Jr. Team Tennis
Handbook
updated 11/2014
Lexington Area Tennis Association
Jr. Team Tennis
425 Oak Drive
Lexington, SC 2973
803-951-0980
www.lexingtontennis.com
lataoffice@windstream.net
Karen Holzschuh,
Jr. Team Tennis Coordinator
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LATA Jr. Team Tennis
The goal of the Lexington Area Tennis Association is the promotion and support of children as they begin a
lifetime of playing tennis.
COACHES/COACHING
A mandatory coaches meeting/training will be held either in person or by conference call.
Please refer to the appendix for current season details. Coaches unable to attend the
mandatory meeting must arrange a time to meet individually with LATA’s Jr. Team Tennis
Coordinator.
For 10 & Under Intermediate/Advanced, 12, 14 and 18 & Under Intermediate/Advanced divisions:
Coaching is allowed during changeovers, but only by the Head Coach or Assistant. Coaching by
parents is NOT ALLOWED! Coaches and spectators should not assist in making line calls or keeping
score.
For Ten and Under Beginner teams, coaching is allowed only by coaches and monitors. Please be
sure parents are aware they CANNOT coach their child during the match.
DATES OF MATCH PLAY & PRACTICE
Please refer to the appendix for current season details.
Each team will determine a clinic/practice schedule. 8 & Under and 10 & Under is advertised as
practice and play on Friday. Coaches may hold an additional practice provided it is offered to all
players on the team.
Match days will be Fridays at 5:30 PM. In the event of rain, Coaches will agree upon, as soon as
possible, a date, site and time for the make up match. Make-ups must be played prior to the last
scheduled match for each division except under further circumstances that the local area
Coordinator may authorize. Once the date, site and time are determined, the match must be played
and cannot be changed unless another rainout occurs, or under further circumstances that both
Coaches agree upon.
FORMAT
The format of play will be as follows:
 12’s, 14’s and 18’s Intermediate/Advanced: one boys singles, one girls singles, one boys
doubles, one girls doubles, and one mixed doubles
 10 & Under Intermediate/Advanced: 2 singles, 2 doubles, one mixed doubles
 10 & Under Beginner: 4 mixed doubles
 8 & Under Intermediate/Beginner: singles matches only
SCORING
All scoring is No Ad
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8’s – Best of 3 games – a game is the first to win 7 points
10’s – BEGINNER & INTERMEDIATE- Short Set. The first to win 4 games – if score is 3 – 3, the
next to win the next game wins the match. Regular scoring (15, 30, 40, game)
12’s – 14’s – one short set – first to win 6 games by a margin of 2
18’s – one pro set – first to win 8 games by a margin of 2
Scores will be cumulative games won. Please record scores via the direct link to score entry on-line
at https://tennislink.usta.com/Dashboard/Main/Login.aspx?App=4 under Jr. Team Tennis. Scores
must be entered within 48 hours of the completed match.
Scores do NOT need to be entered in TennisLink for 8U or 10U Beginner divisions or Green Dot
teams.
LEVELS
Level of play is based on JNTRP guidelines.
 Beginner level has players with skill levels of 2.0 & below.
 Intermediate level has players with skill levels of 3.0 & above.
BALLS
'Home' match balls are provided to the coach by LATA.
8UB & I - practice and match play balls are one in the same.
10UI - The 'home' team will provide 3 balls per court of play.
12, 14, 18UI - The ‘home’ team will provide a can of balls per court of play
VOLUNTEERS
Each team should provide refreshments for their own players. Coaches are urged to have a
volunteer “Refreshment Coordinator” to assist with this.
AWARDS
 At the end of the season, all 8U Beginner players will receive medallions
 All 10U Beginner players will receive medallions.
 The winning 10U Intermediate/Advanced and 12U Intermediate/Advanced division team will
receive trophies
 All 12U Green Dot Ball players will receive medallions
 The winning teams from 14, and 18U Intermediate/Advanced division will receive a fence
sign that can be displayed at their home facility.
CHAMPIONSHIPS
A Championship Year is defined as the Fall and Spring season with Championships being held in the
Summer. For example, the 2015 Championship Year is the Fall 2014 season, and the Spring 2015
season. With the 2015 Championship matches played in Summer 2015. Please refer to the
appendix for current season details.
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Eligible division winners from the Fall season and Spring season may qualify for the South Carolina
Jr. Team Tennis State Championships in the Summer of the Championship Year.
