ITF JUNIORS

Pictured: Itf player Valeria Pulido =)

Some new rules have come out regarding the International Junior Tennis Circuit that we have to catch up on, as a couple points catch the eye.

1. You have to be between ages 13-18 - pretty sure a few years back it was 14- 18
   
2. If you do not win a round in a tournament, you get no points, even if you have a bye or a walk over. If you win a round and then get a walkover, your can keep your points - It used to be that first round walkovers counted as a round if you won your second match
   
3. If you withdraw in the middle of a tournament in doubles or singles without a medical note, you will lose all points won in that tournament - this should stop players from skipping out on matches due to travel arrangements and what not, especially doubles
   
4. All matches are 2 out of 3 sets in singles with no break after the second set - there used to be a several minute break before the start of the 3rd
5. All doubles matches are 2 out of 3 sets with a ten point tie breaker for a third set and no ad scoring throughout the match - I think this is a shame, I think that ad scoring makes matches so much more interesting, it would almost be better if they implemented the 8 game pro set that collegiate tennis uses. The worst by far is the short sets used in some qualifying matches for challengers, sets to 4 games each. Those are the worst!
   
6. Players can only play one tournament a week - this will stop the extreme point chasers who don't win many matches but gain points in a lot of costly first rounds
   
7. Top 4 players from each nation should be in different sections of the draw so as not to play one another early in the tournament - this is fair although may prove difficult as there is an overwhelming number of Russian and American players in the draws these days
   
8. You can’t play 12 and under if you aren’t 10 years old - I don't know that many of the intense tennis parents will like this one
   
9. Can’t be internationally or regionally ranked if you’re under 12 - perhaps this will either stop some players from lying about their age to be the best 8 year old in the 12's to gain attention, or maybe it won't
   

Check out a link to an article about my friend's little sister - 7 year old tennis prodigy Amanda

There is a lot to cover, so if there is anything else you would like to know, go ahead and check out the official link

If you have any questions regarding the charity, or how to donate tennis racquets, visit TennisRacquetsforKids.org