Tournament & Event Rules
Please find our 2025 edition of the Tournament & Event Rules below. The various section headings in the contents listing are clickable, so that you can jump to your preferred section, and back up to the contents listing with ease.
Mission Statement
Every ASCoT Club since 1992 (ASCoT 1992) Tournament is founded on the guiding principle of “Tennis for Friendship.”
The tournament celebrates respectful, classy, and fair play both on and off the court.
Originating as a gentlemen’s tournament, since 2019, ASCoT 1992 is now also a ladies’ tournament.
This distinction is intentional and purposeful — to encourage graceful conduct, sporting integrity, and a refined environment throughout the event.
All participants, guests, and staff are expected to uphold these values at all times, and afford all other participants to enjoy their present and all future ASCoT 1992 Club experiences.
Purpose of this Document
The purpose of this document is to provide a clear, consistent, and comprehensive set of rules and expectations for all players, guests, and organisers participating in an ASCoT 1992 Tournament and its associated events.
Its aim is to ensure that everyone is on the same page from the outset.
It provides each participant with every opportunity to enjoy a rewarding, immersive, and memorable experience in line with the values of ASCoT 1992.
By putting these rules in place:
We are able to proactively manage risks, rather than being forced to respond to problems after they arise.
We minimise misunderstandings, set shared standards, and avoid ambiguity.
We reduce the chance of important matters being left to assumption, chance, or vague interpretation.
This document reflects the ASCoT 1992 commitment to:
Respect
Professionalism
Clarity
Friendship through Tennis
Fair Play in Tennis
Those who take the time to review this document in its entirety will be best positioned to benefit from the tournament experience — both in enjoyment and in confidence. They will also be in the strongest position should any disagreements or areas of debate arise. It is in everyone’s best interest to understand all aspects of this document before the tournament begins.
Preface
Opening Draw Ceremony
On the opening evening of the ASCoT 1992 Tournament, a live draw will take place in front of all players and attendees.
This draw will determine which teams will face one another in the initial stage of the tournament.
The draw marks the official start of ASCoT 1992, symbolizing the spirit of fair play, openness, and community.
Monte-Carlo Country Club Access & Facilities
The Monte-Carlo Country Club remains a fully functioning private club during the ASCoT 1992 Tournament.
All Monte-Carlo Country Club members and staff must always be treated with the utmost respect.
Certain designated areas, including the round tables in front of the club restaurant, are strictly reserved for Monte-Carlo Country Club members.
Non-members participating in the tournament must not occupy these restricted areas.
The Club opens at 8:00 a.m. daily and closes at 9:00 p.m. on weekdays.
All participants must exit the premises by 9:00 p.m.
Please Note: The summer schedule may change, and best efforts will be undertaken to communicate any changes prior to the start of tournament play.
The Club Bar typically opens at 9:00 a.m.
Best efforts may be made to open earlier for hydration needs, but this is not guaranteed and is at the Monte-Carlo Country Club's discretion.
No participant may help themselves to any food, drink, or property belonging to the Club.
All items must be accessed as a paying customer and only with explicit permission from Club staff.
Tournament Terminology & Structure – ASCoT 1992
To ensure consistency across all rules, communications, and event materials, the following terminology defines the official structural hierarchy of the ASCoT 1992 Tournament:
1. Tournament
The complete ASCoT 1992 competition, consisting of all scheduled encounters between registered teams.
2. Encounter
A competitive fixture between two teams.
Each team fields six players, forming three doubles pairings.
Each encounter consists of three matches, with one match assigned to each doubles pairing.
3. Match
A single doubles match between one pair from each team.
Each encounter includes three matches played simultaneously.
The outcome of a match is based on the total number of games won within the official time limit.
4. Game
A scoring segment within a match.
Games follow standard tennis scoring format (0, 15, 30, 40).
No-Advantage Rule Applies:
If the game reaches 40–40 (deuce), a single deciding point is played.
However, the non-serving team can select which player returns the deciding-serve of their opponent.
There is no requirement for a two-point margin.
The pair that wins more games within the allotted match time is declared the winner of the match.
The total number of games won can become a deciding factor in determining seeding for a semi-final round, so it is important for teams to accurately ensure correct scores are submitted after each encounter between two teams.
5. Point
The smallest unit of scoring in tennis.
Points are accumulated to win games.
The typical sequence of points within a game is: 0 (love), 15, 30, 40.
1. Team Composition
Teams may include more than six players in total.
However, for any encounter:
Only six players may be fielded to form three doubles pairs.
All players who participate in the tournament must have been formally registered prior to the tournament, having paid the full Tournament Participation Fee.