At the local level, for the winning teams to be eligible to advance to the State Championships, they
must enter all match records in TennisLink within 2 weeks of the last scheduled match date for
that division. Division winners will be determined based on the recorded scores in TennisLink 2
weeks after the last scheduled match date for the division, unless extenuating circumstances are
cleared by the Local League Coordinator.
A player ranked in the top 300 of the USTA Southern Standings as of July 31 of the prior
Championship Year must play in the Advanced division. A 10U player ranked in the USTA Southern
Section 1-100 Standing List as of July 31 of the prior Championship Year must play in the Advanced
division.
USTA Jr. Team Tennis uses three methods to determine appropriate or acceptable placement of
Advanced players.
A. The National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) - 3.5 and above must play in the Advanced division
and 3.0 and below in the Intermediate division.
B. USTA Southern Section 1-300 Standing List as of July 31, of the prior year for 12s -18s must
play in an Advanced division and USTA Southern Section 1-100 Standing List as of July 31, of the
prior year for *10s must play in an Advanced division of 10s OR Intermediate or Advanced if playing
up in the 12s-18s.
C. Adult league ratings for 17 or 18 year olds who participate in USTA Adult league play. If a player
has an Adult league rating (computer rating or self-rating) of 3.5 and above they must play in the
Advanced division.
12U Intermediate and 12U Advanced winning teams from the State Championships are eligible to
advance to the Section Championships. Only the 18U and the 14U age categories have advancement
opportunities to National Championships.
MATCHES
It is imperative that you communicate with your team about the dates and times of play! Be sure
each player has a schedule, knows when he/she plays, or if the match has been cancelled due to
weather or rescheduling.
If you are unable to be present at each match event, it is vital that you have an acting
Coach/Captain to represent you that has been through the Background Check and Safety Course
process.
Before the match begins, the Captains must exchange scorecards with completed line-ups. If a
player fails to show for his or her match or becomes ill, or injured during warm-up, another player
on the team who was not scheduled to play can legally be placed in that position. Once the match
has begun no substitutions may be made.
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Encourage good sportsmanship and appreciation for teammates and coaches.
Require your players to shake hands with each other after the match.
Build their confidence. Have your player’s look and act like tennis players.
Consider a “buddy” system on the day of matches-using a player that is not playing that day to
watch and cheer the “buddy” on. Be sure you teach the etiquette of tennis to spectators and
players.
POST MATCH
Team captains must exchange and sign off on scores prior to leaving the match, and then enter
scores on TennisLink (Winner or Loser). Coaches can decide who is to enter the scores. It is
recommended that the ‘home’ team enter scores, however, this is not a requirement.
Both teams must confirm scores entered on TennisLink by opposing captain.
FORFEIT RULES
Please encourage your players to attend all matches. The optimum number to play a match is 4 girls
and 4 boys. We realize that some teams may not field enough girls/boys to play a match.
Some teams have a disproportionate number of boys or girls on a team this season. For those
teams with 3 or less girls or 3 or less boys on the official roster, substitutions are allowed.
Coaches are allowed to sub girls for boys or boys for girls (for the best possible match) in order to
allow all players to play matches that ‘count’ toward team scores and avoid forfeits.
Additionally, for those teams with 3 or less girls or 3 or less boys on the official roster, a Coach
will be allowed to play a player more than once in order to prevent a forfeit. Only after all players
that have come to the match and have played once, can a player be allowed to play a second match.
A player cannot play more than twice during a team match. If you have three girls or three boys at
a match, one player cannot play twice while one girl or boy sits out.
NOTE: WHILE A CHILD IS ALLOWED TO PLAY TWICE IN A MATCH AT THE LOCAL
LEVEL, THE SECOND TIME THEY PLAY DOES NOT COUNT TOWARD THE TWO (2)
MATCHES THEY NEED IN TENNIS LINK TO ADVANCE TO STATE. ONLY ONE MATCH
PER MATCH ID WILL COUNT IN TENNIS LINK.
For example, if a team has 5 boys and 3 girls on the official roster and all come to the match, a
Coach may play the following:
GS – girl #1
GD – girl #2 and girl #3
BS – boy #1
BD – boy #2 and boy #3
Mxd – boy #4 and boy #5
Everyone gets to play one time by substituting the 5 th boy for the 4th girl.
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Or if a team has 5 boys and 2 girls on the official roster but only 1 girl comes to the match, a Coach
may play the following:
GS – girl #1
GD – girl #1 and boy #1 (girl #1 plays 2 times)
BS – boys #1 (boy #1 plays 2 times)
BD – boy #2 and boy #3
Mxd – boy #4 and boy #5
Everyone gets to play one time by substituting and some players play twice in order to avoid a
forfeit because a team did not have the minimum number of girls.
