The following two big regional rules apply to Men’s, Ladies’ and Mixed Leagues, each comprising of various categories/divisions.
In case of a dispute or ambiguity between the English and Afrikaans versions of these rules, the English version will be conclusive.
League matches will be played under the TSA rules
Should a club wish to lodge a complaint regarding any matter relating to the league, such complaint will be in writing and must reach the League Committee within 7 (seven) days from the day of the relevant fixture. All disputes in connection with these leagues will be settled by the League Committee, subject to the right of appeal to an Ad Hoc Committee as constituted from time to time by the President of the Association.
No player will be allowed to play in a lower team if he / she has played more than twice for a higher team in the same league.
If any team member is compelled to retire through injury or illness during a match, that match will be forfeited. The injured / ill player may be substituted for play in a following match within 30 minutes after the injured / ill player has retired. The substitute player must be of the same club and must qualify in terms of all these rules, especially rule 9.
Fixtures will be played in accordance with a fixture list drawn up by the League Committee. No departure from this fixture list will be allowed except for exceptional circumstances and approved by the League Committee.
A knock-up will be limited to 5 (five) minutes per match, between two teams.
In all divisions promotion and relegation will be automatic subject however to the discretion of the League Committee.
In the event of a league not being completed within the specified period as determined from time to time by the League Committee, the points for the uncompleted match/es will be allocated on a basis of average points scored by the teams in the completed matches. No bonus points will however be allocated.
The captain of every team will enter the surnames and initials of his / her players in his / her team book before the match. The players will be listed in order of strength when the provisions of Rule 28 are applicable. Thereafter the particulars are copied onto the scorecard and this order cannot, except in the circumstance as provided for in Rule 10, be changed once the match is in progress. The captain of the home team provides the scorecard and completes the card with the team details first where after the Captain of the visiting team completes the card.
A fully detailed score card will be sent in by the captain of the winning team and will reach the office of the League Secretary within five (5) days of the conclusion of the fixture. The score card must be signed by both captains and in event of a score card not being fully completed or incorrectly completed, the match results may be canceled subject to approval by the League Committee.
Walkovers will be recorded by writing the name of the team claiming the fixture in the space “Match won by ………….” and writing “WALKOVER” across the card and cards will be submitted by both teams where a team has been withdrawn.
In fixtures where sets are played, the winner will be the team winning the most matches. In matches drawn, Rule 27(a) applies.
At the end of the league the winner of the division will be determined as follows:
When a team forfeits one fixture all the points that was won by his opponents will be cancelled. The reason for this is to place the other teams in that specific league truthfully according to their wins / losses. The applicable team’s points will be considered to see if they qualify to stay in that specific league the following year or had to relegate. If that team does not end last it will be placed 2nd last.
The League committee however has the right to do the final placing of teams.
The points that was won by his opponents will be cancelled. The reason for this is to place the other teams in that specific league truthfully according to their wins / losses.
Any team with unregistered player/s or with player/s falsely represented will forfeit that particular fixture.
Should a team be disqualified from any league, all fixtures won or lost by the team will be cancelled and considered null and void.
In all Gauteng North, Reserve, A and B Divisions of the Mixed, Men’s and Ladies leaques not less than six (6) new balls must be provided by the home team and six (6) new balls by the visiting team. For the Men’s and Ladie’s league BD Divisions both teams must provide at least three (3) new balls. In fixtures where six (6) singles and three (3) doubles matches are played, each team will provide nine (9) new balls. Only balls approved by TSAwill be used.
Gauteng North A & B, Reserve A, B & C and Divisions A & B (see rule 21 for BD Division)
Teams will consist of six (6) players of whom two (2) players are designated to play singles. Singles are played first and thereafter the first round of the doubles. The two singles players then combine to play a doubles match followed by the second round of doubles. All matches will be decided by the playing of two (2) seven (7) point tie-break sets, and in event of the score being one set each, by the playing of a ten (10) point tie break set in place of a third set.
