2024 OSSAA Tennis Manual

March1 SeasonOpens

December1 EntryFormsDue--youcanfindtheentryformon OSSAARankings.com

April14 RegionalAssignmentMeeting1:30P.M.

April19 RegionalTournamentAssignmentsReleased

April29 Girls'RegionalTournament

April29 Girls'ApplicationforAcademicAchievementAwardsDue

May 1 OpenSeedingMeetingforGirls'StateTournament

May 2-3-4 Girls'StateTournament

May 6 Boys'RegionalTournaments

May 6 Boys'ApplicationforAcademicAchievementAwardsDue

May 8 OpenSeedingMeetingforBoys'StateTournament

May 9-10-11 Boys'StateTournament

RulesMeeting

2024StateTennisRulesMeetings

Theface-to-faceRulesmeetingwillbeheldattheOTCAWinterClinic(date,timeandlocationannouncedinNovemberon www.okhighschooltennis.com)

Ifyouarereunabletoattendtheface-to-facemeetingarecordedversionwillbepostedtothetennispageofOSSAA.comaftertheOTCA clinic. Youmustcompletetheon-linemeetingbyMarch1. ThelinktothemeetingwillbepostedtotheTennispageofOSSAA.comby January30.

StateRulesmeetingsaremandatoryforheadcoachesandmustbecompletedbyMarch1. Failuretocomplywillresultinthe suspensionoftheheadcoachfromallinterscholasticcompetitionuntilthecoachisincompliance.

EDUCATION-BASEDACTIVITYPROGRAMS

The National Federation of State High School Associations and the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association recognize the numerous potential benefits of participation by students in education-based activities. While education-based activities may differ between the stakeholder groups, all shouldbe centered onoptimizing the student’sscholasticactivity experience. Students will change,develop and expand abilitiesover time; coaches, administrators and parents should not only be cognizant of the fluid process, but also foster a safe, positive environment in which developmentcanoccur. Education-basedactivitiesmustalwaysbeviewedasanevolvingandunpredictablepath.

TheNFHSandtheOSSAArecognizetheinfluentialroleplayedbycoachesanddirectorsinallactivities,andthereforeemphasisshouldbeplaced onthoseindividualstoinstillandreinforcefundamentalsandbestpractices,notonlytominimizeriskbutalsotopromoteanenvironmentinwhich astudenthastheopportunitytoreachhisorherfullpotential. Thecommongoalforallthestakeholdersinvolvedwitheducation-basedactivities shouldbetomaketheexperienceenjoyableandrewardingfortheall.

WhileourpositionisnotintendedtosquelchdreamsofachievingacollegescholarshiporprofessionalorOlympicglory,wedoplaceemphasison thestudent’sentirescholastic activity experiencewith thegoalsof enhancing participation, reducinginjury risk, and optimizingperformanceand success (however defined) during the student’s high school career. The ultimate goal; Producing an individual who is competent, confident, connectedtohisorherpeergroupandcommunity,andofhighcharacter. Thisessentialprincipleisatthecoreofthescholasticactivityexperience andisfundamentaltothemission.

DIVERSITY,EQUITYANDINCLUSION(DEI)

Promoting education and the understanding of groups that have social and cultural differences is an integral part of education-based activities. Every student participating in activities atan OSSAA member school isentitled to participate in a safe school environment thatis freefrom bias. Anyformofbias(includingdemeaningcomments,racial,ethnic,orhomophobicslurs)basedonsocialorculturaldifferenceswillnotbetolerated ineducation-basedactivities.

A. EDUCATIONALOPPORTUNITIES

AllOSSAAmemberschoolsshallprovideopportunitiesforeducatingandpromotingtheunderstandingofsocialandculturaldifferenceson an annualbasis. Opportunitiescan includeintentionaldialoguebetween groups and/or individuals,group and/orindividualon-linecourses, speakersandconferences.

The OSSAA Staff and Board of Directors will make resources available to member schools for the purpose of promoting diversity, equity andinclusioneducation.

1. TheOSSAAStaffandBoardofDirectorswillparticipateindiversity,equityandinclusion trainingannually.

2. Eachschoolyear,eachactivityisrequiredto engagetherespectiveparticipantsindiversity,equityandinclusiontraining.

B. OSSAABOARDSUB-COMMITTEE

Asub-committee(DEICommittee)oftheBoardofDirectors,willengageannuallywithschooladministration,studentsandcoaches/directors forthepurposeofreviewingtheDEIPolicyandtoexploreeducationalopportunitiesavailabletocreateabetterunderstandingofsocialand culturaldifferences.

C. OFFICIALS

Allcontestofficialsshallberequiredtoviewthe Implicit Bias courseannually. ThecourseisavailableatNFHSLearn.com.Othereducational resourceswillalsobemadeavailableincludingintentionaldialogue,speakers,workshopsandconferences.

