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Player’s Handbook Find this document at www.ustasocal.com Revised 12/12/18

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Page 1: PLayers Handbook 2019 (1) - socaladulttennis.com · 2. Ensure all players have a current NTRP rating and USTA membership and are registered in TennisLink prior to participation. 3

Player’s Handbook

Find this document at www.ustasocal.com

Revised 12/12/18

Page 2: PLayers Handbook 2019 (1) - socaladulttennis.com · 2. Ensure all players have a current NTRP rating and USTA membership and are registered in TennisLink prior to participation. 3

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USTA Membership 3

Create a USTA Account 4

Self Rating 5

General & Experienced Player Guidelines 6

Area League Coordinators / Find a Team 7

Register for a Team 8

Register as a Captain 9

Tennislink Functions 10

Scorecard 11-12

Communication Center 13

Team Management Tool 14

Championship Progression 15

Major Regulation Changes 16

Regulations Summary Chart 17

NTRP Levels of Play for +Plus Players 18

NTRP Levels & Dynamic Disqualification 19

FAQ 20-21

Social Media/League Calendar link 22

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If you want to experience spirited competition, friendship, exercise and fun in a team sport that ensures play against opponents of similar ability through the use of the National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP), then this is the program for you! USTA/SCTA Leagues are designed to accommodate all recreational adult players 18 and over in most skill levels with hundreds of thousands of players competing nationwide in the USTA League. The following is needed in order to register and participate:

1) A current USTA # 2) A USTA Account in Tennislink 3) A current NTRP Rating 4) Team #

USTA MEMBERSHIP 1- 800-990-USTA (usta.com)

Monday - Friday 9 am - 9 pm (Eastern Time) Saturday 10 am - 6:30 pm

- Purchase a USTA membership (If you’ve had a membership, do not purchase a new one. You must renew) - Renew a USTA membership - Need email confirmation of the USTA membership purchased -Track down a misplaced USTA membership # - Replace a lost USTA membership card - Lost or forgotten password - Not receiving the subscription to Tennis Magazine As a member of the USTA, my membership dollars count. I help people play tennis, enjoy life, meet new friends and live a healthy lifestyle. My not-for-profit tennis association, USTA SoCal, uses 90% of its annual budget to directly support tennis programs in communities throughout Southern California. My membership dollars: · Help build and renovate public tennis courts · Support school tennis programs by providing equipment and training · Help ensure the next generation will play the lifetime sport of tennis

I invest in the life of my community to create a happier, healthier future!

USTA Membership

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*New Players must first create an Account by clicking on: Create a USTA Account

(By creating an account, players will access many functions)

Once logged in, your Welcome screen will display. It is from this page that you will access all the information needed as a player and all the functions necessary to manage a team as a captain.

A current email address and a Password is required to sign in.

Create a USTA Account

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What is a self-rating?

A self-rating is an entry rating level determined by the new player based on questions asked in the TennisLink registration process. Players with lapsed ratings will be given their most recent computer rating at the end of the self-rating process. All players must enter league tennis with a valid computer rating or self -rate using TennisLink. Players should register and self-rate themselves. If someone else registers/self-rates the player, they must know the players tennis history and other pertinent information in detail: **College and High School specifics and other competitive tennis (Club, Park and/or Tournament Play (any type). **Other sport competitive history. **Current plans of player to improve.

CAUTION - Withholding pertinent information when self-rating is an EGREGIOUS act and a violation of National Reg. 1.04E(4) (Player Agreement) and can lead to sanctions that may include suspension from USTA League Tennis for the captain, player and team.

START THE SELF-RATING PROCESS

1. You can either click on Self-Rate from the Welcome Page or from the registration page where it will prompt you to Self-Rate before completing the registration process.

