Tennis: Individual Championships 2024-25

Acceptances and first match times for all competitions will be published on the relevant event tab, either Qualifiers or Main Draw Finals on the Tennis page of the BUCS website.  

Acceptances for the Individual Championships Main Draw can be viewed under 'Main Draw & Lucky Losers'. For those who are currently on the Lucky Loser List, you may be contacted in the run up to the event to offer you a space in Main Draw if one becomes available, however, this will be offered in order of priority as indicated by the list. Please reply promptly to either accept or decline your space, if you decline your space it will be offered to the next person on the Lucky Loser List.

For players accepted into regional qualifying, the draws will be made on the Thursday prior to each regional qualifying event and published along with first match times on the Tennis page of the BUCS website by Friday morning at the latest under ‘Draws & Match Times’. This is to ensure that, as much as possible, we maintain accurate seeding, while players from the same institutions are split throughout the draws, after any withdrawals are received. Match information will also be sent to the players’ registered email addresses for those with LTA Advantage Membership numbers*. 

* those with LTA Advantage Membership are encouraged to check the contact information on their LTA profile is correct to ensure event information is sent to the appropriate address. 

The 'Matches & Provisional Schedule' section will give an approximate guide to the schedule for each event but the precise times should be checked as released. Any player who has not reported in person within 15 minutes of their match being called by the Tournament Referee may be scratched from the competition.

Participation lists and first match times for the Individual Championship Finals & Wheelchair Championships National Finals will be published after the completion of the qualifying events. 

Implications of the LTA Transgender and Non-Binary Individuals Policy – Effective 1 January 2025

As per BUCS REG 4.3.1, if the National Governing body of the sport where the activity is taking place has a policy on transgender participation in sport this shall be followed.

On 1 January 2025, the LTA’s new Transgender and Non-Binary Individuals Policy came into effect. For the 2024-25 season, this has the following implications for the BUCS Tennis Championships:

• Individual Championships: The Singles, Doubles, Wheelchair Tennis Singles, and Wheelchair Tennis Doubles events are all Specified Competition. The Doubles event for 2024-25 took place before the new policy was in effect, but the new policy applies to the Singles, Wheelchair Tennis Singles, and Wheelchair Tennis Doubles events, with eligibility for these as per points 12–15 of the LTA Transgender and Non-Binary Individuals Policy.
• Team Championships: The Team Championships are Specified Competition. However, with these programmes having started for the 2024-25 season with the previous LTA Policy and Guidance on Trans People Playing Tennis in place at the time, individuals who were eligible for the ‘Women’s’ programme prior to 1 January 2025 shall remain eligible to compete in this programme until the end of the 2024-25 season and no individuals shall be permitted to compete in both the ‘Men’s’ and ‘Women’s’ programme this season.

For the 2025-26 season, the LTA’S new Transgender and Non-Binary Policy shall apply to all BUCS Tennis Championships.

On arrival, players should register with the Tournament Referee at the qualifying event venue. Any player who has not reported in person within 15 minutes of their match being called by the Tournament Referee may be scratched from the competition. 

All draws for the Individual Championships are conducted on a knockout basis. All matches throughout the competition will be the best of two tiebreak sets with a match tiebreak deciding third set.

The planned schedule for each event is as follows (subject to change): 

Midlands Qualifier          Men’s: Saturday 1^st & 2^nd round, Sunday 3^rd & 4^th rounds 

                                         Women’s: Saturday 1^st round, Sunday 2^nd & 3^rd rounds

Scotland Qualifier          Men’s: Saturday 1^st & 2^nd rounds, Sunday 3^rd & 4^th rounds

                                         Women’s: Saturday 1^st round, Sunday 2^nd & 3^rd rounds 

South East Qualifier       Men’s: Saturday 1^st & 2^nd round, Sunday 3^rd & 4^th rounds 

                                         Women’s: Sunday 1^st & 2^nd rounds

Northern Qualifier          Men’s: Saturday 1^st & 2^nd rounds, Sunday 3^rd round

                                         Women’s: Sunday 1^st & 2^nd rounds

Western Qualifier           Men’s: Saturday 1^st & 2^nd rounds, Sunday 3^rd round 

                                         Women’s: Sunday 1^st & 2^nd rounds  

National Finals               Friday: 1^st round 

                                         Saturday: 2^nd round & Quarter Finals 

                                         Sunday: Semi Final & Final 

Please see REG 7.9 for our withdrawal policy.

WITHDRAWALS – INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIPS REGIONAL QUALIFYING  

Any player unable to attend their regional qualifying event must inform Sophie Kitson (BUCS Tennis Programme Coordinator – [email protected]) as soon as possible, copying in their Athletic Union to ensure they are aware of the withdrawal.  

