Kossover Tennis Center 2540 SW Gage Blvd, Topeka, KS 66614

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18U Advanced and 18U Intermediate: Tuesday, July 25th and Wednesday, July 26th, 2017 Team matches begin at 8:00am

14U Intermediate: Wednesday, July 26th and Thursday, July 27th, 2017 Team matches begin at 8:00am 1

Welcome!

On behalf of the USTA Missouri Valley, it is a privilege to welcome you to the 2017 USTA Missouri Valley Junior Team Tennis Section Championship in Topeka, Kansas.

Each year, the section crowns a champion in 14 and under & 18 and under, intermediate and advanced teams in each age divisions.

The Missouri Valley Section Championship serves as the premier event for Junior Team Tennis in the Missouri Valley. The event demonstrates the best elements of tennis: spirited competition, friendship, achievement, sportsmanship and fun. Hopefully, this will be a great experience for all.

Without the support, commitment and enthusiasm of all the Local and District Coordinators’ this event would not be possible. Special thanks go to the people who work behind the scenes to make this a memorable event for all of the players. I want to thank Kossover Tennis Center, along with tournament staff, facility staff, officials, sponsors and volunteers!

A special thanks to the dedicated family members and friends, offering support and encouragement to the teams.

Have Fun and Good Luck!! Tara Williams Junior Team Tennis Manager USTA Missouri Valley

General Tournament Information

Mission Statement The USTA Junior Team Tennis program emphasizes team, fun, fitness, and friends. The focus in this program is enjoying the exhilaration of exercise and refining the skills that make tennis fun for players of all ages and levels of competition. All participants play on a team, practice with friends, and play matches together.

Tournament Format The section championship format will be one complete round robin rotation within each division. The division winners will be determined by total games won (cumulative throughout the round robin), and will be crowned the 2017 Junior Team Tennis Section Champions. Questions concerning rules and regulations should be addressed to the Tournament Director, Tara Williams. If an immediate ruling is not possible, the Tournament Committee will render a decision.

Registration Process: (Team Coach/Manager)  Team registration opens July 1st, 2017 o Team registration deadline: Thursday, July 20, 2017 11:59pm (CST) . Registration guidelines will also be sent to each qualifying team’s coach/manager.  District Coordinator must notify Tara Williams of advancing teams before team can register through this form.  The coach/manager registers the team and pays at time of registration  Click on the 2017 Section Championship Registration link  Enter the appropriate Registration # (below) o 14 and under Intermediate: # 15721 o 14 and under Advanced: # 15722 o 18 and under Intermediate: # 15720 o 18 and under Advanced: # 15719  Enter your Team # (team # from local league that you advanced from) o If you are not sure of your team #, please contact your district Junior Team Tennis coordinator.  Enter the number of kids that you are bringing to championships. o Minimum 3 boys and 3 girls / Maximum players 5 boys and 5 girls . If you have to choose a sub to meet the minimum of 3 boys and 3 girls, please contact  Tara Williams. (see substitution information below)  Click on “Proceed to Checkout” o You can choose to pay by credit card or e-Check (Bank Account) and you will be asked to enter that information. You will be charged a per player fee of $45 + non-refundable processing fee and a deposit fee of $150 + non-refundable processing fee. Only the per player fees will be charged to your credit card. The deposit fee is a hold that will only be process if a team withdraws early from competition.

Mandatory Coaches Conference Call:  Date and Time: Friday, July 21st at 6:30pm / Call in information: 1-800-704-1867 / Passcode: 388032#

Tournament Fees  $45 per player  $150 team deposit is required during TennisLink registration. (Only the per player fees will be charged to your credit card. The deposit fee is a hold that will only be processed if a team withdraws early from competition.) 3

Check-in  Check-in on the first day of play will be preceded by a 7:30am coaches meeting. o All coaches are required to attend the coaches meeting. o If your division is scheduled for a later start time, coaches meeting will be adjusted.  Teams and coaches must arrive 30-45 minutes before their first match to check in.  Players will report to their coach to check in. o Once all players have checked in with their coach, the coach may check in the entire team.  Line-ups must be turned in to the tournament desk 30 minutes before the scheduled match by both coaches.  Both coaches must report to the tournament desk after every match.  During check-in, the coaches will receive the coaches’ gifts and player-gifts for their team.