2. Follow the steps and answer the questions. Based on the answers the system will assign a minimum rating. This may not be your true rating, because the system cannot evaluate your tennis experience. Only you know your true capability. (Review the General & Experienced Player Guidelines on the next page)

3. Pick your rating. **Is the minimum correct? If so, accept it. **Is the minimum too low? If so, pick the rating that is appropriate. **Is the minimum higher than you feel is appropriate? If so, you can IMMEDIATELY APPEAL it by clicking on the Appeal Button. You have the ability to express why you feel a different (lower) rating is warranted. The review of appeals may take 1-3 weeks.

4. Once your appropriate self-rate is accepted, you can start or complete the registration process.

Self Rating

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Contact your Area League Coordinator (ALC) to help you find a team and get a Team # by supplying the following information:

Name /Computer NTRP Rating or a Self-Rating /USTA# /Division and Age Group

AREA ALC

*Bakersfield: Beth Kuney (661) 331-9315 [email protected] http://socaladulttennis.com/alcsites/bakersfield

*Beach Cities: Gayle Hollenbaugh (H/F) (310) 514-9099 [email protected] http://socaladulttennis.com/alcsites/beachcities *Central Coast: Mari Taylor (949) 945-3161 [email protected] http://socaladulttennis.com/alcsites/centralcoast *Coachella Vly: Donna Ringer (760) 835-0740 [email protected] www.coachellavalleyleaguetennis.com

*Inland Empire: Amy Ellison (909) 886-5060 [email protected] www.ietennis.com *Los Angeles: Debbie Halim (310) 880-7260 / Michelle Kramer (818) 425-0376 [email protected] www.laleaguecoordinator.com *Orange Cnty: Heidi Stryker (714) 955-2726 [email protected] www.orangecountyusta.com *San Diego/SDNC: Randie Lettington (619) 251-0103 [email protected] Www.sandiegotennis.com/leagues *San Fernando Vlly: Lisa Gillette-Glick (818) 231-1390 [email protected] www.justplayusta.com *San Gabriel Vly: Jim Wong (626) 6274677 [email protected] Christine Wong (909) 910-3313, [email protected] http://socaladulttennis.com/alcsites/sgv Santa Barbara: Jill Roberts (805) 896-2047 [email protected] Ventura: Bob/Betty Isenberg (805) 480-0677 [email protected] http://socaladulttennis.com/alcsites/ventura

MATCHLINE “Matchline” is a direct line of communication to the section office that offers additional assistance in finding a team by working alongside the ALC’s. Contact Mary Gastro at the SCTA office (310) 208-3838 or email at: [email protected]

Area League Coordinators / Find a Team

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1. Click on: Register for a team

3. Complete the registration process: You will need a credit card.

Local league registration fee per player is: $30

(USTA SoCal League fee is $27+ a Tennislink processing fee of $3)

2. Enter the information required: USTA#, Team#, Phone# and Email.

If there is no current computer NTRP rating or self-rate in the system, it will prompt you to go through the self-rating process before completing registration.

Register for a Team

____

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1. Log into your USTA account and click on: Register for a team.

**Do not click the “Captain’s Box” ** Your ALC will move you to your designated team

**If you are a player and mistakenly registered under the “Captain’s Team #”, you will need to re-register under the appropriate Team #.** (The $3 Tennislink processing fee in NON-REFUNDABLE)

2. Enter the information required:

USTA#, Captain’s Team#, Ph# and Email

3. Complete the registration process: (The USTA SoCal League fee of $27 is “waived” for one captain per team)

The captain’s # given to you has been setup to only charge the automatic (non-refundable) tennislink processing fee of $3 as a

THANK YOU FOR BEING A CAPTAIN! Captains who attend the Captains Meetings receive a gift as well!

