Pixel Code

2025 Southern Combo Doubles Regulations

Updated: December 11, 2024

Governing Rules

Play is governed by the Rules of Tennis, The Code (as outlined in the 2025 Friend at Court), and these Southern Section Combo Doubles Regulations.

  • Regulations not mentioned here default to USTA National or Southern League Regulations.
  • Each state in the Southern Section may supplement these rules, but may not conflict with them.
  • No regulation may be waived by any local, state, or sectional coordinator or committee.
  • Violations are subject to League Grievance procedures.
  • Final authority rests with USTA Southern unless otherwise stated.

Key Regulations

  1. USTA Membership Required – All participants must be current USTA members and register via TennisLink.
  2. Team Composition – A team must consist of a minimum of 6 players able to form 3 eligible doubles pairings.
  3. Match Format – Each team match consists of 3 individual doubles matches (men’s or women’s).
  4. Combo Levels Offered
         •  18 & Over: 5.5 – 10.5
         • 40 & Over: 5.5 – 8.5
         • 55 & Over: 6.5 – 8.5

Each doubles team’s combined rating must not exceed the division level.

Rating & Eligibility

5. NTRP Rating Entry

  • Players without a valid Computer (C) or Mixed-exclusive (M) rating must self-rate via TennisLink.
  • Omission or falsification during self-rating may result in sanctions or disqualification.
  • Combo results are not used for year-end NTRP ratings, and players cannot be promoted via Combo play.

6. Appealed Ratings

  • Appeals must be submitted before the local league registration deadline.
  • If appealed down, update roster via League Coordinator; past matches stand.
  • If appealed up, update roster; adjusted rating used for the remainder of the year.

7. Rating for Championship Play
Players must use the rating listed in TennisLink unless:

  • Their rating was appealed (up or down)
  • They are dynamically promoted during the year
  • They are “double bumped” at year-end (e.g., move up two levels)

Championship Advancement

8. State Championship Rules

  • States determine how many matches are needed for eligibility.
  • Advancement on multiple teams within the same age group is allowed only if at different NTRP levels.

9. Southern Championship Eligibility

  • Players must play at least 1 match at local or state level.
  • A received default counts toward the advancement requirement.

10. State Championship Deadlines

  • All state championships must be completed by November 11, 2025.
  • Winning/advancing teams must be reported to USTA Southern by November 18, 2025.

11. Southern Sectional Championship Requirements

  • Players must have played one match (or received a default) to advance.
  • Players may advance on multiple teams in the same age group only at different levels.
  • No schedule accommodations are made for players on multiple advancing teams.
  • Full line-ups are expected even if teams overlap in schedule.