Hong Kong Ladies Tennis League
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
REGISTRATION, ENTRIES AND ELIGIBILITY
Q: What is a season? Are there two seasons to a year, Fall and Spring?
A: No. There is one season and it is a full year. “Rule 2.1 The season will consist of two sessions, commencing in September and January.”
Q: Having issues in creating an account / registering with HKLTL (members and/or Captains login page)?
A: Use only laptop/desktop for first time registration for an account. Do not use handheld devices as the current system does not support such means for registration.
ADDING OR DELETING PLAYERS
Q: When can I add/delete players? (Rule 3)
|
Start of Season |
Deadline to Add/Delete Players |
|
|
Prem |
2 October 2026 |
29 October 2026 |
|
8 January 2027 |
4 February 2027 |
|
|
Div 1 |
2 October 2026 |
29 October 2026 |
|
8 January 2027 |
4 February 2027 |
|
|
Div 2 |
8 October 2026 |
4 November 2026 |
|
14 January 2027 |
10 February 2027 |
|
|
Div 3 |
10 September 2026 |
7 October 2026 |
|
13 January 2027 |
9 February 2027 |
|
|
Div 4 |
29 September 2026 |
26 October 2026 |
|
12 January 2026 |
8 February 2026 |
|
|
Div 5 |
21 September 2026 |
18 October 2026 |
|
11 January 2027 |
7 February 2027 |
Q: Where do I find the form online to Add/Amend players?
A: Go to tab “Captains” > “Registration Form” > ”Amendment Request”.
Note: Adding NEW member(s), Coach assessment form needs to be completed.
MATCH PROCEDURE
Q: Is coaching allowed during matches?
A: Coaching is strictly limited to the break between sets 2 and 3, and coaches must remain off the court at all times.
Q: Does the minimum play rule 5.9 mean everyone must play a minimum 2 matches per year?
A: No. See Rule 2.1, each player must only play one match per year.
Q: If my player is injured, does she need a letter from a doctor to be exempt from the minimum play rule or do I need to remove her from my team list?
A: A player not able to play a match as a result of injury can be exempt from rule 5.9 with a doctor’s letter. A captain can also remove the player from her team list within the window to add or delete players. Both actions are suitable to avoid the 4 set penalty.
Q: At the beginning of the second set, which side of the court do we start on?
A: You change sides only if the first set finished on an odd number, otherwise you stay on the same side.
Q: At the beginning of the second set, who serves first?
A: Whoever finished serving in the previous set, it will be the opponent’s turn. However, both teams can change the order in which partner serves first.
Q: If the set goes to a tie break, who serves first?
A: The player whose turn it is to serve shall serve the first point of the tie-break game. The following two points shall be served by the opponent due to serve next. After this, each team shall serve alternately for two consecutive points until the end of the tie-break game. In a tie break, the teams switch ends after 6 points.
Q: Disputes over line calls
A: Players are responsible for line calls on their half of the court. If there is ANY doubt between partners, the point goes to the opponent.
A: If your opponents do not call “out”, the ball remains in play even if it was clearly out from your point of view.
Q: What if we forget the score midway through a game?
A: Go back to the last score where there is agreement and resume the game from there.
Q: What happens if home courts are not available for a match?
A: For matches where the normal home courts are not available, home team captains should inform the away team immediately and copy in the Division Rep. The home team is ultimately responsible for finding the courts on the scheduled date/time, however Captains are encouraged to find a solution between them. There are a number of options – different venue, swap Fall/Spring matches with the opposing team, can even swap so the opposing team gets 2 home matches.
Q: Are home teams required to host lunch after the match or is it optional?
A: Hosting lunch after the match is a long standing custom for HKLTL teams which promotes camaraderie and community after a morning of competitive tennis. While lunch is not strictly required by the league, it is the expected league norm.
Q: How does the new short deuce work?
A: Matches will be played with one regular deuce. Any second deuce will be played as sudden death and that point will decide the game. The receiving pair will decide who will receive serve at the second deuce.
Q: When changing ends between game 1 and 2, is it ok to have a quick sip of water?
A: The rule is to not sit and have a rest between game 1 and 2, but as you are changing ends, you can take a quick sip of water, especially on a hot weather day.
Q: What if my opponent checks their phone during the match?
A: Players should follow the rules for continuous play.
- 20 seconds are allowed between the end of one point and the start of the next. Except for after the first game of each set (when no interval is allowed).
- A 90 second interval is allowed between games during the change of ends.
- At the end of sets 1 and 3, a 2-minute interval is allowed.
- At the end of each set, a brief toilet break is permitted.
