Local League Play

Local League Play

• To maximize the value of the tennis experience leagues are set up based on the skill level of the players

– Beginners play beginners– Intermediates play intermediates– Advanced play advanced

• Skill level determined by NTRP– National Tennis Ratings Program– Computer ratings– Online player questionnaire

Relative Skill Level Difficulty by NTRP

Guidelines to the NTRP(National Tennis Rating Program)

2.5 This player is learning to judge where the ball is going although court coverage is

weak. Can sustain a short rally of slow pace with other players of the same ability.

3.0 This player is fairly consistent when hitting medium paced shots, but is not

comfortable with all strokes and lacks execution when trying for directional control, depth, or power. Most common doubles formation is one-up, one-back.

3.5 This player has achieved improved stroke dependability with directional control on

moderate shots, but still lacks depth and variety. This player exhibits more aggressive net play, has improved court coverage, and is developing teamwork in doubles.

4.0 This player has dependable strokes, including directional control and depth on both

forehand and backhand sides on moderate shots, plus the ability to use lobs, overheads, approach shots and volleys with some success. This player occasionally

forces errors when serving. Rallies may be lost due to impatience. Teamwork in doubles is evident.

4.5 This player has begun to master the use of power and spins and is beginning to

handle pace, has sound footwork, can control depth of shots, and is beginning to vary game plan according to opponents. This player can hit first serves with power and

accuracy and place the second serve. This player tends to over hit on difficult shots. Aggressive net play is common in doubles.

5.0 This player has good shot anticipation and frequently has an outstanding shot or attribute around which a game may be structured. This player can regularly hit

winners or force errors off of short balls and can put away volleys, can successfully execute lobs, drop shots, half volleys, overhead smashes, and has good depth and

spin on most 2nd serves.

5.5This player has developed power and/or consistency as a major weapon. This player can vary strategies and styles of play in a competitive situation and hits dependable

shots in a stress situation. Beginner…………………. .Advanced

Relative Difficulty by NTRP Skill Level

2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0

Distribution of Fort Worth Men and Women by NTRP Level

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0

Fort Worth Men

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5

Fort Worth Ladies

NTRP level distribution based on 2007 league data. Distribution is subject to variation from year to year.

Skill level follows normal distribution (bell-shaped curve) that increases and decreases with skill increasing level

Size of Spring Leagues by City

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

4000

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San

Ant

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Chr

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NE

TX

NO

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Lubb

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Val

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SE

TX

San

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Wic

hita

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2006 Spring League Size by City/AreaWomen's and Men's Numbers Combined

Running Local Leagues

The League Coordinator

League Play Through the YearFort Worth Example

For reference only. Dates are subject to change.

LegendRegistration slashed linesCompetition filled

LeagueSeniorSenior MixedSpring AdultMixedSuper SeniorFall AdultCombo

Sectionals

Nationals

Sep Oct Nov DecMay Jun Jul AugJan Feb Mar Apr

Action Items for Scheduling

• TennisLink– The web site used by the USTA to manage leagues (http://national.usta.com)

• Team Registration– Coordinator sets up league in TennisLink– Team numbers are assigned by TennisLink and distributed to captains by

coordinator– Players register themselves to TennisLink online rosters

• Facility Coordination and Match Scheduling– Coordinator obtains facility “black-out” dates from facility directors– Coordinator schedules matches based on facility availability and team

registration (using TennisLink registration module or by hand)– Communicate with facility directors number of courts required per level (and per

season if/as numbers change)– Coordinator sends schedules to facilities for match time assignment– Coordinator updates match times and dates in TennisLink and any other

scheduling system used (local league web sites)– Coordinator assembles schedules for team/facility distribution

• Captains’ meeting to inform about new rules and other league business

Local Playoffs

• Schedule local playoffs well in advance with the facility/facilities being used

• Arrange to have officials at local playoffs

• Arrange for league awards

• Determine which teams are eligible to compete in local playoffs per local rules and standings

• Determine which players are eligible to compete in local playoffs– Minimum 2 match qualification– Primary team commitment for players competing in multiple leagues

Other Coordinator Responsibilities

• Attend League Coordinator Workshop– Held once per year (usually in December)– Learn new rules– Brainstorming sessions / Share ideas– Coordinator input on Sectional/National issues– Network with other league coordinators and Texas Section Staff

• Work Qualifying or Sectional Championship Tournament(s)– At least one weekend per year– Good experience for running local playoffs– Network with other league coordinators and Texas Section Staff

• Handle weekly issues as they arise– Request for players– New players needing team placement help– Make up matches– Complaints/Conflicts

• Utilize Local Grievance and Appeals Committees– For making disciplinary decisions resulting from issues or misconduct– Utilize committees of 3 or more Tennis Professionals or trusted league players for each

committee

Teams and Players

• Advertise to grow your league– Tennis centers, schools (high schools and colleges), churches,

businesses, newspaper, league t-shirts, web sites– Get the word out

• Skill Level Determination for proper placement– Computer rating

• Obtained automatically after playing in two league matches• Final determination following Year-End recalculation

– Year-End ratings calculated from player match data plus data obtained from Local, Sectional and National Championship tournaments relative to each division

• Now valid for 3 years (2 years for 60+ age group)

– Self-rating (those without valid computer rating)• Players required to self-rate and fill out an online questionnaire at time of registration• Computer aided rating system based on Elite Player Guidelines designed by USTA• Appeals process available if needed

– Rating appeals available for short window of time following release of mid-year and year-end ratings.

– Medical appeal of ratings available at any time with proper documentation.

Elite Player GuidelinesCurrent & Former 7.0 6.5 6.0 5.5 5.0 4.5 4.0

World Class Players(top 400 in world)

CurrentAge 40

and underAge 41to 50

Age 51to 60

Age 61and over

Satellite, Futures, Circuit Players (over # 400 in world)

CurrentAge 35

and underAge 36 to 45

Age 46to 55

Age 56and over

Div. 1 Top 75 ranked college team player

Age 30 and under

Age 31to 40

Age 41 to 50

Age 51 to 60

Age 61 and over

Age 30 and under

Age 31to 45

Age 46to 55

Age 56 and over

Age 35and under

Age 36 and older

Supplement to the NTRP Guidelines

Div. 1 unranked college team or player; NAIA Div. 2 & 3 top ranked college team or player

NAIA Div. 2 & 3 unranked college team player (not much stronger than high school tennis); program with no scholarships; J unior College player; Former J uniors who had national (foreign or domestic) rankings but did not tour or play in college

The USTA League Tennis Committee has approved these guidelines as a tool for accurate self-rating and Self-rate NTRP Grievance decisions. These guidelines will be advertised to players and captains and will be considered fair warning to players and captains who commit or condone future self rating abuses. USA League Tennis Grievance Committees are authorized to suspend captains for condoning self rating abuses. Grievance committees have the authority to dismiss complaints or alter the application of these guidelines when they deem appropriate.

The USTA League Tennis Committee asks all players, captains, coordinators, tennis professionals and volunteers to join the campaign to maintain the integrity of the NTRP Rating System! Current college team rankings for Div 1, Div 2,Div 3,NAIA and Junior colleges may be found at www.itatennis.com. Click on tab at top of website titled "College Tennis Online" for individual player searches.

TennisLink (http://national.usta.com)

TennisLink: Player Registration

TennisLink: League Setup

TennisLink: League Setup

TennisLink: League Setup

TennisLink: League Scheduling

TennisLink: League Scheduling