D. PUBLICADDRESSANNOUNCERSANDBROADCASTCREWS

Any person or persons making public address announcements at a regular season or post season contest; and any person associated in any mannerwithabroadcastcrew,includingbutnotlimitedtoregularseasonorpost-seasoncontestsbeingstreamed,televisedorbroadcastover the radio must provide in writing they have completed an educational opportunity in the form of on-line classes, speaker led workshops or conferencespriortobeing apartofanyOSSAAactivity.

SPORTSMANSHIPRESPONSIBILITIES

Ensuring good sportsmanship at OSSAA member schools requires the responsibilities of different groups be coordinated and carriedoutateachcontestinvolvingsecondarylevelstudents.

1. School Administration: The responsibility for fan behavior resides with the participating school administrations from each participatingschool(combinedwiththehostsitesecurityinneutralsitecontests). Schooladministrationmustprovideadequate supervisionatthevenue. Negativebehaviortargetingparticipantsorofficialsmustnotbetolerated. Removalofnon-compliant fansshallbemanagedby theadministrative team. A reportdetailing the circumstancesmustbesent to the OSSAA anytime a fanisremovedfromacontest.

2. Coaches: Headcoachesmustcommunicateexpectationsforfan/parent,andplayerbehavior. Communicationsshouldinclude consequencesforunrulyfan/parentorplayerbehaviorandbesharedwitheachplayerandtheplayer’sparent/guardian.

3. Officials: Officials shall, upon arrival at the contest, meet with on-site administration to ensure lines of communication are open and officials know where to find school administration should a problem arise outside the playing area. Under no circumstancesshouldanofficialdirectlyremoveapersonoutsidetheplayingareafromthevenue. Theadministrativeteamor designeewillberesponsibleforremovalofanyfan.

4. Participants: Participants experiencing inappropriate behavior from other participants and/or non-participants during the contest must communicate those issues directly to their coaching staff to ensure identifiable issues are addressed by the administrativeteams.

NOTE: ALLNEWRULES,REGULATIONS,ANDPOLICIESAREUNDERLINED.

I. CLASSIFICATION

Class6Awillconsistofthefirst32schoolsontheADMsheet. Class5Awillconsistofthenext32tennisplayingschools. Class4Aallremainingplayingtennisplayingschools.

TheUSTAFriendofCourtplayingRuleswillbeusedby theOSSAA.

II. SEASON

A. Organized practice for Tennis may begin no earlier than December 1. Organized practice is defined as school or anticipated school personneldirectlyorindirectlygivingindividualorteaminstructionconcerningthefundamentalsofaparticularsport. From the close of the season for tennis to the start date of December 1, no organized practice in that sport may take place. However, certified school coaching personnel forthat sport are permitted to provide instruction in thatsport ina physical education class during theregularschoolday.

If a member school does not schedule a physical education class during the regular school day, then an additional period may be scheduled immediately after the close of the regular school day, not to exceed one hour for the purpose of conducting a physical education class, and instruction in a particular sport may be provided by certified school coaching personnel to students during that additionalone-hourperiod.

Time spent transporting student participants to an off-site facility or from one school site to another for the purpose of providing instruction in a particular sport during a physical education class or during the one-hour period immediately following the school day shallnotbecountedtowardthetimeallowedforoff-seasoninstruction. Thepracticeperiodshallbeginimmediatelyuponthearrivalof theathletes.

B. OSSAAsanctionedtournamentsandmatchesmaybeginMarch1.

C. Each teamisallowedthreescrimmagespriortoMarch1withthefirstscrimmagedatetobenoearlierthanFebruary1. Anytimethere isparticipationagainstaschoolteamthatconsistsofanyplayer(s)notcurrentlyenrolledinyourschoolwillbeconsideredascrimmage. Therewill beno loss ofinstructionaltimeforscrimmages. Therewill beno sanctionedtournamentsor matchespriorto March 1. No team shall be allowed to scrimmage in Tennis after March 1. Scrimmages cannot be used for seeding information and will not count againstthenumberofmatchesallowed.

D. State Rules Meetings for all sports will be mandatory for each Head Coach. Proof that you have completed the on-line rules meeting must be submitted to the OSSAA. All head coaches of spring activities must complete their state rules meeting by March 1st. The penalty for failure to attend a state rules meeting or complete the online rules meeting and proper documentation submitted to the OSSAAofficeby theprescribeddeadlines, will result in theschool suspending thehead coach for all interscholasticcompetition until thecoachisincomplianceandproperdocumentationhasbeensubmittedandverifiedbytheOSSAA.

