RULE BOOK
As of July 2022
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. About Unified Tennis Philippines
1.1 Background / Foreword
1.2 Objectives
1.3 Vision
1.4 Mission
1.5 Core Values
1.6 Affiliation
1.7 Role
II. Duties and Responsibilities for Officials of Tournament
Organizers
2.1 Tournament Supervisor / Director
2.2 Tournament Umpire / Referee
2.3 Chair Umpire
2.4 Linesman
III. Procedures for Officials
3.1 Questions of Fact
3.2 Correcting Errors
3.3 Hindrance
3.4 Continuous Play / Delay of Game
3.5 Player Misconduct on Court
3.6 Immediate Default
IV. General Guidelines for Tournaments
4.1 Player Eligibility
4.2 Scheduling of Tournaments
4.3 Awarding of Full Ranking Points
4.4 Grouping of Tournaments
4.5 Ranking Points
4.6 Withdrawal and Defaults
4.7 Scoring Format
4.8 Questions of Fact
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4.9 Medical Timeout
4.10 Medical Treatment
4.11 Muscle Cramping
4.12 Between Matches
4.13 Toilet / Change of Attire Break
4.14 Suspension and Postponement
V. Code of Conduct
On-site Offences
5.1 Punctuality
5.2 Dress and Equipment
5.3 Time Violation / Delay of Game
5.4 Audible Obscenity (AOB)
5.5 Visible Obscenity (VOB)
5.6 Verbal Abuse (VA)
5.7 Physical Abuse (PHA)
5.8 Abuse of Balls (BA)
5.9 Abuse of Racquets or Equipment (RA)
5.10 Coaching and Coaches (CC)
5.11 Unsportsmanlike Conduct (UNC)
5.12 Best Effort (BE)
5.13 Leaving the Court (LC)
5.14 Failure to Complete the Match (FCM)
5.15 Ceremonies (CER)
5.16 Media Conference (MC)
5.17 Point Penalty Schedule
Aggravated Behavior
VI. Sanctioning of Tournaments
6.1 Classification of Tournaments
6.2 Entry Definitions
6.3 Tournament Application
6.4 Sanction Fee
6.5 Approval
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I. ABOUT UNIFIED TENNIS PHILIPPINES
1.1 Foreword
Unified Tennis Philippines (UTP) is a group operated by the National Lawn Tennis
Association of the Philippines, Inc. It is a non-stock, non-profit, SEC-registered sports
association guided by its mission of supporting the development of Philippine tennis
with the goal of preparing athletes to eventually compete in the global stage and
for more Filipinos to learn and pick up the sport.
UTP prides itself of being an all-inclusive organization, founded and supported by
the country’s passionate tennis patrons and stakeholders.
1.2 Objectives
1.2.1 To implement a national grassroots development program that is
sustainable.
4.5.1 OPEN EVENT POINTS TABLE
SINGLES GROUP A GROUP B GROUP C GROUP D GROUP E
Champion 600 400 300 200 100
Runner-Up 450 280 210 140 60
Semi-Finalist 300 160 120 80 40
Quarterfinalist 150 80 60 40 20
Loser in Round-of-16* 75 40 30 20 10
Loser in Round-of-32** 40 – – – –
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4.6 Withdrawals & Defaults
Withdrawals after deadline and defaults by players in any tournament are subject
to penalties to be implemented by UTP.
Furthermore, to give credit to players who enter and show up on their scheduled
match, the player shall earn the point in accordance with the points table, should
the player win by default.
The penalties for default are as follows:
4.6.1 OPEN EVENT
OFFENSE PENALTY POINTS FINE / SANCTIONS
First Offense 20 P500.00
Second Offense 50 P1,000.00 &
Suspension in Two
Consecutive Tournaments
in the Region
Third Offense 100 P2,500 & Suspension in
Four Consecutive
Tournaments in the Region
4.6.2 JUNIOR EVENT
OFFENSE PENALTY POINTS / SANCTIONS
First Offense 20 pts
Second Offense 50 pts & Suspension in Two
Consecutive Tournaments in the Region
Third Offense 100 pts & Suspension in Four
Consecutive Tournaments in the Region
Note:
This is on a per year basis.
Player shall submit a valid medical certificate to the Tournament
Organizer / Director / Referee (within 7 days) if default is caused by
sickness/injury for exemption from the sanctions.
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4.7 Scoring Format
4.7.1 SINGLES
BEST OF 3 REGULAR TIE-BREAKER SETS (1-6)
The first player/team to win six games wins that “Set”, provided there
is a margin of two games over the opponent(s). If the score reaches six
games all, a tie-break game shall be played.
