2015 MIDDLE STATES (MS) AND
2015 CENTRAL PENN DISTRICT (CPD)
REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES FOR
ADULT AND MIXED DOUBLES
USTA LEAGUE TENNIS
Official League Registration and NTRP Levels of Play .............. 3
Official Score Reporting and Standings System
Amendments
……………… 3
………………………………………………………… 4
League Committee and Early Start Leagues …………………… 4
Local League Season
……………………………………………… 4
Grievance Procedures
…………………………………………….. 4
NTRP Grievances
……………………………………………..……. 4
Match Procedures
……………………..……………………………. 5
District and Flight Championships ………………………………... 7
Section Championships ………………………………………….…
National Championships
7
…………………………………………... 8
League NTRP Disqualification & Review Procedures…………... 8
Year-End NTRP Computer Ratings and Appeal Procedures ….. 9
Championship Table........................................................................ 9
Appendix # 1 – CPD Coordinators, MS and CPD Committees.....10
Appendix # 2 – CPD League Calendar
Appendix # 3 – CPD Clubs
.……..……………...........11
…………………………………….......12
Central Penn District Rules elaborate on but do not replace or supersede
USTA or USTA MS Regulations
Prepared by CPD League Coordinator – February 2015
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2015 USTA Middle States Section and Central Penn Regulations
The USTA League Program in 2015 is as follows. It is composed of two Divisions: Adult and
Mixed. The age groups for play at the national include 18, 40 & 55 & Over for the Adult
division and 18 & 40 & Over for Mixed Doubles division. USTA Middle States will also offer
Adult 65 & Over and Mixed 55 & Over.
USTA League Tennis National and Section Regulations have full force and applicability at all levels of play in
USTA League Tennis in the USTA Middle States Section (USTA MS) and there is no authorization to modify,
amplify or change them by local or area league coordinators, or Grievance or Grievance Appeals
Committees. These rules apply to all age groups.
The Section League Coordinator, in conjunction with USTA Middle States Section League Committee
Chairman and Vice Chairman, shall have the authority to interpret the USTA Middle States Section
Regulations.
USTA League Regulations (National and Middle States) are available on the USTA MS Web site:
www.middlestates.usta.com. Across the top, choose Adult Participation; then USTA League Tennis. Look
for the links at the bottom of the page. Printed below are the USTA MS League Regulations as authorized
by the USTA League National Regulations and the USTA Middle States League Committee.
It is expected that captains and players will treat coordinators with respect when communicating with them
– either in person or in e-mail. Respectful treatment of each other will add to an enjoyable league
experience. Consequences such as suspension from league play will result if players deviate from this
expectation.
GENERAL
OFFICIAL LEAGUE REGISTRATION: Each district shall establish deadlines and procedures for registering
teams/players on Tennis Link. All leagues (including those that will be played at section championship)
must have the minimum number of players registered by April 1 for Mixed 18 & Over, July 1 for Adult 18 &
Over and Adult 40 & Over and August 1 for Adult 55 & Over and Mixed 40 & 55 & Over. All players must
register through Tennis Link before playing in a team match. If a player has difficulty registering before a
match, he/she must notify the coordinator in writing – email - before match play for the match to count.
The player will be disqualified if he/she does not notify the coordinator. A player may transfer to a
different team up to the final date for registration provided that individual has not played a match or
received credit for a default. Players who submit an appeal to their self-rating through the Tennis Link
system before their local league deadline to register players will be permitted to register if the appeal is
granted.
OFFICAL SCORE REPORTING AND STANDINGS SYSTEM: All scheduled matches must be completed and scores
reported in Tennis Link within 48 hours of the completed team match. Tennis Link will automatically
confirm scores 48 hours after the team match is initially reported in Tennis Link if not confirmed by
opposing captain. Both captains are responsible to report or confirm match scores. Wherever possible,
matches should be played on the originally scheduled date.
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All matches must be completed and scores reported by the deadline established by district rules. Teams
that do not comply with this requirement may not advance to any championship level. Entering fictitious
scores will result in severe penalties.
AMENDMENTS These USTA MS Section Regulations may be amended by the Section League Committee.
