USTA JR. TEAM TENNIS

2010 RULES and PROCEDURES

Click Here for a Printable Version

FEES FOR USTA JR. TEAM TENNIS-ATLANTA LEAGUE 
$25.00 Registration Fee - ATAK league ($10.50) Shirt cost ($11.50) and TennisLink fee ($3.00) per player  $18.00 USTA Membership (to be obtained by Player) current for one calendar year.
USTA Memberships may be obtained by PHONE WITH A MAJOR CREDIT CARD (1-800-990-USTA);
VIA THE INTERNET at www.usta.com (click on Membership Info.)

1. TENNIS LINK AND PROFILE SHEET

Teams and players with current USTA memberships must be submitted online using the TennisLink program. In addition, a team profile sheet must be emailed or mailed to the ATAK office BEFORE THE ROSTER DEADLINE. This form must be complete! Failure to submit a completed profile sheet can result in disqualification of a team or player. Previous team and player history can be found @ http://teamtennis.usta.com (search by player name). Tournament history can be found @ http://tournaments.usta.com/tournaments/Schedule/Search.aspx Click on “ranking home” listed in the column on the right. Teams will be responsible for the accuracy of their information. Once a player is added on TennisLink, there are no refunds, under any circumstances. Any questions or concerns should be addressed prior to putting them online.

2. AGE ELIGIBILITY

Age requirements are based on possible team advancement to the Georgia State Championships, Southern Championships and National Championships.  Therefore all players participating in the Winter and/or Summer seasons must remain age eligible through August 31st of the Championship Year.

(See exception for 18U)  

• 10U – BORN SEPTEMBER 1999 - 2002
• 12U – BORN SEPTEMBER 1997 & YOUNGER
• 14U – BORN SEPTEMBER 1995 & YOUNGER

18 & UNDER: ANYONE TURNING 15, 16, 17 OR 18 in 2010 is eligible for 18U. A PLAYER IS ELIGIBLE TO PLAY UNTIL THE MONTH OF HIS/HER 19TH BIRTHDAY FOR THE WINTER SEASON. IF THE 19TH BIRTHDAY OCCURS DURING THE SEASON, THAT PLAYER MAY FINISH THE SEASON BUT WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS.

Click here for the current championship year Age Requirement Chart. 

3. ABILITY LEVEL - Very Important to read before forming your team

2010 National USTA Jr. Team Tennis Regulation 2.01E Levels of Play
The USTA Jr. Team Tennis play levels are defined as Beginner (NTRP 2.0 & below), Intermediate (NTRP 2.5 & 3.0) and Advanced (NTRP 3.5 & above).

Players cannot have a rating higher than the team tennis level at which they are playing.

The USTA Jr. Team Tennis Program uses the JNTRP Guidelines as a tool for assessing player skills in order to level teams. (See JNTRP Guidelines) Coordinators have limited discretion when leveling teams.

RULES REGARDING TOURNAMENT PLAYERS: (Please note change in rule)

Players with a Current Georgia 12U, 14U, 16U, or 18U Standing in the top 100, Current Georgia 10U Standing in the top 50 (or who are listed in insufficient data) are considered advanced players and may play no lower than advanced.  A team with any players considered advanced on the roster will be placed at the advanced level.

Any ranked player outside the top 100 (top 50 in 10’s) will be considered at on an individual basis.

If a STATE CHAMPIONSHIP player or a player with a standing is not identified as such, the team may lose any points won by that player. If there is any question as to whether or not a player is ranked or has a standing, please call the overall coordinator.

In addition, beginner level teams must not have players with a history of 2008/2009 JTT State Championship play, nor history of a match win in a sanctioned USTA tournament during 2008 or 2009.

**Please Note: If an Age Group does not have an advanced level, a ranked player/team may be placed in another age group. Players with any tournament history should be included on the original profile sheet.

Teams with tournament players will be placed at a level deemed appropriate by the overall coordinators.

