Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association have taken steps to avoid a repeat of this year's controversy-hit Colonial Open at Pomander Gate when the tournament was threatened by a player boycott.

The event was jeopardised when organisers refused the singles entry of promising youngster Jevon Roberts, a Seventh Day Adventist whose religion prevents him from playing on Saturdays.

With Roberts expected to be seeded and finals day set for Saturday, June 16, organisers barred the player after he advised that he would not be available to play on that day.

That sparked a major row with several top players threatening to pull out.

It was eventually resolved with Roberts allowed to play in the doubles but not the singles, and sponsors Colonial offering to help with the player's overseas development.

But outgoing BLTA president David Lambert said yesterday that meetings had since taken place to ensure that such a situation never arose again.

And a directive had been sent to all BLTA member clubs outlining their responsibilities and their rights.

"There's really nothing new in the guidelines," said Lambert yesterday. "We just want to ensure that everybody works together. It's important that the clubs, the players, the organisers, the sponsors, all cooperate, that everybody knows where we're going.

"It's important to have well structured tournaments. Sponsors put up a lot of money and we have to ensure that these events run smoothly."

According to the BLTA directive, member clubs have the right:

To schedule their tournaments on the dates they desire, provided the dates are submitted to the BLTA to be coordinated with the request for dates from all the other member clubs to produce a calendar that is acceptable to all.

To reject the entry of any player who does not meet the eligibility requirement of the Tournament Committee; and

To reject the entry of any player who in the opinion of the Tournament Committee has time or scheduling problems to which the club cannot accede.

Players, according to the directive, have the right:

To enter any tournament provided he/she meets the eligibility requirements established by the Tournament Committee including availability requirements and provided he/she is a member in good standing with the BLTA.

To request an official in a non-officiated match.

To appeal to the Tournament Committee on defaults issued by the referee.

The players also have responsibility:

To be available to play at the times indicated on the availability section on their entry form.

To give their best effort at all times to win their matches and not withdraw from a tournament (whether during the course of a match or before the start of a match) except for illness, injury or personal emergency. Withdrawal by a player, depending on the circumstances may subject such player to disciplinary action.