Tournament Policies

1. Eligibility:
   Entrants must be members of the Palo Alto Tennis Club. However, non-members are allowed to participate in one members-only PATC tournament per calendar year.

2. Entry Fees:
   Entries will not be accepted unless accompanied by the appropriate fees.

3. Late Entries:
   No entries will be accepted by the Tournament Draw Committee once the draw starts. Those wishing to enter after that time or those whose entries are not received in time may, if they desire, be placed on a stand by roster to fill in for cancellations and no-shows.

4. Entry Cancellations:
   a. Singles or Doubles - Entry fees will be refunded to persons cancelling no later than 8:00 p.m. three days prior to the tournament. After that time, cancellations will be considered defaults.
   b. Doubles only - Replacement of one member of a doubles team may be made at any time prior to the team's first round match, upon notification to the Tournament Director. If the tournament is bisqued, a new bisque must be obtained for the team from the Tournament Director and/or Bisque Committee. In a class tournament, the Tournament Director has the option to permit the new team to play in the same class or default the team.

5. Time Restrictions:
   Entrants may, if absolutely necessary, request the Draw Committee not to schedule their match during a certain period. Although the Draw Committee will attempt to accommodate the restriction, it may not be compatible with the tournament schedule. In that event, the entry will not be accepted. Therefore it is important that time restrictions be requested only for unalterable schedules.

6. Sunday Limitations:
   Entrants should plan to be available for both days of the tournament in the event they reach the quarter- or semi-final matches. If unable to play on Sunday, the entrant can still play on Saturday. If, however, he is about to qualify for the Sunday matches, he should concede his last Saturday match at match point so that his opponent may fill in to prevent a late-round default.

7. Defaults:
   Defaults will be issued 15 minutes after the scheduled match time. The default may, however, be rescinded by the Tournament Director if the rescheduled match does not interfere with the remainder of the tournament schedule and if the opponent(s) agree(s) to play the match. Defaults eliminate persons from further participation in the tournament. Players cannot enter the Consolation Round through default in the first round. Entrants who fail to show for their match more than once during a tournament season without notifying the Tournament Director may be barred from further tournament play for that season. Entrants are required to play at least their first two matches. Players who deprive an opponent of a match by refusing to play in the Consolation Round may be barred from entering subsequent tournaments.

8. Balls:
   At least two (2) new balls will be used in all of the championship flight matches and in all Sunday matches. If two (2) new balls are used, two new balls will be issued for the third set of final-round matches if requested by the players. Results of matches will not be posted unless balls are returned to the Tournament Director by winners upon completion of the match. Used balls will be sold for 35 cents per ball or $3.50 per dozen balls when available.

9. Food and Beverage:
   Refreshments are for the players and tournament workers. Members who are spectators or children of players and workers are not included. Since entry fees pay for the refreshments, plans cannot be made for an unknown number of non-players. Volunteers who supply home-made items for the lunch will be reimbursed for ingredients upon submittal of an informal, signed bill.