All tournament postings can be found at ota.tournamentsoftware.com. Players are required to have a current membership with the OTA (or other Provincial Tennis Association) to enter events. Players should register online prior to the entry deadline (typically the Sunday before the tournament). Tournament withdrawals should also be completed online prior to the entry deadline.
From the OTA homepage (www.tennisontario.com) click the green "Player Registration" button or visit ota.tournamentsoftware.com and click sign up.
How can I get in touch with OTA staff? Is the office open?
The OTA office is open - however, it is closed to the public and in-person meetings are strictly by APPOINTMENT ONLY. Meetings via video/phone are preferred at this time. We highly recommend that you contact the staff member in question prior to arriving on the premises.
If you do have an in-person appointment at the OTA office, please note that a mask must be worn at all times. Additionally, you will be required to fill out a COVID-19 assessment form upon arrival.
What are specific examples of situations that may happen at my club to make our club need Commercial General Liability (CGL) coverage?
Common example – slips & falls due to the Club’s negligence (ie wet court, damaged court).
How does the tournament entry fee work?
Some events will ask that the entry fee be paid as part of the online registration process. If online registration does not ask for the entry fee upfront, players should expect to provide payment when checking in for their first match to the host club.
National Selection/(4 Star) events are listed between $60 - $80 (outdoor season) & $65 - $85 (indoor season).
Provincial Circuit/(3 Star) Events are listed at $40 - $60 (outdoor season) & $45 - $65 (indoor season).
Transition Tour (2 star) & Rogers Rookie Tour and Future Stars events will also have a similar entry fee to that of the Provincial Circuit events.
Clubs may or may not charge HST on top of this fee. Players may also withdraw online after receiving the acceptance & reserve list emails from the OTA. Player's not withdrawing online from the main draw or reserve lists may be considered as part of the event and held liable for entry fee and issued a failure to play point in the event of a late withdrawal.
How does the ranking system work?
The ranking system awards points for progress in sanctioned tournament play. The further a player progresses, the more points they build up. Points are accumulated from a player's top 5 results over the past 52 weeks (top 3 results for adults). Results from each new week will be added and the results from the corresponding week of the previous year will be dropped.
Are there any federal, provincial or municipal initiatives out there that will help businesses and/or their workers as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic?
A: Please visit the following links for information on federal initiatives.
Am I still liable for a tournament entry fee even if I don’t play the event?
If a player is placed in the draw and withdrawal occurs prior to the first match of the event, then an alternate will be sought. If no alternate is available, the withdrawing player will remain liable for the entry fees, regardless of the circumstances leading to their withdrawal.
How do I become ranked?
Players receive a ranking by playing at least one of the specified ranking events. Point awards for tournaments are based on draw size and the strength of the tournament.
Can I enter two different tournaments on the same weekend?
A player is not permitted to enter and play two concurrent Tennis Canada and/or OTA sanctioned tournaments. The OTA Player Development Manager may consider written requests for exemption to this rule in unusual circumstances, prior to the entry deadlines of both events. Players who are on two reserve lists for the same weekend and are promoted to the main draw of both events should notify the OTA upon entry notification – this is the only instance in which the OTA will work with the player to ensure penalties are not assessed.
For more information, please review the “Entering and Playing Two Tournaments” under Players > Resources located at www.tennisontario.com.
How do ranking points work for junior players entered in Open events?
Juniors are treated the same as other Open players and can build an Open ranking. Results from junior tournaments do not count towards their Open ranking as not all Open players are allowed to participate in junior events. A junior must reach the quarterfinals of an Open 1000 event to gain points toward their junior ranking (no other Open results will be considered towards a junior ranking).
How long is the OTA competitve player membership valid for?
A: One year from the time you register; i.e. if you reigster on January 5th, 2014, your membership will expire January 5th, 2015.
When and where are tournament draws posted?
Draws are typically posted on Tuesday evening. Visit the tournament posting at ota.tournamentsoftware.com to view draws. Start times are posted online by the club by Wednesday evening.
Do my international results count towards my provincial ranking?
Yes. Many international results are used for the provincial rankings.
Junior Rankings: ITF main draw results without a first round loss will be added to your match history. Adult ATP/WTA events will only be added by the same guideline or if a pro point is earned at a higher level event, via ranking or the qualifying process.
Open Rankings: 1000 rank points will be added for each professional point received.
As there is sometimes a delay in international results being added to a player profile please allow up to 3 weeks for points to be included in provincial rankings. Results are updated weekly with the Thursday night rankings.
Can I make a new reservation for the Smash Cage at our OTA club event?
A: Smash Cage reservations for 2021 are currently on hold until further notice.
What are the different age divisions for junior competitors?
U8, U9, U10, U12, U14, U16, U18. Only the U12-U18 divisions have sanctioned events eligible for rank points.
