2008 Tennis Manual

TENNIS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Gary Ross (Chairman), Johnston

Larry Berland, Decorah

Pat Bennett, Fort Dodge

Cindy Rasche, Clinton

Dave White, Urbandale

David Will, Waterloo Columbus

2008 TOURNAMENT DATES

Regional INDIVIDUAL Competition -- May 15 (May 16 weather date)

Regional TEAM -- May 10, 17, 19, 20

State INDIVIDUAL -- May 29 & 30

State TEAM – May 31

2008 STATE TOURNAMENT SITE

Class 2A---Ames, Ames High School

Class 1A---Decorah, Luther College

2009 STATE TOURNAMENT SITE

Class 1A---Johnston

Class 2A---Iowa City

For interpretations not found in this book, contact

Lisa Brinkmeyer (515-288-9741) or email lisa@ighsau.org

RULES AND REGULATIONS

It is recommended that the following rules and regulations be followed for tennis competition:

1. In dual meets and tournament play, when teams are to play, coaches will exchange the list of their players by position at the same time so that there will be no rearranging of players. A code of tennis ethics should be established for all coaches so that their best player competes against the best player from the other school and the second best players compete against each other and so on down the line. This same set of ethics applies to the doubles line-up. There have been some cases where coaches will play their poorest against a team's best to try to earn some points that might affect the outcome of the match. This is not in the interest of good sportsmanship or ethics for coaches. In the event of an injury, illness, retirement, or absence of a team member, coaches will move members up positions rather than substituting. Injury defaults during play should only be made after a reasonable time of tending to the athlete's problem and an injury default/retirement will last for the remainder of the day. The injured competitor's physical well-being should be kept foremost in mind when dealing with the injury.

2. It is recommended that non-conference dual meets follow a minimum of six singles and three doubles match format per the state tournament series format. It is also recommended that the visiting school notify the home team in advance as to the number of junior varsity or reserve players that will participate.

3. In rain delays involving dual meets during the season, it is suggested that meets be continued from the point of interruption unless otherwise determined by mutual agreement of the coaches. If a dual meet begins and weather causes a suspension of play, the same players must be used when play is resumed at a later date. No substitute can be used once play has begun.

4. At the conclusion of the singles matches in dual meets, the coaches will fill out a card for their doubles teams by position and will exchange these cards at the same time so there is no complaint or confusion. A #1 singles player, if she is to play doubles, must play in the #1 or #2 doubles position. In addition, if the #1 and #2 singles players play in doubles, one of the two players must play on the #1 doubles team.

5. **** The continuous play rule is now in effect in high school tennis. The rule stipulates that players will change ends without rest or 90-second crossover coach/player conversation after the first game of a set and that at the end of the first set, players may take a “set break” of no more than two minutes.

6. **** School coaches have an opportunity to coach their players during each 90-second changeover and during set breaks. Breaks between sets one and two are limited to 2 minutes and breaks between sets two and three are limited to 10 minutes. School coaches or teammates in uniform are the only ones permitted to speak to players from the time they take the court to warm up for their match until the match is over. It is NOT PERMISSIBLE for club pros, parents, or others, to speak with players during this time. If there is a violation in the district or state competition of this rule, the player may be disqualified from further competition. This needs to be emphasized at conference meetings throughout the state. In a ten game or a twelve game Pro-Set, in dual meets, players may talk to their respective coaches or teammates in uniform at the court fence when one player has five games in a ten game set or six games in a twelve game set. Coaches must use the 90-second crossover to converse with players. No coaching may occur during the crossovers in tie-breakers.

A) Coaches do NOT need to wait for the opposing coach to be present to use a coaching opportunity.

B) The duration of the 90-second changeovers and set breaks are NOT lengthened for coaching opportunities. Players are expected to pick up their drinks and towels at the net post, if they wish to have them, and go immediately to the fence to visit with their coaches.

C) A teammate in uniform may talk to a teammate during 90-second changeovers and set breaks if play is taking place at split sites and a certified school coach is not available.

D) When players change ends at the conclusion of game #1 and during the tie-break there is no delay and no coaching opportunities exist during the those times.

