Hills Tennis Association Inc
.. = changes made in 16/17
Rules of Match and Play
Hills Tennis Association Inc
Season 2016/2017
It is recommended all teams have a copy of these Rules of Match
and Play available to them
PLEASE REFER TO THESE RULES OF MATCH AND PLAY WHENEVER YOU
EXPERIENCE A PROBLEM
If problems remain unresolved contact relevant Committee Senior
or Junior Activities, Midweek or Night Tennis via a written request
on the Complaints Form Appendix 6 (2) or download from HTA
website.
CONTENTS
1.INTRODUCTION 3
1.1Glossary
1.2Application of these Rules
1.3General Penalty Clause
2.REGISTRATION & RESTRICTION OF PLAYERS all Seasons 3
2.1Registration HTA and Tennis SA; Junior Age Limits
2.2Restrictions on Players
3.TEAM NOMINATIONS 5
3.1Nomination Forms
3.2 Grading of Teams/Setup of players in results recording
software
3.3Withdrawal of Teams
3.4 Other Tennis Association participation - Junior and
Senior
4.MATCH PROGRAMME 6
4.1Competitions
4.2Match Dates and Venues
5.SELECTION OF TEAMS 6
5.1Team Members5.2Order of Merit
5.3Alteration to Order of Merit
5.4Bye
5.5Forfeiting Matches
5.6Eligibility for Finals
5.7Finals Matches
5.8Drawn Finals Matches
5.9Team List for Finals- Senior and Junior Comps only
6.PROVISION OF EQUIPMENT 10
6.1Provision of Tennis Balls
6.2Net
6.3Nets Straps
6.4Wet Weather Equipment
7.CONDUCT OF MATCHES 10
7.1Completion of Scoresheet before Commencement Time
7.2Match Times
7.3Hit-ups:
7.4Late Arrival or Non Attendance
7.5Forfeiture of Sets
7.6Order of Play
7.7Match Format
7.8Tiebreak:
7.9Right to Commence Serving:
7.10Umpires
7.11Clothing
7.12Morning & Afternoon Tea
8.CONDUCT OF PLAYERS AND SPECTATORS 13
8.1 Player Behaviour and Rules
8.2 Foot Faults
9.CANCELLED, UNFINISHED AND ABANDONED MATCHES 13
9.1Cancellation of Matches Due to Hot Weather
9.2Abandonment of a Match Due to Emergency Services Duties
9.3Abandonment of Matches Due to Wet Weather
10.MATCH RESULTS 14
10.1Lodgement of Results
10.2Printing of and Forwarding of Completed Match
Scoresheets
10.3Forwarding Abandoned Match Scoresheets
11.PREMIERSHIP POINTS 14
11.1Determination of Winning Team
11.2Allocation of Points for Decided Matches
11.3Allocation of Points for Forfeited Matches
11.4Allocation of Points for Cancelled or Abandoned Matches
11.5Allocation of Points to Teams Affected by Programme
Changes
11.6Premiership Tables
12.PREMIERSHIP AWARDS 15
12.1Presentation of Shields/Cups
12.2Presentation of Pennants
13.COURTS 15
13.1Association Use of Club Courts
13.2Two Courts per Allocated Match
13.3Court Preparation
13.4Court Obstructions
14.COMMUNICATION/SUBMISSIONS TO THE RELEVANT COMMITTEES 16
14.1Communication
14.2Submissions
15.APPENDIX 1: Code of Conduct Policy 17
16.APPENDIX 2: Tennis Australia Rules for Non-Umpired Matches
18
17.APPENDIX 3: Tennis Australia Etiquette 19
18.APPENDIX 4: Outside Interference 19
19.APPENDIX 5 (1): Foot Faults 19
20.APPENDIX 5 (2): HTA Foot Fault Report Form 20
21.APPENDIX 5 (3): Foot Fault Flow Chart 21
22.APPENDIX 6 (1): Tennis Grievance Procedure Flowchart22
23.APPENDIX 6 (2): Tennis Grievance Procedure - Complaint
Form23
24.APPENDIX 7: Beginners Skills Checklist24
25. APPENDIX 8: Five Player Rule Interpretations 25
26.APPENDIX 9: One Relative Position Explanation 26
INTRODUCTIONGlossary
Throughout these rules the word Association shall mean the Hills
Tennis Association Inc.
The term Management Committee shall mean the elected Management
Committee of the Association.
The term Junior Activities Committee shall mean the elected
Junior Activities Committee of the Association.
The term Senior Activities Committee shall mean the elected
Senior Activities Committee of the Association.
Relevant Committee means either the SAC, JAC or Night Committee
whichever one is relevant to the query/issue being raised
The word Club shall mean any Member Club of the Association.
Seniors have no age restriction
The word Junior applies to aspects of the Association which have
an upper age limit. (For more detail see Rule 2.1).
The term Cancellation of Matches shall mean any matches
officially cancelled by the relevant Committee.
The term Abandonment of a Match shall mean any match not
completed for some reason, but by mutual agreement of both
participating Captains and Supervisors.
The term One Relative Position per Week shall mean one position
where the players named are the same as those named for the
previous week.
A week shall mean the time between one programmed Saturday match
and the next.
Application of these Rules
1.2.1 These rules shall be read in conjunction with the
constitution of the Association and shall apply to all Association
players unless the rule indicates otherwise.
No deviation from these rules shall be permitted by any Club
unless prior authorisation has been obtained from the relevant
Committee Senior Activities Committee, Junior Activities Committee,
Night Committee or Midweek Committee. The SAC, JAC, Night and
Midweek Committees have been given authority to interpret these
rules when necessary and to sanction exemptions for their relevant
competitions. The decisions of the relevant Committees shall be
final.
1.2.2 All matches shall be conducted under the rules of tennis
and the tennis etiquette and rules for non-umpired matches as
adopted by Tennis Australia except as otherwise stated herein. Any
player continually breaching the rules, or a single serious breach
of the rules shall be reported to the relevant committee for
action.
1.2.3 Any changes made to these rules by the Management
Committee shall be forwarded to Club Secretaries after grading is
complete and at least two weeks prior to the start of the season in
which that rule shall apply.
General Penalty Clause:
Violation of any rule contained herein may attract a penalty.
The Management Committee may impose a financial penalty upon any
Club, or a premiership point penalty upon any team, for any breach
of the rules of match and play. Any such penalty shall be decided
by the relevant Committee and may be applied in addition to any
specific penalty mentioned elsewhere herein.
REGISTRATION & RESTRICTION OF PLAYERS All
SeasonsRegistration HTA and Tennis SA; Junior Age Limits
HTA: all players shall be registered on playing their first
match. Details required are name, contact telephone number and, for
junior players only, date of birth, to be provided on either:
a) An Association team nomination form forwarded by the club
concerned in accordance with Rule 3.1 or
b) Any additional players may be registered by entering their
full name and details into the Results Recording software
program.
c) All players need to be registered with Tennis SA by their
first match each year. This is done via the Tennis SA approved
player registration software, currently My Tennis. Any player not
registered is not insured, therefore, it is in the clubs best
interest to register all players, including Hot Shots, occasional
fill-ins, coaching only participants, volunteers, committee members
and life members. Cover does not start until payment is received.