Rate players according to the following descriptions when requesting a level for your team:

JNTRP GUIDELINES

BEGINNER LEVEL:

1.0 This is an absolutely beginning player with little or no instruction. The player holds the racket incorrectly, is inconsistent in making contact with the ball, even from a set position. The player does best when placed near the net to volley tossed balls. The player is unable to coordinate footwork when hitting the ball. There will be very few players that fit this category. Only new beginner teams will be considered for this level.

1.5 A 1.5 player is only slightly more advanced than a 1.0 player. He/she is still unable to coordinate moving when hitting the ball. In fact, the player is still concentrating on getting the ball over the net from a set position. The junior is learning to serve and keep score.

2.0 The player is now beginning to coordinate footwork when hitting the ball but is not consistent in hitting the ball over the net. The player can serve to some degree but double faults frequently. Scoring is understood, as well as serving and receiving rotation. There is some understanding of court positioning in singles and doubles.

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL:

2.5 At 2.5 the player is able to judge where the ball is going, but court coverage is still weak. A slow paced rally can be sustained. The player double faults less than the 2.0 player. Volleys are improving, as is court coverage.

3.0 Player is getting better at moving the ball and can sustain a medium-paced rally. Seldom double faults, but the serve lacks depth and speed. Court coverage is good, but the player does not always have proper foot work. There is not good control on ground strokes.

ADVANCED LEVEL:

3.5 A rally can be sustained, and the player is beginning to develop control over placement and depth of ground strokes. The serve is beginning to have more power, and the player seldom double faults. There is more aggressive play, and the player is understanding teamwork in doubles.

4.0 The player has more control, power and depth of ground strokes, plus is using more variety in shot selection by using lobs, overheads, volleys, and approach shots. Serve is now forcing some errors. Court coverage is good, and there is evidence of good teamwork in doubles.

4.5 The player is using more power and exhibits sound footwork. There is depth on ground-strokes, and the serve is consistent, with good depth, placement and spin. The player frequently forces errors from the opponent, and is aggressive in his/her style of play.

5.0 The player has one or more shots around which a game can be structured. The player can regularly hit winners or force errors off short balls. Volleys can be put away, as can over-heads. The serve is an offensive weapon, and the second serve has good depth and spin.

4. COURTS

Each team must guarantee use of at least two (2) courts at the same address. Scheduling cannot accommodate any more than 2 teams per multiple of 2 courts. Example: 2 courts available, 2 teams permitted; 4 courts available, 4 teams permitted; 6 courts, 6 teams permitted, etc. Teams playing in the Cobb League are required to provide lighted courts for evening matches in the winter season.

5. TEAMS/ PLAYING TWICE (Please note change in rule)

Each roster must be submitted with a minimum of 8 players, four boys and four girls. One boy and one girl may play two positions per match (referred to as “playing twice”). The same players may not play twice in more that two matches per season. Abuse of this rule will result in a loss of points. Playing twice will not be permitted in the playoffs or City Finals. In order to avoid forfeits, at least five boys and five girls are recommended.

**PLAYING ON MULTIPLE TEAMS** - Players may play on two junior ATAK rosters per season. Players that are on two rosters in the same season must play in two different age groups. In addition, both teams must be at or above the players skill level.

6. ADD-ONS

A team can add any number of players throughout the season as long as it does not change the level of the team. A player may not be added to a team if that player’s rating (skill level) is higher than the level of the team. Abuse of this rule may result in disqualification and loss of all points won by that player. Overall coordinator approval must be received before a player can participate in a match. Once coordinator approval is received, the player must be registered online prior to playing in a match. Add-ons will be accepted until the Wednesday before the last regular season match. However, a player must have credit for 2 (two) regular season matches to be eligible for playoffs. Teams are responsible for the accuracy of the skill level of their added players. Players with a Current Georgia 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U Standings from 1-100, (10’s 1-50) may play no lower than the advanced level. Players with standings or rankings may be added at the discretion of the Overall Coordinator. All ranked players outside the top 100 (top 50 in 10’s) will be considered at on an individual basis. Players with standings or rankings should be included in the original paperwork to avoid being declined as an add-on. Players may be declined as add-ons at all levels.

