1.

In these Rules the masculine shall include the feminine.

2.

Decisions taken involving amateur status shall be in the best interests of both games.

3.

The overall interests of the Tennis and Rackets professionals shall be safe-guarded at all times.

4.

There is sufficient flexibility in the Rules to enable the Council to make exceptions so long as such exceptions are in the best interests of both games.

5.

Amateurs shall be encouraged to comply with the spirit of the Rules, namely playing for the love of doing so and for no financial gain.

6.

The procedure for the enforcement of forfeiture and re-instatement of Amateur Status is at Annex A.

7.

A professional at either Tennis or Rackets shall not play either game as an amateur unless granted permission by the Council. Further:

a.

An application by a professional seeking amateur status shall be made to the Amateur Status Committee, who shall make a recommendation to the Council.  When considering such an application the Amateur Status Committee and the Council shall be guided by Annex B.

b.

An application for dual status shall be made to the Amateur Status Committee, who shall make a recommendation to the Council.  When considering such an application the Amateur Status Committee and the Council shall be guided by Annex C.

8.

The T&RA Secretariat shall provide an Amateur Status Decisions Service.

Definition of an Amateur Tennis/Rackets Player

9.

An Amateur Tennis/Rackets player is one who plays Tennis/Rackets as a non-remunerative or non-profit- making sport.

Governing Bodies

10.

The Governing Body of Tennis and Rackets for the Rules of Amateur Status in any country is the National Association of the country concerned.

11.

Any person who considers that any action he is proposing to take might endanger his Amateur Status should submit particulars to the appropriate Committee of his Governing Body for consideration, ie in the UK to the T&RA Amateur Status Committee.

12.

The status of a player shall be decided by that player’s National Governing Body.

13.

All Governing Bodies shall respect the decisions taken by other Governing Bodies.

14.

If a professional applies to his National Governing Body for amateur/dual status that Governing Body shall, as a matter of courtesy, inform all other Governing Bodies who shall comment if they wish.

15.

If a player claims dual nationality the two relevant Governing Bodies shall consult each other before any decision is taken.

Gambling

16.

Gambling or any form of wagering with the intent to compensate an amateur financially is to be discouraged, as it could result in the amateur losing his Amateur Status for violating the Rules.

Rules

17.

A player of Tennis or Rackets shall not be an amateur if he:

a.

Rule 1. Payment for Playing, Coaching or Marking

Receives payment from any source for playing, coaching or marking either Tennis or Rackets.

b.

Rule 2. Playing for Prize Money

Receives prize money, appearance money or their equivalent for playing in any Tennis or Rackets match, competition, exhibition, or event.

Note: Prizes or prize vouchers may be accepted so long as:

(1)

They do not exceed retail value of £300 or its equivalent in foreign currency, or such lesser figure as may be decided by the Governing Body of Tennis or Rackets in any country.  This does not apply to prizes of symbolic value, provided that their symbolic nature is distinguished by distinctive permanent marking, for example trophies, plates or cups, cigarette boxes, tankards or glass items.

(2)

They are not converted into money.

c.

Rule 3. Expenses

Accepts expenses, in money or otherwise, from any source to play in any Tennis or Rackets match, competition, exhibition or event, other than for his reasonable travel, accommodation and subsistence expenses not exceeding those actually incurred, in relation to a Tennis or Rackets match, competition, exhibition or event.

Notes:

(1)

Such expenses may only be paid by:

(a)

A member of the player’s family or legal guardian

(b)

The player’s National Association, Club, University, Regiment or similar body as their nominal individual or team representative.

(2)

Payments made by anyone other than those mentioned in Notes (1)(a) or (1)(b) should be exceptional.  If any are made:

(a)

The player must be nominated to play by his National Association, Club, University, Regiment or similar body,

(b)

The funds may only be disbursed by the relevant Governing Body.

(c)

The player must not enter into any agreement with the sponsor, either

 written or verbal.

(d)

The sponsor is to obtain approval from the Governing Body of the player’s country.

(e)

If the sponsor is a commercial firm and the event is to take place abroad,

the sponsor is also to obtain the approval of the Governing Body of the

country in which the event is to be staged. 

(3)

Requests for payment of expenses under Note (2) should be submitted to the

Amateur Status Committee, whose recommendations should be submitted for approval to a Council Sub Committee, consisting of the Council Chairman and the Chairmen of the Games Committees, Each case should be examined on its merits against the following criteria:

(a)

An amateur should not make a profit.

(b)

Decisions taken should be in the best interests of the relevant game.

(c)

The overall interests of the professionals should be safeguarded.

(d)

It is in the interests of both games to assist players under the age of 25.

(e)

It is in the interests of T&RA to assist players representing the UK abroad.

(f)

It is desirable to achieve international consensus on the payment of expenses.

(g)

Major expenses e.g. air fares, should only be considered in the case of events held outside the UK.

d.

Rule 4. Lending Names or Likeness

Because of Tennis or Rackets skill or reputation receives or contracts to receive payment, compensation or personal benefit for allowing his name or likeness to be used in any way for advertisement or sale of anything, whether or not used in, or appertaining to, Tennis or Rackets

Notes:

(1)

A player may accept equipment, other than Tennis or Rackets racquets and balls, for his own use from anyone dealing in such equipment so long as no advertising is involved.

(2)

Clothing worn may only bear a manufacturer’s small emblem i.e. nothing larger than two square inches on shirts or shorts/skirts.

e.

Rule 5. Membership and Privileges

Accepts membership or privileges of a Tennis or Rackets Club without the relevant payment for the class of membership or privileges involved, unless such membership or privileges have been awarded:

(1)

As purely and deservedly honorary.

