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Administration

Rule 1

Mixed Doubles League Competitions shall be under the general management of the League Management Committee (LMC) in accordance with the following Rules, and the rule of tennis to be observed shall be those approved by the International Tennis Federation as the same may be modified by these Rules from time to time.

Rule 2

(A) The LMC, which is appointed annually by the Council of the Hong Kong, China Tennis Association (HKCTA), shall comprise a Chairman, a League Secretary, and not less than 8 additional members from among the Tennis Convenors or members of the Member Clubs.

(B) The LMC shall be responsible for the:

(i) registration of players and teams,

(ii) grading of individual players,

(iii) division of teams,

(iv) establishment of League schedules of play, and

(v) publishing of a League Handbook or its equivalent on the Internet, the results of play and the interpretation of Rules

(C) The LMC shall also be responsible for the arbitration of disputes between players/teams/Clubs on League matters and on conduct. The LMC may either upon receipt of a complaint or at its own instigation convene a meeting of the LMC (which shall regulate its own proceedings and at which a quorum shall be four) to deal with any of the above matters and any other matters relating to the League and shall have power to:-

(i) suspend players/teams/clubs from the League;

(ii) expel players/clubs from the League and / or

(iii) refuse entry of a club or player to a future League; and/or

(iv) take any other action as the Committee thinks fit.

(D) All communications relating to in Rules 2(B) and 2(C) must be directed by Member Clubs to the LMC through their Tennis Convenors. The LMC will communicate with the Member Clubs by sending their correspondence to the Tennis Convenors and one other person nominated by each Member Club from time to time.

Entries

Rule 3

(A) The Mixed Doubles League shall be divided into the following THREE DIVISIONS:

(i) Mixed Doubles Division I – Players are limited to those graded at Men’s A and B and Ladies’ A+ at the time of team entry deadline.

(ii) Mixed Doubles Division II – Players are limited to those graded at Men’s C and Ladies’ A at the time of team entry deadline.

(iii) Mixed Doubles Division III – Players are limited to those graded at Men’s D and E and Ladies’ B and C graded at the time of team entry deadline.

(B) Any DIVISION may be sub-divided into GROUPS as may be warranted by the number of entries, provided there are not less than 6 teams in any GROUP. Any DIVISION not sub-divided shall be considered to have one GROUP.

(C) Allocation of days for matches:

– MONDAYS: Division I

– WEDNESDAYS: Division II

– THURSDAYS: Division III

Eligibility of Clubs

Rule 4

The competitions shall be open to all HKCTA Member Clubs, all Corporate Patrons and other registered sports clubs, association/organization with adequate tennis playing facilities and adequate insurance against claims for personal injuries suffered by players playing on their courts. The LMC shall have the discretion to refuse any entry, subject to final appeal to the HKCTA Council by the aggrieved party. No entry shall be eligible to participate in the Competitions until, among other fees, the HKCTA Annual Subscription stipulated under ARTICLE of ASSOCIATION of The Hong Kong, China Tennis Association – Membership, Article 12(b) of the HKCTA or the League Participation Fee set out by the LMC, as the case may be, has been paid.

Eligibility of Players

Rule 5

Each player in the League must at the time of his/her registration by his/her club as a member of a team be 14 years of age (by the end of the current calendar year) or over, be a subscribing member of the HKCTA whose membership fee is not in arrears and in addition must hold a valid Hong Kong Identity Card.

Eligibility of Teams

Rule 6

No team shall be eligible to play for a club in the league unless registered with the LMC prior to the Entry Closing Date stipulated by the LMC and no registration shall be accepted unless accompanied by such sum as shall from time to time be stipulated by the LMC as the League Entry Fee.

Registration of Teams

Rule 7

(A) Each eligible club entering a team shall forward an entry form nominating at least EIGHT players (4 males and 4 females) to be registered for that team. Tennis Convenors must submit the full names of the players in English and Chinese (if applicable) along with their Hong Kong Identity Card Nos., their grading and their HKCTA Pin with expiry dates, if known. Tennis Convenors are responsible for ascertaining the eligibility of their players.

All players in any team must hold a valid HKCTA membership at the commencement of the League. If there is any player in the team who is not a member at the time of his team’s first match or whose membership fee is not paid or is in arrears, he will be removed from the playing list and will not be eligible to play at any time during the season.

(B) Each Club shall appoint a captain for each team entered in the League, and shall insert on the League Entry Form the name, telephone number and email address (where applicable) of each captain. Tennis Convenors must report any changes of captaincy during the period of the League, (whether temporary or permanent) to the LMC. A person should not be appointed as a Captain for more than one team unless the teams are not in the same division or unless the teams do not play on the same day of the week.

