MAIN DRAW ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
20 x Direct Acceptances (based on UTR Rating at entry close)
4** x Wildcards from Major State J500 Signature Series events – Held in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia between October 2024 and January 2025
8 x Qualifiers from State Qualifying events / State Wildcards
**If wildcards from J500 State Signature events are not required as winners are already accepted inside the Top 20, those positions will revert to National Discretionary wildcards decided by the Tennis Australia National selectors.
STATE QUALIFYING EVENTS:
Players must separately enter the state/territory qualifying events if they have missed out on a Direct Acceptance position in the main draw.
These events will be held in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and the ACT between March 16 and March 30.
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible to enter the 2025 12/u Australian Claycourt Championships, you must be 12 years or younger as at the 30th April 2025.
To be eligible to enter the 2025 14/u Australian Claycourt Championships, you must be 14 years or younger as at the 30th April 2025.
All players must also be a minimum of 10 years of age as of the first day of the main draw to be eligible to compete in an Australian Junior Championship event.
Only athletes that were born in Australia or are Australian citizens or passport holders are eligible to compete in this event. Exemptions can be granted by Tennis Australia if athletes have immigrated or are permanent residents of Australia and have completed and can provide all documentation that they will become Australian citizens / passport holders in the near future and therefore represent Australia in international events and tournaments.
Please note – Proof of date of birth and Nationality in the form of an Australian Passport. Tennis Australia requires all athletes contesting National Championships or Junior ITFs to provide proof of birth date (once per athlete). Those yet to do so, please provide proof to the Tennis Australia tournaments team prior to the commencement of the tournament. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture from the event.
EVENT INFORMATION SESSION
We will undertake a parent, player and coach event information briefing prior to the event on Friday 11th April. This is a good session to attend if you have any questions prior to arriving in Canberra. A time and location will be provided to participants closer to the time.
NO-LET RULE TO BE IN PLACE FOR THIS EVENT
To prepare Australian players for the World Tennis Tour Juniors circuit, the Australian Claycourt Nationals will play without the service let, whereby a serve that touches the net, strap or band is in play
(continuous) when landing within the correct service box.
OFF-COURT COACHING ALSO PERMITTED
Providing the following rules and procedures are followed, off-court coaching will be allowed during play in a nondisruptive manner.
• Off-court coaching will only be permitted for matches where a chair umpire is adjudicating the match
• Coaching is only allowed from the designated coach seats.
• Best efforts will be made to locate the designated coach seats near the baseline or back area of court on the same end as the player’s seat.
• Brief and discreet verbal coaching is allowed only when the player is at the same end of the court as their designated coach seats.
• Subtle, non-verbal coaching, defined as hand signals or gestures that do not hinder the opponent is allowed when the player is at the same end of the court as their designated coach seats.
• Coaches may NOT speak to their player when the player leaves the court for any reason (except as permitted during a rain delay).
• Players may NOT approach their coach or engage in conversation with their coach at changeovers or set breaks. Exceptions – players may approach their coach or engage in conversation with their coach ONLY
during the opposing player’s medical time out (including the time period when the Physiotherapist was called, and the player is waiting for the Physiotherapist and during the evaluation time) or a Bathroom
break / change of attire break or during the last 90 seconds of a heat break.
• If a Coach’s verbal coaching, hand signals, or gestures begin to interrupt play or become a hindrance to the opponent(s), the Referee will notify the coach of the escalation prior to action being taken against the player. Should the distractions persist, the player may be subject to coaching penalties.
• A coach can coach more than one player during a tournament, but coaching is only allowed from the designated coach seats of the relevant court.
• A player may be penalised under the Code of Behaviour: Competitive Play if there is failure to meet the trial procedures. Off-court coaching is not permitted where an off-court official is required to go on court to
umpire the remainder of a match.
SINGLES FORMAT
32-player monrad draw will be played, providing at least 5 singles matches for each player during the event. All players are expected to play on all six days of the event.
DOUBLES FORMAT
A 16-team elimination draw will be played. Doubles will be compulsory for main draw singles players to compete in. Players are only guaranteed 1 doubles match, with no doubles matchplay to be held.
