Format
The tournament takes place from 13th - 14th March, 2010 - St Patrick’s Weekend!
GLTA SANCTIONING
The OUT4TENIS Doubles Tournament will be played according to the rules of the Gay and Lesbian Tennis Alliance (GLTA) and the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
OUT4TENNIS joined the GLTA in 2009 and is very proud to host it's first GLTA-sanctioned tournament in Dublin in March. Our ambition is to host bigger tournaments,both for men and women, in 2011 and beyond.
Founded in 1991, the GLTA is the principal governing body for and promoter of the GLBT tennis tour worldwide. Its objective is to foster increased communication between member organisations, develop uniform tournament standards in sanctioned events (as well as the Gay Games and Outgames) and to monitor and suggest inprovements.
For more information, please visit the GLTA website.
Now, here is the SMALL PRINT so please read carefully!! We want to ensure that the tournament is enjoyable and run efficiently for you, all the players, spectators and supporters.
DATES
The tournament starts on Saturday morning 13th March and finishes late Sunday afternoon 14th March.
The formal prize giving will take place on Sunday at West Wood at 5pm approximately. If you plan to leave Dublin on Sunday, you will need to allow sufficient time to travel from West Wood (on the south side of Dublin) to travel to Dublin Airport (on the north side of Dublin). We recommend you take it easy and enjoy another night in Ireland!
FORMAT
- The tournament format is doubles.
- Each pair will play a round-robin format and is guaranteed a minimum three matches.
- Entries are invited in five divisions as defined by the GLTA: Open, A, B, C and D. For a full explanation of each division, visit the GLTA website here.
PLAYER NUMBERS
The number of players will be limited to 88 players. As soon as this number is reached, new entries will be placed on a waiting list. We will endeavour to secure more courts,if necessary, to accommodate all players who are keen to join us in Dublin.
As this is Europe's first GLTA doubles tournament, we have not set limits on each division. However, we expect that Divisions B and C will be very popular and encourage players to register early. Naturally, we will promote and encourage entries in all divisions and assure all players that we will endeavour to make up round robins that ensure competitive matches.
RANKING & SEEDINGS
All players have to play in the appropriate GLTA division as defined on the GLTA website. In accordance with the GLTA Tournament Rulebook, we will use the Seeding Point Database provided by the GLTA as at Friday 19th February,2010.
Players must play according to their level of their national tennis governing body, even when their GLTA level maybe lower than their national level. For conversion table, click here.
REGISTRATION AND DRAWS
You may register in one division only.
If you require a partner, let us know on the online registration and we will endeavour to pair you with a player of similar ranking.
If you and your partner have different GLTA 'doubles' rankings, you are required to enter the higher division.
The rules and ranking as set out in the GLTA Tournament Rulebook will be used to determine players' divisions. If either player plays in a lower division than their GLTA ranking, then, that pair risk disqualification. After seedings have been applied and the draw completed, substitutes are only allowed when play has not started in that division on Friday 12th March.
RULES
The International Tennis Federation tennis rules apply. GLTA rules (as set out in the Tournament Rulebook; latest revision - March 25, 2009) are added to the ITF rules.
RUNNING THE TOURNAMENT
Before Your Match
Players are requested to report to the Tournament Desk 30 minutes prior to your match.
The format is round-robin, minimum three matches guatanteed. There are no consolation matches.
All matches are the best of three sets. In the event of 6 games all in any of the first two sets, standard 12 point tie-breaks will be played. If the match is tied at one set a piece, a championship tie-break will be played (the first player to reach 10 points with a two point margin).
On Court
Warm Up - maximun five minutes.
Scoring - 2 points for each match win. The pair with the maximum points go forward to knock-out stages. Where there is a tie in the number of points, the relative games difference determines the winning pair.
Match results must be notified to the Tournament Desk immediately after your match.
There will be court assistants on hand to check warm-up times, replace balls where necessary and offer any other support to players.
Late Arrival
In accordance with GLTA rules, the following procedures apply:
Up to 5 minutes late - loss of toss and 1 game
5 - 10 minutes late - loss of toss and 2 games
10 - 15 minutes late - loss of toss and 3 games
More than 15 minutes late - match forfeited;
Courts and Balls
All the courts for the tournament are indoor and have a slightly sanded acrylic carpet surface.
All matches will be played with Dunlop Fort balls;
The balls wil be used for a maximum of 3 matches.
New balls will be provided for all finals.
Prizes
Prizes will be awarded to all winners;
Runners-up in each division will be also be presetned with prizes.
Tennis Attire
While all the matches are indoor in Domes No.1 and Dome No.2, the tennis domes can be chilly.
Therefore, we have a relaxed dress code. While 'tennis whites' are encouraged, they are not compulsory.
Spectating
There is limited room for spectating alongside the courts. So, please enter and leave the domes without disturbing play.