WEATHER UPDATE SUNDAY 10:45AM!!!
We have experienced an unexpected rain shower. While the sun is shining it's still cold and courts at all three locations are soaked. We have a 4 hour delay in place for all locations. For instance, if you have an 8 am match listed on your draw it will become a 12 am match and so forth. We apologize for the obvious inconvenience but we had absolutely nothing to do with it. We will review and put up another update about 10:30 am. Please read the "Weather Policy" (which states amoung other things that we cannot respond to weather emails and weather voice messages)below and know that we will have periodic updates on the website until the day actually starts but once we are able to get started your only source for updates will be the Hotline 704-553-9826 which will be updated as often as needed. Keep this # with you at all times!!! There will be no further online updates today! We have heard from NC Tennis and we will be playing an adjusted format today. We will NOT be cancelling anything in any of the draws. For large draws the consolations were already not going to be finished (refer to your draws) but no further changes will be made other than the format. If you cannot make it please email cunninghamlisa@carolina.rr.com and follow up if possible with a VM on the Hotline 704-553-9826. We will be understanding if you feel you cannot work with this situation but it is the one we have. We appreciate you patience and understanding!!!
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WEATHER POLICY (Read Very Carefully):
For ALL weather information call the REFEREE'S 24 Hour Hotline: 704-553-9826. Updates won't be provided online during the days once they start. Unless there are specific alternate play instructions on the Hotline you are to plan to arrive in time for your scheduled match or be prepared for lateness or "no show" penalties. We will NOT alter schedules based on what might be possible to happen per weather forecasts and/or what may be happening at your house. Each play site will be based on what is going on at that location. In the event we actually do have weather issues we will try to have brief delays and keep players at the sites. You would still be required to be at the play site as scheduled. Please don't leave messages on the hotline asking to be called back about the weather (nor will we be responding to personal weather emails) and fail to arrive in a timely manner. This will be an information source only. There will only be updates day to day. There will be no cancelling of the entire weekend on the first day. Also know that in the event of weather issues we do confer with NC Tennis to determine how to proceed and go with their decisions. REMEMBER: IT IS STILL YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ARRIVE AS SCHEDULED UNLESS ALTERNATE ARRIVAL TIMES ARE ON THE HOTLINE!!!
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THOSE OF YOU PLAYING AT EAST MECK HIGH SCHOOL (EMHS) MUST READ!!!
East Mecklenburg High School is located at 6800 Monroe Rd., Charlotte, NC 28212. Please use the map quest link above for directions or plug in the address in your GPS. THOSE OF YOU PLAYING AT EMHS WILL NEED TO PARK IN THE BUS LOT DUE TO CONSTRUCTION. YOU WILL HAVE TO PARK NEAR THE STREET SO ALLOW YOURSELVES MORE TIME TO GET TO THE SIGN-IN DESK. YOU WILL NEED TO WALK AROUND THE CONSTRUCTION FENCE TO GET TO THE COURTS.
more info
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YES, WE KNOW IT'S SUPERBOWL WEEKEND!!!
While we do our best to not inconvenience anyone we know it's Superbowl Sunday. We do have some doubles that must play in the evening for a variety of reasons. There will also be singles late afternoon into early evening Sunday as well. We encourage you to all arrive extra early so that if possible we can get started sooner. At the worst, everyone will be home well before the game starts (weather permitting)! This is the very best we can do with a large tournament during which we have honored requests, scheduled around players in different age divisions and playing more than one event as well as following the new rules of events for 2017. The majority of the entire event happens now on Sat and Sun. All singles must be on Saturday and Sunday without exception. Please don't request changes we have already done out best and requests were only allowed prior to the close of the sign-up period.
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CONTACTING THE REFEREE AND TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR DURING THE EVENT:
Please send an email to cunninghamlisa@carolina.rr.com unless it's very time sensitive information you need to share. If you need to share timely information please leave a voice message at our 24 Hour Hotline (704-553-9826) and follow up if at all possible with an email to cunninghamlisa@carolina.rr.com. While it will not always be possible to return messages we will act on any information shared as promptly as we can. Most of your questions can be answered by first reading through information provided below. Thank you for your cooperation and patience!
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CAROLINA TENNIS NETWORK CHAMPIONSHIP (L4):
We have another tournament coming up in two weeks and the sign-ups are open!!! If you'd like to consider it please go to www.usta.com and use Tournament ID #700085817 or you can also use the name Carolina Tennis Network Championship. We hope to see you there!!!
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IMPORTANT DRAW INFORMATION!!!!
