PIEDMONT AREA TENNIS ASSOCIATION  (P.A.T.A)

USA LEAGUE TENNIS ADULT LEAGUE
Rules and Regulations
 

P.A.T.A. (Piedmont Area Tennis Association) is a USTA local league in the Georgia District of the Southern Section of USTA. PATA is a non-profit organization whose mission is the growth and development of tennis.  PATA's league boundaries include Rockdale, Newton, Walton, Monroe and Jasper Counties.  PATA utilizes the programs of the United States Tennis Association (USTA), the Southern Tennis Association (STA) and the Georgia Tennis Association (GTA). Teams who play within the PATA league have the opportunity to advance to the USTA State, Sectional and National Championships.

General

1. PATA and all players participating in PATA leagues shall observe and be governed by "The Code" , the USTA Rules of Tennis, all rules and regulations of the USTA, STA, and GTA including standards of good conduct, fair play and good sportsmanship. Any local rule or regulation found to be in conflict with aforesaid rules and regulations shall be deemed null upon discovery of such conflict.
2. TennisLink is the official system for registering teams, reporting scores and providing standings for the USA League Tennis Program. 
3. The USTA National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) is the official system to determine computer ratings for players who participate in the USA League Tennis Program.
4.  For all adult leagues, all players must have reached the age of nineteen years prior to or during the calendar year in which such player plays his/her first local match.
5. All players must be current members of the USTA through their respective season of play.
6. Teams must play within the geographic boundaries of PATA.

I.      Player Eligibility and Placement

1. Each player listed on a roster must pay a PATA league fee. In addition to the PATA league fee, there is a non-refundable $2 TennisLink fee. These fees are submitted through TennisLink at the time of player registration and paid with a credit card.
2. All players must have an NTRP computer rating if they do not have one, they may self-rate using the national NTRP guidelines. 
3. A complaint may be filed against a player and/or captain who commits or condones entering a self-rating one level or more below the actual skill level of the player.
4. Players must play on a team at or above their NTRP rating.
5. TennisLink contains a playing member’s most current rating. Once a computer rating has been generated, it will remain valid for 5 years.  For players 60 and over, the rating will remain valid for 3 years. If you do not play your rating will not change.
6. All players must use their rating in TennisLink at the time of registration.  Once a player is on a specific roster with an assigned team number their rating on that roster will not change unless they are disqualified.  (See Section for disqualification information).
7. PATA players will be included in the National Ratings that are published in November. Results from USTA Sanctioned Tournaments, District Championships and the National Championship benchmarks will be included in the National ratings. In addition, for those that play in multiple seasons per year (Ex: PATA and ACTA), ESL (Early Start League) ratings will be generated in August of each year. 
8. PATA is not responsible for notifying players of ratings changes. It is the player’s responsibility to monitor their individual rating.
9. When new ratings are published players can appeal by submitting an appeal form located at www.gatennis.com.  All ratings appeals are handled by the Ga. State League Coordinator.
10. To generate a computer rating, a player must have played twice during the entire league year. Forfeits do not count toward computer ratings.
11. Eligible players may be added to the roster using TennisLink. Additions will be accepted through the last match of the regular season.
12. A player must be added prior to participating in a match using the rating that is in TennisLink at the time of registration. The office has the ability to verify the exact time of additions. Players who violate this rule shall forfeit their point. Only the affected position is forfeited
13. Any player may play any position at any time. Any eligible player may participate at any time during the season. A player must play once during the regular season to be eligible for the league play-offs.
14. A player must play twice during the league season (play-offs count as time played) to be eligible to participate in the state championships.
15. A player may play on more than one team in the same season provided they are:
    • At a different level if playing in the same league (a 3.5 man can play on a 3.5 and a 4. 0 team in the Men’s League)
    • At the same level in a different league (a 4.0 woman playing on a 4.0 night team and a 4.0 day team)