SINGLES SEEDING
In-line with the Australian Competitive Play Regulations for 2025, seedings will be prepared in line with the most recently available UTR Singles Ratings (which will be released on a weekly basis on a Tuesday).
DOUBLES SEEDING
Seedings will be prepared in line with the most recently available combined best of UTR Ratings (either doubles or singles) of the two players in each pairing.
Event Information
Grade
Junior
Ball type
Yellow Ball
Start date
12/04/2025
End date
17/04/2025
Proposed Draw Format
Monrad
Proposed Draw Size
32
Match play
No
Scoreformat
3 Tiebreak sets
Entry fee
$0.00
Grade
Junior
Ball type
Yellow Ball
Start date
12/04/2025
End date
17/04/2025
Proposed Draw Format
Monrad
Proposed Draw Size
32
Match play
No
Scoreformat
3 Tiebreak sets
Entry fee
$0.00
Grade
Junior
Ball type
Yellow Ball
Start date
12/04/2025
End date
17/04/2025
Proposed Draw Format
Elimination
Proposed Draw Size
16
Match play
No
Scoreformat
2 Tiebreak sets with match tiebreak
Entry fee
$0.00
Grade
Junior
Ball type
Yellow Ball
Start date
12/04/2025
End date
17/04/2025
Proposed Draw Format
Elimination
Proposed Draw Size
16
Match play
No
Scoreformat
2 Tiebreak sets with match tiebreak
Entry fee
$0.00
Grade
Junior
Ball type
Yellow Ball
Start date
12/04/2025
End date
17/04/2025
Proposed Draw Format
Elimination
Proposed Draw Size
32
Match play
No
Scoreformat
2 Tiebreak sets with match tiebreak
Entry fee
$0.00
Grade
Junior
Ball type
Yellow Ball
Start date
12/04/2025
End date
17/04/2025
Proposed Draw Format
Monrad
Proposed Draw Size
32
Match play
No
Scoreformat
3 Tiebreak sets
Entry fee
$0.00
Grade
Junior
Ball type
Yellow Ball
Start date
12/04/2025
End date
17/04/2025
Proposed Draw Format
Monrad
Proposed Draw Size
32
Match play
No
Scoreformat
3 Tiebreak sets
Entry fee
$0.00
Grade
Junior
Ball type
Yellow Ball
Start date
12/04/2025
End date
17/04/2025
Proposed Draw Format
Elimination
Proposed Draw Size
16
Match play
No
Scoreformat
2 Tiebreak sets with match tiebreak
Entry fee
$0.00
Grade
Junior
Ball type
Yellow Ball
Start date
12/04/2025
End date
17/04/2025
Proposed Draw Format
Elimination
Proposed Draw Size
16
Match play
No
Scoreformat
2 Tiebreak sets with match tiebreak
Entry fee
$0.00
Grade
Junior
Ball type
Yellow Ball
Start date
12/04/2025
End date
17/04/2025
Proposed Draw Format
Elimination
Proposed Draw Size
32
Match play
No
Scoreformat
2 Tiebreak sets with match tiebreak
Entry fee
$0.00
Regulations
Acceptance & Seedings Criteria
In determining acceptance for events a player will be accepted based on their most recently available UTR Rating (released weekly on a Tuesday) and the following criteria:
Player with a current verified UTR Rating
Player with a projected UTR Rating
Player without a verified or projected UTR Rating
Seedings will be prepared in line with the most recently available verified UTR Ratings (released weekly on a Tuesday). Players should be aware of the criteria for acceptance and the selection of seeds as outlined in the Australian Competitive Play Regulations. These documents can be found on the tennis.com.au website.
Scheduling
Match times are fixed by the event director and are not negotiable. All players entering an event are considered available to play all times throughout the published dates and times of the event. Should you have any valid scheduling requests, please contact the event director with as much notice as possible. It is each player’s responsibility to find out when they are required to play. This information will be published on the tennis.com.au website. If you have not been informed via the website when you are playing within 48 hours of the start of the event, please contact the event director. If you miss your match, you will lose your entry fee and be subject to no show penalties and disciplinary points under the Code of Behaviour: Competitive Play.During the event, you must not leave the venue without checking if and when you are required to play next. tournament.
