2008 VERMONT USTA LOCAL LEAGUE RULES

USTA League Tennis

Adult, Senior, Mixed and Super Senior Divisions (dated 12.17.07)

1.     GENERAL

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

1.2.   The Vermont USTA League Rules are supplemental and subordinate
       to the National and Section USTA League Regulations.  Players
       are responsible for reviewing all rules.

1.3.   The Vermont USTA League Committee will vote on Vermont policy
       and regulation changes.  Any captains interested in
       participating on this committee should contact their league
       coordinator.

1.4.   Proposals from captains for rule changes must be submitted in
       writing to the local coordinator by August 31st to be eligible
       for incorporation in the local rules for the following season.
       The Vermont League Committee will review and evaluate all
       proposals.  Those proposals accepted are subject to amendment
       and will be voted on by the Vermont League Committee

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

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

2.     LOCAL LEAGUE

2.1.   Match Format: will consist of the following positions with no
       repeats:

Adult Men & Women 3.0 to 4.5 levels - 2 singles and 3 doubles matches
with no repeats

Adult Men & Women 2.5 and 5.0 levels - 1 singles and 2 doubles matches
with no repeats

Senior Men & Women, Super senior Men & Women and Mixed - 3 doubles
matches with no repeats

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

2.3.   Eligibility:

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

2.3.2. Minimum Age Requirement: Adult & Mixed division players must
       turn 19, Senior & Super Mixed Division players must turn 50 and
       Super Senior Division must turn 60 within the current calendar
       year.

2.3.3. Each player must be registered on his or her team roster on
       TennisLink before playing a match.  The Local League Committee
       reserves the right to decide on exceptions.  Fees associated
       with registration are: $19pp ($6 VT, $10 Section, $3
       TennisLink).

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

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

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

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

2.4.   Match Fees & Balls: The team captain shall collect the fee for
       the court time ($8.00pp) from EACH player and pay the court
       fee directly to the club before the match. Captains may be
       charged for courts that are not used and are not canceled
       according to club policy. USTA approved yellow tennis balls
       are provided by the home team.

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

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

       i. NTRP levels 3.0, 3.5 & 4.0 teams must have a minimum of 6
          players on their roster at their published NTRP level of
          play.  The 6 in-level players plus 2 additional players
          must be registered by the declared registration deadline to
          be eligible as a valid team.

       ii NTRP levels 2.5, 4.5 and 5.0 do not have an in-level
          requirement.

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

2.5.3. Mixed and Senior Mixed Doubles Division: A team consists of a
       minimum of six players (three men and three women). The
       combined NTRP rating of the man and woman playing together may
       total less than, but not higher than the NTRP rating of the
       league, i.e. 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 9.0, 10.0. No more than 1.0 may
       separate the rating of the partners in each individual doubles
       team.  Combined ratings of all individual teams must be within
       1.0 of their playing level, i.e. a team playing at an 8.0 level
       must have a combined rating of at least 7.0.

2.5.4. Super senior teams consist of 6 players.  No in-level
       requirements are enforced.

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

2.7.   League Timelines: refer to captains meeting calendar.
 
3.     MATCH REGULATIONS

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

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

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

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

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

3.6.   Coaching is not allowed.

3.7.   Match Scoring Format:

3.7.1. Scoring will be the best of two sets with ad scoring with a 7
       point set tiebreak (1st to 7 by 2) at 6-6 in each set.  In the
       event of split sets a 10 point match tiebreak (1st to 10 by 2)
       shall be played in lieu of a third set.  The Coman Tiebreak
       procedure will be applied in all tiebreaks except the 9-point
       tiebreak.

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

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

3.9.   Timed Match Procedure:

If a match is in the second set with 15 minutes of allotted time
remaining, finish the game in progress using no ad scoring at 40-40.
In a no ad game, the receiving team shall choose which player will
receive except in mixed doubles when the deuce point is played gender
to gender.

3.9.1. If the winner of the first set is ahead by 2 or more games
       - that team is the winner of the match.

3.9.2. If the loser of the first set is ahead by 2 or more points
       - that team is the winner of the second set.

3.9.3. If in the second set either team is ahead by 1 game
       - play 1 more game using no ad.  Then if the
       leading team wins that game, the team wins the second set.