II.      Team Composition/Match and Meet Formats

1. For men’s and women’s adult leagues, a team meet shall consist of one singles and three (3) doubles matches, (one singles and two doubles for 2.5 levels) unless otherwise approved by the Coordinator upon unanimous requests of all teams within the applicable individual league & level (Men’s 3.0, Women’s 3.5, etc).
2. For mixed and combo leagues, a team meet shall consist of three (3) doubles matches unless otherwise approved by the Coordinator.
3. Teams shall consist of a minimum of eight (8) players (Five (5) for 2.5 level) and a maximum of 12 players for mixed and combo and a maximum of 14 players for adult leagues.
4. Teams must play at the level of the highest rated player.
5. Each individual match shall be the best of two sets with a set tie break (first to 7 by two) if needed to determine the winner of each set. A Match or Super Tie Break (first to 10 by 2) in place of a full third set is in effect unless otherwise approved by the Coordinator.

Set Tie Breaks (First team to 7 by a margin of two points)
If a set reaches 6-all, players must play a Set Tie Break. The order of serving is the same as that of the start of the match.

To Begin: the first server shall serve one point from the right side. The second server shall serve two points, starting from the left side and ending on the right side. The third server shall serve two points, starting on the left and ending on the right side. The fourth server shall serve one point from the left side and then players change ends of the courts. The fourth server shall then serve one point from the right side. Play continues in such a manner until one team wins at least seven points with a two-point margin. Teams change ends of the court every six (6) points.

Match (Super) Tie Breaks (First team to 10 by a margin of two points)
If the match score reaches two (2) sets all (both teams have one set), players must play a Match Tie Break. The Match Tie Break is treated as a new set. Players may take a 2 minute rest after the 2nd set and before the third set.  Team mates may change service order and are also able to change sides of the court (deuce or add).

To Begin: the first server shall serve one point from the right side. The second server shall serve two points, starting from the left side and ending on the right side. The third server shall serve two points, starting on the left and ending on the right side. The fourth server shall serve one point from the left side and then players change ends of the courts. The fourth server shall then serve one point from the right side. Play continues in such a manner until one team wins at least ten points with a two-point margin. Teams change ends of the court every six (6) points.

1. The winner of each weekly "meet" is determined by 1)matches won, then 2) loser of the fewest sets, then 3) loser of the fewest games.  If leagues playing four positions are still exactly tied using this method, the tie will be settled by a tie break (first to 7 by 2 points), to be played immediately following the completion of the last match on court and by the participants in the last match on court. In other words, if number 2 doubles is the last match to finish, they play the tiebreaker to determine the winning team since they are already on court and warmed up.
2. The team winning the majority of the individual matches comprising the  team meet shall be awarded one (1) team point. The team with the most points at the end of the league season shall be declared the division winner of that league season. TennisLink stats and standings will determine the division winner. In the event of a tie for division winner and/or second and third place positions, the tie shall be broken by TennisLink by the first of the following methods:  
       a. Winner of the most individual matches.
       b. Loser of the fewest sets
       c. Loser of the fewest games
       d. Head-to-head winner
3. One State Championship berth will be awarded each season and for each level of play.
4. Vacancies created in the State Championship due to a repeat winner of a league or election of the winner not to go to the championships shall be filled using the next best championship team as determined by percentage of wins during the local league.
5. For adult and mixed leagues (not combo) PATA will provide financial sponsorship to the team's) advancing to the playoffs. A team must participate in both seasons in order to receive financial sponsorship from PATA.