(C) If a club enters more than one team in the same Division, the players in each individual team must be clearly specified. No change of players in the teams of the same Division will be allowed once the draw and fixtures have been made.

(D) The number of teams that each Club may enter shall depend on the available playing facilities of the Club. (For example, if a Club has 3 courts available for League competition, the LMC shall accept not more than 2 teams scheduled to play on the same day of week.)

Replacement Players

Rule 8

During the period of the Mixed Doubles League should a player who already has played at least two matches in a team become unavailable to continue to play due to:

a) injury or sickness, or

b) prolonged absence from Hong Kong,

the club may submit an application for a replacement player on the following conditions –

(i) the replacement player has an eligible LMC grading to play for the team, and

(ii) such application is made in writing by the Tennis Convenor of the Club and counter-signed by the outgoing and replacement players for whom the application is made, and

(iii) such application is substantiated by documentary proof acceptable to the LMC.

Unless a replacement player has played at least two previous matches for his/her team, he/she shall not be permitted to compete in a Playoff Match in a multi-group Division or any of the final two fixture matches in a single-group Division.

An administration fee, to be determined by the LMC from time to time, will be charged for the processing of each replacement player.

(Note: This rule does not apply to default due to injury or sickness sustained by a player during a fixture match for which no replacement is allowed for that match.)

Additional Players

Rule 9

The LMC will only entertain applications for additional players within 14 days after commencement of the League season of the relevant division.  Clubs must follow the procedures stipulated on the League Entry Form when applying for additional players.

Any application received after entry deadline may be charged with an administration fee of HK$150 for the processing of each additional player, or such other sum as may be determined by the LMC from time to time.

Registration of Players

Rule 10

(A) A player may not play for different Clubs in the League during the same season.

(B) A player can only be registered for one team in one season. A player may not withdraw his/her registration with one team and apply to be registered with another team after commencement of the League season of the relevant division.

(C) A player may not play for different teams in the same Division during the same season.

(D) A player may:-

(i) register as a player in a team in a Division for the same Club which is higher than his personal grading and play for that team; or

(ii) play for teams in higher Divisions than the Division for which he/she is registered for the same Club

Player Eligibility for Playoff Match

Rule 11

No individual may represent a Club in any Playoff Match unless he/she has played for the team on at least two occasions and has not played in any higher Division for more than two matches in the same season. Being named as a team member in a walkover match shall not be counted as an occasion for eligibility to represent a club in a Play-off Match.

Grading of Players

Rule 12

(A) Grading of players as submitted by Clubs will be reviewed by the LMC whose decision is final.

(B) Players registered with one team may not play for another team in the same or lower Division. No player shall be permitted to play in a lower Division than his/her grading indicates.

(C) Provisionally graded players are subject to review and re-grading by the LMC at any time.

Such re-grading decisions may immediately render provisionally graded players ineligible to continue to play in their current teams.

(D) For any player who holds or previously held a tennis world ranking (including ranking in any age group) or plays or had played or has been named as a playing member in any NCAA, Davis Cup or Fed Cup match, the Tennis Convenor must declare this when submitting the application for registration of team. The player’s grading will be determined by the LMC. Any such player who has not been so declared shall be treated as an ineligible player referred to in Rule 17(C).

(E) Any Tennis Convenor may request a re-grading of any player from another club based on evidence of level of play.

Fixture List

Rule 13

(A) The date and location of every League match to be played shall be fixed by the LMC. The Fixture List shall be drawn up with details of participating Clubs and the names and telephone numbers of each team captain. These particulars shall be made available to each participating Club.

(B) Should any Club find it impossible to entertain two or more visiting teams simultaneously on the same day, the home team shall be responsible for providing an alternative venue.

Tennis Balls

Rule 14

The Home Team shall provide new balls for every scheduled fixture. Such balls may be of any standard make complying with the regulations of the International Tennis Federation.

Rules of Play

Rule 15

(A) For all League fixtures, the home team shall make the match courts available for warm-up not later than 7:00 p.m. and the first game of the match on each court shall commence at the official starting time of 7:15 p.m. If any pair of players are not ready on court to commence the first round of play within 15 minutes of the official starting time they shall forfeit the first set to the opposing team, and if the same pair are not ready to play within 45 minutes of the official starting time (i.e. by 8:00 p.m.) they shall forfeit the remaining sets to the opposing team.

(B) Any player arriving after the official starting time of 7:15 p.m. shall be entitled to only 5 minutes warm up on court.

(C) The Home Team shall ensure that all League competition courts must be adequately fitted with floodlights. These lights should be turned on before 7:00 p.m. and remain properly lit for the entire duration of the match.