- Between sets 2 and 3, up to a 10 minute break is allowed.
- No breaks are permitted before and during a tie-break.
Q: What happens if a match is paused due to rain?
A: If the rain has stopped and courts are playable, play should continue for as long as possible.
INJURIES AND BATHROOM USE
Q: What constitutes injury time outs? (Rule 7.1)
A: On court injury (bleeding and/or vomiting) = immediate 15 min injury time
A: Cramping = 15 min injury time-out ONLY at change of ends or set
Q: If one player is injured during the match, can another player from the team continue in her place?
A: No substitution is allowed once the match has begun. Rule 7.1 states that if a player is unable to resume play after using the allowed injury time-out, she and her partner must forfeit the ongoing and remaining sets against the same pair. However, the injured player may choose to continue playing against the other pair in subsequent sets, but only one injury time-out is allowed per match.
Q: Cramping can be more painful than other on court injuries, why is it only allowed at change of ends or set? No injury time out for cramping is allowed under ITF rules, why does HKLTL allow it? (Rule 7.1)
A: ITF does not allow an injury time out for cramping because it considers cramping a reflection of fitness level and an injury time out would unfairly handicap the fitter player. HKLTL provides this concession out of consideration for its player demographics and the Hong Kong heat. However, the allowance for cramping must be balanced against fairness to the opposing team. The pair suffering cramps must determine whether they can continue until the change of ends or forfeit the points to address the cramps. That burden should not be carried equally by the opponents whose play is interrupted.
INCLEMENT WEATHER & MATCH RESCHEDULING
Q: If a hot weather warning was not raised by the HK Observatory but both teams consider it to be a hot day, can they agree between themselves to play the match under a no-ad format?
A: No. Matches can only be played under a no-ad format if the HK Observatory has raised the Hot Weather warning before 9.15am. Please note this season we will be playing one deuce and one sudden death no matter the weather.
Q: What happens if a match is rained out? (Rule 9.4)
A: Both captains must agree about court playability. If there is a disagreement, captains must meet at the venue to determine playability.
If the match cannot be played, the Home Captain should propose 3 new possible match dates within 24 hours and the Away Captain shall have 24 hours to accept one of the 3 proposed dates.
The proposed dates have to be within 21 days of the original match date and shall not (a) be all within the same week, (b) fall on a public holiday and (c) be on a scheduled match day
Q: How do I get a league stamp for my LCSD court refund?
A: Fill out your refund form and send by post to the HKLTL address listed on the original booking form. The HKLTL chair will sign and chop your form and send a scanned copy to the captain(s) on record. If your booking office requires the original signed and chopped form, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your form and the chair will return to you/the booking office by post.
Q: For rescheduled matches (or unfinished sets) do the same home courts need to be booked?
A: No, if home courts are not available, alternative courts can be booked.
Q: For rescheduled matches (or unfinished sets), should the start time remain the same i.e 9.15am?
A: For rescheduled matches, yes the match time remains 9.00am-1.00pm
A: For unfinished sets, so long as sets are finished before 1.00pm, the start time can be flexible.
© 2025 HK Ladies Tennis League. All rights reserved.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
REGISTRATION, ENTRIES AND ELIGIBILITY
Q: What is a season? Are there two seasons to a year, Fall and Spring?
A: No. There is one season and it is a full year. “Rule 2.1 The season will consist of two sessions, commencing in September and January.”
Q: Having issues in creating an account / registering with HKLTL (members and/or Captains login page)?
A: Use only laptop/desktop for first time registration for an account. Do not use handheld devices as the current system does not support such means for registration.
ADDING OR DELETING PLAYERS
Q: When can I add/delete players? (Rule 3)
|
Start of Season |
Deadline to Add/Delete Players |
|
|
Prem |
2 October 2026 |
29 October 2026 |
|
8 January 2027 |
4 February 2027 |
|
|
Div 1 |
2 October 2026 |
29 October 2026 |
|
8 January 2027 |
4 February 2027 |
|
|
Div 2 |
8 October 2026 |
4 November 2026 |
|
14 January 2027 |
10 February 2027 |
|
|
Div 3 |
10 September 2026 |
7 October 2026 |
|
13 January 2027 |
9 February 2027 |
|
|
Div 4 |
29 September 2026 |
26 October 2026 |
|
12 January 2026 |
8 February 2026 |
|
|
Div 5 |
21 September 2026 |
18 October 2026 |
|
11 January 2027 |
7 February 2027 |
Q: Where do I find the form online to Add/Amend players?
A: Go to tab “Captains” > “Registration Form” > ”Amendment Request”.