III. CONTESTLIMITSANDPARTICIPATION

A. Highschoolteamsand/orindividualsareallowedfourteen(14)matches. Atournamentisconsideredtobeonematch.

B. Juniorhighschoolteamsand/orindividualsareallowedeight(8)matches. Atournamentisconsidered tobeonematch.

C. Aninth-gradestudentmayplayfourteen(14)matchesifhe/sheparticipateswiththehighschoolteam. Thiscanbetotallywiththehigh school team or a combination of junior high and high school matches. If a ninth-grade student plays with the junior high team only, he/sheislimitedtoeight(8)matches.

D. Studentsarelimited tonomorethan two matchesweekly wheretherewould be lossof instructional time.Thisincludestraveltime. A studentislimitedtonomorethan7daysperseasonoflossofinstructionaltime.

IV. VIOLATIONSOFCONSTITUTION,RULES,REGULATIONSOROSSAAPOLICIES

Violation ofcontestlimits(teamsand/orindividuals)

Generally,ifthecontest,meet,ortournamentlimitsforaparticularactivityhavebeenexceeded,byeitheraschoolteamorbyindividual participantsfromaschool,thefollowingsanctionswillbeapplied:

a. Thecontest(s)thatexceedthelimitsmustbeforfeited.

b. Thehead coachinthatactivityshallbesuspendedfromcoachinginanyregularseasoncontests,atthesamelevel,inthesame activity,fortheremainderofthecurrentregularseasonandanychampionshipplay-offeventsforthatschoolyear.

c. Theheadcoachinthatactivitymayalso besuspendedfromcoachinganyregularseasoncontests,atthesamelevel,inthesame activity,inthesubsequentseasonforthatactivity.

d. Theschoolwillnotbeallowedtohostanyplay-offcontestsinthatactivityduringtheschoolyearinwhichtheviolationoccurred.

e. Theprogramwillbeplacedonwarningforaperiodofoneyear.

V. REGIONALANDSTATETOURNAMENTREGULATIONS

A. RegionalTournamentRegulations

1. All regional tournament entry formsand updated seeding information should bebrought directly to theregionalseeding meeting. DonotsendseedinginformationtotheOSSAA. FormscanbefoundontheTennispageofossaa.com.

2. Ruleonpositionofplayers:

a) The#1singlesplayermustbebetterthanthe#2singlesplayer.

b) The#1doublesteammustbebetterthanthe#2 doublesteam.

3. Theregionaltournamentmanagerwillconductaseedingmeetingthemorningofthetournament.Allplayerswillbeseededatthe Regional tournaments. The seeding meeting will be no earlier than 8:00 a.m. If there is no seedinginformation available or there arequestionablelineups,entrieswillbesubjecttoprotestbyparticipatingcoaches. Anyprotestwillbedecidedbyamajorityvote oftheparticipatingcoachespresentattheseedingmeeting.

4. Theseedinginformationcriteriato beusedateachregionaltournamentseedingmeetingwillbeasfollows:

a) Direct wins will be the first criteria used. If there is an even split in direct matches, the most recent win will determine the seed. Defaultscanbecountedasadirectwinorlossto thatopponentduringthatmatch. Ifthereisadefaultafterthatmatch is completed, it counts as a win to the next opponent on that day. Defaults cannot be used as an indirect or a comparative score.

b) Indirectwinswillbethesecondcriteriaused.

c) Comparative scores will be the third criteria used. If two players have a common opponent and one or both have played a common opponent once and/or more than once, then the best result will be compared. Comparative wins and losses will be compared equally. A split setcomparative lossis better than a two-set comparative losseven if fewer games are won in the splitsetloss. Incomparativewins,astraightsetwinisbetterthanathree-setwin.

d) Competition(strength ofopponent) maybeconsideredwhendeterminingaseedbutisnotrequired.

e) In regional tournament play, if the criteria in a, b, c, and d does not decide the seed, the seed will be decided by a majority voteoftheparticipatingcoachespresentattheseedingmeeting.

f) Prosetswillnotbeusedforseedingpurposes.

5. RegionalTournamentAdministration:

a) Playersshallbedressedandreadyforplayatthedesignatedtimes.

b) Playersshouldbeatthecourtsatalltimesunlessexcusedbythetournamentmanager.

c) Schedulingwillbeatthediscretionofthetournamentmanager.

d) UnitedStatesTennisAssociationruleswillbeused.Unlessamendedby theOTCA

e) ThetournamentmanagershallconductthetournamentinkeepingwiththeConstitutionandRulesoftheOSSAAwhichmay include disqualifying a player for unsportsmanlike conduct. Disqualification for unsportsmanlike conduct may occur either duringaplayer'smatchorforbehavioratthetournamentsitebetweenmatches.

6. PlanofCompetitionforRegionalTournaments:

a) The#1singlesplayerswillcompeteinthe#1singlesbracket.

b) The#2singlesplayerswillcompetein the#2singlesbracket.

c) The#1doublesteamwillcompeteinthe#1doublesbracket.

d) The#2doublesteamwillcompeteinthe#2doublesbracket.

e) Ifthereisonlyoneentryinsinglesoronedoublesteam,theymustcompeteinthe#1bracket. EXCEPTION: Iftheregional ismovedfromtheoriginaldateannouncedbytheOSSAAduetoweatherorsomeotherreason,thentheoneentryinsingles or one doubles team that has been playing in the #2 bracket all year DOES NOT have to move up and compete in the #1 bracket. Thecoach mustprovidedocumentation attheregionalseedingmeetingthatthissinglesplayerordoublesteamhas been playingatthe#2position formostoralloftheyear. Thedecisiontoallowthiswillbedecidedonby amajorityvoteof thecoachescompetingatthatregional.

f) A#1playershallnotcompeteina#2position.

g) Aplayermaybeenteredineithersinglesordoubles,butnotinboth.

h) A school may enter two singles players and alternates, and two doubles teams and alternates. Any player used in singles or doublesmaynotbeusedasanalternate.

i) In regional tournament play, all coaches of schools involved are to be notified by the tournament manager of the time and place of thedrawing and seeding of the tournament bracket. The OSSAA will provide standard brackets that are to be used bythetournamentmanager.

j) In regional play on an eight-point bracket, four seeds will be placed on lines 1, 8, 4 and 5. The #1 seed on line one, the #2 seed onlineeight,#3 seedonline5,andthe#4seedonlinefour,andallotherplacementswillbedrawn atrandom,unlessa majorityvoteismadebyallcoachestoseedalleightplacements. In regional play on a 16-point bracket, eight seeds willbe placed on lines 1 through 16. The #1 on line 1, #2 on sixteen; #3 online9;#4on line8;#5on line5;#6on line12;#7onine13and #8online4.Byesaregivento the#1 seedfirst, #2 seed second, etc. , All other placements will be drawn at random, unless a majority vote is made by all coaches to seed all eight placements.

k) Forregionaltournamentplay,coachesmustdesignatetheir#1singles,#2singles,#1doubles,and#2doublesplayersontheir OSSAARegionalEntryForm. Oncedesignated,theplayersmustremaininthesepositionsforregionalandstatetournament play.

l) If a #1 player is injured or ill, a coach may move a #2 player into his/her position and use an alternate at the vacated #2 position.A#1playercanneverbemovedintoa#2position.

m) Any changes in a regional lineup due to injury or illness of a player must be made no later than ten minutes before the tournamentstarting time.

n) If a DOUBLES player qualifies for the state tournament and cannot participate, an alternate from the respective team’s alternate list may be used. If there is no alternate listed or available, then the 5th place finisher(s) from the same regional tournament event will advance to the state tournament. If the 5th place finisher(s) is or are not available, then the 6th place finisher(s) from the same Regional Tournament will advance. If a SINGLES player qualifies for the state tournament and cannotparticipate, then the5thplace finisher fromthesameregional tournament event will advanceto the statetournament. If the5thplacefinisherisnotavailable, then the6th placefinisherfrom thesameRegionalTournament will advance. Ifthe 5thor6thplacefinisherisnotavailable,thenanalternatefromtherespectiveteam’salternatelistmaybeused.

o) Abreakmaybegivenbetween setsanda10-minutebreakmaybegiven ifsplitsetsoccur. Coachesmaycoachplayers anywhereonthecourtduringthebreakbetween setsandthe90-secondtimeallottedforchangeover.Acoachcanalso coachonanyemptyadjacentcourt.Coachesmayalsocoachoff-courtbetweenpointswithoutinterruptingtheflowofplay. Playshouldbecontinuous.

p) All regional tournament competition will be played with a feed in consolation concept. There will be play for all eight positionsonaneight-pointbracketandtwelvepositionsonasixteen-pointbracket.

q) Scoringonaneight-pointbracketwillbe:9,7,6,5,4,3,2,1;andonasixteen-pointbracketitwillbe:12,10,9,8,7,6,5,4, 3,2,1.

s) In the event of a tie for team finishers, co-champions or co-runners-up will be declared. A coin toss will determine which schoolwillreceivetheappropriatetrophy. OSSAAwillsenda trophytotheteam notwinningthecoin toss. Ifatie for first placeoccurs,therewillbenorunner-upteam.

t) Each singles or doubles entry must furnish one can of new balls and give to the Tournament Director to distribute to the player(s). Theloserwillreceivetheusedballs. TheOSSAAwillfurnishballsforthestatetournaments.

u) Inallregionaltournamentsthesupertie-breakerwillbeusedonthebackdraw.

7.Awards

a) Aplaquewillbeawardedthefirst-placeteam.

b) Individualmedalswillbeawardedtothefirstfivefinishersineachevent.