7. Coaches will caution players about foot faults in serving during competition. If foot-faulting does become a problem, the coach of the specific violator should discuss this with his or her player. If there is a problem with line calls, foot faults, or scorekeeping, the following procedure will be utilized:

A) Conference with both players in dual and tournament play.

B) Conference with players & both coaches in dual and tournament play.

C) In non-dual matches, appointing an appeal judge by the Tournament Manager to rule on above situations when an appeal is made by a player(s).

8. Players may not leave the playing courts in competition unless they have split sets. They may not leave in Pro-Set competition.

9. The 2008 tournament series will include team as well as singles and doubles competition.

10. The Code of Conduct allows for unsportsmanlike acts to be penalized. One warning per person per tournament or dual will be issued. The second violation by that same individual will result in expulsion from the competition. Warnings should be reported to the Tournament Director and the coach of the player who violated. Player conduct is primarily the responsibility of the coach for his or her player. Any coach of a participating school may, however, give a warning for unsportsmanlike acts. In a tournament, any coach can bring conduct violations to the attention of the tournament committee.

11. **** U.S.T.A. rules govern this sport except where superseded by this manual. The blood rule is specified in all sports as printed in I.G.H.S.A.U. correspondence. In dealing with muscle cramps, the following procedure shall be used:

A. First incident---injury time out is granted of no more than five minutes.

B. Second incident---one point penalty and a 90-second time out will be issued.

C. Third incident---game penalty and a 90-second time out will be issued.

D. Fourth incident---default of match.

A singles match is considered a separate match from doubles play. The cramping procedure starts over for each match in tournament/dual play. Once a match is defaulted, player is done for the rest of the day.

12. It shall be mandatory that players wear a school-approved uniform. Please remember this is a reflection of your school!

13. The maximum number of dates of high school competition (grades 9-12) which a girl can play in the regular season is twelve.

14. When a player goes onto the court, all electronic devices must be turned off and not used during the match!

15. The twelve point tie-breaker operates as follows:

SINGLES: If it is player A's turn to serve the 13th game, she serves the first point from the right court; player B serves points two and three starting in the left court; player A serves points four and five also starting in the left court. B serves sixth (l) and players change ends. B serves seventh (r); A serves eighth and ninth (l and r); B serves tenth and eleventh (l and r); A serves twelfth (l). The first player to win seven points wins the set at 7-6. If the points reach six-all, players change ends again and continue in the same pattern, changing ends after every six points until one player leads by two points whereupon she wins the set seven-six. They "change for one" to start the next set with player B as the first server.

DOUBLES: A-B vs. C-D. Follow the same pattern as above with partners preserving the sequence of their serving as the service alternates from team to team. A serves the first point (r); C serves points two and three (l and r); B serves points four and five (l and r); D serves point six (l) and after team changes ends, point seven (r). A serves points eight and nine (l and r); C serves points ten and eleven (l and r); B serves point twelve (l). If points reach six-all, the teams again changes ends and continues in the same pattern until one team gets a two point lead. The teams "change for one" at the start of the next set with team C-D as first server.

16. A third set super tie-breaker will be played in lieu of the third set in the semi finals of state team competition if the winner of the match has already been determined by team score. The super tie-breaker is played in the same manner as the "twelve point tie-breaker" (see #15) except that it continues until one competitor reaches 10 points and is ahead by two. When one player reaches 10 points and is ahead by two they win the third set (7-6) and the match (two sets to one). A “twelve point” tie-breaker is to be used for all other tie-breaker opportunities.

DECORUM AND CONDUCT

Each school is responsible for their own fans and players. If a coach is not able to control his or her own fans, a team or school may be subjecting themselves to forfeiture. In the event a school does not fulfill their obligation, the tournament manager may take any action deemed necessary.

Except as otherwise stated herein, no pets are permitted at events sanctioned by the Union. Any persons found with pet at an event will be removed from the premises. However, this policy shall comply with the provisions of Iowa Code §216C. As such, a person with a disability or a person training an assistive animal has the right to be accompanied by a service dog or an assistive animal, under control. The person is liable for damage done to any premises or facility by a service dog or assistive animal. A "service dog" means a dog specially trained at a recognized training facility to assist a person with a disability, whether described as a service dog, guide dog, hearing dog, support dog, independence dog, or otherwise. An "assistive animal" means a simian or other animal specially trained or in the process of being trained under the auspices of a recognized training facility to assist a person with a disability.

