WTA Rules

Below are the WTA "rules" for Wednesday night doubles matches, singles matches, and scoring information.

Also, there have been a few questions regarding some basic rules of the game and also an appropriate code of conduct on the courts. For some good information on this please see: https://www.usta.com/en/home/improve/what---the-call.html. Let’s all try to keep it fun and fair out there!

NOTE - this information is from a previous season, but will give you an idea of what to expect if you are new and looking to join in 2024.

Wednesday Night Doubles

  • ALL Women’s doubles matches are scheduled at 6pm. (using 6 courts) Please be at the courts on time (earlier if you need to warm-up longer). If the women’s matches start late, it causes a ripple effect to the rest of the evening’s matches to start late as well.
  • ALL Mixed doubles matches are scheduled at 7pm. (using 8 courts)
  • ALL Men’s doubles matches are scheduled at 8pm. (using 7 courts)
  • Please check your schedule carefully and notify us right away if you see any problems.
  • Use regular ad scoring. The team with the most games at the end of the hour wins. Usually it is a 10 game set, win by 2.
  • Discuss with your opponents prior to the match how to handle a match that is tied near the end of your time (tie breaker, or just play one more game). No ties please.
  • We play a standard “12 point tie-break”. If you are not familiar with this type of tie-break, review these instructions . Both teams need to agree up front if they want to use a different tie-break (like the Coman). If you can’t agree, a 12 point should be played.
  • Allow all scheduled matches to start play first, and then start a make-up or pick-up match if a court is available. Please be sure not to take up a court just for practice/make-up if there are scheduled matches needing a court. We should have plenty of extra courts available at each hour for make-up matches.
  • Matches are 1 hour, including warm-up. Plan to be done at the end of the hour. If there are open courts after your hour you can play later, but scheduled matches have priority. Men’s Doubles players – note that all courts will be available at 9pm so feel free to discuss with your opponents if you plan on playing with the hour limit or if you all agree to play past the hour since the courts will be available.
  • If you know you can’t play your match, you must make every attempt to find a sub . If you definitely cannot find a sub, you must call AT LEAST 24 hours before your scheduled time to reschedule, or forfeit the match. Please be considerate of your fellow members by following this rule. Remember, substitutes can’t play at a level lower than their designation and they must be a current member of the WTA.
  • Deadline for turning in results: September 3.

In recent years, there are has been a growing number of cancelations and rescheduling. You must make every effort to be available for every scheduled match. If circumstances are beyond your control, you must try to find a sub from the sub list. By joining the league you have made a commitment to play every week. Please be responsible to this commitment. Unavoidable life issues are one thing, making other social plans and blowing off your tennis night is another. Respect your fellow members!

"Call to Schedule" Singles

  • All singles matches are “Call to Schedule”. Contact your scheduled opponent the week before the week you are scheduled to play to try and set up a date and time for the scheduled week. If you cannot play during the week scheduled, you should still try to get something on both of your calendars.
  • You can choose to play a 10 game set or best of 3 sets. Decide before your match what scoring you will use.
  • Deadline for turning in results: September 3.
  • We trust that all players will take responsibility for making contact and setting up match dates, and taking turns supplying balls for the matches.

In recent years, there are has been a growing number of cancelations and rescheduling. You must make every effort to be available for every scheduled match. By joining the league you have made a commitment to play every week. Please be responsible to this commitment. Unavoidable life issues are one thing, making other social plans and blowing off your tennis night is another. Respect your fellow members!

Match Results

  • It is the responsibility of the winning person or team to report the match results. If using the score sheet kept at the courts, circle the number in your row and cross out the number in your opponent's row. If your win is a result of a forfeit, please write an "F" next to the circle/cross out.
  • Two forfeits will be allowed to count towards each person or team's win/loss record.
  • No call/no shows result in an instant forfeit that DO NOT count towards the allowed two forfeits above. We ask everyone this year to notify us at watertowntennis@gmail.com when they encounter a no call/no show player or team. The board plans on tracking this information to address repeat offenders. Thank you for your understanding.
  • All players and teams are responsible for reporting match results. The quickest and easiest way to report results is via a Google doc at http://bit.ly/WTAMatchResults. There will also be sheets available at the Brandt-Quirk courts where you can circle the winning person or team and cross out the losing person or team. Our scorekeeper, Monique Leija, can be contacted with match results via her email address monique.terrazas@gmail.com or by phone at 691-6190. Please use the form (or email) whenever possible!
  • Deadline for reporting results is September 1 . After that, any matches not played will be considered losses.
  • Awards are given to the 1st and 2nd place winners of each category and level of play at the annual awards gathering.

Substitutes

Sign up on the registration form if you want to be designated as a substitute. If you need a substitute for a doubles match, refer to the membership list, but remember that subs can’t play at a level lower than their designation.

Substitutes must be WTA members.

If you would like to join the league as a substitute only, the registration fee is reduced to $15.

Coolers

On opening night and various weeks of each month (weather permitting), beverages and snacks are provided at the courts. This provides an opportunity for everyone to socialize and get to know fellow members.

Cooler items are brought by volunteers/board members. If you are disappointed with the timing of items being brought or how long they are available, feel free to volunteer your time to help. We are always looking for volunteers!

Dates of the coolers are: May 15, June 5, June 26, July 24, August 21