B. StateTournamentRegulations

1. Thetopfourfinishersin eachregionaltournamenteventwillqualifyforthestatetournament.

2. An open seeding meeting to establish state tournament brackets will be held the day before the state tournament. The Tennis Coaches' Advisory Committee will compile all won/lost record sheets prior to the seeding meeting and determine who the eight seeds should be. The Advisory Committee will have the predetermined list of the top 8 seeds to be discussed with those in attendanceattheseedingmeeting. ThislistmaybechangedifadditionalinformationisprovidedthattheAdvisoryCommitteedid not have when compiling their original predetermined list. The Tennis Coaches’ Advisory Committee will rule on any disputes thatcannotbesettledintheseedingmeeting.

PROCEDUREFORSEEDINGTHESTATETOURNAMENT:

A. TheAdvisoryCommitteewillconvenebyclassificationandpre-seedtheStatetournamentbyposition.

B. If the Advisory Committee members do not agree on a seed during the pre-seeding meeting the Regional AssignmentCommitteememberswillbeconsulted.

C. Seedswillbepresentattheopendseedingmeetingpriortothestartofthetournament.

D. Ifanyofthecriteriaweremisappliedoroverlooked,achangecanbemadeto theseeds.

E. Ifthedisputecannotbesettledbythethreeadvisorymembersfromtherespectiveclassificationthentheadvisory membersfromoneoftheotherclasseswillsettlethedispute.

4. Theseeding information criteriato be used atthe statetournamentseeding meeting willbe thesamecriteriaused during regional tournamentcompetition.

5. The state tournament will be played with a feed in consolation concept. Points will be awarded for players placing first through eighthplace. 1st-9pts;2nd-7pts;3rd-6pts;4th-5pts;5th-4pts;6th-3pts;7th-2pts;8th-1pt.

6. Intheeventtwoormoreschoolstieforfirstandsecondplace,therewillbenotiebreaker. Ifthetieisforfirstplace,co-champions will be declared. A coin toss will determine which team receives the championship trophy. If the tie is for second place, corunners-upwillbedeclared. Acointosswilldeterminewhichschoolwillreceivetherunner-uptrophy. OSSAAwillsendatrophy totheteamnotwinningthecointoss.

7. StateTournamentAdministration:

a) Playersshallbedressedandreadyforplayatthedesignatedtime.

b) Playersshouldbeatthecourtsatalltimesunlessexcusedbythetournamentmanager.

c) Schedulingwillbeatthediscretionofthetournamentmanager.

d) United States Tennis Association rules will be used. The officials at the State Tournament will be roving umpires who will havejurisdictionovermorethanonecourt. TheOSSAABoardofDirectorshasadopteda“NoProtest”Policy.(XLVI)

Theofficialwill:

i. ensurethecourtsarereadytoplay

ii. enforcethewarmuptime

iii. enforcetheOTCAPointPenaltySystem:warning,point,match

iv. resolve scoring disputes in this order: count all points agreed on by the players, resume play from a score mutually agreeableto theplayers,decidethescorebyacoin toss.

v. workwithschooladministrationand/orcontestmanagertocontrolspectators

vi. enforcetheUSTAchangeovertimeregulations

viii. bevisible

ix. footfaultswillbecalledbyanofficialonlywhentheofficialiscalledtothecourt

xi. USTARulesandRegulationsforanyproceduresnotmentionedabove

e) All matches shall be conducted in keeping with theConstitution and Rules of the OSSAA, which may includedisqualifying aplayerforunsportsmanlikeconduct. Disqualificationforunsportsmanlikeconductmayoccureitherduringaplayer'smatch orforbehavioratthetournamentsitebetweenmatches.

f) Useofelectronicdevicesduringplayisprohibited.

8. PlanofCompetitionforStateTournament

Thesameformatusedforregionaltournamentcompetitionwiththeexceptionofseeding.Seedingwillbedoneonasixteenpointbracket,thesupertiebreakerwillbeusedonthebackdraw. Scoring onasixteen-pointbracketitwillbe:12,10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1.

9. TennisballswillbeprovidedbytheOSSAAatthestatetournament.

10. Rovingumpires

a) Therovingumpireswillhandle violations of theOSSAAcoachingrule by giving awarning on thefirst violation, deducting a point on the second violation, and awarding a default on the third violation. During the state tournament, coaches are permitted

b) Roving umpires may make a ruling on any line call during a match when that umpire is on that particular court and only if thatumpireisindirectobservanceofthelineofthecallinquestion,i.e.,netpostorbaseline.

c) Therovingumpireswillpenalizeallactsofunsportsmanlikeconduct.

11. Awards

a) Trophiesandmedalswillbeawardedto therunner-upandchampionteams.

b) Individualmedalswillbeawardedtothefirstfivefinishersineachevent.