ENTRY FORMS

Tournament entry forms are due in the month of May for regional tennis tournaments. Your entry form will be found in your Iowa Girls' High School Athletic Union Personnel Entry Form Book. Personnel to represent your school will be sent to regional Tournament Managers via form tabulated under the month of May in the Personnel Entry Form Book or by using the on-line form. Many more courts are now used with the two -class system of competition. Make sure you notify the regional Tournament Manager concerning how many players will be entered from your school. It is strongly suggested that each school and their competitor(s) have the intention of completing all levels of tournament play. To enter the team competition, you must provide a full compliment of at least six players.

PERSONNEL ENTRY

SINGLES AND DOUBLES COMPETITION

Each school entered in the regional tennis tournament must send the personnel entry form to the regional Tournament Manager where they are assigned at least five days prior to the regional meet.

Each school is entitled to enter two singles and two doubles teams. A maximum total of six girls from your school may play in regional competition. A girl may not play in both singles and doubles in the individual competition.

Singles and doubles competition for individuals involve two levels of play: Regional and State. The entry blank will be placed in a sealed envelope marked REGIONAL ENTRIES. Please mark the number of entries that you have for singles and doubles on the outside of the envelope. It will not be opened until the seeding meeting at the regional. At that time, any coach who wants to make a change must be present at that meeting and make the change before any envelopes are opened. If a coach comes late, the entry blank which was mailed to the regional Tournament Manager will be the official entry form.

ENTRY AND RULES FOR TEAM COMPETITION

REGIONAL LEVEL: Single elimination dual meet competition involving all teams assigned to the regional. When a rainout in the girls' tennis tournament series results in a rescheduled match at a new time in conflict with a boys' tennis match/site, the Unified Activities Calendar regularly scheduled event takes precedence.

1. Each team entered in team competition must provide a minimum of six players for the dual competition. Once the match is in progress, if a team loses a player, the match can continue.

2. No-ad scoring will be used throughout the match play for TEAM competition. This scoring system applies to regional and state team play. Use traditional scoring method (i.e. 15, 30, 40) not 1, 2, 3, 4, when announcing the score before each point. This scoring system applies to regional and state team play.

3. **** The continuous play rule is now in effect in high school tennis. The rule stipulates that players will change ends without rest or 90-second crossover coach/player conversation after the first game of a set and that at the end of the first set, players may take a “set break” of no more than two minutes.

School coaches have an opportunity to coach their players during each 90-second changeover and during set breaks. Breaks between sets one and two are limited to 2 minutes and breaks between sets two and three are limited to 10 minutes. School coaches or teammates in uniform are the only ones permitted to speak to players from the time they take the court to warm up for their match until the match is over. It is NOT PERMISSIBLE for club pros, parents, or others, to speak with players during this time. If there is a violation in the district or state competition of this rule, the player may be disqualified from further competition. This needs to be emphasized at conference meetings throughout the state. Coaches must 90-second crossover to converse with players. No coaching may occur during the crossovers in tie-breakers.

A) Coaches do NOT need to wait for the opposing coach to be present to use a coaching opportunity.

C) A teammate in uniform may talk to a teammate during 90-second changeovers and set breaks if play is taking place at split sites and a certified school coach is not available.

D) When players change ends at the conclusion of game #1 and during the tie-break there is no delay and no coaching opportunities exist during the those times.

The method of determining a state team champion is as follows:

4. All teams must submit singles and doubles line-up properly aligned-singles (one through six), and doubles (one through three). The team line-up must be presented to the Tournament Manager of regional team play. That line-up must be used by the qualifying team in all future team play. Singles to play first, followed by doubles.

5. In the event of an injury, illness or absence of a team member, coaches will move team members up positions rather than substituting in singles. In doubles, a player may be substituted for that missing player, but the make-up of the doubles teams cannot be re-aligned. This team line-up must remain the same for the remainder of the day. If an injury default/retirement occurs in the competition, that competitor is disqualified for the day. A match officially begins when players commence warm-ups. If questions arise, the State Office will be staffed and able to answer questions during post-season play (515-288-9741).