3.9.4. If the match is tied at 1 set each - play a 9
       point tiebreak (first to 5 by 1) to decide the match.

How to play a 9 Point Set Tiebreak:

       . The team first to win 5 points (no 2-point margin) shall win
         the game & set.

       . The player whose turn it is to serve in the set serves the
         first two points, starting from the right side (deuce) of the court.

       . Thereafter, each player serves in rotation for 2 points,
         (delivered from the right side (deuce) of the court, 
         then left side (Ad) of the court).

       . Players change sides after four points.

       . The 4th server shall serve 3 points if the set has not
         already been decided.

       . If tied at 4-4, the doubles receiving team can choose which
         partner will receive. The singles receiver can choose which side 
         to receive from.  Mixed will serve gender to gender.

3.9.5. If playing a 10 point match tiebreak when the allotted time
       expires, complete the match tiebreak.

3.10.  How the winner of a flight will be determined:

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

3.11.  Entering Scores & Scorecards:

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

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

3.13.  Scheduling, Match Cancellations & Rescheduling Matches:

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

3.13.2 All matches scheduled and played after Oct 1 must be played
       indoors.

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

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

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

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

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

4.     GRIEVANCES

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

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

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

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

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

5.     FORFEITURES, DEFAULTS and RETIRED MATCHES

5.1.   Forfeitures & Defaults:

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

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

5.1.3. Positions must be forfeited from the bottom up.

Singles: The #2 singles must be forfeited before the #1 singles may be
forfeited.

Doubles: The #3 doubles must be forfeited before the #2 doubles and
the #2 doubles must be forfeited before the #1 doubles.

2.5 & 5.0 adult, senior or mixed division - the same principle applies
where the forfeit order begins with the lowest doubles position or
the singles position (applies to 2.5 & 5.0 adult).

5.1.4. Any player arriving on the court after 15:01 minutes past the
       match start time is automatically defaulted.  The Vermont local
       league committee will review teams with repeated defaults.
       Action may be taken against the team captain, which may result
       in losing his/her position as team captain.  The local league
       committee reserves the right to decide on the exceptions.

5.1.5. If the #2 and #3 doubles teams or the #2 singles player (3.0
       - 4.5 adult) start their matches before the #1
       doubles team or the #1 singles player start their matches, and
       the #1 doubles or the #1 singles player defaults at any time
       during the 10 minute warm up or after the start of match play
       and before the official default time of 15:01, the order of
       play should remain as it is on the line up sheet.  The same
       theory applies if the #2 doubles team is late and the #1
       doubles team has warmed up and started play. 2.5 & 5.0 adult
       and senior division- the same principle applies.

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

5.2.   Injuries:

5.2.1. A one time, 3-minute medical time out is allowed for injury,
       illness, and heat related condition or cramping.  If the match
       does not resume play after 3 minutes the player (singles) or
       the pair (doubles) may be defaulted and the match will be
       recorded as retired.

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

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

6.     PLAYER DISQUALIFICATION

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


7.     DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY

 

7.1.   District Championships for Vermont will be held in the Portland
       ME area on August 1, 2 and 3, 2008.

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

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

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

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

. Most individual positions won

. Fewest sets lost

. Fewest games lost

. Head to head

. Coin toss

7.6.   Should the 1st or 2nd place team (from a flight of 5 or more
       teams) or the 1st place team (from a flight of 4 or fewer teams)
       decline to compete at the District Championships; a wild card
       will be decided by the district tournament committee.  The
       district tournament committee reserves the right to add
       wildcards at any NTRP level based on District Championship
       schedules.  A wildcard is determined by the 3rd place team (from
       a flight of 5 or more teams) or the 2nd place team (from a
       flight of 4 or less teams) closest in points (refer to league
       standing reports) to the second place team within that level.
       The Section League Coordinator and the district tournament
       committees have final approval of all wildcards.

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

8.     SECTION and NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY

8.1.   Section Championships for the adult division will be held in
       Western Massachusetts on August 22, 23 and 24, 2008.

8.2.   Mixed and Senior Divisions:

8.2.1. Section Championships for the mixed division will be held in
       Portland Maine on June 20, 21 and 22, 2008.

8.2.2. Section Championships for the senior division will be held in
       Western Massachusetts on August 15, 16 and 17, 2008.

8.2.3. Section Championships for the super senior division will be
       held in Beverly, Massachusetts on August 9 and 10, 2008.

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

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

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