TTNZ National Tournament Regulations

Contents

• 1. National Tournaments
  • 1.1 Application of Regulations
  • 1.2 Change to Regulations
• 2. General Regulations
  • 2.1 Hosting
  • 2.2 Holding of Championships
  • 2.3 Event Fees
  • 2.4 Complaints
  • 2.5 Eligibility
  • 2.6 Tournament Organisation
  • 2.7 Playing Conditions and Equipment
  • 2.8 Referees and Umpires
  • 2.9 Medals/Prize Money/Prizes/Trophies/Certificates
  • 2.10 Televising or Livestreaming of Matches
• 3. Tournament Structure and Events
  • 3.1 Structure and Events
• 4. Regulations for Individual Events
  • 4.1 Eligibility
  • 4.2 Entry
  • 4.3 Doubles Pairings
  • 4.4 Seedings
  • 4.5 Method of Making the Draw - Group
  • 4.6 Method of Making the Draw - Knockouts
  • 4.7 Replacements and Alterations to Draws
  • 4.8 Group Play or Round Robin Competition
• 5. Regulations for Team Events
  • 5.1 Eligibility
  • 5.2 Presidents Team
  • 5.3 Entries
  • 5.4 Contest Format
  • 5.5 Number of Association Teams
  • 5.6 Seedings and Draw
  • 5.7 Team Contest Procedure
  • 5.8 Substitution
  • 5.9 Grade Winners
• 6. Veteran Test Match
  • 6.1 Rules
• 7. National Tournament Trophies
  • 7.1 Cups, Shields and Trophies

1 NATIONAL TOURNAMENTS

1.1 Application of Regulations

These Regulations apply to the following National Tournaments conducted by Table Tennis New Zealand (TTNZ):

1.1.1. New Zealand Open Championships

1.1.2 New Zealand Veteran Open Championships

1.1.3 North Island Open Championships

1.1.4 South Island Open Championships

1.1.5 New Zealand Para Open Championships

1.1.6 New Zealand Hopes Week and Challenge

1.1.7 AIMS Games

1.1.8 New Zealand Secondary Schools Cup

1.1.9 North Island Teams Championships

1.1.10 South Island Teams Championships

1.2 Change to Regulations

TTNZ may vary these Regulations in accordance with the Constitution.

2 GENERAL REGULATIONS

2.1 Hosting

2.1.1 TTNZ will determine the location and arrange the venue for all National Tournaments.

2.1.2 TTNZ will be responsible for the delivery of all National Tournaments, unless otherwise arranged. Each National Tournament will be delivered in collaboration with the Association and/or a club of the region where the National Tournament is being held.

2.1.3 TTNZ will be responsible for the costs of National Tournament delivery, unless otherwise arranged.

2.1.4 The use of Tournament Planner or League Planner software is mandatory for all National Tournaments. TTNZ will publish an online entry link, accessible from the website for all National Tournaments.

2.2 Holding of Championships

2.2.1 Each of the Tournaments shall be held once in every calendar year.

2.2.2 The New Zealand Veteran Open Championships shall be held at Easter.

2.2.3 The North Island Teams Championships and South Island Teams Championships shall be held on the same weekend.

2.3 Event Fees

2.3.1 TTNZ will set the fees for all events.

2.4 Complaints

2.4.1 Any complaints regarding the Tournament Regulations shall in the first instance be directed to the designated TTNZ staff member responsible for managing the National Tournament. They will consult and provide an outcome. An appeal may be made in accordance with the TTNZ Constitution.

2.4.2 The decision(s) of the Referee on matters within their jurisdiction are final. No complaint or appeal may be made regarding the Referee’s interpretation of the ITTF Laws and Regulations of Table Tennis and/or the National Tournament Regulations.

2.5 Eligibility

2.5.1 Tournaments under the auspices of TTNZ shall be open to players who are registered to an Association affiliated to TTNZ, or to an Association affiliated to either the International Table Tennis Federation of Oceania (ITTF-Oceania) and/or the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF).

2.5.2 The eligibility for age events shall be:

2.5.2.1 for under-age events (e.g. under 15 years (U15)), age as at 31 December of the previous year.

