2024 USTA Oklahoma rules & regulations
Table of contents
1 junior circuit U10 2 junior circuit U12-18 3 Junior tour l5-l7 10 Unsportsmanlike policies 11 how to find a tournament 12 How to find a ranking 13 spectator policy 14 10 and under parent rules
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CONGRATS
junior Circuit Play tracker BG10
I am between the age of 5-10, have played Team Challenges and now ready to take the next step. What's next? A USTA Junior Circuit is a new program that utilizes a non-elimination round robin draw format for players of all ages to gain match play experience in a tournament setting with a focus on individual results. This experience will encourage players of all ages to develop their skills through level-based play and demonstrate good sportsmanship. It is designed to be delivered as a single event, up to a half-day, with the objective of providing a competitive environment guaranteeing individual match play. A USTA Junior Circuit can be played with orange, or green tennis balls. Player ratings can be used in green and yellow ball to help group players into flights and facilitate level-based play. An eye test can be used during the group warm-up to flight players in the orange ball division. A USTA Junior Circuit event can be delivered by registered Net Generation providers as a fantastic way to help foster a lifelong love of the game by supporting appropriate play opportunities! As we continue to develop the USTA Junior Circuit program, additional draw types and formats of play may be included to ensure a fun and developmentally appropriate environment. Play Tracker Click here to learn more about the Play Tracker.
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junior Circuit BG12-18
I am between the age of 12-18, never played a USTA tournament and consider myself a beginner-tournament player, where do I start? These tournaments are non-elimination and played in a fun and exciting environment! This circuit is a great way to get educated on the USTA Oklahoma circuit and general information on the do’s and don’ts of USTA tournaments. 1. Who can play the BG12-18 Junior Circuit? a. Look for any tournament that reads Junior Circuit (Name of Tournament) BG12-18 b. Anyone ages 12-18 c. Beginner-Intermediate players that are new to USTA tournaments d. Out of state players may participate in a Junior Circuit tournament e. Players that compete on the Junior Tour (L1-L7) should not be playing the junior circuit. f. BG12 played with green ball; BG18 & under play with yellow ball 2. BG14-18 and Under: a. Anyone under the age of 18 will be grouped in round robin draws based on their World Tennis Number (WTN). If a player does not have a WTN, they will be placed in one of the lowest groups. b. The WTN will be used to divide players of equal ability. c. Players may be placed in gender neutral or coed groups dependent upon their amount of experience and rating number.
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I am between the age of 7-10, have played the Junior Circuit and have completed the Play Tracker requirements, what's next? Or... I'm am between the age of 11-18 and have competed in the Junior Circuit, what's next?
Junior Tour L5-L7
After players have achieved success in USTA Junior Circuit events, they may want to explore USTA Junior Tournaments. We strongly recommend beginning at Level 7 tournaments, an intermediate level competitive tournament that guarantees multiple matches in a short period of time. Seven Levels of Competition The structure of USTA Junior Tournaments utilizes seven levels of events, ranging from Level 7 (Intermediate) to Level 1 (National Championships) and a universal ranking system that distributes points consistently across the country. For intermediate players who are ready to earn ranking points, you can start by playing in Level 7 and Level 6 events which offer low cost of entry. How Do I Know When I Am Ready to Move to the Next Level? There are different philosophies for advancing through competition, but one universal principle is that a player should only advance to the next level if they are consistently winning more matches than they are losing.