Note: Adding NEW member(s), Coach assessment form needs to be completed.
MATCH PROCEDURE
Q: Is coaching allowed during matches?
A: Coaching is strictly limited to the break between sets 2 and 3, and coaches must remain off the court at all times.
Q: Does the minimum play rule 5.9 mean everyone must play a minimum 2 matches per year?
A: No. See Rule 2.1, each player must only play one match per year.
Q: If my player is injured, does she need a letter from a doctor to be exempt from the minimum play rule or do I need to remove her from my team list?
A: A player not able to play a match as a result of injury can be exempt from rule 5.9 with a doctor’s letter. A captain can also remove the player from her team list within the window to add or delete players. Both actions are suitable to avoid the 4 set penalty.
Q: At the beginning of the second set, which side of the court do we start on?
A: You change sides only if the first set finished on an odd number, otherwise you stay on the same side.
Q: At the beginning of the second set, who serves first?
A: Whoever finished serving in the previous set, it will be the opponent’s turn. However, both teams can change the order in which partner serves first.
Q: If the set goes to a tie break, who serves first?
A: The player whose turn it is to serve shall serve the first point of the tie-break game. The following two points shall be served by the opponent due to serve next. After this, each team shall serve alternately for two consecutive points until the end of the tie-break game. In a tie break, the teams switch ends after 6 points.
Q: Disputes over line calls
A: Players are responsible for line calls on their half of the court. If there is ANY doubt between partners, the point goes to the opponent.
A: If your opponents do not call “out”, the ball remains in play even if it was clearly out from your point of view.
Q: What if we forget the score midway through a game?
A: Go back to the last score where there is agreement and resume the game from there.
Q: What happens if home courts are not available for a match?
A: For matches where the normal home courts are not available, home team captains should inform the away team immediately and copy in the Division Rep. The home team is ultimately responsible for finding the courts on the scheduled date/time, however Captains are encouraged to find a solution between them. There are a number of options – different venue, swap Fall/Spring matches with the opposing team, can even swap so the opposing team gets 2 home matches.
Q: Are home teams required to host lunch after the match or is it optional?
A: Hosting lunch after the match is a long standing custom for HKLTL teams which promotes camaraderie and community after a morning of competitive tennis. While lunch is not strictly required by the league, it is the expected league norm.
Q: How does the new short deuce work?
A: Matches will be played with one regular deuce. Any second deuce will be played as sudden death and that point will decide the game. The receiving pair will decide who will receive serve at the second deuce.
Q: When changing ends between game 1 and 2, is it ok to have a quick sip of water?
A: The rule is to not sit and have a rest between game 1 and 2, but as you are changing ends, you can take a quick sip of water, especially on a hot weather day.
Q: What if my opponent checks their phone during the match?
A: Players should follow the rules for continuous play.
20 seconds are allowed between the end of one point and the start of the next. Except for after the first game of each set (when no interval is allowed).
A 90 second interval is allowed between games during the change of ends.
At the end of sets 1 and 3, a 2-minute interval is allowed.
At the end of each set, a brief toilet break is permitted.
Between sets 2 and 3, up to a 10 minute break is allowed.
No breaks are permitted before and during a tie-break.
Q: What happens if a match is paused due to rain?
A: If the rain has stopped and courts are playable, play should continue for as long as possible.
INJURIES AND BATHROOM USE
Q: What constitutes injury time outs? (Rule 7.1)
A: On court injury (bleeding and/or vomiting) = immediate 15 min injury time
A: Cramping = 15 min injury time-out ONLY at change of ends or set
Q: If one player is injured during the match, can another player from the team continue in her place?
A: No substitution is allowed once the match has begun. Rule 7.1 states that if a player is unable to resume play after using the allowed injury time-out, she and her partner must forfeit the ongoing and remaining sets against the same pair. However, the injured player may choose to continue playing against the other pair in subsequent sets, but only one injury time-out is allowed per match.
Q: Cramping can be more painful than other on court injuries, why is it only allowed at change of ends or set? No injury time out for cramping is allowed under ITF rules, why does HKLTL allow it? (Rule 7.1)
A: ITF does not allow an injury time out for cramping because it considers cramping a reflection of fitness level and an injury time out would unfairly handicap the fitter player. HKLTL provides this concession out of consideration for its player demographics and the Hong Kong heat. However, the allowance for cramping must be balanced against fairness to the opposing team. The pair suffering cramps must determine whether they can continue until the change of ends or forfeit the points to address the cramps. That burden should not be carried equally by the opponents whose play is interrupted.
