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All participants in KCTC Adult Leagues must agree to the following rules: 

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Match Scheduling, Substitution and Communication with other Players

• Participants are required to join the WhatsApp group for their league. Links to these groups can be found on the KCTC website. Please exit these groups upon completion of the league.

• Matches may only be rescheduled with the unanimous agreement of all four players. A preference for using a substitute rather than rescheduling a match is encouraged.

• It is your responsibility to arrange for your own substitute should you be unable to play a match.

• Repeated infringement of rules regarding rescheduling and substitutes may lead to exclusion from future leagues.

• Substitutes must be of the same gender as the player being replaced. They must be of the same or a lower grade. For example, a Grade 4 player cannot substitute for a Grade 5 player, even if they compete on the same night. If in doubt regarding substitutions, please contact the league committee at kilfeacletennisleagues@gmail.com

• Walkovers are discouraged as they contravene the spirit of the KCTC Leagues by depriving fellow participants of a match.

• If a match is rescheduled (especially those starting at 7pm or 8:15pm), it is important to inform other players on your sheet or court of the availability of an earlier court via the WhatsApp group.

• Rescheduled matches should, where practicable, be played within seven days of the original fixture and should not be deferred until the end of the league.

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Match Format

Each match will consist of two sets only, with no third set or tiebreak. A set is won by the first team to reach 6 games, and the maximum score in any set is 6–5. Standard tennis scoring applies, with advantage played at deuce.

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Score Recording

Once a match is completed, one player from the winning pair must send the result to the WhatsApp group for the sheet. Please include the player names, set scores and match outome in your message. Using this format  helps the league committee enter results quickly and accurately. Do not enter the names of subs if used, just enter the original players names that were scheduled.

 

Format:

Team A Players vs Team B Players (set scores) – outcome

 

Examples:​

• Maguire & Barrett vs Hanley & O'Dea (6–1, 6–4) – Win: Maguire & Barrett

• Kelly & Doyle vs O'Sullivan & Walsh (5-6, 4–6) – Win: O'Sullivan & Walsh

• Ryan & Holland vs Hill & Murphy (6–5, 5–6) – Draw

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Important: Do not submit the total games score (e.g., 11–11). The league system cannot work with total games only and requires individual set scores.

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League Results

Links to the overall league results for each group will only be shared within the WhatsApp group directly.

 

Electronic League Schedule Sheets

• It's important to note that league schedule sheets are subject to modifications, particularly within the first week of release. For the most up-to-date match schedules, always refer to the pinned schedule on the WhatsApp group you have been added to and avoid referring to screenshots or saved images of sheets.

 

Equipment and Facilities

• Players are required to provide their own tennis balls, except on Finals night, when they will be supplied by the club.

• Lighting is provided at no extra cost for scheduled league matches only. Should you need to reschedule a match, a fee for lighting will be incurred. Please ensure lights are turned off after use if the court is not in use. If you observe lights left on a neighbouring court, please turn them off. Light switches are located in the exterior bathroom.

 

Conduct, Sportsmanship and League Committee Adjudication 

• In case of a disagreement during a point, a let should be offered, meaning the point is replayed, even if it was a second serve.

• Participants are encouraged to display exemplary sportsmanship - acknowledging good shots from opponents is encouraged. Irrespective of a match's outcome, it's proper etiquette to meet your opponent at the net and offer congratulations. Aim to win with grace and accept defeat with dignity.

• The League Committee retains the authority to adjudicate on any matters pertaining to the leagues and qualifications for finals.

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Player Upgrade Rules
Players who are upgraded (e.g. from Grade 4 to Grade 3) after the league has commenced will still be classified as the grade they were when the league began.

• They will compete in finals for a place based their original grade.

• They may act as a substitute in the original grade they entered the league.

• If they are being replaced by a substitute, the substitute must be of the original (lower grade) in which they entered the league.

 

Finals

• Finalists will be determined based on results recorded on score sheets by 9pm on Saturday 21st February 2026. Matches played after this date will not contribute to finalist selection.

• All finals matches are to be played on Finals Night on Sunday 22nd February 2026.

• If a player is unavailable for Finals Night, the next highest-placed player from within their group from will take their place in the final. 

• In leagues with rotating partners, finalists will be determined by each player’s individual results over the duration of the league, based on the following criteria:

  • Points For (PF) – Players with the highest total points (games) scored qualify first.

  • Points Against (PA) – If there’s a tie on PF, those with the fewest points (games) conceded rank higher.

  • Points Difference (PD) – If still tied, the highest points (games) difference (PF − PA) decides the place.

  • Comparative Group Ranking – If still tied, the player ranked highest overall within their group relative to others in their group will take precedence. This ranking is based on highest match wins, then highest match ties and finally lowest match losses.

  • Random Selection – If still tied, the league committee will make a random selection to determine the finalist.​​

 

There will be finals for all 8 groups based on the top 4 players from each group across the 5 weeks.​

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The Most Important Rule

•  Enjoy your tennis!