Men’s Nationals now by invite only

The draw was limited to 64 teams and all teams had to be invited to play by the APTA. Qualification was based upon team performance in at least three APTA ranking and/or sanctioned tournaments during the 1976/77 season. The guidelines were as follows:

A team will qualify to enter the National Championships if it achieves the following:

(a) Reaches the round of 32 twice or round of 16 once in a ranking tournament in which more than 60 teams compete.

(b) Reaches the round of 16 twice or quarterfinals once in a ranking tournament in which less than 60 teams compete.

(d) Reaches the semi-finals of a sanctioned tournament in which less than 60
teams compete.

(e) Is a finalist in the National 18 and under championships or in the National 21 and under championships.

(f) Is a finalist in the National 45 and over championships or the National 50 and
over championships.

(g) Is the Canadian or European champion.

(h) Has won the National Men’s Championship within past 5 years:

From the eligible pool of teams, in the event that more than 64 entries are received,
a system of preliminary rounds will be established, resulting in an initial field of 64 teams at the start of play Friday, March 11, 1977. This system will be the responsibility of the APTA Men’s Tournament Committee and the National Championship Tournament Committee.

In the event that less than 64 entries are received from the eligible pool of teams, the National Championship Tournament Committee will invite other teams to complete the draw, with invitations based upon performance.

Substitutions: If, in the event of injury or other reason a player who had qualified is
unable to appear, any request for substitution must be approved by the Tournament Chairman and APTA.

Exceptions and other matters: Policy on any item not covered above will be established solely by the Tournament Chairman and APTA.

Source: Paddle Talk, Vol. 2 No. 3 (February)