USTA Spring National Championships

Boys 18s Ordered Alternates
Girls 18s Ordered Alternates

Thank you for participating in the 2008 National Spring Championship. Your feedback regarding this event is important to the USTA. Please visit this link and complete a quick 16 Question survey regarding your experiences with this event. Once again thank you for your participation and good luck with your tennis! more info

This has been a great honor to host this tournament once again. The Staff, Volunteers and Officials were amazed at the level of talent and sportsmanship during the week. Parents and Coaches, your are doing great work with these kids and you all should be proud of their behavior. It was very difficult to pick the Sportsmanship Awards, because there were so many great kids from which to chose. We did chose two who stood out among all of the players
Christina McHale and Ryan Lipman

We do want to give special recognition to Ebie Wilson for all of her help in this tournament. She is our local star who does get nominated for sportmanship everytime she plays a tournament here. She also helps us with every tournament we host. I hope you all follow her example and volunteer your time in your own hometowns.

Withdrawal before Thursday 2/21 12:00 pm NOON Eastern Time
Go to the Tournament website and click "EDIT REGISTRATION" on the left side of your screen then "Withdraw". From there you can withdraw. If you do not know your Confirmation #, then click "Locate Confirmation" just below "Withdraw." We cannot withdraw you, you must do this yourself.

Withdrawal after Thursday 2/21 12:01 pm Eastern Time
You must fax or email your withdrawal. Do not call to withdraw. The email is novak49@comcast.net and the fax is (251) 345-1863. You will receive a refund, but it may take 3-4 weeks.

Withdrawal after Saturday 3/1
You must fax or email your withdrawal. Do not call to withdraw. The email is novak49@comcast.net and the fax is (251) 345-1863. You will receive a penalty unless you have a documented medical excuse faxed to us at the time of withdrawal. You will not recieve a refund no matter the excuse.

Defaulting during the tournament
You must see the trainer and get approval from the Head Referee at the Mobile Tennis Center. Do not tell anyone at the desk and think you have properly defaulted. Do not call the desk to withdraw. Unless you speak to the Head Refeee IN PERSON, it will be counted as a "No Show."

2/21 THU - Entries close 12 NOON EASTERN TIME Late entries will be accepted by email or fax only
2/26 TUE - Ordered Alternate Report will be posted, any alternates selected will have to overnight entry fee.
2/29 FRI - Alternates will be given 4 hours to respond before the next alternate is contacted
3/01 SAT - Last day to withdraw and receive a refund - Only email or fax withdrawals will be accepted, no phone calls.
3/03 MON - Alternates will only be given 2 hours to repspond before the next alternate is contacted
3/05 WED - First alternate reached verbally will have 15 minutes to decide before the next alternate is contacted
3/07 FRI - First Match Times will be posted by Noon Central
3/8 SAT - Singles Draws Posted by Noon
3/8 SAT - Mandatory Check-In at the Mobile Tennis Center 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
3/8 SAT - Mandatory Player Meeting at 6:00 pm at the Mobile Tennis Center
3/8 SAT - Dinner served at the Mobile Tennis Center for particapants and travel party 5:00 - 8:00 pm
3/9 SUN - Play Begins: 1st Singles Round & 1st Doubles Round
3/10 MON - Play Continues: MD Rd of 64, Cons Rd of 64 Quali, Doubles Rd of 32
3/11 TUE - Play Continues: MD Rd of 32, Cons Rd of 64 & 32 Quali, Doubles Rd of 16
3/12 WED - Play Continues: MD Rd of 16, Cons Rd of 32 & 16 Quali, Doubles Quarters
3/13 THU - Play Continues: MD Quarters, Cons Rd of 16 & Qtrs Quali, Doubles Semis
3/14 FRI - Play Continues: MD Semis, Cons Quarters & Semis, Doubles Finals and 3/4 Playoff
3/15 SAT - Play Finishes: Main Draw & Consolation Finals

Scheduling notes: Schedule of play depends on the cooperation of the weather. In case of inclement weather, check the website for the quickest information or call 251/342-7462. In the event of cooperative weather, no matches will be played early without: 1. Explicit permission from the Head Referee, 2. Consent from all 2/all 4 Players, 3. Play of an early match begins by 4:00, and 4. Play does not involve removing chair umpires from scheduled matches. All 4 conditions must be present in order for a match to be played early.

TIME CHANGE - SPRING FORWARD!
When you arrive in Mobile, set your clocks to Central Time.
Before you go to bed SATURDAY NIGHT, March 8th, set your clock FORWARD 1 hour.

NEW RULE FOR MATCH CHECK IN:
Regulation IV.A.2 now states "The referee may penalize a player who is on site for lateness if a court is available and the player has failed to check in at the tournament desk by the scheduled match time."