Wildcards
The event organiser reserves the right to issue wildcards, in accordance with the Tennis Australia Competitive Play Regulations. These documents can be found on the tennis.com.au website.
Refund Policy
The following entry fee refunds will be processed by the Event Organiser based on the following sliding scale:
Before 7 day withdrawal deadline – full refund of the player entry fee
After 7 day withdrawal deadline, but before the release of the draw – a 50% refund of the player entry fee
After 7 day withdrawal deadline, but after the release of the draw – a refund of the player entry fee is not required
A player who is a ‘No Show’ or found to be playing in two overlapping events – a refund of the player entry fee is not required
A player who has entered two events but withdraws from the overlapping event – a full refund of the player entry fee, less an administration fee of $10.00
Refunds less a $10.00 administration fee must be issued if a draw is cancelled (due to weather or extenuating reasons) before the completion of a player’s first match within the draw.
Withdrawal Process
All withdrawals must be submitted by the player in writing (via email) or via the player’s account in which they entered the event. Events need not issue a refund if the withdrawal procedure is not followed. Withdrawals via SMS will NOT be accepted. All withdrawals after the withdrawal deadline will be issued with a code violation and/or disciplinary points. Further information on the withdrawal process can be found on the tennis.com.au website.
Entering two Events at the same time
A player may enter and play in two events (including qualifying draws) where any of the dates of those events overlap (as published on the relevant event information page(s) on the Tennis Australia Website), however they must complete all commitments to the earlier event by the day before their first match of the second event is scheduled. Under no circumstances can a player be an active participant in two overlapping events on the same day, unless permission has been granted by Tennis Australia. If a player is found to have played two events on the same day, you will be subject to an immediate default penalty and disciplinary points under the Code of Behaviour: Competitive Play.
Tennis Etiquette
All players are expected to follow the basic tennis etiquette:
Players are expected at all times to shake hands or tap racquets with their opponent(s) at the completion of a match.
Players (normally the server) are expected at all times to calling the score aloud before each point is played.
Players are expected at all times to call aloud if the ball is out. If hand signals are used to call the status of the ball, they should only be used as a secondary notification after the physical calling of the ball.
Do not enlist the aid of spectators, including parents, coaches in making line calls, or attempting to determine the score or other on-court matters.
Wait until a point is over before walking behind a court where a match is in progress.
To retrieve a ball from another court or to return a ball to another court, wait until the players have completed a point.
Do not stall, sulk, complain or practice gamesmanship.
In doubles, when returning service, the partner of the receiver should generally call the service line. The receiver should generally call the centre and side service lines. The call needs to be loud enough to stop their opponents/partner playing.
It is recommended that all player/parents/guardians/coaches watch the following tennis etiquette video
Matches without a Chair Umpire
Regarding all matches played without a chair umpire, players should be aware of the basic principles as outlined on the tennis.com.au website
Spectator Behaviour
You should inform your supporters of Tennis Australia’s expectations regarding spectator behaviour. You are responsible for the conduct of your supporters. Inappropriate spectator behaviour may result in disciplinary action in accordance with the Code of Behaviour: Competitive Play including denial of entry to future events in Australia. Regulated spectator behaviour includes, but is not limited to, behaviour at tennis venues, event hotels and in transport vehicles.
Complaints
If you are unhappy with any matter in connection with the event, you may raise the matter verbally with the event director or referee. If you are still not satisfied, a written complaint may be lodged with Tennis Australia using the contact us form. Tennis Australia will determine what further action, if any, should be taken, including referring the matter to another party such as a club/centre, member association or the Tennis Australia Integrity team. For the avoidance of doubt, the results of all matches connected to the complaint will stand in any event.
Liability
All players who enter this event use the venue and compete at their own risk. Neither the event, its officials nor the venue, its staff, management or committee will be responsible for death, personal injury, or loss of or damage to property whether occurring on the premises or otherwise.
