RVSL Rules
Tennis
Red, orange, and green low-compression balls and smaller courts so beginners rally from day one.
Team size & setup
| Stage / age | Court | Ball |
|---|---|---|
| Red, ages 8 & under | 36' court | Red foam / low-compression |
| Orange, ages 9 to 10 | 60' court | Orange (50% slower) |
| Green, ages 11 to 12 | Full court | Green dot (25% slower) |
| 13 & Up | Full court | Standard yellow |
Game format
| Item | 12 & Under | 13 & Up |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Singles and doubles rotations | Singles and doubles |
| Match play | Timed round-robin so everyone plays | Standard match play |
| Playing time | Every player competes each session | Every player competes each session |
How the game starts
- The server begins each point from behind the baseline, serving diagonally into the opposite service box.
- Points build to games, games to sets. Scoring runs 15, 30, 40, game (or short 1 to 2-3 to 4 for the youngest).
- Players (or doubles pairs) switch ends after odd-numbered games.
Flow of play
- A point continues until the ball bounces twice, lands out, or a player fails to return it into the court.
- The ball may bounce once before it is returned; volleys (no bounce) are legal except on the return of serve.
- Smaller courts and slower balls keep beginners in long, fun rallies instead of chasing aces.
Rules & etiquette
- A serve that clips the net and lands in is a let and is replayed.
- Players call the lines on their own side honestly, close calls go to the opponent.
- Respect and quiet during points; shake hands at the end. Unsportsmanlike conduct forfeits the point and, if repeated, the match.
Equipment
- Racquet sized to the player (19"-26" by age).
- Stage-appropriate ball color (above) so contact and timing develop correctly.
- Court shoes with non-marking soles.
What technique looks like
Ready position and split-step, clean groundstroke form, consistent serve toss and motion, and moving the feet to set up every shot.
Scored the RVSL way
Referees rate both teams on the five criteria: effort, technique, teamwork, fun, and sportsmanship.