BEST OF 2 REGULAR TIE-BREAKER SETS (1-6), IF 1-SET ALL (3RD SET),
MATCH TIE-BREAK (1-10).
The player/team who wins first ten points shall win this match tie-break
and the match provided there is a margin of two points over the
opponent(s).
Best of 3 Regular Tie-Breaker Sets NO-AD Scoring (1-6).
If each player/team has won three points, the score is “Deuce” and a
deciding point shall be played. The receiver(s) shall choose whether to
receive the service from the right half or the left half of the court. In
doubles, the players of the receiving team cannot change positions to
receive this deciding point. The player/team who wins the deciding
point wins the “Game”.
In mixed doubles, the player of the same gender as the server shall
receive the deciding point. The players of the receiving team cannot
change positions to receive the deciding point.
Best of 3 Shorts Sets (1-4).
The first player/team who wins four games wins that set, provided there
is a margin of two games over the opponent(s). If the score reaches four
games all, a tie-break game shall be played.
Best of 3 Shorts Sets (1-4) if 1set all (3rd set), Match Tie-Break (1-10).
The player/team who first wins ten points shall win this match tie-break
and the match provided there is a margin of two points over the
opponent(s).
Note: When using the match tie-break to replace the final set:
• The original order of service continues. (Rules 5 and 14)
• In doubles, the order of serving and receiving within the team may be altered,
as in the beginning of each set. (Rules 14 and 15).
• Before the start of the match tie-break, there shall be a 120-seconds set break.
• Balls should not be changed before the start of the match tie-break even if a
ball change is due.
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4.7.2 DOUBLES
BEST OF 3 REGULAR TIE-BREAKER SETS (1-6)
The first player/team to win six games wins that “Set”, provided there
is a margin of two games over the opponent(s). If the score reaches six
games all, a tie-break game shall be played.
BEST OF 2 REGULAR TIE-BREAKER SETS (1-6), IF 1 SET ALL (3RD SET),
MATCH TIE-BREAK (1-10)
The player/team who first wins ten points shall win this match tie-break
and the match provided there is a margin of two points over the
opponent(s).
BEST OF 3 REGULAR TIE-BREAKER SETS NO-AD SCORING (1-6)
If each player/team has won three points, the score is “Deuce” and a
deciding point shall be played. The receiver(s) shall choose whether to
receive the service from the right half or the left half of the court. In
doubles, the players of the receiving team cannot change positions to
receive this deciding point. The player/team who wins the deciding
point wins the “Game”.
In mixed doubles, the player of the same gender as the server shall
receive the deciding point. The players of the receiving team cannot
change positions to receive the deciding point.
STRAIGHT 8 SCORING (1-8)
The first player/team to win eight games wins the “Game”, provided
there is a margin of two games over the opponent(s). If the score
reaches seven games all, a tie-break (1-7) game shall be played.
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4.8 Medical Timeout
A Medical Time-Out is allowed by the Chair Umpire when the
Physiotherapist/Athletic Trainer or Tournament Official has evaluated the player
and has determined that additional time for medical treatment is required. The
Medical Time-Out takes place during a change over or set break, unless the
Physiotherapist/Athletic Trainer determines that the player has developed an acute
medical condition that requires immediate medical treatment. The Medical TimeOut begins when the Physiotherapist/Athletic Trainer or Tournament Official is
ready to start treatment. At the discretion of the Physiotherapist/Athletic Trainer
or Tournament Official, treatment during a Medical Time-Out may take place offcourt and may proceed in conjunction with a Tournament Doctor.
The Medical Time-Out is limited to three (3) minutes of treatment. However, at
professional events with prize money, the Tournament Umpire may extend the time
allowed for treatment, if necessary.
A player is allowed one (1) Medical Time-Out for each distinct treatable medical
condition. All clinical manifestations of heat illness shall be considered as one (1)
treatable medical condition. All treatable musculoskeletal injuries that manifest as
part of a kinetic chain continuum shall be considered as one (1) treatable medical
condition.
In a Junior Tournament, a parent / coach or guardian may be allowed to enter the
court to look after the player when Tournament Officials deem it necessary.
4.9 Muscle Cramping
A player may receive treatment for muscle cramping only during the time allotted
for change of ends and/or set breaks. Players may not receive a Medical Time-Out
for muscle cramping.
If the player cannot continue playing due to severe muscle cramping, as determined
by the Sports Medicine Trainer and/or Tournament Doctor and/or Chair Umpire,
he/she may forfeit the point(s)/game(s) needed to get to a change of ends or set
break in order to receive treatment. There may be a total of two (2) full change of
ends or set-break treatments for muscle cramping in a match, not necessarily
consecutive.
