The NTRP ratings are typically updated on 1 December.  If a player registers for this tournament in a certain NTRP division prior to 1 December, and then is "bumped up" on 1 December, the player is eligible to play in the Auburn Winter Championships, starting 6 December, in the NTRP division that they registered in.  However, if they win the division at this tournament and advance to the next level tournament, they will play in the updated higher NTRP level. For example: singles player registers at the 3.5 level, player is bumped up to 4.0 on 1 December, player plays the 3.5 singles division at the 6-7 December tournament and wins the 3.5 division, player must play 4.0 singles at the next level tournament that they have qualified for.

Players may be registered in a maximum of one singles and one doubles division, or two doubles divisions. If a player is signed up for two singles divisions they will be placed in one singles division at the tournament director's discretion. If a player prefers one singles division of the two signed up for, then they should email that preference to the tournament director at mshaver@auburnalabama.org.

The address to use for GPS map directions is 1717 Richland Road, Auburn AL, 36830.

Before each scheduled match players should come check-in at the tournament desk (18+ will be located at the indoor court building, 40 & 55+ will be on the back porch of the clay court building) when they are ready to play their match (no earlier than 30 minutes prior to the match time posted on the draw).  All players will receive a player gift. Bananas will be available. A light lunch will be served for tournament players at the back porch of the clay building between 11:00am and 11:30am on Saturday (no lunch will be served on Sunday).

The scoring for all matches is as follows: Ad game scoring, 6 game sets, at 6-6 in a set players play a 7-point tie-breaker, if players split sets they play a 10-point tiebreaker in place of a third set. Immediately after a match is complete BOTH players should report to the tournament desk to turn in the score, drop-off used balls and get updates on their next scheduled match.

All 18 & Over matches will be scheduled on hard courts, 40 & Over and 55 & Over matches will be scheduled on clay courts.  Scheduling issues or inclement weather could cause this to change.

On the Friday prior to the tournament, players may reserve a clay or hard court for practice at Yarbrough Tennis Center for free. In order to reserve a court on Friday call 334-501-2920, and tell the person answering that you are a tournament player and wish to reserve a court on Friday.

PLAYER AND SPECTATOR BEHAVIOR: 

- Only the PLAYERS or an OFFICIAL may make a call during a match. No one else may become involved in making calls or settling disputes. Only the player may request the help of an official. Any attempt by a spectator speaking to an official regarding a line call or ruling during match play may be a cause for immediate removal. 

- Any spectator behavior deemed unacceptable toward a player, another spectator, or staff member is cause for immediate removal. If behavior is directed towards a player, either before, during or after a match, it could result in a suspension of that spectator's right to attend. 

- Refusal to adhere to a removal request will trigger immediate enforcement of the Point Penalty System against the player with whom the spectator is associated. 

• The referee/acting referee is the sole judge of unacceptable behavior... Removal is not subject to appeals.

DEFAULT NO-SHOW POLICY

Players are expected to play all matches including main draw and consolation. It is mandatory to notify the tournament director in written communication (via email) that a player needs to withdraw. Failure to notify the Tournament Director via email will receive a “Default No-Show” and 5 suspension points per the USTA Suspension Point System (USTA Regulations IV.F.)

Default for refusal to play or continue to play (for reasons other than illness, injury, or personal circumstances) will result in 5 suspension points.

Matches may be played on soft (clay) or hard courts.  If there is inclement weather matches may be moved to indoor hard courts.