RULES
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) rules apply (the governing wording in the case of any disputes is Czech) superseded by the GLTA rules. By participating in the Prague Friendly Tennis Open the players agree with the tournament rules as specified above and below.
All tournament entries will be crosschecked against the GLTA ranking list as at 24 June 2011. The organisers reserve the right to place the entrants at division levels based on their GLTA ranking.
For doubles the stronger partner's division level determines placement. The organisers reserve the right to unify the division levels of an entrant in both events to the higher level.
SEEDING
Seeding will be based primarily on the GLTA ranking points system. Special seeding considerations may be given to recent tournament results. The final decision regarding such matters will be made by the Tournament Director.
GENERAL
Players must report to the tournament desk 30 minutes prior to match time.
By default the PTFO is a single elimination tournament.
All singles matches will be played to the best of three sets, regular scoring, with a 7-point tie-breaker at 6 games all.
All doubles matches will be played to the best of three sets, regular scoring, with a 7-point tie-breaker at 6 games all. At one set all the third set will be reduced to a single 10-point tie-breaker. The player/team who first wins ten points shall win this match tie-break and the match provided there is a margin of two points over the opponent(s).
All consolation matches will be 8-game pro-sets with a 7-point tie-breaker at 8 games all.
Certain divisions are probably going to be played on a round-robin basis. A division may be divided into two round robins. In that case their winners play each other to determine the final winner. The ranking in a round robin is determined by the number of points awarded. Two points are awarded for a win, zero points for a loss. When competitors are level on points, the following criteria are used until the winner is determined: the result of their previous match determines the winner (head-to-head), the difference between sets and subsequently games scored and conceded (scoring differential), the total number of sets and subsequently games scored (points scored); toss-up.
Players are restricted to a 5-minute warm-up period.
Immediately upon match completion players must report the match results and return balls to the tournament desk.
A 30-minute break is allowed between matches after a singles match, a 15-minute break after a doubles match.
DEFAULT
Any player arriving late to his announced match will incur the following penalties under the GLTA rules:
- up to 5 minutes: loss of toss and 1 game,
- 5 to 10 minutes: loss of toss and 2 games,
- 10 to 15 minutes: loss of toss and 3 games
- over 15 minutes: default from the match.
Organisers may strictly enforce the above-mentioned times & rules.
PRIZES
Prizes will be awarded to winners and runner-ups in all divisions. In round-robins and in consolation games only the winners will receive prizes.
BALLS AND COURTS
All matches will be played with Dunlop Fort balls.
A set of balls shall be used in three matches at most.
Every final match will be played with new balls.
By default the matches will be played on red clay, in case of rain some may be played on a hard floor.
For singles always use net posts.
ATTIRE AND SHOES
Proper tennis attire and shoes are required when on court. Wearing shirts is obligatory.
CONDUCT IN TOURNAMENT
Eschew unsportsmanlike behaviour.
No coaching during matches.
No umpires; players call their own line. In case of disagreement, please refer to the tournament director.
Do not enter or throw balls onto another court when the ball is in play.
DELAYS
In case of delays the tournament director may invoke the use of the following:
1. NO-AD SCORING
If both players/teams have won three points each, the score is "Deuce" and a deciding point shall be played. The receiver(s) shall choose whether to receive the service from the right half or the left half of the court. In doubles, the players of the receiving team cannot change positions to receive this deciding point. The player/team who wins the deciding point wins the "Game".
2. "SHORT" SETS
The first player/team who wins four games wins that set, provided there is a margin of two games over the opponent(s). If the score reaches four games all, a tie-break game shall be played.
3. MATCH TIE-BREAK (7 POINTS)
When the score in a match is one set all, one tie-break game shall be played to decide the match. This tie-break game replaces the deciding final set.
The player/team who first wins seven points shall win this match tie-break and the match provided there is a margin of two points over the opponent(s).
4. MATCH TIE-BREAK (10 POINTS)
When the score in a match is one set all, one tie-break game shall be played to decide the match. This tie-break game replaces the deciding final set.
The player/team who first wins ten points shall win this match tie-break and the match provided there is a margin of two points over the opponent(s).
5. PRO-SET
Matches will be 8-game pro-sets with a tie-breaker at 8 games all.
If a situation arises not covered by any of the above rules, the tournament director shall decide how to resolve it.
- email : - © 2012