The winner of the 7 point tie-breaker is the first player who has seven points and who lead with at least two points, e.g. 7/5, or in case of a score of six points each with a lead of at least two points, e.g. 9/7. The winner of the 10 point tie-breaker is the player who first has 10 points and who lead with at least two points, e.g. 10/8, or in case of a score of at least two points, e.g. 12/10.
One point is allotted for every set won (including the third 10-point tiebreak set) and an additional three (3) bonus points to the winning team. If one team has registered a win when play has to be abandoned due to unfavorable weather conditions or bad light, then the points are shared per set for the uncompleted matches.
The result of a fixture will be determined as follows:
If one team or the other has registered a win when play has to be abandoned due to unfavourable weather conditions or bad light, then the points are shared per set for the uncompleted matches.
BD Division
Teams will consist of two (2) couples. Both couples play a match against both couples of the opposing team. All matches will be decided by the playing of two (2) seven (7) point tie-break sets, and in event of the score being one set each, by the playing of a ten (10) point tie-break set in place of a third set. One point is allotted for every set won (including the third 10 point tie-break set) and an additional three (3) bonus points to the winning team.
The result of a fixture will be determined as follows:
If one team or the other has registered a win when play has to be abandoned due to unfavourable weather conditions or bad light, then the points are shared per set for the uncompleted matches.
Teams will consist of four couples divided into two groups. Couples 1 and 2 play a match against both couples 1 and 2 of the opposing team. Couples 3 and 4 play likewise. All matches will be decided by the playing of two (2) seven (7) point tie-break sets, and in event of the score being one set each, by the playing of a ten (10) point tie-break set in place of a third set. One point is allotted for every set won (including the third 10 point tie-break set) and an additional three (3) bonus points to the winning team.
The result of a fixture will be determined as follows:
1) the team that has won most matches; in event of this being equal.
2) the team that has won the most sets; in event of this also being equal.
3) the team that has won the most games; in event of this also being equal the fixture will be declared a draw and bonus points will be shared.
If one team or the other has registered a win when play has to be abandoned due to unfavourable weather conditions or bad light, then the points are shared per set for the uncompleted matches.
At least two (2) courts must be available per fixture. The first week couples nominated as 1 and 2 will play first and couples nominated as 3 and 4 thereafter. The second week couples nominated as 3 and 4 play first and couples nominated as 1 and 2 thereafter. This rotation continues until the end of the League.
A club not providing such a list will not be permitted to participate in the league in that division. The League Committee has the authority to demand prior to commencement of the league, that the nominated player order be changed to reflect the true strength of players, should the League Committee be of the opinion that the order of players is not correctly reflected on the list.
The League Committee is entitled to allow a club to amend the list by adding a player in any position after sufficient reasons have been given by the club.
Should a number of players be unavailable and a reserve, who is not a nominated player, is required to play, the said reserve player must play at the number six position. The players may be combined in any order for the doubles matches, provided all six team members are included.
Three courts must be available per fixture. The first week players nominated as numbers 1 – 3 will play first and players nominated as numbers 4 - 6 thereafter. The second week players nominated as numbers 4 - 6 play first and players nominated as numbers 1 -3 thereafter. This rotation continues until the end of the league.
Teams will consist of six (6) players of whom two (2) players are designated to play singles. Singles are played first and thereafter the first round of the doubles.
The two singles players then combine to play a doubles match followed by the second round of doubles. All matches will be decided by the best of three (3) tie-break sets. One point is allotted for every set won and additional three (3) bonus points to the winning team. If one team has registered a win when play has to be abandoned due to unfavourable weather conditions or bad light, then the points are shared per set for the uncompleted matches.
All members of a club affiliated to the eThekwini Tennis Association (referred to as the Association) must be registered. This includes members who are listed on the league team list on Sportyhq – regardless of whether they play or are reserves. Members of more than one club must be registered by each club but registration fees have only to be paid once.
New members must be registered before they may play for their new club subject to the provision that if they have not been registered with any other club affiliated to the Association prior to their application for registration, they shall be eligible to play as soon as their registration fee has been submitted and accepted by the Association. Unregistered players will forfeit all their match points for the fixture. In exceptional circumstances, secretaries may register/pay for the player on the Monday 4:30pm latest following the weekend match. Failure to comply will result in a 6:0, 6:0 score to the opposition.