The HTA recommends that clubs pay Tennis SA by the beginning of the
season, or the due date of the official Tennis SA invoice at the
latest.
d) Clubs also need to affiliate with Tennis SA, based on the
number of home courts used plus any other courts hired/rented/used
that are not already affiliated with Tennis SA), These additional
venues must be included on the clubs Tennis SA affiliation form to
ensure insurance coverage (this does not apply if hiring courts
from another HTA affiliated club). If a club is using courts
managed by another club, it should gain evidence from that other
club to prove that they are affiliated with Tennis SA and that
those courts are covered. This evidence is to be submitted to the
HTA and those courts do not need to be included in the court count
required for affiliation.
Penalty: Forfeiture of all sets played after 1st November in the
current season for those players not registered with Tennis SA
Junior Player: for the purpose of Tennis SA registration a
Junior Player is defined as being 18 years and under as at 30
September prior to the beginning of the current season.
The date of birth of all players aged 18 years and under must be
provided to indicate eligibility for Junior membership and
inter-association team selection.
Junior Age Limit: Players 17 and under as at 30 September prior
to the beginning of the current season are eligible to play in the
current HTA Junior Saturday morning competition. No player aged 6
and under is permitted to play competitive tennis without an
Exceptional Talent Permit from the JAC. These players may
participate in Hot Shots (red ball) at club level only. Players who
are aged 10 and under as at 30 September prior to the beginning of
the current season must not commence playing in the yellow ball
competition without an Exceptional Talent Permit from the JAC.
Junior players who played yellow ball in previous season may
continue to play yellow ball in the current season without a
permit.
Age restrictions apply to the Junior Beginner Orange Ball
Competition. Players who are 8 & under as at 30 September prior
to the beginning of the current season are eligible to commence
playing Saturday Morning Junior Tennis in this division. This
division is a modified competition smaller court and low
compression balls.(refer to orange ball guidelines for further
details).
Age and skill restrictions apply to the Green Ball division.
Players who are 10&U as at 30 September prior to the beginning
of the current season are eligible to play in this division if they
have achieved the skills as per the Beginners Skills Checklist.
Both the Orange and Green Ball competitions are mixed
competitions with their own divisions 1, 2 etc.
Restrictions on Players
A player may:
1.2.1 Play for one club in the junior competition and play for a
different club in the senior competition.
1.2.2 Play for one club in the Saturday competition and for
another club in the Night, Midweek or Winter Pennant
competitions.
1.2.3 Juniors only -In emergencies only, play in both junior
8.30am and 10.30am timeslots.
1.2.4 Play for 2 teams from the same club in the same division,
but only if they are regular number 3 or 4 position players in that
division. All players may cross between teams for the first 4 weeks
only. Fill-ins may fill in for any team, but once they have played
5 matches for one team, that is deemed to be their regular
team.
A player may not:
1.2.5 Be permitted to play for more than one club in the same
competition.
1.2.6 Play for 2 different Clubs in this Association in the same
season and competition, unless written clearance is obtained from
the players former Club.
1.2.7 Play in more than one senior match in each series of
matches.
1.2.8 Play for more than one tennis Association in the same
series of competitions (ie, any Junior comp, Friday night or
Saturday morning, any Senior Saturday competition, morning or
afternoon) during a season.
Clarification 1: Players playing in an Association deemed to be
an extension of the HTA (excluding Metro League) will be permitted
to fill in for a HTA club (Division 1 only) a maximum of 3 times
per player per season. This applies to the lowest 2 players as per
the nomination form. Permission for any other player to fill back
to the HTA must be expressly given by the SAC/JAC. Only one player
per higher Association is permitted to play back to HTA on any
given week. Order of merit must be followed at all times. These
players are not eligible to play HTA finals under any
circumstances.
Clarification 2: HTA club players may fill up to another
Association a maximum of 3 times per player per season, provided
order of merit is adhered to.
Clarification 3: Where the HTA is seen as an extension to
another Association (ie seen as having a higher standard of play),
players may fill-in between the 2 Associations, provided written
permission has been given by both the outside Association and by
the relevant HTA Committee.
Clarification 4: Junior players participating in the Summer EDTA
Friday night competition as nominated and approved by the HTA are
exempt from the above. All players in any EDTA Friday night team
must be a HTA Saturday player (Junior or Senior) or have had
significant history with the HTA to be eligible. This is at the
discretion of the JAC. This applies to nominated players only.
Fill-ins must comply with the above rule.
1.2.9 Carry or consume alcohol, or other illicit drugs on any
courts within the Hills Tennis Association.
Penalty: Forfeiture of all sets played by the player.
TEAM NOMINATIONSNomination Forms
1.1.10 All team nomination forms shall be made using the
nomination forms issued by the Association. The form must be
completed in full (including player singles stats for Junior comp
and Senior trad comp and doubles stats for Snr doubles comp), be in
order of merit and forwarded by the subscribed date to the
Association Officer named on the form. Any team nominated without
all relevant information being supplied may not be accepted.
1.1.11 A player may be nominated in one team only for each
series of competitions (e.g. one team only for Saturday afternoon
tennis, one team only for Tuesday night tennis etc.)
1.1.12 Order of Merit will be played from the first Saturday of
the competition and should reflect the order as listed on the
nomination form. From the first week players may only move one
relative position per week. A permit may be applied for in
exceptional circumstances if a new player has been placed in the
wrong position by several positions.
1.1.13 A player who is not named on team nomination sheets at
the beginning of the season must obtain permission from the
relevant Committee by the end of January within that season if
intending to be a regular player or to qualify for Finals. If the
player is considered significantly above the standard of that
division then permission will not be granted regardless of how many
matches that player has played.
Penalty: Forfeiture of all sets played by the player in breach
of the above rules
Grading of Teams/Setup of players in results recording
softwareOnce teams have been graded and the program is set up on
the results recording software then clubs must enter their players
into their teams. This is to ensure the players populate the
results entry screen each week to assist with printing of score
sheets, player eligibility for finals, order of merit, etc. There
will be a two week grace period at the beginning of each respective
season, after this time any team who has TBD showing instead of
players names, after the Confirmation of Scores deadline, may lose
two premiership points per occurrence(at the discretion of the
relevant Committee). The Management Committee is willing to assist
Clubs who are having difficulty with setting up teams on the
recording software (written instructions are available).
Penalty: Clubs may lose two premiership points if teams are not
set up after two weeks
Withdrawal of Teams
In the event of a withdrawn team the remaining players shall not
be permitted to play lower than one relative position per week
without permission from the relevant Committee.
For senior competition clubs can only withdraw teams from their
lowest division upward, unless the SAC accepts an alternative
arrangement.
Penalty: Loss of points for offending player/s.
Any team withdrawn after the program is drawn up will be fined
$100
Other Tennis Association participation Junior and Senior
Prior written permission must be obtained each and every season
from both the HTA Management Committee and the other Association if
clubs wish to participate in a competition within another
Association. This must be received no later than 4 weeks prior to
HTA nomination closing dates. This applies to both winter and
summer competitions.