6. If the #1 singles player plays in doubles, she must play on the #1 or #2 doubles team and if the #1 and #2 singles players play in doubles, one of the players must play on the #1 doubles team.

7. In the interest of players due to the number of matches they must play in one day, all dual match team play at the regional and state levels will use the no-ad scoring system with a twelve point tie breaker at six games all in each set.

8. All competition a school faces in regional team play WILL BE PLAYED until one team has reached five (5) points.

9. A third set super tie-breaker will be played in lieu of the third set in the semi finals of state team competition if the winner of the match has already been determined by team score. The tie-breaker is played in the same manner as the "twelve point tie-breaker" (see #15 page 5) except that it continues until one competitor reaches 10 points and is ahead by two. When one player reaches 10 points and is ahead by two they win the third set (7-6) and the match (two sets to one). A “twelve point” tie-breaker is to be used for all other tie-breaker opportunities.

10. A team must be ready to play at the appointed time or they will be defaulted. One hour is to be given for lunch break after first team match of the day.

11. If inclement weather should be a problem, there are two numbers to contact for assistance, if needed, (515) 288-9741 or (515) 201-9557.

STATE LEVEL: Semi-finals, finals and consolation between the four teams advancing from each class of the regional level. Note the state team competition will be held on Saturday,May 31, 2008 after the state individual championships have been decided on May 29 and May 30, 2008.

1. Team play at the state level: The semi-final matches in the morning of all contests must be played to completion regardless of team score. The state championship and consolation team match in each class in the afternoon will be terminated once the winning team has accumulated five (5) team points. If an injury default occurs in the semi-final round of state team competition, that competitor is disqualified for the day.

2. One point will be scored for each match in the singles and doubles in team match play. It is scored like a dual meet. This scoring is for regional and state team competition.

3. Team play at the state level will be for team champion and team runner-up in each class. Consolation matches for third and fourth will be played and the no-ad method of scoring will be used.

INDOOR COURTS

Tournament play in the regional level on indoor courts is not permitted unless by mutual agreement of participating players' coaches with no reimbursement by the State Office.

RULES GOVERNING REGIONAL SINGLES AND DOUBLES TOURNAMENT PLAY STATE QUALIFIERS

1. Regional Tournament Managers will use sixteen line bracket systems for singles and doubles with byes or preliminary rounds where necessary. All pairings shall be made under the supervision of the Regional Tournament Manager that has been assigned by the Iowa Girls' High School Athletic Union Office. Coaches can recommend only their own players for seeding except all #1 players in the singles draw WILL BE considered for the #1 seed. The seeds will be made by the coaches involved with a majority vote ruling. The #1 seeded girl's name shall go on the top line of the upper bracket and the #2 seeded girl shall have her name placed on the bottom line of the lower bracket. If there is agreement on the third seed, then that name will go on the top line of the bottom bracket and the #4 seed will have her name placed on the bottom line of the top bracket. Only coaches can place their DOUBLES teams in consideration for any seed. If any byes are necessary, these byes will be assigned to the seeded players in order of seed. Unseeded players in singles will be placed in brackets drawn by lot according to alphabetical order. A girl whose last name is first alphabetically will be placed in the upper bracket on even numbered years and the other girl from the same school will be placed in the lower bracket on even numbered years. This procedure will be reversed on odd numbered years. EXAMPLE: Des Moines Hoover High School enters B. J. Mowery and Emily Dannen and they are not seeded in singles. Dannen is first alphabetically and Mowery would be second alphabetically. The same arrangement is followed for doubles pairings. EXAMPLE: Waterloo East High School enters teams of Elsie Ihnen and Susie Pitcher, and Suzanne Kiliper and Hannah Smiley. The team of Ihnen and Pitcher is first alphabetically.

2. A PLAYER OR A DOUBLES TEAM WHICH COMES FROM THE SAME SCHOOL AS A SEEDED PLAYER OR DOUBLES TEAM MUST BE PLACED IN THE OPPOSITE BRACKET FROM THE SEED. TEAM MEMBERS IN SINGLES AND DOUBLES WILL NEVER BE IN THE SAME HALF OF THE DRAW.