Should a player resign from one club and join another, a clearance certificate from the original club must be sent to ETA office in order for this player to play league for the new club.
Members of clubs affiliated to other Associations but participating in the Ethekwini Association’s League competitions must also be registered members with their Associations.
Dual members must indicate, in writing, to the Association, per their club secretary, for which club they are going to play league. Should they not do so, they will be considered league playing members of the club for which they play their first fixture.
Dual players having played in one fixture for a club in a league competition, are not then permitted to play in the same league competition for another club (with the exception of pool players - see Rule 3).
A player who wishes to participate in a league but who is not selected by his/her own club, is encouraged to register with ETA as a pool player. Pool player rules apply:
Pool Players: Clubs to submit names, strengths and contact numbers of players to the Association to be placed on the pool player list prior to the league commencing, if they have such players available. Pool players may play for different clubs during that fixture. These pool players can only be utilized in the lowest league team of any club during the league season. Clubs must use their own members before requesting the use of a pool player. The Association must be advised if a pool player is to be used prior to the fixture taking place. The pool players’ own club has first call on their services irrespective of whether another club has already secured the player for their team.
Any player playing up three (3) times becomes automatically nominated for the higher team and may not play down again.
League fixtures take preference over club championships and club tournaments.
The venue of a league fixture may not be changed without prior notification to the Association and will not be permitted to be played on courts not affiliated to the Association.
League fixtures may not be postponed but may be anticipated (played before the set date) with prior notification to the Association provided both clubs are in agreement. Clubs are asked to co-operate in this respect if the Association has granted permission for a fixture to be anticipated.
A player who has played in an anticipated match may not also play again in any fixture set for the original date.
A team that does not play the fixture on the date set down without ETA’s written permission will be scratched from the league and will forfeit all points.
Teams that are scratched from a fixture or withdrawn after the fixtures have been sent to the clubs, will be fined R300 and will be relegated to the lowest league/division of that competition the following year.
Home team to appoint a referee before the start of a fixture. Should there be no person available to serve as the referee, the home captain or both captains can be appointed as the referee(s).
Replacements may not play in place of players injured during a league fixture.
If one team is ready to play the first round of matches of a fixture and the other team is not ready to play any one or more of their matches within 15 minutes after the prescribed start of play, the former will be entitled to claim the match or matches concerned. Players arriving late will not be afforded a warm up time.
If one team is ready to play the remaining round of matches of the fixture and the other team is not ready to play one or more of them within 20 minutes of having completed the first round of matches, the former team will be entitled to claim the match or matches concerned.
Rained out matches will not be replayed and will be seen at a tie. No bonus points will be awarded. In extraordinary circumstances where several rounds were rained out, the Competitions Committee can decide to have the first complete rained out round of matches be replayed.
If one team has achieved a result ie more than 50%, the points achieved up to the cancellation of the match (due to rain) must be claimed by the respective clubs and the winning team is to receive the bonus points. The balance of points unplayed to be shared equally between both clubs.
Score sheets are to be completed in full by both team captains prior to the start of the fixture ie which league/division and players full names. No alteration is permitted once fixture commences. Anticipated fixtures must also indicate the date in the fixture list on which the fixture was set down to be played.
Both teams shall email the score sheet to ETA within two days of the fixture. In the case of an unfinished fixture, both teams to send in the score sheet whether the match has been completed or not. Match Secretaries or Captains to also enter their team scores online on www.sportyhq.cm within 48 hours of the date of the fixture.
Failure to comply with above will result in a penalty point.
Saturdays open ladies / Over 40’s and men : 13:15 for knock-up, 13:30 start of play latest.
Sundays : 8:15 for knock-up, 8:30 start of play latest
Midweek : 8:15 for knock-up, 8:30 start of play latest.
In the case of rain causing a late start, Saturday fixtures must start not later than 14:30 hours and Sunday fixtures not later than 09:30 hours. Both teams must be present at the courts where the fixture is due to be played. Both captains will decide whether the courts are playable but shall not call off the match until 14:30 on Saturday afternoon and 09:00 hours on Sunday morning.