7. INELIGIBLE PLAYER

Any person not listed on a roster in accordance with these General Rules shall be an ineligible player. Any changes made to the team roster shall be made at the discretion of the Overall coordinator.

8. PLAY-OFF ELIGIBILITY (Please see change in rule)

All players must have credit for two team matches (must be separate dates) during the season to be eligible for ATAK league Play-offs & City Finals. (A win by forfeit counts toward a player’s eligibility.) Playing twice is not permitted in the playoffs or City Finals.

See #32. For match requirements needed for player participation in Georgia STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS.

9. TEAM CAPTAINS

Each team must have a Team Captain. No rotating team captains can be used for scheduling the matches and only knowledgeable parents should be in charge of a dual meet. Team captains should work together to ensure a smooth, positive experience for all. Team captains listed on TennisLink must be accessible to all teams in the division and to the coordinator. Information on TennisLink must be accurate. Corrections to a captain’s information can be made by sending an email that includes the captain’s USTA # to memberservices@USTA.com. Your job goes beyond your team. Team captains may be captain of one team only. Team coaches may not be team captains.

10. COORDINATORS

Each age group has an Overall Coordinator. Questions regarding leveling, add-ons, scorecard corrections and passwords should be directed to overall coordinators. If a conflict arises that cannot be resolved by the Team Captains within the rules, the Overall Coordinator should be contacted, but only after all efforts by Team Captains have failed. All official protests must be submitted by the team captain via email to the Overall Coordinator in writing with a copy to the ATAK League Coordinator within 5 days of the scheduled match being protested.

11. STARTING TIMES

All dual meets should begin no later than:

12. FORMAT/ORDER OF PLAY

One boy’s singles, one girl’s singles, one boy’s doubles, one girls’ doubles, and one mixed doubles. The season shall be a round robin or double round robin with each team playing every other team in its division. When players are playing twice, the order of play should be adjusted, in advance of match day, so that the affected positions are played first and last, whenever possible.

13. SETTING UP A MATCH

As a courtesy, home Team Captains should contact visiting Team Captains at least 4 days prior to dual meet in order to discuss directions, order of play, etc. The home Team Captain should inform the visiting Team Captain of the type of court surface that will be used for the matches and number of courts available. Everyone is encouraged to work out any time or line-up conflicts that may arise during the season.

With the agreement of both captains, scheduled matches can always be played earlier than the scheduled date. However, if a match is scheduled to be played earlier, the COORDINATOR must be notified. Playing matches early should be the exception and not the rule. Matches may not be scheduled to play after the TennisLink scheduled date and time – NO EXCEPTIONS! If a captain is not available for a particular match or cannot stay for the duration of a match, a designated replacement, who has been informed of the rules and regulations, must be named. Replacements must have rules on hand. Extra copies are available on the ATAK website. If line-ups cannot be agreed upon, teams must play the positions in order as described in Item #12 Format/Order of Play.

14. SCHEDULE CONFLICTS

We are aware of the overlap of USTA Jr. Team Tennis – Junior League and USTA Business Women’s leagues in the winter as well as ALTA Mixed Doubles on the default day in the winter. In the event of a scheduling conflict during the overlap with either league, the options are as follows:

1. The visiting team may be asked to play early.

2. The visiting team has the option of offering courts at their facility

3. The match may be played earlier in the week.

4. If no time can be agreed upon, the match must be played on the home team’s courts on the first available court at the completion of the other leagues’ matches.

DEFAULT INFO: IF YOU HAVE TO PLAY A MATCH AFTER THE CONFLICTING MATCH, THE DEFAULT RULE ONLY APPLIES 15 MINUTES AFTER THE COURT BECOMES AVAILABLE, NOT NECESSARILY FROM 3:00PM. WE URGE EVERYONE TO BE FLEXIBLE. IF CONFLICTS CANNOT BE WORKED OUT ACCORDING TO THE ABOVE RECOMMENDATIONS, CALL YOUR COORDINATOR.

