ALC = “Area League Coordinators” = Janine and Dean Smylie = “us”
We held our Fall Doubles meeting at Mountaingate Country Club. We discussed that the Fall Doubles Rules and Regulations would be the same as for our Spring Adult league, and that we will follow the 2008 USTA League Regulations. All captains were advised that our league operates under The Code, the 2008 Sectional Rules and Regulations (Captains Handbook) and the 2008 USTA League Regulations. Local leagues have the prerogative to make local league rules as well, and these are discussed and voted on by the Captains at our local league meeting and published here.
New players will continue to Self Rate when they join a team, and we recommend that it be the player, not the Captain, that registers and completes the form. If a Captain does the registration, they are responsible for the accuracy of the player profile, and are subject to strict penalties for false or inaccurate, incomplete profiles.
Players who are computer rated can now appeal their personal ratings instantly on the TennisLink site. The player need only click on the appropriate Find-A-Rating link and then put in his/her personal USTA number and his/her name and rating will show, with Appeal at the end. Results are immediate. Medical Appeals are still available, with the form and necessary information listed in the Forms link.
The Coman Tie-Break is our standard for both set tie-break or match tie-break, where the third set is not played out. In Fall Doubles, we play out the full third set.
As discussed and voted upon by captains at this and previous captains meetings in Los Angeles area:
On the day that team entries close for the new league, a random schedule is generated on TennisLink for each flight. Captains are notified that the schedule has been posted and are asked to arrange for courts as soon as possible. The home team can schedule the match for either Sat. or Sun. to start anytime between 8 AM and 5 PM, and the visiting team is obligated to show up and play the match at the scheduled time. As courts are reserved and ALC are notified, the schedules are posted and updated on www.smylie.net . In cases where two weeks notice cannot be given, the visiting team must agree to the day and time that has been selected. In this case if agreement is not possible, the time and place will be set by the ALC. Once the schedule is posted, if the home team needs to change the day or time of the match and still has two weeks time to do so and the change is within the originally assigned weekend, then they may do so. If the home team must change the scheduled time, and there it is less than two weeks to do so, they must obtain permission from the visiting team captain. All such changes must be communicated immediately to the ALC for approval. If approved, the change will be reflected on the schedule posted on www.smylie.net. So that there is a firm deadline for giving two week notice, it has been decided in previous captain’s meetings that notice given by 6:00 PM two Mondays prior to the weekend in question will suffice.
Whether home or visitor, teams involved in certain approved events, such as other USTA team events will be allowed to reschedule matches as soon as they are aware that their team is involved in such an event. In this case, both home and visitor must agree to the new day and time and the ALC notified. If no agreement can be reached, the ALC will set the day and time.
It is also possible for events to occur close to the scheduled time of the match that will force rescheduling, such as rain, or other facilities circumstances beyond anyones control (broken pipes, down trees, lock out at a public facility by law enforcement, etc.) In this case, the reschedule is to be arranged within five days by agreement between both teams. It does not have to be replayed within five days, but should be published within five days. As always, notify the ALC, and if agreement cannot be reached, the ALC will set the day and time for the reschedule to occur.
A major local league rule was voted on and failed to pass. We mention it here because the rule related to stacking players and did pass in the San Fernando Valley. In Los Angeles we will continue as before, meaning there is no rule that controls where captains may place players in their lineup.
Exchange Line- up cards simultaneously prior to the scheduled start time and after determining who is present and ready to play. In the event a substitution is allowed, the substitute shall play in the position that is open. No substitution is permitted after the line-up has been presented except if a player's partner does not show up due to injury, illness or disqualification. 1. Players must be on the roster prior to playing in a match, unless there were difficulties experienced during registration and I was notified as well as the opposing Captain prior to the match starting. Defaults are taken at the second singles and/or third doubles. A minimum of four players is all that is required for a valid match. Competition Format is round robin, where each team in a flight shall play every other team. If more than one flight is used, the flight winners will play off to determine a champion. This structure is used for Adult and Seniors Leagues as they involve dynamic ratings. Other formats may be used in Mixed and Fall Doubles as determined at the Captain's meetings. SCORES are to be entered in TennisLink within 48 hours of match completion. Either Captain may enter the scores, so whoever gets there first should make the entry and the other captain must confirm or dispute. If there is a dispute, send us an email with the match number, and correction requested. We will then verify the entry. The Visitor should call the Home Captain at least three days prior to the scheduled match to confirm Day, Time and Place of the match. If the Visitor does not call, Home should call Visitor with the same information. Email can also be utilized if necessary
We wish all players a season of fun competition and thank the Captains for giving so much of their time and effort for this game we all love.