Or, if a team has 4 boys and 3 girls, a Coach may play the following:
GS – girl #1
GD – girl #2 and girl #3
BS – boy #1
BD – boys #2 and boys #3
Mxd – boy #4 and girl #1 (the next girl on the ladder, always playing your strongest ladder)
If you have 4 girls or more and 4 boys or more on your roster, but less than the optimum number of
girls/boys attend a match, substitutions are not allowed (meaning boys playing in girls matches or
girls playing in boys matches). However, following the purpose of the established ladder, each
player may play a maximum of two times in order to avoid a forfeit. After all players have played
twice, a forfeit of a court will result.
For example:
A team has 6 girls and 6 boys but 4 girls and 2 boys attend the match, a Coach may play the
following:
GS – girl #1 (on the ladder, or the next girl on the ladder if girl #1 is not there, etc.)
GD – girl #2 and girl #3
BS – boy #1
BD – boy #1 and boy #2 (boy #1 plays twice)
Mxd – girl #4 and boy #2 (boy #2 plays twice)
No substituting playing boys for girls, but players can play twice.
This does make for a very long night, so please encourage your players to attend all matches.
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GUIDE
TO
TENNISLINK
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Steps to Signing up as a Coach
Dear JTT Coach/Assistant Coach,
Thank you for volunteering to be a Jr. Team Tennis Program Coordinator or Coach for USTA South
Carolina’s Jr. Team Tennis program.
Effective January 1, 2014, the 3 steps outlined below must be fulfilled to be eligible to
serve as a USTA Jr. Team Tennis Coach.
Step 1: Complete the online training module: http://training.teamusa.org. You will be
prompted to create an account. Depending on your knowledge and skillset, the training will
take you 30 minutes to complete. If you are unable to complete the training at one time,
you can return and continue using the account you created.
Step 2: Review the USTA’s definitions of prohibited conduct and its procedures for
reporting and responding found at www.usta.com/safeplay.
Step 3: Background Screen Application. In the application, you will be required to certify
and affirm that you have successfully completed (1) and (2) above. The USTA has
retained the services of an independent third party, the National Center for Safety
Initiatives (NCSI), to conduct background screenings of all applicants.
Please note that the screening is not intended to serve as a pre-employment background
screening program, nor can screening guarantee that incidents of abuse will not occur .
Background Check Procedure:
Complete Your Background Screen Application. In the application, you will be required to
certify and affirm that you have successfully completed (1) and (2) above. Please begin
your background screen
here: https://www.ncsisafe.com/members/SelfRegLandingUSTAJTT.aspx
Once you have submitted your background screen information, results will be generated in
approximately 10 business days. Please be sure to add ncsisafe.com to your accepted email
domain list. Watch for an email from Compliance@ncsisafe.com in the days following your
application; this will contain an Applicant ID number which can be used to check the status
of your application on NCSI’s website.
NCSI may contact you within the 10 business day waiting period to request more
information. You can confirm the legitimacy of the request by checking your status on
NCSI’s website using the Applicant ID number; your status will note the same request for
information. Please watch for communications from NCSI as these emails may end up in
your “spam” folder.
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Following the above described waiting period, you will receive either a green or red light,
based on the results of your application and the USTA’s criteria. If you receive a green
light, you will receive an email from the USTA notifying you that you’ve been cleared
through Safe Play with instructions on what to do next. You also will be listed on the
results page of USTA.com: http://www.usta.com/AboutUSTA/background_screening_program_results/. If you received a red light, you will be
notified by NCSI of your status and you will not be eligible to participate in Jr. Team
Tennis.
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Signing up as a Coach in Tennis Link
You must register on TennisLink to become a team tennis captain. If you have a USTA
number, you may use it. If you do not have a number, you can submit your personal
information and TennisLink will give you a USTA Team Coach/Captain ID
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Go to: www.usta.com
Across the top of the page, click on 'TennisLink'
Across the top of the next page, click on 'JR. TEAM TENNIS'
Click on the bottom right of the page, under OPTIONS, where it says "Become a
Coach/Manager".
Next screen enter your USTA number and the system will pre-fill the rest from
the National database.
If you do not have a USTA number then complete the
form with your contact information and press SUBMIT.
Password Hint: I typically tell coaches just to make the password 'tennis' so when
they forget it, I can simply tell them it's 'tennis'
o Keep this Team Coach/Captain ID and your password in a safe place as
you will need this info in the future to access score entry, player and
team information and to print scorecards.
