 |
|
|
| What are the regulations for international competitions with respect to the ATP, WTA and ITF Davis Cup? |
Click on the links below to find out the answers.
Minimum seating capacity
Ceiling height
Chairs - Chair Umpire
Lighting
Measuring devices
Net
Net posts and net post signage
Colour - beck fences, back walls, banners, sings and seats
Court surface - identification
Scoreboard requirements
Court specifications, position and colour
 | | Seating capacity | Minimum seating capacity
ATPTennis Masters Series: 7500Championship Series: 5000International Series (outdoors): 3500International Series (indoors): 2500
WTATier I & Championships: 6000 (indoors) 7000 (outdoors)Tier II: 3000 (indoors) 3500 (outdoors)Tier III/ IV/ V: 1500 (indoors) 1500 (outdoors)
Davis CupWorld Group: minimum spectator capacity of 4,000 seats (exception may be made for 1st round ties and qualifying round ties in the World Group).
^ Back to Top
Ceiling height
ATPIndoor or covered show courts shall have a minimum top height of forty (40) feet (12.19m), except as otherwise approved by ATP.
WTAAt indoor tournaments, the ceiling must be a minimum of forty (40) feet or 12.19 metres in height.
Davis CupThere shall be a space from the court surface to the ceiling of not less than 9 metres clear (12 metres in the case of World Group Ties). This measurement shall be taken at the net. Applications to use a court with less than 9 metres clear (or 12 metres in the case of the World Group) must reach the ITF as soon as possible after the Draw or the completion of the previous round and at least six weeks (eight weeks in the case of Ties in the World Group) before the date fixed for the commencement of the Tie, whichever date is the earlier.
^ Back to Top
 | | Chair Umpire | Chairs - Chair Umpire
ATP1. The sitting platform of the chair for the Chair Umpire must be between six (6) feet (1.83m) and eight (8) feet (2.44m) high. The seating area should be approximately two (2) feet (.61m) wide. The chair shall be centered along the extension of the net approximately three (3) feet (.914m) from the net post if the court configuration will accommodate such placement.2. The Chair Umpire’s and on-court announcer’s, if any, microphone must have an “on-off” switch.3. Umbrellas are required if the sun is a factor.4. At all outdoor events, the positioning of the umpire’s chair shall be on the west side of the court on all courts except for competition court that had the umpire’s chair on the east side of the court in 2000 due to infrastructure or other agreed unusual requirements.
WTA1. The Chair Umpire’s Chair is recommended to be a minimum of six (6) feet (1.82 metres) and a maximum of eight (8) feet (2.44 metres) in height. The chair shall be centred along an extension of the net approximately three (3) feet (0.9 metres) from the net post.2. The Chair Umpire’s microphone must have an on/off switch and must be easily adjustable and not hand held. The on-court announcer’s microphone, if any, must also have an on/off switch.3. For outdoor tournaments there should be a sunshade available.
^ Back to Top
 | | Floodlights | Lighting
ATPLighting must be evenly distributed on the court with a minimum recommended intensity of 100 foot-candles (1076 lux), averaged over 15 readings on court. A ratio of the highest to lowest readings should be no greater than 1x2.0 but the recommended ratio is 1x1.5. Light poles should be positioned so that they are even distributed around the court and it is recommended that light pole heights for other than show courts be no lower than forty (40) feet (12.19m) or no lower than other non-show court lights at the facility, e.g. if others are sixty (60) feet (18.29m), then new lights should be sixty (60) feet (18.29m) high The Supervisor has the authority to suspend play on any court if the intensity of illumination, in his judgement, is insufficient for professional tennis.
WTAa. Measurements. Lighting must be evenly distributed on the court with the minimum and recommended standards as stated in the following chart. Measurements should be taken approximately three (3) feet (0.914m) above the court.
| Light measurements | Required | Recommended | | LUX | 807 | 1076 | | Foot Candles | 75 | 100 |
Averaged over 15 readings
| Required | Recommended | | Ratio between highest/lowest reading | 1 x 2.0 | 1 x 1.5 |
Light pole heights are 40 feet for all courts or no lower than other non-show court lights at the facility
The Supervisor has the authority to suspend play on any court if the intensity of illumination, in his/her judgement, is insufficient for professional tennis.
b. Second court for Outdoor Night Matches. If an outdoor Tournament holds night sessions, a second match court with lighting that meets the Tour’s standards will be required at all Tier levels.
Davis CupPlay is allowed with artificial lighting in the open air after sunset or on covered courts provided there is a minimum of 500 lux per square metre (1,200 lux in the case of the World Group), evenly distributed over the court surface, and practice facilities for both tennis teams with similar lighting are available. All measurements are to be taken one metre above the playing surface.In exceptional circumstances when play is on covered courts, this minimum may be reduced provided that the approval of the Davis Cup Committee is obtained. Applications must reach the ITF as soon as possible after the draw or the completion of the previous round and at least six weeks (eight weeks in the case of Ties in the World Group) before the date fixed for the commencement of the Tie, whichever date is earlier.