Warm-up  Warm-up courts will be available at the Kossover Tennis Center between 7:00am-8:00am each day of the tournament.  Warm-up courts will be given on a first come first serve basis, HOWEVER, please accommodate teams trying to find warm-up courts.  If teams are waiting on a court you may use no more than a court and a half, and your warm-up should be no more than 30 minutes.  In addition, each team will receive a five (5) minute warm-up before each team match.

Match Format  1 boys’ and 1 girls’ singles / 1 boys’ and 1 girls’ doubles / 1 mixed doubles  Order of play: 1. Boys and Girls Singles, 2. Boys and Girls Doubles, 3. Mixed Doubles (*subject to change)  Each team match will be assigned 4 courts  Each team is guaranteed a minimum of 3 matches (*pending draw size)  All teams will play matches on both days of the tournament  If a team, for any reason, decides to leave before the tournament is complete the team deposit will not be refunded.  The winner of each division will qualify for National Championships.

Scoring  No-Ad Scoring; Best 2 out of 3 sets to 6 games.  A 7 point tie break will be played at 5 games all (win by a margin of 2).  10 point tie break played for the 3rd set (win by a margin of 2)  In mixed doubles, the player of the same gender as the server shall receive the deciding point. Example: boy must receive serve from the boy

Rain Delays  Text 2017JTTCHAMPS to the number 84483 to receive 2017 JTT SECTION CHAMPS alerts  In the event of a rain delay, we will wait as long as possible before moving any matches off-site or assigning indoor courts.  The Site Director and officials on site will stop play. Please remain at the tournament site until the tournament staff informs you of the playing schedule.

Team Coaches/Managers rain delay process  Please keep all team match balls and make note of your team’s individual match scores on the BACK of your scorecard o Set Score ex. 2-1 / Game Score ex. 30-15 / Who is serving

 After you have done this, please turn your scorecards in to the site desk. This will make it an easier transition for your team when play is resumed.  Please remain at the tournament site until the tournament staff informs you of the playing schedule. If a team or player is not present to resume play, they may be defaulted after 15 minutes from the match time set by the Tournament Desk. Play will continue under lights if necessary, to keep on schedule.  In the event of a long rain delay, it will be at the discretion of the Tournament Committee to use an alternative playing and/or scoring format. Winners may be determined by total games won or percentage of games played and won and commonality among teams. The Tournament Committee reserves the right to make these changes as circumstances dictate.  The Junior Team Tennis Championships is an outdoor tournament; the intent is to play the entire event outdoors.  In the event that the outdoor courts need to be dried, it would be appreciated if any able-bodied coaches, parents or family members could assist with preparing the courts (rollers, squeegees, etc.).  *Please note: the tournament staff and Kossover Tennis Center will NOT be taking phone calls or inquiries from coaches or parents in the event of a rain delay. It is the responsibility of the team (whoever is designated) to provide a valid text number or email address to be contacted.

Team Eligibility A team is eligible to progress to championship level competition, including National Championships, if that team has met all the following conditions:  Players must meet all eligibility requirements listed above  A team must advance from a USTA National Championship Junior Team Tennis eligible program within TennisLink Team Tennis.  The division the team participated in must have at least 2 teams competing  A team must participate in at least 3 team matches over three different dates  A team must have at least 3 boys and 3 girls during local play to advance o Maximum 5 boys and 5 girls can register to play at section championships  All teams attending Section Championships must have 3 boys and 3 girls on site at the start of the Championship event in order to compete. o There will be NO EXCEPTIONS, and teams that show up with less than 3 players of either gender will not be allowed to compete.  A team can only advance in the age division that they play locally

Player Eligibility A player is eligible to progress to championship level competition, including National Championships, if that player has met all the following conditions:  Participated on a team from a USTA National Championship Junior Team Tennis eligible program within TennisLink Team Tennis.  Played on the advancing team in at least two (2) team matches during that team’s local USTA National Championship Junior Team Tennis season.  The results of the two (2) matches must be recorded in TennisLink Team Tennis. Neither of the two (2) matches may be the product of a default received. A retired match shall count toward the two (2) match requirement for eligibility for the players involved.  All local play history documentation must be entered within 48 hours of the last match of the season played before entry into any post season championships event. Corrections to completed scorecards must be made within 1 week of the last match of the season played, and before entry into any post season championships event.