(D) The match should be played on the same surface as declared in the league book throughout the league season. If a change of surface is necessary during the course of the match prior consent of the opposing team Captain must be obtained.

(E) The Home Team shall provide courts as stated under the list of registered Clubs in the League Handbook. Home Clubs shall ensure that the courts are fit and safe for play. In the event that one or all of such courts are unavailable the home team may either arrange to play at another venue, or apply to the LMC to play on fewer courts, subject to the following:

(i) The home team must inform the away team and the LMC of any proposed changes (with adequate reason) in writing at least one week in advance.

(ii) The LMC will decide whether to accept or reject the request and will notify the two teams of its decision in writing at least four days prior to the fixture date.

(iii) In the event that the away team disagrees with a proposed change or the LMC does not approve of the change of courts, then the scheduled match shall be forfeited by the home team unless the original courts are made available for play as scheduled.

(F) A Club may apply to the LMC for permission to conduct matches on 2 courts under circumstances beyond its control. The Club has to submit its application at least one week in advance of the scheduled match and the LMC has full discretion to decide whether or not to grant the permission.

(G) In addition to the requirements under Rule 16(B), in all HKCTA officiated matches the team captains are required to submit to the HKCTA official the names of their players 10 minutes before the official starting time.

(H) Teams are obliged to play all scheduled matches and all nine sets in each match must be completed.

Format of Play

Rule 16

(A) Each team shall field three pairs for each fixture. Each pair shall consist of one man and one lady player. Each pair shall play one tie-break set against each and every pair of the opposing team.

(B) Prior to commencement of a fixture, each captain shall insert the players’ name in the online system before the match starts. For the first round, pair A of the home team will play against pair A of the away team, pair B of the home team will play against pair B of the away team and pair C of the home team will play against pair C of the away team. From the second round onwards, the Home Team Captain shall decide the order of match rotation.

(C) Player substitutions after declaration may be made, subject to agreement by the opposing team Captain and on the understanding that any sets played by a substituted player shall be deemed forfeited. Particulars of all substituted players and, if there is any unregistered player playing (whose sets would be deemed forfeited), that of the unregistered player must be clearly indicated on the League score sheet to be submitted by the Captain of the winning team in addition to uploading the score in the online system.

(D) Declared players in all League fixtures are required to produce photo-bearing identity documents for verification by the Captain (or his/her delegate) of the opposing team and/or a LMC official. Failure to produce such photo-bearing document(s) when requested shall render the player(s) ineligible for the tie and result in disqualification.

Scoring

Rule 17

(A) Advantage games will be played in each set, and a 7 point tie-break will be played at 6 games all.

(B) The team winning at least 5 sets in a match shall win the match and be awarded one League point. In the event that :-

(a) each team is only able to win 4 sets in the match, each of the 2 teams shall nominate 2 of the players registered for the match to play a final set scored on the basis of a Match Tie Breaker (10 Points) in accordance with the ITF Rules except that the order of service for this set shall be determined by a toss;

(b) neither team is able to win 5 sets in a match, neither team will be awarded any League point.

(C) Any ineligible or unregistered players fielded must be declared on the League score sheet and agreed to by the opposing Team Captain, failing which the whole fixture match shall be forfeited 0-9 to the opposition, and the offending Captain and/or player may render himself/herself liable to suspension by the LMC.  Any set played by a declared but ineligible or unregistered player shall be deemed forfeited.  The score of the match will be counted in the determination of a team’s position in a Group or Division pursuant of Rule No 24(D) to (G).

(D) Any undeclared replacement of player(s) shown in the score sheet to be fielded in a fixture match shall result in the forfeiture of that match 0-9 to the opposition. The offending player(s), team and club may render themselves liable to be suspended or disciplined in other manners by the LMC.

Score-sheet

Rule 18

(A) The Captain of the winning team must upload the score in online system after the match to the LMC within 3 days of each match won by his/her team.

(B) Unreported or late submission of scores may not be entered in the results register and may result in forfeiture of matches won.

 

Continuity of Play

Rule 19

(A) Play shall be continuous from the first point of each set until the set is concluded. Play shall never be suspended, delayed, or interfered with for the purpose of enabling a player to recover his/her strength or his/her wind. When changing sides, a maximum of one and half minutes shall elapse from the cessation of the previous game to the beginning of the next game, the exception being that there will be no break at the end of the first game of each set. After the first game of each set, the players will change ends but will not rest, which is similar to the change of ends in a Tie-break. No coaching of any player by any person is allowed when a match is in progress, but discussion among fielded players of the same team is permitted during game breaks and set breaks.

