Finals Procedures

For guidance of all Junior Convenors and Supervisors and all Team Captains and Match Committee Representatives. (amended note 13 for Winter 2019.)

1. The ‘Home Team’ is the team listed first on the Draw Sheet, i.e. the team on the left-hand side of the Draw Sheet.
   It is the responsibility of the Home Teams to enter the results on-line by Sunday 5:30 p.m.
2. Both participating teams are to provide afternoon tea (tea, coffee, milk, sugar, eats) and to offer afternoon tea to their supervisors.
   The participating teams SHOULD leave the facilities offered to them in a clean and tidy state.
3. The home clubs are to provide the balls, courts, the amenities for the making of afternoon tea and a supervisor. Courts should be ready for play at least fifteen (15) minutes prior to the official commencement time of the match.
4. In some instances, Clubs are required to provide courts only. Again, the courts and facilities should be open and ready for the arriving teams and supervisors at least fifteen (15) minutes prior to the scheduled match time. SUCH VENUE CLUBS SHOULD ENSURE THAT SATISFACTORY LOCKING-UP ARRANGEMENTS ARE IN PLACE.
5. A designated finishing time for both Junior and Senior matches does not apply for Finals. Where possible it is essential that an effort is made to keep playing a match until a result is achieved, even if it means continuing after the normal finishing time.
   In the event of a total washout, or an unfinished match, the home club supervisor shall phone in the exact position of the matches and shall retain the scoresheets and, if the matches have been able to commence, the tennis balls. The scoresheets (and balls) should then be brought by the home club supervisor to the continuation of the match, as announced.
6. SUBSTITUTE PLAYERS:
   The use of Substitute Players in Final Series matches must be strictly in accordance with By-Law 15 (and By-Law 11).
   Clubs wishing to substitute players in resumed matches should seek the approval of the Tennis Association, preferably in writing, before making substitutions on the day of the resumed matches.
   In cases of doubt, contact the Match Convenor or the relevant Record Secretary for advice and/or decision.
   For Finals matches only, the Junior Triples can add up to 2 substitute players as per By-Law 15 (e). When used, the pairings are as per the 2 columns under “Finals Only” in the example scoresheet.
7. In the event of a draw, refer to By-Law 24(f) for method to decide the winning team.
8. When a ‘cut throat’ FINAL SERIES IS BEING PLAYED, 1st plays 4th and 2nd plays 3rd in the Semis; the two winners play off.
   The Grand Final shall be at the venue of the team finishing in the higher position (Refer By-Law 17b & 17c).
9. CAPTAINS’ EXCHANGE OF PLAYERS' NAMES - REF. BY-LAW 13
   Before the commencement of any Finals match, the opposing captains MUST pass their separate lists showing names of players in order of play to the home club supervisor who will fill out the scoresheets on behalf of both captains. Scoresheets should then be readily available throughout match for reference, as required. Once scoresheets are filled out, the playing order cannot be altered.
10. INCLEMENT WEATHER - REF. BY-LAW 23
    Should a FINALS match be uncompleted because of inclement weather, the provisions of By-Law 21 shall apply. Team captains should read and understand this important By-Law before going to the match. Junior tennis organisers should also be fully conversant with the provisions of the By-Law.
11. UMPIRING/SUPERVISION: JUNIORS
    The provisions of By-Law 17 apply. During the final series, the home Club must have a SUPERVISOR IN ATTENDANCE FOR EACH “D” GRADE JUNIOR MATCH being played. Such supervisor must be positioned on court. Only one supervisor per court is permitted, and no parent is to supervise their own child’s match.
    It is also noted that, in JUNIOR FINAL SERIES MATCHES, the home Club is to provide a SENIOR MEMBER to act as a SUPERVISOR AND REFEREE. This applies equally to those situations where the home Club is using another club’s courts for the convening of the match.
    The Venue Supervisor must wear the orange Waverley Supervisor vest for the duration of the match and be visible, and available, to all participants.
    All adult supervision should be thoroughly conversant with the By-Laws under which the matches are being played and with the Rules of Tennis.
    Clubs providing courts only will NOT be providing any adult supervision, and are not to be expected to do so.
12. UMPIRING SUPERVISION: SENIORS
    In accordance with Waverley Tennis By-Law 17 (b), for each final match, the home team shall provide a Senior Supervisor. He/She shall not be a participating player in any senior team on the day. Any outside Venue used shall also require an additional Senior Supervisor.
13. JUNIORS / SENIORS   SINGLES / DOUBLES RUBBERS
    In Finals, the two Singles Rubbers are to be played first, followed by the Doubles rubber. Note exceptions in By-Laws 8(c), (d) and (e). In this instance the home club may decide which match plays Doubles rubber first.