THIS MEANS, IF THERE IS 1 OPEN COURT AT 10:00 AND THERE ARE 3 MATCHES TO PUT ON THE REFEREE WILL START THE CLOCK FOR LATENESS FOR ANYONE WHO HAS NOT CHECKED IN FOR 10:00 - EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH COURTS FOR ALL 3 MATCHES.
1. The first matches of each day will report directly to the court at 8:15, and balls will be on the court. Matches should begin promptly at 8:30. As the tournament progresses, we may start the first matches later in the morning but the procedure will remain the same for the first scheduled time of each day.
2. For all matches after 8:30 am, please get in a single-file line at the tournament desk at least 15 minutes before your scheduled match time. Do not wait until 9:59 to check in for 10:00. Please go to the bathroom, fill your water bottle, etc. before you check in.
3. Once you have checked in, please stay near the tournament desk until we tell you the court assignment. You must be where you can hear us call your name after you check in.
4. We will be watching the clock for lateness. Please do not ask us if your opponent has checked in - you have other things to think about. The staff and the Referee will take care of lateness issues you need only worry about your own timeliness.

In matches without an official on court, players are expected to follow The Code. If you've never read it, please do so.

The Mobile Tennis Center uses conduct rules above and beyond those enforced by the USTA.
Players participating in tournaments at the facilities identified are required to abide by these facility rules of behavior on and off of the court. These rules also apply to parents, coaches, siblings, and other guests of the players.

The list below indicates the Facility Behavior Rules:

• No use of the word "suck" or any form of the word spoken or spelled.
• No use of expressions of frustrations with references to deities (i.e. "Oh My God", "Jesus", "Jesus Christ", "Christ", "God") either spoken or spelled.
• No use of "freaking", "frigging", or "fricking" or variations of such words either spoken or spelled.
• No Smoking anywhere on the premises. Premises includes parking lots, bathrooms, and anywhere within 30 feet of a tennis court.

For the Boys:
Any T-shirts worn must be plain or tennis related.
No underwear should be visible above waist band or below hemline.
Shirts must be worn at all times.
Shorts must be worn appropriately above pelvic bones.
Sleeveless shirts are acceptable if made that way - no cutoffs

For the Girls:
Any T-shirts must be plain or tennis related.
Skirts and shorts must be worn appropriately above the pelvic bones.
The bottom of you Shirt must touch the top of your Skirt or Short while standing upright-shoulders back. This means do not roll down your skirts or shorts.

Thank you for your cooperation.

For Area Maps and Attractions, Click Here: more info

There will be a trainer on site at the Mobile Tennis Center during matches. By law, trainers are not allowed to distribute any medicine, even to adults. Please bring your own Tylenol, Advil, Sinus Medicine, etc.
Plan on HOT temperatures and start hydrating now. Temperatures could be 40 - 80 degrees, so pack for hot and cold weather.

If you have an injury or illness, we strongly suggest that you see the trainer. If you need to withdraw due to injury or illness, the process will be much smoother if we have confirmation from the trainer. Without confirmation, or a written doctors excuse by Saturday 3/15 at 1:00 pm central time, you may incur suspension points for leaving.

There will be an Experienced Stringer at the Mobile Tennis Center during the tournament. Cost with your own string is $12. We also have a large string inventory if you do not have your own.

We do have a Fully Stocked Pro Shop at the Mobile Tennis Center. The tournament discount is 20% off clothing, shoes, racquets, and bags and 10% off sale merchandise.

If you are in need of a Pro on Thursday 3/6, Friday 3/7, or Saturday 3/8, Please contact Scott Novak directly at (251) 610-0087.
If you do schedule a hitting session, you must pay at the Main Desk before your session and they will direct you to the court. The rate is $40 per hour and $20 per half hour. CASH ONLY.

Thursday, March 6th, you will need to call to reserve a court for practice (251) 342-7462. There will be limited courts on Thursday between 4:00-6:00. Friday and Saturday, March 9th & 10th, Practice Courts are first come, first serve. We will not take reservations on these days. With 50 courts, you should not have a problem getting on a court.

During the Mandatory Check-In you may sign up for practice courts for Sunday and Monday. Each day we will have the sign up for practice courts for the next day. We will have practice courts on site during matches. You can also go to Lyons Park Tennis Courts for practice - Directions will be provided.

The USTA College Database is now available to USTA Junior Players and College Coaches from NCAA Divison I, II, III, NAIA and Juniors Colleges . more info

Official Photographer is Your Game Face more info

The Official Tournament Ball is the Wilson U.S. Open Ball. We will have balls for sale in the Pro Shop. We will have practice balls available on the second day of the tournament.