Those of you that want to sign up in draws that already are over the 16 allowed draw limit I have important information!!! The 16 that get chosen will be completely by the most recent NC Standings List (this is the same list used to determine seeding) and those that aren't selected for the L4 draw will AUTOMATICALLY be put into another draw called a "dependent draw" so that they can still play but your points earned will be going toward an L5 rating. The good news is that you can play even if the draws become well past 16 just so long as there are 18 or more players total. PLEASE UNDERSTAND WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO TELL YOU WHICH DRAW LEVEL (L4 OR L5) YOU CHILD WILL END UP IN UNTIL THE DRAWS ARE COMPLETED. YOU WILL KNOW WHEN THE DRAWS GO UP ON THE SITE AND THEY WILL BE THERE BY SOMETIME ON WEDNESDAY.
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SITES and ADDRESSES:
We have 3 sites for this event. You will find directions by using the MapQuest link above or your GPS for either EMHS - Main Site ( East Meck High School) on 6800 Monroe Rd., Charlotte, NC 28212; JATC (Jeff Adams Tennis Center) on 1200 W. Tyvola Rd., Charlotte, NC 28217; or WS (E. E. Waddell School) on 7030 Nations Ford Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217. The abbreviated letters in bold will be the same letters used for each site on the draws so you know which location to go to for your match. JATC will be used for 10's only!
more info
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10'S YOUTH TENNIS PROGRESSION (VERY IMPORTANT!!!):
This tournament is considered an Orange L1 event for 10U players.
For more information on the Youth Tennis Progression and the quest for
stars and trophies. Please click on the following link:
http://nctennis.com/?q=node/66 PLEASE KNOW THAT IF YOU ARE GETTING REJECTED YOU MAY NOT QUALIFY TO PLAY IN AN L1 EVENT BUT YOU CAN VERIFY WHAT LEVEL YOU ARE BY USING THIS LINK: http://southerntennis.com/cgi-bin/ytpsearch/db.cgi?db=default&view_search=1
. WE HAVE GOTTEN APPROVED TO ALSO OFFER AN L2 10'S EVENT FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT GET REJECTED CAN ENTER THE 10'S L2 EVENT INSTEAD. ONCE YOU GET ENOUGH POINTS IN L2 YOU WILL BE MOVED UP TO THE L1. YOU MAY ALSO APPEAL THE DECISION IF YOU ARE L2 INSTEAD OF L1 BUT REMEMBER THE DEADLINE ISN'T FAR AWAY. WE HAVE THIS EVENT SET UP WHERE YOU CAN PLAY IN 10'S NO MATTER WHAT!!!!!
more info
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This is an OUTDOOR event with "NO" indoor backup!!!
Please understand the nature of this event. It can potentially be more affected by weather and can involve more possible weather related delays. Our goal is to get the event done and not to inconvenience anyone more than absolutely necessary. However all tournaments require a commitment of the majority of the days involved always. We do work closely with NC Tennis anytime we do have weather issues and proceed as they instruct us.
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DRAWS:
They will be limited to 16 per event with a Full Feed through QuarterFinals (FICQ). Please also know that draws of 8 players or less will play out the consolation draw (weather permitting) but draws of 9-16 will stop at semis in the consolation. Main draws that are not round robins will have a 3/4 playoff. This will be found on the draws so make sure to check them carefully after each of your matches. Always check draws for changes whether it's the main or consolation draw. It's your responsibility!!! Things can always change after you leave the desk area after your match.
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WE CANNOT TAKE ANY MORE SIGN-UPS OR SCHEDULING REQUESTS!!!
Please don't ask for special scheduling AFTER the sign-up period closes nor AFTER you see what is on the draws.
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GREAT SPORTSMANSHIP EVENT!
To reward the good sportsmanship of our players officials and/or the Tournament Director will be handing out pins to players who exhibit great sportsmanship and uphold the tradition of honor in our sport. Please nominate any opponents you feel should be considered. Parents are also encouraged to make us aware of exceptional behaviors they notice. Our expectations for this un-officiated sports are still for you to: Always give the benefit of the doubt to your opponent on a close line call; Make calls against yourself, such as a double-bounce or touching the net while the point is in progress; CALL OUT THE SCORE EVERY POINT (LOUDLY); Congratulate your opponent on great shots; Parents- be good sports outside the court (no coaching); And win or lose, end the match with removal of hats and a handshake at the net!
