Tennis Teams

Primary Competition Rules

• Competition Format

  Expand Competition Format

  Matches follow a timed numeric format based on National Hot Shots Tennis guidelines.

  • State Format: Split Round Robin, cross-over semi-finals, and final.
  • Scoring: Teams earn 1 point for each set win.
  • Round Robin Tie-Breakers: If teams are tied on sets, the team with more sets won in their head-to-head match finishes higher. If still tied, the team with the most individual points in each set from that round finishes higher.
  • Finals: If teams are tied on sets and points in a play-off match, two players from each team compete in a doubles tie-breaker (first to 7 points) to decide the match.

• Team Composition and Eligibility

  Expand Team Composition and Eligibility
  • Team Size: 8 to 10 players. A maximum of 8 players may participate in each round, with substitutions allowed between rounds.
  • Ranking: Players must be ranked in order of ability from 1 to 8. Ranking order must shift if substitutes are utilized.
  • Eligibility: Students must be aged between 9 and 13 as of 31 December in the year of competition.

• Gameplay Rules

  Expand Gameplay Rules
  • Starting: Players use paper, rock, scissors to determine serve or receive.
  • Serving: First and second serves must be a drop-bounce hit (cross-court). The serve alternates between forehand and backhand sides.
  • Umpiring: Players umpire and call their own lines. The server must call the score before each point. In the event of an unresolvable dispute, a court supervisor or referee may be called.
  • Coaching: No coaching is permitted during matches.

• Court Specifications

  Expand Court Specifications

  Matches utilize Red Tennis Court dimensions (5.5m wide by 11m long). If standard 6m nets are unavailable, two 3m nets or barrier tape may be used.

• Match Day Requirements

  Expand Match Day Requirements
  • Dress Code: School sports uniform or neat tennis attire is required. Tracksuits (during play), board shorts, and clothing with large logos are not permitted. Shoes must have flat treads. Hats and sunscreen are recommended for outdoor events.
  • Documentation: An up-to-date team sheet with the correct seeded player order must be handed to the convener on the day of competition.

• Equipment to Bring

  Expand Equipment to Bring

  District, Division and Region competitions, each team is to provide: 

  • 21, 23 or 25 inch racquets for participating players
  • 2 red low compression tennis balls per court
  • Drop down lines as required
  • 3 m or 6 m Hot Shots nets as required; alternatively barrier tape may be used 
  • Score sheets in accordance with competition design – these are available from the Guidelines or obtain from your Region Coordinator 
  • First Aid Kit - Competing schools are responsible for ensuring that reasonable provision is made for the treatment of injuries. All schools participating in SSV Team Sports final are required to bring their own applicable first aid kit (appropriate to the location as there is potential for sporting activities to be some distance away from emergency services) – For more detailed information: First Aid for Students & Staff & First Aid Kit Contents Checklist. 
  • Sports Tape must be supplied by the student/competing team. Strapping for injury prevention as required must be performed by the student/competing team. 

  NB. The First Aid Responder attending the state finals are not permitted to perform strapping. For the State Final all equipment will be provided except racquets.