• Overview
• Events to Enter
• How to Enter
• Ladder Entry Payment Form
• How to Log In to TennisRungs
• Gradings & Ladder Operation and Key Dates
  • Details on Gradings
  • Green Fees, Lighting and Court Booking Arrangements
  • Commencement Dates, Closing Dates and Finals
• GVTC 2025 Rules and Conditions of Entry 
  • GVTC 2025 Rules
  • Conditions of Entry to the GVTC
• Frequently Asked Questions

The competition features five overall event ladders: Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles. These ladders are divided into the following grades for finals day:

• Men’s Singles: Grades 1/2, 3/4, and 5/6.
• Women’s Singles: Grades 1/2, 3/4, and 5/6 (now split).
• Men’s Doubles: Grades 1/2, 3/4, and 5/6.
• Women’s Doubles: Grades 1/2, 3/4, and 5/6.
• Mixed Doubles: Grades 1/2, 3/4, and 5/6.

Additional Finals:

• If a lower level within a combined grade (e.g., Grade 6 in Grade 5/6) has at least six entries, a separate final will be arranged for these players.
• This is contingent on the higher level in the same grade (e.g., Grade 5) also having at least six entries.

Ladder Structure and Progression:

• Different grades (e.g., Women’s Doubles - Grade 1/2 and Grade 3/4) will compete within the same ladder, but at separate levels.
• This allows players to progress up the ladder based on their performance, potentially facing higher-ranked opponents and increasing their opportunities for improvement.

Pairing Arrangements for Doubles:

• For doubles and mixed doubles events, players should arrange their own partners. However, if unable to enter as a partner cannot be located, you can complete the following form and we will try to locate a partner for you by the 7th January -   https://kilfeacletennis.ie/gvtc-partner-locator-form/

This format ensures fair competition at every level, while also encouraging player development through potential ladder progression.

Once you have signed up for a GVTC TennisRungs account (Step 1 above) and paid for your GVTC ladder entries (Step 2 above), you should be able to log in to the GVTC TennisRungs system using either a web browser or a mobile app.

Ladder Grading Criteria

• Player rankings in each ladder will be based on the latest available gradings from Munster Tennis and the upgrade rule will apply. Players that are upgraded within the duration of the ladder will be required to compete at the newer grading. e.g. a Grade 5 player upgraded to a Grade 4 will have to compete in Grade 3/4. This also applies to doubles and mixed events gradings.
• Players will initially be ranked within each of the three gradings (1/2, 3/4 & 5/6) in the order in which they have completed payment for the ladder entry. Therefore, players that sign up and complete payment first will be ranked higher in their respective gradings (1/2, 3/4 or 5/6) in the ladder. 
• For the Grade 1/2 gradings, no team can have two Grade 1 players together so a Grade 1 player must have a Grade 2 or higher partner. 
• For doubles and mixed events, the highest grading in a team will determine the grade that is entered. e.g. a Grade 5 and Grade 4 combined pairing will be entered as Grade 3/4. 
• Singles players and teams can play through into the next highest grade final. For example a grade 5/6 pair could in theory progress to the final of Grade 1/2 if they are eventually placed in the top 2 positions of the specific ladder. In this scenario, such a player or team will forfeit their place in the 5/6 final and the next highest team in the 5/6 grade in the ladder will take the place in the 5/6 grade final.
• Ungraded players are required to register based on the highest grade competition they have won in the past three years. For example, if you won a Grade 4 competition in 2022 but do not currently hold a grade, you must register as a Grade 4 player. If you are ungraded and have not won a competition, you will be entered as a grade 6 players.

Green Fees, Lighting and Court Booking Arrangement

• All clubs participating in the GVTC have agreed to waive green fees for visiting players competing in the GVTC.
• Lighting costs (where applicable) are to be covered by the host player so it is the responsibility of the host player to ensure that lighting is provided for visitors.
• It is also the responsibility of the host player to book courts as required.
• Host players should also provide tennis balls for matches.
• Where agreed between both players/teams, a third party location can be used for matches if required. 