2. Encounter Format
Each encounter consists of three doubles matches, played concurrently.
Each match features a corresponding pair from each team.
The encounter ends when the 60-minute buzzer sounds.
3. Court Time & Encounter Timing
Teams must arrive on time and complete any warm-up before the encounter.
Teams are permitted a maximum of one hour on court to undertake and complete any given encounter.
A buzzer will sound 5 minutes prior to the scheduled completion of the on-court hour-of-play to enable teams to finish play, and players to leave the courts in a timely manner to enable the next teams to enter the court for their encounters.
It is important that teams keep a clear and agreed record of the number of games they have won.
At the buzzer:
Only the current point may be completed; the “buzzer point”
If the completion of the “buzzer point” concludes a game, then the match is over, unless the match is tied; then a special tie-break can be played.
If the “buzzer point” occurs during the middle of a game (already in progress), then that game may be completed.
If the conclusion of this final game results in a tied match, then a special tie-break can be played.
If the buzzer sounds prior to the start of service of any subsequent game, then the match is over, unless the match is tied; then a special tie-break can be played.
Special Tie-Break
If the match is tied after the above “buzzer point”, then a special tie-break may be played, which consists of:
Each player receives one opportunity to serve for a point.
The first serve (1st Special-Tie-Break Server) in the special tie-break is awarded to the player whose turn it would have been to naturally serve the next game.
The opportunity for the first return-of-serve in the special tie-break must also follow the existing natural order of play.
However, the side each point is played must alternate from one point to the next (right to left), except the 5th deciding point.
If after all four players have served for a point, a match remains tied, then a fifth and final deciding point can be played.
However, the final serve must be taken by the very player who undertook the first serve of the current special tie-break (The 1st Special-Tie-Break Server)
Furthermore, in the interest of fair play:
the choice of which player has the opportunity for the final return-of-serve in the special tie-break can be freely decided by the server’s opponent, hence it does not need to follow the existing order of play,
and the non-serving team can select to which side their opponent must serve to.
4. Pair Selection & Matchups
Teams must submit their three doubles pairs before each encounter, which could be ranked as:
Pair 1 – Strongest
Pair 2 – Next Most Capable after Pair 1
Pair 3 – Next Most Capable after Pair 2
Depending on the strategy they wish to employ, the Captains of each team will determine which pair they will field to face a respective pair from the opposing team.
In the interest of fair play, an opposing Captain can reject any proposal by their opponents to match a Pair 1 level partnership against a Pair 3 level partnership.
5. Scoring & Encounter Outcome
Only games won are counted; sets are not used.
The No-advantage rule is played; hence no advantages are played where a 2-point margin of victory is required.
Each match is decided in favour of the pair with more games won at the expiry of time, hence when the “buzzer” or other concluding instrument is sounded after 55 minutes of play.
The team that wins two or more matches wins the encounter.
Possible outcomes:
3–0 victory – The Winning Team is awarded 3 points
2–1 victory – The Winning Team is awarded 2 points and their opponent is awarded 1 point.
No draws are possible.
Ranking Determination
· In the determination of rankings, if two teams are tied, then the head-to-head winning team is awarded the higher position.
6. Substitutions
No substitutions are allowed once an encounter begins, even for injury.
If a player cannot continue, the match is forfeited.
Each player may only participate in one match per encounter.
Teams may rotate players between encounters only, but always respecting player levels and the interest of fair play.
7. Final Encounter Player Eligibility
In the final, teams may only field players who have played in at least one prior encounter.
No new players may be introduced solely for the final.
All players who participate in the final encounter must have been formally registered prior to the tournament, having paid the full Tournament Participation Fee. All persons playing in the final encounter should endeavour to arrive on Court Rainier III (Court A) 1o minutes prior to the final encounter for any team photographs and video.
8. Medical & Health Responsibility
A physiotherapist is expected to be available on-site.
Players are responsible for their own:
Hydration
Medications
Medical readiness
ASCoT 1992 and the Club accept no liability for any health matters.
In a serious emergency:
Notify any tournament or Club staff member
The emergency medical number in France/Monaco is 15 (dial 1 – 5)
9. Non-Tournament Court Access – Booking & Use
ASCoT 1992 participants who are staying at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort are permitted to book courts at the Monte-Carlo Country Club.
Access to non-tournament courts is only possible as follows:
1) First, paid for at the Monte-Carlo Country Club Reception (at the entrance) 1)
Reception Staff at the Monte-Carlo Country Cub will be provided with a list of those persons who have completed the 2025 Registration Form, as well as those persons who have yet to complete the 2025 Registration Form and could attempt unpermitted access to the Monte-Carlo Country Club. Please ensure you have completed your 2025 Registration Form prior to your arrival.