3. All matches will be two-out-of-three sets, using regular scoring, with a twelve point tie-breaker on matches tied at six games apiece.

4. The continuous play rule is now in effect with high school tennis meets. Players will change ends without rest after the first game of a set. At the end of the first set players may take a “set break” of no more than two minutes.

5. In the individual competition, semi-final losers are required to play for third place in case the winner or runner-up would not compete at the state meet. The third place winner would be the first alternate. This match is played under the no-ad format.

6. Only singles and doubles champions and runners-up in the regional tournament will advance to the state meet in singles or doubles.

The IGHSAU is the clearinghouse for tennis results in tournament competition. The wire service is used and each community might suggest to their local media the importance of having these results published.

Either tournament managers or coaches of winning teams are instructed to call (515-288-9741), FAX (515-284-1969), or e-mail the State Office (craig@ihssa.org) with scores as soon as competition is completed for the day. We encourage you to use a cell phone right from the tournament site so that information can be posted by IGHSAU staff on the web site as quickly as possible.

The official IGHSAU website is located at http://www.ighsau.org.

STATE QUALIFIERS

State qualifiers will be regional singles and doubles champion and runner-up in each class and will be identified on the state pairing sheet. Four teams will qualify for the state meet in each class. Lodging at the state meet is the responsibility of the school qualifying.

WARM-UP FOR TOURNAMENTS

No player shall be permitted longer than ten minutes for warming-up. This ten minute warm-up will be applicable for dual meets as well as an absolute in tournament competition. Serving practice is part of the ten minute warm-up period.

STARTING TIMES FOR TOURNAMENTS

The Regional Tournament Managers will begin play by 9:00 a.m. on the day and date assigned by the Girls' Union State Office. If there is any change in this time which makes for an earlier starting time, the Tournament Manager must inform in writing each school, as well as the IGHSAU office, that has been assigned to his or her tournament. If preliminary rounds are to be played in singles, these matches should be started before the doubles draw is made. A team or individual must be ready to play at the appointed time or they will be defaulted.

The first round of team play in both classes is to begin at 9:00 a.m. sharp or earlier at the discretion of the Tournament Manager with the second match being played in the afternoon. If subsequent rounds are necessary, the site, date, and time will be determined by the Iowa Girls' High School Athletic Union State Office.

The girls' state tournament for individual singles and doubles play will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 29 for singles and doubles competition. A meeting of players and coaches will commence at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 29, 2008. TEAM COMPETITION for the girls' STATE tournament will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, 2008, following an 8:30 a.m. players and coaches meeting.

TENNIS BALLS

Please note this regulation -- Each school in team dual meet tournament play will provide one dozen tennis balls to be given to the host site manager prior to starting the match. Last minute assignments and the day-to-day play prevent shipping procedures that would accommodate the new tournament format.

The IGHSAU will send balls to sites established for singles and doubles competition and provide balls for state meet competition on both team and individual competition.

The state tournament series competition will continue to use WILSON T 1071 U.S. OPEN TOURNAMENT SELECT tennis balls. These are the balls that will be provided by the schools for dual meets in the IGHSAU tournament competition. Coaches need to be aware when purchasing this ball that the packaging has changed, but the ball remains the same.

STATE SEEDING METHOD AND DIRECTIONS

Each coach who has a winning singles player or winning doubles team qualifying for the state meet will have the opportunity to vote by phone through the Advisory Committee under the auspices of the Executive Director for the four seeds in the State Tournament.

Each coach will be asked to indicate who he or she feels should be given #1 seed, #2 seed, #3 seed, and the #4 seed. This will hold true for the winning coaches (not the runner-up) in singles and doubles play. Coaches will vote only in the area in which they have a regional champion.