CAPTAINS are accountable for upholding National Regulation # 1.04E(4) Player Agreement. All players participating in the USTA/SCTA League, as a condition of said participation, agree to abide and be bound by the: *USTA Constitution and Bylaws *USTA LEAGUE REGULATIONS *FRIEND AT COURT – The USTA Handbook of Tennis Rules and Regulations including THE CODE and Wheelchair Rules of Tennis (unless modified by the USTA LEAGUE REGULATIONS); Standards of good conduct, fair play and good sportsmanship. RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Attend the Captains Meetings, if offered. 2. Ensure all players have a current NTRP rating and USTA membership and are registered in TennisLink prior to participation. 3. Recruit enough players and alternates necessary to field a complete team for every match. 4. Ensure that all players meet the eligibility requirements for the team. This includes confirming ratings and monitoring self-rated play-

ers. If you find or believe a player is playing out of level, you MUST contact the NTRP Coordinator immediately. The USTA may take action against a captain and/or others found to condone, assist or ignore an improperly rated player on his or her team.

5. Make sure all players are committed to playing on the team. (No refunds available) 6. Communicate with your players regarding: accurate rule interpretations, scheduled matches, court fees, who brings balls and/or snacks

and team practices. 7. Print a Blank Scorecard for each match number, fill in your line-up and exchange it with the opposing captain before the start of each

match. Line defaults must be communicated to the opposing captain prior to the exchange of the line-ups. 8. Report, confirm or dispute scores in TennisLink within 48 hrs after the match. 9. If there is doubt of a match time, scheduling question or a rule interpretation, please contact your ALC. 10. Organize all materials necessary for the team’s participation at the championship level. a) Confirm the eligibility of each of your players- each player must have played twice. b) Confirm each player’s rating, and you should review the TennisLink roster to verify your player’s NTRP Rating eligibility. c) Confirm that each player's USTA membership is active through the Championship end date. d) Pay the Championship entry fee. e) Inform all players that they must bring a photo ID to the Championship event.

REGISTER as a CAPTAIN

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Listed below are some of the essential functions that may be accessed from the Welcome Page screen

Stats & Standings · Locate specific information on

a player, team or match

Find NTRP Rating Info Use this option to find the NTRP rating of a player

My Quick Links Provides several options such as Team Management

My Teams Lists all the teams you are playing on and/or captaining. Click on your team name to display additional Team Information.

These Tabs allow you to access: · Match Summary: Lists all of the team’s matches and the results. By clicking on a match #, you can print a Blank Scorecard. · Match Schedule: Lists team matches including captains’ phone #’s. · Player Roster: Lists the players on the team and all their information. By clicking on a player name, you can view details of their match results. · Captain’s Report: Lists email information of all the captains in the flight. (Captain's Report and personal info on other tabs are only available to captains)

Tennislink Functions

Team Information The Team page displays team name, facility, captain’s info and flight details. It is divided into 3 sections: 1) Team Summary: Lists all the teams in the

flight and their standings. 2) Team Matches: Lists matches and their

results. By clicking on an unplayed match date, you can print a Blank Scorecard.

3) Players: Lists the players on the team and their ratings.

Manage Account Update Personal Information such as email & phone#

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The scorecard provides your team match Home and Visiting team information and spaces to write in players’ names and scores. At the bottom of the scorecard is the current roster for both teams. All players must be registered in Tennislink in order to play on the team. If a player played a match without being registered on the team, the individual match will be disqualified and the win will go to their opponents. Both captains need to exchange line-ups at the same time. Captains must reveal any known line defaults prior to line-up exchange, othwise, the captain receiving the default can adjust their line-up. Once line-ups are exchanged, no changes may be made. (Please refer to the regulations regarding player substitutions)

CAUTION USTA SoCal will not tolerate the unethical and unsportsmanlike behavior of falsifying matches and/or reporting scores in TennisLink that were never played. Sanctions may include:

· Prohibiting the entire team from advancing. · Players and/or Captains suspended from all USTA League play.

Please govern yourselves accordingly!

Reporting Scores Captain must input final scores within 48 hours of play. Either captain can enter, confirm or dispute the score, but the winning captain is ultimately responsible in making sure the score is entered in Tennislink. See sample of score entry on the next page. From the Welcome page, click on Enter Scores. Enter the Match Id# and click on Next.