2.5.2.2 for over-age events (e.g. over 40 years (O40)), age as at 31 December in the year of the tournament.

2.5.3 In the event of any dispute, verification of date of birth may be required.

2.5.4 Age events featuring at each National Tournament shall be:

2.5.4.1 Junior - U13, U15, U19 (U11 and U17 may be added)

2.5.4.2 Senior - Open and Grades

2.5.4.3 Veteran - O30, O40, O50, O60, O65, O70, O75, O80

2.5.4.4. Some events may combine genders (male and female) and/or may combine two age groups if there are insufficient entries to conduct separate events.

2.5.5 Players and Associations may be deemed ineligible by TTNZ if they have outstanding amounts owed to TTNZ, provided that notice of the amount owing and consequences of non-payment have been given no less than seven days prior to commencement of the tournament.

2.6 Tournament Organisation

2.6.1 TTNZ shall appoint an Organising Committee for each National Tournament. This committee shall consist of such members as TTNZ deems is required. 

2.6.2 The function of the Organising Committee shall be to organise and conduct the National Tournament according to these Regulations. Unless otherwise stated, all National Tournaments and events shall be played in accordance with the ITTF Laws and Regulations of Table Tennis.

2.6.3 TTNZ shall prepare a draft timetable of events and include this on the entry form and TTNZ website. Any amendments must be advised to Associations and players as soon as draws have been made. 

2.6.4 Times of Play 

i) No match shall be scheduled to start before 8.30 am.

ii) Para events for Class 1-5 players shall not start before 10.00 am.

iii) Where matches are played in the evening, no match shall be scheduled to commence after 9.00 pm. 

iv) These times may be altered by the Referee in exceptional circumstances.

2.6.5 TTNZ shall appoint a Media Officer whose duty shall be to publicise the event to external parties.

2.6.6 TTNZ shall provide results of all events to the TTNZ website regularly. 

2.7 Playing Conditions and Equipment

2.7.1 The tables and nets used in a National Tournament must be ITTF-approved. The brand, model and colour of tables and nets shall be specified on the entry form. At least two wheelchair-accessible tables must be made available when Para events are played.

2.7.2 The ball shall be ITTF-approved and specified on the entry form.

2.7.3 The playing area of each court for the New Zealand Open Championships shall be 12 metres long, 6 metres wide and 5 metres high. At all other National Tournaments, including teams events, the playing area shall be 10 metres long, 5 metres wide and 5 metres high (if possible).

2.7.4 The light intensity, measured at the height of the tabletop, shall be at least 600 lux uniformly over the table surface, and at least 400 lux elsewhere in the playing area.

2.7.5 The venue and playing area for all National Tournaments that include Para events must be wheelchair accessible.

2.7.6 The playing area shall be of a reasonable temperature, artificial heating or cooling may be arranged to ensure playing conditions are suitable for play.

2.7.7 The Referee has the power to approve any exceptions to conditions in 2.7.3 to 2.7.6.

2.8 Referees and Umpires

2.8.1 The Referee and Deputy Referee appointed to a National Tournament shall be qualified International or National Referees (where practical). International Umpires may be appointed to a Deputy Referee position if no qualified Referee is available. 

2.8.2 TTNZ shall appoint the Referee and Deputy Referee. TTNZ may consult with the Referee on appointment of the Deputy Referee.

2.8.3 At the following National Tournaments, due to the tournament size, TTNZ has the right to only appoint a Referee and not to appoint a Deputy Referee: New Zealand Secondary Schools Cup, AIMS Games, the New Zealand Para Open Championships, the North Island Teams Championships and the South Island Teams Championships.

2.8.4 Qualified Umpires may be appointed to officiate during National Tournaments. Any appointment(s) shall be made by TTNZ.

2.8.5 Travel, accommodation and meal expenses and daily per diem shall be communicated to the Referee, Deputy Referee and Umpires prior to them accepting the position (or included in the invitation to apply).

