Once you arrive at a tournament you will need to:

1.

Check In

When you arrive at the tournament you should first locate the tournament desk. Unless otherwise instructed, you will need to check in at the tournament desk at least 15 minutes prior to your start time, ready to play, and having taken care of all personal needs such as going to the restroom and getting water. You will meet your opponent, receive balls and instructions, and be sent to play when a court is available. It is also helpful if you:

• Advise the tournament director where you are staying. This can be extremely helpful in the event of rain or default situations. Providing a cell phone number is also recommended.
• Bring to the attention of the referee any discrepancies in the draw as soon as possible. For example, if you were listed twice, your name was spelled incorrectly, or you were placed in the wrong age division, the referee should know before you start to play.

2.

Enjoy Your Match

When a court is available, the tournament desk will give you balls and send you and your opponent to your assigned court. You will be expected to limit your warm-up to five minutes. Be sure to call the score clearly before every point as this will eliminate any confusion. Please use the scorecards if they are provided.

Tennis is a sport that entrusts sportsmanship and fair play to the players on the court, so be sure to keep that in mind while you're playing. Unsportsmanlike conduct on the court, by you as well as by your family and friends, is subject to the Point Penalty Suspension System. You may be suspended from playing tournaments if your bad behavior persists. The best way to understand what is expected of you is to read "The Code," - the general rules of sportsmanship and fair play that is located in "Friend at Court" the USTA Handbook of Tennis Rules and Regulations.

3.

Report Results and Learn Your Next Match Time

After a match is completed or suspended, you should not leave the grounds without obtaining your next playing time or getting a clearance to leave although it is the responsibility of the winner to report the score, both players should make sure it was reported correctly. It is your responsibility to know when your next match will be played. Please note that many tournaments have consolation rounds in singles, so even if you lost you may play again. Check (and double check!) the draw sheet. If you have any questions about the start time, consult with the tournament desk.

4.

Be Flexible

Be prepared for changes in weather. Bring extra clothes and jackets, an umbrella, food, books, cards and games, blanket, folding chair, first-aid kit, extra racquet, water jug, ice chest, towels, and practice balls. Some matches are played at alternate sites so you will need to stay flexible and make the best of the situation, especially when the weather becomes unpredictable.

5.

Be Courteous

Every player should show respect for the tournament director, referee, officials, volunteers and tournament sites. Remember the workers at the tournament desk are usually volunteers. Please show your consideration and appreciation for the hospitality extended by thanking the tournament desk staff before you leave or sending the tournament director a thank you note or email once the tournament is over.

6.

Know When It's Appropriate to Ask for an Official

The referee, officials and court monitors are primarily there to help the players and make the tournament run smoothly and fairly. We hope they will be viewed as helpers. Although rare, players may sometimes feel that they need to have an official come to their court for assistance. This usually occurs when you and your opponent are having problems, such as you can't agree on the score or you believe your opponent is not calling lines fairly.

A player may request assistance during a match from the tournament referee, although players are encouraged not to request such assistance until and unless need has been demonstrated. Players may seek the referee but must tell their opponent what they are doing. When the official or court monitor arrives be sure you understand what their role will be before resuming play.

7.

Report Concerns to the Tournament Director or Referee

Only the tournament director and referee can make major decisions at a tournament. If you have a concern, please be sure to speak directly with one of these people--both should be onsite, unless a deputy has been appointed, at all times.

8.

Check the Online Draw Sheets Once the Tournament is Over

Check the draw sheets to make sure your tournament results have been reported correctly. If there is an error, email the tournament director or referee to have it corrected. It is also important to keep a record of all your matches in each sanctioned tournament you play. Players should regularly compare their own records with their records on the NorCal website to make sure they are ranked properly.

Here is the link to the player record.

9.

Tournament Evaluation

In an effort to provide quality tournaments to our juniors, USTA NorCal would appreciate it if you would complete the online evaluation form after your tournament.

If you have a serious complaint that needs to be brought to the attention of USTA NorCal or want to report a violation of the rules, please contact the director of junior tennis in writing, preferably by email to coyne@norcal.usta.com, within 14 days of the occurrence. Be sure to include a complete description of the complaint or violation.