2009 Friend At Court Changes-Wheelchair

Player Division Eligibility 2009

The rules for moving between USTA letter divisions in wheelchair tennis tournaments sanctioned by the USTA have been redefined for 2009. Often tournament directors call with questions regarding entry and what division a player is eligible to compete in. Given the lack of clarity tournament directors have often been advised to make a judgment call. This has led to disgruntled players and frustrated tournament directors. The goal of putting an objective rule into place was to alleviate any questions as to which division a player is eligible to compete in, while making it more clear to all entities before entries are received. Overall, this new tool will streamline the entry process and make the system more transparent.

The United States Tennis Association’s National Wheelchair Tennis Committee and National Staff went through an extensive review of the Rules of Wheelchair Tennis in 2008. The new rules for Player Division Eligibility are significant regarding a player’s eligibility for specific letter divisions in USTA sanctioned wheelchair tennis tournaments. The 2009 Friend at Court (FAC) includes the new rules for 2009 under USTA Regulations, Section I.G, including Table 5. We recommend you read this on the USTA website at www.usta.com, click Leagues/Tournament, click Officials, click 2009 Friend at Court. Scroll to page 64 of that document for the specific requirements.

We also recommend that you check for your status on the PDF file of players who have been affected by the new rules. If you do not see your name on the list you may continue to enter the divisions you have in the past. If you are in the move up category that signifies a requirement to move up a division for 2009. If you are in the move down category you are eligible to play in your current division or the one directly below it. If you are in the ineligible category that means you can only play in the Open division. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding these new rules at wheelchairinfo@usta.com.