In-House Leagues Rules 

This document provides all Gilford Hills Club (GHC) league participants with the necessary information to compete according to each league's rules.

Purpose

We aim to make every minute count by playing “Timed Tennis.” The objective is to win as many sets or games as possible within your time slot. Winning all three sets awards your team 3 points: winning two sets awards 2 points.

League Membership for Non-GHC Members

  • Includes:
    • Use of scheduled league court time for the pre-scheduled match.
    • A can of tennis balls for each match.
  • Does not include:
    • Access to other GHC facilities except for public areas (lounge and bathrooms).
  • Membership Discount:
    To receive the reduced league fee, you must be a Full Tennis Member throughout the season. Cancellation during the league will result in additional court fees.

Point Assessment

Matches use a best-of-three set format with a 7-point tiebreak at 6-6. Points are awarded as follows:

  • 1 point per set won
  • Example:
    • Team A wins all 3 sets = 3 points.
    • Team A wins 2 sets; Team B wins 1 = Team A: 2 points; Team B: 1 point.
    • Match time expires with Team A leading 4-2 in the second set = Team A: 1⅔ points.

End-of-Match Procedures

If time expires, play the next point only if it can determine the winner of the game. If the score is 40/0, 30/40, 15/40, or Ad-In/Ad-Out, one point can decide the game, so it must be played. Otherwise, the game ends as are. Points are awarded based on the score when time ends.

  • Important: No tiebreakers will be allowed to substitute for the playing of a normal set.
  • If a match ends in a tie, points will be rewarded based on the following hierarchy:

1.     Most sets won against the tying team(s).

2.     If still tied, most games won against the tying team(s).

3.     It doesn’t matter who is up a break; whoever is up by a game will be awarded points.

 

Playoffs & Finals

  • The top four teams advance to the playoffs. Winners compete in the finals.
  • Substitute players are not permitted in playoffs or finals.
  • A third set must be played if each team wins one set during playoffs/finals.

Ladder League Rules

Every three weeks, groups are updated to maintain balanced competition.

·         Wild Week:

A Wild Week will take place during the second cycle of the season. This will be a fun and dynamic experience where:

    • The top two teams from each draw will move up.
    • The bottom two teams from each draw will move down.
      This adjustment ensures players have the opportunity to face new opponents and enhance the competitive variety in the league.

·         Playoffs and Finals:

    • After the regular season, each group will compete in their playoffs, followed by finals the next week.
    • A final match will be held for each group—A, B, C, D, and E—offering everyone an exciting chance for more playtime.

·         Substitution Rules:

    • Groups A, B, and C: Any player may substitute.
    • Groups D and E: Only players with a USTA rating of 2.5 or 3.0 may substitute.

·         Tie Standings Rule:

If two teams are tied in the standings for movement up or down in the ladder, the tie will be resolved based on the total number of sets won in matches between the two teams during the season. The team that has won more sets against the other team will be moved. If the set count is also tied, the team with the highest total number of games won in those matches will be ranked higher. If the tie persists, we will count the most games won.

Singles Flex League

  • Matches could be scheduled during non-evening hours.
  • Rescheduling requests must comply with league rules. Notify the front desk 24 hours in advance for approval.

Rescheduling Matches

1.      Ladder: Rescheduled matches must be completed by the last Wednesday of the three-week cycle.

2.     In-House Leagues: Matches must be rescheduled and played 2 days before the playoffs.

Rescheduling Playoff and Final Matches

Encouraged League Times:

Players are strongly encouraged to schedule their playoffs and final matches during designated league time slots to ensure sufficient court availability and completion without interruptions.

1.     Morning Rescheduling Advisory:

Rescheduling playoff or final matches to early morning hours is strongly advised against, as these times often conflict with clinics or other scheduled programming. Matches rescheduled in the morning that cannot be completed due to time constraints will require further rescheduling, causing inconvenience to all parties.

2.     Unfinished Matches Policy:

If a playoff or final match is rescheduled outside of league times and cannot be completed, the league coordinator reserves the right to:

o    Assign a specific time slot for the continuation of the match.

o    Enforce an outcome based on the completed sets and games, at the coordinator's discretion.

3.     Match Completion Priority:

Playoff and final matches are not timed and may take longer than expected. For this reason, players must prioritize scheduling these matches during league-designated times or at a mutually agreed upon time that allows for uninterrupted play

Additional Rules

If you can’t make your match, please cancel your court. There’s going to be a $30 fee if that doesn’t happen.

  • Balls: Provided for matches and must be returned after play.
  • Fees: Payment is due before the first scheduled match. No payment = forfeit.
  • Prizes: Winners get a 25% discount at the pro shop (excluding tennis balls, clinics, or lessons) until the next league starts. Coupons cannot be stacked.