1. TIPS FOR CAPTAINS Navigating the USTA Florida Website
Created by Heidi Sherrick-Duston
Local Play Coordinator (LPC)

2. PURPOSE This presentation is intended for Captains
It provides instruction on how to navigate the USTA Florida website to locate:
League Rules and Regulations,
Tentative season dates,
Other useful Captain information

3. Locating the Local League Policies for IRMSL County Areas
Go to
Select “Find Local Play” in the menu
Search for your county using the “Choose Your County”
Scroll down until you locate “Local League Resources and Updates” section
Select “Local League Rules”
You’ll notice you can also find the National and Florida rules and bylaws here as well

4. What’s Important? Local League Policies Link
The following rules are a partial list of the rules included in the Policy (please be aware of all rules)
Captains must know where rules and bylaws are located and refer to them frequently
Know and understand; Team/Player requirements for league, NTRP ratings, scheduling/blackout dates, match information, lineups, defaults, format of play and score entry
Know and understand the RAIN POLICY (Captains will inform the LPC of any matches that are cancelled , suspended or rescheduled due to rain (by both Captains)
Line calls or disputes during the match can only be resolved by the players participating in that individual match

5. What’s Important? Local League Policies Link (continued)
Captains should contact each other at least two days prior to the scheduled match to verify the match times, court conditions, etc.
Captains must exchange completed line-ups once players are present
No coaching is allowed at any time by spectators, captains or professionals
It is the responsibility of both Captains to verify that players appearing in the written line-up are registered via TennisLink before playing the match
All electronics capable of sending or receiving communication must be turned off
Questions should be raised to the LPC (League Play Coordinator)

6. Accessing the National and Florida Section Rules and Regulations
Go to
Click on USTA Leagues

7. Locating the Rules and Regulations for National and Florida Leagues (and other links)
Scroll down or Click the link to “Getting Started”
The National and Florida League Regulations can be accessed by the red box links
Friends at Court (etiquette) can also be accessed here
Helpful information can be accessed and printed

8. What’s Important? National League Rules, Regulations Link
Captains must know where rules and bylaws are located and refer to them frequently
The USTA National League Regulations link will provide access to important bylaws and forms
Friend at Court (Etiquette) and The Code are shared with teams and abided by
Questions should be raised to the LPC

9. What’s Important? Florida Section League Rules, Regulations Link
Captains must know where rules and bylaws are located and refer to them frequently
The USTA Florida Section League regulations link will provide access to important rules such as Coman Tiebreak, player participation, cell phone use, league progression path, etc.
Team captains (or designee) are designated as the official spokesperson for the team
Questions should be raised to the LPC

10. What’s Important? “Friends At Court” Link
Captains must know where “Friend At Court” (Rules of Tennis) is located and ensure their teams abide by them
This document outlines USTA Regulations and The Code such as the principles of cooperation and courtesy, including match protocols such as warm-up, serving, scoring and making line calls
Club to Club, Team to Team and Captain to Captain relationships are critical to a successful, competitive and enjoyable league
Questions should be raised to the LPC

11. USTA League Schedules
Under “Local Play” you can access tentative schedules for Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall in our area
This will help you plan for future league and social play

12. Over 40 4.0 IRMSL Section Champions
Player Promise
I recognize that tennis is a sport that places the responsibility for fair play on me.
I promise to abide by the rules of the game, which require me to give the benefit of the doubt to my opponent.
At all times I shall strive to compete with the true spirit of sportsmanship, recognizing that my behavior on the court is a direct reflection of my character.
Whether this match ends with my victory or defeat, I promise to conduct myself in a way that honors my opponents, my team, those who support me, and the game of tennis.
Over IRMSL Section Champions
BUTTONWOOD

13. Summary
Thank you for allowing me to serve as your Local Play Coordinator
I hope this information proves useful in navigating the rules, schedules, policies and programs for USTA Florida tennis in our area
I am focused on helping the growth of tennis in the Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie counties
It is also important for me to continue to build positive relationships between Clubs, Captains and Players in our area so we can all enjoy this game we love
Please feel free to contact me any time at or