15. TEAM LINE-UPS

Team Captains must exchange cards with complete line-ups simultaneously prior to starting play. Once the cards have been exchanged, captains should keep their card in their possession for the duration of the match. Substitutions may be made only in the event of illness, injury or absence of a player. Players removed from the card may not be re-inserted. Substitutions may not be made after a point has been played in that position. Scores of each match must be recorded on TennisLink immediately after the dual meet by the home team and confirmed by the visiting team captain. Either team may enter scores. SCORES THAT ARE NOT REPORTED AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE FINAL MATCH WILL BE RECORDED AS ZERO AT 8PM IN THE WINTER AND 2PM IN THE SUMMER. Each captain must keep a completed copy of the scorecard for the entire season.

16. REGULAR SEASON SCORING

All 10U matches will be no-ad 8 game pro sets.

All 12U & 14U matches will be 8-game ad (regular scoring) pro sets (first player to 8 games winning by a 2 game margin) with a 12 point tie-break at 7-all (first to 7 points by a 2 point margin). The score will be recorded on TennisLink as 8-7. A team shall receive one point for each game won. A team may win a maximum of 40 points each week. The maximum number of points for any one position is eight.

10U, 12U and 14U Division Winners are determined by the most games won during the regular season.

18U teams will play the best of 3 ad sets with the 3rd set being a super tiebreaker (first team to score 10 points by a 2 point margin). There is no longer the option to play pro-sets. The maximum number of points for the overall match is 5. 18U Division Winners are determined by the most individual match points won during the regular season.

17. AD AND NO AD SCORING

A. AD (REGULAR) SCORING

TO BE USED BY 12&U, 14&U AND 18 & UNDER AGE GROUPS: If a player wins the first point, the score is called 15 for that player; on winning the second point, the score is called 30 for that player; on winning the third point, the score is called 40 for that player, and the fourth point won by a player is scored game for that player except as below:

If both players have won three points, the score is called deuce; and the next point won by a player is called advantage for that player. If the same player wins the next point, he wins the game; if the other player wins the next point the score is again called deuce; and so on, until a player wins the two points immediately following the score at deuce, when the game is scored for that player.

B. NO-AD SCORING

TO BE USED BY 10 & UNDER AGE GROUP ONLY (and to be used by all age groups at City Finals): The first team or player to win 4 points wins the game. If the score reaches 3 POINTS ALL, the 7th (or next) point becomes the GAME POINT. In singles, the receiver may choose to receive either in the ad or deuce court*. In doubles the receiving team may choose to receive in either the ad or deuce court.* In mixed doubles, the boy must receive serve from the boy and the girl must receive serve from the girl.* In calling the score of a no-ad game, players may either use 1, 2, 3, and game or 15, 30, 40 and game. They may call a score of 3-all deuce.

*Both players on the receiving team must remain on the same receiving side they played during the match.

18. SCORECARDS

Prior to the match, print the scorecard from TennisLink to exchange the lineup prior to the match. Captains should keep possession of their scorecard during the match. After the match, compare cards with the other team captain. Both captains should record names of players from both teams and all scores. For 10U, 12U and 14U total number of games won will be counted for both teams. For 18U total individual points will be counted for both teams.  Scores are to be recorded by the home captain on TennisLink. This should be verified by the visiting captain. Home captains are designated to enter scores no later than Monday with Visitors designated to confirm the scores.

Team A   _____________ Team B

8                                        6

8                                        6

0 (Default)                          8

8                                         4

5 ____________________8

29     TOTAL SCORE      32

Each match can earn a maximum of 8 points.

Maximum total points per match are 40.

