match play

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A. USTA “the code” rules of conduct apply.

The current USTA Rules will govern play for procedures not covered by Ultimate Tennis Rules. Ultimate rules shall always supercede USTA rules of play.

B. Commitment to Play:

All players are expected to uphold their commitment to the league and the other players in the division by completing all matches.

C. Court Surface attire and footwear:

The Ultimate Tennis League permits the use of har-tru (clay) or hard (asphalt) court surfaces. The choice of court surface for the match is up to the home player/team. It is their obligation to let the opponent know what court surface the match will be played on and to relate any attire or footwear restrictions. Courts with Pickleball lines on the court may not be used for league matches.

D. Balls:

The home player/team supplies an unopened can of yellow USTA approved balls for the match and will retain the balls after the match. Winners do not receive an unopened can of balls.

E. Warm up:

Players/Teams may have up to a maximum of 10 minutes prior to the start of a match as a warm up. Remember, the warm up is not a time to practice "winners", return of serves, etc. Players should make a good faith effort to hit balls back as close as possible to their opponent.

F. Posting scores:

The winning player must post the match score before midnight of the deadline date listed on your schedule. If the winning player has not posted the score, either player may post it. Both players are responsible for ensuring scores are reported on time and accurately.

G. Matches scheduled on the final deadline date:

If your match is scheduled on the “final deadline” date, you must play at the default times above unless all players agree on a different time on that day. If you get rained out on the “deadline” date, both teams will take a loss and receive zero points. However, players/teams can agree to play past the “deadline” date if one player/team has a late pass is available.

H. Court fees:

• Atlanta, California, Texas, and Orlando: Any required court fee and/or guest fee must be paid by the home team.

• Tampa Bay Area, Sarasota, Bradenton, Jacksonville, Ft. Myers, Naples, Philadelphia, and Hilton Head

Private Facilities: The visiting member is responsible for covering the guest fee up to a maximum of $10.00. Any amount exceeding $10.00 shall be covered by the home court player. When scheduling your match, please inform your opponent of any court or guest fees that are associated with your facility.

Public Facilities: Both players are responsible for covering their portion of any court fee associated with playing at a public facility.

I. Home Court Not Available:

If your home court is not available for your match, you may play at an alternate site if it is not farther for your opponent. If it is farther for your opponent, you should offer to play at the opponent’s court.

J. Facility Requirements:

Your home court facility must meet the following requirements:

• Public restroom facilities must be accessible year-round and available during the entire match.

• Court surface must be in good condition.

• Courts must have adequate lighting for evening play.

• Nets must contain net straps and be set to the proper regulation height.

• The home court player is responsible for knowing the hours of operation for their facility and ensuring that there is ample time to complete a 3 set match. If lights go out or the facility closes the away player can report a "retired match" and take the win. However, if both players agree to finish the match then the away player cannot later change their mind and take the win by retirement. The match must be completed as agreed upon. If the match is unable to be completed for any reason the match must be reported as "incomplete" - resulting in both players receiving points but neither player receiving the win. Exception - Playoff matches require a winner. If the match cannot be completed within the specified playoff round, the away player will win by default.

Players in Philadelphia see Philly Facility Requirements for additional rules specific to your market.

K. Coaching and Spectators

Coaching is not permitted. Spectators may not intercede in any way. The League welcomes spectators to attend matches and cheer on their family, friends and teammates. However, to ensure a positive match experience for all players, spectators must:

• Remain outside of the court area while the match is in progress.

• Not cause distractions or delay of play

• Not intervene on behalf of a player or team i.e. making line calls etc.

Spectators that are disruptive in any way may be asked to leave by the opposing team. Failure to leave the court area is grounds for a default.

L. Rest Periods and Breaks:

In an effort to ensure matches progress within a reasonable time frame, the following standard USTA and Ultimate Tennis rules will be in force: Players are allowed a maximum of 25 seconds between points. Players are allowed a maximum of one minute and thirty seconds when changing sides of the court. Players are allowed a 10 minute break between the second and third sets. Players are allowed a one time 3 minute injury suspension Play shall never be suspended, delayed or interfered with for the purpose of enabling a player to recover his strength, breath, or physical condition. Players may have one toilet emergency visit per match which shall not exceed 5 minutes.

M. Cell phones:

No cell phones or beepers allowed on court. During the match, cell phones must be turned off or muted for match play. If a player needs to place a call during a match, they may make a call in the 90 seconds allotted for changing ends or the 10 minutes between the 2nd and 3rd sets. If you need to leave a cell phone on during match play for medical or emergency purposes and your phone rings, your opponents will be awarded the point in progress.

N. Opponent is Late:

There is a 20 minute default rule. After 20 minutes, the waiting player/team has the option of taking the win by forfeit or waiting longer for the opponent to arrive. Schedules list cell phone numbers so you should at least try to contact a late opponent to be sure they aren’t lost or having traffic problems. Ultimate Tennis is about playing tennis. We want matches determined on the court whenever possible.

To avoid misunderstandings that can lead to unnecessary no shows, players should:

• Keep cell phones near and turned on.

• Have the opposing player/team's contact numbers on hand.

• Designate a meeting place at the facility (many times both players are at the facility just in different locations)

• Call the opposing player/team immediately if running late and provide a time frame your team will arrive (as long as it is not excessive beyond the 20 minute rule).

O. Excessive Forfeits:

A player/team having excessive forfeits may be disqualified from playoffs and/or suspended for the next season. This penalty also applies to any player/team withdrawing after the registration deadline and to teams that forfeit playoff matches.

P. Conflicts settled by the code:

Conflicts should be settled by the players using the USTA rules and ‘The Code’. All players have the right to question a line call or score. If you dispute a call, reaffirm with your opponent what they saw and accept their decision. Remember... Good sportsmanship begins with fair play and a good attitude. Disagreements between players that are subjective in nature will not be ruled on by the League Office. While the league office will not rule on these events, we do want to be informed of all negative behavior. Players who encounter flagrant unsportsmanlike conduct are asked to report the incident to the league office so that a complaint may be logged and appropriate action taken.

These conflicts include:

• Bad line calls and the excessive questioning of calls

• Foot Faults

• Scoring Issues

• Rude Behavior

• Scheduling Difficulties

Because a league representative is not present during matches, we cannot take one player's word over the other. Players who encounter conflicts on court are expected to resolve them in an adult like manner on the court. The League Office will not mediate matches or settle disputes between players regarding these types of conflicts.

Q. Unsportsmanlike conduct:
Ultimate Tennis reserves the right to refuse league play to a player that has a history of unsportsmanlike conduct complaints filed against him/her.