CHECK OUT THESE WEBSITES FOR DAILY COVERAGE:

Colette Lewis from zootennis.com will provide daily coverage of the tournament more info

Ask for Special Tennis Rate for the Spring National 18s Tennis Tournament

Please try to stay at a tournament hotel. The following hotels support the tournaments which enable us to provide more for the participants.

Please note:
1. Get a confirmation number for your reservation.
2. Book early.
3. If you have to cancel, do so within 72 hours of arrival date so you will not be charged.

Many of the Hotels in town are currently booked due to our tournament and a College Basketball Tournament. As the Basketball Teams lose, rooms should open up toward the end of this week. We have saved 10 Double Rooms for those of you who did not book early. Ask for Spring National 18s rate. Hampton Inn - Tillman's Corner off Interstate 10 5478 Inn Road Mobile, AL 36619 Phone: (251) 660-9261 Block: 10 Non-Smoking Doubles Block Ends Friday March 7th Rate: $120

The Ashbury Suites now has vacancies for those of you who do not have a hotel. Their information is at the bottom of this website.

600 West I-65 Service Road South
Mobile, AL 36608
Phone: (251) 344-8030
Fax: (251) 344-8055
Rate: $70 - standard, $80 - deluxe, $110 - suite
Rate quoted is for 1 - 2 people, $5 charge for each additional person
Block: 50 rooms Block release date: 2/22/08
For driving directions click here: more info

101 Airport Boulevard
Mobile, AL 36609
Phone: (251) 476-6400
Rate: $95
Block: 60 rooms Block release date: 2/22/08
For driving directions click here: more info

530 Providence Park Drive East
Mobile, AL 36695
Phoned: (251) 634-8664
Fax: (251) 634-8695
Rate $95 and $139 per night
Shuttle to mobile tennis center
Block: 40 rooms Block release: 2/15/08
For driving directions click here: more info

516 Springhill Plaza Court
Mobile, AL 36608
Phone: (251) 441-1979
Rate: $75 for King, $85 for Double
Block: 30 Rooms Block Release:
For Driving Directions click here: more info

1028 West I-65 Service Road South
Mobile, AL 36609
(251) 343-4007
Rate: $139
Click here for Hotel more info

950-A West I-65 Service Road South
Mobile, AL 36609
(251) 316-0029
Rate: $104
Click here for Hotel more info

1000 South Beltline Highway
Mobile, AL 36609
(251) 344-5200
Rate: $139
Click here for Hotel more info

950 West I-65 Service Road South
Mobile, AL 36609
(251) 304-0570
Rate: $144, $149
Click here for Hotel more info

1075 Montlimar Drive
Mobile, AL 36609
(251) 345-9588
Rate: $124, $159
Click here for Hotel more info

Boys - No Wildcards were awarded to boys
Girls - All four Wildcard spots were filled.

We know because of the weather delays, that some of you cannot make the Mandatory Player Meeting at 6:00 pm. However, we will be at the site working on the Doubles Draw until 10:00 pm tonight, atleast. If you get to Mobile before, 10:00 pm, you must come to the site and check-in. If you will not be here until after 10:00 pm, then please phone (251/610-0483) or email (novak49@comcast.net) to let us know you are on the way. REMEMBER TO SET YOUR CLOCKS FORWARD 1 HOUR FOR DAYLIGHT SAVINGS.

CONTACT INFORMATION
It is your responsibility to notify me of your most current contact information. I will call the phone numbers given by TennisLink to notify you of the opportunity to enter. I will not try to contact you by the email address given by TennisLink this has proven to be unsuccessful. I will only communicate with you by email if you first contact me. Please email to novak49@comcast.net or fax to (251) 345-1863 your contact info.

ORDERED ALTERNATES REPORT
This is the order alternates will replace any withdrawals originally selected from the Standings List. (This report will be posted after selections.)

POINT OF NO RETURN
It is your duty to notify us if you have reached the "point of no return" for travelling. We understand that some of you may not be able to come at a moments notice if a spot opens. Please be courteous and withdraw from the alternates list if you know you cannot travel. I have to contact alternates in order, even though it may be the night before the tournament and you are in California. We cannot know someones intent until you tell us. As long as you are on the Alternates by Event Report, we assume you can still attend.

ENTRY FEE
Because you were not selected in the initial process, we cannot process your credit card. If you are offered a spot, you will have to overnight your entry fee - Check made payable to MATA, c/o Mobile Tennis Center, 851 Gaillard Drive, Mobile, AL 36608. Your acceptance is not final until entry fee has been received. Then entry fee is $75.

LAST YEAR'S INFO
Girls': Started with 64 Alternates, 10 of those withdrew, and 15 replaced withdrawn players leaving 39 on the Alternate List.
Boys: Started with 107, 7 of those withdrew, and 11 replaced withdrawn players leaving 89 on the Alternate List.
Please do not let these numbers discourage you from registering. No 2 years have been the same.

