RULES & REGULATIONS

1

Points System

1.1

Match Victory Points

Players earn 3 points for winning a match in straight sets or via a match tiebreaker.

Important Note: Players earn 3 points for winning a match in straight sets or via a match tiebreaker.

1.2

Bonus & Set Points

1 point is awarded for each set won during a match, even if the player ultimately loses the match.

1.3

Default & Walkover Points

A walkover victory awards 3 points and a 6-0, 6-0 scoreline to the non-defaulting player.

1.4

Standings Tiebreakers

Ties in total points are broken by: 1) Head-to-Head record, 2) Set differential, 3) Game winning percentage.

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2

Match Format

2.1

Standard Match Structure

All matches are played as Best of 3 sets. The first two sets use standard scoring with a 7-point tiebreak at 6-6.

2.2

Third Set Match Tiebreaker

In lieu of a full 3rd set, a 10-point Match Tiebreak (win by 2) is played to decide the winner.

Important Note: In lieu of a full 3rd set, a 10-point Match Tiebreak (win by 2) is played to decide the winner.

2.3

Game Scoring

Standard deuce scoring applies unless both players mutually agree on No-Ad scoring prior to match start due to court time constraints.

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3

Indoor Match Rules

3.1

Court Booking Limits

Indoor matches must adhere strictly to reserved court time slots. Warm-up time is limited to a maximum of 10 minutes.

3.2

Obstruction & Overhead Hits

If a ball hits the ceiling, roof beams, or lighting fixtures, it is immediately declared OUT against the hitter.

Important Note: If a ball hits the ceiling, roof beams, or lighting fixtures, it is immediately declared OUT against the hitter.

3.3

Noise & Distractions

Players must respect adjacent indoor courts and keep vocalizations or music at reasonable levels.

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4

Outdoor Match Rules

4.1

Weather Delays & Rainouts

If rain interrupts play for over 30 minutes, the match must be rescheduled unless 2 full sets were completed.

4.2

Wind & Light Conditions

Play continues through normal wind unless court safety is compromised or unplayable darkness sets in.

4.3

Court Preparation

Players on clay or hard courts share equal responsibility for sweeping lines or drying minor damp spots before starting.

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5

Break Rules

5.1

Changeover Duration

Maximum allowed changeover time is 90 seconds. A 120-second rest is allowed between sets.

5.2

Toilet Breaks

Each player is entitled to one 5-minute toilet break per match, preferably taken between sets.

5.3

Medical Timeouts

One 3-minute medical timeout is permitted per match for acute injuries or medical evaluation.

Important Note: One 3-minute medical timeout is permitted per match for acute injuries or medical evaluation.

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6

Late Arrival Policy

6.1

Grace Period (5–15 Minutes)

Arriving 5 to 15 minutes late results in loss of coin toss and a 1-game penalty awarded to the opponent.

6.2

Forfeit Threshold (15+ Minutes)

Arriving more than 15 minutes past agreed match time constitutes a forfeit/walkover unless rescheduled by mutual consent.

Important Note: Arriving more than 15 minutes past agreed match time constitutes a forfeit/walkover unless rescheduled by mutual consent.

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7

Match Scheduling

7.1

Equal Scheduling Responsibility

Both players share equal responsibility to initiate contact and finalize match dates within the designated round window.

7.2

Proof of Communication

Retain all WhatsApp messages, emails, or PTL portal logs in case of scheduling disputes or unresponsive opponent claims.

7.3

Unresponsive Opponent Escalation

If an opponent fails to reply within 72 hours, notify PTL Administration immediately for default processing.

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8

Walkovers

8.1

Late Cancellation Walkover

Canceling a match within 24 hours of scheduled start time without valid medical documentation is treated as a walkover.

8.2

Walkover Scoring

Walkovers are recorded as 6-0, 6-0 in favor of the non-defaulting player and count toward division standings.

8.3

Repeated Defaults

Accumulating 2 walkovers in a season may lead to removal from playoffs and future tournament registration restrictions.

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9

Group Placement

9.1

NTRP & Rating Categorization

Players are placed into groups based on verified NTRP ratings, previous PTL performance, and admin assessment.

9.2

Promotion & Relegation

Top 2 finishers in each subgroup automatically qualify for higher division placement in subsequent seasons.

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10

Injury Policy

10.1

In-Match Retirement

If a player retires mid-match, the opponent receives credit for all remaining games and sets required to win.

10.2

Mid-Season Withdrawal

Injured players unable to complete at least 50% of matches will have their results nullified to maintain balanced standings.

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11

Umpiring

11.1

Self-Umpired Matches

Matches are self-umpired. Each player makes line calls on their own side of the net in good faith.

11.2

Benefit of the Doubt

Any ball that cannot be called OUT with absolute certainty must be called IN favoring the opponent.

Important Note: Any ball that cannot be called OUT with absolute certainty must be called IN favoring the opponent.

11.3

Audible Line Calls

OUT calls must be made clearly and audibly immediately after the ball bounces.

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12

Sportsmanship

12.1

Code of Conduct

Racket throwing, verbal abuse, or disrespectful behavior towards opponents will result in disciplinary sanctions.

12.2

Post-Match Protocol

Players shake hands at the net and mutually confirm score records prior to uploading results to the portal.

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13

Net Rules

13.1

Net Touching

Touching the net, net posts, or opponent court while the ball is in play results in immediate loss of point.

13.2

Reaching Across Net

Hitting a ball before it crosses the net plane is illegal unless following through after legal contact.

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14

Service Rules

14.1

Foot Fault Restrictions

Servers must remain behind the baseline and between the imaginary extensions of center mark and sideline until ball impact.

14.2

Service Let

A served ball touching the net tape and landing in the correct service box is replayed without penalty.

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15

No Show Policy

15.1

Definition of No-Show

Failing to arrive at the venue without prior notification within 30 minutes of scheduled start time.

15.2

Court Fee Reimbursement

The defaulting player is required to reimburse any non-refundable court booking fees paid by the attending player.

Important Note: The defaulting player is required to reimburse any non-refundable court booking fees paid by the attending player.

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16

Player Replacement

16.1

Doubles Substitutions

Emergency substitute partners are permitted in doubles subject to rating verification and admin pre-approval.

16.2

Singles Substitutions

No replacement players are allowed in singles once the official group schedule window has opened.

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17

Waiver

17.1

Assumption of Risk

Players participate voluntarily and assume full responsibility for any physical injuries or property loss incurred.

17.2

Media & Content Release

PTL reserves the right to publish match photographs, scores, and tournament highlights on official channels.

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18

Other Rules

18.1

Tennis Ball Provision

The home or first-listed player must provide a new unopened can of extra-duty pressurized tennis balls.

18.2

Final Dispute Settlement

In all matters of rule interpretation or dispute, the decision of the PTL Rules Committee is final and binding.

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