2) and then booked via the Court Booking Office above the terrace.
No court may be accessed or used without a valid booking, and hence your entry to the court is authorised by the booking office.
ASCoT 1992 negotiates a preferential rate for registered players, especially those staying at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort.
This preferential rate usually affords participants a 50% reduction in daily court fees.
Players are responsible for:
Making their own bookings
Respecting Club rules and court conditions
Adhering to the all white on-court dress code
Disclaimer:
ASCoT 1992 only reserves courts for official matches.
Any additional non-tournament court access is managed by the Monte-Carlo Country Club directly.
10. Respect for Monte-Carlo Country Club
This section covers respect for:
Access to the MCCC Premises
Property on the MCCC Premises
Staff working at the MCCC Premises
At various times, the Monte-Carlo Country Club will be referred to as ‘MCCC’ or ‘the Club’ is this section.
Respect for Access to MCCC Premises
The Monte-Carlo Country Club (the Club) is a private, members-only venue. Entry is a privilege, not a right, extended to ASCoT 1992 participants strictly on the basis of full compliance with tournament requirements — including completion of the 2025 Registration Form.
The 2025 Registration Form Is Simple and Reasonable
The 2025 Registration Form is short, logical, clearly worded, and takes only minutes to complete.
In return, participants receive access to:
Four to six days at one of the world’s most prestigious private venues
The full ASCoT 1992 tournament experience, under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II
Facilities, services, and hospitality shared with professional athletes, dignitaries, and senior club members
The request is entirely proportional to the access and privileges being offered. It is a basic, common-sense confirmation of identity, participation, and agreement to the rules.
This Is Not Unusual — It’s Common Practice
Across the world, it is standard procedure to complete a form or provide details before entering any private, semi-private, or secure venue, including:
Leisure clubs, spas, and gym facilities
Corporate buildings and gated offices
Secure hospitality and sporting venues
Any premises with a reception desk or controlled entry system
Completing such a form is both a legal requirement in many cases and an operational norm — nothing being asked here is unusual, excessive, or extreme.
Only Authorized, Registered, and Compliant Individuals May Enter
Authorization is at the sole discretion of the MCCC and can be revoked with or without explanation.
All participants must conduct themselves in a manner that is:
Respectful to all members, guests, staff, and VIPs
Discreet and non-intrusive, ensuring no disruption to the private use of the Club by others
Zero Tolerance for Defiance or Disruption
Any refusal, resistance, challenge, or disruptive behaviour regarding this simple request will result in:
A verbal or written warning, followed by
Immediate revocation of access, removal from the tournament and premises, and possible permanent restriction from ASCoT 1992 or related events
Any such individual will bear full responsibility for any consequences, including:
Loss of participation
Financial or reputational damage
Denied entry to venues
Loss of hotel or travel arrangements
The request is simple. The benefits are substantial. The standard is global. Any attempt to challenge it will be seen not as principled — but as petty, disruptive, and incompatible with the values of ASCoT 1992 and the Monte-Carlo Country Club.
Respect for Property on the MCCC Premises
The Monte-Carlo Country Club (the Club) is one of the most prestigious private sporting venues in the world. Participants are expected to respect all property, fixtures, fittings, furniture, and facilities.
No item of MCCC property is to be used for inappropriate purposes — including, but not limited to, drying sweat-soaked tennis garments.
Players must bring sufficient clean white tennis polo shirts, shorts, and other attire for their matches and training needs. Please visit Section 13 for details of the all white on-court dress code requirements described further down this page.
When a change of clothing is required, used garments must be stored discreetly in the player’s own bag and not left on chairs, benches, or other surfaces.
No clothing, towels, or personal items — particularly those that are damp, wet, or sweaty — should be visible around the Club’s public or private areas.
Any damage to MCCC property, whether intentional or through negligence, may result in disciplinary action, financial liability for repairs, and loss of event access.
Respect for MCCC Staff
Most importantly, all participants, guests, and accompanying persons must treat all Monte-Carlo Country Club (the Club) staff and management with courtesy, professionalism, and respect at all times.
Instructions from MCCC staff — whether operational, security-related, or event-specific — must be followed promptly and without argument.
Any behaviour deemed disrespectful, dismissive, or disruptive towards MCCC staff will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the premises.
Disrespect or misconduct may result in:
Disqualification from the next encounter
Disqualification from the entire tournament, as well as, overall revocation of tournament access or
Removal or barring from the Club
Once again, this applies to players, coaches, and guests.