SCORECARD

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Very Important!! Report the scores as each individual line was won! Example: Your team wins 4 of 5 lines. Your team lost the #1 singles match, you would not report the score as 4-6, 4-6. You would report it as 6-4, 6-4 and the select the winning team by clicking the Winner button.

* If your league is using a Match tiebreaking lieu of a third set, report the 3rd set as 1-0 for the winning team.

* If the match was completed, select Completed.

* If match was started & a player had to quit due to injury/sickness, enter ex-actly what the score was when play stopped, then select Retired.

* If a team has to forfeit a line, select Default.

* Once you report the score, the other captain will either “confirm” the score or have a chance to “dispute” the score within 48 hours. Once the match is entered and confirmed, your division standings will be updated immediately. If the score is disputed, the captain will be notified.

Both captains should always sign each other’s scorecards after each team match to ensure that scores are accurate.

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Team Management Tool

TennisLink provides the Team Management Tool to enhance the USTA/SCTA League experience by assisting Captains and Players in

managing their league seasons. In order to open this line of communication, players must enter their contact information and

subscribe in the communication center during registration.

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Enter and see information in Team Management (Team Management Tool is best used on a desktop computer— not tablet or smart

phone.

1. Once you have registered on a team, go to your Welcome Page and click on Team Management to enter your availability and preferences.

Captains can…

• Build lineups

– Match – Practice

• View & update player

availability

• View player preferences

& statistics

• Create match

announcements

Players can… • View published lineups – Match – Practice • View & update their availability • Update their preferences and view statistics • See announcements

2. Choose the team you want to update under “Availability” and click on GO

3. Once on the team you want to update, click the

“Edit Availability” button

4. Update each match scheduled

From this screen you would indicate whether you are available, unavail-able, maybe or an alternate for each lineup as appropriate.

Scroll down and click on Update Availability

Team Management Tool

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Championship Progression

Sectional Championships: Local League Winners will advance to Sectionals. Players must have a minimum of two matches played (one default received counts as a match). SCTA Adult 65 & Over (Submit “Waiver” requests to the section for approval to advance directly to Sectionals when no local league play is available. The two match minimum will be “waived”, if approved) The champion at USTA Sectionals will advance to Nationals. The champion at SCTA Sectionals may advance to an

Invitational.

Sectional Championship Team fees: $100 for all 3-line formats and $150 for all 5-line formats. The following will be provided: 1) Championship Gift; 2) Champion & Finalist Awards; 3) Customized Bag Tag for the winners; 4) Lunch

Maximum of 16 gifts/awards per team for 5-line formats Maximum of 12 gifts/awards per team for 3-line formats

The minimum number of team members required for all 5-line formats is (8) The minimum number of team members required for all 3-line formats is (6)

Exception: SCTA Doubles Open level is (5) National Championships: Sectional Winners from the following Divisions/Age Groups will advance to the National Championships:

USTA Adult 18 & Over USTA Adult 40 & Over USTA Adult 55 & Over MxD 18 & Over MxD 40 & Over

Invitationals: SCTA Trilevel 4.5-3.5 Sectional Champions may advance to the BNP Invitational in March of the following year in Indian

Wells , if it is offered. There are no match minimum requirements. All players must have a computer NTRP rating to be eligible to participate.

SCTA Adult 65 & Over Sectional Champions may advance to an Invitational in January of the following year in Surprise, AZ, if it is offered. Submit “Waiver” requests to the Section office to advance directly to the Invitational when no sectional play is available. The section will forward it to the Tournament Director for approval. Players must have a minimum of two matches played (one default received counts as a match) when there is local and/or sectional play.

SCTA Doubles is a Section league—no advancement. Exception: Open Sectional Champions may advance to the Open Invitational in September in Las Vegas, if it is offered. There are no match minimum requirements. If the winning team at any NTRP level of competition is unable to compete further, then the second place team may be asked to take their spot.

