GENERAL RULES - 2011

LEAGUE STRUCTURE/MATCH PLAY

• Member Clubs may field teams in Girls 12 & Under, Boys 12 & Under, Girls 15 & Under, Boys 15 & Under, Girls 18 & Under, Boys 18 & Under and/or Recreational Levels.  Teams should be fielded only if a club has enough players to support the team throughout the season.  When a club fields 2 or more teams in a group, substitutes may play “up” to the stronger team, but may not play “down”.

• The NJJTA match format for 15 & Under and 12 & Under age groups is 3 singles and 1 doubles (5 players). The 18 & Under  format is 3 singles. 

• Recreational matches will be unscheduled and structured according to the wishes of the clubs participating that day.

• All matches will be played using the shortened format, with a 12-point tiebreaker instead of a third set. In the case of extreme heat, younger age groups can be instructed to play an 8-game pro set instead.

• Host club should have a representative to greet visitors and introduce players and to be on hand to monitor matches and answer any questions.  The head pro is expected to be on site and available should a problem arise

• Visiting club should have a written line-up to present to host pro or representative.  Only Home Team will have a score sheet.

• Line-ups must always represent relative strength of players from top to bottom.

• Home club should contact opponents the day before the match to confirm starting times (for double or triple matches) and directions.

• Teams defaulting courts must notify their opponents as soon as possible, but no later than 1 hour before match time. 

• In 12 & 15 and Under matches, a team may play with only 4 players. The default is taken at the 3rd singles position.

• While it is possible to win a match while defaulting a court, a team cannot be Division winners if they have defaulted 4 or more courts during the season.

• Host club should have a minimum of 4 courts available for match play and is responsible for providing new balls for each match.

• Starting time for matches is 1:00 PM, except in the case of double or triple matches.  On double match days, the younger age group begins at 1:00 PM and the second group begins at approximately 2:00 PM.

• In the event of rain or unplayable courts, the match should be played within 3 days, excluding weekends. Matches are not cancelled or re-scheduled due to heat. (See above for modification to format.)

• The NJJTA Dress Code will be enforced for all matches, and improper attire will result in a forfeit.

• There is NO COACHING once a match has begun.

• Score sheets should be emailed, mailed or faxed weekly to designated scorekeeper.

ELIGIBILITY

• Players must be members of the club they represent, and may play for only one club during a season.  Also, they may play for only one age group per scheduled match day. Girls and boys must play on teams of their own gender.

• Player's age group is determined by his/her age on August 15, 2011.

• No assistant pros may represent their club unless they are members of the club independent of their employment.

DIVISION WINNERS

• Division winners are determined by matches won and lost throughout the season. No team which has defaulted 4 or more courts may be declared a winner.

• Division winners will be determined, if necessary due to ties, by counting head-to-head results.

• There will be no playoffs between divisions.

• There are no standings kept in the Recreational Division.

BEHAVIOR

• Supervisors for both clubs are responsible for the behavior of their players.  The players should be reminded to use the bathroom prior to the match and to practice court etiquette during the match.

• Players have the right to an impartial observer when they feel the conduct of their opponent(s) warrant it.

• Unsportsmanlike conduct by players will not be tolerated, and it is the responsibility of the host pro to monitor and eliminate it.  With the concurrence of the visiting team representative, the pro will stop play at the completion of the next point and warn the offender(s) that another violation will result in forfeiture of the match.  Continuation of the problem will result in such a forfeit.  Unilateral action can be taken if there is only one team representative available.

• Unsportsmanlike behavior exhibited by spectators will result in a complaint being lodged with the Executive Committee.  The Committee will take appropriate action, which may result in forfeiture of 1 or more courts.

TOURNAMENTS

• Club members may participate in our individual tournaments whether or not their club fielded a team for their age group/gender.  Their strengths should be considered when seeding is done. Ranked players are expected to play "up” an age division.

• Doubles pairs must be from the same club.

• It is the responsibility of players and their parents to see that entry forms are submitted on time so that tournament draws may proceed properly.

NJJTA DRESS CODE

The NJJTA Dress Code is in effect for all regular season and tournament matches at all locations.

Violation of the Dress Code will prohibit juniors from participating in the event and result in a forfeit of the match.

Players must wear proper tennis shoes and all white tennis attire. No T-shirts are allowed.

Boys must wear shorts and collared shirts.

Girls may wear tennis dresses, or tennis tops with shorts or skirts.