Goal

The aim of the training platform ( TP-U16 for short) is to enable young people to play additional training games during the Covid-19 lockdown (and beyond).

Due to the requirements of the FOPH and the cantonal authorities, the tennis halls are closed for adults until at least the end of February, but not for U16 players.

As there are consequently many free indoor pitches, this is a unique opportunity to introduce and test the TP-U16 concept on a trial basis.

The training platform is in compliance with the current Covid-19 protection regulations (effective date January 8, 2021). If the protection regulations are tightened, the platform will be closed. Participation fees already paid will be refunded (less costs already incurred (e.g. space rental)).

Procedure/process

Round Robin is played in roughly equal groups of 4 or 5 players. In groups of 4, 3 rounds are played; in groups of 5, 4 rounds are played. A set of 3 rounds is called a season. A season lasts approx. 6 weeks. At the end of a season, new groups are formed and another season is started.

The composition of the groups is based on the criteria of location, strength and age. Ideally, the players in a group should come from the same club.

Organization

Contact persons are the club juniors managers or the club coaches. They know the juniors best and can help put the groups together.

Parents generally organize the matches for their children via the TennisMatch app; they reserve the court and are also responsible for ensuring that the children are brought to/from the matches on time. Parents are not allowed to be in the club during the match.

How it works

The players or parents organize the games within the group themselves. As the host, you are responsible for 1-2 of your 3-4 games. This means that you make the court reservation after you have agreed the place and time with your opponent (guest) in the chat. You communicate with your guest via the TennisMatch app (chat function) or via email. As the host, you are responsible for the balls. There is an app for Apple and one for Android.

Game mode/Tiebreak

The game mode is as follows:

• the game is played on 8 games - . At 7/7 there is a tiebreak to 7
• no Ad: at 40/40 the next point decides. The returner decides which side to serve to.
• The duration of the game is exactly 1 hour (incl. 5 min. warm-up time); each game ends on the hour.
• Each game won is worth one point; if you win 8 games you get 2 bonus points.

Classification of the groups

In order to organize the groups, we need a self-assessment of your playing strength. The following levels are available to choose from when registering:

• Beginner 1
• Beginner 2 (R9)
• Advanced (R8/R7)
• Expert (R6)
• etc.

Beginner 2 to R1 are admitted to the training platform.