Level 1 National Tournaments
SKILLS
TOURNAMENT PATHWAY
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This player can vary the use of pace and spins, has effective court coverage, can control depth of shots, and is able to develop game plans according to strengths and weakness. This player can hit the first serve with power and accuracy and can place the second serve. This player has good shot anticipation and frequently has an outstanding shot or attribute around which his or her game can be structured. This player can regularly hit winners or force errors off of short balls and puts away volleys. This player tens to overhit on difficult shots. Agressive net play is common in doubles. FiI
Level 5 Sectional Tournaments
Level 3 Sectional Tournaments
You have mastered power and/or consistency as a major weapon. You can vary strategies and styles of play in a competitive situation and hit dependable shots in a stress situation
Level 7 District Tournaments
This player is fairly consistent when hitting medium-paced shots, but is not comfortable with all strokes and lacks accuracy when trying for directional control, depth, pace or altering distance of shots. This player is more comfortable at the net, has improved court awareness, and is developing teamwork in doubles. Players at this level may start to utilize mental skills related to concentration, tactics and strategy
Level 4 Sectional Tournaments
This player has developed your use of power and spin and can handle pace. The player has sound footwork, can control depth of shots, and attempt to vary game plan according to your opponents. This player can hit first serves with power and accuracy and place the second serve. This player tends to over hit on difficult shots. Aggressive net play is common in doubles.
Level 6 District Tournaments
This player is learning to judge where the oncoming ball is going and how much swing is needed to return in consistently. Movement to the ball and recovery are often not efficient. Can sustain a backcourt rally of slow pace with other players of similar ability and is beginning to develop strokes. This player is becoming more familiar with the basic positions for singles and doubles, and is ready to play social matches, leagues and low-level tournaments. Ability to keep score independently. BG12 play with green ball.
You have good shot anticipation and frequently have an outstanding shot or attribute around which a game may be structured. You can regularly hit winners or force errors off of short balls and can put away volleys. You can successfully execute lobs, drop shots, half volleys, overheads and have good depth and spin on most second serves. sets
Level 2 National Tournaments
USTA Oklahoma Tournament Registration Process
There is not an entry limit for Level 7 tournaments. Deadline will be the Tuesday prior to the tournament at 4:59pm.
If a player is not one of the top 16 players selected, they have until 4:59pm the Tuesday prior to the tournament to register for the concurrent L7 event.
Note: Some tournaments might not have a concurrent Level 7 event. Please check the searchable schedule.
Players will be selected based on the Hybrid System in this order: 1. Top 12 players off the National Standings List (NSL); 2. Top 4 World Tennis Number (WTN) rated players. High confidence players will be chosen first, followed by medium and then low level confidence. Entry count limited to 16 players per singles event. Deadline will be the Monday prior to the tournament at 4:59pm.
Level 7
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Level 6
Level: Advance tournament players (Sweet 16) Tournament type: Feed-In through R16 Scoring Format: Best of 3 with Match Tiebreak in lieu of 3rd; Indoors singles Con Best of 3 short sets; Outdoors Consolation Best of 3 with Match Tiebreak in lieu of 3rd Draws limited: 32 FiI
Level: Advance tournament players Tournament type: Feed-In through R16 Scoring Format: Best of 3 with Match Tiebreak in lieu of 3rd; Indoors singles Con Best of 3 short sets; Outdoors Consolation Best of 3 with Match Tiebreak in lieu of 3rd Draws limited: 32 FiI
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Level: Emerging intermediate tournament players Tournament Length: One day tournament Tournament type: Non-elimination Scoring Format: Best of 3 short sets with 7 pt tiebreak in lieu of 3rd If 3-all, a 7-point tiebreak is played.). No doubles
FORMATS
Level: High level Intermediate tournament players (Dist Championships) Tournament Length: Up to a 3 day tournament Tournament type: Round Robin or Feed-In Scoring Format: Best of 3 with Match Tiebreak in lieu of 3rd Best of 3 SHORT sets with a 7-point tiebreaker in lieu of the 3rd set for the consolation draw
Level: Intermediate tournament players Tournament Length: Up to a 2 day tournament (Indoors 3 days) Tournament type: Round Robin or Feed-In Scoring Format: Best of 3 with Match Tiebreak in lieu of 3rd for main. Best of 3 short sets with a 7-point Tiebreaker in lieu of the 3rd for consolation
Level: Advance tournament players Tournament type: Varies Scoring Format: Best of 3 with Match Tiebreak or best of 3 full sets
L7
L6
for L6-L7 will be taken off the player's World Tennis Number (WTN)
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Seeding
Draws limited to 16 players 0-2 players: Draw Cancelled 3-5 players: One Round Robin Bracket 6-12: Feed-In Championship through Quarterfinals with 3rd/4th playoff 6-16 players: Feed-In Championship through Quarterfinals with 3rd/4th playoff. Consolation final will not be played.