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START TIMES:
Doubles may start on Friday (5 pm or later) but this doesn't mean ALL of doubles will play on Friday. NO Singles will start on Friday. Saturday and Sunday matches may start as early as 8 am. The time guidelines are the same for all age divisions (12's-18's). Be prepared! Exact information will NOT be available until the draws are published.
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WE CAN'T ADD ANY PLAYERS THAT WILL AFFECT SEEDING AFTER THE CLOSE OF THE SIGN-UP PERIOD!
This rule started in 2013 and comes directly from NC Tennis. Per Jan, 2015 training NC tennis doesn't want us taking any late entries at all.
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THERE WILL BE "NO" PRACTICE COURTS!
Please don't ask for practice courts nor jump onto temporarily open courts you may see at either location. We are unable to leave any courts open and available for practice. It's unfair for some to be able to warm-up but not all players. It is all prohibited for practice players to be next to tournament matches in progress. Match warm-ups count as a "match in progress".
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PLAYER RESPONSIBILITY REMINDER:
While this has been mentioned multiple places it is the player's responsibility to locate your match SITE and TIME which is located on the draws and you are to report directly to your sites' tournament desk 30 minutes prior to ALL match times. Be prepared to play early if courts are available. Make sure you have your shoes and racquet with you when you check in as you may go directly onto a court. Also know that your next match time given at the desk may change for a variety of unavoidable reasons particularly if you are playing in the consolation draw. It's still your responsibility to check the draws repeatedly for these changes once you leave the desk area and make sure you are aware of those potential updates. While we will try to advise you of the places that could have changes it's not the responsibility of the event to contact you of these changes if they actually happen. Many changes occur while you are in transit for your next match and we apologize ahead of time for any of those unavoidable changes. We will do our very best to keep the website as updated as possible at all times! We thank you for your understanding and patience with this process!!
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MAKE SURE TO SCROLL DOWN THROUGH "ALL" INFORMATION LISTED:
THIS IS THE WAY TO OBTAIN REQUIRED AND NECESSARY INFORMATION. EVEN IF YOU THINK YOU KNOW ALL OF IT READ IT AGAIN FOR CHANGES AND UPDATES! YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS INFORMATION AND ARE EXPECTED TO KNOW IT.
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GO DIRECTLY TO YOUR FIRST MATCH SITE:
THESE ARRIVAL REQUIREMENTS ARE FOR ALL OF YOUR MATCHES INCLUDING YOUR FIRST MATCH: You are to arrive at the desk 30 minutes before your match time and you are to make sure you have your medical release form. You will get your event t-shirt at your first match check-in. You are to be completely ready for your match when you sign in at the desk. This means that you must have your racquet and other apparatus desired with you including your match shoes on and have been to the bathroom if needed. Otherwise you aren't ready for your match and this could result in your being late to start your match which could cause you to be penalized. Also remember that anything you want to have on the court with you must be carried onto the court by you. If you can't carry it perhaps you don't really need it. Beside of the time on the draws are the letters corresponding to the locations and will match what is above and also what is in the directions.
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MEDICAL AND BEHAVIOR RELEASE:
All players must bring a "signed" Medical Release and a Behavior Release Form with them when they check in for their first match. Signature of player and parent (guardian) is required. Please have them completed when you arrive so that it doesn't slow down the start of the matches. You can find this Behavior Release (signed by the parent) and the Medical Release (signed by both the parent and the player) by going to www.nctennis.com. This two page set of Releases is required by NCTA/STA and failure of a tournament to comply can cause the loss of the tournament sanction. If you have a www.mytennisnetwork.com account you can get a form printed with your information that just needs signatures.
more info
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HONOR THE GAME (formerly SPORTSMANSHIP VIDEO):
This video is required as a one-time viewing for ALL parents.
more info
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SURFACE: We will only be using HARD courts for this event!
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"10s" SCORING FORMAT and 10's YOUTH TENNIS PROGRESSION EXPLANATION:
10's will still use the orange ball and will still play on 60 inch courts. The scoring format will now be: Singles will be the best of 2 short sets (first to 4 games and win by 2 games) with a set tiebreak (first to 7 points and win by 2 points at 4-4 in each set). In the case of a third set it will also be a tiebreak to 7 points and by a margin of 2 points. In the case of inclement weather singles play will be one regular 6 game set with a tiebreak to 7 points with a margin of 2 points to win and it will be played at 6-6. THIS IS AD SCORING! In the event of inclement weather no-ads can be implemented. Doubles matches will be a regular 6 game set with a set tiebreak to 7 points with a margin of 2 points at 6-6. THIS IS AD SCORING. In the case of inclement weather the doubles will not change from what is listed other than it may revert to no-ad. Also remember that any balls landing on a line are good shots and are to be called as "good". This tournament is considered an Orange L1 event for 10's players. For more information on this new progression program you can go to www.nctennis.com. If you don't get into the L1 you will be able to sign up for L2 progression which earns L5 tournament points. You may also appeal not getting into the L1 draw but please allow enough time for the response.