Team Substitutions  If an eligible player on a team advancing to a championship competition is unable to participate, resulting in a failure of the team to meet the minimum team size requirement, an eligible substitute player may be added. 5

Substitute players are only allowed for teams which originally had the required minimum number of players who are eligible to advance  In no event can more than one substitute, one (1) boy or one (1)girl, be added to meet the minimum team size requirement for championship competition. Any substitutions must be approved by the championship coordinator in which the substitution is occurring and shall remain in effect for that entire championship event.  Substitution players are only allowed for those teams who originally had at least the team minimum of three (3) girls and three (3) boys who are eligible to advance. In the event of the return of the original player in a subsequent championship, the coach/manager must decide whether the substitute player or the original player will participate.  The substitute player must come from a team in the same local program and season in which the advancing team participated to meet the minimum team size requirement. o Eligibility of substitute players for a team advancing from one level of Championships to another may be impacted by the return of the original player. o The coach must decide which player will participate, as the team roster cannot be increased for subsequent advancement.

Line-ups  Coaches for each team will exchange their team scorecards simultaneously, prior to the beginning of each team match. o Coaches will receive scorecards at check-in  No substitutions may be made in an individual match after the line-up has been presented, except for injury to, or illness of, a player prior to the start of such match.  There are certain circumstances in which section staff may approve of a substitution that do not relate to illness or injury.  If a substitution is made during the warm-up, the substitute player is entitled to a 5 minute warm-up.

Player Limitations  A player may compete at a maximum of TWO positions during a team match.  Only one girl and/or only one boy may participate in up to two individual matches per team match. o In no event may one player play in three individual matches.  At sectionals and nationals; if a player doubles up (plays in 2 matches), one of those matches must be mixed doubles.

Coaching  Coaches will be identified by wearing a USTA lanyard, given at check-in  There must be ONE identified coach/manager per team.  Coaching will only be allowed during change-overs. No coaching when players change ends during tie-breakers.  Coaching is NOT permitted during tie-breakers.  Coaches can only speak to their players through the fence.  Only one Coach is allowed per team for an entire team match, no changing Coaches during the team match.

Default Rules  An individual default occurs when a player fails to appear on time, or is defaulted by a tournament official for misconduct.  In the event of a default by both opposing players, neither team receives credit for the match or number of games won.

Retirement  A retirement occurs when an individual match has started, and a player or doubles team is unable to continue due to injury, loss of condition, or emergency.  In the case of a retirement, the non-retiring player or doubles team shall be credited with the number of

additional games that would have been won had the match been completed, and the non-retiring player or doubles team won every subsequent game. Procedures in the event of a tie  In the event of a tie between two or more teams in a flight, the tie shall be broken by the first of the following procedures that breaks the tie: o Team Tie-Breaker Procedure Round Robin Play: (National Rules) . Head to head team match win/loss record between the tied teams. (A win is determined by most games won.) . The team with the most team matches won in the round robin flight . The team with the most individual matches won in the round robin flight . The team with the most sets won in the round robin flight  Playoff Procedure: When two teams are tied in games during single match, the team’s coaches/managers will designate a boy and girl to play a mixed doubles match tiebreak to determine the match winner.

Grievances 3.03C(1) Any grievance alleging a violation during championships competition shall be in writing and delivered to the duly appointed site director or designee prior to whichever occurs first: (a) within 30 minutes of completion of the involved team’s match or (b) the commencement of the involved team’s next match, whether or not the involved player participates except for Eligibility Grievances (See Reg. 3.03B(3)).

3.03C(2) At the time a grievance is made, a copy of the grievance shall be delivered by the Championship Committee or site director to the party(ies) against whom the grievance has been made.