***scoring for 18u:

Team A ____________   Team B

1                                         0

0                                         1

1                                         0

1                                         0

0_____________________1

3        TOTAL SCORE      2             Maximum total points per match are 5.

19. TIE-BREAK

In 8- game pro sets, if a set reaches 7-all, players must play a tie-break. The order of serving continues in the same rotation. The score is recorded on TennisLink as 8-7.

In 18u, playing the best of three sets, a tie-break is played at 6-all in the first two sets.

In doubles, the first server shall serve one point from the right side. The second server shall serve two points, starting from the left side and ending on the right side. The third server shall serve two points, starting on the left and ending on the right side. The fourth server shall serve one point from the left side and then players change ends of the courts. The fourth server shall then serve one point from the right side. Play continues in such a manner until one team wins at least seven points with a two point margin. Teams change ends of the court every six (6) points

In singles, the first server shall serve one point from the right side. The second server shall serve two points, starting on the left side and ending on the right side. The players continue to alternate serving two points each until one wins a minimum of seven points with a two point margin. Players change ends of the court every six (6) points

20. USTA RULES GOVERN PLAY

"The Code", as a handbook of ethics and fair play, should be understood and followed by every Captain and Player. "The Code" should be available for consultation along with league rules at all dual meets. The code can be found online at www.usta.com/rules - look under competitive tennis, rules and “the code”.

21. DEFAULTS

The 15-minute default rule is in effect for all scheduled matches.

Please be as lenient as possible, within reason, about defaults. DEFAULTS MAY ONLY BE CALLED IF A COURT IS AVAILABLE AND READY FOR PLAY.

22. BALLS

Each Team Captain must provide one can of unopened USTA yellow balls. Both cans will be opened for the first two matches of the day and will be used for the remaining matches as well. Each team will retain one can of used balls at the completion of the dual meet. (It is suggested that Captains bring an extra can of balls should an additional court become available.)

23. WARM-UP

Warm up is limited to 10 minutes including practice serves.

24. COACHING

Coaching during a match is illegal! Captains, teammates, spectators, or coaches may not volunteer advice on line calls or scoring. Excessive cheering or clapping is not permitted. It is the responsibility of both Team Captains to work together as a team to control the spectators' conduct during match play. It is acceptable to assist only at the beginner level of the 10 & Under age group throughout the season (see the Monitoring Guidelines). They may need help in scoring, rotation of serve, etc. Parents may not be on the same court as their child. It is also acceptable to help with the tie-break (in all age groups). You may explain once and then leave the court.

25. SPORTSMANSHIP

All players and parent should conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner both on and off the court. Any complaints with regard to inappropriate behavior at a match should be filed by the captain, in writing, via email to the overall coordinator within five (5) days of the incident. Both team captains involved will be contacted upon receipt of the letter. First incident will be placed in file and team/ player/ captain will be monitored for further complaints. Second incident will result in formal action by the Grievance Committee. Repeated inappropriate behavior may result in suspension from The ATAK League.

26. HOME COURTS

If for any unforeseen circumstance, including frozen clay courts during the winter season, the home team is unable to provide its home courts for any scheduled dual meet during the regular season, the home team may provide courts close by or the visiting team may provide its home courts. The host team is considered the home team. If the visiting team does not elect to provide its home courts, the responsibility reverts to the home team which must provide courts within the approved league area at the scheduled time.

27. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

Alcoholic beverages are not to be consumed at a junior match.

28. REFRESHMENTS

The home team is responsible for furnishing water. It is optional for the home team to furnish additional refreshments. Please do not expect refreshments at away matches.

29. AWARDS

At the conclusion of the season, the team having the highest number games won (10U, 12U and 14U) or individual matches won (18U) will be declared the Division winner. Division winners will receive bag-tags and will be eligible to participate in the playoffs for the City Finals. Players must participate in one match to receive a bag-tag.

30. PLAYOFFS

Playoffs are held at the end of each season with the top teams competing against each other. The 1.0 levels do not compete in playoffs or finals. The number of teams that go to the playoffs will depend on the number of divisions in that level. All playoff rounds are single elimination. Playing twice is not allowed in the playoffs.