LEAGUE COMMITTEE: The USTA MS section league program shall be governed by the USTA MS League
Committee appointed by the president of the USTA MS section and subject to the control and direction of
the USTA MS section Board of Directors. All coordinators (Area and Local) shall receive their direction from
the Section League Coordinator.
LOCAL LEAGUE SEASON: All local leagues shall obtain approval of the Section League Coordinator for the
dates of the local league season(s) within the Middle States section. The Local League Coordinator shall
establish match schedules. In case of staggered matches, team captains must agree in advance (in writing –
e-mail) on start time for each individual match. The host captain has the final say if no agreement can be
reached. Generally, two (2) hours should be allotted for each court match. Available courts should be filled
at match times. There should be no empty courts while players are waiting.
EARLY START LEAGUES "Sections that begin league play prior to January 1 of the year in which they progress
to the National Championships must adopt one of three options in reference to players who are found to
have year-end computer ratings that place them above the NTRP level at which they began to play in their
Early Start League. See 2.05B3(b) in the national rulebook on line.
Middle States Choice: 2.05B3(b) Players who are found to have valid computer ratings, after the appeal
process, that place them above the NTRP level at which they are competing may continue their
participation at the lower NTRP level UNLESS their year-end rating reached the clearly above level mark. If it
did, they must adjust to that new NTRP level. Prior team matches played are valid. Players who join teams
in early star leagues after year-end ratings are published must use their end of year rating
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES: Grievance forms are available on the Middle States Web site. All district
regulations will include the names of grievance and grievance appeal committee members. These names
will be published on the district web sites. The section shall approve all League Grievance and Grievance
Appeal Committees. Sanctions imposed by grievance decisions will be applicable to all Divisions (Adult and
Mixed) in the USTA MS section league program. For example, if a player is suspended in the adult division,
he/she cannot play in the mixed division sponsored by USTA MS. All grievances must be sent to the Area
League Coordinator for each district.
NTRP GRIEVANCES. The USTA MS section will administer NTRP Grievances. Complaints should be first
delivered to Sally Baird, baird@ms.usta.com, who will forward to the Middle States NTRP Grievance
Committee Chairman. This committee will have jurisdiction over grievances filed against any player and/or
captain who enters or condones entering at one level when their actual skill level is at the top of the next
NTRP level or higher. NTRP Grievances filed within two weeks of the start date of the player’s and/or
captain’s District or Section Championships will be administered after the event unless the section
authorizes the administration of the grievance prior to that time. If the grievance is not administered until
after the event, points won by players will stand. Disqualified players and/or captains that are suspended
will not be eligible to advance to the next level of championship.
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MATCH PROCEDURES
SCORING AND REST. Each district may determine the match format and method of scoring for local league
competition.
Point Penalty System (PPS)
1. The USTA Point Penalty System for lateness will be in effect unless amended in district rules.
2. Central Penn - Due to the fact that CPD matches are un-officiated, lateness rule is 15 minutes applies
but the remaining time requirements are not in effect.
3. The PPS will be in effect at all championships starting with Area/District.
Penalties for Lateness (Friend at Court)
5 minutes or less: Loss of toss + 1 Game; 5.01 – 10 minutes: Loss of toss + 2 Games; 10.01 – 15 minutes:
Loss of toss + 3 Games;
More than 15 minutes: Default
Warm-up: Warm-up including serves must be taken before the match begins. Warm-up should be no
longer than 10 minutes. Warm-up is never forfeited because of lateness.
Team Match and Scoring: Each team match in a local league shall consist of such number of individual
matches of singles, doubles or any combination thereof, as determined by the local league. Any team that
defaults an entire team match may not advance to championship level. Teams forfeiting an entire team
match may receive further penalties. Results of defaulted matches stand. If a team is knocked out of
championships because of a full-team default, there will be a playoff match between the two teams
involved.
For each team match, a majority of the individual courts must actually be played by the 2 teams to
constitute a valid team match. In accordance with National Regulation 2.01C(2), If the majority of courts in
a team matches are not played, the results entered will not count for advancement.