Ownership
Ownership of the event lies with the event Organiser/Organising Committee not Tennis Australia or the Member Association. Any correspondence in relation to the event shall be directed to the named event Organiser on this fact sheet.
Rules Governing the Event
The event is sanctioned by Tennis Australia and will be run in strict accordance with the Australian Competitive Play Junior Regulations or the Australian Competitive Play Open Regulations, including the Code of Behaviour: Competitive Play (as each may be amended from time to time). By submitting an entry to this event you acknowledge and agree that you are subject to the Regulations of Tennis Australia including the application of the Australian Competitive Play Regulations (including the Code of Behaviour: Competitive Play, the uniform tennis anti-corruption program, the Tennis Australia member protection policy and any other policy, rule, procedure or regulations of which Tennis Australia may notify the relevant club/centre/association from time to time). The event committee may alter or add to these rules in which case they will post written details on the event notice board and/or the tournament website. The event referee shall however have general discretionary powers in interpreting any rule or regulation relating to the event and in situations not specifically covered by any applicable rules or regulations governing this event.
Safeguarding Information
Tennis Australia are committed to ensuring the sport of tennis is a safe and friendly environment for children and young people. The event referee will be a Tennis Australia Officiating Member who will act as the events welfare officer. If you have any concerns regarding a child or adult at risk, or anyone’s behaviour towards a child or adult at risk during the event you can speak to the event referee, event director or the Tennis Australia Integrity Team directly by reporting a safeguarding concern. For further information on safeguarding, including information for young people on competing and information for parents can be found on the tennis.com.au website.
Refusal of Entry
Tennis Australia or the respective Member Association reserve the right to refuse a player or other participants entry into Australian Competitive Play Events and/or venues for such an event where Tennis Australia or that Member Association determines that the applicable player or participant:
Is currently suspended by Tennis Australia, a Member Association, the ITF, or another applicable tennis authority, or has any outstanding financial liability or otherwise to any of these organisations, or is otherwise ineligible under any applicable code, rule, regulation, policy or procedure.
Is not of good standing or character or has or will likely embarrass or bring into ridicule or disrepute Tennis Australia, the Member Association, the applicable event and/or the sport of tennis.
Has failed to comply with any conditions of entry or other applicable rule, regulation, policy or procedure from the respective Member Association, providing that Tennis Australia has approved any such Member Association decision to refuse a player or participant’s entry
Is not permitted to play in an event for prize money as a result of visa conditions imposed on them by the Australian Immigration Department or is otherwise not permitted to play in an event as a result of conditions imposed by the police, any other government authority or court of law.
Data Protection Statement/Privacy Policy
Regarding Tennis Australia’s Privacy Policy please refer to the national policies page on the tennis.com.au website.
Anti-Doping Regulations
Regarding Tennis Australia’s Anti-Doping Policy please refer to the national policies page on the tennis.com.au website.
Emergency Medical Treatment Provision
In consideration of Tennis Australia or the Event Host accepting your entry into an endorsed event, you:
consent to the Event Host or TA's doctors and other health service providers (including but not limited to primary health care providers and physiotherapists) consulting with, screening and treating you, and providing emergency assistance or transport
agree to pay any costs accumulated from the use of such health service providers during the course of the event, unless agreed otherwise.
Further information is set out in more detail in our entry terms and conditions on the tennis.com.au website.
Media & Photography Policy
By entering you acknowledge that you may be involved in any filming of, and publicity connected with, the event, including on-court video recording, media interviews, photographs, TV footage, and live streaming of matches. Please inform the event director or referee if you do not wish to be involved in such publicity. Unofficial photography and video recording is not permitted without the prior consent of the event referee, any players involved in such photography/video footage and (in the case of players under 18 years of age) their parent or legal guardian. To avoid disruption to play, requests must be made with sufficient notice as consent will not normally be sought from players once a match (including warm-up) has commenced. Further information is set out in more detail in our entry terms and conditions on the tennis.com.au website.