in the ranking order. The round reached in a tournament in and of itself has no significance for ranking purposes. It must be considered within the context of players met, quality of draw, etc.
Results alone will count. Physical or mental bad breaks and other disturbing elements will not be taken into consideration and will not give cause for exemption to the ranking requirements. The more wins a qualifying player produces, the more likely it is that the player will be ranked; the higher and more consistent the quality of wins, the higher the ranking will be.
USTA New England uses a computerized ranking system. Therefore, unless factual data is lacking or incorrect, rankings as determined by the computer program will be honored. Players may provide corrections to their player record to a tournament director or USTA New England if the player feels that data has been overlooked or has not been properly entered. If there are any changes in procedure, they will be communicated to all players at the time of the mailing of tentative rankings.
In determining the ranking of any division, results from other divisions will not be considered.
C. PROTEST PROCEDURE
Any protest concerning the rankings must 1) be in writing, 2) state the reason for the protest and 3) refer to the protesting player’s entire record for the season. The protest must be directed to the Ranking Review Board in care of the USTA New England office within 10 days of the publication of the tentative ranking lists. The Ranking Review Board will review and reconsider the case to arrive at a decision. A written decision will be provided to the protesting player within 14 days of the Ranking Review Board meeting, stating the reasons for the decision.
D. RANKING REVIEW BOARD
There shall be a Ranking Review Board consisting of a Chairperson and three additional members. All final rankings shall be determined at the meeting of the Ranking Review Board and recommended to the Board of Directors for approval. The Ranking Review Board shall also serve as the final review for any protests, as outlined in Section III.C PROTEST PROCEDURE and explained in Section III.B RANKING CRITERIA. Changes in ranking regulations shall be recommended by the Adult Players’ Committee to the Board of Directors for approval. Release of final rankings shall be made only after the Board of Directors has approved the rankings.
are a type of ranking list that are calculated on a 52-week rolling calendar. Eligible players on a standings list may not have met all of requirements for an end-of-year ranking. Singles players must have at least two tournaments played (with a Sectional event counting as one tournament played for standings list eligibility) and one match win to qualify for a standing. Doubles players must have at least one match win to qualify for the standings. . Players not meeting ranking criteria are listed as "Ineligible Players." Standings are published on the USTA New England web site following the posting of each tournament’s results by the tournament director.
are a type of ranking list that are calculated on a 52-week rolling calendar. Eligible players on a standings list may not have met all of requirements for an end-of-year ranking. Singles players must have at least two tournaments played (with a Sectional event counting as one tournament played for standings list eligibility) and one match win to qualify for a standing. Doubles players must have at least one match win to qualify for the standings. . Players not meeting ranking criteria are listed as "Ineligible Players." Standings are published on the USTA New England web site following the posting of each tournament’s results by the tournament director.
IV.
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES
A. WRITTEN COMPLAINTS OF VIOLATIONS
Written complaints charging that any person or organization has violated the Constitution, any of the By-laws, the rules and regulations of USTA New England or the USTA, or the accepted standards of conduct, fair play and good sportsmanship shall be submitted to the chairperson of the Adult Players Committee. This committee shall have the power to suspend temporarily and/or reprimand such a person or organization. Suspension may be for such a period of time as the committee, in its absolute discretion, deems appropriate. Prior to taking such actions, the committee shall not be required to hold any hearing. Upon reaching a decision, the chairperson of the committee shall promptly notify in writing the person so charged and the USTA New England office of the actions to be taken. If the committee decides that a hearing is appropriate, it shall call one, following the procedure in paragraph B. USTA New England will honor all sanctions imposed by the USTA Grievance Committee and any other Sectional Grievance Committee.
B. APPEAL TO SPECIFIC COMMITTEE
Within 15 days after receipt of a written notice of decision from the chairperson of the Adult Players Committee, the person or organization penalized may appeal the decision by addressing a written request to the chairperson for a hearing before the committee. Upon receipt of such a request, the chairperson shall promptly fix a time and place for a hearing and shall give the person under review not fewer than seven days prior written notice. The presence of three committee members shall constitute a quorum at any such hearing. The person under review shall have the right to appear personally, with not more than one representative or attorney, to present testimony and other evidence and to cross-examine witnesses. The committee shall have the power to suspend or reprimand the person or organization; to affirm, modify or reject any prior decision; and to impose any additional penalties, including the assessment of fines not in excess of $1,000, it may deem appropriate. The committee shall promptly notify the person or organization penalized and the USTA New England office of its decision in writing.
C. GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE
There shall be a Grievance Committee comprised of a minimum of a chairperson, the chairperson of the Adult Players Committee and two (2) additional members appointed by the President. Other members may be appointed by the President if the President considers it appropriate. All members shall serve for a term of one year subject to reappointment at the end of that period or until their respective successors are appointed. The presence of three committee members shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of the committee and such a quorum must be present for the transaction of business of the committee. The primary role of the Grievance Committee shall be the enforcement of the rules and regulations of USTA New England and the USTA pertaining to the conduct of players and tournament officials.