2.9 Medals/Prize Money/Prizes/Trophies/Certificates

2.9.1 Medal presentation is mandatory.

The Organising Committee shall schedule a medal presentation, in a manner that best promotes event sponsors, ideally just after the completion of finals.

2.9.2 Medals will be provided for all events. 

2.9.3 Medals shall be given out as follows:

-Gold to the winners of all team and individual events.

-Silver to the losing finalist of all team and individual events.

-Bronze to the losing semi-finalists in all individual and team events where there is no play-off, otherwise one bronze will be awarded.

2.9.4 All permanent trophies and shields will be maintained and held by TTNZ.

2.10 Televising or Livestreaming of Matches

2.10.1 TTNZ will arrange television or live streaming transmission from the competition venue.

2.10.2 The scheduling may require adjustments to the timetable and/or table allocation of some matches in order to facilitate televising or livestreaming.

3 TOURNAMENT STRUCTURE AND EVENTS

3.1 Structure and Events

3.1.1 Each tournament is to be no longer than five (5) days, except for the New Zealand Open Championships. All tournaments are to be kept as short as practicable.

3.1.2 The length and timing of tournaments are subject to change due to venue availability, or other reasons such as the hosting of International or Continental Tournaments.

3.1.3 Event details of National Tournaments:

Timing	Tournament	Event Type
Easter	New Zealand Veteran Open Championships (5 days)	Teams and Individuals O30, O40, O50, O60, O65, O70, O75, O80 Test Match, New Zealand v Australia (first evening)
Quarter one (1) or two (2) or three (3) of the year	North Island Open Championships (3 days)	Individuals Open Grades: B, C, D Junior: U19, U15, U13 Veteran: O40, O60 Para: Classes 1-11
King’s Birthday	North and South Island Teams	Teams Open and Grades as required Over 40 optional Junior: U19, U15, U13
Quarter one (1) or two (2) or three (3) of the year	South Island Open Championships (2 days)	Individuals Open Grades: B, C, D Junior: U19, U15, U13 Veteran: O40, O60 Para: Classes 1-11
Term 3 School Holidays	New Zealand Open Championships (9 days)	Teams and Individuals Open Grades: B, C, D Junior: U19, U15, U13
Term 3 School Holidays	New Zealand Para Open Championships	Individuals Open Class events (1-5, 6-11) Class events (1-11)
January School Holidays	New Zealand Hopes Week & Challenge	Individuals U12 U13
September	AIMS Games	Teams and Individuals As per AIMS Games regulations
NZSSSC Winter Sports Week	New Zealand Secondary Schools	Teams and Individuals U15 U19

 

4 REGULATIONS FOR INDIVIDUAL EVENTS

4.1 Eligibility

4.1.1 Players entering age events shall be restricted to two consecutive age categories; for example, U13 and U15, or O30 and O40.

4.1.2 The B Grade shall be open to New Zealand Resident players who appear on the current New Zealand ranking list with an Open ranking as follows:

-Male players ranked 26 or below

-Female players ranked 11 or below

4.1.3 The C Grade shall be open to New Zealand Resident players who have played in at least 1 New Zealand ranked tournament in the 12 months prior and appear on the current New Zealand ranking list with an Open ranking as follows:

-Male players ranked 76 or below

-Female players ranked 41 or below

4.1.4 The D Grade shall be open to New Zealand Resident players who have played in at least 1 New Zealand ranked tournament in the 12 months prior and appear on the current New Zealand ranking list with an Open ranking as follows:

-Male players ranked 201 or below

-Female players ranked 91 or below

4.1.5 Entry of international players for Graded events is at the sole discretion of TTNZ.

4.2 Entry

4.2.1 Entry to tournaments under the auspices of TTNZ close on the date specified on the entry form. No late entries will be accepted.

4.3 Doubles Pairings

4.3.1 TTNZ shall pair players requiring partners in doubles events. The following guidelines shall be used in deciding pairings:

4.3.1.1 Partners shall be allocated to overseas players.

4.3.1.2. For doubles events where one player requesting ‘partner required’ is to miss out on a partner, one name will be randomly selected as the person who misses out on getting a partner. The remaining (even numbered) players will be paired together based on ranking order.