III.    Match Play and Scheduling

1. Each team captain is responsible to thoroughly read these PATA Rules and Regulations and see that each of his/her team members has access to and understands said regulations prior to the start of the league competition.
2. The home team is responsible for contacting the visiting team captain at least three days prior to the scheduled match to exchange information (tennis facility, viewing area, seating, bathrooms, etc) and make any necessary arrangements. Use courtesy – if you know you will have to forfeit any positions, let the opposing captain know so people are not needlessly inconvenienced. If the captain listed on the schedule will not be present at the match, they should notify the opposing captain as to who will be acting in their stead, and give the opposing captain the phone number of that person.
3. Each team must guarantee the use of at least two courts (same surface) as home courts in the PATA geographic area. The two courts must be at the same location. Any court fees applicable are the responsibility of the individual team or teams utilizing such courts as their home court. As a courtesy to your opponents, you should advise them in advance if using clay courts. If the home team cannot provide two courts at the home team facility, the visiting team has the first option of supplying courts for the match. If the visiting team is unable to provide courts, the responsibility reverts to the home team and must be within a reasonable distance (a few miles).
4. It is acceptable to use more than two courts at a time provided both captains agree. Forfeits may not be called if additional courts are available, but their use was not agreed upon beforehand by the captains.
5. If the lights go out during an evening match and cannot be re-lit in a reasonable amount of time (10 minutes), the match can be rescheduled using the makeup deadlines as described in Section V.
6. At each individual match within a team match, both teams will provide a new, unopened can of USTA approved balls. Home team shall open their can. The winner retains the unopened can, the losers keeps the balls used during the match.
7. Matches will begin at the time and on the day as established by the individual league / level. Players arriving fifteen (15) minutes or more after the agreement upon start time MAY be required to forfeit by the opposing team. Where a forfeit is claimed by the opposing team due to a late-arriving player, only the individual match that the late-arriving player is scheduled to play in shall be forfeited, regardless of position. Where a player fails to show up at all, the opposing team may invoke a forfeit for the position the player fails to show up.
8. The first round matches shall begin at the official match time posted on the team schedules, the second round players should be present one hour later or forfeit and the third round players shall be present two hours later or face forfeiture.
9. Warm-up must be accomplished in a maximum of ten minutes, including serves. Do Not practice return of serve during warm-up.
10. Cell phones, pagers etc. should be turned off. If a phone on your court rings once, request that the phone be turned off and replay the point. If the phone rings again you may claim the point in the game based on a deliberate hindrance.  

IV.   Line-Ups and Score Cards

1. It is the responsibility of both the captains and the team as a whole, to schedule players in order of their comparative ability to assure matches remain fair and competitive for all players.
2. Captains should print a scorecard from TennisLink before each match to use for lineup exchange. All eligible players will be listed at the bottom of each scorecard; therefore, if you have additions, printing the scorecards before each match will avoid confusion with the opposing team.
3. Complete written line-ups must be exchanged simultaneously, prior to the start of the match. If the captain will not be there at start time they should send the complete line-up with a player who is playing in the first time slot. Failure to provide the complete written lineup prior to the start of the match may result in a loss of points.
4. An individual match is started when the first ball is put in play. After the start of an individual match, if injury to, illness of, or disqualification of a player occurs, the opponents will be awarded a forfeit for that individual match only. The forfeit principles shall be applicable, with the Sectional modifications that:
   a. In the event of illness, injury, disqualification, or no-show of a player prior to the start of an individual match (once the lineup has been exchanged), a team may substitute a player in the affected position within the 15-minute default time, using a player not already listed on the lineup. If no such substitution can be made, the affected position will be forfeited in local leagues.
   b. In the event that a team match must be re-scheduled and starting times are staggered, where opponents are not available and ready to play, forfeits will be awarded in the affected position only.
5. Once the teams exchange lineups (with a full complement of eight players) no movement of players is allowed.
6. NEVER MOVE PLAYERS ALREADY LISTED ON THE LINEUP TO ANOTHER POSITION. Points may be reversed for violation of this rule. Ex: Written lineups have been exchanged. One player from the line 2 doubles is over 15 minutes late. Line 2 doubles has defaulted. All other matches are to be played as originally listed on the lineup. Should both teams decide to play the 2 doubles match (rather than claim the default for being late) the match result will stand.
7. Players should be ready to take the court when the previous match is finished. (I.e. if a match begins at 9:00 and ends at 9:45, default time for the next position would be 10:15 (10:00 being the scheduled start time of the next match). If the match ends at 10:20 then players must take the court immediately, since next time slot players must have been available at 10:00. 
8. Scores must be entered within 24 hours of the completion of a match by either captain. Score confirmation or score disputes must be made within 48 hours of score entry. Scores for the last match of the season must be entered within 4 hours in order to confirm winners.
9. Captains should keep a hard copy of each of their scorecards.
10. If both captains agree, the official matches can be rescheduled:
    a. To an earlier or later start time on the same scheduled day.
    b. To an earlier day and time during the regular season schedule.
11. Rescheduled matches (for any reason other than inclement weather) MUST be completed BEFORE the scheduled date.