Once you press 'submit' on that screen, you’re done. Email me at:
lataoffice@windstream.net, when you are done and include your USTA number or
system assigned Team Coach/Captain ID. I will then associate you with your team.
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Reviewing your roster, schedule and printing a scorecard from Tennis Link
You will need your USTA Membership number or system assigned Team Coach/Captain ID and
password before you begin. You must also have passed the background check and completed the online training.
 Go to: www.usta.com
 Across the top of the page, click on 'TennisLink'
 Across the top of the next page, click on 'JR. TEAM TENNIS'
 Across the top of the page, click 'Login'
 Next page should say:
Login or Create Your USTA Account
 If you are not sure that you have a USTA account, try to login using
your USTA Membership number or Team Coach/Captain ID, then follow the instructions.
 If you have a USTA account, Login into your USTA account.
 The next page will say: Welcome to TennisLink USTA Team Tennis
 Down the right hand side, there will be three red bars. The middle red bar should say 'My
Profile' with Welcome and your name underneath it. The next red bar says "My Options",
click on Teams
 On the next page, make sure the Championship Year is current. A Championship Year is
defined as the Fall and Spring season with Championships being held in the Summer. For
example, the 2015 Championship Year equals the Fall 2014 season, plus the Spring 2015
season. With the 2015 Championship matches played in Summer 2015.
 The next screen will display your teams for the Championship year. If you do not have any
teams, email me and I will associate you with your team and then it will display.
 click on the icon at the right hand side of the screen that looks like a piece of paper
with its corner turned down.
 The next screen will give you a 'team summary', 'team players', 'match schedule' (this is
where you will find your team schedule when I let you know the schedules have been
posted) , 'blank scorecard' (use this blank scorecard for matches, the team players are
already listed on the bottom of the card for you).
 click on the button that says 'player roster' to get your teams mailing address and phone
numbers.
 To get email addresses, click 'close', this will bring you back to the page that lists
your team
o click on the team number in the left hand corner
o On the next page, scroll down to the bottom of the page where your player names,
USTA numbers and ages are...
o click on an individual player and their personal information will be displayed. If they
entered an email address, you will find it here. There is no simpler way to see all
players email addresses on one page, in TennisLink :(.
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Entering Scores for completed matches:
Captains/Coaches or co-captains need to log in to the Tennis Link program for the System to
recognize you as eligible to record scores for Team Matches.
Captains/Coaches are eligible to record scores only for those teams that they are listed as the
Coach or Captain or co-captain.
Scores can be entered for completed matches only.
The first captain going in to enter scores will record the match results.
The "other" captain will be able to review the results but not edit the scores entered.
HELPFUL HINTS
Match ID Numbers
You will need match numbers for score entry and score confirmation.
Print a “Match Summary” report, which lists your matches along with their ID numbers. Save this
for reference throughout the season.
Scorecards
If while in Match Summary, or Match Schedule you click on a match ID number, you can print a
blank scorecard for the designated match. This blank scorecard will list the names of all registered
players on both the home and visiting teams. Take this to the match for recording scores.
TO ENTER OR CONFIRM SCORES
SCORE ENTRY – You will need:
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
Step 4:
Step 5:
Step 6:
Step 7:
Step 8:
Go to http://tennislink.usta.com/TEAMTENNIS/Main/Home.aspx
(HINT: Bookmark this page)
Sign in above the JTT logo emblem – Coach/Coordinator Sign
In link – You will need your USTA or Team Tennis Number and password.
On the right side of the page, under “My Options”, select Score Entry
Enter the match number, select Next
Verify it’s the correct match for which you wish to enter scores, select Next
Scorecard: Enter the date the match was played.
Select players in each position from the drop down list and enter scores;
Put the winning score first then click on winner. Click Next.
Verify information entered is correct. If accurate, click Finish.
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TO CONFIRM SCORES (Opposing Team usually confirms the scores to ensure entry accuracy.)
You will need:
•
Match number (Hint: Print a “Match Summary” report, which lists your match
ID numbers. Save this for reference throughout the season.)
• Scores from match
Steps 1-5: The same as Score Entry
Step 6:
Verify information entered is correct.
Step 7:
Select Confirm, if accurate. Click Dispute, if not accurate and contact the
league coordinator for correction of scores.
Step 8:
Click Finish to complete the process
TEAM REPORTS
Step 1:
Go to http://tennislink.usta.com/TEAMTENNIS/Main/Home.aspx
(HINT: Bookmark this page)
Step 2: Sign in above the JTT logo emblem – Coach/Coordinator Sign
In link – You will need your USTA or Team Tennis Number and password.