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GO TO WWW.USTASOCAL.COM FOR COMPLETE USTA/SCTA LEAGUE REGULATIONS

2019 USTA LEAGUE REGULATIONS (ULR) - MAJOR CHANGES

1) 1.04B(5) Sections may have a USTA Certified Referee or Umpire on the Championship Committee at Sectional and lower level championship events. 2) 2.05E Automatic appeals by 60 and 65 & Over players will be granted unless the player’s year-end rating exceeds the clearly above level mark. Players whose appeals are granted will continue to receive A ratings and be subject to Dynamic Disqualification. 3) Local Playoff Glossary Definition is removed; Local Playoffs are championships, and are no longer part of the local season.

2019 SCTA LEAGUE REGULATIONS (SLR) - MAJOR CHANGES

1) It is suggested that players be offered the opportunity to play at least two matches. (Pg 3)

2) The Section League Registration fee is $27.00 plus a $3.00 non-refundable TennisLink user fee per player per team. (Pg 3)

3) (Both captains are responsible to report/confirm the score). (Pg 4) 4) All local league matches are considered timed matches and if a match cannot be completed within that allotted time, the Timed Match Procedure must be followed. (Exception: When a match is rescheduled due to unplayable conditions). (Pg7) (See Time Match Procedure) 5) Team Line-Ups: Prior to exchanging line-ups, captains need to communicate with each other if their player(s) is not present at match time, in which case, they will place the missing player(s) on the appropriate line(s) by following the Procedure for Individual Defaults. This allows the opposing captain to make adjustments prior to exchanging line-ups. Players are allowed to register up to prior to default time or prior to the local registration deadline, whichever comes first. (Pg 7) 6) 3) Flight standings in the event of a Tie: ULR 2.03H will be followed. If there is a Tie across the board, TennisLink automatically grants the win to the visiting team. (pg 8) 7) Procedure for Individual defaults: 6 players – Default #3Doubles or #1&#2Singles (If captains do not agree, #3D will be defaulted. (pg 8)

8) See your LLR for default times & penalties. (pg9) 9) Reschedule Policy: o A rescheduled date and time must be agreed upon within one week of the original match date, otherwise, it will be

recorded as a Team Default against the team that asked for a reschedule. o A rescheduled match must be played before the end of the local league season or before a local flight playoff

(whichever comes first), otherwise, it will be recorded as a Team Default against the team that asked for a reschedule.

(pg9) 10) Penalties are carried over when matches need to be rescheduled again. (Pg 9)

11) When a league season cannot be completed, the local league champion will be determined by actual matches played by all teams or by another method determined by the ALC in consultation with the SLC. (Pg 9) 12) Local League Winners will go directly to Sectionals. (Pg 10) 13) Competition Format: In multiple flights, teams will be randomly drawn. (pg 11)

MAJOR REGULATION CHANGES

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Regulation Summary Chart

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Allows the 5.0 Plus (+) NTRP level team rosters to include up to two (2) players from the 5.5 NTRP level.

Allows only one (1) Plus (+) player to compete in a team match.

Requires the Plus (+) player to play in the #1 position, either Singles or Doubles.

The Plus (+) players are considered part of the 5.0 Plus (+) given NTRP level of the team when applying the 50% at level rule.

Allows the 4.5 Plus (+) NTRP level team rosters to include up to three (3) players from the 5.0 NTRP level. Allows two (2) Plus (+) players to compete in a team match when the Plus(+) NTRP level utilizes five individual positions within a team match. Requires the Plus (+) players to play in the #1 position, either (a) both in the #1 doubles position or (b) one player in the #1 Singles position and one player in the #1 Doubles position.

-OR-

Allows one (1) Plus (+) player to compete in a team match when the Plus(+) NTRP level utilizes three individual positions within a team match. Requires the Plus(+) player to play in the #1 position, either Singles or Doubles.

The Plus (+) players are considered part of the 4.5 Plus (+) given NTRP level of the team when applying the 50% at level rule.

(3) 5.0 players allowed on roster (2) 5.0 players allowed in a team match

NTRP Levels of Play for +Plus Players

NTRP LEVELS OF PLAY

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NTRP Rating Levels & Ranges We do not publish or disclose ratings in tenths or hundredths.

