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      Tennis Rules - Doubles

      United States Tennis Association (USTA) rules govern all play except where modified below by FXA Sports and local rules.

      Team Size

      1. Each team consists of two players on the court at all times. There is no gender requirement for FXA Tennis leagues
      2. A game can be played with only one member of a team present.
        • Canadian doubles will be played in this situation (single player only required to cover the singles lines, the alleys will be out for the other team).  For playoffs, single players must also cover the doubles lines.
      3. At least one rostered player must be present to play a match.  Two substitutes may NOT be used to play in a match.

      General Rules

      1. All matches are self-officiated.
      2. Matches will last a maximum of one hour.
      3. Matches are won by the team that wins two sets first (Best of 3 sets).
      4. Sets are won by the first team to win four (4) games (Best of 7 games).
      5. Sets do not have tiebreakers.
      6. Games are won by the first team to score four (4) points (15, 30, 40, Winner)
      7. There is No Advantage Scoring.  The next team to score after deuce will win the game.
      8. Home team will choose to serve first or choose which side they prefer to play on (not both).
      9. Enter total amount of sets won when reporting scores.
      10. Grace Period - A team must forfeit if they don't have the minimum number of players on the court ready to play 10 minutes after the game start time.


      Equipment

      1. Please wear Tennis shoes
      2. You are required to bring your own racket and balls

      Scoring for Shortened Matches

      • If a match becomes unplayable after completing one (1) set and five (5) games of the second (2nd) set, it counts as a complete match. The winner is determined by the player with the most sets and games won after one (1) set and five (5) games of the second set.
      • For matches that reach the end of the allotted time (one hour), the winner is determined by whoever has won the most sets and games, regardless of total played. 
      • If one set and five games of the second set have not been completed before the match becomes unplayable, the match will be rescheduled in full, pending available court space and league end dates.

      Inclement Weather and Make-Up Matches

      1. If rain begins prior to or during your match, it is up to each player to discuss and decide whether the conditions are safe and playable. A rain delay of up to 15 minutes comes off the match time.
      2. If a match is cancelled by the league ahead of time due to inclement weather, make-up matches will be scheduled on usual match days, or may be scheduled on another day than usual match days, due to league end dates. Email notifications will be sent to players when games are cancelled and it will be posted on the league schedule on the website.