Tournament Rules

1. General Rules

• The tournament follows the Official USA Tennis Rulebook unless otherwise stated.
• All teams must check in at least 10 minutes before their match time.
• Matches will be played on indoor courts.
• Players are responsible for their own rackets and attire.

2. Tournament Format

• Teams: Doubles format (two players per team).
• Game Length: First to win six games with a two-game lead. A tiebreak is played at 6-6.
• Scoring: Points progress as 15, 30, 40, and game (deuce at 40-40, requiring a two-point lead).
• Advancement: Winning teams will advance to the next rounds.

Note: The tournament format is subject to change based on court availability. The final format will be shared one week before the tournament start date.

3. Serving Rules

• The server must stand behind the baseline and between the doubles sideline and the center mark.
• The ball must be struck before it bounces after being tossed into the air.
• The serve must land diagonally in the opponent’s service box.

First & Second Serve:

• Players get two serves per point: a first serve and a second serve if the first is a fault.
• If both serves are faults, it results in a double fault and loss of the point.

Faults & Let Rules:

• The server’s foot touches the baseline or enters the court before hitting the ball.
• The ball lands outside the service box, doesn’t clear the net, or misses the opponent’s court.
• If the serve clips the net but lands in the correct service box, the server gets to replay the serve.

Doubles Serving Rotation:

• Each player serves once in a cycle of four games.
• Teams alternate serving every game.
• The order remains fixed within a set but can be changed at the start of a new set.

Tiebreak Serving Rules:

• The player who was supposed to serve the next game starts the tiebreak and serves only one point from the deuce (right) side.
• After the first point, the serve shifts to the opposing team, and each player serves two consecutive points, alternating sides (starting from the ad/left side).
• First team to 7 points, winning by at least two points (e.g., 7-5, 8-6, etc.).

4. Conduct & Time Rules

• Match Time Limit: Each match must be completed within 60 minutes.
• Forfeits:
  • If a team fails to show up or arrives more than 5 minutes late, they will forfeit the match, and the opposing team will be awarded the win.
• Code of Conduct:
  • Unsportsmanlike behavior (arguing, racket throwing, excessive celebrations, foul language) may result in warnings or disqualification.

5. Prizes & Recognition

• Winners & Runners-Up will receive trophies and certificates.