Cup Competitions - Rules

Please see the following: Handicap Chart

Using the Handicap Chart (Both divisions)

The following example is used in order to demonstrate each step to be taken:
PLAYER A: Base Handicap -12 v PLAYER X: Base Handicap +4.

STEP 1:
Using the left-hand line on the Grid (marked Lower Handicap), select the number corresponding to the lower Base Handicap - in our example -12.

STEP 2:
Work along this line until it meets the line corresponding to the higher Base Handicap - in our example 4.

STEP 3:
The number is shown to be 10.  This is the Starting Handicap of the player with the higher handicap - in our example PLAYER X.

STEP 4:
Write this handicap against the name of the player and use it in each set.  In our example, PLAYER X starts each set 10-0 up.


Calculating Doubles Handicaps (Currently needed only by Division 2 players in Wallace Cup matches)

BEFORE you start on Steps 1-4 above, calculate a Joint Base Handicap for each pair from their combined individual Base Handicaps:

e.g. PLAYER A (Base Handicap -12) plays with PLAYER B (Base Handicap +6)
Total: -6. HALVE this number to find the Joint Base Handicap = -3.

PLAYER X (Base Handicap +4) plays with PLAYER Y (Base Handicap +6)
Total: +10. HALVE this number to find the Joint Base Handicap = +5.

PLEASE NOTE that you must round UP for handicaps i.e.

-6.5 Joint Base Handicap = -6
+6.5 Joint Base Handicap = +7

NOW, using these Joint Base Handicaps for each pair, follow STEPS 1-4 above to find the Starting Handicap for the pair with the higher Joint Base Handicap.
In our example – PLAYERS A/B = -3 v PLAYERS X/Y = +5
Following the Grid-line for -3, the Starting Handicap is +7.
PLAYERS X/Y start each set 7-0 up.

Service

If a player has been given an odd number starting handicap e.g. a player is 3-0 up or 0-1 down then whoever serves first will only serve once in order to ensure an even number of points at this stage of the set.  The rest of the set continues as normal with two serves each.  Remember that a player wins the chance to choose who serves at the beginning of the match.

Change of Ends

In a deciding final set, players will change ends depending on when one of the players reaches a specific score as follows:

  • If a player starts on 0 points then they will change ends if this player reaches 10 points.
  • If a player starts on 1 or 2 points then they will change ends if this player reaches 11 points.
  • If a player starts on 3 or 4 points then they will change ends if this player reaches 12 points.
  • If a player starts on 5 or 6 points then they will change ends if this player reaches 13 points.
  • If a player starts on 7 or 8 points then they will change ends if this player reaches 14 points.
  • If a player starts on 9 or 10points then they will change ends if this player reaches 15 points.
  • If a player starts on 11 or 12 points then they will change ends if this player reaches 16 points.
  • If a player starts on 13 or 14 points then they will change ends if this player reaches 17 points.
  • If a player starts on 15 or 16 points then they will change ends if this player reaches 18 points.
  • If a player starts on 17 or 18 points then they will change ends if this player reaches 19 points.
  • If a player starts on 19 points then they will change ends if this player reaches 20 points.

Players will only change ends once during the final set.  Players must also note that in doubles the order of play is also changed.

Sudden death

If a handicap is in operation and the players reach 20-all, the set is won by the player who first reaches 21.

If no handicap is in operation, i.e. both players have the same Starting Handicap, the set is played out as normal with the winner being the player who gets two points ahead after 20-all (e.g. 22-10, 28-30 etc.).

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