^ Back to Top
Measuring devices
ATPEach tournament shall provide a measuring stick, tape measure or other measuring device for the measuring of the net height and location of the singles sticks.
WTAThe net, posts, cord, cable, strap, single sticks and band must all be to the requirements of the Rules of Tennis. The net band shall be cloth or canvas (not plastic or vinyl) and the net shall extend to the ground.
Davis CupNo regulations specified.
^ Back to Top
 | | Net | Net
ATPThe net band shall be cloth, canvas or vinyl, and the net shall extend to the ground, unless otherwise approved by the on-site Supervisor. Each tournament shall have spare nets available. There can be no commercial or manufacturer identification on the net except as approved by the ATP.
WTASee answer 20.
Davis CupA court marked for doubles with a doubles net may be used for singles matches , provided that it is properly equipped with singles sticks.
^ Back to Top
Net posts and net post signage
ATPThe net posts shall conform to the specifications in the Rules of Tennis.
WTAWTA Tour/sponsor net post signage must be erected consistent with the specifications provided by the Tour. There shall be no advertisement on the strap, band or singles sticks. Advertising is permitted on the net as long as it is placed on the part of the net that is within three (3) feet (.914 metres) from the center of the net posts and is produced in such way that it does not interfere with the vision of the players or the playing conditions (as per the Rules of Tennis). This advertising may not contain white or yellow.
Davis CupOne logo to be placed on the end opposite to net cord judge’s chair with main image facing main court camera.
^ Back to Top
Colour - beck fences, back walls, banners, sings and seats
ATP1. The back fences, back walls, net, net posts, line umpire boxes and other fixtures on the court shall not have any white, grey, yellow or other light colours that can interfere with the vision of the players as determined by the Supervisor.2. The ATP recommends the following colour combinations for tournament on-court banner colours:a. “Pantone Reflex Blue C” background with “Pantone Colour 292C” blue lettering.b. “Pantone Colour Blue 279C” background with “Pantone Process Black C” lettering.c. “Pantone Colour Green 355C” background with “Pantone Process Black C lettering”3. If the tournament selects colour combinations other than those outlined above, then such colour combinations may not include shades of white, gray, yellow or other light colours. Additionally, white, gray, yellow or other light colours may not be used to outline letters or logos.4. Background and lettering on rotating banners must be consistent with the colour of the back walls. If placed in front of back walls, rotating banners can change only during a change-over. If placed in front of side walls, rotating banners can change only after completion of any game.5. Spectator seating shall not have any white, gray, yellow or other light colours that can interfere with the vision of the players. Light coloured seats shall be covered to comply with this rule.
WTAThere can be no banners with white or yellow backgrounds behind the ends of the court. Half tones on dark backgrounds are recommended but non-glare white or yellow lettering on a dark background is permissible. It is recommended that all spectators’ chairs behind the end of the court and box seats be dark in colour.
^ Back to Top
Court surface - identification
ATP1. There can be no commercial identification on the surface of the court, except that the name of the court surface and the tournament host’s locality (as further described below) is permitted to be placed on the court surface with prior approval from the ATP.2. International Series tournaments may place on-court the name of their host locality, which may include one of the following: city, region (i.e. state or country) country; in addition, unless the ATP logo is on the netpost signage, the ATP logo shall be included on-court with the host locality on court signage. The position, size and font of the Host Locality Signage shall be standardized as directed by the ATP. Only one Host Locality Signage shall be permitted on each court.3. Signage approved for the court surface must be consistent with the texture and feel of the court so as not to affect play or be a safety hazard.
WTAWhere possible and with individual Tournament approval, a WTA Tour /sponsor logo may be painted or fixed to the court surface. Costs associated with application and removal of such logo will be borne by WTA Tour.
^ Back to Top
Scoreboard requirements
ATPEach tournament must provide scoreboards for all courts to be placed at the corner or side of the courts. Placement and colour of scoreboards shall not interfere with a player’s vision.The official ATP logo must be used on all on-court and off-court scoreboards that have commercial identification. Scoreboards that do not have commercial identification are not required to use the ATP logo.
WTAScoreboards must be provided on all match courts. The scoreboard will be placed at the corner or side of the court and must not obscure the playing visbility. The scoreboard must be a dark color. Scoreboards and video screens may be placed a minimum of 40 feet (12.12 meters) above the court surface, as long as it does not interfere with play and/or present a distraction to the players.
Davis CupIf the scoreboard carries the name of the manufacturer in a prominent position, this constitutes advertising and the home nation must immediately seek approval from the ITF. Where approval is not granted, the name of the manufacturer must be covered. The official event title (as supplied to the home nation) is to be placed on any scoreboard. Stickers measuring 34cm x 150cm will be included in the advertising material. If the scoreboard is larger, it is permitted to make a larger official event title in the correct colours light green lettering (PMS 351u) on dark green background (PMS3308u).
^ Back to Top
Court specifications, position and colour
ATPCourt Surface: Any court surface or change in a Tournament’s court surface must be approved by the ATP. A change in a Tournament’s court surface will not be considered for approval without a written petition by the tournament.
