ADULT 65 AND OVER NATIONAL INVITATIONAL 6.0/9

ADULT 65 AND OVER NATIONAL INVITATIONAL 6.0/9.0

Dates: February 5-7, 2021, Match Play begins on Friday, February 5, 2021

Matches and awards will conclude on Sunday by approximately 2 pm. Please

consider that inclement weather and other foreseen circumstances may

affect the schedule and ending time might vary, so players should plan

accordingly (i.e. flights, etc).

SITE: All matches will be played at:

The Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex

14469 W. Paradise Lane

Surprise, AZ 85374

COURT SURFACE: Hard

BALL TYPE: Penn Championship Extra Duty

PRACTICE COURTS: Call in up to 24 hours in advance to reserve for non-

tournament days. Teams may book up to two courts per session. $4.00 per

person per 1 hour or $5.00 per person for courts at night.


PLAYER ENTRY FEE: Every player advancing to the USTA League National Invitational is required to register and pay the $55 (plus processing fees) individual player entry fee. Non-playing players that wish to receive the player amenities (player gifts, tournament t-shirt, ticket to player social, etc.) need to register and pay for the event. *ALL CAPTAINS both playing and non-playing need to register and pay for the event. The registration link will be posted on our homepage https://www.usta.com/65andover/ by October 31st, 2020.

PLAYER REGISTRATION DEADLINE: The registration deadline for this championship is January 22nd, 2021. Each team needs to have at least 6 eligible players registered by December 28th, 2020.

REFUNDS: Players may send refund requests to [email protected], refunds will be granted until the registration deadline.

TEAM CAPTAINS MEETING:

WHERE: Virtual Meeting via Google Meet/Zoom

WHEN: TBD-Captain's will receive an email with the date, time and meeting information.

Captains are required to join the Virtual meeting or view it prior to the start of the event.

TEAM CHECK IN: Captains can check in their team prior to the start of their first match on Friday. At this time the captain will get their captain’s packets and player gifts. The check in takes about 10-15 minutes.

https://www.usta.com/65andover/


PLAYER LUNCHES: Every registered player will receive a gift card for lunch to be used at their discretion on both Friday and Saturday. Lunches will not be provided on site.

TRAINER: There will be a trainer on-site to assist with athletic injuries. They will have access to ice.

AWARDS: Awards will be given to teams that finish in the Champion and Finalist positions. Every registered player on the Champion and Finalist teams will receive an award. 6 awards will be presented to onsite and the additional awards will be mailed to the captains. Teams may purchase additional awards beyond what is provided by speaking to the Tournament director. Banners will be presented to the teams that finish 1st-4th.

SPORTSMANSHIP AWARDS: Teams will be able to nominate opponents as Good Sports at the Tournament desk after each match who demonstrates good sportsmanship. Those nominated will receive Good Sport wristbands and will be entered into a raffle that will be held after all three weekends of events are completed. Winners will be notified via email.

PLAYER GIFTS: All players attending the National Invitational will receive an invitational towel and bag tag.

OFFICIAL MERCHANDISE: Official USTA League National Invitational merchandise will be available for purchase on site.

TEAM PHOTOS: Team photos will be taken throughout the weekend as

well as candid shots. Team captains will make an appointment prior to

their first match. Photos are FREE at usta.com/65andover


WATER, ICE AND BANANAS: Players should come prepared with enough ice and

water for the duration of their matches. Water will not be available on court,

however, there will be a water bottle filling station located by the bathrooms. We

will not be providing bananas or public ice buckets this year due to COVID 19 safety

precautions so please come with all of the ice, snacks and food that you may need

for the duration of your matches. The trainer will have ice on site for injuries only.

WEBSITE: The USTA League National Invitational home page

usta.com/65andover will be updated with photos from each event. Scores and

standings will be published in Tennislink. To locate standings please use the

Championship Advanced Search option located in Tennislink on the League

homepage under the stats and standings column. Please make sure to select 2020

as the year when looking for the standings for this National Invitational.

RULES AND REGULATIONS:

USTA Rules and League Regulations and Friend at Court will be enforced during championships.

All match lineups must be submitted to the tournament desk by the team captain at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the scheduled match time. Penalties may be enforced at the Tournament Director’s discretion.