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12'S ARE REQUIRED TO PLAY WITH "GREEN" BALLS ON A FULL SIZED COURT!
12's will continue to also use the scoring listed in the "Match Format" area. We will be using the "green dot" balls.
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SEEDS and PLAYER SELECTIONS ARE OBTAINED THROUGH A SYSTEM "AUTO-SEEDING" PROCESS!!
Players will be selected automatically based on the most recent published NC standings list. Players must have some standing points in order to be considered to compete in a NC L4 tournament. The names of players who have been selected will appear as "Competitors" after the tournament deadline when selections are made.
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RULES (read carefully and completely):
All USTA rules will be used. Time and Code Violations will be used as needed. Please remember that you must have permission to leave the court to go to the restroom from an official. Racquet abuse, Ball abuse, foul , insulting comments toward your opponent, coaching from parents or friends (anything that is said that could be consider directing the match),and more, can all result in Code Violations. We expect good behavior from all players and spectators. You are subject to Time Violation(s) for any minutes you are late up to 15 minutes late at which time you may be defaulted. Above all we expect you to be respectful of yourself and your opponent(s). Codes will be issued if you are heard saying "SUCK" (or anything that rhymes with it), any two word deity references such as Jesus Christ, God D----, religious references, sexual preference comments such as "I am so gay" or "You are SO lucky", etc. Those are just a few examples of things not to be heard saying. If you aren't sure if something will get you into trouble it's probably best to not do or say it.
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MATCH FORMATS (includes new information for 3rd set situations):
All SINGLES matches (except 10's, see separate section below this for details) will be the best of 2 Tiebreak sets (Tiebreak at 6 games all and the first player to get at least 7 points with a 2 point lead wins the tiebreak) and a Super Tiebreaker (this would be won be the first player to have at least 10 points with a 2 point lead would win the tiebreak) in lieu of a 3rd set. If you split sets there will be a 3 minute break between a second and third set. You must notify an official immediately if this occurs. If you desire coaching (this also includes electronic coaching) it must be on the court and it must come before a bathroom break. If you go to the bathroom first you will forfeit your right to have coaching. You must notify the Ref if you need to leave the court to go to the bathroom. If we cannot find you and you are gone more than the three minutes you are subject to an immediate penalty that can result in the loss of the match. You CANNOT have coaching at any other time during your match other than between the second and third sets in singles. All DOUBLES matches (except 10's, see separate section below) will be 1, 8 game, pro-set. In the event of weather alternate scoring methods may be introduced. YOU MAY NOT LEAVE THE COURT FOR ANY REASON WITHOUT NOTIFYING THE REFEREE OR ANOTHER TOURNAMENT OFFICIAL.
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USE OF ANY AND ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED:
Use of a cell phone (even just a ringing phone) while on court (except during the 3 minute break between second and third sets for coaching purposes only) is subject to an immediate code violation and use of any sort of electronic device is also strictly prohibited and can result in a code violation as well. Please make sure to cut off ringers on phones and put away head phones, I Pods, etc. There are no acceptable electronic devices while on a tennis court during a tournament match.
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DOUBLES SCHEDULING:
We will begin play for the majority of doubles on Friday but this doesn't mean that there won't be any doubles the rest of the weekend, be ready! (Just a reminder: If you are already playing singles there is no additional entry fee for also playing doubles. Each event does have it's own online transaction fee of $3 that goes directly to LinkTeam. This event has a "FLAT FEE" allowing play in one singles and one doubles event if desired. Make sure you have a partner for doubles. It's up to you to find your own partner before the sign up deadline. The doubles sign up deadline is the same as the singles sign-up deadline. If you sign up just yourself you need to advise the Referee by email who you partner happens to be. If you choose to "only" play doubles that event will carry the "FLAT FEE" because the first event has the fee and the second event is free. If there is only one event entered it carries the charge.