How are tournaments scheduled?
Tournaments are scheduled by the host club.
Weekdays: as early as 4:30pm (highly ranked & summer events may be scheduled earlier)
Weekends: as early as 8:00am Last matches scheduled to begin as late as 9:00pm.
All players are expected to be available during the entirety of the event. Time requests can be submitted; however due to draw size, court availability, etc. it is not always possible for the Tournament Director to accommodate all requests.
How does the ITF list of Canadian players work?
Tennis Canada sends a player ranking list to the ITF 4 times a year. This is used by the ITF for determining acceptance lists for entry into professional events or ITF junior events for players that do not have any Jr. ITF or professional ranking. For more information on these lists, please contact Tennis Canada (tournaments@tenniscanada.com).
Once a new ranking list has been sent, this list will only be used for events in which the entry deadline has not closed. It is recommended players monitor their ranking regularly to make sure all results are up to date prior to each list being submitted.
Who do I contact to register for a tournament?
Tournament registration can be completed online for most events. Visit the OTA home page (www.tennisontario.com). From there, select the green "Tournament Schedule" button to view the calendar of events. Identify the tournament in question and click on it for detailed information.
How are draws generated?
All draws are generated at random by the VR Tournament Planner Program.
All junior tournament seedings are based solely off the Rogers Rankings. Seedings for our four-star and five-star junior events may take into account other significant information when determining the order of merit.
Adult tournament seedings are based primarily off the Rogers Rankings. For bigger tournaments, where registered competitors do not have current ranking points in the designated category, other significant information may be used when determining seeds for the event. For example, historic results from the past tournaments, other ranking points attained in other categories, different rating tools used internationally (UTR).
The above seeding process is subject to change should the OTA ranking system be altered.
How do first round losses, byes, retirements and walkovers work?
Players playing in their own age group in domestic events are awarded points for first round losses, which amounts to a recognition of participation. In general, players playing out of their age group domestically or players playing international events are not awarded points for a first round loss. In this case, a first round bye is not treated as a win.
A player receiving a walkover in the first round of a tournament is treated the same as a first round bye. If a player's opponent retires after play has commenced, the match is treated as having been played.
A player receiving a default, walkover, or withdrawal in the second round or later of a tournament is treated as having won the match.
Does my OTA competitive player registration fee cover the cost to enter each tournament?
A: No - each tournament charges a separate entry fee.
What is a lucky loser and how is the order determined?
A lucky loser is a player who loses a match in the qualifying round of a tournmaent, who then enters the main draw when another player withdraws because of illness, injury, etc.
The list of lucky losers is determined by players losing in the last round of qualifying (players withdrawing from qualifiying and/or losing by walkover are not eligible). The order of these players is based on the rankings at the time of the entry deadline.
What happens if I withdraw from a tournament after the draw has been posted? Or cannot complete an event?
Players who withdraw late or fail to complete all required events in a tournament will receive penalty points which can lead to a player being suspended. Once a player accumulates three (3) failure to play points, they will be suspended for 3 months pending appeal.
I am just visiting from outside of Ontario. How can I enter tournaments in Ontario? Do I need an OTA membership?
If you are from outside Ontario, you can enter OTA tournaments if you have an active membership with another Provincial Association in Canada.
Do I need to be a member of the OTA to have a ranking?
Players can only earn points when they have a valid membership with their provincial tennis association. Ranking points expire after a year. Players will appear on the rankings as long as they have points which have not expired.
CLICK HEREto sign up as a new competitive player orLOGINto renew your membership.
Typically, the rankings are updated weekly each Thursday evening. However, other provinces may update their rankings on Tuesday and because of that, a tournament from the year prior might "fall off" prior to the update Thursday.
Can club tennis instructors still take the Safe Sport training?
A: The current COVID-19 pandemic has no effect on those who need to complete this.
They can still access the Respect in Sport modules, get their background checks done, etc. through the regular channels.
How are acceptance lists generated for OTA junior events?
Acceptance lists for Future Stars, 2 star, and 3 star events are based off OTA procedures as outlined in the OTA Code of Conduct (Summary of General Tournament Regulations).
Acceptance lists for 3.5 star, 4 star, and Provincial closed events are soley based off the Rogers Rankings.
How can I get Ontario Tennis Magazine mailed to me? Is there a charge?
ONTennis Magazine has gone digital and is no longer mailed to individual residences. Please visit www.ontennis.ca to see new articles and online releases.
Back issues of Ontario Tennis Magazine can be viewed online here.
I played a ranked event, but received points for a different age category. Why did this occur?