INCLEMENT WEATHER & MATCH RESCHEDULING
Q: If a hot weather warning was not raised by the HK Observatory but both teams consider it to be a hot day, can they agree between themselves to play the match under a no-ad format?
A: No. Matches can only be played under a no-ad format if the HK Observatory has raised the Hot Weather warning before 9.15am. Please note this season we will be playing one deuce and one sudden death no matter the weather.
Q: What happens if a match is rained out? (Rule 9.4)
A: Both captains must agree about court playability. If there is a disagreement, captains must meet at the venue to determine playability.
If the match cannot be played, the Home Captain should propose 3 new possible match dates within 24 hours and the Away Captain shall have 24 hours to accept one of the 3 proposed dates.
The proposed dates have to be within 21 days of the original match date and shall not (a) be all within the same week, (b) fall on a public holiday and (c) be on a scheduled match day
Q: How do I get a league stamp for my LCSD court refund?
A: Fill out your refund form and send by post to the HKLTL address listed on the original booking form. The HKLTL chair will sign and chop your form and send a scanned copy to the captain(s) on record. If your booking office requires the original signed and chopped form, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your form and the chair will return to you/the booking office by post.
Q: For rescheduled matches (or unfinished sets) do the same home courts need to be booked?
A: No, if home courts are not available, alternative courts can be booked.
Q: For rescheduled matches (or unfinished sets), should the start time remain the same i.e 9.15am?
A: For rescheduled matches, yes the match time remains 9.00am-1.00pm
A: For unfinished sets, so long as sets are finished before 1.00pm, the start time can be flexible.
© 2025 HK Ladies Tennis League. All rights reserved.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
REGISTRATION, ENTRIES AND ELIGIBILITY
Q: What is a season? Are there two seasons to a year, Fall and Spring?
A: No. There is one season and it is a full year. “Rule 2.1 The season will consist of two sessions, commencing in September and January.”
Q: Having issues in creating an account / registering with HKLTL (members and/or Captains login page)?
A: Use only laptop/desktop for first time registration for an account. Do not use handheld devices as the current system does not support such means for registration.
ADDING OR DELETING PLAYERS
Q: When can I add/delete players? (Rule 3)
|
Start of Season |
Deadline to Add/Delete Players |
|
|
Prem |
2 October 2026 |
29 October 2026 |
|
8 January 2027 |
4 February 2027 |
|
|
Div 1 |
2 October 2026 |
29 October 2026 |
|
8 January 2027 |
4 February 2027 |
|
|
Div 2 |
8 October 2026 |
4 November 2026 |
|
14 January 2027 |
10 February 2027 |
|
|
Div 3 |
10 September 2026 |
7 October 2026 |
|
13 January 2027 |
9 February 2027 |
|
|
Div 4 |
29 September 2026 |
26 October 2026 |
|
12 January 2026 |
8 February 2026 |
|
|
Div 5 |
21 September 2026 |
18 October 2026 |
|
11 January 2027 |
7 February 2027 |
Q: Where do I find the form online to Add/Amend players?
A: Go to tab “Captains” > “Registration Form” > ”Amendment Request”.
Note: Adding NEW member(s), Coach assessment form needs to be completed.
MATCH PROCEDURE
Q: Is coaching allowed during matches?
A: Coaching is strictly limited to the break between sets 2 and 3, and coaches must remain off the court at all times.
Q: Does the minimum play rule 5.9 mean everyone must play a minimum 2 matches per year?
A: No. See Rule 2.1, each player must only play one match per year.
Q: If my player is injured, does she need a letter from a doctor to be exempt from the minimum play rule or do I need to remove her from my team list?
A: A player not able to play a match as a result of injury can be exempt from rule 5.9 with a doctor’s letter. A captain can also remove the player from her team list within the window to add or delete players. Both actions are suitable to avoid the 4 set penalty.
Q: At the beginning of the second set, which side of the court do we start on?
A: You change sides only if the first set finished on an odd number, otherwise you stay on the same side.
Q: At the beginning of the second set, who serves first?
A: Whoever finished serving in the previous set, it will be the opponent’s turn. However, both teams can change the order in which partner serves first.
Q: If the set goes to a tie break, who serves first?
A: The player whose turn it is to serve shall serve the first point of the tie-break game. The following two points shall be served by the opponent due to serve next. After this, each team shall serve alternately for two consecutive points until the end of the tie-break game. In a tie break, the teams switch ends after 6 points.
Q: Disputes over line calls
A: Players are responsible for line calls on their half of the court. If there is ANY doubt between partners, the point goes to the opponent.
A: If your opponents do not call “out”, the ball remains in play even if it was clearly out from your point of view.