The exception to this rule is that if severe weather conditions prevail the fixture may be called off telephonically by mutual consent between the two clubs participating in the said fixture, but within 2 hours before start of fixture.
Floodlights may be used to finish the match provided both captains are in agreement.
Should a fixture be anticipated or started at an earlier time by arrangement, all the above rules to apply.
Clubs may approach each other to play on a Saturday afternoon instead of a Sunday morning. If both clubs
are agreeable the fixture must be played on a Saturday prior to the date that is set down for the said fixture.
Some clubs have entered more teams than they have courts available. Please note Westridge courts can be
utilised if available.
Bookings essential - ETA office (031 261 2527).
Mixed, Midweek, Men’s and Ladies Doubles and Over 40’s Leagues will play 2 tie-breaker sets. If a 3rd set needs to be played for a result, a super tie-breaker (10 points) will be played. The first team to reach 10 points wins but the winner must lead by 2 points.
The Super Men’s league format of play will be the best of 3 tie- break sets, however the third set will start at 2-2.
In all leagues the winning team (team with the greater number of sets won) for the fixture receives two (2) bonus points.
In the event of a set, match and games draw in the Mixed, Open and Over 40’s Leagues, each club nominates one couple (any pairing from the 4 players in the team), to play in a super tie break set to decide the ultimate winner of the match. The winning team will be awarded the 2 bonus points.
In the event of extreme heat conditions, if a player is unable to continue, they may concede the match. If able to continue thereafter, they may play in the next round.
Please ensure that neat tennis apparel is worn for all league matches.
Any dispute shall be adjudicated by the Competitions Committee which shall be elected by the Executive committee of the Association to act on their behalf. In the event of a club not accepting this ruling it will be able to lodge an appeal which will be undertaken in terms of Clause 10 of the Constitution.
Choice of two brand new Wilson US Open or ProKennex Premium balls per couple of the home team to be used for Midweek, Over 40’s, Singles and Open Leagues. Only Wilson US Open balls may be used for Mixed League. Home team to decide choice of balls.
Hosting club to provide a drink between matches and a drink after completion of fixture. Hosting club to provide light snacks during matches (eg sandwiches, fruit, cake etc).
The team coming bottom in each division will be automatically relegated to the next lower league. The team coming top in each division will be automatically promoted to the next division.
If one team wins more matches than the other team it will be the winner of the fixture, even when the sets won by each team are equal. In the event of a set and match draw in the Mixed, Open and Over 40’s Leagues, each club nominates one couple (any pairing from the 4 players in the team), to play in a super tie break set to decide the ultimate winner of the match.
Every effort should be made to complete the fixture or achieve a winning score.
At the conclusion of a competition, if two (2) teams have an equal number of points, the team, which won the fixture between them, shall be the winner. If the fixture between them was a draw or if three teams tie with an equal number of points, the winner shall be decided on the overall percentage of sets won to sets played; and if this is also equal, on the overall percentage of games won to games played.
The team winning the 2nd Division and lower divisions/leagues, provided it has not lost a fixture in winning its division/league, shall be entitled to challenge the team finishing second to bottom in the divisions two above it.
If a club already has a team in the Super League, the second team may not challenge from 2nd div to Super
If the challenging team wins the challenge match it will be promoted to the division in which the challenged team finished second last, and the latter team will be relegated to the next lower division.
If the challenge match is drawn the challenger will not be promoted and the challenged team will not be relegated.
The challenge match must be played on the Saturday/Sunday, whichever is applicable to the current league, following the completion of the league (including rained out matches), on a date specified by the Competitions Committee.
All challenge matches must be played at the club that is being challenged. The challenger must provide the balls and refreshments.
Any new teams to the league divisions shall start at the bottom. Should a club want to enter a new team in a higher division in the league, and depending on availability in the higher division, clubs to provide the Competitions Committee with the names of the players and the club’s motivation for a higher division.
Notwithstanding the above rules, the Competitions Committee will have full authority to amend these rules if the circumstances are deemed fitting and if it is in the best interests of tennis. Updated as at October 2022