The following conditions apply for summer competitions:
3.4.1If nominating to a higher Association, nominations must be
for Division 1 only, or another division if the team is deemed
stronger than the highest relevant HTA division by the SAC/JAC. A
copy of the nomination form for the other Association, including a
full list of all intending players names is to be submitted to the
SAC/JAC with the clubs other nominations. This is to ensure the
strength of the HTA competition continues and that higher level
players are retained.
Penalty for breach of the above conditions 4 premiership points
deducted from the highest like-division in the HTA competition for
each breach of this rule.
MATCH PROGRAMMECompetitions
1.1.14 The Association shall organise Competitions each
consisting of a minor round and a finals round as specified by the
Management Committee.
1.1.15 No finals will be played in the Orange Ball (Under 8s)
divisions of both boys and girls. Premiership points will not be
awarded.
1.1.16 No finals shall be played in the midweek competition,
where the team finishing highest on the premiership table at the
completion of the minor round will be deemed the winner.
Match Dates and Venues
4.2.1The dates and venues of all minor round matches shall be as
shown on the Association programme including all scheduled venue
rotations. All scheduled venue rotations must be notified to the
Relevant Committee prior to the start of the relevant season. The
Relevant Committee may, at its discretion, cancel, reinstate or
reschedule any part of the programme.
4.2.2The approval of the relevant Committee is required before a
Club can amend the venue of a match shown in the programme.
Penalty: 2 Premiership points per team concerned per breach for
any breaches of the above rules.
4.2.3The higher ranked team will have home court advantage for
Semi and Preliminary Finals rounds. This will also occur for Junior
Grand Finals. If there are insufficient courts, or the courts
and/or lights are deemed unsuitable for finals play, the venue will
be determined by the relevant Committee.
Senior Grand Final venues will be determined by the SAC.
All member clubs of the Association will make their courts
available for finals and will ensure the courts are open and ready
to play on 30 minutes before the scheduled start time.
SELECTION OF TEAMSTeam Members
All persons playing for a club must be registered players of
that club (see rule 2.1)
SENIORS ONLY: A Fifth/Sixth Player: may be used in any
competition. The fifth/sixth player must be named on the scoresheet
and the opposing captain/supervisor notified before play commences.
A fifth/sixth player, male and/or female, may share the sets with
any other team member and must observe the order of merit. (see
Appendix 8) In Saturday doubles competition a fifth/sixth man and a
fifth/sixth woman are allowed.
A seventh player is not permitted to play under any
circumstances.
JUNIORS ONLY: A sixth player is not permitted to play without a
permit from JAC.
Penalty - Forfeiture of Match
Injured or Sick Player: may be replaced by either the fifth or
sixth or substitute players, provided neither player plays more
than the maximum sets allowed per player. If a fifth or sixth
player was not named on the scoresheet a substitute player may be
called upon. The injured or sick player must forfeit the remainder
of the set during which the injury was sustained. If the injured
player is able to complete the set in which they were injured, no
further forfeits are required, provided the substitute player is
ready within the required time limit. If a substitute player is not
ready to play within 30 minutes of the player retiring, the
remaining set(s) will be forfeited. No more than 6 players may be
used in any match.
Order of Merit
Order of merit means that players are ranked in order of their
ability, in relation to the other players from their Club who are
playing in the same Competition.
Order of merit shall be determined primarily, but not solely, by
the players recorded match results.
5.2.1Clubs deemed to have players playing out of order of merit
will be required to provide a written explanation to the relevant
Committee. A penalty may be applied.
Traditional Competitions:
a) Singles: Players shall play in order of merit
b) Doubles: If playing doubles, the number 1 singles player MUST
play in the first (top) doubles. Any pairings may be used to form
doubles combinations provided this rule is adhered to. If the
number 1 singles player playing ON THE DAY does not play doubles,
then any doubles combinations may be used for the remaining 4
players.
c) Gender: All sets must be played for the gender intended. No
female sets to be played by males and no male sets to be played by
females.
Doubles Competitions:
Womens doubles and mens doubles: the pairing of players shall be
in order of merit (see rule 5.2 above). All sets have to be played
for the gender intended. No female sets to be played by males and
no male sets to be played by females.
Mixed doubles: Any appropriate pairing of players may be used
provided that the doubles pairings shall be listed in order of
merit. Neither the number one man nor the number one woman shall
play in the third or fourth mixed double
Gender: All sets must be played for the gender intended. No
female sets to be played by males and no male sets to be played by
females.
Penalty: All sets played by the wrong gender or in the wrong
order will be forfeited.
5.2.2In junior competition mixed teams are allowable in the
lower divisions and will be graded in the Boys competition. All
requests for players (e.g. girls to play in boys competition) must
be forwarded to the Junior Activities Committee and will be
considered individually for a permit.
1.2 Alteration to Order of Merit
1.3.1 Minor Round: - Also see rule 3.1.3. A player cannot be
raised more than one relative position per week nor dropped more
than one relative position per week. In all cases players must
observe the order of merit. (See Appendix 9 for an explanation of
One Relative Position per Week). (See also 5.4.4 for Bye).
Exceptions: - For permission to move a player more than one
relative position the Club Secretary shall apply to the Chairperson
of the relevant Committee, giving full particulars and reasons for
such proposed changes.
Penalty: All sets played out of position by a player who has
been moved more than one relative position in one week may be
retrospectively forfeited.
1.3.2 Final Minor Round:
All players are encouraged to play in order of merit as per
approved final team listings.
Penalty: All players playing out of order of merit from the
approved final team listings during the finals will forfeit all
sets concerned
Bye
1.4.3 Byes will be avoided in programs as much as is practically
possible.
1.4.4 A Bye does not qualify as a played programmed match.
1.4.5 A team having a bye is not required to submit a
scoresheet.
1.4.6 In the event of a team having a bye, a club must not play
any player in a division lower than where that player has played
the majority of matches to date, unless the One Relative Position
per week rule is applied, i.e.: No. 4 player in Div 6 can play No.
1 position in Div 7.
Penalty: Forfeit all sets played on the match date by a player
who has contravened this rule.
1.3 Forfeiting Matches
1.5.1 A Club forfeiting a match must not play any player in a
division lower than where the player has played the majority of
matches to date, unless otherwise allowed by the relevant
Committee, or the One Relative Position per week rule is
applied:
a) Provision exists for Senior teams to play matches outside of
scheduled match times to avoid a forfeit.
b) Provision exists for Junior teams affected by the Heathfield
High School International Volleyball Championships to reschedule
matches to avoid a forfeit. This is the only provision made for
rescheduling of junior matches.
c)The team on the receiving end of a potential forfeit has the
power to choose to accept an alternative match time or reject it.
The Recording Secretary is to be notified of any changes made to
the scheduled time of a match.
Penalty: Forfeit all sets played by a player who has contravened
this rule.
A Club forfeiting an entire match shall advise the relevant Club
Coordinator (Senior, Junior, Night, Midweek) of the opposing team a
minimum of 2 hours before the commencement time of the match. All
Junior matches must be notified no later than 9pm on the Friday
evening. If the club coordinator cannot be contacted by phone then
the club secretary is to be phoned. If contact is not able to be
made by phone then an email is to be sent to the Chairperson of the
relevant committee advising contact could not be made including all
relevant details.