*USTA national regulations only count 4 matches towards the player's ranking in a L6 tournament. Thus, a draw with 10-16 players can potentially create a 5th match in the consolation finals. If this does occur, the player may play the match with the understanding that it will NOT count towards his/her NSL ranking, however it will count towards their World Tennis Number (WTN). The player also has the option o fnot playing the match without penalty. Note: Byes do not count as a match.
0-2 players: Draw Cancelled 3-5 players: One Round Robin bracket 6-7 players: Two Round Robin bracket with cross play (4th place finisher in 4-draw pool will not participate in cross play) 8-9 players: Two Round Robin brackets with no cross play. There will be two 1st place finishers. 10 players: Two Round Robin brackets with no cross play. There will be two 1st Place finishers. 11-13 players: Three Round Robin brackets with no cross play. There will be three 1st place finishers and three finalists 14-16 players: Compass Draw (There will be one 1st place finisher) or 4 Groups of 4 Round Robin brackets. 17+ players: Multiple Round Robin brackets with no cross play. There will be four 1st place finishers and four finalists
Junior Tour L6-L7 Draw types seeding
Junior Tour Level 6 doubles
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A. How to register to play doubles: Doubles offered for L6 level tournaments. No doubles for L7 events. Player must register for doubles (Player is not eligible for doubles if they only signed up for singles) by the deadline, Monday at 4:59pm for L6. Player playing both singles and doubles: Play can only play doubles in the same age group as they are playing singles in. Once the deadline and selections have been made, the Competitor list will be published. Players (who registered for doubles) can then email the TD who their doubles partner is by Tuesday by NOON. All other eligible players without a partner would be placed in a blind draw. Players who did not get selected into singles will not be selected for doubles. However, if the player wishes to play doubles, he or she may email the Tournament Director by Tuesday at NOON. The entry fee will be $25 for doubles only + fees.
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A. Policies: No late entries allowed. If you have problems registering for an event, contact David Minihan at minihan@ustaoklahoma.com prior to the deadline. Do not wait till the last minute to register. If you are not selected because you did not sign up for the correct level tournament, it is considered a late entry and will not be accepted. Do not sign up for concurrent L7 and L6 tournaments that falls during the same sanction period. This is a violation of the Friend of Court rules and regulations. If a player is not selected into a L6 (Deadline Monday at 4:59pm), player will have the opportunity to register for the concurrent L7 tournament (Deadline Tuesday at 4:59pm). Some dates wiIl not have a concurrent L7 tournament. If player does not get selected into the L5 or L6 and registers for the concurrent L7, the player will be taken off the alternate list of the L5 or L6 tournament and will not be considered for entry. If player does not get selected into the L5 or L6 and does not register for the concurrent L7, the player will be placed on the alternate list and considered for entry if there are any withdraws for the event the player registered for. Order of the alternate list: 1. Current ranking on the national standing list; 2. If there are multiple players without a ranking, player will be determined by their WTN rating; 3. If multiple players do not have a national standings ranking or WTN rating, players will be ordered by lot. Player may not change age divisions after the deadline if age group registered for has at least three players. This includes players on the alternate list. In the event a division does not make, USTA Oklahoma reserves the right to move player(s) to play in a different age division. No refunds after the deadline if a player withdraws from the tournament No refund will be given once the deadline has passed for reasons of inclement weather. The decision to cancel a tournament due to weather or unplayable conditions will be jointly made by USTA Oklahoma and the Tournament Director. Draw type and scoring adjustments along with cancellation of singles consolation and/or doubles might occur due to inclement weather. Draw type and scoring adjustments along with doubles cancellation might occur in indoors tournaments to ensure the tournament will be completed.
