1. The Championship shall be competed for in accordance with the following regulations and with the rules of Lawn Tennis and the Regulations of The Lawn Tennis Association.
2. The Tournament shall be open to all Fathers & Sons (Open, 14&U & 10&U, see paragraph 5) and Mothers & Daughters (Open, 14&U & 10&U, see paragraph 5) in England, Scotland) and Wales. Step parents, step children, and parents with legally adopted children, are eligible to enter on the basis that their age gap is a natural one, i.e. not less than 20 years. Ex-professional players are eligible on the basis that they have not appeared on the ATP or WTA computer ranking list for the five years prior to the entry deadline. All entries will be accepted on these terms -- however, should the rules be found to have been abused, the entrants will be disqualified immediately.
3. The regional knockout matches (up to and including quarter finals) will be played on a postal basis. The final four pairs of each category will contest for the respective national titles at a venue and date to be decided. If any team qualifies for the National Finals but has to withdraw, a Lucky Loser will be invited to replace them.
4. A team will consist of a parent and child and the match will comprise of a parent/child doubles over the best of three tie break sets. A player may only play as one team in any event - i.e. a parent may not play with two or more children in the same event and the same pairing must play throughout the competition.
5. Children for 14&U must be born in 1996 or later; Children for 10&U must be born 2000 or later
6. The tie break will operate at 6 games all in all sets throughout the competition except for the 10&U events where short sets will be played.
7. If any player should be absent 30 minutes after the scheduled time for the start of play that match shall be forfeit.
8. It is the home team's responsibility to provide balls for the postal matches. Prince balls are recommended and Green Balls must be used for the 10&U events.
9. The dates by which all area round robin matches and each round of stage 2 must be played, shall be fixed by the Tournament Office. The responsibility for arranging a match shall devolve on the home team, but the opposing team must take steps to ensure that the match be played within the time limit. The home team should give their opponents at least three possible dates.
9a. Should the distances involved prove prohibitive for a visiting team, it is suggested that the home team select a neutral venue at the half-way stage in an attempt to ensure the match is played rather than accept a walkover.
10. Should play be interrupted by rain or bad weather, the result may be decided on the basis of sets or games won should the teams not be able to arrange another match within the time left for the match to be played.
11. Any matter relating to rules and regulations that cannot be decided by the opposing parents shall be referred to the Tournament Office (01491 612042) who, in consultation with the referee, will adjudicate. That decision is final.
12. The match may be played on any surface, the home team having the choice.
13. The parent of the winning team shall ensure the Tournament Office receives the result within 48 hours of completion of the match.
14. A Trophy will be awarded to the winning pairs, and prizes as organized.
16. Entries must be submitted on or before April 1st 2010 to:
Tournament Director, Family Championships
AMS
Cedar Lodge
Howe Road
Watlington
Oxon OX49 5ER
17. The event is supported by The Lawn Tennis Association and subject to the normal rules of tennis and competition rules outlined above. Competition sponsors have no responsibility for matters relating to play, adjudication or interpretation of the rules in the competition.