ITF

22 - Forfeiture of Choice of Ground on the next or subsequent occasions when the Nation is entitled to choice; - Relegation to a lower division of the Competition; - Disqualification for the current year and/or entry refused for future Competitions. (c) Artificial Lighting Play is allowed with artificial lighting in the open air after sunset or on covered courts provided there is a minimum of 500 lux per square metre (1,200 lux in the case of the World Group and Zone Group I), evenly distributed over the court surface, and practice facilities for both te ams with similar lighting are available. All measurements are to be taken one metre above the playing surface. In exceptional circumstances when play is on covered courts, this minimum may be reduced provided that the approval of the Davis Cup Committee is obtained. Applications must reach the ITF as soon as possible after the draw or the completion of the previous round and no later than the date fixed for submission of the completed Questionnaire for the Tie. (d) The Court The lines of a court, other than a grass court, may be marked either with paint or other similar substance, or tapes of linen or other similar material, or metal painted white. Grass courts should be marked with chalk. A court marked for doubles with a doubles net may be used for singles matches, provided that it is properly equipped with singles sticks. (e) Dimensions For all Ties in the World Group, there must be a space behind each baseline of not less than 8.23 metres (27 feet) and at the sides of not less than 4.57 metres (15 feet) unless otherwise approved by the ITF. For all Ties in the Zonal Competition, there shall be a space behind each baseline of not less than 6.40 metres (21 feet) and at the sides of not less than 3.66 metres (12 feet) unless otherwise approved by the ITF. Furthermore, for all Ties, the overall required court area must be rectangular in shape. Application to use a court that does not meet with the above requirements must reach the ITF as soon as possible after the Draw or the completion of the previous round and no later than the date fixed for submission of the completed Questionnaire for the Tie. The chairs of the Line Umpires may be placed at the back and the sides of the court within the above minimum distances provided they do not protrude into the area more than 0.914 metres (3 feet). (f) Preparation of Court From the date of arrival of the Referee and for the duration of the Tie nothing must be done to the surface of the court or court surrounds without his/her consent. (g) Court Covers The Home Nation must ensure that high quality court covers with the appropriate water drainage adequate for all clay and grass courts are provided in all outdoor Ties in the World Group. Such court covers must be available for use at least 8 days before the commencement of the Tie.

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