Junior Tour L6-L7 policies
unsportsmanlike policies
A. Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Junior Circuit, Level 7, Level 6) 1. USTA Oklahoma is committed in making all district junior tournaments a positive experience for both players and spectators. Before the start of each tournament, the district sends out a sportsmanship email to all participants that also includes the Spectator policy a two-minute Sportsmanship video. 2. Any attempt by a spectator to speak to an official/tournament director regarding a line call or other ruling during match play shall be cause for immediate removal from the playing area and, if warranted, from the premises. 3. Any spectator behavior deemed unacceptable towards a player, other spectator or staff member shall be cause for immediate removal from the playing area or the entire premises. If said behavior is directed towards a player, either before, during or after a tournament, JTT or any USTA sanctioned event, it shall result in an automatic and immediate suspension of that spectator’s right to attend USTA Oklahoma tournaments, JTT or any USTA sanctioned event, for a period of time to be determined by the USTA Oklahoma Grievance Committee. 4. Refusal to adhere to a removal request shall trigger immediate enforcement of the point penalty system against the player with whom the spectator is involved (per point penalty system regulations), including possible immediate default. 5. The On-Site Official/Tournament Director is the SOLE judge regarding unacceptable behavior.
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In an effort to promote a more enjoyable and fair experience for all, the following policy is in immediate force and effect, and shall be diligently and stringently enforced. USTA Oklahoma has implemented a “ZERO TOLERANCE” policy for improper behavior. 1. Any attempt by a spectator to speak to an official/tournament director regarding a line call or other ruling during match play shall be cause for immediate removal from the playing area and, if warranted, from the premises. 2. Any spectator behavior deemed unacceptable towards a player, other spectator or staff member shall be cause for immediate removal from the playing area or the entire premises. If said behavior is directed towards a player, either before, during or after a tournament, it shall result in an automatic and immediate suspension of that spectator’s right to attend USTA Oklahoma tournaments, for a period of time to be determined by the USTA Oklahoma Grievance Committee. 3. Refusal to adhere to a removal request shall trigger immediate enforcement of the point penalty system against the player with whom the spectator is involved (per point penalty system regulations), including possible immediate default. 4. The On-Site Official/Tournament Director is the SOLE judge regarding unacceptable behavior. Umpire/Spectator communication, whether it be about a ruling or any other facet of a tennis event is prohibited while a match is in progress. Being a parent, coach, etc. does not endow special privileges. With the only exception of the right to remove their own child from competition at any time, a parent or coach is merely a spectator. REMOVAL IS NOT SUBJECT TO APPEAL.”
Spectator policy
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Junior tennis should be a fun and rewarding experience for our children. Character building lessons such as hard work, discipline, sportsmanship, and handling adversity are regularly on display. Parents of junior players should enjoy the time spent with their children and watching them develop not just into better tennis players, but into good citizens. Parent Rules: 1.Parents may not speak to your child once they walk on the court unless you only have a positive comment such as “Good point!” 2.You are NOT allowed to speak to your child’s opponent during the match unless you only have a positive comment such as “Good point!” 3.Coaching is not permitted! Some examples are “Keep the ball in play!” or “Take your time.” 4.If your child has an issue with scoring, your child needs to ask the court monitor for help. You need to inform your child of this prior to their match. 5.If there is a scoring dispute, this is between your child, the opponent and the court monitor 6.If a parent feels there is a scoring error, you may not interject. This is up to the players and the court monitor. 7.Please understand, per USTA Friend at Court Rules, No person shall abuse a tournament official or player. The Tournament Official has right to request an abusive person to desist or leave the tournament area. Point Penalty System applies to abuse. If the person refuses to follow the instructions to leave, then the official may penalize the player associated with the person under the Point Penalty System. 8.Parents may not sit on the bench next to their child or opponent. Viewing may take place outside the court area or may be permitted to sit inside the fences in the corner of the court for orange ball only. Green ball, parents may not be inside the fences. Please Remember: These are kids This is a game Court monitors are volunteers Umpires and Tournament Directors are human This tournament is not the US Open
10 and Under Parent rules
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