A. In divisions of one double round robin, the top two teams will go to City Finals.

B. In divisions of one round robin of 7 or 8 teams, the top four teams will go to one round of playoffs followed by City Finals.

C. Divisions of two will take the first and second place teams to one round of playoffs followed by City Finals.

D. Divisions of three will take all first and second place teams and the two highest scoring third place teams for a round of eight to play two rounds of playoffs followed by City Finals.

E. In divisions of four, all first and second place teams will play two rounds of playoffs, followed by City Finals.

F. Divisions of five will take five first place teams and the top three second place teams for two rounds of playoffs followed by City Finals.

G. Divisions of six will take six first place teams and the top two second place teams for two rounds of playoffs followed by City Finals.

H. Divisions of seven will take seven first place teams and the highest scoring second place team for two rounds of playoffs followed by City Finals.

I. Divisions of eight will take eight first place teams for two rounds of playoffs followed by City Finals.

Coordinators will assist with the scheduling of playoff matches. Regular ad scoring will be used for the playoffs except for the 10& under teams which will continue playing no-ad. There will be no “playing twice” in playoffs. In the event of a weekday evening playoff match, coordinators may adjust the start times if the situation warrants. Teams must participate in playoffs to be eligible for the State Tournament.

31. CITY FINALS

After completing playoffs, the top two teams in each level will play in the City Finals. Playing twice is not allowed in the City Finals. NO AD SCORING WILL BE USED FOR ALL AGE GROUPS AT CITY FINALS. Winners and Finalists will receive bag-tags. City Finals matches may not be played early.

32. STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Teams who are winners of the City Finals from the winter and summer seasons are eligible to participate in the State Championship, which is held in late July each year.  The date is posted on the ATAK Calendar on the ATAK website. Additional teams may be eligible based on the USTA GA progression method which is determined by the number of teams at a given age/level. Additional teams advancing will be notified after the City finals have been completed.  Teams are placed at a level deemed appropriate by USTA Georgia based on summer standings and summer playing level as well as the qualifying level.

TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: ALL PLAYERS MUST HAVE CREDIT FOR THREE TEAM MATCHES OF WHICH ONLY ONE MAY BE A WIN BY FORFEIT. Matches must be played on 3 separate dates. Playing twice in a match is not acceptable for qualifying to participate in the State Championship.  Scoring at the JTT State Championships will be 2 out of 3 four game sets, with a match tiebreaker in lieu of a third set for all levels.  Please see Georgia addendum to the 2010 JTT Rules for more details on eligibility requirements for the Georgia State Championships.

33. PENALTIES, FORFEITURES & DEFAULTS

A. In all dual meets in which an ineligible player participates, the team will be penalized by forfeiting the points earned by an ineligible player. The points will be awarded to the opposing team.

B. Penalties and violations in those situations where no penalty is provided by the general rules: THE RESPECTIVE OVERALL COORDINATOR SHALL HAVE THE AUTHORITY AND DISCRETION TO IMPOSE APPROPRIATE PENALTIES.

C. Teams are encouraged to work together to avoid position defaults for a dual match.  If a team defaults an entire match during the season, it may have all matches to date nullified and may be treated as a bye for the remainder of the season. A team that forfeits an entire match or a team that has excessive defaults (an average of more than one default per match) may be withdrawn from the current season and suspended the following season.

D. If a team withdraws after schedules have been completed, it may be suspended the following season

E. Players not registered online before playing a match are subject to the default of all points earned for that individual match.