Team Lineups: Team captains shall exchange lineups simultaneously PRIOR to the scheduled start time of a
team match. An individual match is started when the first ball is put in play (first serve attempt). After the
start of an individual match, if injury to, illness of, or disqualification of a player occurs, the opponents will
be awarded a default for that individual match only. The default principles in 2.03K in the national rulebook
shall be applicable, with the section modifications that:
1. In the event of illness, injury, or disqualification of a player prior to the start of an individual match
(once the lineup has been exchanged), a team may substitute a player in the affected position within
the 15-minute default time, using a player not already listed on the lineup. If no such substitution
can be made, the affected position only will be defaulted in local leagues.
2. When a match is postponed to another day and an individual match has not started (as defined
above) a captain may change the lineup for any such match. Announced defaults may be reinstated.
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3. In the event of rain, completed individual matches will stand as played. Incomplete matches must
be continued by the same players and resumed at the exact score as they stood when halted (any
point played is always counted and never replayed). If teams have assembled to play and the
beginning of the match is delayed by rain or wet courts, teams must wait no longer than one hour
past the originally scheduled time for the start of the first match to determine if the courts are
playable. If courts are still not playable after one hour has elapsed, teams are free to leave and
reschedule unless BOTH captains agree to wait longer.
4. Postponements: Matches may be rescheduled for the following reasons only:
*Rain or Snow
*Unexpected court availability issues
*USTA league playoff matches. Local league matches will be rescheduled upon request if a team
has 4 players in a 5 court program, 2 players in a 3 court program involved in a district, section, or
national championship. Teams should play as many courts as possible on the scheduled day.
Players that are unavailable because of the championship must play in the remaining
rescheduled courts. The championship must be within Middle States – district or section. Six
days notice in writing (email) to the opposing captain is suggested.
*Teams may reschedule on their own if both captains agree. Agreement in writing is
recommended (E-mail) for your own protection. Postponement of matches can be requested if
the following conditions occur: The temperature (wind chill) is below 50 degrees or the
temperature (heat index) is above 100 degrees. Contact your league coordinator for a
reschedule.
5. Two doubles players will play together in the higher position when both of their partners do not
arrive in time in order to avoid two defaults.
Central Penn Rule on notification: The home team captain shall notify the visiting captain four (4) days
prior to the match to discuss Court Surface, # of courts being played, order of play if not all courts starting at
same time.
If an emergency arises and you are unable to field a team, contact the opposing captain prior to the match
so as not to inconvenience anyone. Any team unable to field a full team must notify the opposing captain
and the opposing club 48 hours prior to the match or they may be required to pay the entire court fee for
that particular match.
A player may play on more than one team at the same NTRP level as long as they are playing in different
districts. Areas may limit the number of team members from one team permitted to play together on a
team in another district. Areas imposing such restrictions are responsible for identifying and monitoring
such activity in their area. Areas are responsible for establishing and imposing penalties upon those players
who violate area rules. Players who qualify may play at more than one level at any championship. The
schedule will not be written to accommodate playing at more than one level. If eligible players do not
participate at the district championships, they may participate in the section and/or national
championships.
If no district championship is held, the winner will be the No. 1 team in the final standings in Tennis Link.
Tennis Link uses national rule: 2.03H "Procedures in the Event of a Tie in the national rulebook to break ties.
For 2015, Head to Head for local leagues will move up after Courts Won. The Area League Coordinators
shall identify to the section their winning teams at each level.
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CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Coman Tie-break Procedure will be used at all championship levels for both the set tiebreak and the
match tiebreak.
Teams must be able to play all courts in a championship. A waiver may be granted if you apply to the
championships committee.
For championships, see 2:03H in the national rulebook to determine the Procedures in the Event of a Tie:
Individual Matches, Head to Head; least number of sets lost; least number of games lost. Head to Head
moves ahead of least number of sets lost, after Individual Matches.
The format for winning teams to progress from local league competition to Section League Championships is
as follows:
Teams may play in leagues that are offered in different seasons. If a team wins the local league in more
than one season, the team will have to choose which team will advance. If no more than 3 players are
common to both teams, both teams can advance. There may be a local league playoff among flights
winners to determine representative to districts.
DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS: The area shall determine the progression from local league to Section
Championship. This process – including the structure for any playoffs or championships (flight, area, for
example) - shall be distributed in writing to team captains prior to the start of the local league season.
1. District Championship:
Comprised of flight winners (did not play each other during the local league season) and wild cards
as necessary to optimize round robin or tournament play.
2. Flight Championship:
Comprised of multiple teams from the same flight or multiple flights (may have played each other
during the local season).
Wild Card Procedure
In any district where an additional team is needed to even out the flights, the following procedure will be
used to determine who will receive the wild card invitation. Second place teams in all flights will be
considered for the wild card.. After that, see below:
If all teams in contention played the same number of matches with the same schedule format (e.g., all
teams played a double round robin, or all teams played against the same number of teams, the team with
the best statistics in Tennis Link will be the wild card).
When the flights have different formats, we will take the percentage of match wins vs matches played; add
the percentage of individual courts won vs the number of individual courts played and average them. If one
team has the best average by at least 5%, that team will advance. If not the top two will have a playoff
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SECTION CHAMPIONSHIPS: Section Championships format shall be round robin in all levels of competition.
Each team shall play every other team in its flight and the team with the most team points shall be
champion in its flight. In the event of a tie in team points, the winner shall be decided by using 2.03H in the
national rulebook. Each team shall be scheduled for a minimum of three (3) matches in either a
championship or a local league played during championships.
Wild Card Procedure If a team pulls out of the championship after the schedule is published, we will name a
wild card to take that opening as follows. If there is an opening at more than one level, this process will be
repeated for each level of play.
1. Ask second place team If that team does not accept:
2. Pull a district name at random and invite the 2nd place team from that district and proceed
alphabetically until all districts have responded or until a team accepts (If we pull Delaware and they
cannot send a team, we will ask Eastern Penn, etc.)
LEAGUE NTRP DISQUALIFICATION AND REVIEW PROCEDURES
LOCAL LEAGUE PROCEDURES: Disqualified players may register on a higher-level team if a team agrees and
there is time to register prior to the end of local round robin competition. District regulations for deadlines
and roster limits would be waived if a team is found and time permits.
Scoring Procedures
During Local League: If a player (rating type A, S, M, T) is disqualified for that particular level of play, the
matches that generated the strikes for the lower level played will be considered losses for the disqualified
player and shall be considered wins for the opposing player or doubles team.
In championship play, the section chooses National Regulation option 2.04B(2)a. Run dynamic calculations
and produce ratings throughout the championship. For those players that meet the criteria for NTRP
dynamic disqualification, all matches will be reversed for disqualified players (2.04E(2)a). In single
elimination formats only the last match will be reversed (2.04E(2)b). Only players with the following rating
types A, S, M, T or D are subject to disqualification. The deadline for filing a Request for Review of Dynamic
DQ at championships is one hour from the time of notification
National Championships
New Move-Up/Split-Up Rule:
Adult Divisions: Teams that advanced to, or qualified for, any adult national championship may play
together if they move up one NTRP level. These players may combine and play at any level for which they
are eligible in the mixed division.
Mixed Divisions: Teams that advanced to, or qualified for, any mixed national championship may play
together if they move up one NTRP level. These players may combine and play at any level for which they
are eligible in the adult division.
No more than 3 players (2 for 2.5 and 5.0) who were on the roster of any team or combination of teams that
advance to or qualified for national championships may play together on the same team in any age group in
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the same division. This rule only applies to players who participated in three or more matches (excluding
defaults received) for that team during the championship year.
YEAR-END NTRP COMPUTER RATINGS AND APPEAL PROCEDURES
Match results from tournaments will not be included in year-end calculation of ratings except for NTRP
tournaments.
Players who want to appeal their self-rating must complete the on-line appeal form available on the last
screen during the self-rate process. The NTRP Appeal Committee will investigate the information provided
in the self-rate appeal form as soon as possible. Medical appeals shall be sent to Sally Baird,
baird@ms.usta.com, who will forward them to the Section Medical Appeals Committee.