On-Site alternates please check in during Mandatory Check In on Saturday. This is not an official list, it is for informational purposes only. On Sunday, you will need to check in 30 minutes before the first match time of your division. If there is more than one on-site alternate, we will go by the published ordered alternate list to determine who gets the open spot, if any. Remember to set your clock forward.

Please Check the "Tournament Entry Fee Report" when it is posted to make sure your fee has been paid. If for some reason your credit card was not accepted, such as an expired card, you will have to overnight your entry fee. Any Alternates or Wildcard Acceptances will have to overnight the entry fee as well. We cannot take credit cards after the initial selection process. YOU HAVE TO OVERNIGHT YOUR FEE - THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS. It is not about the money, it is about your intent to participate in the tournament. The Fee is $75 Made Payable to MATA, c/o Mobile Tennis Center, 851 Gaillard Drive, Mobile, AL 36608. Thank you for your cooperation.
Some of you have faxed in your Medical Release Waivers, this is noted by an "S" on this report.

Eligibility:
Players who meet the U.S. or residency requirements, the USTA age eligibility requirements, and membership requirements (current USTA membership) may enter. In addition, professional players may enter.

Form of Entry:
Players must enter using TennisLink. Please note that if you are not selected in the initial process, your credit card is not processed and cannot be later. If you are selected from the alternates list, you will have to overnight your entry fee - No Exceptions.

Entry to more that one Age division:
At this time you are not allowed to enter more than one age division. All of the age divisions for Spring National Championships are considered the same tournament even though the events are played on different dates in different locations.

Wildcards:
Wildcard applications are only considered in extreme cases and are rarely awarded. Wildcard applications are available through your section office. Your section office can give you guidance in this area. If you are awarded a wildcard, it is your responsibility to communicate with us and overnight your entry fee.

Doubles Entry:
The following players are eligible to enter the doubles event: Singles Players on the Competitors List, Singles Alternates who appear on a Sectional Endorsement List, USTA National Doubles Qualifiers, and Players with doubles-only endorsements.
A player may not enter one age division in singles and another in doubles. Example: Younger brother not entered in the 18s singles cannot play doubles with older brother who is playing in the 18s, and still play in the 16s singles at a later date.

Medical Release Forms have to be completed and signed by the PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN. Parents, please do not send your child without this form completed. Print it now to save time and frustration later. This form has to be completed in order to check in. For those of you who have faxed in the form already, we have noted it on the "Tournament Entry Fee Owed Report" as "S" for signed.
Click more info to get form: more info

PLEASE CHECK THE DOUBLES COMPETITORS LIST FOR YOUR NAME
If you are supposed to be entered and your name is not present, email me - novak49@comcast.net
If you are not supposed to be entered and your name is present, email me - novak49@comcast.net
If you are supposed to be paired with someone specific, email me - novak49@comcast.net

Remember, that the Doubles Event is just as important as the Singles Event, especially at this age when College Coaches are recruiting. If you do not show up for your match, you will be penalized. An excuse like "I did not know my Mom signed me up for Doubles" is not acceptable - LOOK AT THE COMPETIORS LIST, PLEASE.

Last opportunity to sign up for doubles will be at the Mandatory Check-In by 6:00 pm. Please note that you are responsible for entering or withdrawing from doubles as well as finding a partner. At the mandatory check-in you will be asked to confirm your doubles status & partner. If you do not have a partner by 3/8 at 6:00 pm, we will do our best to assign you one. However, if there is an odd number of entries, there are no guarantees. Any alternates or wildcards that were selected to play singles, will have to notify me if you want to play doubles.

The sooner you provide us with accurate doubles information, the sooner we can prepare and post the Doubles Draw. Thank you for your cooperation.

REGISTRATION CLOSES AT NOON EASTERN TIME ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2008
Draw Size is 128
This is a National Level 1 Tournament
Wildcard information can be obtained from your Section Office
Airlines into Mobile include: American, U.S. Air, Delta, and Continental.
Airport is called Mobile Regional Airport. Pensacola, FL and Gulfport, MS have airports within an hour from Mobile
Please read all of the information provided on the website. It is a lot to scroll through but will probably answer any questions you might have.
Email any other questions to novak49@comcast.net
All matches will be played at the Mobile Tennis Center - we have 50 courts, 32 will be used for matches and 14 will be used for practice during matches.
Mobile is in the Central Time Zone
No housing is provided
Play will start for everyone on Sunday 3/9/2008

For entry, use the USTA Registration System.

National Event

This event is restricted to the following Jr. players: U.S. Citizens; Permanent Resident Aliens; Diplomats, Refugees/Asylees; CTA. Refer to USTA Regulation III.A.2a.