If it is determined by the Chair Umpire or Tournament Umpire that gamesmanship
was involved, then a Code Violation for Unsportsmanlike Conduct could be issued.
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Penalty
After completion of a Medical Time-Out or medical treatment, any delay in
resumption of play shall be penalized by Code Violations for Delay of Game. Any
player abuse of this Medical Rule will be subject to penalty in accordance with the
Unsportsmanlike Conduct section of the Code of Conduct.
4.10 Between Matches
Except when weather or other unavoidable circumstances cause schedule
disruption, players shall be scheduled for a maximum of one singles match and one
doubles match per day, which shall not be scheduled less than twelve (12) hours
after the completion of the last match of such player on the preceding day or round.
Whenever it is necessary to schedule more than one match in the same day, such
player shall, unless he/she is in singles and doubles finals to be played consecutively,
be given the following minimum rest periods:
If played less than 1 hour 1⁄2 hour rest
If played between 1 and 1 1⁄2 hours 1 hour rest
If played more than 1 1⁄2 hours 1 1⁄2 hours rest
In Junior tournaments, players who are entered in two age-age categories may be
required to play a maximum of 4 matches. (Maximum of 2 matches per age
category)
4.11 Toilet / Change of Attire Break
A player may request permission to leave the court for a reasonable time for a toilet
break, a change of attire break, or both, but for no other reason.
Toilet breaks should be taken on a set break and change of attire breaks must be
taken on a set break.
In singles event, a player is entitled to one (1) break during a best of three (3) sets
match.
4.12 Suspension and Postponement
If the tournament will be suspended due to rain, matches will resume once the
courts are playable or may be transferred to a suitable venue. However, if the bad
weather prevails and will affect the completion of the tournament based on the
original date, the officials may decide to postpone the tournament or cancel it
altogether.
If the rain occurs on the date of the finals, the tournament will resume if it can still be
completed on the same day or otherwise, the officials may declare the finalists as cochampions.
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V. Code of Conduct (Reference UTP and ITF)
5.1 On-Site Offenses
5.1.1 PUNCTUALITY
Matches shall follow each other without delay in accordance with the
announced order of play. The order of play shall be posted at a highly
visible place in a general players’ area as designated by the Tournament
Organizer / Director / Referee. Matches shall be called in accordance with
the order of play using all available and reasonable means. Players shall be
ready to play when their matches are called.
5.1.2 DRESS AND EQUIPMENT
Every player shall dress and present himself/herself for play in a
professional manner. Clean and customarily acceptable tennis attire shall
be worn. Any player who violates this Section may be ordered by the Chair
Umpire or Tournament Official to change his/her attire or equipment
immediately. Failure of a player to comply with such order may result in an
immediate default. (UTP reserves the right to interpret the following rules
so as to give effect to the intent and purposes of these Regulations).
5.1.3 TIME VIOLATION / DELAY OF GAME
Following the expiration of the warm-up period, play shall be continuous,
and a player shall not unreasonably delay a match for any cause.
A maximum of twenty (25) five seconds shall elapse from the moment the
ball goes out of play at the end of the point until the time the ball is struck
for the first serve of the next point. If such serve is a fault, then the second
serve must be struck by the server without delay.
When changing ends, a maximum of ninety (90) seconds shall elapse from
the moment the ball goes out of play at the end of the game until the time
the first serve is struck for the next game. If such first serve is a fault, the
second serve must be struck by the server without delay. However, after
the first game of each set and during a tie-break, play shall be continuous,
and the players shall change ends without a rest period.
At the conclusion of each set, regardless of the score, there shall be a set
break of one hundred and twenty (120) seconds from the moment the ball
goes out of play at the end of the set until the time the first serve is struck
for the next set. If a set ends after an even number of games, there shall
be no change of ends until after the first game of the next set.
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The receiver shall play to the reasonable pace of the server and shall be
ready to receive within a reasonable time of the server being ready. A Time
Violation may be issued prior to the expiration of twenty (20) seconds if
the receiver’s actions are delaying the reasonable pace of the server.
Server The Time Violation shall result in a “fault”
Receiver The Time Violation shall result in a “point penalty”
When a violation is a result of a medical condition, refusal to play or not
returning to the court within the allowed time, a Code Violation (Delay of
Game) penalty shall be assessed in accordance with the Point Penalty
Schedule.