3.03C(3) Any grievance regarding failure to meet eligibility requirements may be submitted by a team coach/manager, coordinator or member of a Championship Committee at any time.

Addresses and Tournament Personnel

Kossover Tennis Center  2540 SW Gage Blvd / Topeka, KS 66614 o (785) 273-0030

Site/Tournament Directors  Tara Williams – Tournament Director o 913-302-5901  Scott Howes  Laura Puryear  Jaren Glaser

Texting service for updates:  Text 2017JTTCHAMPS to the number 84483 to receive 2017 JTT SECTION CHAMPS alerts

Officials  Becky Riggs  Al Ferrell

Facility Director  Jack Oxler

Team Coach/Manager Responsibilities

 The team coach/manager is responsible for knowing your teams’ tournament schedule and relaying that schedule to your team.  The team coach/manager is responsible for understanding all eligibility requirements, rules and regulations.  The team coach/manager is responsible for checking the team in at the site of the match.  Do not check in with the site desk until ALL players are present and ready for play.  When you check-in to the site desk for your first team match, you will turn in your completed scorecard.  What do I complete on my scorecard?  Match #  Day & Time of Match  Age/Flight  Site  Completed line-up  Scorecards and lineups should be submitted 30 minutes prior to the scheduled match time  A fifteen-minute default time will be strictly enforced from the time that match is scheduled to start, as will the point penalty system. o 5 minutes or less-1 game + loss of toss o 5:01-10 minutes-2 games + loss of toss o 10:01-15:00-3 games + loss of toss. o At 15 minutes late the entire match is defaulted and will be handled by the referee and tournament committee.  Please do not have parents/players checking in to the tournament desk, or reporting scores. Only coach/managers need to be checking in for matches and turning in scorecards.  Once lineups are submitted, they may only be changed in the event of illness, injury or disqualification.  Teams will be given 4 courts for a team match. MXD will always be the 5th match played.  Team coach/managers will record scores on the score card. o At the conclusion of the match please compare scorecard with your opposing captain, sign and return both cards to the tournament desk. o Each scorecard also contains a place for a sportsmanship nomination, which should be completed when the scorecard is signed and turned in. o Blank scorecards for the next match will be distributed after scorecards from the previous match are turned in.  All teams are expected to play all scheduled matches! Any team not complying will be subject to grievance procedures. In accordance with USTA League Tennis Regulations, any team forfeiting an entire team match for ANY REASON will result in all matches of that team previously played or to be played to be declared null and void. If all teams in contention for the Championships have already played the forfeiting team in good faith, the matches stand as played.  Please make sure all your players are aware that all matches will observe a 5-minute warm-up, including serves.

 On Wednesday, July 26th from 10:30am-3:00pm Kona Ice will be on site selling snow cones to all players and event attendees.

 18U Division: Box lunches will be available for all players and coaches on Tuesday, July 25 starting at 11:15am. o Players and coaches will receive one (1) ticket to exchange for a box lunch.  14U Division: Box lunches will be available for all players and coaches on Wednesday, July 26 starting at 11:15am. o Players and coaches will receive one (1) ticket to exchange for a box lunch.  Tickets for box lunches will be given to coaches at check-in.  Enjoy!

 This year’s theme is Super Heroes! Please tell your players to wear or bring something that represents their favorite Super Hero! Whether you are a Marvel or DC fan, we all have our favorites! o The best dressed team will receive a prize! o We will also be having a pose off contest, team chant contest and other team fun!

 Please make sure your players fill up there water jug at hotel at the beginning of each day. There will be an ice machine and water coolers with water at the facility, but there is no water on the courts.  Spectator tents are allowed on property if needed for shade  A Hy-Fee food truck will be on property on Wednesday, July 25th from 3pm-7pm with food items to purchase.  There will be concessions, drinks and snacks available to purchase at the front desk of the pro shop.  There will be a player VIP tent with bananas and snacks provided by the Topeka Tennis Association.  A stringer will be on-site to string racquets if needed.

Advancement:  The winner of each division at the section championship will receive the qualifying spot for National Championships.

