Rules and Regulations: Tennis (Open)
Downloadable PDF below:
_______________________________________________________________________________
Full Rules & Regulations
TEN 1 The London Youth Games Tennis competition will run in accordance with the International Tennis Federation (ITF) rules.
TEN 1.1 Should any rules listed below contradict those outlined by ITF, these rules will supersede those.
TEN 1.2 It will be at the sole discretion of the Competition Director as to the application of these rules, and any subsequent decision made as a result will be final.
TEN 2 Age Category
TEN 2.1 The following age groups and respective maximum and minimum date of births will apply to the London Youth Games Tennis Competition:
TEN 2.1.1 This competition will follow the LTA’s guidance in that all Junior age groups (from 8U to 18U) are based on calendar years. A player’s competition age group (and his/her eligibility to participate in events restricted to certain age groups) is determined by the player’s age on the last day of the calendar year in question.
| Event | Age Category | Oldest DOB | Youngest DOB |
| Junior Category | 12 – 15 years old | 01/01/2009 | 31/12/2012 |
| Senior Category | 12 – 18 years old | 01/01/2006 | 31/12/2012 |
TEN 2.3 Competitors are not permitted to enter this competition if they are ineligible.
TEN 2.4 It is the responsibility of competitors/parents/team managers/local authority staff to ensure all competitors details are entered correctly at the time of submission, and that they are eligible to compete for their borough under the London Youth Games Games Rules, and in accordance with the age groups outlined for the competition.
TEN 2.4.1 In the instance a competitor is found to be ineligible, they will be disqualified from the competition entirely, and the borough will receive a points penalty as per the Games Rules.
TEN 3 World Tennis Number to be eligible for this competition.
- Junior players must have a World Tennis Number between 25-40.9 or no WTN to be eligible for this competition.
- Senior players must have a World Tennis Number between 20-40.9 or no WTN to be eligible for this competition.
TEN 3.2 Player’s ratings will be based on the squad submission date. You must provide the Advantage membership numbers for all players (available free for of charge https://www.lta.org.uk/advantage for all players ).
TEN 3.3 The submission of a World Tennis Number is in line with current changes from LTA ratings. For more information on how the World Tennis Number will be calculated, please visit: ITF World Tennis Number (WTN) | LTA
TEN 3.3.1 In the instance a competitor is found to be ineligible, they will be disqualified from the competition entirely, and the borough will receive a points penalty as per the Games Rules.
TEN 4 Squad Size Boroughs are permitted to enter a team of 8 players comprising of 4 juniors’ players (2M+2F) and 4 seniors’ players (2M+2F).
TEN 5 Kit & Equipment
TEN 5.1 Competitors must provide own rackets.
TEN 5.2 Non marking footwear must be worn.
TEN 5.3 Match balls only are provided. Teams must bring own warm up balls.
TEN 6 Competition Format Juniors and Seniors will compete as ONE borough team. Each match consists of 4 rubbers (each played by a different player);
- 1 Junior Female Singles
- 1 Junior Male Singles
- 1 Senior Female Singles
- 1 Senior Male Singles
TEN 6.1 If boroughs tie at 2 rubbers-all in a match, then a tie break shoot out shall be played to decide the match winner. This will consist of 1 Mixed Doubles.
TEN 6.2 The competition will consist of round robin groups through to a knockout final stage.
TEN 6.2.1 Teams will be split across two qualifying dates/venues as outlined above. Allocation of teams will be dependant on entries and will be communicated by Wednesday 29th May 2024.
TEN 6.2.2 Number of groups and group sizes at qualifying rounds will be subject to entry numbers and may be split into morning and afternoon slots.
TEN 6.3 Seeding will be employed where appropriate solely on ITF World Tennis Number.
TEN 7 Competition Rules
TEN 7.1 All competitors must adhere to the LTA Code of Conduct.
TEN 7.2 The following rules apply in regard to team composition and players;
TEN 7.2.4 Players are not permitted to compete in more than one rubber per match, except where a deciding mixed doubles rubber is played.
TEN 7.2.1 Juniors can only play up in the senior category if they have an WTN of 20-25
TEN 7.2.2 Teams can compete with a minimum of 3 players.
TEN 7.3 Match scoring and play:
TEN 7.3.1 Each rubber will be played as first to 6 games. At deuce a deciding point will be played. Receiver has choice of sides.
TEN 7.3.2 Tie break sudden death at 6 points all, next point wins (i.e., first to 7 points) – receiver has the choice of sides, with the exception of the mixed doubles rule.
TEN 7.3.3 If boroughs tie at 2 rubbers all, then a mixed doubles match tie-break to 10 (by 2 clear) will decide the match result. Team Managers nominate preferred players.
TEN 7.3.4 Rubber walkover – late arriving players to court may receive a loss of that rubber. Please have players ready.
TEN 7.3.5 Team Managers must fill out the match slip accurately including the full name of each player and return to the Competition Director immediately after each match.
TEN 8 Overall Scoring
TEN 8.1 The final standings of each group shall be determined by the following priority;
- Greatest number of wins
- Head-to-head results (if only two boroughs are tied)
- Highest percentage of rubbers won
- Highest percentage of games won
- If still equal, then a mixed doubles match tie break may be played or draw by lot. If a match tie break is played then Team Manager nominate preferred players.
TEN 8.2 Points allocated based on final standings and group placings. All teams achieving same group position awarded equal position.
TEN 8.2.1 All teams are expected to complete all their matches in order to receive points.
TEN 9 Medals & Trophies Medals and trophies will be awarded as follows at finals ONLY;
TEN 9.1 Overall Borough medals will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd placed teams.
TEN 9.2 Borough trophy awarded to the overall winner.