Updated 20 June 2017
1.1 INTRODUCTION
a) The contents of this chapter apply to the Inter-Club Junior Championship.
b) All tournaments shall be conducted under the Rules and By-laws of the International Tennis Federation in conjunction with the rules of this tournament.
c) The STA Tournament Supervisor / Referee shall act as the final on-site authority for the interpretation of the applicable STA tournament Rules & Regulations, ITF Code of Conduct and Rules of Tennis as to all matters arising that require immediate resolution at the tournament venue.
d) Any Club which violates the Rules in this chapter can be defaulted at any stage of the tournament by the Referee.
1.2 RIGHTS OF THE TOURNAMENT REFEREE
a) The Tournament Referee reserves the right to accept or reject any entry without assigning a reason.
b) It reserves the right to alter the format of the tournament in any way it deems necessary.
c) It reserves the right to remove under-graded players from a team. The affected team will be allowed to make a one for one replacement. A replacement must be done within the stipulated time permitted by the Tournament Official.
d) It reserves the right to reschedule the match whenever necessary.
1.3 TITLE
The Competition shall be called the Inter-Club Junior Championship. If there is a sponsor the title sponsor’s name will be carried.
1.4 CHAMPIONSHIPS TO BE CONTESTED
a) U10 Boys
b) U12 Boys
c) U10 Girls
d) U12 Girls
e) Each Club is permitted to submit a maximum of two (2) teams per championship.
1.5 FORMAT OF COMPETITION
a) A draw will be conducted to determine the fixtures.
b) Two (2) Singles matches and One (1) Doubles will be played per tie.
c) For UNDER 10 MATCHES, it shall be as follows:
Singles Matches
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A best of THREE SHORT TIE-BREAK SETS is played to FOUR GAMES.
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A set is therefore won at 4-0, 4-1, 4-2, etc.
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At 4-3 the player with the FOUR-GAME ADVANTAGE needs to win ONE MORE GAME to win the set (ie 5-3).
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At 4-4, a tie-break of SEVEN POINTS will be played.
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NO-AD SCORING shall be used.
d) For UNDER 12 MATCHES, it shall be as follows:
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A pro set of first to NINE GAMES.
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At 8-8, a tie-break of SEVEN POINT will be played.
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NO-AD SCORING shall be used.
e) For each tie, the winner is the team with the maximum number of matches won.
f) Dispute of any nature regarding a match should be brought to the referee’s attention immediately. Protests and appeals will not be entertained after a match is completed.
1.6 REGISTRATION OF PLAYERS
a) Each team may register a minimum of four (4) players and a maximum of twelve (12) players, but prizes will only be awarded to nine (9) players. Names of players must be given in full according to what appears in their identity card or passport (for non-citizens).
b) Players must produce documentary proof of identity if requested by the opponent.
*Please note the STA will keep all information relating to registration of players private and confidential.
1.7 AMENDMENT TO REGISTRATION OF PLAYERS
a) The last day for any changes to names must be submitted by the deadline given by the STA.
b) All requests must be in writing to the STA through fax or email. Any amendment made through mailing or faxing must be confirmed with a telephone call to the STA office to ensure that the mail or fax has been received.
1.8 GROUPINGS AND PLAY-OFF
a) If the number of teams participating in a grade is too large, the teams will be divided into two (2) or more groups depending on the number of teams.
b) The composition of each group will be decided by the luck of the draw. Teams from the same club will be placed in separate groups. As far as possible, teams from the same club who emerged winner of the groups they are in will further be separated from each other for the semi-finals play-off.
c) If there are two (2) groups, there will be a cross play-off, the winner of Group I will play the runner-up of Group II and vice versa. The winners of the semi-finals will then meet in the finals to decide the champion of the grade.
d) If there are three (3) groups, the winner of each group and the best runner-up will form the four (4) teams for the semi-finals play-off. The best runner-up will be picked amongst the runner-up of each group. The countback will be based on average results, which will depend on the number of teams from each group.
e) If there are four (4) groups, the winner of each group will form the four (4) teams for the semi-finals play-off.
1.9 GRADING OF PLAYERS
A player registered for the age group can only play competitions meant for that age group. It is the responsibility of the Club to ensure their players are submitted according to players' DOB.