(B) Play may be suspended once in every set due to injury. A one-time three (3) minutes injury time shall be allowed for that condition. Inability to resume play after 3 minutes shall result in forfeiture of the set.

(C) All players must complete all sets in a league match. A player who, without reasonable excuse, fails to observe this rule shall be liable to disciplinary action by the LMC and all his played and un-played sets in the league match may be forfeited.

(D) Subject to Rule 15 (F), the Home Team shall be responsible for providing three courts with floodlights in accordance with the provisions of Rule 15(A) and to enable uninterrupted match play until the fixture is completed. If any courts and/or floodlights shall become unavailable for match play after commencement of a fixture, the unfinished set and all subsequent sets to be played on those courts shall be forfeited to the Away Team. This rule shall apply unless the Home Team subsequently submits to the LMC through the Tennis Convenor that the cause of unavailability is due to unexpected circumstances beyond the control of the Home Team and such submission is accepted by the LMC.

Inclement Weather

Rule 20

(A) In the case of inclement weather before a match starts: –

(i) For un-officiated matches, when no agreement has been reached between the Captains of both teams to postpone the match, all scheduled players from both teams will have to attend the venue and wait to see if the match can be held. When both teams are at the ground, a match can commence if the Captains of both teams agree to do so. If there is no agreement between the Captains but a majority of all player participating in the match are of the opinion that the match should commence or be postponed as the case may be then the match shall so commence or be postponed. If there is a tie, and the match cannot commence within 30 minutes of the starting time, the match shall be postponed.

(ii) For playoff matches, the LMC or the on-court official appointed by the LMC shall decide whether the match shall be played or not.

(B) The following shall apply to any match (excluding playoff matches) in which play has commenced but is subsequently suspended because of inclement weather making the courts unfit for play:

(i) No match shall be suspended, or recommence after suspension unless agreed by the Captains of both teams provided that if there is no agreement between the Captains but a majority of all player participating in the match are of the opinion that the match should be suspended, or recommence as the case may be then the match shall be so suspended, or recommenced. If the match cannot recommence within 30 minutes from the time of suspension, the match shall subject to sub-clause B (ii)(a) be postponed.

(ii) If a match is so postponed, the following rules shall apply:

(a) At the time of stoppage of play the team winning at least 5 sets shall be declared the winner and one League points shall be awarded to the winning team. The final result of the respective sets won by the teams shall be counted in the calculation for a playoff or position in any Division (refer to Rule 23 and 24)

(b) If neither team has won 5 sets when play is suspended, the match shall be completely replayed, subject to the right of either Captain to agree to forfeit any of the remainder of the unfinished and un-played sets at the time of discontinuance to the opposing team.

(iii) Except as provided in Rule 20 any team unilaterally failing to continue a match will forfeit the entire match and one League point shall be awarded to the opposing team.

(C) The following shall apply to playoff matches, in which play has commenced but is subsequently suspended because of inclement weather making the courts unfit for play:

(i) The on-court official appointed by the LMC shall decide whether the match shall be suspended, or shall recommence or shall be postponed

(ii) If a match is so postponed, the postponed date and venue will be decided by the LMC. (Refer to Rule 25)

Postponements

Rule 21

(A) Participating teams should try their best to complete their League matches on scheduled dates in accordance with the fixtures dates stipulated in the League Handbook. However, if it is not possible for one or both teams to play a match (excluding playoff matches) on the scheduled date, a postponement may be arranged by the two teams if both Team Captains agree to the postponement.

However Home teams must, within 48 hours, offer at least 2 possible dates when home courts are available while the Away teams must also, within 48 hours, response to or confirm the Home Teams’ offer(s). Any postponed playoff match shall be played at a venue and on a date to be decided by the LMC.

(B) When the courts on which the match is to be played are, in the opinion of the Home Team Captain unfit for play, the Home Team Captain should immediately notify in writing the Away Team Captain and the LMC of such unavailability. However if the Away Team Captain contests this decision, a written complaint can be lodged with the LMC who shall then conduct an inquiry. After the inquiry, if the LMC is of the opinion that the Home Team has misrepresented the reason(s) for postponement, the Home Team will then be deemed to be in breach of this postponement rule and a Walkover Match shall be awarded to the away team.

(C) The Captains of both teams shall inform the LMC within 48 hours if a match has been postponed or cannot take place for whatever reason, as well as when a new match date has been mutually agreed by both Captains.

(D) The Captains should arrange to play all postponed matches within 2 weeks from the original fixture dates, but in any case not later than one week after the last fixture match of their Group or Division of the League. All matches played after the deadline will be disregarded for the purposes of counting League points and sets won as mentioned in Rules 23 and 24.