5.1.4 AUDIBLE OBSCENITY (AOB)
Players shall not use an audible obscenity within the precinct of the
tournament site. Violation of this Section shall subject a player to a fine up
to P5,000 for each violation. In addition, if such violation occurs during a
match (including the warm- up), the player shall be penalized in accordance
with the Point Penalty Schedule hereinafter set forth. In circumstances that
are flagrant and particularly injurious to the success of a tournament, or
are singularly egregious, a single violation of this Section shall also
constitute the Major Offence of “Aggravated Behavior” and shall be subject
to the additional penalties hereinafter set forth, therefore.
For purposes of this Rule, audible obscenity is defined as the use of words
commonly known and understood to be profane and uttered clearly and
loudly enough to be heard by the Court Officials or spectators.
5.1.5 VISIBLE OBSCENITY (VOB)
Players shall not make obscene gestures of any kind within the precincts of
the tournament site. In addition, if such violation occurs during a match
(including the warm-up), the player shall be penalized in accordance with
the Point Penalty Schedule hereinafter set forth. In circumstances that are
flagrant and particularly injurious to the success of a tournament, or are
singularly egregious, a single violation of this Section shall also constitute
the Major Offence of “Aggravated Behavior” and shall be subject to the
additional penalties hereinafter set forth, therefore.
For purposes of this Rule, visible obscenity is defined as the making of signs
by a player with his hands and/or racquet or balls that commonly have an
obscene meaning.
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5.1.6 VERBAL ABUSE (VA)
Players shall not at any time directly or indirectly verbally abuse any official,
opponent, sponsor, spectator or other person within the precincts of the
tournament site. In addition, if such violation occurs during a match
(including the warm- up), the player shall be penalized in accordance with
the Point Penalty Schedule hereinafter set forth. In circumstances that are
flagrant and particularly injurious to the success of a tournament, or are
singularly egregious, a single violation of this Section shall also constitute
the Major Offence of “Aggravated Behavior” and shall be subject to the
additional penalties hereinafter set forth, therefore.
For purposes of this Rule, verbal abuse is defined as a statement about an
official, opponent, sponsor, spectator or other person that implies
dishonesty or is derogatory, insulting or otherwise abusive.
5.1.7 PHYSICAL ABUSE (PHA)
Players shall not at any time physically abuse any official, opponent,
spectator or other person within the precincts of the tournament site. In
addition, if such violation occurs during a match (including the warm- up),
the player shall be penalized in accordance with the Point Penalty Schedule
hereinafter set forth. In circumstances that are flagrant and particularly
injurious to the success of a tournament, or are singularly egregious, a
single violation of this Section shall also constitute the Major Offence of
“Aggravated Behavior” and shall be subject to the additional penalties
hereinafter set forth, therefore.
For purposes of this Rule, physical abuse is the unauthorized touching of
an official, opponent, spectator or other person.
5.1.8 ABUSE OF BALLS (BA)
Players shall not violently, dangerously or with anger hit, kick or throw a
tennis ball within the precincts of the tournament site except in the
reasonable pursuit of a point during a match (including the warm-up). In
addition, if such violation occurs during a match (including the warm-up),
the player shall be penalized in accordance with the Point Penalty Schedule
hereinafter set forth.
For the purposes of this Rule, abuse of balls is defined as intentionally
hitting a ball out of the enclosure of the court, hitting a ball dangerously or
recklessly within the court or hitting a ball with negligent disregard of the
consequences.
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5.1.9 ABUSE OF RACQUETS OR EQUIPMENT (RA)
Players shall not violently or with anger hit, kick or throw a racquet or other
equipment within the precincts of the tournament site. In addition, if such
violation occurs during a match (including the warm-up), the player shall
be penalized in accordance with the Point Penalty Schedule hereinafter set
forth.
For the purposes of this Rule, abuse of racquets or equipment is defined as
intentionally and violently destroying or damaging racquets or equipment
or intentionally and violently hitting the net, court, umpire’s chair or other
fixture during a match out of anger or frustration.
5.1.10 COACHING AND COACHES (CC)
Players shall not receive coaching during a match. Communications of any
kind, audible or visible, between a player and a coach may be construed as
coaching. Players shall also prohibit their coaches (1) from using audible
obscenity within the precincts of the tournament site, (2) from making
obscene gestures of any kind within the precincts of the tournament site,
(3) from verbally abusing any official, opponent, spectator or other person
within the precincts of the tournament site, (4) from physically abusing any
official, opponent, spectator or other person within the precincts of the
tournament site and (5) from giving, making, issuing, authorizing or
endorsing any public statement within the precincts of the tournament site
having, or designed to have, an effect prejudicial or detrimental to the best
interest of the tournament and/or of the officiating thereof.