Q: What if we forget the score midway through a game?
A: Go back to the last score where there is agreement and resume the game from there.
Q: What happens if home courts are not available for a match?
A: For matches where the normal home courts are not available, home team captains should inform the away team immediately and copy in the Division Rep. The home team is ultimately responsible for finding the courts on the scheduled date/time, however Captains are encouraged to find a solution between them. There are a number of options – different venue, swap Fall/Spring matches with the opposing team, can even swap so the opposing team gets 2 home matches.
Q: Are home teams required to host lunch after the match or is it optional?
A: Hosting lunch after the match is a long standing custom for HKLTL teams which promotes camaraderie and community after a morning of competitive tennis. While lunch is not strictly required by the league, it is the expected league norm.
Q: How does the new short deuce work?
A: Matches will be played with one regular deuce. Any second deuce will be played as sudden death and that point will decide the game. The receiving pair will decide who will receive serve at the second deuce.
Q: When changing ends between game 1 and 2, is it ok to have a quick sip of water?
A: The rule is to not sit and have a rest between game 1 and 2, but as you are changing ends, you can take a quick sip of water, especially on a hot weather day.
Q: What if my opponent checks their phone during the match?
A: Players should follow the rules for continuous play.
20 seconds are allowed between the end of one point and the start of the next. Except for after the first game of each set (when no interval is allowed).
A 90 second interval is allowed between games during the change of ends.
At the end of sets 1 and 3, a 2-minute interval is allowed.
At the end of each set, a brief toilet break is permitted.
Between sets 2 and 3, up to a 10 minute break is allowed.
No breaks are permitted before and during a tie-break.
Q: What happens if a match is paused due to rain?
A: If the rain has stopped and courts are playable, play should continue for as long as possible.
INJURIES AND BATHROOM USE
Q: What constitutes injury time outs? (Rule 7.1)
A: On court injury (bleeding and/or vomiting) = immediate 15 min injury time
A: Cramping = 15 min injury time-out ONLY at change of ends or set
Q: If one player is injured during the match, can another player from the team continue in her place?
A: No substitution is allowed once the match has begun. Rule 7.1 states that if a player is unable to resume play after using the allowed injury time-out, she and her partner must forfeit the ongoing and remaining sets against the same pair. However, the injured player may choose to continue playing against the other pair in subsequent sets, but only one injury time-out is allowed per match.
Q: Cramping can be more painful than other on court injuries, why is it only allowed at change of ends or set? No injury time out for cramping is allowed under ITF rules, why does HKLTL allow it? (Rule 7.1)
A: ITF does not allow an injury time out for cramping because it considers cramping a reflection of fitness level and an injury time out would unfairly handicap the fitter player. HKLTL provides this concession out of consideration for its player demographics and the Hong Kong heat. However, the allowance for cramping must be balanced against fairness to the opposing team. The pair suffering cramps must determine whether they can continue until the change of ends or forfeit the points to address the cramps. That burden should not be carried equally by the opponents whose play is interrupted.
INCLEMENT WEATHER & MATCH RESCHEDULING
Q: If a hot weather warning was not raised by the HK Observatory but both teams consider it to be a hot day, can they agree between themselves to play the match under a no-ad format?
A: No. Matches can only be played under a no-ad format if the HK Observatory has raised the Hot Weather warning before 9.15am. Please note this season we will be playing one deuce and one sudden death no matter the weather.
Q: What happens if a match is rained out? (Rule 9.4)
A: Both captains must agree about court playability. If there is a disagreement, captains must meet at the venue to determine playability.
If the match cannot be played, the Home Captain should propose 3 new possible match dates within 24 hours and the Away Captain shall have 24 hours to accept one of the 3 proposed dates.
The proposed dates have to be within 21 days of the original match date and shall not (a) be all within the same week, (b) fall on a public holiday and (c) be on a scheduled match day
Q: How do I get a league stamp for my LCSD court refund?
A: Fill out your refund form and send by post to the HKLTL address listed on the original booking form. The HKLTL chair will sign and chop your form and send a scanned copy to the captain(s) on record. If your booking office requires the original signed and chopped form, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your form and the chair will return to you/the booking office by post.
Q: For rescheduled matches (or unfinished sets) do the same home courts need to be booked?
A: No, if home courts are not available, alternative courts can be booked.
Q: For rescheduled matches (or unfinished sets), should the start time remain the same i.e 9.15am?
A: For rescheduled matches, yes the match time remains 9.00am-1.00pm
A: For unfinished sets, so long as sets are finished before 1.00pm, the start time can be flexible.
© 2025 HK Ladies Tennis League. All rights reserved.