2020 JC Worldwide Finals Factsheet

27th April 2020

The International Tennis Club of the USA (USIC) is honored to be hosting the Rod Laver IC Junior Challenge World Finals at the beautiful and historic tennis venue, La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club, in sunny Southern California. Long time USIC member, Bill Kellogg, President of the host club has offered to serve as Tournament Director and has already assembled a large team to assist with preparations. We congratulate the IC’s of Argentina, Italy, Japan, Mexico and South Africa who assembled teams of outstanding young players who led their country to victory in the Regional Competitions to join the host team from the USA in the Finals.

Below is a preliminary term sheet outlining the key logistics for the event. A more comprehensive Competitor’s Briefing and Factsheet will follow in the weeks ahead as we determine whether the competition can proceed in view of the current shutdown of the tennis calendar and international travel due to the Coronavirus.

We are constantly monitoring the rules and regulations for tennis events that are being developed by State and local authorities in the US, governing associations from the US and International tennis communities, and the guidelines from Countries which are sending teams. The health and welfare of our Junior competitors will of course remain front and center as we arrive at a final decision to hold this prestigious Junior competition which has become one of the highlights of the IC Calendar.

Rod Laver IC Junior Challenge Worldwide Finals

Dates- Nov 8-14, 2020

Location- La Jolla, California

Host Club- La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club

Host Hotels-La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club and La Jolla Shores Hotel

Airports- San Diego International, San Diego, and John Wayne International, Irvine. We strongly recommend flying into San Diego as it is 15 minutes from the hotel. Teams flying into Los Angeles International face either an air shuttle from LA to San Diego or a 2-3+ hour drive, depending on traffic conditions.

Participating teams-Argentina, Italy, Japan, Mexico, South Africa, USA

Format and player eligibility- Two girls and two boys on each team with an adult captain/coach. Reserves will be covered in upcoming Competitors’ Briefing. Any player who played in the 2019 regional playoffs is eligible to play in the 2020 Worldwide Finals. Any substitute player who did not play in the 2019 playoffs must be 16 or under on 31st December 2020. Each team will play each other team in round robin played over 5 days and consisting of two boys and two girls singles, one boys and one girls doubles, and a mixed doubles tie-breaker if needed.

Court Surface- Medium speed Laykold Hard Courts- same as US Open

Transportation- to and from San Diego Airport and off campus events will be provided for players and their coaches. We will be addressing what transportation will be available for teams flying into Irvine or LA.

Accommodations -for the players and coaches will be at the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club and their meals will be taken care of as well.  Rooms will be set aside for friends and families at the two host hotels which are walking distance from the courts. More on the deadline to make reservations and cost in follow up e-mail. At this time we anticipate ample availability.

Tentative Schedule- Arrival Date and Captain’s Meeting Sunday, Nov 8; Practice Day, Monday, Nov 9: Opening Ceremony and first day of matches, Tuesday, Nov 10; Finals and Departure Date Saturday, Nov 14. Anticipate one round of matches each of the 5 days, Tues- Saturday.

Philanthropic Clinic- As is an important tradition for all Junior Challenge events, there will be a Philanthropic Clinic tentatively scheduled for Wed, Nov 11.

Full event activities- There will be special dinners, beach party, and in town events such as San Diego Zoo, Midway Aircraft Carrier, surfing and kayaking, Par 3  golf and other offsite activities all designed to give the players a taste of life in the US as well as time to make friends with their fellow competitors.

To Follow-In short order we will be providing a Competitors’ Briefing and Factsheet that will outline in further detail the rules of the competition, the level of Referees and courtside proctors, and other logistics relating to player health items, racquet stringing etc.  Additional contact information will be provided for making travel arrangements and address other issues related to the event

For now, send any questions to Don Tansey, Jdonald_tansey@ml.com. This contact will likely change as we get closer to our final decision on the event but please use it for now.

Again, we are delighted to be your hosts for this very special Junior competition and hope circumstances change that will allow participation by each of your teams under circumstances that insure a memorable experience for all.

Cheers!

Don Tansey

President

USIC