Key Ladder Dates

• Registration will open on Sunday 1st of December 2024.
• The GVTC 2025 (January - March 2025) will open for challenges on Wed 1st of January 2025. Any additional entries from the 1st of January onwards will be added to the bottom of the specific grade (1/2, 3/4 or 5/6) entered within each ladder.
• Ladders will close for entries on 7th January 2025 but early entry before 1st January is advised as later entrants will be placed further down in the ladder.
• Last date to issue challenges will be Sunday 23rd March 2025.
• Final results are to be entered by 11:59pm on Friday 4th April 2025.
• Finals will take place on Saturday 12th April 2025 and will be hosted by Kilfeacle Community Tennis Club.
• Ladder finalist will be decided based on the top two players or teams in each grade as of 12pm (midday) on Friday 4th April 2025. If a player/team cannot participate in the final, the next highest ranked available player/team will compete in the final instead.

GVTC Spring 2025 Ladder Rules

• Requesting a challenger to withdraw a challenge is not permitted under any circumstances. If you accept a challenge but later find that you are unable to play, it is important to give a walkover as soon as you become aware that you cannot proceed. This ensures fairness and allows the challenger to move forward without unnecessary blocks in the ladder.
• The player that is challenged has the discretion to play either at home or away so they determine the match location.
• Lighting costs (where applicable) are to be covered by the home/host player so it is the responsibility of the home player to ensure that lighting is provided for visitors.
• It is the responsibility of the home player to book courts as required.
• Home players should provide tennis balls for matches.
• You may issue up to 1 challenge at a time
• You may challenge up to 3 spots. 
• If the challenge is successful, you will take the spot of the person you challenge and your opponent will be bumped down 1 spot.
• You may issue a challenge to players ranked up to three spots below you. If your challenge is unsuccessful, you will be placed one spot below the challenged player.
• If challenged, you will have 2 days to "Accept" or "Deny" the challenge or the challenge will be considered a "forfeit" and the challenger will be granted the win.
• By accepting a challenge, you agree to play the challenge within 7 days after the date of acceptance.
• If you cannot play within 7 days, simply "Deny" the challenge and the challenger will be rewarded the win and can move on.
• If a challenge is accepted and not played within 7 days, it will expire and the challenge will be deleted from the system and will have to be re-issued. Of course, since rankings continually change, a re-challenge may not be possible
• When a challenge is accepted, players/teams must arrange a time to play. The specific time is not restricted if both teams are in agreement. If a time cannot be agreed upon mutually, the following process should be followed:
  1. Challenged Player/Team Offer: The challenged player/team should first offer a match time starting between 19:00 and 21:00 within a 7-day window at their home club. If this offer is made and the challenging player/team cannot play at the offered time, they must withdraw from the challenge.
  2. Challenger’s Offer: If the challenged player/team cannot offer a time to play at their home club, the challenger must then offer a match time starting between 19:00 and 21:00 within the same 7-day window at their club. If the challenged player/team is unable to play at the offered time, they must forfeit the match.
  3. No Feasible Offer: If neither player/team can offer a time following the steps outlined above, the challenger must withdraw the challenge.
• A player must wait 7 days before re-challenging the same player.
• Match winners will be determined based on best of 3 sets with the tie-break rule operating at 6-all in the first 2 sets. (If the score reaches 6 games all, a set tie-break will be played (to 7 points, win by a margin of 2 points). If the score is 1 set all, a championship tie-break will be played (to 10 points, win by 2). Advantage will be played. If court time is limited, it is allowed to play no advantage but this must be agreed by both sides at the start of match.
• If a player or team member is injured and challenges cannot be accepted, they must temporarily withdraw from the ladder to ensure that other players can progress. Please use the "Temporarily Leave Ladder" to do this. Temporarily leaving a ladder will result in a players/teams position dropping 2 positions immediately. In addition, injured players must rejoin the ladder by 1st March 2025 and must be available for challenges towards the final section of the GVTC competition after this date.
• Weather Protocol - If a match cannot proceed at the agreed time due to unsafe court conditions (e.g. frozen or snow-covered), or if the team challenged cannot offer any suitable time-slot within the 7-day window because of an ongoing weather warning across the 7 days after acceptance, the challenge can still be accepted without confirming the exact date and time. In this scenario, two actions are possible by the challenger with respect to the challenged player/team:

