Player Meeting
2026 Mandatory Virtual Player Meeting
1. Check in at the appropriate tournament desk no later than 15 minutes prior to your scheduled match time. We use Serve Tennis as our main player communication platform. Please make sure all your mobile contact information is current and accurate to use this platform efficiently.
2. You must be registered for the tournament prior to play.
3. You must participate in all events you register to play. Only a Referee can authorize a withdrawal, and only for a bona fide injury, illness, or personal circumstance according to USTA rules. A “default no show” may result in a default from remaining matches. “No show” players are assessed 5 suspension points. Notification after the fact does not satisfy USTA protocol for withdrawing. The Referee must be notified, with appropriate documentation and appropriate lead time, prior to your next round match to avoid no show penalties.
4. The singles alternate list will be posted at the Stowe Stadium tower on Friday, August 7 no later than 7:45 am.
5. All main draw singles and doubles matches will be chaired. Line umpires will be used in all main draw matches from the quarterfinal round in all events. Ball runners may be used on those same courts. Feed-in matches may use roving umpires.
6. A 5 minute warm up will be used for all matches. Up to 10 minutes may be approved for change of venue of ongoing matches if there is no prior chance for practice.
7. All main draw singles matches will be the best of 3 tiebreak sets, with a mandatory 10-minute rest period at 1 set all. The 18's final will play a best of 5 set format with the 10-minute rest period following the third set. All final sets will utilize a set tiebreak at 6 games all.
A 10-point match tiebreak will be played in lieu of a full third set for feed-in singles and doubles matches. No-ad scoring will be used in all doubles matches. A mandatory 3-minute rest period will occur at 1 set all.
The 3/4 place singles playoff matches and doubles semifinals, finals, and 3/4 place doubles playoffs will utilize a best of 3 set match format.
8. Code violation sequence is: point, game, default. All code violations translate into suspension points. Suspension points can be assessed for off court behavior, as well as at tournament functions and any venue which is considered part of the event.
9. Wilson extra duty balls will be used for all matches. 3 new balls will be used for two sets. 3 new balls will be used when a full final set is played; new balls are not issued for match tiebreaks. Ball change patterns will be introduced in the main draw from the quarterfinal round in all events.
10. Appropriate tennis attire is required on court at all times. Shirts must be worn on court at all times including during practice.
11. Electronic devices: Prohibited while on court and considered “coaching”. Smartwatches must be turned off, removed and stored prior to play. PAT devices may be used if they are an integral part of the racket, however no external sensors around the court are allowed. Verified medically necessary electronic devices will be permitted with prior authorization by the Tournament Referee.
12. Video Capture of match play: Private video capture of match play is permitted only at outdoor sites other than Stowe Stadium. iOnCourt will be capturing match action at Stowe Stadium which will be made available to you.
13. If you are defaulted for behavior in one event, it may be grounds for removal from all remaining events.
14. Coaching is not permitted at any time during play. Coaching is only permitted off court during mandatory rest periods or a suspension of play.
15. The USTA reserves the right to conduct random drug tests throughout this event. Alcohol is a drug. This event exercises a zero tolerance policy regarding the use of alcohol by players.
16. Listen carefully to all public address announcements. Remain on court when play is “stopped”. Leave the court only when play is “suspended,” and you are informed by an Official when it is permitted to do so. Consult the tournament website www.ustaboys.com or Serve Tennis for specific resumption information. Never leave a playing venue without informing a referee of you doing so.
17. Clean up after yourself following matches and practice, especially at off site locations.
18. Fill your water jugs before you go out to court. Bottled water (in jugs) is available on court during match play.
19. Trainers and medical staff are always on duty at all sites during play.
20. You must be evaluated by tournament medical staff if wishing to withdraw from future matches. If retiring from a match in progress, players must also be evaluated by medical staff.
Scott Elbin / Tournament Referee 2026
7/24/26