The Baseline UTR Tournament Rules & Code of Conduct

Baseline UTR Tournament Rules & Code of Conduct

1. Governing Rules

All matches in the Baseline UTR Tournament are governed by:

  • The ITF Rules of Tennis (latest edition)

  • Universal Tennis (UTR) regulations where applicable

  • The Baseline UTR Tournament Rules & Code of Conduct

In the event of a conflict, the Tournament Director’s decision is final.

 

 

2. Player Eligibility & Entry

  • Players must have a valid UTR rating and active profile to participate.

  • Players must enter the correct division according to their UTR rating at the time of entry.

  • This is not an age-based tournament; divisions are strictly level-based.

  • Providing false or misleading information regarding UTR rating may result in disqualification without refund.

 

 

3. Match Format & Scoring

Unless otherwise stated:

  • Matches are played best of three (3) sets to six (6) games

  • No-ad scoring

  • Tiebreak at 6–6

  • 10-point match tiebreak replaces the third set

  • No-let rule applies on serve

The official match format for each draw will be published prior to the event.

 

 

4. Match Procedures

  • Players must check in at the Tournament Desk at least 15 minutes before their scheduled match time.

  • A match may be called earlier than scheduled.

  • A default may be declared 15 minutes after a match is called.

  • Warm-up time is limited to 5 minutes, unless otherwise directed.

 

 

5. Back Draw Rules

  • Back draw participation is compulsory for eligible players.

  • Players who withdraw, default, or retire from the main draw:

    • May not compete in the back draw

    • Will not earn ranking points

  • Back draw formats follow the same scoring rules unless otherwise stated.

 

 

6. Score Reporting

  • Both players must report the score together immediately after the match.

  • Scores submitted are final and cannot be changed once recorded.

  • Failure to report scores correctly may result in penalties or loss of points.

 

 

7. Officials & Tournament Authority

  • Roving umpires will be present to assist with on-court and off-court issues.

  • Officials may:

    • Resolve disputes

    • Enforce the Code of Conduct

    • Issue warnings, point penalties, game penalties, or defaults

The Tournament Director reserves the right to interpret and enforce all rules.

 

 

Baseline UTR Code of Conduct

The Baseline UTR Tour is committed to fostering a competitive, respectful, and development-focused environment.

All players, parents, coaches, and spectators are expected to comply with this Code of Conduct.

 

 

8. Player Conduct (On-Court & Off-Court)

Players must:

  • Compete with sportsmanship, integrity, and respect

  • Make honest line calls

  • Refrain from:

    • Verbal or physical abuse

    • Racquet or equipment abuse

    • Obscene language or gestures

    • Deliberate delays of play

  • Accept officiating decisions without argument

Unsportsmanlike conduct may result in penalties up to and including default or expulsion from the tournament.

 

 

9. Off-Court Coaching (Permitted with Conditions)

Off-court coaching is permitted at Baseline UTR events, subject to the following rules:

  • There may only be 1 designated coach per player.

  • A coach must sit in one spot off court and may not move to the other side of the court. There will be designated seating areas indicated for coaches and they must remain seated here at all times. 

  • Coaching must not interrupt play

  • Coaches may not enter the court 

  • Communication must be non-disruptive and respectful. 

  • Coaches may not talk to opponents

  • Coaching may not delay the resumption of play

  • Verbal abuse, intimidation, or instruction directed at officials or opponents is strictly prohibited

The Tournament Director reserves the right to:

  • Restrict or eliminate coaching at any time

  • Penalise players for inappropriate coaching behaviour

 

 

10. Parent, Coach & Spectator Behaviour

Parents, non-designated coaches, and spectators:

  • May not coach during points or at any time during the match.

  • May not interfere with line calls or officiating

  • Must not engage in:

    • Verbal abuse

    • Intimidation

    • Unsportsmanlike conduct

Any behaviour deemed disruptive may result in:

  • Removal from the venue

  • Penalties applied to the associated player

 

 

11. Penalties & Disciplinary Action

Violations of tournament rules or the Code of Conduct may result in:

  • Verbal warning

  • Point penalty

  • Game penalty

  • Match default

  • Removal from the tournament

  • Suspension from future Baseline UTR events

Penalties may be cumulative and applied at the Tournament Director’s discretion.

 

 

12. Medical Timeouts & Injury

  • Medical timeouts are permitted in accordance with ITF regulations

  • Treatment time is limited and monitored

  • Players must declare injuries immediately

  • Abuse of medical timeouts may result in penalties

 

 

13. Weather & Scheduling

  • Matches may be rescheduled, shortened, or adjusted due to weather or time constraints

  • Main draw matches take priority

  • All reasonable efforts will be made to complete the tournament

 

 

14. Media & Photography Policy

By entering the tournament, players (and parents or legal guardians where applicable) give consent to official Baseline staff to:

  • Official photography and video recording during the event

  • Use of such media on Baseline Racquets and Baseline UTR Tour platforms, including digital and social media

Opt-out requests must be submitted in writing prior to the tournament to:
✉️ utr@baselineracquets.co.za

Spectator & Parent Photography Restrictions

To protect children and vulnerable individuals, and to safeguard against inappropriate use of images or potential abuse, parents, spectators, and non-authorised persons are not permitted to take photographs or videos during the tournament.

This policy is in place to:

  • Ensure a safe and controlled environment for all players

  • Protect minors and vulnerable individuals from unauthorised image capture

  • Prevent misuse, misrepresentation, or distribution of player images

  • Allow the tournament to manage media in a responsible, transparent, and accountable manner

Only authorised Baseline UTR media personnel may capture photos or video during match play and tournament activities.

Enforcement

  • Tournament officials and roving umpires may request any unauthorised photography or recording to cease immediately

  • Continued non-compliance may result in:

    • Removal from the venue

    • Penalties applied to the associated player

    • Further disciplinary action at the Tournament Director’s discretion

The Tournament Director’s decision is final in all media-related matters.

 

 

15. Final Authority

The Tournament Director’s decision is final in all matters relating to:

  • Rules interpretation

  • Conduct

  • Scheduling

  • Disciplinary action

We reserve the right to update these regulations as needed.

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