Any withdrawal later than the Monday prior to the relevant regional qualifying event must also be emailed to the relevant Tournament Referee (see table above) and Carl Baldwin: [email protected] (Event Director). Any withdrawal later than 09:00 am on the Friday prior to the relevant regional qualifying event must also be telephoned to the Tournament Referee (see table above).  

Withdrawals of entries offered a place (accepted) in the draw of a regional qualifying event are not eligible for a refund of their entry fee. This applies regardless of the reason for withdrawal. Reserves who withdraw before being offered a place will not be charged their entry fee but those who are offered a place and then withdraw or no show will be charged. 

Prior to the release of first match times, the Event Director may, where possible, also email the player directly using their LTA profile contact details to notify them of their acceptance to the draw. Therefore, those players with LTA Advantage Membership are strongly encouraged to check the contact information on their LTA profile is correct to ensure event information is sent to the appropriate address. In the rare case that a player is not registered for LTA, BUCS may attempt to contact the player’s Athletic Union directly. 

Players should not attend a qualifying event if they are not on the acceptance list or reserve list for that venue as they will not be permitted to play. 

WITHDRAWALS – MAIN DRAW FINALS 

Any player unable to attend must inform Sophie Kitson (BUCS Tennis Programme Coordinator – [email protected]) as soon as possible, copying in their Athletic Union to ensure they are aware of the withdrawal. 

Any withdrawal later than Tuesday 18 March 2025 must also be emailed to Ed Bradford (Tournament Referee – see contact table above) and Carl Baldwin: [email protected] (Event Director). Any withdrawal later than 16:00 pm on Thursday 20 March 2025 must also be telephoned to the Tournament Referee (see above table). Withdrawals from National Finals are not eligible for a refund on the entry fee.  

For the Main Draw Finals, there will be no ‘lucky losers’ accepted on the day. If numbers drop below full draws then eligible lucky losers from regional qualifying events may be accepted in advance of the event. Players not in the final draw will not be eligible to compete under any circumstances.  

FINES FOR WITHDRAWALS – INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIPS QUALIFYING 

• Withdrawal after 5pm on Friday the week prior to applicable qualifying event: £25  
• Withdrawal Wednesday after 3pm and Friday the week of the applicable qualifying event: £50 
• No shows on the day of the applicable qualifying event: £100

FINES FOR WITHDRAWALS – INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIPS MAIN DRAW FINALS 

• Withdrawal after 5pm Friday the week prior to event: £25 
• Withdrawal Wednesday after 3pm the week of event: £50
• No shows on the day: £100

Please note that you will still be charged the entry free. If you are injured you will need to provide a medical note to avoid the withdrawal fine as per REG 7.9.3. Competitors are requested to view the withdrawal terms for this event on the event webpage.

All venue specific information will be available here on the event page in the lead up to the event, please ensure you have checked this and whether there any parking restrictions etc. at the venue you are attending. These will be updated periodically with further information about each venue.

South Eastern Qualifier

There is parking available by the Tennis Centre, additionally, the school car park can be used next to the venue.

Midlands Qualifier

The Nottingham Trent University Tennis Centre Guide for Visitors can be viewed here. A map of campus can be viewed here.

Car parking is available free of charge on Clifton Campus (NG11 8NS). Access Campus via the Main Gate barrier, there is an intercom if there are any issues. Parking is the next right, next to the cricket pitch, then it is a short (2 minute) walk to the tennis centre.

Northern Qualifier

Free parking on site.

By Bus, the 22 takes you from Leeds City Centre to Headingley Campus.

By Train, Headingley Train Station is about a 30-45 minute walk away from Headingley Campus.

Scotland Qualifier

Information for getting to the university can be viewed here. Free parking is available on site, the car park locations can be viewed here.

Western Qualifier

Head to the main tennis centre reception area upon arrival, there is a coffee machine and vending machine (card only) inside alongside source catering who sell coffee and food at the weekend in the Pavilion. There are changing rooms inside the main tennis centre with showers and lockers, that can be used with a padlock. The operational team are first aid trained, so you can go to reception for ice and care should you need it.

The fire assembly point is based in the coaching bays in the main carpark.

Parking may be limited in the main car park and on street parking nearby may be required (parking is free on site and on street nearby).

Main Draw & Wheelchair Finals

Parking is available by the Tennis Centre, Weekdays are £4.20 all day and Weekends are £1.20 all day.

Please note: The M25 from junction 10 (Wisley) to 11 (A320 Chertsey) will be closed from 9pm Friday 21 March until 6am Monday 24 March. Please allow extra time for your journey, more information about the closure can be viewed here, M25 junction 10 - National Highways.

Selections for main draw, qualifying draws and reserve lists will be published by the end of January.