Many events involve players from multiple age groups. Normally such events are rated for the age group of the oldest participants. However, some such events are notably weaker. This can happen when events are combined or there are simply not enough players to run events in each age category. We must avoid the lower age group players building a strong ranking simply by playing in such events. Therefore Multi age-group events will be downgraded (by one age group) when all of the following conditions apply: less than 25% of the players are in the age category of the event less than 50% of the players are in the age group of the event or the age group below. fewer than 8 players in total are in the age group of the event or the age group below.
Can I book an OTA school program visit?
A: In person school visits are currently on hold for the 2021 school year. Sets of tennis equipment can be borrowed upon request.
How do I subscribe to the OTA's Newsletter?
SPIN Newsletter is released weekly. Click HERE to subscribe and receive weekly updates on tennis across Ontario.
What are the different levels of the junior competitive structure?
OTA tournaments range from Rogers Rookie Tour to 2-5 star level (5 being the highest level of competition in the province):
2 star: The next level of competition where players can now attain Rogers Ranking points (i.e. Transition Tour). Player's ranked in the top 24 of the designated tournament category will not be eligible to participate.
3 star: Tournaments oriented towards more competitive and experienced players (i.e. Provincial Circuit)
3.5 star: Tournaments oriented to high performance and experienced players (i.e Provincial Circuit Plus)
4 star: High-level events, usually requiring players to qualify or have a high provincial ranking (i.e. National Selections)
5 star: Provincial Championships- 1 Indoor & 1 Outdoor, players can qualify via high ranking or the qualifying tournament Note: Acceptance for 4 star and 5 star events are based on rank. All players not receiving direct acceptance automatically go into the qualifying event if offered.
For 3.5 star events and lower, acceptance is granted on a first come first serve basis when registering online at ota.tournamentsoftware.com.
The U9/U10 Circuit is a competitive option for U9 & U10 competitors with a separate points race and guidelines. More information can be found on www.tennisontario.com under the "Players" tab.
How many matches should I be prepared to play in one day at an OTA tournament?
Players must normally be prepared to play two complete main draw matches per day, regardless of the length of such matches. In the case of significant weather delays, or when permitted to play in more than one event, they must be prepared to play three complete matches in total.
Where a player is entered in a consolation draw, the maximum total number of matches in all events (singles and doubles, main draw and consolations) shall not exceed four matches per day. Players may , of their own volition, play more than the maximum.
In OTA sanctioned events the latest scheduled start time for a match should normally be 9:00pm, and the earliest 8:00am. Due to the modified scoring and tournament formats, players are required to play a maximum of 3 preliminary matches in a row with modified short sets. Player's advancing to elimination flights will be required to play additional matches following the completion of round robin play.
Where can I go to find more information about the rankings?
For more detailed information about the rankings, please click HEREor visit www.tennisontario.com > Players > Rogers Rankings.
How much is the annual Competitive Player registration fee?
In 2020, the annual OTA membership fee is $78.00
Who do I contact if I have any questions about the ranking system?
All ranking inquiries can be made out to OTA's Rankings Manager, Ziad Halabi (zhalabi@tennisontario.com).
**All ranking inquiries such as changes in results or rank points must be made within 6 months of the tournament’s completion. Beyond this time period, the OTA will not alter a player’s record.**
How much rest can I have in between matches?
Between singles matches, players should be entitled to a rest period of at least 45 minutes. Between a singles and doubles match, or between two doubles matches, players shall be entitled to a rest period of at least 30 minutes.
Players competing in multiple singles events may not be guaranteed the allocated rest times and should be willing to compete in a maximum of 4 matches per day with limited to no rest. Rest times are not guaranteed at progressive tennis events (Rogers Rookie & Future Stars Tournaments). Due to the modified scoring and tournament formats, players are required to play a maximum of 3 preliminary matches in a row with modified short sets. Players advancing to the elimination flight may be granted a half an hour rest time at the discretion of the tournament director.
Where do I send my entry for a tournament?
Tournament registration should be completed online at ota.tournamentsoftware.com. Players will be required to have an up to date provincial membership in order to enter tournaments.
Do I have to be an OTA member before I can register for tournaments?
Yes. Players must have a current membership with the OTA to register for tournaments. Junior players must also send in proof of age to ota@tennisontario.com once they have registered and paid the annual fee. Once verified, you will be able to register for tournaments.
Where can I find the OTA Code of Conduct?
The OTA Code of Conduct can be found HERE. (Or go to: www.tennisontario.com > Players > Resources > OTA Code of Conduct)
When and where are the coaching certification courses held? What is the fee?
New article on ONTennis.ca from Scott Langdon: An exhaustive list of tennis media (books & film) and simple exercises to perform... while seated🛋️ Anything we missed? 🤔 Link below + in bio!
🔗: http://ontennis.ca/articles/2021/couchtennis21.html
#AD New OTA partner @ThingsEngraved is pleased to offer a 15% introductory discount on any gift item, including Valentine’s Day gifts at www.thingsengraved.ca . Use promo code LoveTEOTA-15 when ordering.