Penalty: Loss of 6 premiership points for junior, traditional
and night competitions and 12 points for doubles competition, for
non- notification/late notification of forfeiture of match
1.5.2 The team listed as the home team enters the forfeit via
the results recording software program and the away team confirms
the forfeit by the relevant deadlines to ensure points are
allocated.
Both teams are to complete a scoresheet and keep it for the
season. Scoresheets MUST be produced if requested by either the
Recording Secretary, JAC/SAC/Night/Midweek committee or Management
Committee within 48 hours of the request.
Penalty: premiership points may not be allocated.
1.5.3 Any team which forfeits three matches will be deemed to
have retired from the competition.
Where practical, earlier notification of the withdrawal of a
team from the competition, shall be made by the Club to the
relevant Committee, who shall notify all Clubs in that
Division.
A fine of $100 will apply for any team withdrawing/retiring from
the competition
Eligibility for Finals
5.6.1 Saturday matches: A player must meet BOTH of the following
eligibility criteria in order to qualify to play in finals
matches:
The player has played five matches in the team in which the
player wishes to play finals; and
The player was nominated (either on the original nomination
form, or subsequently approved by the relevant committee before the
end of January of the current season) in the team in which the
player wishes to play finals.
5.6.2 Junior players are eligible to be reserve players for
senior teams in finals provided they are deemed to be of a similar
standard by the SAC. A permit is required in all cases.
5.6.3 A player shall only be permitted to play finals matches in
the competition in which that player has played the majority of
matches. No permits will be granted for any player who has played
in another Association, with the exception of Clarification 2 as
listed in rule 2.2.8.
5.6.4 Exception: Any juniors who plays in the Friday night EDTA
will be exempt from the above rule provided they were on the
original EDTA nomination form or were granted a permit in writing
by the JAC and they meet all other finals eligibility
requirements.
5.6.5 A player shall not be permitted to play in finals matches
in a division lower than the division in which that player has
played the majority of matches.
5.6.6 Any player who has played in a finals round match in a
higher division shall not be allowed to play in a finals round
match in a lower division unless such a player acted only as a
reserve for the higher division.
5.6.7 Fifth/Sixth Player/Substitute Player: must meet all
eligibility criteria.
5.6.8 A player who is not named on the Team List for Finals,
submitted two weeks prior to finals from the club in the current
season is ineligible to play in finals unless permission from the
relevant Committee has been applied for in writing and granted in
writing.
Penalty: Forfeiture of all sets played by the player who has
contravened this rule.
Finals Matches unfinished or cancelled
5.7.1 All unfinished or cancelled finals matches must be
completed before the next round of finals in the same
competition.
5.7.2 Junior matches will be rescheduled to the Sunday morning
following the unfinished final at 9am at the same venue and with
the same players as recorded on the scoresheet for the Saturday
match. (unless otherwise advised by the JAC)
Senior matches can be rescheduled with the agreement of both
Supervisors to a time and venue approved by the relevant Committee
but no later than the Wednesday immediately following the finals
match with the same players as listed on the scoresheet for the
Saturday match. On resumption of an unfinished finals match the
previous score shall stand.
5.7.3 In the event that all matches in a semi-finals round are
cancelled due to hot or wet weather, the matches shall be completed
within one week, or at the discretion of the relevant
Committee.
5.7.4 The team used to complete an unfinished finals match must
be the same as the original team unless otherwise allowed by the
relevant Committee.
5.7.5 In the event of a Grand Final match being cancelled, or
not being completed, the relevant Committee will award the final to
the team that was available to play the final on or before the
re-scheduled date. This date will be the Sunday following the
original scheduled Saturday match.
Junior matches will be programmed for 9am the Sunday immediately
after the Grand Final.
Senior matches can be rescheduled with the agreement of both
Captains to a time and venue approved by the relevant Committee but
no later than the Wednesday immediately following the rescheduled
finals match with the same players as listed on the scoresheet for
the Saturday match.
Night Tennis matches teams are to agree on a suitable night to
reschedule the final. This is to be within a week of the scheduled
grand final. In the event that neither team is available to
complete the grand final match the relevant Committee will award
the match to the team finishing highest on the premiership table at
the end of the Minor Round.
5.8 Drawn Finals Matches
Junior and Saturday Traditional: In the event of a draw in the
major rounds, the 1st and 2nd doubles as listed on the scoresheet
will play a tie-break game (not set) each. The winning team shall
be the team aggregating the most points in these tie-break games
and, if points are equal the team who won the 1st doubles tie-break
game wins the final. All players involved in finals matches must
stay at the court until a match result has been reached in case of
a drawn finals match. In the event of the absence of a player in a
drawn finals match no substitute player can be used and the
relevant tie break doubles game will be forfeited.
Night Tennis: In the event of a draw in the grand final the Mens
and Womens doubles as listed on the scoresheet will play a tiebreak
game (not set) each. The winning team shall be the team aggregating
the most points in these tiebreak games. If the points are equal
the team that finished higher at the completion of the minor round
shall be declared the winner.
Saturday Doubles: In the event of a draw in the major rounds,
the 1st and 2nd doubles for both men and ladies as listed on the
score sheet will play a tie-break game (not set) each. The team
winning the most tie-break games will be declared the winner. If
two tie-break games are won by each team the team aggregating the
most points in these tiebreak games shall be declared the winner.
If points are equal the team that finished higher at the completion
of the minor round shall be declared the winner. All players
involved in finals matches must stay at the court until a match
result has been reached in case of a drawn finals match. In the
event of the absence of a player in a drawn finals match no
substitute player can be used and the relevant tie break doubles
game will be forfeited.
5.9 Team List for Finals- Senior and Junior Comps only
1.9.4 It is compulsory for each Club to submit a detailed list
of players to the relevant Committee Chairperson two rounds prior
to the first final matches. Order of Merit for finals should
reflect the normal Order of Merit for the minor rounds. Any
unexplained or unusual late changes may not be approved for
finals.
1.9.5 The player list must show the playing order for all
players who will be used (including fifth/sixth players), and
substitute players who might be used.
1.9.6 Only listed players shall be allowed to play, and they
must play in the same order as listed for all finals.
1.9.7 The actual order that will be used must be reported on the
scoresheet handed to the opposing captain before the commencement
of each final (refer Rule 7.5). The order must also match that on
the team list held by the relevant Committee.
Penalty: Teams playing in finals with players not in order of
merit as per the approved finals lists will forfeit all sets
concerned.
PROVISION OF EQUIPMENT
Provision of Tennis Balls
1.1.8 Balls used in Association matches shall be as approved by
the Management Committee.
1.1.9 Senior home teams shall provide four new balls for
traditional competitions, except Div 1 Men who are to provide eight
new balls. Saturday doubles competition home teams shall provide
eight new balls. Night tennis home teams shall provide four new or
good balls. Junior home teams shall provide four balls for each
minor round match. New balls must be used for Division 1 matches.
All other divisions are to use four new or good balls with visible
brands.
1.1.10 Finals matches: each team shall provide one half of the
total number of balls specified in Rules 6.1.1, 6.1.2. except Night
Tennis teams where the higher ranked team shall provide 4 new
balls.