By Friday morning no later than 9:00 a.m. following the regional individual play of the previous day, the coaches of singles and doubles champions will e-mail or fax the qualifications of their Champion to the State Office for seeding purposes. Please use the e-mail address (lisa@ighsau.org or FAX # 515-284-1969). If no information is received by 9:00 a.m. the coach of that Champion will not be allowed to vote for seeding. E-mail and FAXs can be sent any time after the regional individual play. Coaches of the 1A Champions will call in their vote between 10:00 a.m and 12:00 noon. 2A coaches will call in their vote between 12:00 noon and 2:00 p.m. Please follow the times stated above for your call and use the 515-288-9741 number for your voting opportunity.

This method gives coaches a role in determining the state tournament seeds, and eliminates a great deal of disagreement as to who should have the seeds.

STATE PAIRINGS

The first seeded player goes on the top line of the upper bracket. The second seeded player goes on the bottom line of the lower bracket. The third seeded player goes on the top line of the lower bracket and the fourth seeded player is placed on the bottom line of the top bracket. The identical method is used in the doubles team seeding. All unseeded players will be drawn by lot and placed in pairings. Regional runners-up will play regional winners in the first round. Competitors from the same regional will be placed in opposite brackets. Consolation matches in singles and doubles, weather permitting and/or court availability, will be played through the quarterfinals on THURSDAY at the state level. Individual play will be through eight places, weather permitting.

STATE TOURNAMENT AWARDS

Plaques will be awarded to the individuals who are the champions and runner-ups in singles and doubles competition. Trophies will be given to the schools with the champion and runner-up in team play. Medals will be awarded from first through eighth place. Participants will receive state participation plaques for individual and team play.

MEETING OF TENNIS COACHES AT STATE

There will be a general meeting for all tennis coaches and players involved in the State Tournament at the State Meet site one-half hour before the singles and doubles tournament starts on THURSDAY. The meeting will commence at 9:30 a.m. with play to be scheduled beginning at 10:00 a.m. Coaches involved with the state team competition will meet thirty (30) minutes before play is to start on the SATURDAY date designated for team play.

STATE CO-ED TENNIS TOURNAMENT

****A school may enter a maximum of two double tandems with a fee to be paid to the Girls' Union of $5.00 for each entry. There is a blind draw for this tournament and it will be held on Tuesday, June 3 with headquarters being Birdland Park in Des Moines (2A) & Johnston High School (1A). To reduce delays, the draw will be made on Monday before the tournament begins. The Tennis Advisory Committee acknowledges there will still be changes, but they should be minimal. Please have entries to the state office by 12:00 (noon) on Monday, June 2, 2008. The tournament will be classed with all schools with an enrollment of 700 or above in the 2A division and 699 and below in the 1A division using this years enrollment. Once the tournament begins, no more entries are allowed. Two teams from the same school will be placed in opposite brackets. There is no seeding in this tournament which is sponsored by the Iowa Girls' High School Athletic Union and the Iowa High School Athletic Association. Every effort will be made to start the tournament outdoors, however, in case of prolonged inclement weather, the tournament will be moved indoors. This is the only tournament of this kind in the nation! The State Co-Ed championship tournament trophy has been named the Robert B. Smiley Award after the former Associate Executive Secretary of the Iowa Girls' High School Athletic Union .

A coach must accompany the players to report match scores after each match in the state Co-Ed competition. In order for a school to have a squad(s) participating in this meet, a certified coach MUST BE PRESENT during all competition or the school will not be able to compete. This could be a two day tournament if we have weather concerns! All teams must have a certified coach at the site to participate.

A third set tie-breaker will be played in lieu of the third set in the state co-ed tournament. The tie-breaker is played in the same manner as the "twelve point tie-breaker" (see #15 page 5) except that it continues until one competitor reaches 10 points and is ahead by two. When one player reaches 10 points and is ahead by two they win the third set (7-6) and the match (two sets to one). A “twelve point” tie-breaker is to be used for all other tie-breaker opportunities.

DISCUSSION POINTS FOR PRE-MEETING WITH TENNIS COACHES AND PLAYERS FOR TOURNAMENTS AND TENNIS MEETS

The host coach should:

1. Indicate what kind of scoring will be used for the meet.

2. Discuss time outs, changeovers, breaks between sets, and the tie break procedure.

3. Review the rule regarding when coaching can take place and that only coaches, or teammates, may talk to players during a match, including set breaks

4. Remind coaches that the