4.3.1.3 Where more than one player requesting ‘partner required’ for any mixed doubles event is to miss out on getting a partner, those players who miss out will be randomly selected (as in 4.3.1.2).

4.3.1.4 Any unpaired players missing out on a partner for any given doubles event will be listed in ranking order on a re-entry list, so that in the case of withdrawals they may receive a partner (starting with the highest ranked player). If for any reason, there are two doubles withdrawals those already in the draw without a partner take precedence for being partnered together as a new doubles pair prior to utilisation of players on the re-entry list.

4.4 Seedings

4.4.1 Seedings will be taken from the TTNZ ranking list at the time of the Tournament closing date.

4.4.2 TTNZ shall consult the TTNZ Selectors regarding rankings for overseas Association players to determine relativity to TTNZ ranking points.

4.4.3 TTNZ may consult the TTNZ Selectors for a relative ranking for any New Zealand National player who has represented NZ in the last 2 years and has been training and competing overseas for more than 80% of the 12 months prior to the National Tournament.

4.5 Method of Making the Draw - Group

4.5.1 Divide players into groups using the modified snake system, with seeds in group order.

4.5.2 Only if an Association has more entrants than groups can two players from that Association be in the same group. If there is a bye in any group this may be moved to assist. 

4.6 Method of Making the Draw - Knockouts

4.6.1 The draw shall be done as follows:

-Winner of Group A to top position.

-Winner of Group B to bottom position.

-The winners of Group C and D drawn between the bottom of the top half and the top of the bottom half.

-The winners of Groups E to H shall be drawn similarly into the bottom and top of each quarter not already occupied.

-If there are more than 8 groups, continue this system until all group winners are placed.

-The second-placed players in groups are drawn and placed at random into the opposite half to their group winner.

4.6.2 Priority in byes shall be given to group winners.

4.7 Replacements and Alterations to Draws

4.7.1 Where any Association team member is unable to take part in an Inter-Association teams’ tournament after close of entries, because of illness or for any other good cause, an Association can request a replacement player take their place in the team. The acceptance of the replacement player is at TTNZ’s discretion. The replacement shall be entitled to take his or her place in the draw for the events in the championship for which the team member has entered, provided of course that other eligibility requirements are met.

4.7.2 Where the withdrawal of a player(s) causes a significant imbalance in the draw (for example, the withdrawal of a seeded player or pairing), appropriate adjustments may be made by the Referee.

4.7.3 The published draw may not be altered, except as stated above, and no alteration may be made to the draw of any event after play has begun in that event

4.8 Group Play or Round Robin Competition

4.8.1 Individual events with group play will comprise of round robins of 3 or 4 players, with two players to qualify for the main (knockout) draw. Any tournaments that deviate from this will clearly state the format for events in the Entry Conditions and specific Tournament regulations.

4.8.2 In a group, or ‘round robin’, competition, all members of the group shall compete against each other and shall gain 2 match points for a win, 1 for a loss in a played match and 0 for a loss in an un-played or unfinished match. The ranking order shall be determined in the first instance by the number of match points gained. If a player is defaulted for any reason after completion of a match, they shall be deemed to have lost the match, which shall subsequently be recorded as the loss of an un-played match.

4.8.3 If two or more members of the group have gained the same number of match points, their relative positions shall be determined only by the results of the matches played between them, by considering successively the number of match points, the ratios of wins to losses first in individual matches, then in games and then in points, as far as is necessary to resolve the order.

4.8.4 If at any step in the calculations the positions of one or more members of the group have been determined while the others are still equal, the results of matches in which those members took part shall be excluded from any further calculations needed to resolve the equalities in accordance with the procedures in 4.8.2 and 4.8.3.

4.8.5 If it is not possible to resolve the equalities by means of the procedures specified in 4.8.2 to 4.8.4, then the relative positions shall be decided by lot.

4.8.6 If one player or team is to qualify, the final match in the group shall be between the players or teams ranked 1 and 2 in the group. If two players are to qualify, the final match shall be between the players or teams ranked 2 and 3 in the group.

