MATCHTIME - JUNIOR FLEX LEAGUE SIGN UP HERE
Rules and Regulations
This league was created to encourage juniors to play tennis in a fun, flexible, and low-pressure environment. We ask all players and parents to remain as flexible as possible—this is a relaxed, social league designed to help players grow and enjoy the game.
Season Dates
- Summer Season: June 8 – August 3 (All final matches must be completed by August 16.)
- Scores Deadline: All scores must be entered by 11:00 PM on August 16 to count toward standings.
Playing Levels
- Players are grouped by age and ability.
- Players may play up in age but may not play down.
- Age eligibility is based on the player’s age as of June 8, 2026.
- Divisions may be combined based on registration numbers.
Age Divisions
- 12U (Green Dot, Gender Neutral)
- 14U (Gender Neutral)
- 16U Boys
- 16U Girls
- 18U Boys
- 18U Girls
16U & 18U divisions may be combined into gender neutral flights depending on
registration.
Flight Placement
Flights are determined by:
- Playing level
- Player location
- World Tennis Number (WTN)
WTN Details
- Scale: 40–1 (40 = beginner, 1 = elite professional)
- Separate singles and doubles ratings
- Players can view their WTN and JTT results in their usta.com profile
- WTN FAQs and Junior Player Search available online
If a player does not have a WTN, please include information about their playing ability during registration.
Match Format
12U (Green Dot)
- Best 2 of 3 short sets (to 4 games)
- 7point tiebreak at 3-all (win by 2)
- In lieu of third set: 10point match tiebreak
- No ad scoring
14U, 16U & 18U (High School Format)
- Best 2 of 3 sets
- 7point tiebreak at 6–all
- In lieu of third set: 10point match tiebreak
- Regular Ad scoring
Match Play & Weekly Schedule
Players have one week to complete each assigned match.
The match week begins Monday
- Scores must be entered by Sunday
- A one week courtesy makeup period is allowed for weather or unavoidable conflicts
- If matches roll into the makeup week, players may need to complete multiple matches in one week.
Weekly Breakdown
- Match 1: June 8–14 (Makeup by June 21)
- Match 2: June 15–21 (Makeup by June 28)
- Match 3: June 22–28 (Makeup by July 5)
- Match 4: July 6–12 (Makeup by July 19)
- Match 5: July 13–19 (Makeup by July 26)
- Match 6: July 20–26 (Makeup by August 2)
- Match 7: July 27–August 2 (Makeup by August 9)
- Match 8: August 3–9 (Makeup by August 16) We guarantee each player at least 5 matches, with the possibility of up to 8 total matches depending on registration.
Scheduling Expectations
- Players must provide at least three available days/times to their opponent.
- Both players/parents share responsibility for scheduling.
- Full season schedules at least one week prior to first match.
- Matches may be played early if both players agree.
- Home players provide balls and pays court fees.
- Reserve enough court time to complete the scheduled match - unfinished matches may risk forfeiture.
- At public courts without reservations, players may wait up to 15 minutes for a court. After that, the home player risks default.
- Players must commit to the same home courts all season unless approved by the League Administrator.
Court Approval
Matches must be played at a USTA South Carolina–approved facility. If your facility is not listed during registration, email the league coordinator (scauburn79@gmail.com) with:
- Facility name
- Number of courts
- Whether the facility has lights (lights are required)
Defaults & Retirements
- Once the match date/time is agreed upon, both players must make reasonable efforts to play.
- Canceling within 48 hours of the scheduled match results in a default, unless the opponent agrees to reschedule.
- A 15-minute no-show results in a default unless the opponent agrees to reschedule.
- Excessive defaults may result in playoff disqualification or suspension from the next season.
- More than 3 defaults = automatic disqualification from the next season (subject to admin review).
- Retirements due to injury/illness should be entered with the score as played.
Rescheduling & Inclement Weather
- Matches should be played at the originally scheduled time whenever possible.
- Rescheduled matches must be completed by the makeup deadline.
- Once a match time is agreed upon, the only acceptable cancellation is due to inclement weather.
- Inclement weather includes:
- Wet courts
- Other weather-related unsafe conditions
Playoffs
Playoffs will only be held if a playing level contains more than one division. If a level has only one division, the player with the most points at the end of the regular season will be declared the winner and will receive a small prize from the Columbia Tennis Association.
Refunds & Credits
- No refunds once payment is received.
- A one-time credit may be issued if a player becomes injured or unable to participate before playing any matches.
- Players who refer two new players earn a free league credit for the next season. Email Nan Smith @ scauburn79@gmail.com
Code of Conduct
- All matches follow USTA’s The Code and Friend at Court rules.
- Columbia Tennis Association may remove or suspend players for unsportsmanlike conduct, excessive forfeits, false score reporting, or playing in an incorrect division.
- Spectators must remain outside the fence and may not coach players during matches.