1.10 NO PLAYER RANKING
There will be no player ranking in a team. As such, team line-up will not be according to strength.
1.11 FIELDING OF PLAYERS
a) Teams found to have fielded unregistered players and/or non-club members can be default at any stage of the tournament.
b) Similarly, teams found to have fielded players, not in accordance to the “Grading of Players” Rule can be defaulted by the Referee at any stage of the tournament.
1.12 SCORING SYSTEM
a) Every tie comprises two (2) singles matches and one (1) doubles match. The winner of each tie will get one (1) point and the loser will get zero (0) point. The team with the highest number of points in each grade/group at the conclusion of the League will be declared the winner in that grade/group.
b) If there is a tie on points between only two (2) teams, the head-to-head result between these teams shall decide the overall winner of the grade/group.
c) If three (3) or more teams score equal number of points, then the countback system will take place.
d) Countback System
(1) The countback system will take place in the following order:
(a) The team with the best difference in the number of matches WON/LOST will be ranked first. The highest number of matches WON will be taken into consideration first, followed by the least number of matches LOST.
(b) If there be a tie on matches WON/LOST, the countback with the best difference on the number of sets WON/LOST will determine ranking of the grade/group.
(c) If there is still a tie on sets WON/LOST, the countback on the best difference in number of games WON/LOST will take place.
(2) Should a tie exist after the countback, a play-off between one (1) player from each team shall decide the winner. The best player can be selected from any member of the team. If there are more than one (1) play-off match, the teams are allowed to have different players for each match. The play-off shall be one (1) tiebreak set of first to reach 10 points, winning by a margin of 2 points between the teams that are tied and shall be conducted in a knockout or league system.
1.13 WALK-OVERS
A walkover will be awarded fifteen (15) minutes after a player fails to show up. The fifteen (15) minutes shall be taken by the time the match is scheduled. Three calls starting from the scheduled time will be made for the players at approximately five (5) minutes interval. If a match is scheduled but has been delayed due to unavailability of court, players are expected to wait for their matches to be called. If the match is called, a walkover shall be awarded if a player fails to show up after the third call. Each call will be made at approximately one (1) minute interval.
1.14 SUBMISSION OF TEAM LINE-UP
a) Submission of team line-up must be done no later than five (5) minutes from the time the match has been scheduled. Thereafter, three (3) calls at approximately one (1) minute interval will be made to request the team captain to submit the line-up. At the end of the third call, a walkover will be declared if the team line-up is not received.
b) The team line-up should be written neatly and names must be spelt in FULL.
c) After the submission of the team line-up, no changes will be allowed.
1.15 COURTS REQUIREMENT OF HOSTING CLUB
a) The hosting club is required to provide a minimum of 2 courts for each tie. If there is only 1 court available, the hosting club must source for alternative venue or accept the venue provided by the opposing team. However it is acceptable if opposing team agrees to play at the scheduled time with only 1 court available.
1.16 INCLEMENT WEATHER
a) In the event of rain, team captains and players must still show up at the tournament site so that play can start when the rain stops.
b) The Tournament Referee shall make an announcement, informing all players to dry their courts when the rain stops. Should any pair fail to report 15 minutes after the announcement is made, the pair will be defaulted (i.e. concedes a walkover). No appeal will be accepted.
1.17 POSTPONEMENT OF MATCHES
a) In the event of a postponement, no changes are allowed in the line-up once a match has started. However, if no match has started, the teams can submit a new line-up.
b) The postponement of a match due to National Representation will be allowed only if all players registered for a team is away representing Singapore.
c) In the event of a postponement, the first player in the line-up cannot be changed if the first match has started. However, the other two players in the line-up can be changed if their matches have not started and have to be rescheduled. If the match between the second players of the respective line-ups has started, only the third player can be changed. If all matches are played simultaneously, no changes are allowed in the line-up once the matches have started. However, if no match has started, the teams can submit a new line-up for the rescheduled matches.
d) Should there be a need to change the venue and/or match timings, the Captain of the hosting team must give an advance notice of 3 days. If the Captain of the opposing team disagrees, the original schedule stands and the walkover rule will apply.
e) In the event of a postponement, the first player in the line-up cannot be changed if the first match has started. However, the other two players in the line-up can be changed if their matches have not started and have to be rescheduled. If the match between the second players of the respective line-ups has started, only the third player can be changed. If all matches are played simultaneously, no changes are allowed in the line-up once the matches have started. However, if no match has started, the teams can submit a new line-up for the rescheduled matches.
f) The teams' line-up and the existing scores must be kept by both appointed team captains / club representatives from both sides. The home team will be responsible to keep the used balls.