V.   Inclement Weather and Make Up Matches

1. The following weather conditions authorized the cancellation or postponement of a team match, or any individual match:
   • Precipitation or other moisture on the courts – any amount of moisture on the courts can make them dangerous.
   • Severe cold temperatures – 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower (suggested – forecasted wind chills 32 degrees or lower should be deemed sufficient reason for advanced postponement).
   • Severe hot temperatures – 95 degrees Fahrenheit or higher (also suggested – forecasted heat index of 95 degrees or higher should be deemed sufficient reason for advanced postponement).
2. In the event the temperature falls below 30 degrees or rises above 95 degrees after the team match has begun, individual matches in progress must continue play to completion. 
3. A one-hour delay from the agreed upon start time is to be observed at all times in order for weather conditions to improve. This includes make up matches.
4. In the event precipitation occurs after play has begun, a one-hour wait to resume play is to be observed. If play cannot be continued, completed individual matches stand as played and incomplete matches must be made up and resumed by the same players at the exact set, game and point that existed when play was halted. Player substitutions may be made in any individual matches not begun. 
5. Forfeits awarded prior to a team match that is subsequently rained out may be played provided the written lineup had not been exchanged.
6. Points awarded for forfeits given at the time the original written lineup was exchanged will stand. All players involved in such forfeits cannot participate in the re-scheduled match.
7. Any match postponed due to inclement weather must be completed within 10 days of the scheduled match date unless otherwise excused by the League Coordinator. The default deadline is on the 10th day at the normally scheduled league time (i.e. 7:00pm,6:30pm,etc.). Whichever team does not show up at this default day and time, looses (defaults) the match. If a match is scheduled on the 7th day and it rains, the match must still be played within the original 10 day deadline.
8. If there is inclement weather on the 10th day, the default deadline is then the 5th day at the normally scheduled league time.
9. Any matches postponed during the last week of play must be completed within 5 days of the scheduled match date unless otherwise excused by the League Coordinator.
10. Any matches postponed during playoff must be completed within 5 days of the scheduled match date unless otherwise excused by the League Coordinator.
11. Arrangements for make-up matches must be agreed upon within 48 hours of the original match start time, Or assumed rescheduled for the makeup deadline time.
12. Once a time for the make-up match has been agreed upon by the parties involved, that match MAY NOT BE CANCELLED for any reason other than inclement weather. If the match had already begun the same players must arrive at the appointed time, or default.
13. For matches delayed or rescheduled to play during darkness, the home team facility must have lights. 

VI.    Forfeitures & Disqualifications

1. If a team knowingly begins a team match without a full complement of players for the lineup (i.e. six players rather than eight) they must forfeit from the bottom. For example, a team with 6 players could either forfeit #3 doubles or the singles.
2. If a team forfeits an entire team meet (all 4 positions or all 3 positions) or 6 individual matches (3 for 2.5 levels) during round robin play, the team may be removed from competition immediately. If removed, then all matches that the team played or matches to be played shall be null and void and treated as a bye. The forfeiting team may be placed on a probationary watch the following season.
3. A player who reaches the disqualification level three times during the League Year will be immediately disqualified from further participation at that level. The last point earned by said player in round robin play will be reversed. A disqualified player may join a team at their new level following TennisLink procedures. No refund will be given to a disqualified player.
4. Disqualifications are handled by the GTA (Georgia Tennis Association).