Step 3: On the right side of the page, under “My Options”, select Teams
Step 6: On the far right side of your team information, click on the paper icon
From here you can view:
 Team Summary - contains players, team standings and team matches
 Match Summary - includes match schedule along with results*
 Match Schedule - includes schedule along with captains’ phone number
Player Roster – includes players’ names, address, phone number, etc.
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VOLUNTEER
JOB
DESCRIPTIONS
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Assistant Coach – Volunteer Job Description
Goal of Position
 Added support for the coach. This added support will help ensure the Coach will be able to
perform their role and responsibilities which will create a team/sport that the children will
want to return to.
Responsibilities of Position
 Stay at practices/matches to assist coaches with feeding the balls and other practice
activities.
Training Provided
 Coach will provide on-site instruction.
Timeframe
 Length of commitment: 6 – 8 weeks (or length of season)
 Estimated hours per week: 2.5 hour per week
Qualifications
 No prior tennis experience or knowledge required
Benefits
 Give back to the game of tennis
 Possibly spark the interest in coaching
 Make a difference in a child’s tennis life
 Be a role model
 Put leadership skills into practice
Staff Contact:
 Karen Holzschuh 803-951-0980
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Telephone Coordinator - Volunteer Job Description
Goal of Position
 To enable easy and rapid disbursement of information (i.e. rain cancels practice or a match).
Responsibilities of Position
 Establish a telephone tree in a word or an excel document. Handwritten is fine if a
computer is not accessible.
 Create the form with the name of the player and their telephone number. It is also helpful
to request an email address. (see sample attached)
 Circulate the form at a practice to get the information as soon as possible.
 Verify the information with each player or parent to ensure there are no problems when the
info is needed.
 Ask parents who will be willing to make phone calls in the event information needs to be
disbursed. Depending on the team size, having a parent contact 3 or 4 players is not
overwhelming.
 Divide the list of information into parts equal to the number of parents who have offered to
make phone calls.
 Assign a parent a section of players to contact.
 Give the parent the complete roster of information with the section they are responsible
for clearly indicated.
Training Provided
 No formal training is provided. See the sample “telephone tree” in the Examples section of
this document.
Timeframe
 Length of commitment: 6 – 8 weeks (or length of season)
 Estimated hours per week/month:
1 hour per week
Qualifications
 No prior tennis experience or knowledge required.
Benefits
 Use of organizational skills
 Chance to communicate with other parents
 Give back to the game of tennis
 Be a role model
Staff Contact:
 Karen Holzschuh 951-0980
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Ladder and Roster Coordinator - Volunteer Position Description
Goal of Position
 To ensure the coach is aware of who will be at practice and more importantly at the next
match as well as to have a ladder that can be used for establishing rankings within the team.
Responsibilities of Position
 Maintain team ladder
 Record results of challenge matches
 Keep track of who will be present for all matches.
 Have available at each practice a sheet where parents and players can notify you of
vacations or other absences
 Be sure the parents of players have a LATA Kids Team Tennis schedule (attached).
 Remind players/parents importance of notification.
Training Provided
 No formal training is needed. See the sample “ladder” and vacation schedule in the
Examples section of this document.
Timeframe
 Length of commitment: 6 – 8 weeks (or length of season)
 Estimated hours per week: 1 hour
Qualifications
 No prior tennis experience or knowledge required.
Benefits
 Use of organizational skills
 Opportunity to communicate with other parents
 Give back to the game of tennis
 Be a role model
Staff Contact:
 Karen Holzschuh 951-0980
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Refreshment Coordinator - Volunteer Position Description
Goal of Position
 To ensure the players have a snack and drink after matches are over.
 To offer parents of a player the opportunity to participate in this activity.
Responsibilities of Position
 Establish a refreshment list for the season and identify parents to bring drinks and snacks
to matches for players after their match is over.
Training Provided
 No formal training is provided, however, the following are suggestions on various techniques
for getting other parents to take responsibility for particular matches.
o Circulate a form, giving each parent the opportunity to sign up for the week of their
choice, or
o go ahead and assign all the weeks of the season yourself, and tell parents to trade
with another parent if there is a problem with the assigned date. (Please do not ask
the coach to do this!)
o See the Sample Refreshment List in the example section of this document.
Timeframe
 Length of commitment: 6 – 8 weeks (or length of season)
 Estimated hours per week: 1 hour
Qualifications
 No prior tennis experience or knowledge required.
Benefits
 Use of organizational skills
 Opportunity to communicate with other parents
 Give back to the game of tennis
 Be a role model
Staff Contact
 Karen Holzschuh 951-0980
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How do I reserve practice courts?
