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GENERAL LEAGUE INFORMATION
Player Registration
Player Registration explains the rules and deadlines for registering players to a USTA league team and outlines eligibility requirements for postseason play. Teams can add players right up to two weeks before the final regular-season match if the players have computer-generated (C-rated) NTRP ratings. However, players who are self-rated (S) or computer-appealed (A) must be added at least three weeks prior to the final match.
To be eligible for postseason play the requirements differ:
- Computer-rated (C) players must compete in at least two matches during the regular season (one of which can be a default).
- Self-rated (S) and Computer-appealed (A) players must participate in at least three matches, and none can be defaults—except in specific leagues (55 & Over Mixed, Combo Doubles, and Tri-Level), where only one completed match (no defaults) is required.
For more information on player registration, click below:
Eligibility & Post-Season Requirements
Dallas Tennis (USTA Texas) allows each team to include only one player from outside the 50‑mile radius of its designated metro (Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, Houston, San Antonio), though players from other regions without local leagues can count toward this limit. To qualify for postseason play, computer‑rated players must complete two local league matches (one may be a default), while self‑rated or appealed players must complete three (no defaults); exceptions—such as 55+, Mixed, Combo Doubles, and Tri‑Level—require only one match with no defaults. Advancement to sectionals and nationals requires at least three matches at the same NTRP level and age group (with only one default counted) for most players, but self‑rated/appealed players must play four matches with no defaults. Players can compete on multiple teams across different NTRP levels or leagues, but only on one per level and league. During postseason, scheduling may require same‑day matches across levels with no guaranteed rest. Finally, if a player competes in Dallas playoffs and their team wins, they are expected to remain on that team for sectionals/nationals; Dallas Tennis will file a grievance if they represent another city.
For more information on eligibility & post-season requirements, click below:
USTA Match Times
The USTA Match Times guidelines for the 2024 Dallas Tennis season outline acceptable match start times by league type. Saturday Adult League matches may start between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM, while Sunday Men's matches should not begin before 11:00 AM unless both captains agree otherwise. Women's Spring/Summer Weekday matches may start from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and Weekend matches from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. For Fall/Winter leagues, Weekday matches can begin between 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM, and Sunday matches between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Mixed 18 & Over matches should start between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM, and 55 & Over matches after 3:00 PM, unless otherwise agreed upon. Additionally, home team captains must notify the visiting team of match details, including directions, at least seven days in advance.
For more information on match times, click below:
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:
Staggered Match Times
The "Staggered Match Times" guideline addresses situations where limited court availability requires matches to be scheduled at different times. According to the 2024 Dallas Tennis USTA Rules, if individual matches must be played in split or staggered times due to court conflicts, it is the home team's responsibility to inform and coordinate those changes with the visiting team’s captain in advance.
For more information on staggered match times, click below:
Captain's Contact Information Through TennisLink
The guide for locating a captain’s contact information in TennisLink explains several ways to access this data once logged into your USTA account. Captain and co-captain names, phone numbers, and emails appear at the top left of the team’s home page. Tabs across the middle of the page—such as Team Summary, Match Schedule, and Captain’s Report—also include this information. Additionally, clicking on any team name under Team Standings or Opposing Team in Team Matches will open that team’s home page, where contact information can be found. This ensures captains can easily communicate with each other regarding match logistics.
For more information on locating captain's contact information through TennisLink, click below:
Score Entry Instructions
The "Score Entry Instructions" for the 2024 Dallas Tennis USTA season detail the mandatory process captains must follow to accurately report match results in TennisLink. Both captains are responsible for entering and confirming scores within 12 hours of match completion. One team enters the scores, and the other confirms or disputes them; disputes must be immediately reported to the DTA. Match points are awarded only to players who physically completed the match—no substitutions or edits are allowed after play. Detailed steps are provided for entering match data, including selecting players, inputting scores from the winner's perspective, and choosing match outcomes (e.g., completed, retired, default, double default). Final scores must be submitted by clicking “Finish” to be recorded. To confirm or dispute a score, captains must follow the same initial steps, then either confirm the result or select dispute and contact DTA with supporting details. Any edits to a submitted scorecard must be emailed to leagues@dta.org with the Match ID, a detailed correction request, and written approval from the opposing captain.
For more information on score entry instructions, click below:
Change & Edit Scorecards
To request a change or edit to a scorecard, email the Local League Coordinator at leagues@dta.org and copy the opposing team’s captain. Your email must include the match number, a detailed description of the requested change, and confirmation that both captains agree to the change. Dallas Tennis cannot update any scorecard without all three requirements being met.
For more information on changing and editing scorecards, 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:
Team Default
A team default occurs when a team fails to play the majority of lines in a match—meaning, for example, playing fewer than 2 lines in a 3-line format or fewer than 3 lines in 4- or 5-line formats. Once a team default happens, teams can no longer reschedule most defaulted lines. The defaulting team can finish the local league season, but their matches will be removed from team standings, though opponents’ eligibility for postseason remains intact. Any further failure to field the majority of lines leads to league suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct, and all members of the defaulting team become ineligible for postseason play for one year. Teams are encouraged to maximize available players to avoid defaults by adjusting lineups flexibly. Examples illustrate that playing the majority of lines, even with substitutions or defaults on some lines, avoids a team default, which carries significant penalties and should be prevented by good planning.
For more information on team defaults, 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:
Match Scoring & Formats
The USTA scoring outlines the official match scoring formats and rules for all USTA league divisions under Dallas Tennis for the 2024 season. Matches are played using the best of two sets with conventional scoring, and Coman tiebreak procedures apply in the event of a tie. Tie-breaking methods for team standings include individual match wins, head-to-head results, fewest sets/games lost, game-winning percentage, and ultimately a coin toss. The document also provides detailed match formats by division and NTRP level, specifying the number of singles and doubles matches required for adult, senior, and mixed divisions, with some variations for fall leagues and championship events.
For more information on match scoring & formats, click below:
Make Up Matches & Reschedules
When rescheduling a match due to inclement weather during the Local League Season, captains must email the Local League Coordinator at leagues@dta.org with the league, facility or captain’s name, NTRP level and flight, and the new reschedule date (including the last day of play if lines are staggered). The coordinator will update TENNIS LINK with the new dates so all teams can track makeup matches. Make-up matches must be played within 14 days of the original date, or the coordinator will schedule the match at specified default times. Matches should not be rescheduled without the coordinator’s consent unless due to rain or championship advancement. Only lines that have officially started before a rainout count toward the match; no team is penalized for defaulted lines in these situations. If weather disrupts a makeup match date, teams have seven days to reschedule unless late in the season, when the DTA sets a firm deadline.
For more information on make up matches & rescheduling, click below:
Rain & Extreme Weather Rules
Under Dallas Tennis weather rules, if captains have not mutually agreed to a rainout or extreme weather delay, all players must remain at the site for one hour beyond the scheduled match time. The home captain is responsible for assessing extreme weather conditions and notifying the visiting captain no more than two hours before match start on match day, using www.weather.com to verify. Matches can be rescheduled if the temperature at match time is 35°F or below, or 105°F or above. Once a match has started, it must be completed regardless of weather changes.
For more information on rain & extreme weather rules, click below: