Rules
Although the Bracket of Death has a ridiculous name, it’s still a “real” tennis tournament, so most of the standard rules apply: Regular scoring, the lines are in, etc., etc.
Regular Scoring
As many deuces and/or ad ins and/or and outs as it takes. (Unless we get pressed for time and have to switch to a no-ad format, in which case I’ll let everyone know)
Play Let Serves
Play the lets. Additionally, there’s no penalty for calling a let. If you call a let – and you probably will the first few times it happens – you’ll just look a little silly as play goes on. Also, a let serve is playable by either player on the returning side, so both returning-side players need to be ready!
Match Format
Each match in the tournament is an 11-game pro-set (first to 11 by 2) with an 11-point Coman tiebreaker played at 10-10. Tiebreakers are first to 11 by 2, and will be scored 11-10.
Teams play three (3) 11-game pro-sets to get into the bracket. All teams will advance to the Round of 16, where seeding will be based on most games won and fewest games lost from the Round Robin stage. For example, a team with a record of 33-8 will be seeded higher than team with a record of 33-11. In case of a tie on both games won and games lost, the team from the lower-numbered division will be given the lower seed (e.g., Div 1 is lower than Div 2). All matches after the round robin stage are single elimination. You lose, you’re out.
Note: There are no breaks during the round-robin stage, other than between-match bathroom and/or water breaks, so don’t take off. If you bail, and your opponents are ready to play, your partner will just have to play solo until you return.
Use a new can of balls for each match
Let Cord Aces
Appropriately known as “ACES OF DEATH!”, they are both loved and loathed.
Late Player / No Show/ Injured Player
Also known as the “Don’t be late and don’t get hurt!” rule! Play starts at the scheduled time whether you and/or your partner are there or not. And remember, the BOD is a doubles tournament, so if you have to play solo, you have to cover the entire court. Remember, folks: Bracket. Of. Death.
Refunds
If you’re gonna cancel, cancel early. It’s a hassle to replace people, so please don’t register if you’re not sure you can play.
Having said that, refunds are possible, and if there’s time, I’ll issue a refund. But if you bail out after the drawing party… No refund. At that point, I’ve already ordered all the T-shirts, trophies, balls, etc., so just know that ahead of time.
Have Fun!
Although the BOD is competitive, it’s also supposed to be fun, so please, Don’t. Be. A Jackass. Win or lose, nobody is going to gain or lose any sponsors or ranking points at the BOD, so just have fun!