Practical Lawn-Tennis

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1893 Excerpt: ... VIII TOURNAMENTS To give a large tournament successfully requires considerable Management J L of experience and very careful Tournaments attention to details. It is usual to issue a circular, which is sent to all the principal clubs, newspapers, etc. It should give--ist. The time, place, and hours of play. It is well to begin a tournament as early in the week as possible, so as to allow for rain, etc. 2d. The number of events, with the number of sets to be played in each, and a distinct statement about advantage sets. 3d. To whom the entries must be made, when they close, and the amount of the entrance-fee. There is apt to be a good deal of trouble about closing the entries. There is an old sporting law which makes the post-mark of the letter containing the entry the date of the entry itself. In a large country this may lead to the reception of an entry long after the entries are closed and drawn. Yet by many it would be claimed that the entry was in time. The best way is to state that all entries must be received by such a person, at such a place, on or before such a time. It should be said that any substitution of one player for another or the admittance of any player not entered in time is wrong. When entrance-fees are sent by letter, it is best that a check should be sent. It is the safest way and is absolute proof that the fee has been paid. Mistakes as to entrance-fees are common, both on the part of the players and of the management, and payment by check is the surest way to prevent them. 4th. The number of prizes. In England it is customary to state their value; in America it is not. It is a good thing to arrange with the silver-smith that the winner can change his prize for anything of the same value in the shop. This saves a player from a large co...