(E) The Home Team Captain should notify the LMC immediately if he/she fails to agree to reschedule a postponed match with the Away Team Captain within the LMC stipulated postponement period. The LMC shall then fix a date for this rescheduled match by giving to both Teams not less than one week’s prior written notice, whereupon the Home Team Club shall host this match on the rescheduled date. Failure of either team to compete on the rescheduled date will result in forfeiture of the fixture match to the other team. If both teams fail to compete on the rescheduled date, no League point shall be awarded to either team.

(F) In the event that a fixture match is not played within 2 weeks from its original fixture date, or that the match is not played within one week after the last fixture match of the League season, or that both team Captains have failed to inform the LMC within 48 hours of the original fixture date of the match’s postponement status, then the LMC shall regard both teams to have forfeited the match and no League point shall be awarded to either team.

Walkover Matches & Walkover Sets

Rule 22

(A) The LMC discourages walkovers. Teams entered for the League season are expected to play each and every match in accordance with the schedule stipulated in the League Handbook. Captains must ensure that all team members are informed of this commitment. The LMC also discourages a team from conceding the remaining un-played sets after it has won or lost 5 sets in a match.

(B) A Walkover Match may be claimed by a team when either:

(i) the team is informed in writing by the opposing team that it will not be playing the match and/or will concede a Walkover Match, or

(ii) after the team has refused to agree to a request for postponement by the opposing team and the opposing team fails to turn up for the match, or

(iii) the full team of a team is present on court at the scheduled official starting time and less than 2 players from the opposing team are on court and ready to commence the match within 45 minutes after the scheduled Official Starting Time (i.e. by 8:00 p.m.) (Refer to. Rule 15(A)), or

(iv) the opposing team has failed to provide proof of identity of all its declared players (refer to Rule 16(D)).

(C) Subject to Rule 15(A), a Walkover Set may be claimed by a team when any opponent in the set has failed to produce his/her identity proof, or is a declared ineligible player (refer to Rule 16(B), 16(C) and 16(D))

(D) A team wishing to claim any Walkover Sets or a Walkover Match must lodge a written claim to the LMC and the opposing team Captain within 48 hours from the scheduled official starting time of the Walkover match, citing reasons for the claim. In the case of only one team being present on court after 45 minutes of the scheduled Official Starting Time (refer to Rule 15 (A)), a written claim by the claiming team must cite reasons for the claim and put the full names of the players along with their signatures and Hong Kong Identity Card Nos/HKCTA Pin onto a blank League score sheet. To contest this claim, the Captain of the opposing team must inform the LMC in writing within 7 days of the Walkover match stating full reasons for not conceding the Walkover.

(E) All Walkover claims must be approved by the LMC. The LMC shall consider each claim and make appropriate rulings to award entire matches or sets thereof on a case by case basis.

(F) Once a Walkover Match is awarded by the LMC, a League point will be awarded to the claiming team, but the score of the Walkover Match will not be counted in the determination of team’s position in a Group or Division pursuant to Rule No 24(D) to (G).

(G) Once a Walkover Set is awarded by the LMC, the claiming team will be deemed to have won that set against its opponents.

(H) Any team conceding more than one Walkover Match with no valid reasons during the League season will be liable to disciplinary action by the LMC. This action may include suspension of every registered member of that team from HKCTA League competitions for one full season within a 12-month period following the end of the current League season.

Champions

Rule 23

The Divisional Champions shall be decided as follows:-

(A) The winner of a Group, (or the Champion of a Division if there is only one Group) shall be the team which occupies the top position in that Group.

(B) If there are two Groups, there will be a cross playoff.  The team in top position of Group 1 will play the team in 2nd position of Group 2 and vice-versa. The teams in top position of each Group will be the Home Team hosting the semi-final matches. The winners of these semi-final playoff matches will then play in the final to determine the Divisional Champion. The venue of the final matches will be determined under Rule 23(F).  There will be no playoff for third and fourth places.

(C) If there are three Groups, the teams in the top position of each Group and runner-up team    awarded the top position (“the best runner-up”) according to the following will advance to the playoff:

        (i) Where there is the same number of teams in each Group, the runner-up team in each Group with the highest league point in among all Groups shall be the best runner-up and where 2 or more of the runner-up teams in each Group have the same higher league points, their positions shall be determined according to the provisions of Rule 24(D) to (H).

        (ii) Where there is an unequal number of teams among the three Groups, the position of best runner-up shall be determined according to the provisions of Rule 24(D) to (H).

The Winner and the best Runner-up who are from the same group will always be placed in different semi-finals groupings.  In the semi-final playoff match between a Winner and the best Runner-up, the Winner will be the host of that match. The choice of venue for the semi-final will be determined under Rule 23(F).

