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CAPTAIN & PLAYER INFORMATION
Captain & Player Information
Captain Responsibilities:
USTA Adult League captains play a vital leadership role in organizing and managing their teams throughout the season. Before the season begins, captains are responsible for recruiting and registering players, ensuring everyone has a valid USTA membership and rating, and reviewing national and local league rules. They also set clear team expectations regarding competitiveness, attendance, and match-day responsibilities. Each week, captains coordinate with the opposing team to confirm match logistics, such as court location, start time, and format. They finalize lineups in TennisLink, prepare match supplies like scorecards and new balls, and ensure players understand any site-specific procedures. On match day, captains exchange lineups, clarify rules, and support their team in a leadership capacity. After the match, they confirm and sign the scorecard with the opposing captain and promptly enter match results into TennisLink. Throughout the season, captains serve as the main point of contact between their team and the league coordinator, communicate schedule changes, resolve disputes, and ensure compliance with league regulations. Their role is essential to maintaining organization, fairness, and a positive team experience.
For more information on Captain Responsibilities:
TennisLink Information
How to enter scores on TennisLink:
This document provides step-by-step instructions for entering, confirming, or disputing match scores in the USTA TennisLink system. Captains or designated team members must first create a USTA account and log in using their USTA number. To record a score, users enter their USTA number and the specific match number, then proceed to select the correct players from dropdown menus, designate match winners, enter scores from the winners' perspective, and indicate the match outcome (e.g., completed, retired, default, or double default). After reviewing and confirming that all entries are accurate, they must click “Finish” to ensure the results are saved in the system. If scores are not finalized with this step, they will not be recorded. Additionally, the guide outlines how to confirm or dispute scores submitted by the opposing team. If a dispute arises, captains must immediately contact the Dallas Tennis Association (DTA) by phone or email and provide the match number, a detailed description of the correction, and approval from the opposing captain. The process ensures score accuracy and maintains the integrity of league play.
For more information on entering scores on TennisLink:
Did you know?
On your TennisLink homepage, My Quick Links located under Help Center, captains and players have the ability to look up rules and regulations and other USTA facts. (Great resource!)
Looking For A USTA Team?
By submitting this form, you are agreeing to allow DALLAS TENNIS to share your contact information with USTA ADULT League captains. This does not guarantee that a captain will reach out. Instead, this database offers a channel for captains to potentially contact players if they are looking to add players to their rosters. DALLAS TENNIS does not use this list to personally place players on USTA ADULT League teams.
To submit your free agents form:
Using TennisLink for Match Scheduling & Times
This document explains how to navigate TennisLink to access USTA team match schedules and emphasizes communication protocols between captains. Team schedules, match summaries, and match IDs are viewable on the USTA account home page under specific tabs, with the Match Schedule tab also displaying the opposing captain’s contact info. Since TennisLink uses a default time of 12:00 AM, actual match times are provided by facility managers and must be communicated by the home team captain. According to 2024 Dallas Tennis regulations, the home captain must notify the visiting team at least seven days in advance with match time and accurate directions. Clear communication and written confirmations via email are strongly encouraged to prevent miscommunication and ensure mutual accountability.
For more information on using TennisLink for match scheduling and match times, click below:
Match Day Procedures
The “Match Day Procedures On and Off Court” document provides detailed guidelines for managing match logistics, including line-up exchange, handling late arrivals, injuries, on-court disagreements, and electronic device usage. Captains must exchange lineups at the scheduled match time, with all players ready to play within 15 minutes or face defaults. Penalties apply based on lateness, starting with loss of games and toss, escalating to a default after 15 minutes. Play must be continuous, and devices must be turned off. Coaching is not allowed, and injury protocols include a one-time 3-minute medical timeout or 15 minutes for bleeding. Disputes must be resolved by players using a three-step process outlined in “The Code,” without outside interference.
For more information on match day procedures, click below:
Penalties For Late Arrival
If a player arrives late to a match, the captain must place that player on the lowest singles or doubles line. Penalties for late arrival are as follows: 0–5 minutes late results in a 1-game penalty and loss of the toss; 5–10 minutes late incurs a 2-game penalty and loss of toss; 10–15 minutes late means a 3-game penalty and loss of toss; and arriving more than 15 minutes late results in a default. These penalties apply from the time the player is physically on the court, not just when they arrive on site.
For more information on penalties for late arrival, click below:
Recording a Default To Player(s)
When a team is awarded a line by default, the score entered in TENNIS LINK should be 6-0, 6-0, with the “DEFAULT” option selected from the dropdown next to the score. The defaulted line must list the player(s) from the team receiving the default. Player names on a defaulted line can be changed within 14 days of the original match date by emailing the local league coordinator at leagues@dta.org; however, this rule does not apply during postseason play.
For more information on recording a default to player(s), click below:
More Helpful Information
Dallas Tennis USTA Adult League Regulations:
We’ve got the official playbook for USTA league competition with the Dallas Tennis Association. This guide outlines all the essential rules—player eligibility and ratings, match formats and scoring protocols, procedures for defaults and retirements, and how to file disputes. Whether you're forming a team, lining up a captain, or simply preparing for match day, this document provides the framework to ensure every match is fair, properly managed, and consistent with league standards.
USTA National Regulations & Texas Operating Procedures:
Click below and you’ll find key information about league operations through the Dallas Tennis Association. It covers registration procedures, player deadlines, match scheduling, court availability, and contact points for coordination. Whether you’re organizing a new team or arranging weekly fixtures, this guide helps you navigate the practical logistics to get matches set up efficiently and smoothly.
Friend At Court:
Friend at Court serves as the official USTA Handbook of Tennis Rules and Regulations, providing comprehensive guidelines for all aspects of tennis play under USTA jurisdiction. It encompasses the ITF Rules of Tennis, USTA regulations, and the Code of Conduct, offering detailed rules for both officiated and unofficiated matches. This resource is essential for players, captains, and officials to ensure consistency, fairness, and adherence to established standards in tennis competitions.
For a more concise overview, the 2024 edition includes a summary of significant changes and updates to the rules and regulations. This summary highlights key revisions and clarifications that have been implemented to enhance the clarity and applicability of the rules for the upcoming year.
Whether you're new to tennis or a seasoned participant, the Friend at Court document is an indispensable resource for understanding and navigating the rules that govern the sport.
Adult League Reference Guide:
The Adult League Reference Guide provides a detailed overview of the Dallas Tennis Association's Adult League offerings, including league divisions, NTRP (National Tennis Rating Program) levels, match formats, playing days, seasonal timelines, and post-season advancement opportunities. It covers various leagues such as Women's and Men's 18 & Over, 40 & Over, 55 & Over, 65 & Over, Mixed Leagues, Combo Doubles, Tri-Level, and Lone Star. Each league's structure is outlined, specifying the number of doubles and singles matches, as well as the days of the week and months during which matches are played. Additionally, this indicates whether each league advances to Sectionals, Nationals, or remains a local championship event only. This resource is essential for players and captains to understand the league options available, the commitment required, and the potential for post-season play.
Grievance Form:
The grievance form is used by the Dallas Tennis Association to formally report and address complaints or disputes arising from USTA league matches. Captains, players, or team members can complete this form to outline specific issues—such as match rule infractions, scoring discrepancies, unsportsmanlike behavior, or procedural violations—and submit it to league officials. It serves as the official record of the complaint, providing essential details like the event date, teams involved, description of the incident, and desired resolution. By standardizing grievance submissions, this form helps ensure that all concerns are addressed promptly, transparently, and fairly, reinforcing the integrity and sportsmanship of league play.