COACHING: No coaching allowed by captains, teammates, or spectators. Please work out problems on court as best as you can. If players are not able to work out a dispute, one of them may come to the Tournament desk to request the Referee. (Please note that captains and/or players should not be involved with decision making or requesting an official without a player’s consent.) Cell phones and any electronic devices are not allowed on the courts and spectators’ phones should be turned off while observing matches. Smart watches may be worn to track steps but they must be in airplane mode the entire duration of the match. At any time an official or tournament staff may tell a player that they need to remove their smart watch at their discretion.


SCORING: Best of two tiebreak sets with a 10-point Match Tiebreak in lieu of a 3rd set.

Match Tiebreak (10 Points, Win by 2): When the score in an individual match is one set all, a Match Tiebreak shall be played in lieu of a 3rd set. This tiebreak game replaces the deciding final set. The player/team who first wins ten points (win by two) shall win this match tiebreak and the match. If the score goes to 9-9 and beyond, players continue to play until there is a winning margin of 2 points (i.e. 11-9, 12-10, 15-13, etc).

Two minute rest between the 1st and 2nd set and between the 2nd and 3rd set Match Tiebreak.

Coman Tiebreak procedures apply to all tiebreak sets including the Match Tiebreaker. First team serves one time, followed by two serves for each team thereafter. Change sides after the first serve and then after every four points thereafter. (Note: Easy way to remember in doubles is that each player will serve from the same side.)

2.03J Scoring of Individual Defaults:

For the purpose of determining standings, individual defaults will be scored as a 6-0, 6-0 win for the player or doubles team receiving the default and a 0-6, 0-6 loss for the player or doubles team that defaulted the match. In the event of a default by both players or doubles teams, both sides will be given a 0-6, 0-6 loss and neither receives credit for a win. If a double default results in a tie, the tiebreak procedure shall be the same as in Reg. 2.03H Procedures In the Event of a Tie in order to determine a winner of that team match.


INVITATIONAL FORMAT*

Teams will compete in 4 unflighted matches against randomly selected opponents. Teams can expect to play 2 matches on Friday and 2 matches on Saturday. On Sunday, the top 4 teams, based on TennisLink standings, will advance to the semi-finals, followed by the finals and the 3rd/4th match.

In the event of a team match tie, the tie will be broken by the first of the following procedures:

• Winner of the most individual matches in the competition

• Winner of head to head match (winner of head-to-head match only if all tied teams have played each other and one team defeated all the teams that are tied)

• Loser of the fewest number of sets

• Loser of the fewest number of games

• A method to be determined by the Championship Committee

*Format and schedule are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.

INCLEMENT WEATHER: Please note that the tournament format, number of matches and match length may change due to a team not showing up or circumstances beyond our control such as weather. However, rain or extreme heat could cause delays, modifications to the format, and possible cancellation of the tournament. There are NO indoor back-up courts where the championships can be played in the event of rain. In the event of rain or suspension of play caused by extreme heat, please remain at the tournament site until the tournament staff informs you of the play schedule. In the event of a long rain delay or heat suspension, it will be at the discretion of the Tournament Committee to use an alternative-playing format. If the championship, or part of the championships is cancelled due to rain or unforeseen circumstances, the champion-ship will not be rescheduled.


UMPIRES: There will be two Certified Tournament Referees onsite at all times. Players are encouraged to play tennis without the need for umpires to be present for matches. In the case of disputed calls and upon the request of the player, the Tournament Referee may be requested to assist players as needed.

GRIEVANCE AND APPEAL PROCEDURE:

The following guidelines and procedures will be used during this championship. Please review them carefully. Any staff member on site will be glad to assist you with the forms and answer any questions on procedures.

3.03C(1) Any grievance alleging a violation during championships competition shall be in writing and delivered to the duly appointed site director or designee prior to whichever occurs first: (a) within 30 minutes of the completion of the involved team’s match or (b) the commencement of the involved team’s next match, whether or not the involved player participates except for

Administrative Grievances (See Reg. 3.03A(2), Eligibility Grievances (See Reg. 3.03B(3) and NTRP Grievances (See Reg. 3.03E(3).)

3.03E(3) NTRP Grievances will not be accepted.