1.18 LEAVING THE COURT
A player shall not leave the court area during a match (including warm-up) without the permission of the Umpire or Referee.
1.19 BEST EFFORTS
a) A player shall use his best efforts to win a match when competing in a competition tie.
b) Violation of this Section shall subject a player to a ban of up to one (1) year.
1.20 FAILURE TO COMPLETE MATCH
a) Any player nominated for a match must commence and complete the match unless illness, accident or other unavoidable hindrance incapacitates him/her.
b) Violation of this Section shall subject a player to a ban of up to one (1) year.
1.21 UNREASONABLE DELAYS
a) Players shall commence play upon order of the Chair Umpire or Tournament Official after the expiration of the established warm-up period.
b) Thereafter play shall be continuous and a player shall not unreasonably delay a match for any cause, including without limitation, natural loss of physical condition, injury or refusal to play.
c) A maximum of twenty (20) seconds shall lapse from the moment the ball goes out of play at the end of the point until the time the ball is struck for the first serve of the next point. If such first serve is a fault, the server without delay must strike the second serve.
d) When changing ends a maximum of ninety (90) seconds shall lapse from the moment the ball goes out of play at the end of the game until the time the first service is struck for the next game. If such first serve is a fault, the server without delay must strike the second serve.
e) The receiver shall play to the reasonable pace of the server and must be ready to receive when the server is ready to serve.
f) The first violation of this Section shall be penalized by a warning and each subsequent violation shall be penalized by the assessment of a one (1) point penalty; provided however, when a violation is a result of natural loss of physical condition, injury or refusal to play after being ordered to play by the Chair Umpire or the Referee, a penalty shall be assessed in accordance with the Point Penalty Schedule.
1.22 AUDIBLE OBSCENITY
a) Players shall not use audible obscenity within the precincts of the site.
b) Audible obscenity is defined as the use of words commonly known and understood to be profane and uttered clearly and loudly enough to be heard by the Chair Umpire, spectators, linesmen and ballkids.
c) Violation of this Section shall subject a player to a ban of up to one (1) year for each violation.
d) If such violation occurs during a match (including warm-up), the player shall be penalised in accordance with the Point Penalty Schedule hereinafter set forth.
e) In circumstances that are flagrant and particularly injurious to the success of a tie, or are singularly egregious, a single violation of this Section may subject him/her to additional penalties set forth in these Regulations.
1.23 VISIBLE OBSCENITY
a) Players shall not make obscene gestures of any kind within the precincts of the site.
b) Visible obscenity is defined as the making of signs by a player with his hands and/or racquet or balls that commonly have an obscene meaning or impact to reasonable people.
c) Violation of this Section shall subject a player to a ban of up to one (1) year for each violation.
d) In addition, if such violation occurs during a match (including warm-up), the player shall be penalised in accordance with the Point Penalty Schedule hereinafter set forth.
e) In circumstances that are flagrant and particularly injurious to the success of a tie, or are singularly egregious, a single violation of this Section may subject him/her to the additional penalties set forth in these Regulations.
1.24 ABUSE OF BALLS
a) Players shall not violently, dangerously or with anger hit, kick or throw a tennis ball within the precincts of the site except in the reasonable pursuit of a point during a match (including warm-up).
b) Abuse of balls is defined as intentionally hitting a ball out of the enclosure of the court, hitting a ball dangerously or recklessly within the court or hitting a ball with negligent disregard of the consequences.
c) Violation of this Section shall subject a player to a ban of up to one (1) year for each violation.
d) In addition, if such violation occurs during a match, the player shall be penalised in accordance with the Point Penalty Schedule hereinafter set forth.
1.25 ABUSE OF RACQUETS OR EQUIPMENT
a) Players shall not violently or with anger hit, kick or throw a racquet or other equipment within the precincts of the site.
b) Abuse of racquets or equipment is defined, as intentionally and violently destroying or damaging racquets or equipment or intentionally and violently hitting the net, court, umpire's chair or other fixture during a match out of anger or frustration.
c) Violation of this Section shall subject a player up to ban of one (1) year for each violation.
d) In addition, if such violation occurs during a match, the player shall be penalised in accordance with the Point Penalty Schedule hereinafter set forth.