The winners of these semi-final playoff matches will then play in the final to determine the Divisional Champion. The choice of venue for the final playoff will be determined under Rule 23(F).  There will be no playoff for third and fourth places.

(D) If there are four Groups, the teams occupying the top position in each group will advance to the playoff.  The playoff will adopt a knock-out format and the two semi-finals will be held on the same day.  The winners of these semi-final playoff matches will then play in the final to determine the Divisional Champion. The choice of venue of semi-final and final playoff matches will be determined under Rule 23 (F).  There will be no playoff for third and fourth places.

(E) If there are more than four Groups in a Division, the LMC will decide on the playoff format and notify all contesting teams of its decision within 3 weeks after the commencement of the League season.

(F) The choice of venue in the playoff will be determined as follows:

        (i) If the teams had played each other in a playoff within the past five years, the team that played as the away team in their last meeting in a playoff will have the right to choose to have the playoff match played at their choice of court.

       (ii) If the teams have not played each other in a playoff within the past five years, the choice of venue will be determined by a blind draw conducted by the LMC.

For the purpose of this Rule 23(F), the word, “team” means and includes any team of a Club in the relevant division. [By way of explanation: If Team 1 of Club A had played Team 1 of Club B on Club A courts in a playoff match within 5 years before the current playoff match and Team 2 of Club A is playing Team 2 of Club B in the current playoff match, the current playoff match will be played on courts to be chosen by Club B.]

Position Determination System

Rule 24

(A) The positions of teams in a Division or Group shall in the first instance be determined according to their League points – the more league points, the higher the position.

(B) Should there be a tie in League points between two teams, the winner of the League match between those two teams shall be ranked in the higher position. In cases where two rounds of round-robin matches have been played and there is a tie in League points won by two teams and each team had won once in their two head to head League matches, their position shall be determined by the number of total sets won in their two head to head League matches – the more sets won, the higher the position.  If there is still a tie in the number of total sets won, their position shall be determined by the number of total games won in their two head to head League matches – the more games won, the higher the position. If there is still a tie in the number of total games won, their position shall be determined by the Position Determination Rules from Rule 24(F) to (H) (with suitable amendments).

(C) Should there be a tie in League points by more than two teams, the team which has won all the matches against the other teams shall occupy the highest position.  The position of the other teams shall be determined by the Position Determination Rules from Rule 24(D) to (H).

(D) Should there still be a tie after calculation of the League points and the position has not been determined by the head to head outcome, the position of a team shall be determined by the number of net won sets percentage (“Net Won Sets” means the number of sets won less the number of sets lost) of matches played by that team among the tied teams, which is defined as follows :-

No. of Net Won Sets of that team in matches played among the tied teams by that team *
X 100%
Total no. of sets in matches played among the tied teams*

* Walkover matches are excluded

(E) Should there still be a tie after calculation of Net Won Sets percentage under Rule 24(D), the position of a team shall be determined by the net won games percentage (“Net Won Games” means the number of games won less the number of games lost) of matches played among the tied teams by that team, which is defined as follows :-

No. of net won games of that team in matches played among the tied teams by that team*
X 100%
Total no. of games in matches played among the tied teams*

* Walkover matches are excluded

(F) Should there still be a tie after calculation of Net Won Games percentage under Rule 24(E), then the position of a team shall be determined by the Net Won Set percentage of matches played among all teams in that group by that team during the League, which is defined as follows :

No. of net won sets of that team in matches played in the group during the league by that team*
X 100%
Total no. of sets in matches played in the group during the league *

* Walkover matches are excluded

(G) Should there still be a tie after calculation of Net Won Set percentage under Rule 24(F), then the position of a team shall be determined by the Net Won Games percentage of matches played among all teams in that group by that team during the League, which is defined as follows :-

No. of net won games of that team in matches played in the group during the league by that team*
X 100%
Total no. of games in matches played in the group during the league *

* Walkover matches are excluded

(H) Should there still be a tie after calculation of the number of Net Won Games percentage under Rule 24(G), the positions of the tied teams shall be determined by a blind draw conducted by the LMC.

Playoff

Rule 25

All play-off matches shall be played at a venue and on a date to be decided by the LMC. If for whatever reason a play-off match cannot be completed within the designated period of a League season, e.g. due to repeated delays because of inclement weather or unavailability of venue, the LMC reserves the right to declare all the teams remaining in the play-off as Joint Winners.