Below is the range for all NTRP levels.

The NTRP system identifies general levels of ability, but an individual will be rated within those levels at 50 different hundredths of a point.

A 3.5 player, for example, can fall anywhere between a 3.01 and a 3.50. A typical match result for a player with a 3.01 rating versus a 3.49 player, both of whom are 3.5s, would be 6-0,6-0 in favor of the higher rated player.

2.50 & below = 2.5

2.51 – 3.00 = 3.0

3.01 – 3.50 = 3.5

3.51 – 4.00 = 4.0

4.51 – 5.00 = 4.5

5.01 – 5.50 = 5.5

NTRP DYNAMIC DISQUALIFICATION Each NTRP Level is followed by a letter indicating the type of rating.

The following identifies who can and cannot be NTRP dynamically disqualified.

Who cannot be NTRP dynamically disqualified? NTRP Level followed by the letter below:

C Computer Rated Players * M Mixed Exclusive Players ** T Tournament Players **

Exception: ** Year-end (M) and (T) rated players are required to self-rate to enter the Adult Division. In doing so, they automatically become (S) rated players and therefore become subject to NTRP dynamic disqualification.

Who can be NTRP dynamically disqualified? Participants in Adult Divisions:

NTRP Level followed by the following letter:

A Appealed – all granted appeals including Medical and Promoted Players

S Self-rated Players

D Dynamic or NTRP Grievance Disqualified Players Players participating in the Adult Division who are promoted as a result of NTRP dynamic disqualification will be

immediately required to participate at their new NTRP level in all USTA League Programs.

NTRP Levels & Ranges/Dynamic Disqualification

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1. What is NTRP? National Tennis Rating Program is a classification system that was developed to identify and describe the general characteristics of thirteen levels of tennis-playing ability.

2. What is a self-rating? A self-rating is an entry rating level determined by the new player based on questions asked in the TennisLink registration process. All players must enter league tennis with a valid computer rating or self rate using TennisLink.

3. What is a Dynamic rating? A dynamic rating is the result of your current match averaged with up to three of your most recent dynamic results generated. A dynamic rating is calculated after each match. A dynamic rating may change with each match played.

4. What is a year-end rating? A year-end rating is a NTRP level assigned at conclusion of the league championship year that reflects level of ability. A player’s year-end rating shall be used to enter leagues during the following year and will be valid for up to three years or until another rating is generated.

5. When are dynamic ratings calculated? Dynamic ratings for local play are calculated nightly for the Adult 18 & Over, 40 & Over and 55 & Over Age Groups. During championships, dynamic ratings are run instantly as match results are entered.

6. Is there a difference between a dynamic rating and a year-end rating? Yes. - Dynamic ratings are not disclosed to players, whereas year-end ratings are published annually at NTRP levels. - Dynamic ratings are expressed to the one-hundredth of a point, whereas year-end ratings are expressed to the one-half point.

- Dynamic ratings are calculated regularly and based on an average of the current match plus the previous three dynamic ratings, whereas year-end ratings are based on a combination of one’s cumulative dynamic rating during the season.

7. Can my rating level change during the championship year? Yes, for self-rated players:

- If you receive the 3rd strike and are dynamically disqualified at your present level.

- If a NTRP Grievance is upheld and your level is raised.

8. How does a mixed exclusive player get a rating? Year-end ratings are based on the final dynamic rating generated from local league and championship level competition. This Mixed Exclusive year-end rating will be used as the NTRP start level for the following years Mixed Doubles division.

9. Can I use my mixed exclusive rating to play in other divisions? A Mixed Exclusive player must self-rate in order to join the Adult 18 & Over, 40 & Over, and 55 & Over Age Groups. A mixed exclusive rating is a minimum NTRP start level only and is subject to an NTRP grievance.

10. Do USTA NTRP sanctioned tournaments count in the dynamic rating system? Yes, USTA SoCal includes tournament results entered

in TDM for year-end calculations.