A: Coaches are responsible for reserving practice courts at their home facility. Court reservations
must follow facility rules (for example, at LCTC courts cannot be reserved more than one day ahead
of time). All tennis facilities in Lexington County are utilized by adult league tennis, Monday thru
Thursday from 6:00 PM till closing. It would be rare to find a court to practice Monday thru
Thursday after 6:00 PM. That’s one reason LATA has their matches on Friday. You might want to
check with your home facility to find out their least busy time to schedule practice. Check the
LATA website: www.lexingtontennis.com under Places To Play for facility information.
Q: How do I reserve match courts?
A: Unless told otherwise, LATA has made reservations with the facilities for all matches (including
Quick Start). Directions and information for all courts are on LATA’s website
www.lexingtontennis.com under the tab Places to Play. You may want to direct parents to this site.
Q: Can I add players to my team after registration closes?
A: Players may be added to teams (if they need players) up until the first match. These players will
be charged an additional late fee. Please make parents aware of the late fee if you are suggesting
they call to enroll their child.
Q: How do I find volunteers to help with the team?
A: Don’t do it all yourself! Recruit parents to be assistant coaches, or refreshment and telephone
coordinators. Refer to the Examples section of this document.
Q: Why do teams have byes?
A: A division may have a ‘bye’ in the schedule because there may be an odd number of teams. If
there are 3 teams in a division, two play and one has a ‘bye’. Another reason for a ‘bye’ is facility
blackout days. If the system generated a match on a blackout day, that match will be moved to
another date or another facility.
Q: Why do some teams have more matches than others?
A: Facility blackout days are also the reason why some teams have more home matches than others.
While I try to schedule half of the matches at home and the other half away, sometimes it is
necessary to play matches ‘away’ because of black out days and because a facility may have more
than one team and only a limited number of courts.
Q: How does my team schedule a makeup match?
A: In the event of inclement weather or any other reason for making up a match, make up matches
must be completed no more than two weeks after the last scheduled match for that division. If for
some reason, both coaches agree to play a match on a date other than what is scheduled, that is
fine. Coaches will then be responsible for obtaining court reservations on your alternate date.
Q: How do I determine which team has won the match?
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A: Team wins are determined by the total number of GAMES won. Be sure to tell your players that
EVERY GAME counts!
Q: How many balls do I bring to a match? Where do I get the match balls? What do I do
with them after the match?
A: In the 12, 14 and 18 & Under divisions, teams are given 5 cans of balls for each of their HOME
matches. Be sure to collect the balls from your home matches. You can use old match balls for
practice balls.
Q: Where do I get practice balls?
A: While I will give new coaches a hopper of balls, I admit they are not the best quality. I’d
suggest you ask each player to bring a can of balls for practice until you can replace what I gave you
with match balls.
Q: How often should my team practice?
A: The program requires a single one-hour practice each week of the season. You can do more if
you’d like. When you receive your rosters, you may officially begin to contact your players and
introduce yourself as the coach and to get a first practice together. At that first practice, when
most parents are present, determine the best day and time to practice on a regular basis. Of
course, if you the coach can only practice on Saturday at 3:00 PM or on Sunday at 5:00 PM, offer
only these two options to the players. Whenever the majority of the team can practice is probably
what you should go with.
Q: How do I perform a match tie-breaker?
A: For the 12’ and 14’s our scoring format is a short set (6 games, match tie-breaker). Scoring
format for 18 & under is a pro-set (8 games, match tie-breaker). In the event the score reaches 6
games each, or 8 games each for 18 & Under, a match tie-break will be played. A match tie-break is
the first to reach 10 points by a margin of two.
Scoring format for the 10U Intermediate division is a short set - 4 games. If the score is 1-2, and
the player with 1 games wins the next games, the score is tied, 2-2.
Scoring format for the 8U division is first to win 2 games. A game is 7 points. In the event the
score reaches one game each, a third game to 7 points is played.
Q: Who serves during a mixed doubles match?
A: Some teams may have a disproportionate number of boys and girl. In mixed matches, if a boy is
serving and there is a boy on the opposing team, the boy should serve to the boy. If a girl is serving
and there is a girl on the opposing team, the girl should serve to the girl.
Q: Which score do I enter first in TennisLink?
A: Scores are entered from the winner’s perspective – regardless of home/away status. For
example, home Team A plays away Team B. Team B wins 6 – 3. The score is entered from the
winners’s perspective, 6-3. Always put in the 6 first. There is a radio button on the score entry
screen where you will indicate the winning team.