Net
Nets used for Association matches must be in good order and
repair.
Penalty: $10.00 per court.
Net Straps
Fitted centre net-straps are compulsory on all courts.
Penalty: $10.00 per court.
Wet Weather Equipment
To enable matches to resume promptly after any rain
interruption, the Home team shall provide, depending on the court
surface used either:
One squeegee, or similar, in good condition per two smooth
surface courts, or two broad yard brooms, in good condition, per
two rough surface courts.
Penalty: $40.00 per item not provided.
CONDUCT OF MATCHES
Completion of Scoresheet before Commencement Time
For each match the Captain or Supervisor of each team shall,
before commencement time, fill in the authorised match scoresheet
with the names (both First name and Surname) of all players on both
teams in order of merit. A Fifth/sixth or Substitute player must be
named with the order of merit recorded beside (e.g. Barry Player
3). No alteration shall be made without the consent of the opposing
Captain or Supervisor; otherwise the set or sets concerned will be
forfeited, or replayed at the discretion of the relevant
Committee.
Match Times
Matches shall commence at the following times:
Junior Saturday morning: Early matches MUST start at 8.30am and
finish at 10.30am.
Junior Saturday morning: Late matches MUST start at 10.30am and
finish at 12.30pm.
See Notes to Junior Supervisors for detailed information on
starting and finishing times.
Where a junior match is incomplete at the Finish time listed
above, and there are no vacant courts available play must cease at
the listed Finish time, after finishing the game (not set)
currently in progress. The actual game-score in any unfinished sets
must be recorded on the scoresheets. If the match is incomplete due
to players not being ready to play then that team will forfeit any
unfinished sets (as per rule 7.4.1).
If there are vacant courts and with the consent of both
Supervisors every endeavour should be made to finish the match to
achieve a result.
Senior Saturday afternoon matches MUST start at 1.00pm. No sets
are to be commenced after 6.00pm.
Night matches MUST start at 7.00pm.
Midweek matches MUST start at 9.15am.
Hit-ups:
A three (3) minute warm up is allowed in all competitions.
Adherence to this rule will avoid a late finish and/or incomplete
or unplayed sets. Juniors should hit-up before 8.30am, and when
there are vacant courts, before 10.30am.
Late Arrival or Non- Attendance
Players must be present and ready to play at least 15 minutes
before the scheduled starting times listed above in 7.2.
1.4.11 Junior Matches: Saturday morning matches: If two (2) sets
of either doubles or singles have not commenced by the scheduled
start time (the warm up does not count as having commenced MUST be
the actual sets) then the team not ready to play will forfeit all
sets not completed by the appointed finishing time. The appointed
finish time is 2 hours from the scheduled start time. A note to
this effect must be made on the scoresheet and signed by both
supervisors. It is not necessary for the doubles sets to be played
first.
1.4.12 Senior Matches: Any team not present and ready to play
one set per allocated court 15 minutes after the commencement time,
shall forfeit the sets concerned.
a) Each captain shall be responsible for inserting in the team
result sheet, the actual time of starting, and in the event of a
start beyond the scheduled time, for noting on the back of the
scoresheet, the team at fault in accordance with this rule. Any
player not present and ready to play 30 minutes after the
commencement time, unless by consent of the opposing Captain, shall
forfeit all set(s) concerned. Any player required to forfeit more
than one set due to late arrival or non-attendance will be unable
to count that match for finals eligibility.
b) Saturday matches: If a set (either double or single) cannot
commence within 10 minutes of the allocated court becoming
available because of player unavailability, that set shall be
forfeited.
c) Any set that can be played (double or single, in any order)
must be played before a forfeit can be claimed in minor rounds
only. This does not include players who are more than 30 minutes
late as per part a above.
1.4.13 Night Matches: Any team not present and ready to play one
set 15 minutes after the start time, shall forfeit that set. Any
player not present and ready to play, 60 minutes after the start
time shall forfeit all subsequent sets.
1.4.14 Midweek Matches: See Rule 7.4.2 Senior Matches above.
Forfeiture of Sets
Best efforts must be made to fill teams from the top division
down. In the event of any set or sets having to be forfeited due to
non-attendance of any player then the team must forfeit the lowest
position. In the event of illness or injury occurring after the
scoresheet has been completed the sets forfeited shall be those
that the forfeiting player would have played providing the player
is present at the venue at match start time.
Juniors: If play has already commenced and a player is not in
attendance by the commencement of the 3rd set and the lowest
position cannot be forfeited due to sets already played then a
penalty of 2 points will apply.
Order of Play
For minor round matches there is no set order of play i.e.
doubles need not precede singles. As a court becomes available,
commence the next set that can be played.
For Junior & Senior Traditional finals matches doubles will
be played first then the order of play for singles will be 4, 3, 2,
1. Night Tennis no set order for finals.
Match Format
7.7.1Juniors
Junior Boys Divisions 1 to 7 and Junior Girls Divisions 1 to 5:
Each player plays one (1) 6 game set of doubles and one (1) 6 game
set of singles, tiebreak at 5 all.
Junior Boys Divisions 8 and below and Junior Girls Divisions 6
and below: Each player plays one (1) 6 game set of doubles and one
(1) 6 game set of singles, first to six games wins the set.
Junior Beginner Divisions Orange Ball - 8 and Under
Divisions
a) Orange ball is a mixed competition. There will be several
divisions and numbered from 1 down. No finals will be played in the
8 and Under divisions.
b) First to 4 wins. Games to be "sudden death." No tie
breaks.
Clubs are encouraged to seek Coaches assistance in determining
player eligibility for orange ball.
Junior Beginner Divisions Green Ball - 10 and Under
a) Green ball is a mixed competition. There will be several
divisions and numbered from 1 down. Clubs are encouraged to seek
Coaches assistance in determining player eligibility for green
ball.
b) First to 6 wins. To play normal deuce rules with green balls.
These divisions will play finals.
Both Green and Orange ball age restrictions are guidelines only.
Older players can play in these divisions if they aren't ready to
play in the division above. Children must be 7 years or above to
start playing competition tennis.
7.7.2Seniors
Traditional Competition
Doubles (all divisions) - Doubles rubbers will consist of the
best of 2 sets (tiebreaker played at 6 all for these sets). If one
set each then a Match (Super) tie-break (** see below) will be
played to determine the winner of the rubber. This Super
tie-breaker will be classed as a set.
Singles - Division 1 Men Only: Singles rubbers will consist of
the best of 2 sets (tiebreaker played at 6 all for these sets). If
one set each then a Match (Super) tie-break (** see below) will be
played to determine the winner of the rubber. This Super
tie-breaker will be classed as a set.
** A Match (Super) tie-break is the first to 10 points, with the
winner being ahead by 2 points.
Singles Division 1 Women and 2 Men Only - Singles rubbers will
consist of 1 set to 9 games. Tiebreaker played at 8 all.
Singles all other Divisions Singles rubbers will consist of 1
set to 6 games. Tiebreaker played at 6 all.
Doubles Competition
Each player shall play up to four 6-game sets of doubles,
tiebreak at 6-all. Mixed doubles must be played first unless by
mutual agreement of both captains.