Rule 26

If the venue of any playoff match is provided by either one of the playoff teams, the home team will switch courts in the following manner:

Court No. 1 2 3
Team Home Away Home Away Home Away
1st Round A1 vs A2 B1 vs B2 C1 vs C2
1st Round C1 vs A2 A1 vs B2 B1 vs C2
1st Round B1 vs A2 C1 vs B2 A1 vs C2

If the venue of any playoff match is held at a neutral venue where there is no Home Team or Away Team, both teams (Team 1 & 2 below) will switch courts in the following manner:

Court No. 1 2 3
1st Round A1 vs A2 B1 vs B2 C1 vs C2
1st Round B1 vs C2 C1 vs A2 A1 vs B2
1st Round C1 vs B2 A1 vs C2 B1 vs A2

Rule 27

Tennis Convenors and Team Captains of Clubs should familiarize themselves with the eligibility rules for players, the completion requirements of the League score sheets, the report of match results and arrangement of postponed matches. The LMC may invoke Rules 5, 17(C), 18(B), (C), 21(E) and (F) at any time without giving prior warning.

Rule 28

The LMC reserves the right to amend the above Rules at any time without giving prior notice.
* Except where otherwise stated, every reference in those rules alluding to the masculine gender also includes the feminine gender.

IMPORTANT NOTICE
SCORE SHEET

The Captain of the winning team must upload the score in online system after the match.

https://hkta.tournamentsoftware.com/leagues

League Results will be posted at:-
www.tennishk.org

Club rules concerning mobile phones

Mobile phones may not, under any circumstances, be used by visiting players or spectators when playing at a club which forbids their use.

According to the rules of some clubs any person, whether a member or non-member, may be immediately asked to leave the premises. If, during a match, therefore, a visiting player infringes a club’s rules regarding mobile phones and is asked to leave the premises, this player is deemed to have forfeited any remaining games in a set and all of his other un-played sets.

The LMC expects all players to observe the rules of host clubs. Convenors and captains should ensure that their players are fully aware of the points made above.

Electronic Review System For League Matches

The LMC has approved Eyes3 as electronic review system. When provided by the Home team, it shall be used to determine disputed line calls subject to the following rules:- The revised rules are in blue colour.

1) A request for an electronic review of a line call by a player shall be allowed only on either a point-ending shot or when a player stops playing the point during a rally (returns are permitted but then the player must immediately stop).

2) The original call will always stand if the electronic review is unable, for whatever reason, to make a decision on that line call.

3) Each doubles pairing is allowed three (3) unsuccessful appeals per set, plus one (1) additional appeal in the tiebreak. Players will have an unlimited number of successful appeals.