(2)

In recognition of an outstanding performance or contribution to Tennis or Rackets or to that club.

(3)

To him as a temporary visitor.

f.

Rule 6. Sale of Equipment

Sells new Tennis or Rackets racquets or balls.

Guidelines for Young Tennis and Rackets Players under the age of 25

18.

Guidelines for young Tennis and Rackets players under the age of 25 who wish to take up temporary jobs at clubs without compromising their amateur status are at Annex D.

1.

Decision on Violation.  Whenever information of a possible violation of the Rules of Amateur Status by a player claiming to be an amateur shall come to the attention of the Amateur Status Committee, the Committee shall make such investigation as it may deem desirable and make a recommendation to the Council.  The player concerned shall provide all the information that the Committee may request in connection with such an investigation.  The Council shall decide whether a violation has occurred and upon a decision that a player has violated the Rules may declare the Amateur Status of the player forfeited, or require the player to refrain or desist from specified actions as a condition of retaining his Amateur Status.  The decision of the Council shall be final.

2.

Reinstatement.  The Amateur Status Committee shall consider each application for reinstatement and make a recommendation to the Council.  The Council shall have the sole power to reinstate a player to Amateur Status or to deny reinstatement.  In considering an application the Amateur Status Committee – and subsequently the Council – shall be guided by the following principles:

a.

Probation.  An applicant for reinstatement to Amateur Status shall undergo probation as prescribed by the Council.

b.

Probationary Period.  No applicant shall normally be eligible for reinstatement until he has conducted himself in accordance with the Rules of Amateur Status for a probationary period of at least two consecutive years. However the Council shall consider each case on its merits and may extend or shorten such a period.

c.

Status during Probation. The applicant shall

(1)

Not violate the rules of amateur status.

(2)

Not be eligible to play in any specifically amateur or professional championships.

(3)

Not be eligible to represent his club against another club unless permitted by both clubs’ rules.

(4)

Be eligible to play in any open championships or other events for which both amateurs and professionals are eligible.

(5)

Be permitted to play only in club competitions where he is a member, subject to the club’s approval.

ANNEX B

GUIDELINES FOR CONSIDERING A TENNIS/RACKETS

PROFESSIONAL’S APPLICATION

FOR AMATEUR STATUS

1.

When considering an application the Amateur Status Committee shall:

a.

Apply the principles in paragraphs 2 and 3 of the Rules of Amateur Status headed “General”.

b.

Be satisfied that the applicant will not violate the Rules of Amateur Status.

c.

Consider how long a probationary period the applicant must serve.

2.

The applicant shall normally be asked to serve a probationary period during which he must conduct himself in accordance with the Rules of Amateur Status. Whilst on probation he shall:

(1)

Not violate the rules of amateur status.

(2)

Not be eligible to play in any specifically amateur or professional championships.

(3)

Not be eligible to represent his club against another club unless permitted by both clubs’ rules.

(4)

Be eligible to play in any open championships or other events for which both amateurs and professionals are eligible.

(5)

Be permitted to play only in club competitions where he is a member, subject to the club’s approval.

3.

An applicant shall normally serve at least two consecutive years on probation.  However, the Amateur Status Committee shall consider each case on its merits and may recommend a longer or shorter period.  Trainee professionals who decide after a short period not to pursue a career as a Tennis/Rackets professional should be treated sympathetically.

4.

Before deciding the length of the probationary period the Amateur Status Committee and subsequently the Council – shall take into account:

a.

The applicant’s reasons for requesting amateur status.

b.

The applicant’s skill as a professional, i.e.  his lowest Tennis handicap and his best results in Tennis/Rackets Championships.

c.

The amount of prize money he has won.

d.

The length of time he has been a professional.

e.

Whether he has received financial help from the T&RA.

f.

Any length of time prior to making the application during which the applicant has conducted himself in accordance with the Rules of Amateur Status.

5.

The probationary period shall normally begin from the date on which the applicant applied for amateur status.

ANNEX C

GUIDELINES FOR CONSIDERING AN

APPLICATION FOR DUAL STATUS

1.

A professional working at a location where both games are played shall be considered a professional at both games.

2.

When considering an application the Amateur Status Committee:

a.

Shall apply the principles in paragraphs 2 and 3 of the Rules of Amateur Status headed “General”.

b.

Shall take into account the applicant’s reasons for requesting dual status.

c.

Shall take into account, where appropriate, the points listed at paragraph 4 of Annex B.

d.

Shall be satisfied that the applicant will not violate the Rules of Amateur Status for the game at which he wishes to be an amateur.

ANNEX D

GUIDELINES FOR YOUNG TENNIS AND RACKETS PLAYERS

UNDER THE AGE OF 25 WHO WISH TO TAKE UP TEMPORARY

JOBS AT CLUBS WITHOUT COMPROMISING THEIR

AMATEUR STATUS

1.

A young player may take up a temporary job at a club so long as he complies with the following conditions:

a.

Rules.  Rules 1 – 6 of the Rules of Amateur Status must be observed, subject to the points made at b – f below.

b.

Eligibility.  The player must be under the age of 25, and a student at school/ university/polytechnic or a similar institution, or within a year of having left.

c.

Membership and Privileges.  The player may accept membership and privileges of the Club as a temporary visitor for a period not exceeding one year.

d.

Payments.  The player must not receive payment from any source for reasons identified in Rules 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6, save as provided in e below.

e.

Expenses.  The player may receive accommodation and subsistence expenses, not exceeding those incurred, in return for general administrative services rendered to the Club.

f.

Court Usage.  The player’s use of the court must not deprive the Club of revenue which would otherwise have formed part of the professional’s income and should be at the Club’s discretion.

Page last modified: September 2006