WATA Grand Prix Junior Tennis Circuit

Sponsored by Fort Smith Athletic Club and 
Ennen Eye Center - Randy Ennen, M.D., Shane Laster, O.D.

"Team Tennis For Youth Event"

Grand Prix # 3 Feb 18^th  and Grand Prix # 5 April 1^st

What:  A series of four 1 day singles tournaments held to provide junior boys and girls ages 8 to 18 of all ability levels the opportunity to continue competitive singles play through the winter.   ADDED BONUS – There will be an end of season doubles tournament included for entrants in late spring.   However, you must play in at least two of the four singles events to be eligible. 

Cost:  A total entry fee of $25.00 covers all 5 tournaments.  Make check payable to WATA.  You may register online at www.watatennis.net or mail your entry form and money to WATA, 3303 South M St., Fort Smith, AR 72903.  You may also pay your entry at tournament check-in, but please register by the deadline.  USTA membership is required and registration is available by calling 1.800.990.8782 or online at www.usta.com. 

Dates:  Tournament dates – Feb. 18^th and April 1^st, which are all Saturdays.  The sites to be used for the tournaments are Fort Smith Athletic Club, Creekmore Park, and Hardscrabble.  Site will vary according to division level.  All play will be outdoors. 

Divisions:  Players will be grouped into divisions based on their ability levels as in Team Tennis for Youth: Australian – beginners, French – intermediate, Wimbledon – younger advanced, U.S. Open – older advanced.  Players will be assigned to a division based on age and previous experience with final determination at the discretion of the tournament committee. 

Format:  Australian and French Divisions will play an 8 game pro-set, regular scoring with a 12-point tiebreaker at 8 games all.  The scoring for Wimbledon and U.S. Open will be 2 out of 3 sets with a 3^rd set tie breaker.

Awards:  Players earn points based on performance, which accumulate to determine overall Grand Prix winners in each division at season’s end.  First, second and third place awards will be given for each division. 

Point Accumulation per Tournament Date:  Winner - 7pts, Finalist - 5 pts, Semi-finalist - 4 pts, Consolation Winner - 3pts, Consolation finalist - 2 pts. Special bonus points for doubles tournament.

Entry Deadlines:  Deadlines are 5:00 pm on Feb. 14^th and March 28^th.  You must fill out an entry form for each tournament date (see below).  To be eligible for the doubles tournament in the spring you must play in at least two of the four singles tournaments.  For your playing time and site go by Fort Smith Athletic Club or Creekmore Tennis Center 2 days before tournament, draws may possibly be available online.   

Contact Information:  Grand Prix Chairman – Shane Laster - ph. 479-646-8354