  Withdraw the Challenge Before 7 Days Expire and Immediately Re-Challenge the Same Player/Team
  

  The challenger withdraws the challenge before the 7-day window ends and reissues it immediately, starting a fresh 7-day window once accepted and played when conditions have improved. This effectively “queues” the match so it can be played as soon as it becomes feasible.

  Allow the Challenge to Expire After 7 Days
  If no action is taken, the challenge expires 7 days after acceptance. In this case, the challenger cannot reissue a challenge to the same player/team for 10 days.
  Fair Use Statement on Weather Protocol
  Application of the Weather Protocol must always be in good faith and only when genuine safety or weather concerns apply. It must not be exploited to “lock” a ladder spot by repeatedly accepting challenges and claiming unsafe conditions without making a reasonable effort to play.

• Players must issue all challenges using the TennisRungs App or website.
• For any questions, you can contact the ladder administrator at GVTC@kilfeacletennis.ie."

Conditions of Entry

By joining the Golden Vale Tennis Challenge via the TennisRungs system, you are:

• Declaring that you are 18 years of age or older by 31st December 2024.
• Agreeing that your name and scores can be displayed on or via the public website and facebook pages of clubs participating in the GVTC and also on the GVTC TennisRungs.com account page.
• Agreeing that your email address and mobile phone number (where you provide it) can be shared with other members of the Golden Vale Tennis Challenge via the TennisRungs system.**

**TennisRungs shares your email and telephone number only with other members of your specific ladder, and this only occurs under two conditions:

1. When you issue a challenge to another player.
2. When you accept a challenge from another player.

This sharing is solely intended to facilitate match scheduling and effective communication between players. It is restricted to the context of the ladder you are participating in and is not shared outside of that specific ladder.

What are the events available for entry in the GVTC 2025?

There are five events to enter: Men's Singles, Women's Singles, Men's Doubles, Women's Doubles, and Mixed Doubles, each with different grading categories.

Must I be a member of one of the 12 participating clubs?

Yes, only current members of the 12 participating clubs can partake in the GVTC 2025.

What is the entry fee for the GVTC?

The entry fee is €25 per player per ladder. For example, if you enter just the Women's Singles ladder, the fee is €25. If you enter the Women's Singles and Mixed Doubles, your entry fee will be €50. In doubles and mixed entries, each player in a pair must pay the €25 entry fee (€50 per team entry fee).

What are the rules regarding green fees, lighting, and court booking?

Participating clubs have agreed to waive green fees for GVTC matches, with lighting costs covered by the host player. The host player also books the courts and covers light fees if applicable.

Does it make a difference when I enter the ladder?

Yes. In cases where two players/teams are competing in the same combined grade category (e.g., Men's Doubles 3/4), priority placement will be awarded to the player/team that completes their registration first, including full payment and successful entry into the GVTC TennisRungs system. Players/teams registering later for the same category will be ranked below those who registered earlier. This means that in the case of a combined Grade 3/4 group, a Grade 4 player will be placed above a Grade 3 player if the Grade 4 player enters first. This assumes that the category has not been split.

Why are grades initially combined into categories (1/2, 3/4 & 5/6) and when are they split?

Grades are initially combined in the ladder to ensure a critical number of players/teams to compete within a category and to allow for diverse match play, enabling players to challenge themselves against a broader range of opponents within their skill level. However, if there are at least six players or teams in both the lower grade (e.g., Grade 6) and the higher grade (e.g., Grade 5) within the combined group before 1st January, players in that combined category will be reordered in the ladder based on grade and date of entry (as opposed to date of entry and grade). This ensures fair competition and provides an opportunity for players to compete against peers more closely aligned with their abilities.