Please remember: the staff are essential to the preparation and smooth running of the ASCoT 1992 tournament and are to be treated as valued partners in the event.
11. Overall Tournament Player Conduct
All players must show:
Punctuality
Respect
Sportsmanship
Any unsporting behaviour may lead to disqualification.
12. On-Court Conduct & Etiquette – “Tennis for Friendship”
ASCoT 1992’s motto is “Tennis for Friendship.”
Behaviour must reflect:
Fair play
Honour
Respect
Strictly prohibited:
Arguing
Foul language
Fighting or intimidation
Consequences may include:
Match awarded to non-offending party
Disqualification from the match
Disqualification from the tournament
Disqualification from future tournaments
Removal or barring from the Club
13. On-Court Dress Code –Monte-Carlo Country Club
On the tennis courts, all attire must be entirely white:
This includes all tops, shorts, skirts/skorts, socks, shoes
Small branding logos less than 2-by-2 inches are permitted.
Only white clay court shoes are allowed.
Non-compliance results in disqualification from the current encounter.
This all white on-court dress code requirement applies to all ASCoT 1992 tournament play and practice use of the Monte-Carlo Country Club’s clay courts.
14. Formal & Evening Attire – ASCoT 1992 Club Events
Occasions with Formal Attire Requirements
Formal and evening attire is strictly required at the following official ASCoT 1992 events:
The Opening Evening Captain’s Drinks at the Blue Gin Bar, Monte Carlo Bay Hotel
The Opening Draw & Drinks Reception at the Monte Carlo Country Club, held on the eve of the tournament.
The Closing Gala & Awards Dinner at the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel on the tournament’s final day
Gentlemen – Required Attire
A formal evening jacket, preferably dark blue in colour (mandatory)
A collared shirt
The official ASCoT 1992 tie, reflecting the participant’s membership level
The official ASCoT 1992 badge, which must be:
Affixed to the jacket pocket
Clearly visible at all times during formal events
Dress trousers and appropriate evening shoes
For new player participants, an official ASCoT 1992 Tie and Badge will be provided prior to the Opening Night events.
Ladies – Required Attire
Elegant cocktail or formal evening wear, appropriate for high-standard ASCoT events
The official ASCoT 1992 Ladies Scarf and Brooch, which:
Reflects the Lady’s membership level
Must be worn at all formal and evening events
It is up to each Lady to choose an outfit that complements the official ASCoT Ladies Scarf
Appropriate footwear and accessories should reflect the tone and refinement of the event
For new player participants, an official ASCoT 1992 Scarf and Brooch will be provided prior to the Opening Night events.
Consequences for Non-Adherence
Participants who fail to meet the formal dress code may:
Be excluded from official or group photographs
Visually disrupt the harmony of team, couple, or group images
Stand out inappropriately in the otherwise cohesive aesthetic of ASCoT 1992 events
Purpose of the Dress Code
To ensure that ASCoT 1992 events embody:
Elegance, unity, and visual harmony
The tradition of ASCoT as a ladies’ and gentlemen’s tournament
A respectful and photogenic environment for high-quality official photography
15. Photography, Videography & Image Use
General Permissions
No participant may photograph any other person at the Monte-Carlo Country Club or Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel without explicit consent.
Players may only:
Take photos of themselves for personal use
Post them only on personal social media for friends and family
Group photos require the consent of all people in the photo.
Strictly Prohibited
No photography or filming of:
Club staff or members
Hotel staff, guests, or residents
Anyone without permission
Privacy is paramount and must be respected.
Official Photography
ASCoT 1992 appoints an Ambassador of Images to oversee and/or take:
Official portraits
Group photos
General tournament photos
Professional lighting setups may be present at:
The Monte-Carlo Country Club
The Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel
Lighting Setup Restrictions
When setups are active:
No personal photos or selfies allowed nearby
No photography using personal devices
These setups are strictly for ASCoT 1992 use
Disturbance-Free and Fair Photography
These strict protocols are necessary to avoid wasted exposures and sub-optimal photography results which are unusable.
During official photography:
No jokes, comments, or interruptions are allowed from persons outside of the set.
Subjects must be free to pose without any distractions, especially without any disturbances or interference(s) from third parties who are not subjects of the photograph, hence not in the focus of the camera lens.
Violations may result in:
Deletion of the offending person’s photos
The entire photography session ending immediately for all participants; any photographer and the Ambassador of Images reserves the opportunity to exercise this right, without discussion or challenge.
Disqualification from future tournaments and events