D. APPEAL TO GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE
Within 15 days after receipt of a written notice of a decision of the Adult Players Committee from a hearing, the person penalized may appeal the decision by addressing a written request to the chairperson of the Grievance Committee. The Grievance Committee will then promptly review the finding of facts, the procedures followed during the hearing, and the decision of the Adult Players Committee. The Grievance Committee shall not be required to hold a hearing, and its decision may be based entirely on the findings of the Adult Players Committee. However, the Grievance Committee may hear further evidence as it, in its absolute discretion, deems appropriate. In any such review the chairperson of the Adult Players Committee, from which the decision was appealed, shall not participate in the decision, except to give evidence. Promptly following its review, the Grievance Committee shall notify the parties and the USTA New England office of its decision in writing. The Grievance Committee shall have the power to affirm, modify or reject the decision of the Adult Players Committee, and the decision of the Grievance Committee shall be final and binding.
E. SUSPENSION
The Grievance Committee shall have the power to suspend or expel any player or organization from participation in tournaments, leagues or other activities of USTA New England. In addition, the committee shall have the power to reprimand such a player and/or assess fines not exceeding $1,000 and to suspend a player from participation in USTA New England tournament activities or events until such fine is paid. USTA New England allows an aggrieved player who has been suspended for more than six (6) months to appeal to the USTA Grievance Committee.
V.
INTERSECTIONAL TEAMS
Information on the Adult Intersectional and Intrasectional teams is available on the USTA New England Web site:
www.ustanewengland.usta.com
> Adults/Seniors > Competitions
An application form for the teams is available on the USTA New England Web site at the time that end-of-year tentative and final rankings are published. Interested players should complete and return the form to USTA New England per the instructions and by the listed deadline.
www.ustanewengland.usta.com
> Adults/Seniors > Rankings/Standings
Team captains must use the following USTA New England guidelines in their selection process:
Each point penalty imposed under the Point Penalty System (PPS) excluding unintentional time violations: 1 pt.
Unsportsmanlike conduct at a tournament site while not on-court: 1 pt.
Entering two tournaments at the same time without written permission from both tournament directors: 2 pts.
Leaving the court during a match without permission of the Umpire, Referee or tournament director except to get a linesperson: 2 pts.
Withdrawal from a tournament or doubles event after the draw is made: 2 pts.
Default for a flagrantly unsportsmanlike act including a no-show: 3 pts.
Each penalty default imposed under the PPS: 4 pts.
Upon receipt of a suspension notice, the player will have the right to a hearing before the USTA New England Adult Players’ Committee. To request a hearing, a player must make a written request to the USTA New England Adult Players’ Committee within five days following the receipt of the suspension notice. If requested, and if the suspension is affirmed by the Adult Players’ Committee, the eight-week suspension will commence the day after the committee has made a decision affirming such suspension. If a hearing is not requested, the eight-week suspension will commence the day after the expiration of the five-day period.
The above violations are applicable to the qualifying, main and consolation draws. No suspension points will be levied for penalties that are due to illness, injury or personal emergency, provided the USTA New England office receives acceptable written documentation within ten days of the conclusion of the tournament.
Any suspension points received out-of-section will count in USTA New England.
USTA New England will notify the national USTA office of any player with regard to penalties received in USTA New England sanctioned events.
A player who is suspended for a second offense of the Point Penalty System will be suspended from competing in USTA New England sanctioned events for six months.
A player who is suspended for a third offense of the Point Penalty System will be suspended from competing in USTA New England sanctioned events for a specific period of time, determined by the USTA New England Adult Players’ Committee, greater than six months and up to permanent suspension.
Minimum Number of Tournaments Required
indicates the minimum number of tournaments a player must play to receive a ranking.
Must Compete in Two New England States
(singles divisions only) indicates the singles divisions in which a player must play at least one event in more than one New England state. An "X" indicates that two-state play is required. No "X" in the row means this requirement is not applicable to this singles division.
Sectional Championship Counts as Two Tournaments
indicates that the Sectional Championship event in the division will be counted twice in meeting the minimum number of tournaments required for a ranking. Beginning in 2008, Sectional events in ALL divisions count as two tournaments for eligibility. Sectional events have a higher weight value in ranking calculations than non-designated events.
Minimum Number of Designated/Sectional Tournaments Required
indicates the number of designated events that are required for ranking in the division. Sectional championships are considered designated tournaments. Designated events have a higher weight value in ranking calculations than non-designated events.
Number of Designated/Sectional Tournaments Offered
indicates the number of designated events that are offered to players. Sectional championships are considered designated tournaments. See the Sectional & Designated Tournaments chart published on the USTA New England web site and in the handbook.
Sectional Championship events: + 1.7
Designated events (which are not Sectional Championships): + 1.3
Non-designated events ("regular tournaments" which are not Sectional or Designated): + 1.0
Current standings and rankings
Information from Seeding Chairpersons
Knowledge about new players eligible for competition
Responsiveness to participating in the event
Ability to contribute to the team effort in other ways