5 REGULATIONS FOR TEAM EVENTS

5.1 Eligibility

5.1.1 Each Association or invited overseas Association shall be entitled to enter teams and draft players in specified events. Teams from Australia shall be a State team, provided the players are affiliated to the State, which in turn is affiliated to Table Tennis Australia. Teams from other overseas Associations must be affiliated to ITTF-Oceania or ITTF. All international entries must come with endorsement from the countries’ national governing body for table tennis.

5.1.2 TTNZ have the right to refuse entries from any Association that has not paid, or arranged to pay to the satisfaction of TTNZ, fees, levies and other liabilities owing for the current year, or for any other year.

5.1.3 A player shall be eligible to represent an Association, provided they:

5.1.3.1 were recognised as from that Association on the TTNZ ranking list as at 31^st December of the year preceding the date on which the tournament is to be held, or

5.1.3.2 are a new player and were first recognised by that Association and TTNZ at least 50 days preceding the date on which the tournament is to be held, and were continuously resident in New Zealand for a 50-day period preceding the date on which the tournament is to be held or

5.1.3.3 have had a transfer application to that Association accepted by TTNZ, at least 50 days preceding the date on which the tournament is to be held, or

5.1.3.4 have been allocated to an Association via the drafting pool.

5.1.4 Any player from a club which is not affiliated to an Association, which in turn is affiliated to TTNZ, must arrange registration to a member Association as determined by TTNZ, with completion of consents as required by TTNZ as per 5.1.3.

5.1.5 Applications for transfer shall be made in writing to TTNZ by the player concerned submitting a completed application form. A player may only transfer once in any calendar year, for reasons other than change of residence.

5.1.6 Applications to place a player in the drafting pool shall be made in writing to TTNZ by the Association of the consenting player, by submitting a completed application form. Such players must be surplus to the Association’s needs for the tournament concerned and not ranked higher than players who have been placed in that Association’s other teams (if applicable). Applications must be received by TTNZ no later than the closing date for entries for the tournament concerned.

5.1.7 An Association with a team containing at least 2 of their own registered players, may apply in writing for additional players from the drafting pool. Applications must be received by TTNZ no later than the closing date for entries for the tournament concerned. 

5.1.8 In any Inter-Association contest, no more than one player of an Association team can be from the drafting pool. Teams with a draft player become a Presidents Team and are ineligible for medals if the draft player is ranked higher than both of their teammates.

5.1.9 Any dispute as to the eligibility of a player that may arise shall be decided by TTNZ.

5.1.10 Players may only play in one junior and one senior team event at the New Zealand Open Championships. All other tournaments will stipulate team entry restrictions on the entry form.

5.1.11 Players may play in a maximum of two consecutive age events at the New Zealand Veteran Open Championships.

5.2 Presidents Team

5.2.1 Application for inclusion in a Presidents team may be received from players who are surplus to their Association’s needs for a tournament, or if the Association is unable to form a team. Applications must be received by the closing date.

5.2.2 Players shall be allocated to a Presidents team based on highest rankings.

5.2.3 President’s teams are only eligible to win an age event at the New Zealand Veteran Open Championships.

5.2.4 All members of Presidents teams shall wear matching T-shirts and black shorts or skirts. If not agreed prior to the event by the players of the Presidents team, the default is a navy T-shirt. Uniforms are not provided.

5.3 Entries

5.3.1 All entries shall be made in writing and sent to the designated TTNZ event email by the closing date published by TTNZ. All entries must be accompanied by the correct entry fees.

5.3.2 Any limitations to team entry numbers will be on the entry form.

5.3.3 Each team shall consist of the following maximum number of players:

-Senior teams - Team can comprise of up to 5 players (3-player team)

-Junior teams - Team can comprise of up to 4 players (3-player team)

-Veteran teams - Team can comprise of up to 3 players (2-player team)

5.3.4 The names of the players in each team must accompany the entry form. If there are any changes to the original players entered in any team, such changes must be advised to TTNZ immediately, prior to the closing of entry.

5.3.5 Each team shall nominate a playing or non-playing captain.

5.3.6 Entries received after the closing date, or entries unaccompanied by the required list of players or the entry fees, will be refused.