THE HKCTA CODE OF BEHAVIOUR FOR UNOFFICIATED MATCHES

The code is not part of the Official ITF Rules of Tennis. It is a guide for
un-officiated matches. The highest standard of sportsmanship is expected from
every player. Violators of this code or its spirit are subject to disciplinary action by the
LMC.
  • Courtesy.Tennis is a game that requires cooperation and courtesy from all
    participants.
  • Counting points played in good faith. All points played in good faith stand.
  • Player makes calls on own side of the net. A player calls all shots landing on,
    or aimed at, the player’s side of the net.
  • Opponent gets benefit of doubt. When a match is played without officials,
    the players are responsible for making decisions, particularly for line calls.
  • Ball touching any part of line is good. If any part of the ball touches the line,
    the ball is good. A ball 99% out is still 100% good.
  • Ball that cannot be called out is good. Any ball that cannot be called out is
    considered to have been good. A player may not claim a let on the basis of not
    seeing a ball.
  • Requesting opponent’s help. When an opponent’s opinion is requested and
    the opponent gives a positive opinion, it must be accepted. If neither player has
    an opinion, the ball is considered good.
  • Out calls corrected. If a player mistakenly calls a ball “out” and then realizes
    it was good, the point shall be replayed if the player returned the ball within the
    proper court.
  • Partners’ disagreement on calls. If doubles partners disagree about whether
    their opponents’ ball was out, they shall call it good. It is more important to
    give your opponents the benefit of the doubt than to avoid possibly hurting your
    2 partner’s feelings by not overruling.
  • Audible or visible calls. No matter how obvious it is to a player that the
    opponent’s ball is out, the opponent is entitled to a prompt audible or visible out
    call.
  • Opponent’s calls questioned. When a player genuinely doubts an opponent’s
    call, the player may ask: “Are you sure of your call?” If the opponent reaffirms
    that the ball was out, the call shall be accepted. If the opponent acknowledges
    uncertainty, the opponent loses the point. There shall be no further delay or
    discussion.
  • Spectators never to make calls.  A player shall not enlist the aid of a spectator in making a call. No spectator has a part in the match. All Spectators should be outside of the Court Area.
  • Prompt calls. A player shall make all calls promptly after the ball has hit the court. A call shall be made either before the player’s return shot has gone out of play or before the opponent has had the opportunity to play the return shot.
  • Lets called when balls roll on the court. When a ball from an adjacent court enters the playing area, any player shall call a let as soon as the player becomes aware of the ball. The player loses the right to call a let if the player unreasonably delays in making the call.
  • Touches, hitting ball before it crosses net, invasion of opponent’s court, double hits, and double bounces. A player shall promptly acknowledge if:
    – a ball touches the player;
    – the player touches the net;
    – the player touches the player’s opponent’s court;
    – the player hits a ball before it crosses the net; – the player deliberately carries or double hits the ball; or – the ball bounces more than once in the player’s court.
  • Balls hit through the net or into the ground. A player shall make the ruling on a ball that the player’s opponent hits:
    – through the net; or
    – into the ground before it goes over the net.
  • Server’s request for third ball. When a server requests three balls, the receiver shall comply when the third ball is readily available. Distant balls shall be retrieved at the end of a game.
  • Foot Faults. A player may warn an opponent that the opponent has committed a flagrant foot fault. However, no player can call flagrant foot faults.
  • Talking during a point. A player shall not talk while the ball is moving toward the opponent’s side of the court. If the player’s talking interferes with an opponent’s ability to play the ball, the player loses the point.
  • Feinting with the body. A player may feint with the body while the ball is in play. A player may change position at any time, including while the Server is tossing the ball. Any movement or sound that is made solely to distract an opponent, including, but not limited, to waving the arms or racket or stamping the feet, is not allowed.
  • Grunting. A player should avoid grunting and making other loud noises. Grunting and other loud noises may bother not only opponents but also players on adjacent courts.
  • Service calls in doubles. In doubles the Receiver’s partner should call the service line, and the Receiver should call the sideline and the centre service line.
    Nonetheless, either partner may call a ball that either clearly sees.
  • Service let calls. Any player may call a service let. The call shall be made before the return of serve goes out of play or is hit by the Server or the Server’s partner. Any let shall be called promptly.
  • Receiver readiness. The Receiver shall play to the reasonable pace of the Server. The Receiver should make no effort to return a serve when the Receiver is not ready. If a player attempts to return a serve (even if it is a “quick” serve), then the Receiver (or Receiving team) is presumed to be ready.
  • Server announces score. The Server shall announce the game score before the first point of the game and the point score before each subsequent point of the game.
  • Disputes. Disputes over the score shall be resolved by using one of the following methods:
    – count all points and games agreed upon by the players and replay only the disputed points or games;
    – play from a score mutually agreeable to all players;
  • Retrieving stray balls. Each player is responsible for removing stray balls and other objects from the player’s end of the court.
  • Catching a ball. If a player catches a ball before it bounces, the player loses the point regardless of where the player is standing.
  • Clothing and equipment malfunction. If clothing or equipment, other than a racket, becomes unusable through circumstances outside the control of the player, play may be suspended for a reasonable period.
  • Placement of towels. Place towels on the ground outside the net post or at the back fence. Clothing and towels should never be placed on the net.
THE OFFICIAL ITF RULES OF TENNIS CAN BE FOUND ON THE ITF WEBSITE: www.itftennis.com.
DRESS
Every player should dress and present himself / herself for play in a suitable manner.
Clean and customarily acceptable tennis attire should be worn.
UNACCEPTABLE ATTIRE
Sweatshirts, gym shoes, dress shirts, or any other inappropriate attire should not be worn during a match.
Mixed Double League
Additional Player Request Form

Any application received after the league handbook has been uploaded will be charged with an administration fee of $200 for the processing of each additional player or replacement player.

The admin fee is to be paid by crossed cheque made payable to “The Hong Kong, China Tennis Association Limited” with the name of your club and team written on the back of the cheque & posted to the HKCTA’s office.

The LMC will only entertain applications for additional players within 14 days after commencement of the league season of the relevant division.

Application deadline:
Division I : 3 February 2025 (Monday), 6pm
Division II : 5 February 2025 (Wednesday), 6pm
Division III : 6 February 2025 (Thursday), 6pm
E.g. Tennis Convenor / one other person nominated by each Member Club
Players
Mixed Double League
Withdrawal of Player Request Form
Application deadline:
Division I : 3 February 2025 (Monday), 6pm
Division II : 5 February 2025 (Wednesday), 6pm
Division III : 6 February 2025 (Thursday), 6pm
Applicable for All Division: Relevant deadline for withdrawing players will be scheduled 14 days subsequent to the actual contest date.
E.g. Tennis Convenor / one other person nominated by each Member Club
Players
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Contact

Ms. Ki CHOY
Tel:2504 8589
Fax:2894 8704
Email:league@tennishk.org