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NCTA INCLEMENT WEATHER INFORMATION:
Any division where play has begun, there will be no refund. Any division where NO play has begun is subject to a partial refund after ALL tournament expenses have been paid if money remains. All completed scores must be reported. Incomplete matches are recorded as ABANDONED (these are matches started but the Referee decides they cannot be completed). Matches never started are recorded as UNPLAYED. If a tournament is unable to complete the event within the sanctioned dates there will be NO extensions. The tournament will be over. It is at the discretion of the Tournament Committee if the entire tournament is cancelled due to inclement weather. This information is for all sanctioned tournaments experiencing rain or other inclement weather issues.
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WITHDRAWALS/REFUNDS:
If you wish to withdraw prior to the close of the online sign-up period go to the "Edit Your Registration" area and use the links that you need starting with obtaining you confirmation #. This area is located to the right of the "Important Info" section. Your entry will be removed and no charges for any tournament events will be processed once the sign-up period closes. If you haven't removed your entry nor notified the Tournament Director (in writing by email) of your desire to be removed from the tournament before the sign up period closes you will be charged during the Tournament Director Selection process. There will be NO entry fee refunds for any withdrawals requests received after the close of the online sign-up period.
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JUNIOR SUSPENSION POINTS FOR FAILURE TO COMPLETE A TOURNAMENT:
The number of players not completing all matches in a tournament is very high. There are numerous withdrawals once the draws are posted, and many walkovers in the consolations. The penalty below is minor. However, those who consistently fail to complete a tournament will understand this is not acceptable. Failure to play a match is not fair to opponents, costly to an opponent, and not good sportsmanship. (passed by NCTA Board 10/09, revised 10/10, updated 02/12). (1) After the tournament online deadline, failure for a JUNIOR player to complete a tournament for ANY reason other than retirement during a match due to injury/illness = 1 point (suspension points are in effect for inclement weather, illness, injury, emergency, etc) (2) Players may receive 1 point for main draw singles, 1 point for consolation & 1 point for doubles = 3 points (3) DEFAULT NO SHOW & DEFAULT REFUSAL TO PLAY points will remain 5 points. (4) Points are accumulative in the Junior Suspension points system. (5) A notification letter is sent at 6 points. (6) A 3 month suspension will occur when 10 points are reached. Appeals at 10 points can be made to the grievance chairperson. If a player withdraws or has a walkover because of injury or illness the player shall send written verification of the injury or illness from a medical professional to dan@nctennis.com no later than 5 days after the last scheduled day of the tournament. Upon receipt & verification, the points will be removed. The verification of illness/injury will be kept on file in the NCTA office. There is a form at www.nctennis.com that can be used. Additional Explanation effective for 2012 regarding SUSPENSION POINTS: Failure to complete a Tournament will not be penalized if the withdrawal or walkover is excused. To encourage parents & coaches who are in charge of a junior player to discipline them by not allowing the junior to continue play or to start play, this Adult Decision will not incur points. Defaults for no show or refusal to play will still incur points.
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AWARDS:
There will be Awards for the Champion(s) and the Finalist(s) in each division in the Singles main draws as well as the Doubles draws. There will be Awards for the Consolation Champion(s) in each division of the consolation draws. There will also be one Female and one Male sportsmanship award presented.
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AMENITIES:
There will be a T-shirt for each participant (occasionally there may be a substitution for the t-shirt with a gym bag, back pack, etc.) as well as a cooler of ice water to fill your jugs and water bottles. There will be a cooler of just ice (to refill players coolers and to get ice for injuries), a cooler of Gatorade with cups and bottled water (please don't use these to fill up water bottles, jugs or coolers) as well as bananas.
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QUESTIONS REGARDING SCHEDULING "PRIOR" TO THE CLOSE OF THE SIGN-UP PERIOD:
Please email Lisa Cunningham at cunninghamlisa@carolina.rr.com. You may also follow up with a phone message to Lisa at 704-553-9826 (no texts). You are welcome to go ahead and sign up and then email your questions/concerns after first checking to see if your questions are already covered below. If I cannot honor the request (and I will not absolutely know until after the sign-up period closes and the draws are completed) you can usually be unselected due to the Tournament Director Selection Process now being used. If needed you can also be refunded with no penalty. If you fail to make your situations known by the time the online sign-up period closes you would not be refunded per the "Withdrawal/Refund" section below. Make sure you also become familiar with the section "Junior Suspension Points" as well.
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Players are selected manually by the tournament director after the close of registration.
Entry to this tournament is open to all USTA members. Entries must be submitted by Monday, January 30, 2017 11:59:00 PM Eastern Time. Only USTA members can register online if available.
In the future, you can jump straight to this tournament by entering the tournament identification number: 700085417 from the searchable schedule homepage.
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