5.3.7 Should an Association find it necessary to withdraw a team entry, notification of such withdrawal together with reasons, must be immediately forwarded to the designated TTNZ event email.

5.3.8 Refunds of team entry fees will not be made after entries have closed.

5.4 Contest Format

The match play systems to be used for tournaments under the auspices of TTNZ will be as below:

5.4.1 All 3-player team events will use a 7-match format. The order shall be A v X, B v Y, C v Z, doubles, A v Y, C v X, B v Z.

5.4.2 TTNZ may decide on a longer format for any grade comprising two to four teams. The option available will be a 9-match format with 9 singles, or an 11-match format comprising 9 singles and 2 doubles.

5.4.3 The New Zealand Veteran Open Championships shall use a 5-match format. The order shall be A v X, B v Y, A v Y, B v X, doubles.

5.4.4 The AIMS Games team event shall use a 5-match format of 3 singles followed by 2 doubles. If there is a need for any alteration to this, it will be stated on the entry form.

5.4.5 Where doubles matches are to be played in a team contest, any of the team members shall be permitted to play, irrespective of whether they may be playing in singles matches in that contest. Where more than one doubles match is to be played, the same pair may not play more than once.

5.4.6 A doubles pair does not need to be named until each doubles match is due to be played.

5.4.7 Any form of toss for AB(C) or XY(Z) will be at the discretion of the Referee.

5.4.8 Round Robins of team events at all National Tournaments shall be played to completion. All other matches can finish once a result is obtained.

5.5 Number of Association Teams

5.5.1 Each Association may enter multiple teams, with TTNZ having the discretion to limit the number of teams from any one Association. Any limitations to team entry numbers will be on the entry form.

5.5.2 A maximum of 2 teams from any one Association will be accepted for the highest grade. There are no restrictions for additional grades. The only exception is if an event only has one grade due to entry numbers.

5.5.3 A maximum of 4 overseas teams will be accepted for the New Zealand Open Championships’ highest grade. No overseas team is eligible to make the final of the highest grade.

5.5.4 The restrictions in 5.5.3 do not apply to age group or graded team events, other than the New Zealand Open Championships’ highest grade.

5.5.5 For the New Zealand Veteran Open Championships there will be no restrictions on the number of overseas teams in a grade.

5.6 Seedings and Draw

5.6.1 The entered teams shall be ranked from first to last using all relevant information. For 3-player team events the ranking of the top 3 players shall be used. For 2-player team events the ranking of the top 2 players shall be used.

5.6.2 The structure of team events shall ensure than each team gets a minimum of 4 but ideally 5 contests. Depending upon entries multiple grades may be held in each event. The optimum number of teams in a grade shall be either 6 or 8 teams. Where possible the highest grade will ideally have 8 teams.

5.6.3 Where there are 6 or fewer teams in a grade then it shall be played as a round robin. Where there are 7 or more teams in a grade there shall be two groups with a progressive knockout for the top teams from each group, except that with 9 teams entered 3 groups of 3 may be used in each of 2 stages to ensure every team has 4 contests.

5.6.4 If an Association has two (2) teams in the same pool, the two (2) teams from the same Association will play in the first round.

5.7 Team Contest Procedure

5.7.1 Each team shall be under the control of a captain.

5.7.2 The captain of each team shall allocate and list the names of their players in accordance with the playing sequence (A,B,C or X,Y,Z) allocated to their team, as determined at least 10 minutes before play is scheduled to commence.

5.7.3 The opposing captains shall exchange their lists and then the names are to be entered on the result sheet. The captains shall then arrange for the matches to start immediately at the scheduled time, provided tables are available. 

5.7.4 In all matches, the members of each team shall wear matching T-shirts and the same-coloured shorts/skirts. The official uniform of their Association must be approved by TTNZ. If any member of a team fails to play in such uniform without the consent of the Referee, they shall receive a warning during the first match played. If they do not comply in future matches, all the matches in which that player takes part shall be awarded to their opponent(s).