VI. INVITATIONALTOURNAMENTANDSANCTIONINGRULE

All OSSAA meets and tournaments where three or more schools participate must be approved by the Board of Directors before member schoolsshallenter. AnOSSAAApplicationforAthleticEventcanbefoundontheOSSAAwebsite(www.ossaa.com).

VII. REQUESTTOHOSTREGIONALTOURNAMENTS

A. Request to host a regionaltournament must be sent to the OSSAAoffice no later than January30,2023. The request should contain thefollowinginformation:

1. Tournamentclassificationsandeitherboys,girls,orboth.

2. Numberofcourtstobeusedattournamentheadquarters.

3. Numberofcourtstobeusedatasiteawayfromtheheadquarters,andthedistancefromthecentralsite.

4. Manager'sexperienceinrunninginvitationalorOSSAAsponsoredtournaments.

5. Conditionofcourtsincludingtheavailabilityoflightedcourts.

6. Any cost to the OSSAA needs to be stated in the request to host. If the host school is absorbing the cost this should be stated in therequestaswell.

7. Managerrequestingtohostmustprovideemailandcellphonecontactinformation.

VIII.

COACHING

A. Coaching is permitted by the head coach, assistant coach or adjunct coach. Coaches may coach from anywhere on the courts during a changeover.Coachingpassesmustbewornandvisibleatalltimes.Coachingcredentialsdistributedtonon-schoolpersonnelwillresult inthecoachandnon-coachbeingremovedfromthefacility.

a. Coachesshouldbepaidemployeesoftheschooltheyarecoaching.

b. CoachesareNOTALLOWEDtocoachanotherschool.

c. Anyviolationstothisrule,coacheswillbesubjecttoremovalfromthetournament.

B. A breakmaybegivenbetween sets anda10-minutebreakmaybegivenifsplit setsoccur. Coachesmay coachfromanywhereonthe courts during the break between sets and the 90-second time allotted for changeover. A coach can also coach on any empty adjacent court.Ifcoachingfromanadjacentcourt,thecoachmaystandnocloserthanthedoublessidelineonthesamesideastheplayer. After the1stgamethereisnotimeallottedduringthechangeover.Coachesmayalsocoachoff-courtbetweenpointswithoutinterruptingthe flowofplay.Play shouldbecontinuous. A10-minutebreakmaybegivenifsplitsetsoccur.

IX. PUBLICCRITICISMOFCONTESTOFFICIALSANDSCHOOLREPRESENTATIVES

Any school representative who publicly criticizes a contestofficial, or members of the OSSAAStaff or Boardof Directorsand any contest officialwho publicly criticizes aschoolrepresentative,or membersof the OSSAAStaffor BoardofDirectorsin connection with acontest, meet, or tournament issubject tosanctions. Thememberschool represented by an individual who publicly criticizesacontest officialmay also be subject to sanctions if the school fails to take appropriate action in response to the school representative’s public criticism of the contestofficial. Thesanctionscouldincludewarningorsuspension.

Public criticism includes, but is not limited to, comments made to the media or during a broadcasted event, and comments madeinapublicforum.

NOTHONORINGAPROTEST(BoardPolicyXLVI)

OSSAA will not consider requests to overturn the determinations of game/contest officials in interpreting or enforcing rules at games or contests. In agreeing to participate in a game or contest, a member school, and the individual participants and the coaches or sponsors representing that member school, accept the risk that game/contest officials may make errors in interpreting or enforcing rules at games of contests. Anyerrorsbygame/contestofficialsshouldberaisedwiththoseofficials,inarespectfulmanner,and inaccordancewiththerules establishedforthatparticularactivity. Thedecisionsofthegame/contestofficialsareacceptedasfinal.

AnexceptiontothisPolicymaybegrantedifinthecaseofanejectionofaparticipantformacontest,thegame/contestofficialmisidentifies theindividualwho shouldhavebeenejected. TherequesttoreviewthemisidentifiedplayermustbesubmittedtotheOSSAAinwriting.

XI. DRESSCODE

Onlyteamuniformsarepermitted. Participantsmaywearateamwarm-upwhennotparticipatinginamatch.

XII.

ACADEMICACHIEVEMENTAWARDS

A. GeneralRegulations

1. Teamsmustmeetallqualificationsrequiredoftherespectiveactivityinordertoqualify.

2. Entries received after the entry deadline will not be considered. Incorrect information submitted on the entry form will also void theentry. PleasereportanycorrectionsorchangesonyouracademicapplicationtotheOSSAAoffice. TheOSSAAwillconfirm finalistsforthestatechampionshipaward.

3. The academic GPA will be based on a 4-point system and computed to thenearest thousandth percentile: A = 4; B = 3.000; C = 2.000;D=1.000. Ifyouhaveaweightedgradingsystem,itmustbeconvertedtoa4-pointsystemincomputingtheteamGPA.