Q: Do you use ad scoring?
A: Games are no-ad
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Q: Which coach enters the match scores?
A: Scores are generally entered by the home team. However, this is not a ‘rule’.
to enter the match scores can enter them.
Whoever agrees
Q: What awards do winning teams receive?
A: Fence signs will be awarded to the winning team (the team with the most games won) in the 12, 14
and 18U age divisions. 8U and 10U Beginners receive medallions, 8U and 10U Intermediates receive
trophies. Green Dot Ball teams receive medallions.
Q: Who is eligible for State Championships?
A: Players from winning teams will be eligible if they have (2) matches of local season history, in
tennis link, from the season their team is advancing. If a player plays twice in one match, the score
will count toward the team score; however, only one (1) match will count toward the (2) matches of
local season history needed for Championships. The (2) matches of local season history must be for
three different match ID’s.
Q: Who can coach during matches?
A: 8U and 10U Intermediate teams and 12, 14 and 18 & Under teams: Coaching is allowed during
changeovers, but only by the Head or Assistant Coach. Please let your parents know that they are
not allowed to coach their child during a match.
8 and 10 & Under Beginner teams may be coached by ‘court monitors’.
sidelines.
Not by parents on the
If you have a Parent Meeting, that is a good time to tell parents that they cannot coach during a
match. Otherwise, be sure to tell them before the match begins.
Q: How do I pair match opponents fairly?
A: LATA strongly emphasizes matching players of equal ability. It is no fun for a player of lesser
skill to be matched against a player of higher skill level and vice versa. This is especially true when
it comes to doubles or mixed matches. Coaches, please talk to each other and confirm that players
are of equal ability.
Q: Who should play singles, doubles, or mixed?
A: Coaches should play all players in all formats. To the best of your ability, ensure that all players
get a chance to play singles, doubles, and mixed. Please do not play the same players each week.
Q: How do I score a retirement?
A: A retirement occurs when an individual match has started and a player or a doubles team is
unable to continue due to injury, loss of condition, or emergency.
In case of retirement, the non-retiring player or doubles team shall be credited with such number
of additional games as would have been won if the match was completed and the non-retiring player
or doubles team won every subsequent game.
In TennisLink, enter the number of games each individual or doubles team retired with. TennisLink
will add the additional games as would have been won to the Total scores.
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SAMPLES
AND
EXAMPLES
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Sample Email to Parents
Head Coach:
Cell:
Email:
Date:
Dear Parents:
It’s a great pleasure to have your child(ren) on our team this season.
emphasizes Fun, Fitness and Friends.
This team and league
Matches begin at 5:30 p.m. at the various facilities and players are expected to arrive 20 minutes
early for warming up and rostering.
Our home courts are
. Directions to the away matches can be found on the Lexington
Area Tennis Association web site: www.lexingtontennis.com., under the Places to Play tab. Players
are encouraged to wear their team shirts and non-scuffing tennis shoes to the matches.
Practices are located at
and typically will be on
from
to . You are invited to attend
practices and matches, and if you want to help with practices, please bring a racquet, a water bottle
and plenty of energy. Remember when you come to games, to bring your own seating, insect
repellent, and sunscreen. Remember to cheer when your child or his/her opponent makes a good
shot and the point is over.
Because our team will supply balls or our home matches and because we wear out many balls during
practices, please send two cans of balls with your player to feed the team hopper at our first
practice. Another opportunity for your participation will be to provide drinks and snacks after
matches. A refreshment roster will be given as soon as anticipated player absences are noted.
Our first practice is
from
to
. We will have a short team meeting with the parents
following practice. Here is to a great LATA Team Tennis season!
Sincerely,
Coach.
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Email LATA will send to all Parents
Attention All Parents
In order for your team to function to its greatest potential, your help and cooperation is needed at
practices and matches throughout the LATA Junior Team Tennis season.
We are very fortunate to have volunteer coaches to organize the teams, but all parents should look
for ways to take on some of these responsibilities.
Assist Coach
Stay at practices to assist coaches with feeding the balls and other practice activities.
Refreshment Coordinator
The Refreshment Coordinator establishes a refreshment list for the season and identifies parents
to bring soda/snacks to matches for players after their match is over.
There are various techniques for getting other parents to take responsibility for particular
matches. One may circulate a form, giving each parent the opportunity to sign up for the week of
their choice, or go ahead and assign all the weeks of the season yourself, and tell parents to trade
with another parent if there is a problem with the assigned date. (Please don’t ask the coach to do
this!)