In combined grades categories (e.g., Grade 3/4), why are lower grade players placed higher in the ladder if they enter early?

This approach encourages early entry, ensuring that all players have an equal chance to secure higher positions if they register promptly. It also prevents higher-grade players from leapfrogging lower-grade players who entered earlier. Note that this applies only within the combined grade category and assumes that the splitting of the combined grade category has not yet occurred.

What happens if a player is added between the opening of challenges on 1st January and the closing of entries on 7th January, and it triggers a grade category split?

If a player enters during this period and their inclusion triggers a split of a combined grade category (e.g., six players in both the higher and lower grades), the category will not be split, as challenges will already be underway. The new player will be placed at the bottom of the combined grade category. However, separate finals will still be held for each grade to ensure fair competition. This underscores the importance of entering before 1st January 2025.

How are the ladder gradings determined?

Gradings are based on the latest Munster Tennis rankings. Ungraded players must enter the grade of the highest grading they have won in the last three years. For example, if an ungraded player won a Grade 4 event in 2022, they must enter as a Grade 4.

Who has to travel if a challenge is issued in the GVTC?

In the GVTC, the player/team that is challenged by another player/team has the first opportunity to propose their home club. If they cannot provide a time at their home location, the challenger has an opportunity to propose a time at their home club. See Rule number 14 for more details.

If I am challenged and I do not accept the challenge, what happens?

If you are challenged, you have 2 days to either "Accept" or "Deny" the challenge. If no response is given within this time, the challenge will automatically result in a forfeit, awarding the win to the challenger.

If I am challenged, can I ask the challenger to withdraw the challenge?

No, it is important that any challenger is not asked to withdraw a challenge. If you cannot accept a challenge or cannot play a challenge, simply give a walkover.

Where can clubs and players send queries about the GVTC?

Queries should be sent to gvtc@kilfeacletennis.ie.

What is the minimum age for players to enter the GVTC?

Players must be at least 18 years old by 31st December 2024.

What system is used to manage the ladders?

The GVTC uses the TennisRungs online ladder system. This is a different system to the ebookingonline system used to book courts in some clubs. It is designed specifically to manage tennis ladders. Once you sign up to the GVTC tennis ladders, TennisRungs will provide feedback on:

• Your performance
• Your ranking
• Who you can challenge
• The record of your opponents
• Contact information to schedule matches with your opponents
• How your friends and other GVTC members are doing

More information is available at info.tennisrungs.com.

Do I need a paid TennisRungs account to enter the GVTC 2025?

No, you are provided with a free TennisRungs account as part of the GVTC entry fee.

How are matches organised between participants on the ladder?

Participants can organise matches at a time convenient to both players/teams. It is the responsibility of the host player to book the courts and ensure that they are available for the agreed time.

Will playing in the GVTC impact my Munster Tennis grading or Tennis Ireland WTN?

No, this competition is not linked to your Tennis Ireland account WTN, and you will not accumulate Munster Tennis points by winning matches.

How many matches can I expect to play in the GVTC?

This will be determined by how quickly your challenges are accepted and how soon within the 7-day window the match is played. However, typically active players can expect to play between 6-10 matches per ladder over the 12 weeks. You can also choose to play fewer matches if preferred.

Do team members in mixed and doubles have to be from the same club?

No, team members in mixed and doubles do not have to be from the same club.

What is the €25 entry fee used for?

Of the €25 entry fee, €20 is donated to Circle of Friends. The other €5 is allocated to cover ladder operational costs such as online transaction fees, advertising, software for ladder management, tennis balls, and refreshments for the finals. Any remaining funds will also be donated to Circle of Friends Tipperary (circleoffriendstipperary.ie).

How much of the €20 donation will be given to Circle of Friends?

100% of the €20 donation will be passed on to Circle of Friends. KCTC will cover the transaction costs for the donations so that 100% of the donation is passed on. Any excess funds will also be given to Circle of Friends.