Things Engraved is Canada’s premier gifting company. It specializes in personalized gifts, such as engraved and embroidered items for all occasions. Happy shopping!
#partnership #giftguide #valentinesday #engravinggifts #shopcanadian
NEW article on ONTennis.ca (Link below ⬇️ ): We take a look at what it’s like to be a tennis official! As competitive tennis grows, there will be more demand than ever. Read about how some of Canada’s most senior officials got started...We also provide insight, guidelines and contact information for anyone who might want to give tennis officiating a try!
🔗 : http://ontennis.ca/articles/2021/GameSetMatch21.html
Enjoy!
Thanks to our communities, @CapitalKidsTennis was nominated under the category of Ottawa's Best Youth Sports Program for the 2021 Ottawa Awards by Faces Magazine (@facesOttawa)!
Voting ends Jan 30th...check out link in bio!
**This program would not have been possible without @ONTrillium @NCTA.ca and @cityofottawa. Thanks to their support, Capital Kids has been able to introduce tennis to kids/teens from diverse Ottawa neighbourhoods in a safe, fun environment. We hope to be back on the court soon. Please stay safe!
NEW article on ONTennis.ca: Competitive Seniors Tennis 🎾Poised for Growth by Scott Langdon
🔗 (Link in bio!)
http://ontennis.ca/articles/2020/competitiveseniors20.html
The latest @ ONTennis.ca 🎾💻 we dive into the history of #Yonex from its beginnings as the Yoneyama Corporation in Japan in the 1950’s to its present-day status as a global sports super-brand! The OTA is proud to welcome Yonex as the Official Racquet and String of the Association.
🔗 Link in bio to read the full story. Enjoy!
Read our latest story from @max_gao in which he talks to pros @rolandgarros - See what @rafaelnadal, @geniebouchard, @petra.kvitova, @denis.shapovalov, & @gabydabrowski have to say about how their lives have changed on and off court during the pandemic.
(Link to story in bio and below 🔗 ) : http://ontennis.ca/articles/2020/pandemicTennis20.html
#tbt As all municipalities now allow doubles play across Ontario, enjoy this backspin read on doubles team chemistry.
🔗 : ontennis.ca/articles/2020/DoubleDreamTeam_2013.html
📸 : @jagphotography
#backspin #getonthecourt
Beloved Canadian tennis star Bruno Agostinelli Jr. passed away tragically in 2016 at the age of 28. His younger brother Gianluca lovingly remembers his brother in this tribute story. Gianluca tells us about Bruno’s wonderful accomplishments as a junior, college and Davis Cup star and about how he inspired the next generation as an elite coach at Tennis Canada. But, more than that, he shares what it meant to be Bruno’s brother and how he was inspired by Bruno in tennis and in life… and still is. After stepping away from the sport, Gianluca was drawn back to it as a way of coming to terms with Bruno’s passing and to feel close to him once again.
Read about Bruno’s incredible legacy: http://ontennis.ca/articles/2020/StringsAttached.html
NEW POD ALERT! 🎙️ In this special edition of the ONTENNIS Podcast presented by Mayfair Clubs, we speak with the OTA’s President and CEO Jim Boyce about the effects of COVID-19 on tennis in the province.
Jim discusses how the tennis landscape has changed since the pandemic and what measures the OTA’s member clubs and their members will face as they attempt to re-open safely.
In a dynamic, ever-changing environment, Jim talks about the OTA’s role, the clubs and academies challenges and the responsibilities and directions outlined by the various levels of government that will shape the way tennis is played as we return to the courts!
To listen to this episode now, visit one of the podcast apps below 🔗: Soundcloud: http://ow.ly/BLdh50zOybL
Apple Podcasts: https://cutt.ly/ZyO9oCj
Stitcher: https://cutt.ly/oyO9pV6
Google Podcasts: https://cutt.ly/wyO9aFP
Congrats to @mattross96 for being last week’s #playtennisathome winner and receiving a gift card from @merchanttennis 🎾
A new winner will be drawn at the end of the week...remember to tag @merchanttennis and @ontariotennisassociation and get those videos in!
Good Luck! (Open to Canadian residents only)
Contest details 🔗: merchantoftennis.com/pages/playing-tennis-at-home-contest
Mayfair Clubs is running a fun colouring contest for you and the kids to showcase your artistic skills & relieve some stress! Five lucky winners will receive a GIANT TENNIS BALL! 🎾
Colouring sheets are created and designed by the talented Carol Gouveia @carolinnegouveia from the Mayfair Clubs marketing team. ***Go to link in @mayfairclubs bio for Contest details and downloadable colouring sheets.
Contest ends May 20th. Happy colouring!🖍