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 in the same age category (or in the case of players new to the division, against players in the immediately younger age division) in the previous year and in the current year up to the deadline for selection will be considered. Results in Category I National Championships 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 I National Championships or one Category I National Championship and one Category II National Tournament in a player's age division during the previous year and the current year until the time of team selection. (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 team selection.
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 Suspension because of poor conduct.
- A grievance verified by an ITF Official, Tournament Referee, USTA representative, or Team Captain while playing on Cup Team. The grievance should be received in writing by the Senior International Competition 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. The team may or may not need a doubles specialist or may benefit from having an established doubles team, one of whom must be a strong singles player.
Aging Up
Players must play in the oldest age category in which they are eligible unless the Senior International Competition 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.