2015-2016 USTA Middle States Section League Committees
USTA Middle States League Committee: Chair: Jon Feinstein, - Staff Liaison: Sally Baird
NTRP Appeal Committee - : Sally Baird, Jay Witmer, Jon Feinstein
Middle States Grievance Committees & Grievance Appeal Committees are formed as necessary first utilizing
members of the USTA MS League Committee and Subcommittees and then other committee members
selected by the Middle States League Committee Chairman and Vice Chairman.
Medical Appeals Committee:
Wilson Pipkin
Jon Morris
Sally Baird
NTRP Grievance Committee:
Dave Tolbert
Ruth Roulston
Joe McKeown
NTRP Grievance Appeal Committee:
Kris Nonnenmacher
Maryann Lyons
Jon Feinstein
Championship Team Format (all
Championships)
Mixed 18 &
Over
3 doubles – combined
rating (max 1.0 apart)
Adult 18 &
Over
Adult 40 &
Over
3.0,3.5, 4.0,4.5: 2
singles, 3 doubles; 2.5,
5.0+ - 1 singles
2 doubles
3.0,3.5, 4.0,4.5+: 2
singles, 3 doubles
Mixed 40 &
Over;
3 doubles – combined
rating (max 1.0 apart)
Adult 65 &
Over
3 doubles
Adult 55 &
3 doubles – combined
Matches required
for
districts/section
2 played, 1 may
be received
default
2 played, 1 may
be received
default
Matches required
for Nationals
Location
(Sectional)
Date
(Sectional)
3 played
Landisville
June 5-7
3 played
Princeton,
NJ
August 2123
2 played, 1 may
be received
default
2 played, 1 may
be received
default
2 played, 1 may
be by default
received
2 played, 1 may
9
3 played
Princeton,
NJ
September
11-13
3 played
Landisville
September
25-27
2 played, 1 may
be by default
received
3 played
Landisville
Sept.
27
Landisville
September
25-
Over
rating (max 1.0 apart).
be received
default
18-20
USTA Middle States League Coordinator:
Sally Baird
1288 Valley Forge Road
Suite 74 – PO Box 987
Valley Forge, PA 19482
610 - 935 - 5000
Extension 227
baird@ms.usta.com
2015 USTA Central Penn League Committees
Leagues Committee:
Chair:
Members:
Mel Eckhaus
Jill Keiser
Wilson Pipkin
Sherry Greer
Karen Sipe
Stephanie Hartman Steve Campbell
Staff Liaison: Jay Witmer
Leanne Feather
Greg Stauffer
Alicia Kelly
CPD Grievance Committees & Grievance Appeal Committees are formed as necessary first utilizing members
of the CPD League Committee members selected by the League Coordinator
2014 Central Penn League Coordinators
Jay Witmer
Adults 18+, 40+
Mixed - All
Tri Level
Mel Eckhaus 55+ and 65+
113 Owl Bridge Road
(H)
Millersville, PA 17551
(C)
jaywitmer10s@yahoo.com
872 – 6222 **
615 – 7897
266 Kistler Road
Elliotsburg, PA 17024
mmeckhaus@pfb.com
649 – 1053**
789 – 4573
** Preferred Number
2015 League Calendar
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(C)
(H)
Mar 27 - 29
CPD Playoffs - 18+ mixed
Hempfield
Apr 19
CPD Playoffs - 55+ mixed
Hershey
Jun 5 - 7
MS Sectional 18+ Mx. Doubles Championships
Landisville
Jul 24 - 26
CPD Flight Championships (18+ Adults)
Hempfield
Aug 15
CPD Flight Championships (55+ Adults)
Hershey
Aug 21 - 23
MS Sectional 18+ Adult Championships
Princeton, NJ
Aug 28 - 30
CPD Flight Championships 40+ Adults
Hempfield
Sep 11 - 13
MS Sectional 40+ Adult Championships
Princeton, NJ
Sep 18 - 20
MS Sectional 55+ Adult & Mixed Championships
Landisville
Sep 25 - 27
MS Sectional 40+ Mixed & 65+ Adult Champs.