4. Allclassesthatcounttowardgraduationshallbeusedindeterminingeachindividualstudent'sGPA.

5. Teamswillbeeligibletoreceiveoneawardeach yearineachactivity. Theawardwillbeforthehighestlevelofachievement.

B. Threelevelsofcompetitionforacademicawards

1. Academic Achievement Certificate: Teams must have a minimum 3.25 GPA and rank in the upper 1/3 of their classification to qualify.

2. DistinguishedAcademicPlaque:Teamsmusthaveaminimum3.50GPAandrankintheupper10%oftheirclassification.

3. State Academic Champion: The highest girls' team GPA and the highest boys' team GPA will be declared the state academic championfromtheirrespectiveclassofcompetition.

C. TeamQualifications:

1. Tennis -The roster of academicachievement participantswill consist of the six teammemberscompeting in regionaltournament competition. Sixparticipantswillbetheminimumnumberinordertoentertheacademiccompetition.TheGPAshallbebasedon the grades from the preceding semester. (Non-traditional semester: An approximate 18-week grading period used to divide the schoolyearinhalf.) AcademicAchievementforgirlsmustbereceivedbyApril29,andboysshouldbereceivedbyMay8.

2. TheApplicationforAcademicAchievementAwardcanbefoundontheOSSAAwebsite,(www.ossaa.com).

XIII. COACHESETHICSANDPROFESSIONALSTANDARDS

A. Exemplifythehighestmoralcharacter,behavior,andleadership.

B. Respecttheintegrityandpersonalityoftheindividualathlete.

C. Abidebytherulesofthegameinletterandinspirit,regardlessoftheconsequences.

D. Respecttheintegrity and judgment ofsportsofficials,neverbaiting or taunting officialsin any way,norseeking out an official during halftimeorattheconclusionofacontest.

E. Demonstrateamasteryof,andcontinuinginterestin,coachingprinciplesandtechniquesthroughprofessionalimprovement.

F. Encourageandrespectforallathletesandtheirvalues.

G. Displaymodestyinvictoryandgraciousnessindefeat.

H. Promoteethicalrelationsamongcoaches.

I. Fulfillresponsibilitiestoprovideemergencyhealthproceduresandensureanenvironmentfreeofobvioussafety hazards.

J. Encouragethehigheststandardsofconductandscholasticachievementamongallathletes.

K. Seektoinculcategoodhealthhabits,includingtheestablishmentofsoundtrainingrules.

L. Strivetodevelopineachathletethequalitiesofleadership,initiative,andgoodjudgment.

M. Achieveathoroughunderstandingandacceptanceoftherulesofthegameandthestandardsofeligibility.

N. Any time a coach who does not hold a valid Oklahoma teaching certificate (lay or volunteer coach) is ejected from a contest for unsportsmanlikeconduct,includingbutnotlimitedtoarguingacall,languageorgesturesdirectedtowardagameofficial,heorshewill be required to complete the NFHS Teaching and Modeling Behavior course within seven (7) days of the ejection, the course can be found at NFHSLearn.com. Additionally, personnel not holding a valid Oklahoma teaching certificate must meet with a representative oftheOSSAApriortobeingreinstatedtocoachtheschoolteam. Aschooladministratorwillalsoberequiredtoattendthemeeting.

XIV.COMMUNICABLEDISEASES

Theproperhandlingofbodyfluidspillsshouldbeaconcernofteachers,coaches,officialsandstudent-athletes. Allconcerned individualsmustbeawarethatanytimethereisbloodand/orotherbodyfluidspresent,thereisthepossibilityofaninfectious diseasebeing transmitted. However, thispossibility can bereduced if precautionsareobserved. A complete listof protocols andprocedurescanbefoundontheSportsMedicinelinkofOSSAA.com.

XV. EMERGENCYACTIONPLAN

AnytimeamemberschoolishostingaplannedactivityataschoolfacilitytheremustbeanEmergencyActionPlaninplace.Theplanmust beshared with any visiting school. An Emergency Action Plan, orEAP, is aformal written plan,developed bythe host site, thatidentifies potentialemergencyconditionsattheeventsiteandprescribestheprocedurestobefollowedtominimizeorpreventlossoflifeandproperty.

XVI. NOISEMAKERS

Forindooractivities: Anytypeofdevicethatplaysmusic,sounds,orvoices,andnoisemakersofanykindsuchasairhorns, cow bells, etc. will not be allowed to function/operate. This will also apply to pre-game/contest and post-game contest activities. Thisruleappliestobothregularandpost-seasongames/contests.