3.04B(1) The Grievance Appeal Committee shall not be required to hold any hearing except as provided in 3.04B(2). Its decision may be based entirely on the findings of fact by the Grievance Committee whose decision is being appealed and on the facts and arguments submitted in writing by the parties to the appeal.


TEAM ELIGIBILITY: A minimum of six (6) players who were on the final local roster must be available to compete at nationals. Teams are expected to come with enough qualified players to field all three courts for every Invitational match. The National Invitational Committee has the authority to file a grievance and recommend the actions to take when multiple match default(s) given by one team result in a situation that may materially impact the championship’s standings. Team penalties may include but are not limited to, non-advancement, disqualification or suspension. (See Regulation 3.03A(7)).

PLAYER ELIGIBILITY: A player is eligible to advance to the USTA League 65 and Over National Invitational if that player has played on that same team in at least two (2) matches through section championships with one default received that may count for advancing. A retired match shall count for all players involved. All individual team members must be from the appropriate level of play in accordance with the NTRP system, players will play at the NTRP level that they were assigned/ played the 2020 Championship year at. Captains will receive a roster email for their team prior to their event with the NTRP ratings that each of the players are eligible to play at. Players who are granted a waiver of the 2 match eligibility will also be allowed to play at this Invitational, please see the Waiver Requirements section for more information on waivers.


WAIVER REQUESTS

INDIVIDUAL WAIVER REQUESTS:

Individual Eligibility Waivers may be submitted for review by the Tournament Committee for players who do not meet the minimum match requirement. Players wanting to submit a waiver request must do so through their Section League Coordinator. Please keep in mind that any individual player waiver that is submitted will be reviewed by the tournament committee and a decision will be sent back to the SLC and team’s captain by 12/11/20. Players should not make any travel plans until they have received the waiver decision back from the committee as there is no guarantee that a waiver request will be approved. The decision that is made by the tournament committee is final and may not be appealed. Waivers will not be accepted past the posted deadline.

Teams applying for multiple individual waivers: The tournament committee will allow for multiple individual waiver requests but will only allow teams to build up to a total of 8 players on a roster. For example, if a team has 7 qualified players and applies for waivers for the additional 3 players that did not meet the requirement, we will likely grant one spot that the team and the team will have to decide on who will receive it. The waiver process we have developed over the years is an effort to allow teams to have some additional players but we do not want teams to build entire squads of players and add them via the waiver.


WAIVER REQUESTS CONTINUED:

9.0 TEAM WAIVER: For sections that are unable to produce at least 2 teams in local league play for the 9.0 Men or Women’s division, the Tournament Committee will allow those sections to form and send one team each of the 9.0 Men and 9.0 Women divisions as a representative of that section. Waivers must be submitted by the SLC by December 7th, 2020.

Players or teams interested in participating in the 9.0 Team Waiver Program need to contact their SLC, visit usta.com/65andOver to find your SLCs contact information.

SLCs will submit the team captain’s name and contact information to Bill Lucero (Tournament Director) and Liz Murrieta by 12/7/2020. Only teams submitted by a section’s SLC will be considered for the 9.0 Team Waiver Program.

Sections that have more than 2 teams are strongly encouraged to continue to hold and support local play in order to determine a winner for advancement from their section. Local and sectional play is determined by each section’s SLCs.

For any team that will be advancing directly to the National League Invitational via team waiver with no local or sectional play, those teams may only have up to two (2) players from outside the section that they are representing at the National Invitational listed on their roster. A player's Section residency association will be based on the player's listed section on their USTA account and the National Invitational tournament committee will verify those player’s section residencies.


TRANSPORTATION DETAILS:

Airport information: Fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport – approximately 45 minutes from Surprise

Driving Directions:

Holiday Inn Express, Residence Inn and Hilton Garden Inn -Take I-10 west, exit 133B to AZ Loop 101 North -Take exit for Grand Avenue. Turn Left -Remain on Grand to Bell Road. Turn Left -Take Bell Road to Bullard Ave. Turn Left -Hotels are located on Right side of Bullard Ave.

Hampton Inn and Suites: -Take I-10 west, exit 124A to AZ Loop 303 North -Take exit for Grand Avenue. Turn Right -Remain on Grand Avenue-Hotel is on the right side of Grand Avenue.