Process  Each qualifying team will need to meet with Section staff following their final match in order to receive the appropriate information for National Championships.

Location and Dates of JTT National Championship  Dates: o 14 and Under – September 21-24 o 18 and Under – September 28-October 1

 Location: o USTA National Campus: o Address – 10000 USTA Blvd, Orlando, Florida 32827 o Website – www.ustanationalcampus.com

 Surface: o Plexicushion hard courts (32 total)

 National Championship Website: https://www.usta.com/en/home/play/play-as-a-member/national/junior- team-tennis-national-championships-information.html

In recognition of the support by the USTA Missouri Valley to competitions such as the USTA Junior Team Tennis Section Championship, certain behavior is expected. Players at the Section Championship level become role models for other players and athletes. We expect the highest level of sportsmanship and exemplary behavior both on and off the court. Each player shall abide by the following rules of conduct while at the Section Championship:

Player Conduct:

 If you have any doubt as to whether a ball is out or good, you must give your opponent the benefit of the doubt and play the ball as good.

 It is your obligation to call all balls on your side, to help your opponent make calls when the opponent requests it, and to call against yourself (with the exception of a first service) any ball that you clearly see out on your opponent’s side of the net.

 Any “out” or “let” call must be made instantaneously; otherwise the ball continues in play.

 Do not enlist the aid of spectators in making line calls. If you feel that bad calls are a problem during your match, please stop play, let your team captain or coach know, and they will get a site official.

 If you call a ball out and then realize it was good, the point is over and your opponent wins the point.

 To avoid controversy over the score, the Server should announce the set score before starting a game and the game score prior to serving each point.

 If players cannot agree on the score, they may go back to the last score on which there was agreement and resume play from that point, or they may spin a racket.

 Wait until the players on another court have completed a point before retrieving or returning a ball.

 From the beginning of the match, play must be continuous. Attempts to stall or to extend rest periods for the purpose of recovering from a loss of physical condition are clearly illegal.

 Intentional distractions that interfere with your opponent’s concentration or effort to play the ball are against the rules.

 Players are expected to put forth a full and honest effort regardless of the score or expected outcome.

 Players are expected to maintain full control over their emotions and the resulting behavior throughout the match.

Spectator Conduct

One of the goals of USTA Junior Team Tennis is to allow the players a competitive setting without the pressures of a tournament. The purpose of the Section Championship is to allow the best team on the court to play and win, clapping for good shots will be allowed provided spectators clap for both teams' good shots.

Remember, our concern is the well-being of every junior participating in this event. We want all teams that play to feel good after every match. Site officials will impose penalties if abuse occurs. If cheering gets out of hand, the spectators will be informed that any cheering or clapping will not be allowed the remainder of the match. If abuse continues the person(s) will be asked to leave the site. Team Captain/Coaches are responsible for their spectators and should make sure their parents and players understand.

Please use common sense as a spectator. Think how your child would feel in a situation before subjecting another child to unfairness. Remember, these teams are all champions already. Even though the score may not reflect it, every child is a winner. Let them play the matches on the courts. Let's all help the players have a wonderful experience so they continue to play tennis in the future.

Coaches Code of Conduct Agreement

Qualifications for Coaching: Coaches must wear their Coaches badge at all times. Coaching is only allowed through the fence. Coaching must be during that court’s change over with the flow of the match, meaning that the coach will only have the 90 seconds the players are allowed for their full break during the game change over, and 2 minutes on the set change over. Please remember that the players do not receive a 90 second break during the 1st and 2nd game of the set and therefore coaching should not interfere with the flow of the match, as mentioned above. Coaching is NOT allowed during a tiebreaker.

Coaches will be provided with the Code of Conduct and must also sign stating that they have read the code and will follow its regulations. Coaches that are reprimanded twice for disobeying the above actions will not be allowed to coach again during the championships.

If there is a persistent problem where the coach feels assistance is needed they should have a team manager find an official to handle the situation.

I hereby certify that I have read and reviewed the Coaches Code of Conduct and will adhere to the above regulations for coaching.

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Coaches Name – please print League Area

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Team Name/Number Age/Division

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Coaches Signature Date