Rules & Regulations 2026
Regulations
By submitting an entry into Middlesex Summer Seniors League 2026 I agree that:
I have considered my roles and responsibilities as team captain and I am fully committed to organising the team pre, during and post-matches this season.
I have assessed the commitment of my venue and players in regard to matches, court time, travel, work/exams and financial cost throughout the season. We are committed to compete.
I have read the 2026 Rules and LTA Fair Play values and agree to ensure the team will abide by the Summer Seniors’ Over 40’s League Rules 2026.
Competition
This competition, which is open only to LTA registered clubs/venues within Middlesex who have also “opted in” to Middlesex Tennis membership, will be called the “The Middlesex Seniors League Summer 2026”. It will be played between April and August. Matches must be played by August 14 unless by the agreement of the league organiser.
It will be run in accordance with the Rules and Regulations and the Code of Conduct of the LTA.
Teams will play one match against each of the other teams in their division.
Players
Teams will comprise 2 men and 2 ladies eligible to represent the club as specified in the regulations for the Middlesex Cup Inter-Club Championships and meeting the age limits:
- Men and Ladies to be 40 years by December 31 2026.
- ALL players MUST be affiliated to the LTA.
Where clubs enter more than one team, different players should be used in each.
Where a Club has 2 teams in the same division, they should play each other by the end of May.
A player who plays twice for a higher team may NOT play for a lower team during that season.
Match Format
Matches will comprise of 4 rubbers, being :
- 1 x Men’s Doubles
- 1 x Ladies’ Doubles
Mixed Doubles, the stronger pair must play as 1st couple.
Each rubber will comprise of 2 tie-break sets.
Each set won will score two points, and match results will be determined by the total number of points won.
It is important that all rubbers are played or a complete result cannot be achieved.
Where a match is not played, the club conceding will score zero points, the club taking the walk-over will be awarded a proportionate number of points depending on their other results.
Courts
Matches must be played on 2 courts of similar surface, outdoors. Indoor or under lights.
Scheduling Matches
It is the responsibility of the home team to arrange the dates and times of matches.
A choice of three realistic dates must be offered by the home side, one of which must be accepted by the away team.
Matches may be played during the week, ONLY by agreement of both teams..
All arrangements must be made by Mid-April. Dates to be confirmed.
Responsibility for making contact to arrange the match is not exclusive and away teams will be expected to take over the arrangements if the deadline is missed.
All fixture dates MUST be entered into the LTA web site.
Matches should not be postponed due to lack of players.
Match Arrangements
The captains should confirm the arrangements about 5 days before a match with the opposing captain.
At least 2 new sets of LTA approved balls must be provided by the home team.
Incomplete Matches
If a match is not completed due to adverse conditions, it should be re-arranged for another date.
It should ONLY be re-commenced from the point at which play ceased if both clubs are fielding the same team.
Captains may waive this rule, but only by mutual agreement. The league organiser MUST be notified of re-arrangements.
Match Results
Results are to be entered on the Tournament Software web site by the winning captain within 2 days of the match being played.
In the case of a draw, the home captain must ensure the result has been entered.
Divisional Standings
The winner of each division will be the team which has achieved the highest total of points in the matches played.
Where there is a tie, the percentage of games actually played and won, to the total number played will decide the league position.
The winner of Division 1 will be declared the champion club.
Promotion and relegation will normally be the top and bottom of divisions, where there are two divisions below a single division, then, generally two teams will be relegated.
Where new teams enter, their position will be decided by the Veterans’ Tournament Committee.
Teams conceding more than one match are likely to be relegated.
The Competition Organiser’s decision on all matters is final.
The season ends at the end of August at the latest, but matches should initially all be organised by the end of July.
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