7.7.3Night Teams:
Each player shall play up to three 6-game sets of doubles, each
with a different partner, tiebreak at 5-all.
7.7.4Midweek:
Each player shall play up to four 6-game sets of doubles,
tiebreak at 5-all. No finals will be played in the Midweek
competition.
Doubles pairings shall be as follows:
a) first 2-set match: 1/2 and 3/4 play their opposites.
b) second 2-set match: 1/3 and 2/4 play their opposites.
Tiebreak:
All set tiebreaks shall be standard 7-point tiebreaks (first to
seven points with a margin of two). Where specified, a Match
(Super) tiebreak shall be a 10-point tiebreak (first to ten points
with a margin of two).
Right to Commence Serving:
The choice of ends and the right to be server or receiver in the
first game shall be decided by toss. The player winning the toss
may choose, or require the opponent to choose:
a) to be the server or receiver, in which case the other player
shall choose the end; or
b) the end, in which case the other player shall choose to be
server or receiver.
Umpires
An umpire must be provided whenever requested by a player. That
umpire will be selected by mutual agreement of both
captains/supervisors.
Clothing
Proper tennis attire must be worn. Tennis shoes are
compulsory.
Morning & Afternoon Tea
Home teams must provide morning tea for the Midweek competition
and afternoon tea for the Saturday senior competitions.
CONDUCT OF PLAYERS AND SPECTATORS
Player behaviour and rules
All players, parents, coaches and spectators are required to
abide by all rules of tennis including these rules, Tennis
Australia rules and the International Federation of Tennis rules.
This also includes the HTA Foot Faulting Policy, Code of Conduct,
Tennis Australia Etiquette and Rules for Non-Umpired matches. Any
person found in breach of any of the above will be subject to
disciplinary action by the relevant committee. This can include
informal/formal warnings, demerit points, forfeiture of sets,
suspension, exclusion from tennis venues and report/referral to SA
Police.
Foot faults
Foot faults are in breach of tennis rules and are considered a
display of bad sportsmanship. Players concerned with foot faults
should consult the foot fault policy located in Appendix 5.1, 5.2,
5.3
Penalty: Forfeiture of sets where foot faulting is verified by
authorized HTA representative only
CANCELLED, UNFINISHED AND ABANDONED MATCHES
Cancellation of Matches Due to Hot Weather
All Junior morning, Senior & Midweek matches will be
automatically cancelled if the forecast temperature is 36C or above
for Mt Barker as per the Friday night (Saturday matches) or Monday
night (midweek matches) Television News weather reports.
Confirmation of forecast temperature can be sourced via
http://www.bom.gov.au/sa/forecasts/adelaide.shtml.
Cancellations of Friday night Green/Orange ball competitions for
extreme weather conditions will be notified via the HTA website by
4.30pm Friday.
There will be no cancellations under this rule for Night Tennis
matches.
No radio broadcast will occur.
Abandonment of a Match Due to Emergency Services Duties
If any player is prevented from playing in a minor round match
due to emergency services duty on that day/night the match is
consequently abandoned. Each team involved shall receive half the
number of points and half the number of sets allocated to that
match. In the event of a finals match being so affected the match
shall be replayed according to the conditions set out in Rule
5.7.
If any players are called away for emergency services duty
during a match an attempt must still be made to determine a winner
(see Rule 11.1 Determination of Winning Team). If a winner cannot
be determined the above rules shall apply.
A Club abandoning a match shall advise the Club Secretary of the
opposing team as early as possible prior to the scheduled
commencement time of the match. The Club Secretary must forward a
written explanation to the Recording Secretary within three days.
Both teams concerned must forward a completed scoresheet to the
Recording Secretary to claim their premiership points.
Abandonment of Matches Due to Wet Weather
Juniors - Both supervisors of teams may agree to abandon a
match, provided the time is later than half an hour after the
scheduled starting time. Any team abandoning a match prior to the
aforementioned cancellation times shall forfeit the match. Four
players from each team MUST be present for a match to be abandoned.
Any team without four players will forfeit those sets without
players present then the rest of the sets will be abandoned.
Seniors - Both captains of teams may agree to abandon a match,
provided the time is later than one hour after the scheduled
starting time. Any team abandoning a match prior to the
aforementioned cancellation times shall forfeit the match. Four
players from Traditional or eight players from Doubles teams MUST
be present for a match to be abandoned. Any team without four or
eight players will forfeit those sets without players present then
the rest of the sets will be abandoned.
Night - Both supervisors of teams may agree to abandon a match,
provided the time is later than half an hour after the scheduled
starting time. Any team abandoning a match prior to the
aforementioned cancellation times shall forfeit the match. Four
players from each team MUST be present for a match to be abandoned.
Any team without four players will forfeit those sets without
players present then the rest of the sets will be abandoned.
No person can be forced to play on wet and/or slippery courts.
If the Supervisors/captains disagree on abandoning a match, a
report in writing, from each team, must be lodged with the
chairperson of the relevant Committee within three days of the
match. However, both Supervisors/captains should use every
endeavour to complete the match.
All players are expected to attend scheduled court location,
prior to abandoning matches.
Penalty: Forfeiture of sets by team without sufficient
players
MATCH RESULTS
Lodgement of Results
The Captain or Supervisor, or Club delegate, of the home team
(Saturday matches) is required to enter the match results into the
website recording program by 6pm on the Sunday after the match.
Night Tennis matches are to be entered within 48 hours of the match
being played. Follow the links on www.hta.asn.au. . Away teams to
confirm matches by 9pm Tuesday night. Any matches not confirmed
within a week of the original match will be deemed official and no
disputes will be allowed.
Penalty: $20.00 per home match not entered
Printing of and Forwarding of Completed Match Scoresheets
10.2.1 Seniors - Trad and doubles teams must print a scoresheet
from the Hills Tennis Association website prior to arriving at the
venue. Teams are required to be set up in the competition software
by 10pm Friday evening.
10.2.2Juniors - Scoresheets are provided by the HTA and do not
need to be posted to the Recording Secretary.
10.2.3All competitions - All scoresheets must be correctly
filled in and signed by both Supervisors/Captains. Both the first
and last names of all players must be recorded on the scoresheet.
All scoresheets are to be kept and produced within 48 hours if
requested by relevant committees.
10.2.4Senior Saturday Division 1 Traditional and Doubles winners
must also forward a legible scoresheet to The Courier, fax
8391-2312, email [email protected].
Forwarding Abandoned Match Scoresheets
In the event of a match being abandoned by team
supervisors/captains, the procedure set down in Rule 9.3 must still
be followed. This does not apply where all matches are cancelled by
the HTA under Rule 9.1.
PREMIERSHIP POINTS
Determination of Winning Team
For a completed match the team scoring the greater number of
rubbers/sets shall be the winner. If the sets are equal, then the
team with the greater number of games shall be the winner. If both
sets and games are equal, the match shall be drawn. A winner can be
determined in an unfinished match only if that team is in an
unbeatable position.
Allocation of Points for Decided Matches
Traditional, Juniors & Night matches: Three points shall be
given for a win and one and a half points for a draw. In addition
one point will be given for each rubber**/set won. Each team will
receive half a point for each incomplete or unplayed
rubber**/set.
