1. The League shall be played annually in accordance with the rules of the competition and with the Rules and Regulations, as far as applicable, of the Lawn Tennis Association.
2. Membership of the League
- Membership of the league shall be open to any club affiliated to the Southampton LTA, provided that a minimum of two courts are available for match play
- All clubs in the Apsley League must notify the League Secretary of their intention to remain in the league by the date of the Annual General Meeting. Failure to notify or attend the AGM will result in the club being fined or expelled from the league at the committee's discretion
3. Structure of the League
- The league shall be formed into divisions of nine teams except the lowest division which may be adjusted to accommodate any alteration in the number of teams in the league
- Any club may enter more than one team but not more than two teams from one club shall be allowed in the Premier Division
- New entrants shall be placed in the lowest division
- Each team shall play each other team in its division only once during the season on the basis of home and away in alternate years
- 2 points shall be awarded for a win, 1 for a draw. If two or more teams complete their fixtures with equal points the team winning the most events shall occupy the higher position. If points and events won are equal, the highest position shall be decided on superior sets average or, if necessary, superior games average. If the teams are still equal and Championship promotion or relegation is affected, the teams concerned shall play off on neutral courts. If this match results in a draw, sets and, if necessary, games shall be taken into account in determining the winner. When a pair retires from an event for any reason the opponents shall be awarded all remaining games in that event. When an event is conceded a score of 6-0, 6-0 will be assumed for the purpose of calculating sets and games averages
- The detailed result of each match to be received within 14 days to:- Home side - the League Secretary, away side - the Press Secretary
- If more than two match score cards are not received by the home and away result Secretaries one point will be deducted for each result card not received
- The top two teams in each division shall be promoted to the next higher division. The lowest two teams in any division shall be relegated, except when a team or teams withdraw from the league, when either one relegation or no relegation will take place from the division concerned and those below
- A team defaulting with two or more walkovers in any division will be automatically relegated to the lowest division. If the team is already in the lowest division the committee will investigate and make a decision
4. Structure of the Team
- Each team shall consist of 4 ladies and 4 men. Each match shall consist of 8 events: 4 mixed doubles, 2 ladies doubles and 2 mens doubles. Each event to be the best of three sets. Each set to be decided by a tie break at six all. Team sheets shall be exchanged before play commences. If any player is absent when called upon to play at the expiration of 15 minutes from the time agreed upon for the commencement of the match the opposing team shall be awarded two love sets. NOTE: Unless otherwise agreed by the clubs concerned, all matches are due to commence at 2.00pm
- Only bona fide members of clubs shall be eligible to take part in any match and no player shall play for more than one club in any one season
- A Player who has played 3 times for a higher club Team may not play in a lower club team
5. Balls
Only uniform LTA approved balls are to be used for league matches. The home team to provide 12 new balls for each match.
6. Fixtures
- Fixtures to be arranged by the League Secretary, to be played on Saturdays between the third Saturday in April and the third Saturday in September, unless both teams agree to play the match on the Sunday of the same weekend. The League Secretary to be notified by both Match Secretaries beforehand of any match switched to the Sunday
- Inclement weather will be the only cause accepted for rearrangements. Responsibility for the decision to call a match off rests with the captain of the home team. All matches must be completed by the end of September. The committee have full power to award points for unplayed and unfinished matches as they deem fit
- If a match is curtailed due to inclement weather it shall be continued or replayed according to the following formula:
It shall be continued if three events have been completed before the captains agree to the curtailment of the match. Under these circumstances the teams shall be unchanged and the remaining events may be played at any time convenient to the clubs and the individual players provided they are completed by the end of September.
If three events have not been completed the match will be arranged to be played in full at a later date when the teams may be chosen without any reference to the team selected for the original match. The League Secretary to be notified in writing by both clubs of the rearranged date within 14 days of the postponement of the match - In the event of a club having to concede a fixture for whatever reason a representative of that club must contact the match secretary of the opposing club and the Leaguer Secretary. The League Secretary will then confirm with both clubs concerned
7. Administration
- The Annual General Meeting of the league shall usually be held in the month of January. It is the obligation of every club to be represented. At the meeting each club shall have one vote and the League Chairman a casting vote if necessary #
- The management of the league shall be in the hands of a committee consisting of a Chairman, League Secretary, Press Secretary and two representatives from each division. All posts are to be filled at each Annual General Meeting and each appointment is for one year only. Successful candidates are eligible for re-election in the following year. Both the Chairman and Secretary of the Southampton LTA shall be ex-officio members of the Apsley League Committee
- Notice of proposed alterations of, or addition to, the Rules must be sent to the League Secretary no later than December 15th in any year