Foroutdooractivities: Noisemakersareallowedatoutdooractivitiesunlesstheyinterruptthenormalgame/contestprocedure of announcers, bands, cheer squads, drill teams or any other game/contest related activities. The game officials have the authoritytostoptheuseofanynoisemakersordisruptionsthatinterruptthenormalgame/contestprocedures. Thisruleapplies tobothregularandpost-seasongamesorcontests.

XVII. HAZING

Hazing incidents have no place in the activity programs of our member schools. The OSSAA encourages each member school to develop procedurestoinformtheirstudentsthatthistypeofbehaviorisnotacceptableandshouldnotbetolerated.

XVIII. TAUNTING

Anyformoftauntingwhichisintendedordesignedto anger,bait,embarrass,ridicule,ordemeanothersissubject topenalty.

XIX. OFFSEASONTRY-OUTS

Only students in grades 8-11 attending school in the district for which the try-out is held may be permitted to participate in a try-out. Try-outsshouldonlybe conductedforthepurposeof theselection of a schoolteam andmaynotbeused forpractice time. Eachdayofthetry-outmay beup to2hoursin length. Nooff-seasontry-outwill be allowedformore thanthreedays, and all sessions of the try-out must conclude by 9 p.m. A record of all try-outs should be kept on file at the member school detailingthedates,timesandgradelevelofallparticipantsinthetryout. TheOSSAAreservestherighttorequesttheserecords from a member school. Exception: Cheerleading may conduct a clinic of no more than 4 days, each day of the try-out clinic maybeuptotwohoursinlength. Allstudentsparticipatinginthetryoutmustbeattendingschoolinthedistrictforwhichthe try-outisbeingheld.

SUMMERTIMEDEADPERIOD

The dead period will occur during the week in July that includes the 4th of July each year. The dead period will be nine (9) daysinlengthandbegintheweekendprecedingthe4thofJulyandtheweekendfollowingthe4thof July.

Secondary-level students enrolled or pre-enrolled at a member school may not use any member school’s athletic facilities during the dead period in connection with any athletic activity governed by the OSSAA. Member school coaches, assistant coachesand sponsorsmay not haveany contactwith secondary-levelenrolled or pre-enrolled students in thatmember school inanyathleticactivitygovernedbytheOSSAAforthepurposeofcoaching,training,orinstructing.

Summertimepolicies,includingbeginningandendofseasonrestrictions,canbefoundinOSSAA BoardPolicyXIinthe Administrator’sHandbook.

Violationsof the summertime deadperiodpolicywill resultin the coachorsponsorbeingsuspendedfromthefirst halfof the regular season in that athletic activity. School personnel notdesignated as a coach or sponsor in violation of the summertime deadperiodpolicywillresultintheheadcoachbeingsuspendedfromthefirsthalfoftheregularseasoninthatactivity.

SUMMERTIMEDEADPERIODQUESTIONSANDANSWERS

1. HowdoIknowwhenthedeadperiodbeginsandendseachyear?

Answer: Thedeadperiodwillbenine(9)daysinlengthandbegintheweekendprecedingorincludingthe4thofJuly andtheweekendfollowingthe4thofJuly.

2. DoestheSummertimeDeadPeriodPolicycovernon-athleticactivities?

Answer: No,theSummertimeDeadPeriodPolicyonlyappliestoathleticactivitiesthataregovernedbytheOSSAA.

3. CanacoachandaplayerhaveanycontactduringtheSummertimeDeadPeriod?

Answer: No,contactbetweencoaches,assistantcoachesandsponsorswithenrolledorpre-enrolledstudentsforthe purposeofcoaching,teaching,training,orinstructingisprohibited.

OSSAA

4. Canastudentparticipatewithoutthememberschoolcoachatmemberschoolfacilitiesinanathleticactivity duringtheSummertimeDeadPeriod?

Answer: No,schoolathleticfacilitiesmaynotbeusedbyenrolledorpre-enrolledstudentsduringthedeadperiodin connectionwithanyathleticactivitygovernedbytheOSSAA.

5. Canamemberschoolcoachusememberschoolfacilitiesto train,coachorinstructsecondary-levelstudents duringtheDeadPeriod?

Answer: No,thepolicyprohibitstheuseofmember schoolfacilitiesduringtheDeadPeriodfor thepurposeofcoaching,teaching,training,or instructing.Fieldmaintenanceisnotprohibitedbythepolicy.

6. DoestheSummertimeDeadPeriodPolicyprohibitparticipationinaNationalleveltournamentduringthe deadperiod?

Answer: No,thecoachandanyenrolledorpre-enrolledstudentswhohavequalifiedearlierinthesummer for anationalleveltournamentmayparticipateinthattournament.

XX.2023STATETENNISPLACEMENTSCLASS6A

XXI. 2023STATETENNISPLACEMENTSCLASS5A

XXII. 2023STATETENNISPLACEMENTSCLASS4A

GIRLS#2DOUBLES

BOYS#2DOUBLES