Senior Doubles & Midweek: Four points shall be given for a
win and two points for a draw. In addition one point will be given
for each set won.
(Premiership Points are calculated on the basis of: half the
number of rubbers** or sets that could be played will be awarded as
premiership points. ie 6 rubbers/sets = 3 points, Senior Doubles
are the exception with 4 points awarded regardless of the number of
sets that could be played)
Allocation of Points for Forfeited Matches
A team receiving a forfeit shall receive the maximum number of
points, rubbers**/sets, and games and premiership points. A team
giving a forfeit shall receive no points, no rubbers**, no sets,
and no games. There will be a penalty of loss of premiership points
for failure to notify the opposing team of the forfeit within the
time frame as specified in Rule: 5.5.2
**Where the term rubbers is used, it is referring to the Senior
Traditional Competition only
Allocation of Points for Cancelled or Abandoned Matches
1.4.15 HTA cancelled matches: no points will be allocated.
1.4.16 Abandoned matches: points will be allocated for completed
rubbers/sets; points for any remaining rubbers/sets will be shared
equally. If a team has obtained sufficient rubbers, sets and games
to be declared the winner they will be awarded the premiership
points. If a result has not been achieved prior to abandoning the
match the premiership points will be divided equally by the two
teams, provided that Rule 9.3 has been abided by.
Allocation of Points to Teams Affected by Programme Changes
Teams required to move division as a result of a regrade will be
allocated an average of premiership points from the division to
which they are moving. All teams in the divisions affected will be
advised immediately. Re-grading will only happen after one full
round has been played and only at the discretion of the relevant
Committee.
Premiership Tables
Premiership points shall be used to determine the relative
positions of teams within each division. The team with the highest
number of premiership points shall take the first position and so
on until the positions of all the teams have been decided.
If two or more teams have equal premiership points the team
having won the greater number of matches shall take the higher
position. If the matches are also equal the team having won the
greater number of sets shall take the higher position. If the sets
are also equal the team having won the greater number of games
shall take the higher position.
The competition tables that are generated by the online
Competition Planner system are programmed to allocate points based
on the by-laws of the Hills Tennis Association. As such, the
confirmed published tables are deemed final. The ladders will show
points ratio. Points ratio will be used to determine the ladder
positions based on premiership points divided by the number of
matches played. This will ensure that all ladders are accurately
reflected each week in divisions where there are byes rather than
having to make manual adjustments at the end of the season.
PREMIERSHIP AWARDS
Presentation of Shields/Cups
Shields or cups, to be held for one year, shall be presented to
the winner of the Grand Final in each division. (The orange ball
divisions will not play finals,).
All junior shields/cups must be handed back to the presenting
supervisor once team photos are complete unless the person wishing
to take the shield provides their name, address and phone number to
the presenting supervisor. Senior trophies/shields may be kept by
the Club upon paying a $50 holding fee (refundable on return in the
same condition). Shields/cups must be returned by the HTA AGM.
Presentation of Pennants
A pennant shall be presented to all teams playing in a Grand
Final. In addition 5 medallions per team will be presented to
players who participate in a Junior Grand Final. If a club has 6
players in a team they are to organise a medallion for the extra
player.
COURTS
Association Use of Club Courts
All Club courts used for Association matches shall be made
available for:
a) Finals matches, and
b) Association tournaments and inter-association matches.
Two Courts Allocated per Match
Clubs shall ensure that at least 2 courts per scheduled match
will be available unless exempted by the HTA. Additional venues may
need to be arranged if there are insufficient courts.
Court Preparation
It is the responsibility of each Club to ensure that courts and
facilities are ready for play at least 15 minutes for junior
matches and 30 minutes for senior matches prior to stated
commencement time.
Court Obstructions
No player will be disadvantaged by obstructions within the court
boundary defined by the fencing enclosure excluding fixed objects.
In such circumstances a player may request and be granted a let
rather than risk damage or injury.
Penalty: $20.00 per breach of each rule.
COMMUNICATION/SUBMISSIONS TO THE RELEVANT COMMITTEES
Communication
Players, parents, spectators cannot communicate directly with
any committee. All initial communication MUST go through the clubs
relevant coordinator. If relevant coordinator/s are not available
then communication can be made via the club secretary. The relevant
committee will decide to either deal with the clubs
coordinator/secretary or the person requesting the communication.
This rule applies to general rule queries, foot fault complaints
along with complaints regarding player behaviour etc.
Submissions:
The Junior Activities Committees shall arbitrate all disputes
relating to junior matches, the Senior Activities Committee shall
arbitrate all disputes relating to senior matches and the Night
Tennis Committee shall arbitrate all disputes relating to night
tennis matches within interpretation of these rules. Any complaints
concerns regarding player, parents, or spectator behaviour, bad
language etc. must be in writing with details including date,
nature of the complaint and witnesses, signed by a Club official
and lodged with the Chairperson of the relevant Committee within 72
hours of the incident. The relevant Committee will investigate the
complaint and will either warn the offender or penalise them.
(Updated August 2016)
APPENDIX 1: Code of Conduct Policy
Clubs must make a copy of this document readily available for
reference.
For junior matches only: In the first two weeks, supervisors are
asked to talk to both teams together prior to the match about the
CODE OF CONDUCT expected of all players.
On match days the following action can be undertaken: (this
applies to any player/parent/spectator in any HTA competition):
One warning only will be given if a player, spectator or parent
engages in any of the following behaviour:
Bad language (directed at self or others).
Racquet abuse (throwing or hitting net, fences, etc.).
Yelling or screaming at themselves or others, so that it is
clearly audible and distracting.
Intimidation.
Constant dispute of line calls.
Ball abuse (hitting out of court, into fences, and not directly
returning balls to opponent).
External interference by parents or spectators, including
constant praise to one player which can be off putting/intimidating
to their opponent/s.
Coaching of any kind.
A second offence of ANY sort will result in immediate forfeiture
of the set.
If the code of conduct/dispute is serious or continuous then the
following action can be taken:
Disputes and Code of Conduct.
How to Proceed?
1. Refer to flow chart (at the end of this document) for
disputes. If required, complete the complaints form and forward to
relevant HTA Committee Chairperson within three (3) days of the
incident.
2. The relevant HTA SAC, JAC or Night Committee are the sole
authorities for interpreting the rules.
3. The HTA Disputes Committee will take disciplinary action
and/or apply penalties if a breach or offence is deemed to have
occurred. This can include suspending the player concerned or
prohibiting the parent from attending any HTA junior matches
(including tournaments).
4. There is no right of appeal against disciplinary action or
penalties applied by the HTA Disputes Committee. Please refer to
the relevant HTA Policy for further information regarding
complaints.
5. The Rules of Match and Play are to be read in conjunction
with the Code of Conduct, Rules for Non- Umpired Matches, Tennis
Etiquette and Outside Interference.
APPENDIX 2: Tennis Australia Rules for Non-Umpired Matches
1. Each player is responsible for all decisions in his/her half
of the court. He/she should be completely honest on all calls but,
if in doubt, he/she should give his/her opponent the benefit of the
doubt and play the ball as good. You should NOT play a let.