1.26 VERBAL ABUSE
a) Players shall not at anytime verbally abuse any official, opponent, spectator or other people within the precincts of the site.
b) Verbal abuse is defined as a statement directed at an official, opponent, spectator or other people that implies dishonesty or is derogatory, insulting or otherwise abusive.
c) Violation of this Section shall result in immediate default and subject a player to a ban of up to one (1) year for each violation.
d) In addition, if such violation occurs during a match, the player shall be penalised in accordance with the Point Penalty Schedule hereinafter set forth.
e) In circumstances that are flagrant and particularly injurious to the success of a tie, or are singularly egregious, a single violation of this Section may subject him/her to the additional penalties set forth in these Regulations.
1.27 PHYSICAL ABUSE
a) Players shall not at anytime physically abuse any official, opponent, spectator or other people within the precincts of the site.
b) Physical abuse is the unauthorised touching of an official, opponent, spectator or other people.
c) Violation of this Section shall result in immediate default and subject a player to a ban of up to one (1) year for each violation.
d) In addition, if such violation occurs during a match, the player shall be penalised in accordance with the Point Penalty Schedule hereinafter set forth.
e) In circumstances that are flagrant and particularly injurious to the success of a tie, or are singularly egregious, a single violation of this Section may subject him/her to the additional penalties set forth in these Regulations.
1.28 UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT
a) Players shall at all times conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner and give due regard to the authority of the officials and the rights of the opponents, spectators and others.
b) For the purpose of this rule, unsportsmanlike conduct is defined as any misconduct by a player that is clearly abusive or detrimental to the sport, but that does not fall within the prohibition of any specific on-site offence contained herein.
c) Unsportsmanlike conduct shall include, but not limited to, the giving, the making, issuing, authorising or endorsing any public statement having, or designed to have, an effect prejudicial or detrimental to the best interest of the Competition and/or the officiating thereof.
d) Violation of this Section shall subject a player to a ban of up to one (1) year for each violation.
e) If such violation occurs during a match, (including warm-up), the player shall be penalised in accordance with the Point Penalty Schedule herein set forth.
f) In circumstances that are flagrant and particularly injurious to the success of a tie, or are singularly egregious, a single violation of this Section may subject him/her to the additional penalties set forth in these Regulations.
1.29 POINT PENALTY SCHEDULE
a) FIRST offence – WARNING
b) SECOND offence – POINT
c) THIRD offence – GAME PENALTY
d) FOURTH offence – GAME PENALTY/DEFAULT
1.30 PENALTIES FOR DISQUALIFICATION
a) Disqualification because of walkovers. All the members listed in the team will be barred from the next Inter-Club Competition sanctioned by STA.
b) Disqualification because of fielding unregistered player. The entire Club will be defaulted from the competition immediately and barred from the next Inter-Club Competition organised by STA. The player concerned will be banned up to one (1) year from participating in STA sanctioned tournaments.
1.31 OFFICIAL TENNIS BALLS - SLAZENGER & GAMMA
a) SLAZENGER tennis balls & Gamma tennis balls will be issued on-site by the Tournament Referee.
b) The winning team will retrieve the used balls and return them to the Tournament Referee together with the score sheet after the match.
1.32 PRIZES
Prizes will be awarded to Champion and Runner-Up teams.
1.33 PAYMENT OF ENTRY FEE
a) The entry fee must accompany the official entry forms. Without entry fee, the entry form will not be accepted.
b) Payment shall be by cheque, crossed and made payable to the Singapore Tennis Association.
1.34 OUTSTANDING PAYMENT OF ANNUAL AFFILIATION FEE
a) Clubs must ensure that the annual affiliation fees are paid promptly each year.
b) Those with outstanding payment will not be allowed to participate in any of the STA organised Inter-Club Tournaments.
1.35 DISCLAIMER
a) Competitors play at their own risk on any of the courts; STA and the hosting clubs shall NOT be responsible for any injury or loss of life, or any other mishaps during the Championships.
b) Similarly, the parties mentioned above are not responsible for any loss of valuables or other personal belongings.