Size, position and colour of courts:1. The court shall conform to the specification of the Rules of Tennis. The ATP reserves the right to restrict the colour of an indoor synthetic court as well as outdoor surfaces.2. Courts shall be laid out with the long axis north and south; however, geographic considerations may modify this orientation in order to minimize the adverse effect of serving into the sun. Courts shall not be less than 60 feet (18.29m) wide and 120 feet (36.58m) long. Stadium courts should be 66 feet (20.11m) x 132 feet (40.23m).
Practice Courts:Each tournament must provide one (1) practice court for each 16 players in its singles draw (e.g. a minimum of two (2) practice courts for a 32-draw singles tournament). Practice courts must be the same surface, speed and conditions as the main draw and must be available for practice from 9.00 a.m. on Friday prior to the start of the Tournament until the conclusion of the Tournament. Courts must be set up to provide normal support, including drinks (water) sawdust and towels.
WTAa. Court specifications.
Surface:1. Tournaments must be played on a surface that is approved by the WTA Tour.2. The surface must be maintained to the satisfaction of the Supervisor/ Referee. 3. If a new surface is being considered, approval must be given by the WTA Tour. If the Tournament fails to utilize the surface recommended by the WTA Tour, individual players may refuse to participate in the Tournament in which case the WTA Tour is not responsible for such action by a player and is not subject to any penalties.4. Tournaments must ensure that the same surface is used for the Main Draw and Qualifying. If there are circumstances beyond the control of the Tournament Director, Qualifying matches may be held on a different surface only with approval of the WTA Tour. A minimum of one practice court must be on-site and be of the same surface as the Main Draw match court(s).Court Measurements:1. There must be at least twelve (12) feet or 3.66m at each side of the doubles sideline and twenty-one (21) feet or 6.4 metres behind each baseline (this does not include the publicity/advertising placed around the line umpires’ chairs). 2. Court dimensions must comply with those set out under the ITF Rules of Tennis.
b. Courts – Match and Practice
All Tournaments must provide the following minimum number of match and practice courts:
Outdoor Tournaments
| Draw size | Number of Match Courts | Number of Practice Courts | | 28, 30 or 32/32/16 | 3 | 3* | | 48, 56 or 64/32/28 | 5 | 4* |
* must include 1 on-site court of the same surface as the match courts, which can be used for matches in case of rain.
Indoor Tournaments
| Draw size | Number of Match Courts | Number of Practice Courts | | 28, 30 or 32/32/16 | 2 | 3* |
* must include 1 on-site court of the same surface as the match courts, which can be used for matches if needed.
NOTE: for all combined Tournaments with the ATP, minimum number of match and practice courts must be approved by the Tour at least six (6) months prior to the Tournament.
Davis CupSurface:The surface of the courts to be used in the Competition shall be grass turf; a natural or artificial fine gritty material; cement or a bituminous composition or a synthetic surface; but in no case shall a Tie be played on a surface of stone or any other surface except by mutual agreement between the two Nations competing. If the Host Nation under normal conditions as determined by the Referee is unable to provide a playable match court at the scheduled starting time, the Home Nation shall forfeit the Tie and the Visiting Nation shall be determined the winner of the Tie. The Referee may extend the starting time if, in his opinion, the match court could satisfactorily be made playable within a reasonable time which shall not exceed three hours. For all ties in the World Group and Group I the court surface must be of a type used in a Grand Slam tournament or in a minimum of three Tournaments in the Men’s Professional Tour held in the year previous to the Tie.
Note 1. for the purpose of this regulation ‘normal conditions’ refers to a situation when, for example, the weather and climate conditions are good and satisfactory for play but the match court, due to negligence by the Home Nation and/or court manufacturer, still fails to be playable in the opinion of the Referee. Rain or other unavoidable hindrance beyond the control of anyone would not constitute a reason for the Referee to call off a Tie and award the victory to the Visiting Nation.Note 2. For the purpose of this Regulation, Tournaments in the Men’s Professional Tour include only those events with minimum prize money of $350,000.Note 3. In case it is proposed to play a tie on any court surface laid on a temporary basis, the method of construction shall have the prior approval of the ITF. Such method should be advised to the Visiting Nation 1 month prior to the Tie.Note 4. In case a Tie is to be played on a carpet the Home Nation shall inform the visiting team and the ITF about the type of carpet to be used and type of base on which the carpet is to be laid. In no case shall a carpet, synthetic or other, be laid on a temporary basis when a Tie is held out of doors.
Dimensions and certificate:For all ties in the World Group, there should be a space behind each baseline of not less than 27 feet (8.23m) and at the sides of not less than 15 feet (4.57m)., Furthermore, for all World Group ties, the overall required court area, i.e. 132 feet (40.23m) x 66 feet (20.11m) must be rectangular in shape. Application to use a court that does not meet with the above requirements must reach the ITF as soon as possible after the draw of the completion of the previous round and at least eight weeks before the date fixed for the commencement of the Tie, whichever is earlier. For all ties in the Zonal competition, there shall be a space behind each baseline of not less than 21 feet (6.4m) and at the sides of not less than 12 feet (3.66m).
^ Back to Top
|
|
|
|