Telephone Coordinator
The Telephone Coordinator establishes a telephone tree to enable easy and rapid disbursement of
information.
Roster Coordinator
The Roster Coordinator keeps track of who will be present for all matches. Have available at each
practice a sheet where parents and players can notify you of vacations or other absences, remind
players/parents importance of notification.
Volunteer position descriptions are available through your coach or on-line at
www.LexingtonTennis.com under the Junior/Kids tab. By knowing what is expected before you
commit, you can make an informed decision about whether you are right for the job and the job is
right for you!
Please support the coach of your child’s team by cheerfully volunteering for one of these positions,
and/or cooperating with other parents who take on these responsibilities.
Thank you, The LATA Office
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LATA Jr. Team Tennis
Refreshment List
Match Date
Player Name
Telephone Number
LATA Jr. Team Tennis
Telephone Tree
Player Name
Home Telephone
Number
Work Telephone
Number
Cell phone
number
The above players are contacted by XXXXX XXXXXX
The above players are contacted by XXXX XXXXXX
The above players are contacted by XXXX XXXXXX
E-mail address
COURT MONITOR DUTIES
36’ COURT
Must use Red Balls (2 per court – 8 per match) – Bring balls back to Coach after all matches
played – Leave on the court in between team matches.
Max. racquet length 23” (Must check)
Prior to match play beginning:
Make sure players understand lines to be used for their match.
Make sure players understand that if ball hits the line it is IN.
 Players walk up to the net shake hands and introduce themselves to each other
 One player is chosen to spin a racquet to see who serves first…one calls out ‘up or down’ or
“mountain or valley” …whatever is at the bottom of their racquets.
o Winner may:
 choose to serve or receive first,
 or choose which end of the court you want to start playing on
 or require your opponent to choose first
o
Loser may decide what winner did not choose
MATCH PLAY
GAME FORMAT
Play the best out of 3 games
Game = the first player to 7 points
o If one player wins both games, the match is over
o If they tie both games, play a third game for a tie-breaker
o Players switch sides after each game
KEEPING SCORE
 The players put a clothespin on the net when they get a point
 It might be helpful after a point to ask, “Whose point was that?” so they learn to pay
attention to the points and understand what is “in” and what is “out”
SERVING
 The server should ask the receiver “Are you ready?” before they serve the ball.
 Each player serves 2 times
o One time from the Deuce side (two tries)
o One time from the Ad side (two tries)
 Serves should be in the air, not on a bounce
 If their first attempt at their first serve does not go over the net, move them up to where
they can get the 2nd chance serve in
 After 2 serves (one on each side – Duece and Ad) then the opponent serves 2 times


At Completion of Match Play:
 Bring them to the net to shake hands and say, “Good match”
 Ask players for their final scores
Prompt
players
to
report
their
scores
to
their
team
coach
immediately
Court Monitor Duties
60 Ft. Court
Must use Orange Balls (3 per court – 9 per match) – Bring balls back to Coach after match
Max. racquet length 25” (Must check)
Prior to match play beginning:
Make sure players understand lines to be used for their match.
 Singles Lines are the 60 ft. Green Lines inside the white lines
 Doubles Lines are the White Lines used for 78 ft. Singles
Make sure players understand that if ball hits the line it is IN.


Players walk up to the net shake hands and introduce themselves to each other
One player is chosen to spin a racquet to see who serves first…one calls out ‘up or down’ or
“mountain or valley” …whatever is at the bottom of their racquets.
o Winner may:
 choose to serve or receive first,
 or choose which end of the court you want to start playing on
 or require your opponent to choose first
o
Loser may decide what winner did not choose
Match Play:
SCORING:
Short set 4 games
Game = FIRST TO WIN 4 POINTS USING TRADITIONAL, NoAd, scoring, Love, 15,
30. 40. If the score is 40-All, the player who wins the next point, wins the game.
 If the score reaches 1-2, or 2-1, and the person with 1 wins the next games,
the score is tied, 2-2.
 The Server should be reminded to call the score before each point.
 Court monitors should stay “tuned in” to help players recount and keep track of
score if needed.
 Prompt players to make audible or appropriate calls after points if not made by
asking ‘whose point was that?’ That way they learn to pay attention to the points.
Court Monitors are encouraged to “stay out” of the match once play begins, unless absolutely
needed or directly asked a question.
At Completion of Match Play:


Prompt
After the match is over bring players to the net to shake hands and say: “good match”
Ask players for their final scores
players
to
report
their
scores
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to
their
team
coach
immediately
Examples of line placement for 36 foot courts
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