In addition, if such violation occurs during a match (including the warmup), the player shall be penalized in accordance with the Point Penalty
Schedule hereinafter set forth. In circumstances that are flagrant and
particularly injurious to the success of a tournament, or are singularly
egregious, a single violation of this section shall also constitute the Major
Offence of “Aggravated Behavior” and shall be subject to the additional
penalties hereinafter set forth therefore and the Tournament Referee may
order the Coach to be removed from the site of a match or the precincts of
the tournament site and may declare an immediate default of such player.
For purposes of this Rule, a “coach” shall also include any representative
and/or relative of a player.
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5.1.11 UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT (UNC)
Players shall at all times conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner
and give due regard to the authority of officials and the rights of
opponents, spectators and others. In addition, if such violation occurs
during a match (including the warm- up), the player shall be penalized in
accordance with the Point Penalty Schedule hereinafter set forth. In
circumstances that are flagrant and particularly injurious to the success of
a tournament, or are singularly egregious, a single violation of this Section
shall also constitute the Major Offence of “Aggravated Behavior” and shall
be subject to the additional penalties hereinafter set forth, therefore.
For the purposes of this Rule, unsportsmanlike conduct is defined as any
misconduct by a player that is clearly abusive or detrimental to the Sport,
but that does not fall within the prohibition of any specific on-site offence
contained herein. In addition, unsportsmanlike conduct shall include, but
not be limited to, the giving, making, issuing, authorizing or endorsing any
public statement having, or designed to have, an effect prejudicial or
detrimental to the best interests of the tournament and/or the officiating
thereof.
5.1.12 BEST EFFORT (BE)
A player shall use his best effort to win a match when competing in an UTP
Tournament. For purposes of this Rule, the Tournament Officials and/or
the Chair Umpire shall have the authority to penalize a player in
accordance with the Point Penalty Schedule. In circumstances that are
flagrant and particularly injurious to the success of a tournament, or are
singularly egregious, a single violation of this Section shall also constitute
the Major Offence of “Aggravated Behavior” and shall be subject to the
additional penalties hereinafter set forth therefore.
5.1.13 LEAVING THE COURT (LC)
A player shall not leave the court area during a match (including the warmup) without the permission of the Chair Umpire. In addition the player may
be defaulted and subjected to the additional penalties for Failure to
Complete Match as hereinafter set forth.
5.1.14 FAILURE TO COMPLETE MATCH (FCM)
A player must complete a match in progress unless he is reasonably unable
to do so. In addition, a violation of this Section shall subject a player to
immediate default and shall also constitute the Major Offence of
“Aggravated Behavior” and shall be subject to the additional penalties
hereinafter set forth, therefore.
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5.1.15 CEREMONIES (CER)
A player participating in the finals of a UTP Tournament must attend and
participate in the final ceremonies after the match unless he/she is
reasonably unable to do so.
5.1.16 MEDIA CONFERENCE (MC)
Unless injured and physically unable to appear, a player or team must
attend the post-match media conference(s) organized immediately or
within thirty (30) minutes after the conclusion of each match whether the
player or team was the winner or loser, unless such time is extended or
otherwise modified by the Tournament Referee for good cause.
5.1.17 POINT PENALTY SCHEDULE
The Point Penalty Schedule to be used for violations set forth above is as
follows:
FIRST Offense WARNING
SECOND Offense POINT PENALTY
THIRD and each Subsequent Offense GAME PENALTY
However, after the third Code Violation, the Tournament Referee shall
determine whether each subsequent offence shall constitute a default.
5.2 Aggravated Behavior
No player or Related Person at any UTP sanctioned tournament shall engage in
“Aggregated Behavior” which is defined as follows:
6.5 Approval
All applicants will receive written notification regarding UTP approval and
acceptance of the event on UTP’s calendar ranking list with the appropriate group
classification and ranking points distribution thereof.
All rules and regulations are approved by Unified Tennis Philippines using the ITF Rulebook as
reference in general. In situations where it is not covered in the UTP Rulebook, reference will be
made using the ITF Rulebook.
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Waiver and Quit Claim:
All players entering Unified Tennis Philippines Sanctioned Tournaments agree as a condition of their
entry,, that for themselves, their executors, administrators, heirs and personal representatives, all
claims of any kind, nature and description are waived, including past, present or future claims and
injuries including COVID -19, if any, sustained in travelling to or from participating in a tournament
organized by the Cebuana Lhuillier Tennis Tour and Palawan Pawnshop Tennis Championships
organizers and sponsor