CHH’s Invitational Pathway for Juniors

A privilege, not a right — and available only to juniors who can meet CHH’s standards.

CHH is proud to support the development of talented young tennis players in Canberra. We offer one of the only competitive match-play opportunities that is not UTR-rated, allowing juniors to gain valuable experience without the pressure of ratings or ranking.

However, CHH is not a juniors league.
It is an open, adult competition — a paid product built around reliability, communication, and a great experience for all players.

Because of this, junior participation in CHH is strictly controlled, by invitation only, and reserved for juniors who can meet the same standards of availability, maturity, behaviour, and communication expected of adults.

Why These Rules Exist

Over the past few years, CHH has become increasingly popular among High-Performance Juniors and their coaches. Despite multiple discussions with Tennis ACT, there are no plans for a flexible-schedule, non-UTR juniors league — leaving CHH as the sole provider of this unique experience.

We are proud to offer this pathway — but it has also brought challenges:

  • Juniors often have limited availability outside school hours.

  • High-performance schedules change at the last minute.

  • Junior vs Junior matches place a heavy administrative load.

  • Behavioural issues (from players and occasionally parents) can disrupt the harmony of the league.

  • Last-minute changes frequently inconvenience adult players who pay for a smooth, predictable competition.

Several seasons have come very close to the “final straw” moment, where the burden of junior participation threatened the adult competition. To protect the league for everyone, CHH has introduced firm limits and standards.

Junior Participation Is a Privilege — Not an Expectation

CHH exists for all players, not primarily for juniors.
Juniors are welcomed only if they enhance — not compromise — the league experience.

Before registering, juniors and parents should ask:

“Can we commit to the same expectations as adults?”
If the answer is no, CHH is not the right competition.

We understand the intense scheduling pressures on junior families (we’re parents too), but CHH cannot bend endlessly around late changes, limited windows, or emotional readiness on the day. The league must remain enjoyable for the entire playing group.

CHH Pathway for Juniors (Age 14 and Under)

1. Waiting List Registration

Juniors must first join the Junior Waiting List (free).
This ensures only suitable players are invited into active divisions.

2. Invitation System

Invitations are based on:

  • Availability

  • Past conduct in CHH

  • Skill level

  • Maturity and independence

  • Behaviour on and off the court

  • Ability to meet communication requirements

3. Junior Participation Limits

To maintain balance across divisions:

  • Div 1 & Div 2: Maximum 1 junior per group

  • Div 3: Maximum 2 juniors per group. Div3 Juniors will not play each other in the Round Robin phase

Expectations for Juniors in Open Divisions

To compete alongside adults, juniors must:

  • Compete at full effort with a positive, respectful attitude

  • Avoid sulking, withdrawing, or prolonged negative body language

  • Call scores loud and clear (Golden Rule #1)

  • Manage themselves independently — no coaching and no unnecessary sideline involvement

  • Communicate match times promptly, clearly, and reliably

If a junior consistently struggles with availability or behaviour, their invitation may be withdrawn for future seasons.

Expectations for Parents & Coaches

Parents/guardians play a huge role in keeping CHH enjoyable for all. Please:

  • Supervise your child at all times (see R&R 15)

  • Keep verbal encouragement minimal, positive, and infrequent

  • Reschedule or withdraw early if your child is not emotionally ready to play

  • Avoid sideline coaching, commentary, gestures, or reactions

  • Respect the adult opponent’s experience — this is their competition too

Expectations for Adult Opponents

Playing a high performance junior is a privilege and a responsibility. Adults are expected to:

  • Compete properly — juniors rely on your effort to develop

  • Avoid aggressive intensity, especially with large age/size gaps

  • Allow leniency for minor line-call errors

  • Avoid all possible confrontation, over perceived mistakes

  • Speak with the supervising parent/guardian if a junior becomes emotionally overwhelmed

  • End the match early if the welfare of the junior is compromised

Safeguarding Children

All players must follow Tennis Australia’s Safeguarding Children policy.
Adults should limit conversation with juniors to essential match matters unless a parent/guardian is present and has approved broader interaction.

Help Expand Junior Opportunities in Canberra

If you or your child has missed out, and believe Canberra needs more flexible, non-UTR match-play for juniors, we encourage you to contact Tennis ACT directly. Community demand is what drives new competitions.

Our Goal

To provide a supportive, competitive pathway for juniors without compromising the experience of adult players who form the heart of CHH.

By maintaining strong standards and clear expectations, we can preserve everything that has made CHH enjoyable for nearly 10 years — while still offering a select group of juniors the privilege of being part of this community.