The divisions exist to introduce young players to inter-club tennis and enable them to have an enjoyable experience. It is hoped that all clubs that participate in the divisions will respect this philosophy and seek to ensure that it applies to all players in the competition.

Divisions

We are looking to have two divisions: under 16 and under 14.

Eligibility

Teams to be made up of two boys and two girls.

At least two girls must be in the team or the corresponding number of sets is forfeit.

If a second girl cannot really be found - a strict age limit on an extra boy should be imposed.

Age limit for the under 16 league for 1 ‘substitute girl’ only:

Maximum year 8 boy.

Age limit for the under 14 league for 1 ‘substitute girl’ only:

Maximum year 6 boy.

Age limits to be strictly adhered to and date of birth of all substitute girls to be noted on the team sheet.

If the appropriate players cannot be found, by all means play a match rather than cancel - but the relevant sets must be forfeit to the other team!

Format of the competition

Each team will play a home and away leg against every team in the their age division.

Format of matches

The competition will be in a medley format, with four mixed doubles, a boys’ doubles and girls’ doubles.

Rubbers

All rubbers shall comprise of 8 games.

Result of match

The number of rubbers won by each side shall determine the match result. If rubbers won are equal, then the match is a draw.

Starting time

Matches shall commence at 10.00am Morning matches or 6.00pm Evening matches, unless otherwise stated. Normally, the boys and girls doubles matches shall be played as the first two rubbers.

Draw

Both couples should be ranked 1 and 2, they will play their corresponding team and the other pair. There will also be a boys’ doubles and a girls’ doubles.

The home club shall endeavour to contact the visiting team prior to the match to confirm arrangements and to discuss the composition of the teams, with a view to fielding comparable teams in terms of standard and gender as far as is possible and reasonable.

Balls

The home club shall provide 6 new balls for each match, or six balls of good quality, with the agreement of the visiting team.

Refreshments

The home club shall provide light refreshments (tea, squash, biscuits) for each match.

League positions

3 league points are awarded for a match won, 2 league points for a draw and 1 league point for a match lost. In the event of a tie in league points, the league point gained in the matched between those teams, which have tied, will be used to decide the winning team. If these are equal, then the difference between rubbers won and lost, in these matches only, shall decide the tie.

Unfinished matches

A match is considered to be complete if four rubbers have been played or conceded, or a club has won more than three rubbers. Otherwise, the match shall be replayed in its entirety, unless the clubs concerned agree otherwise.

Unplayed matches

Every effort shall be made to complete all fixtures. At the end of August, if any matches remain unplayed, a decision will be made as to whether one team is at fault. In this event, the other team will be awarded 3 points for the unplayed match. If no fault is established neither team shall be awarded any points.

Conceding rubbers

Clubs may concede rubbers due to unavailability, late arrival, injury or inclement weather, but may not concede more than two rubbers in a match.

Score sheets

It is the responsibility of the winning team (in case of a draw, the home team) to send the score sheets to the league Secretary within 3 days of the match. The home team shall announce its players first, and enter the names on the score sheet.