34. INCLEMENT WEATHER/ RAIN-OUT RULES

A. RAIN In the event of rain during a match, completed individual matches will stand as played. Incomplete matches must be resumed by the same players at the exact game and point as they stood when play was halted. Lineups for matches not started (including any position previously to be defaulted) may be changed provided it does not conflict with the eligible player rules. Forfeits stand if the rain begins after the scheduled time of the forfeited match. Matches must be completed in accordance with the Rain-Out Rules. Teams must wait at least 30 minutes before calling the match. If, at the end of 30 minutes, the courts are still not playable, the match is officially null and void. Captain’s may mutually decide to continue waiting, however, the rainout rules are officially in effect and defaults will not be called on matches started after the 30 minute waiting period has ended.

Rainouts of the second to last and last scheduled match of the season must be made up on the next day with no rain. Rainouts of playoffs matches must be made up on the next day with no rain.

WINTER Cobb League: Matches that are rained out on the regularly scheduled day MUST revert to the Atlanta League schedule and be played by or on Saturday (4 days for Tuesday matches and 3 days for Wednesday matches). Atlanta League: In the event a Saturday match is cancelled due to rain, teams have 7 days in the winter to make up the regularly scheduled match. If no day can be agreed upon, the match must be played on the 8th day. If it rains on the 8th day, the match must be made up the next day there is no rain. In the winter, the 8th day is Sunday at 5:00pm. The summer makeups will remain at 11 days. In the Summer Season, the 11th day is Tuesday at 10:00am.

Rainouts of the second to last and last scheduled match of the season must be made up on the next day with no rain. Rainouts of playoffs matches must be made up on the next day with no rain.

B. TEMPERATURE Teams are not obligated to play a match when the temperature is BELOW 32 degrees. If teams decide to play at that time, it must be the decision of both captains. Rule 34A Rain-Out Rules apply to rescheduling the match. There are no provisions for extreme wind. Wind chill may not be a factor in rescheduling a match. Captain cannot agree to reschedule if the temperature is at or above 32 degrees.

Once the match has begun, it cannot be called because of extreme cold. If any player decides that he or she cannot continue, the match will be retired.

35. DIRECTIONS TO FACILITIES can be found on www.atakthenet.com and www.netcord.com. Look under “facility directions” on right side of page. Or go to www.altatennis.org and look under “facility information/directions” on the lower right side of the page under “more services”.

While every effort is made to keep travel to a minimum, we cannot guarantee a certain number of home matches or matches within a certain distance. In leveling the teams, we have taken location into consideration while also considering the level of competition. Teams that withdraw after the schedules are distributed face suspension of up to one year.

10U Beginner level  MONITORING GUIDELINES

Monitoring 10U beginner teams is an effort to insure that young children beginning their tennis experience learn the game correctly.

• Monitors may only be used at the beginner level.
• Both Team Managers must agree to have monitors.
• (Cooperation and good judgment should be used if both captains do not agree)
• Monitors may be used for all positions.
• A knowledgeable team parent from EACH team may go onto the court to facilitate play of the match.  PARENTS MAY NOT MONITOR THEIR OWN CHILD’S MATCH.
• Monitors may be used the entire season.  However, you are encouraged to allow independence as soon as possible, even though the children may still make some mistakes.
• You are NOT a linesman or umpire.

Examples:

• If a player consistently call balls out that are good, you may stop play and between points remind him/her that a ball on the line is always good. –  BUT DO NOT CHANGE THE SCORE!!!  Allow the child time to think about their decision.  Frequently young children need more time to think about the rules and scoring.
• Remember that eye/hand coordination and tracking are issues for these children.  Frequently they do not see the ball correctly and may not be making intentional bad calls.  Be gentle about line calls.
• If players come to a situation in which they cannot agree on the score, they must try to reconstruct the points.  If they cannot remember, then play a let.

Remind players to keep two balls when serving, not to chase balls between the 1^st and 2^nd serves
call the score before every point and MOST OF ALL, HAVE FUN

Additional hints for handling beginner teams:

• De-emphasize winning.  The children are learning the game and should not feel pressure to win.
• Consider the first season strictly a learning experience.
• Praise and encourage, even for minor accomplishments.
• Teach children how to warm up.
• Most importantly, encourage good sportsmanship.