Landisville
National Championships
Oct 16-18
2.5 Adults 18 & Over Nationals
Indian Wells
Oct 2-4
3.0 Adults 18 & Over Nationals
Tucson
Oct 9-11
3.5 Adults 18 & Over Nationals
Indian Wells
Oct 2-4
4.0 Adults 18 & Over Nationals
Rancho Mirage
Oct 9-11
4.5 Adults 18 & Over Nationals
Rancho Mirage
Oct 2-4
5.0+ Adults 18 & Over Nationals
Indian Wells
Oct 23-25
3.0 Adults 40 & Over Nationals
Tucson
Oct 16-18
3.5 Adults 40 & Over Nationals
Tucson
Oct 30 - Nov 1
.0 Adults 40 & Over Nationals
Indian Wells
Oct 23-25
4.5+ Adults 40 & Over Nationals
Indian Wells
Oct 23-25
6.0 and 8.0 Adults 55 & Over Nationals
Surprise
Oct 30 - Nov 1
.0 and 9.0 Adults 55 & Over Nationals
Surprise
Nov 13-15
2.5, 7.0, 9.0 Mixed 18 and Over Nationals
Tucson
Nov 20-22
6.0, 8.0, 10.0 Mixed 18 & Over Nationals
Tucson
Nov 13-15
6.0 and 8.0 Mixed 40 & Over Nationals
Surprise
Nov 20-22
7.0 and 9.0 Mixed 40 & Over Nationals
Surprise
Mar 12-15
6.0 and 8.0 Adults 65 and Over
Surprise
Mar 19-22
7.0 and 9.0 Adults 65 and Over
Surprise
2015 Central Penn Clubs
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Bent Creek
625 Bent Creek Drive
Lititz, PA 17543
581-1001
Jenni Grove
jkgrove47@yahoo.com
Blue Ridge CC
3940 Linglestown Road
Harrisburg, PA 17110
545-2318
Paul Daggs
ykc.daggs@comcast.net
Camp Hill Tennis Club
3608 Hartzdale Drive
Camp Hill, PA 17011
761-1852
Bill Grace
CHTennis@verizon.net
Harrisburg Academy
10 Erford Road
Wormleysburg, PA 17043
446-9771
Riz Soulliard
thesoulliards@gmail.com
Harrisburg CC
401 Fishing Creek Valley Rd. 880-3171
Harrisburg, PA 17112
Hempfield Rec
950 Church Street
Landisville, PA 17538
898-3102
Wilson Pipkin
tennis@hempfieldrec.com
Hershey CC
1000 E Derry Road
Hershey, PA 17033
508-1770
Peggy Long
longolf10s@comcast.net
Hershey Racquet
998 Briarcrest Blvd.
Hershey, PA 17033
533-5995
Paul Harclerode
hersheymanager@yahoo.com
Lancaster T & Y
2615 Columbia Avenue
Lancaster, PA 17603
392-7826
Dick Green
tnsrtgreen@aol.com
Lancaster CC
1466 New Holland Pike
Lancaster, PA 17602
394-4487
Michael Jordan
mjordan@lancastercc.com
Manheim Tennis
Memorial Park Drive
Manheim, PA 17545
330-8921
Bill Loercher
wlarker@dejazzd.com
RC West – Lancaster
200 Running Pump Road
Lancaster, PA 17603
299-5631
kurtws@mac.com
Spooky Nook
2913 Spooky Nook Rd
Manheim, Pa 17545
945-7807
Eric Evans
ericevnsdbl@aol.com
Tennis Club
4880 Buchanan Trail East
Zullinger, PA 17272
762-3922
Bill Wissinger
wcw10s@comcast.net
West Shore
150 Silver Springs Road
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
796-1770
Gary Gouse
wstctennis@comcast.net
Wisehaven
2989 Prospect Road
York, PA 17402
757-6373
Jim Overbaugh
wisehaven@yahoo.com
York Outdoor CC
1157 Detwiler Drive
York, PA 17404
764-1158
Jenni Goodling
jennitennis@aol.com
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Kurt Steinman