5.7.5 The tournament Referee shall have the discretion to direct teams to use two tables without the team’s consent, where it is apparent that the match is not progressing on time as per the schedule.

5.7.6 Failure to Arrive:

1. If any team or teams fail to arrive at the place arranged for play, within 15 minutes of the time appointed for play, such team or teams shall lose the contest by default.

2. If any member of a team fails to arrive within 5 minutes to play any of their matches, in the order designated on the team sheet, they shall lose those matches by default.

3. Provided however, if such delay, in the opinion of the Referee, was beyond the control of the team or player(s), then such contests or matches may be rescheduled to be played at such time and place as the Referee may decide.

5.8 Substitution

5.8.1 No player shall be allowed to substitute for another player during any contest except with the permission of the Referee and such permission shall not be given unless a player is incapacitated by illness, accident or other unavoidable cause. Should such incapacitation take place during a match, the match shall be awarded to the opponent. Where an illness or injury was present at the commencement of the contest, the player can’t be replaced due to that same condition during any stage of that contest.

5.8.2 Notwithstanding 5.8.1, substitution of players is permitted in any contest after a team in that contest has won a majority of the matches.

5.8.3 No player may play in more than one position as defined on the result sheet.

5.8.4 Having been replaced by a substitute, a player can then no longer take part in any further singles matches in that contest.

5.9 Grade Winners

5.9.1 National teams’ events are foremost an Inter-Association championship. Hence, Presidents teams comprising players from 3 Associations are ineligible for medals. Overseas teams are eligible to medal.

5.9.2 Presidents’ teams for 2-player team events are eligible for medals, for example, teams at the New Zealand Veteran Open Championships.

6 VETERAN TEST MATCH

6.1 Rules

6.1.1 The New Zealand Veteran Selection Panel shall select Men’s and Women’s teams in the following age groups: Over 30, Over 40, Over 50, Over 60, Over 65, Over 70, Over 75 and Over 80.

6.1.2 Test team players shall be selected at least one month prior to the tournament closing date. If there are insufficient players available, the New Zealand Veteran Selection Panel has the right to not select a team(s).

6.1.3 TTNZ shall provide a team T-shirt. Selected players shall provide and wear their own black shorts/skirts and white socks.

6.1.4 The test match shall be played on Thursday evening.

6.1.5 The match format shall be as for Teams events clause 5.4.3.

6.1.6 The New Zealand and Australian teams shall march into the stadium, led by flag bearers, with each member individually introduced to spectators.

6.1.7 The national anthems of both New Zealand and Australia shall be sung or played via recording.

6.1.8 It is recommended that the Official Opening of the NZ Open Veteran Championships be held following the playing of the anthems.

6.1.9 TTNZ shall provide a gift for each Australian team member. This will be presented to each Australian team member at the table, prior to the team contest starting.

6.1.10 TTNZ shall arrange official umpires for each contest.

6.1.11 At the end of the Test Match, the winning nation shall be presented the Trans-Tasman Trophy (donated by Bruce Penberthy). The trophy shall be retained by TTNZ.

7 NATIONAL TOURNAMENT TROPHIES

7.1 Cups, Shields and Trophies

7.1.1 All cups, shields and trophies shall be deemed perpetual in nature unless specified otherwise and shall remain the property of TTNZ.

7.1.2 TTNZ shall engrave appropriate cups, shields and trophies as listed below:

7.1.3 National Tournament Trophies:

1 Arthur Meachem Memorial Cup

This award shall be presented each year to the Association whose players have won the most senior titles in the New Zealand Open Championships. Points shall be awarded based on four points for Open events and two points for all graded events. In the case of doubles events, partners shall share the points. The award will be presented at the annual awards ceremony.

2 Bill Hurrey Cup

This award shall be presented each year to the Association whose players have won the most junior titles in New Zealand Open Championships. Points shall be awarded based on two points for each event. In the case of doubles events, partners shall share the points. The award will be presented at the annual awards ceremony.

3 Trans-Tasman Trophy (donated by Bruce Penberthy)

This trophy shall be presented to the winning nation of the New Zealand v Australia test match at the New Zealand Veteran Open Championships.