2025-2026-NCHSAA_Handbook

(1)

Singles matches are played first, followed by doubles.

(2)

Doubles matches start 15 minutes following the conclusion of singles, if any doubles players

competed in singles.

(b)

Team Composition - 6 singles competing in flights 1,2,3,4,5, and 6; and 3 doubles teams competing in

flights 1, 2, and 3.

(1)

A student-athlete may compete in both singles and doubles.

(2)

Any school competing in the NCHSAA dual team tennis playoffs must have participated in an

actual regular season schedule for the current year.

(c)

Default Match Format

(1)

Singles - Two out of three sets in singles, using standard scoring. If players split sets in singles,

a 10-point tiebreaker (first to 10, win by two) will be played to decide the outcome of that

match. A three-minute break is allowed before the tiebreaker, and player(s) may NOT leave

the court during this time to confer with their coach.

(2)

Doubles - Doubles matches are played after singles competition and a 15-minute break and

the format is an 8-game pro set, using standard scoring. At 8-all, the set tiebreaker (first to

seven and win by two) will be played.

(3)

If mutually agreed, the match may conclude as soon as one team wins by five points.

(d)

Alternate Regular Season Match Format - If both head coaches agree, any of the following modifica­

tions may be used in a regular season dual-team match.

(1)

The use of 8-game pro sets in singles with a 7-point tiebreak at 8-all

(2)

The use of 10-game pro sets in singles with a 7-point tiebreak at 10-all.

(3)

The use of no-ad scoring in singles or doubles. (No-ad scoring may be in conjunction with

the default format described in 4.11.2 (c), or in conjunction with the use of pro sets de­

scribed in 4.11.2 (d)(1) and 4.11.2(d) (2) above).

(e)

Coaching Regulation - Coaching is allowed only after every odd-game (exception: not after game one)

and only by the designated high school coaches (limit 2).

(1)

The coaches may not enter the court. All coaching must be done from outside the fence. Only

the designated high school coaches are permitted to coach.

(2)

The 90-second period for coaching begins immediately following their last point, not when

conversation begins.

(3)

Coaching is permitted to be continuous throughout the match as long as it does not interfere

with play and only during the 90 second changeovers. The purpose of such coaching is solely

to offer advice to the player and not in any way to distract or annoy the opponent.

(4)

All coaches must be compliant with Handbook Rule 2.1.7 to coach during a match.

(f)

Line-ups - Coaches shall exchange singles line-ups, no later than 15 minutes prior to the match using the

MANDATORY official regular season dual team line-up sheet. Doubles line-ups must be shared prior to

the start of doubles.

(1)

Players shall be ranked in order of ability, the best player on the team playing at the #1 posi­

tion, the second best at #2 and so on through all positions. This rule shall also apply to dou­

bles play, with the strongest combination listed at #1 and so on.

(i)

If a player is not available in singles, or a team is not available in doubles, all players/

teams must move up in the lineup.

(ii)

A team appearing with an insufficient number of players shall default matches at the

bottom of the line-up (i.e. the six player team appearing with five players must default

at the #6 singles position, and in doubles, at the #3 position).

(iii)

Stacking the line-up is not allowed, is considered cheating, and may be punishable

with penalties.

(iv)

Players are only allowed to move one spot up or down in the singles line-up from

their position in the previous match. Players may move up more than one position if

players are unavailable.

(v)

The positions paired at the number-one doubles positions (e.g., #1 and #3 = 4) must add up to

an equal or lower number that those paired at the number two doubles (e.g., #2 and #4 = 6).

(vi)

The number two doubles pairing must add up to an equal or lower number than those

paired at #3 doubles (e.g., #5 and #6 = 11).

(vii)

A number one singles player may NOT play at number three doubles.

(viii)

Any player NOT in the top 6 will be considered a #7 player for the purpose of place­

ment in doubles.

(2)

Any change in the singles line-up must be in accordance with the regulations.

(3)

A coach is permitted to substitute for a doubles team player provided it is a lower ranked player

not already in the doubles line-up. The doubles team with a substituted player is NOT subject to

106

Made with Publuu - flipbook maker