At least 8 players will be selected directly for main draw for each of the men’s and women’s singles. Further players may be chosen according to the overall balance of players’ standings and the number of qualifiers to come forward. The main draws will each be 32 players in total. In each qualifying group the number of qualifiers will try to balance similar players being seeded across all groups while also maximising the number of players who can participate in the event – more qualifiers from a group means more players can be accepted in the draw.

Criteria

Players will be ordered at the discretion of the referee and tournament director who will take into account all available information, including the following criteria:

Players within the same institution are ordered by nominated team order, other than in exceptional circumstances, since BUCS regulations require that nominations are in bone fide playing order.

(The exceptional circumstances could include a player achieving a World Ranking or other very strong results after the team order had been published.)

Selection criteria for individuals is a combination of: 

• Current ATP/WTA world ranking 
• WTN
• Previous world ranking (the higher the best rank)
• Current ITF ranking 
• Previous ITF or junior ITF ranking 
• Higher national ranking 
• Known results 
• Team order

Men’s & Women’s singles winner (as long as player registered with ITF as playing under GBR) to receive a qualifying wild card into a British M25/W35 event in 2025. Which event being at the discretion of the LTA Performance Team.

All institutions will be guaranteed at least one entry per event. Additional entries will be accepted, subject to entry numbers, in order of merit. Players should be entered by the university in order of merit.

To assist seeding and entry selection, players' entry information should include details of ATP/WTA/ITF Pro Tour/ITF Junior/Tennis Europe/significant home nation ranking, not local results. 

By entering the competition, the student is confirming that they are willing and able to compete.

There may be some form of catering at the venues, however this is not controlled by the competition organisers. It is up to individuals to assess their catering options at venues, and if necessary, ensure they come prepared with adequate food and drink for the day (drinking water will be readily available as standard at the venues).

All questions should be communicated by an institution’s Athletic Union or Student Union staff member to: 

Sophie Kitson

BUCS Tennis Programme Coordinator

Anyone wishing to take photos or video at this event must complete the BUCS Media Accreditation Form prior to the event. 

BUCS reserves the right to prohibit photography equipment being used at a BUCS event. BUCS reserves the right to request that the individual ceases to take photographs, deletes any images and, if considered necessary, leaves the venue.

The sustainability of our event matters to us and these are the positive steps we are taking to manage our environmental impact: 

• All staff and volunteers are encouraged to travel to the event via public transport 
• We have used local suppliers where possible 
• Event programmes are all online, minimising paper use
• We are beginning to track our carbon footprint across BUCS events to identify areas of improvement. 

How can you help at this event? Here’s some ideas:  

• Be self-sufficient by bringing your own refillable bottles and coffee cups to reduce waste
• Ensure you are disposing of waste correctly – Check around the venue for specific recycling and food waste bins
• Travel smarter – as a team on a minibus, cycle or use public transport
• Go paperless - use your phone for all event information

BUCS’ mission is to provide exceptional student sporting experiences that inspire, develop and unite. 

Critical to our success is our commitment to always providing safe, friendly and enjoyable environments for all participants. Whether competing, coaching, officiating, volunteering, working or spectating at these events, the welfare of all is critical to our mission.

To find out more or report a concern, please click here. 

The below disclaimer is applied to all BUCS Events. By participating in BUCS Events you agree to the below.

BUCS will make every reasonable effort to ensure its events are run in safe environments. It is the responsibility of all BUCS member institutions and their student-athletes to consider any known medical conditions before entering or competing in a BUCS event.

If you know or are aware of a medical condition that might interfere with you exercising or participating safely, please consult a medical professional before participating.

It is in the interests of all event competitors to inspect the conditions of the competition area and it is entirely your decision to take part.

Please ensure you are fully conversant with the rules of the event. By entering the competition, this acts as the agreement that neither the organisers nor their agents, officials, volunteers, landowners, sponsors or fellow competitors shall be liable in any way or in any circumstances for any damage or injury suffered by the individual in connection with this event.

All participants assume full responsibility for any and all injuries, losses and damages that are incurred while participating in BUCS events.

By participating in the BUCS event, you agree:

• to abide by the rules of the competition and any additional event instructions;
• that you are participating entirely at your own risk; that you will participate in a manner that is safe;
• that any personal event equipment you use will be in good working order and properly maintained;
• to abide by the rules of the site; to accept that you will be liable for any damage caused (knowingly or otherwise);
• to behave in a manner that befits a national sporting event, and any misbehaviour may result in disciplinary action.

As part of the entry process, we collect mobile phone numbers to use in case of last-minute event changes/cancellations and to pass out key information. 

During the event various filming, photography and broadcasting may take place. By your presence at this event you grant your permission for your likeness and voice to be included in pictures and / or on film, and their advertising without compensation or credit.