Holiday Inn Express-Surprise 16540 N. Bullard Ave. 623.975.5540

Residence Inn by Marriott 16418 N. Bullard Ave. 623.249.6333

Hilton Garden Inn 16601 N Stadium Way Surprise, AZ 85374 Phone: (623) 404-2300

Be advised: Shuttle service will NOT be provided from any of the hotels to or from the Surprise Tennis Center.

HOTEL RESERVATION LINKS WILL BE POSTED TO THE USTA 65 AND OVER WEBSITE AT www.usta.com/65andOver

SHUTTLE SERVICE: To any tournament hotels call “To My Surprise” Shuttle at 623-218-6035 or toll free 877-495-6035 to schedule your pickup. This should be done at least 24 hours in advance. This service makes NO stops en-route to Surprise.

http://www.usta.com/65andOver


TIPS FOR PLAYERS AND SPECTATORS:

We recommend that spectators bring an umbrella for protection from the sun and a portable chair. While there is covered seating at the facility for many of the courts, not all courts have covered seating.

Players and spectators should bring their own water or sports drink to be sure to continuously hydrate as water on court will not be available due to COVID 19 precautions, however, there will be a water bottle filling station located by the bathrooms.

Don’t forget sunscreen and a visor or hat!!

Start hydrating early, even though this event is held in late January/February, Arizona has a very dry climate and proper hydration is important, see below for more information on hydration.

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES:

Banner Del E Web Medical Center 14800 W. Mountain View Blvd. Ste 190 Surprise, AZ 85374 602-530-6189

Banner Urgent Care Mountain Vista Plaza

15521 W Bell Rd

Surprise, AZ 85374

(623) 465-6390

https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1GCEB_enUS874US874&output=search&q=Mountain+Vista+Plaza&ludocid=9983571164372937860&lsig=AB86z5VdUMitAwSyvvMgTGZni6MM&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwilhuveyIXsAhWMrJ4KHUfIBlAQ8G0oADAEegQICBAB

https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1GCEB_enUS874US874&output=search&q=Mountain+Vista+Plaza&ludocid=9983571164372937860&lsig=AB86z5VdUMitAwSyvvMgTGZni6MM&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwilhuveyIXsAhWMrJ4KHUfIBlAQ8G0oADAEegQICBAB

https://www.google.com/search?q=urgent%20care%20surprise%20az&rlz=1C1GCEB_enUS874US874&oq=URGENT+CARE+SURPRISE+AZ&aqs=chrome.0.0l8.6592j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&sxsrf=ALeKk026FU7MAqC4NY68Z-k69JIp-kVCOQ:1601080236983&npsic=0&rflfq=1&rlha=0&rllag=33623189,-112388824,3388&tbm=lcl&rldimm=16127662157960765520&lqi=Chd1cmdlbnQgY2FyZSBzdXJwcmlzZSBhekiWpJSR0auAgAhaMgoLdXJnZW50IGNhcmUQABABGAAYARgCGAMiF3VyZ2VudCBjYXJlIHN1cnByaXNlIGF6&ved=2ahUKEwjuwqDWyIXsAhUNs54KHc2BAiEQvS4wAnoECAwQQQ&rldoc=1&tbs=lrf:!1m4!1u3!2m2!3m1!1e1!1m4!1u2!2m2!2m1!1e1!1m5!1u15!2m2!15m1!1shas_1wheelchair_1accessible_1entrance!4e2!2m1!1e2!2m1!1e3!3sIAE,lf:1,lf_ui:2&rlst=f


Show your section spirit on your way to and at

the 2020 USTA League National Invitational!

Every team that qualifies will be given 2020 National Invitational

wristbands at the captain’s check-in in their section’s designated

color. We would love for you to show us your spirit by posting on social

media sporting your 2020 National Invitational wristbands using

#ustaleague.

Due to COVD 19 safety precautions, players will not be exchanging

wristbands with opponents at this year’s invitational. Please do not bring

ANY gifts to exchange with your opponents; we appreciate your

understanding and cooperation.


If you would like to match your uniforms/outfits, teams swag etc. to your section’s color we

have provided the universal Pantone number for each color that should be able to be easily

matched by vendors and companies.


Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex –COVID 19 MITIGATION POLICY

As of October 1, 2020-SUBJECT TO CHANGE BASED ON CDC, STATE AND LOCAL GUIDELINES

Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex the United States Tennis Association welcomes you to Arizona! As you prepare for your tennis tournament, please know that we are hard at work taking extra precautions to help you enjoy your event and stay safe and healthy. Below are some of the guidelines, precautions and rules to expect upon your arrival to the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex.

Please make sure to also check the USTA’s Playing Tennis Safely for applicable guidelines to ensure you are fully prepared for the event.

COVID-19 Precautions and Guidelines for Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex

In compliance with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance and the State of Arizona guidance for organized adult and youth activities we have adopted the following guidelines:

In an effort to reduce large gathering areas, spectators and/or teammates are encouraged to provide their own chairs as there will be limited seating such as bleachers.

Attendees must stay within accessible areas as designated, maintaining safe physical distancing of 6 feet separation from others within the facility.

Everyone is asked to follow posted signs and staff directions when in the facility. This includes notices of limited access and restricted areas. Guests choosing not to follow posted signs and staff directions may be asked to leave the facility.

Match times are subject to change. We will utilize staggered start times in an effort to reduce high traffic inside the building, walking areas and paths.

Players must enter and exit courts through designated entrance and exit points indicated on courts.

Parents, coaches and athletes are responsible for providing their own drinking water / individual water bottles per the CDC guidance. Water jugs and water fountains will not be provided or accessible onsite.


Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex –COVID 19 MITIGATION POLICY

As of October 1, 2020-SUBJECT TO CHANGE BASED ON CDC, STATE AND LOCAL GUIDELINES

Players, teams and spectators are asked to leave the event premises immediately

after the match has been completed to allow for compliance with local and state guidelines on mass gatherings.

Everyone is asked to avoid congregating anywhere within the facility. Spectators will be required to wear masks as set forth by the CDC guidelines. Safety protocols will be implemented at the front desk for pro shop or concession

purchases with ground markings to encourage 6 feet of social distancing and

protective barriers for the cashier.

Anyone who is feeling sick, regardless of their symptoms, should not attend or play in any tournament/event at the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex. In addition, the City of Surprise and Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex will be adding the following safeguards specific to tennis tournaments listed below:

The Tournament Desk will have limited access to only those players being assigned their match. Captains/Co-Captains and teammates will not be allowed at the tournament desk, other than Captains when submitting lineups and signing score cards after matches. All scores and standings will be promptly entered into tennis link and will be available online for viewing.

Score reporting will be done in a separate area opposite of the tournament desk with access only for players reporting scores.

Pens for lineups will not be available at the tournament desk. A pen will be included in the captain’s packet and the sharing of pens is highly discouraged.

Shared banners for photos will utilize a frame to minimize shared touch points. Ice only with Athletic Trainer for injuries only, players must bring their own ice for

drinks and coolers. Event Giveaways will be packaged and distributed to team captains.


Additional Safety Guidelines for Players and Spectators

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

If soap and water are not readily available, use hand sanitizer. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Stay home when you are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in

the trash and clean your hands.

Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex is taking additional measures to help ensure everyone’s safety including:

Continuous scheduled disinfection of high-touch surfaces throughout the complex.

Scheduled additional time between games for additional sanitizing measures on court and competition areas.

Facilitation of social distancing, including additional signs to help us all practice safe social distancing.

We remain in constant contact with state and local officials to ensure that we are doing what is best for our visitors and teams. We continue to work diligently to put your continued health and safety first. Do not forget to check the recommended policies provided by the USTA as well. These recommended guidelines and policies will also be posted and enforced within the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex.


Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex Rules

Prohibited Items: Alcohol Animals, with the exception of service animals Firearms or weapons of any kind Smoking/Vaping – throughout the entire complex

Parents and observers over the age of two are required to wear a face covering while in all public settings within the City of Surprise, including the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex, in compliance with the City's Emergency Proclamation. Face coverings are not required while engaging in athletic activity if a minimum of six (6) feet physical distancing can be maintained. Additional exceptions are listed in the Proclamation. (CDC guidelines for proper face coverings)

Documents

ADULT 65 AND OVER NATIONAL INVITATIONAL 6.0/9