2012 U.S. Team Selection Guidelines Revised September 2010
The Senior International Competition Selection Committee will select the strongest teams to represent the United States and the USTA in the ITF Senior and Super Senior World Team Championships based on the following guidelines:
Wins and Losses
Significant direct and indirect wins and losses against USTA players and teams in the same age category (or in the case of players new to the division, against players and teams in the immediately younger age division) in the previous year and in the current year up to the deadline for selection will be considered. Only results in USTA senior tournaments and ITF senior circuit events will be considered. NTRP results shall not be included. Results in Category 1 National events are more important than other events, results on the surface of the competition are more important than results on other surfaces, and recent results are more important than earlier results. Results from a different age division may be considered but will be less important than results in the age division being considered. Both length and strength of a playing record will be considered. Players are expected to play tournaments to completion.
Minimum Tournament Play
The following play is REQUIRED: A minimum of two Category 1 National Championships or one Category 1 National Championship and one Super Category 2 Tournaments in a player’s age division during the previous year and the current year up to a player’s selection to a team. (In the case of a player moving into a new age division, this requirement can be met if the player plays in the younger or older age division or by combining play in the two age divisions.) One Category I National Championship must be played within the 12 months prior to a player’s selection to a team. Participation on a Cup team or in the ITF World Individual Championships, or the women’s intersectionals will meet the Super Category II Tournament requirement.
These are minimum play requirements only. Meeting the minimum play requirements does not mean that a player will be asked to play on a Cup team.
Sportsmanship
Players selected for International Cup Teams are representatives of the United States and the USTA. A record of exemplary sportsmanship is expected from every team member. The following are examples of poor sportsmanship which could disqualify a player from qualifying for an International Cup Team:
· Disqualification or default by a USTA or ITF certified referee or umpire for poor conduct.
· USTA warning or suspension because of poor conduct by any USTA district, section or national grievance committee. .
· A grievance verified by an ITF Official, Tournament Referee, USTA Representative, or USTA Cup player while playing on a Cup team. The grievance should be received in writing by the Senior International Committee.
Physical Condition
The player must certify that he/she is in good physical condition to play singles and doubles. Players who are not in good physical condition at any time up to the date for travel should contact their Team Committee Representative immediately regarding their physical condition. Failure to do so will be considered poor teamwork for future team consideration.
Team Makeup
Each team shall consist of at least three strong singles players and one combination of players which results in a strong doubles team.
Aging Up
Players must play in the oldest age category in which they are eligible unless the Senior International Committee agrees otherwise.
ITF Regulations
If a player is not a citizen or has dual citizenship and is interested in being considered for a USTA team, the player must notify the Senior International Competition Committee at least seven (7) months in advance of the event.