Welcome players, Associations and institutions!

New season beckons us all and we, in the TTFI, have decided to begin it with a few more easy-to-adapt solutions to the problems of online entry system, following suggestions from various quarters last year to avoid confusions, if any.

As you know, the online system for State Associations and institutions, entering to participate in tournaments, was introduced last year. It was a success in the sense that 80 percent entrants did what they were asked to do, following the TTFI guidelines in the strictest terms, while 20 percent dilly-dallied with unconvincing reasons. In other words, we achieved an 80-20 success ratio. Not a bad beginning, I would say.

Of course, there were some teething problems, specifically for those who were not well-versed or computer savvy, because it was the system’s introductory year. As the days went by, every individual, state association and institution took a liking to the system and developed skills to enter through it. The best part about the system of online entry was that it gave some breathing space for the officials preparing the groupings, draws and schedule.

Yet they were made to work late into the evening to produce fair draws, groupings, etc. because confusion remained as there were repetitions, not knowing which players has entered in which other age categories and then pulling out from a particular age category when it came to paying the fee.

Also, most state associations bungled in clearly indicating those players who were the states’ top-ranked, in both team and individual events, to avail the fee concession. This had led to the removal of several names from a particular age category or incorporating other names, instead, at the last minute which forced the officials work on the draw/groupings again and again. Above all, services of an additional hand had to be requisitioned to certify the return of money to those players who had pulled out even after the draw was made. This was an added burden on the technical officials as well as those organizing the events.

From this season, no such thing will be entertained. As a foolproof method, we have introduced the age and fee columns against which the player(s) will be entered along with the prescribed fee. If a ranked player is entitled for fee concessions, the fee column should indicate the fee against the name. Others, who are not entitled to the concession, will have the normal fee entered against their names. And, under no circumstances, any leeway would be considered nor entertained.

Inter-Institutional TT

The prospectus for the Inter-Institutional championships, to be held at New Delhi, has already been issued—you can see it on the website—with all relevant details. The prospectus clearly indicates about the dates of the event (July 28-August 2, 2015), the closing online entry date (July 17, 2015) and the last date for change of nominations (July 22, 2015). Institutions are requested to strictly the follow the online entry guidelines.

South Zone TT

We have also issued the prospectus for the South Zone championships, to be held at Chennai between August 11 and 16, 2015, along with the events to be conducted. The final entry for the event closes at 12 noon on July 28, 2015 and change of nomination on August 4, 2015. All those players who are likely to participate in the South Zone championships should strictly follow the online entry guidelines and also make their rail/road/air bookings ahead of time.

Additionally, we are also uploading a list of nearby hotels, with approximate tariffs, in order to help players/parents book their accommodation well in advance.