INSTRUCTIONS FOR FINALS SERIES
Starting Time—Winter Season
All Winter Season final matches are to commence at 10:00am By-law 15(e).
Please aim to be at the courts 15 minutes before. Umpires are instructed to implement by-law 8(a) if a team is late arriving.
Weather
If a washout is absolutely necessary, the match must be completed prior to the following Tuesday. See By-law 15(f). Under no circumstances are indoor courts to be used.
Clubhouse
Please be sure to leave the premises clean and tidy—this is the responsibility of the players.
Captains
- Be sure your registered team members and emergencies have PLAYED in 2 matches – forfeits, complete washouts/heatouts do not count.
- Provide at least one pair of new tennis balls of a brand approved by Tennis VIC. Captains may like to arrange to use the same brand for their match. Both teams have equal rights regarding brand to be used.
- Take food (incl. tea, coffee, milk & sugar) tablecloth & tea towels.
- Give a written list of your players in order to the umpires.
- If the match is at another Club, arrange with a representative from that club to pick up keys. (A list of all club contacts was provided at the beginning of the season.)
Home Captains (ie the team listed FIRST on the Finals Notice & score card)
Home Captains of Semi-Final—ring your results in to the Secretary, FIONA DWYER, on 9800 1875
before 5pm. $10 fine for phone calls received after 5pm. DO NOT ring the Record Secretary.
Post result cards as usual to Record Secretary.
Disputes
If there is a dispute which cannot be resolved by the umpires in the semi-final, please ring Kathy Rehe on 0425 770 428. A member of the Executive will be present at all Grand Finals.
Umpires (players should read this too)
- Provide 4 per match for semi and a minimum of 2 per match for Grand Final.
- Wear suitable clothes. Tennis shoes only must be worn, not shoes with similar soles, etc. $5 fine if tennis shoes are not worn.
- Have courts ready for play 15 minutes before agreed starting time. This is very important. Players should be able to commence match at 10:00am. Umpires are expected to prepare courts after each set.
- If a team is late, you are expected to implement By-law 8(a).
- Fill in players’ names on result card and record scores.
- Three minutes hit-up before each set is permitted if requested by players.
- DO NOT hold up play by having tea, coffee or a cigarette between sets. Play is continuous.
- Umpires to sign back of result card.
Responsibilities of Umpires
During a match, umpires are responsible for:
- Calling balls,
- Ensuring that teams change ends at the appropriate times,
- Ensuring that players serve in turn,
- Ensuring that players receive in turn (ie, that partners do not swap sides),
- Calling "ball on court",
- Keeping the points and game scores in writing — download scoresheet (76KB pdf),
- Calling the score loudly and clearly after each point.
Also see the Rules of Tennis (167KB pdf file)
Calling Balls
In addition to the umpires calling balls, players are allowed to call balls on their side just as they do during the season, however, if a player calls the ball out incorrectly, the point will be ruled against them. Unless a ball is clearly out, it is considered good. When in doubt, a ball should be called good, a let should not be played. Umpires have the final decision for all calls.
Where to Stand
The head umpire should stand near one of the net posts. The second umpire should stand on the opposite side of the court to the head umpire in line with the service line of the receiving end. If there is a third umpire, she should stand on the same side as the second umpire and in line with the base line of the server's end. If these positions for the second and third umpires are likely to be in the way for the players on the adjacent court, then these positions should be altered.
It is a good idea to advise the players before play commences of the way you will be umpiring the match.