2. It is your obligation to call all balls on your side, to help
your opponent make calls when the opponent requests it, and to call
against yourself (with the exception of a first service) any ball
that you clearly see out on your opponents side of the net.
3. Any out, let or fault call must be made immediately (i.e.
made before either an opponent has hit the return or the return has
gone out of play); otherwise the ball continues in play. Calls must
be verbal and clearly audible to the opponent followed by a signal
if necessary. Lets may be called by any of the participating
players.
4. If a player incorrectly calls a ball out, and then realises
that the ball was good, the point should be replayed on the first
occasion (involuntary hindrance) and the point lost on each
subsequent occasion (deliberate hindrance). In the case of a point
winning shot, a let would not be played.
5. In doubles, when returning service, the partner of the
receiver should generally call the service line for him/her. The
receivers should generally call the centre and side service
lines.
6. If players cannot agree on the score, they should calmly
discuss the points/ games that are the areas of disagreement. If
they cannot reach agreement they should replay only the points or
games in question. All points or games, which the players agree on,
stand e.g. Two players cannot agree on whether the score is 40-15
or 30-30, but agree on the winner of the 1st, 2nd and 4th points.
Therefore only the 3rd point needs to be replayed.
7. Players are prohibited from checking the mark of the ball on
their opponents side of the court, unless invited by their opponent
to do so.
8. Where a ball interrupts play, either by rolling/bouncing onto
the court, and/or creating a visible interruption behind the court
a let should be played.
9. If a player hinders his/her opponent it can be ruled
involuntary or deliberate. When a player has created an involuntary
hindrance (ball falling out of pocket, hat falling off etc), the
first time a let should be called and the player should be told
that any such hindrance thereafter will be ruled deliberate. Any
hindrance caused by a player that is ruled deliberate will result
in the loss of a point.
APPENDIX 3: Tennis Australia Etiquette
1. All balls on your side of the net are your responsibility, to
pick up and where appropriate, return by rolling the ball under net
directly to the server.
2. The receiver should not return the first service if it is an
obvious fault let it go by or ground it.
3. Do not enlist the aid of spectators, including parents,
coaches etc, in making line calls, or attempting to determine other
on-court matters.
4. To avoid controversy over the score, the server should
announce the game score before starting a game and the point score
prior to serving for each point.
5. Wait until a point is over before walking behind a court
where a match is in progress.
6. To retrieve a ball from another court or to return a ball to
another court, wait until the players have completed a point.
7. Do not stall, sulk, complain nor practice gamesmanship.
APPENDIX 4: Outside Interference
There are a number of outside (off court) disturbances that are
NOT permitted. These include:
1. Spectator interference.
2. Coaching.
3. Unfair comments made within earshot of the players.
4. Unsporting behaviour e.g. clapping double faults/hitting the
ball into the net etc.
5. Support for one player that intimidates the other player.
Appendix 5 (1) Foot Faults -
If a player is faced with an opponent who they believe is
continually foot faulting, they should:
Ask a Supervisor (at Junior level) or Captain/team mate (at
Senior level) to observe the player in question.
If foot faulting is believed to be occurring by the above
person, then the Supervisor (Juniors) or Captain (Seniors) should
speak with the opposition Supervisor/Captain and mention that it is
occurring.
The opposition Supervisor/Captain should approach the player
concerned and request that the player address the foot
faulting.
If the foot faulting continues, the relevant committee (SAC
/JAC/Night/Midweek) is to be informed by the relevant Club
Coordinator or Club Secretary. A Foot Faulting Report form should
be submitted to the Chairperson of that committee within one week
of the match in which the alleged foot faulting occurred.
The Chairperson of the relevant committee will officially inform
the Club from which the alleged foot faulting player originates
that a report has been made. The club must inform the player
concerned (and the club coach if at a junior level) that a report
of foot faulting has been made. The player should also be made
aware of the process outlined below.
If 2 Foot Faulting Reports are received from different sources
regarding the same player, a representative appointed by the HTA
will attend one of the players next 3 matches and observe. They
will then report back to the relevant committee. The relevant
committee will discuss appropriate action, based on the skill level
and competition of the player. This may include:
A formal letter being sent to the player and their coach
(Junior).
Forfeiture of all sets played on the observed day (Seniors and
Juniors).
This process may repeat during the season.
Appendix 5 (2) - HTA Foot Fault Report Form
This form is downloadable from the HTA Website: click here to
access
Please email this form to the Chairperson of the relevant
committee - details available on the HTA website.
Your Name:
Phone/Email:
.
Your CLUB:
Your Captain:
Date of alleged foot faulting:
Match:
V
Division:
Alleged Foot Faulting Player:
Details:
(What was done on the day to try to resolve the foot
faulting?)
THIS SECTION FOR RELEVANT COMMITTEE USE ONLY
(to be completed by relevant Committee Chairperson)
Report Number:
1 2 3 4 5 6
Checklist:
Notify Club Coordinator & Secretary (request notification of
when player has been informed)
Notification that player has been informed received from Club
Coordinator/Secretary
If 2nd report, notify relevant Club Coordinator of the process
to follow (& request notification of when player has been
informed)
Organise HTA rep to view 1 of players next 3 matches
Organise Committee meeting to discuss outcome
Name of HTA Rep appointed:
Date viewed:
Location:
Match:
V
Comments by HTA rep:
FOLLOW UP ACTION REQUIRED (after relevant committee has
discussed the issue):
Appendix 5 (3) Foot Fault Flow Chart
HTA Foot Fault Procedure Flow Chart
APPENDIX 6 (1): Tennis Grievance Procedure Flowchart
APPENDIX 6 (2): Tennis Grievance Procedure Complaint Form
23 | Page
APPENDIX 7: Beginners Skills Checklist
Hills Tennis Association Junior Activities Committee
Beginner Skills Checklist
The following pre-requisite skills are required to play in the
HTA Saturday Morning Junior Competition.
STROKESKILLS CHECKLIST
Forehand
Consistent clean contact with ball during bounce and hit*(see
below) practice
Achieves side-on position during swing
Can anticipate positioning of ball landing and can position body
in preparation for return of shot
Some control of power and direction
Maintains approximate correct grip
Backhand
Consistent contact with ball while stationary during
feed-in**(see below) practice
Can prepare positioning of body in relation to ball landing
Achieves side-on position during swing
Some control of power and direction
Serving
Consistently able to hit ball cleanly over net from baseline
during bounce and hit practice
Can maintain side-on position during bounce and hit serve
Able to coordinate ball toss and over-arm swing
Racquet-ball contact approximately 50% of the time during
over-arm serve
Emerging control of power and direction
GAME KNOWLEDGE
Court Awareness
Can identify baseline, service line and tramlines of court
Can identify forehand and backhand sides of court
Rules and Scoring
Understands simple rules e.g. change ends, serve from
alternating sides, doubles court versus singles court
Can track point scores with adult stand-by assistance
* bounce and hit the player is independently bouncing and
hitting the ball
** feed-in the coach is throwing or bouncing the ball to the
player to hit it
It is anticipated most Beginners will need to participate in a
minimum of 10 x hour coaching sessions to achieve the above
skills
26 | Page
APPENDIX 8: 5 Player Rule interpretations
APPENDIX 9: One Relative Position Explanation