11. How can I appeal my rating? - On-line automated appeals can be done when “Registering for a team” or when you log in to your USTA account in TennisLink. - Who Can Appeal? (1) Computer rated players (2) Mixed Exclusive players (3) Self-rated players - Medical Appeals must be referred/heard by the NTRP Committee. - For further information, visit our website at www.socaladulttennis.com

12. When and how do I get a self-rating? If you do not have a computer rating you must self-rate before entering a USTA/SCTA league program. You will be asked to go through the self-rating process as you register for a team. Go directly to TennisLink.usta.com/ leagues and log into your USTA account (to establish an account you need an email address and a password). Click on “Register for a Team” and follow the prompts which will lead you through the registration and self-rate process. You will need your team

number, and a major credit card.

13. What if I think a self-rated player has not rated themselves accurately? On any given day, a player may play above or below his or her rating. If you have evidence to show that a self-rated player may have falsified information during the self-rating process which you feel is significantly below their skill level, you may file an NTRP grievance. NTRP Grievance forms are located at: www.ustasocal.com—under Leagues—under Forms&Regulations.

14. Can I declare a different self-rating for different League Divisions (e.g., 3.5 for Adult 18 & Over and 4.0 for 40 & Over)? No, Once you declare an initial self-rating, you are bound by it for two years unless you are NTRP or Dynamically disqualified or until you generate a computer rating.

15. Can I be disqualified if I have a valid computer rating? No, however, players whose year end ratings have been reduced through

appeal actions or who have Mixed Exclusive ratings or tournament produced ratings and have self-rated into the Adult Division, are subject to dynamic disqualification.

FAQ

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16. Why would I be dynamically disqualified? Each time a player’s dynamic rating exceeds the maximum tolerance for the level, they receive a “strike”. If a player receives three strikes, they will be notified that they have been dynamically disqualified. This often happens when the player or their captain indicates an NTRP level too low for the player’s ability during the self-rating process. This may also happen when the player did not anticipate an improvement level that would surpass their original self-rating.

17. If I receive a third strike while participating in another division, but following the conclusion of our section championship for a given year and division, will I be allowed to advance to Nationals if otherwise qualified. No.

18. What are the consequences of disqualification? In all cases, the player is disqualified from participation at that NTRP level: During local league: The player will be disqualified from participation at that NTRP level for the balance of the season. Matches played will stand. During Championships: The SoCal section elects to run calculations after the championship event. The player will be disqualified from participation at that NTRP level for the balance of the year and the succeeding year.

19. Will I be notified if I earn a “strike”? No. Notice occurs only after 3 strikes are accumulated. Many players receive 1 or 2 strikes & never get the 3rd. To needlessly worry or prevent a player from participating based on the possibility of getting a strike is not fair to the player or the team.

20. Will I be told exactly which matches earned me “three strikes”? Yes, if you ask, a copy of your matches can be provided but these are already visible on TennisLink.

21. Who is notified in the event of a disqualification? By whom? How quickly? Responsibility for monitoring dynamic ratings lies with the Section NTRP Coordinator. When a “third strike” situation arises, the NTRP Coordinator will notify; (a) the player’s Team Captain, (b) the affected player and (c) the relevant Area League Coordinator by e-mail, using the e-mail address as reported on TennisLink. Notification is made as soon as possible once a third strike has been received.

22. Are all players in a given NTRP level equal in ability? No. The NTRP system identifies general levels of ability, but an individual will be rated within those levels at 50 different hundredths of a point. For example, a 3.5 player can fall anywhere between a 3.01 and a 3.50. This range difference may be the reason many people feel they are playing either below their level or playing against players that are at a higher level. A typical match result for a player, for example, with a 3.01 rating versus a 3.49 player, both of whom are 3.5s, would be 6-0, 6-0 in favor of the higher rated player.

23. If I am disqualified at the Adult 18 & Over, 40 & Over or 55 & Over, am I allowed to participate at the disqualified level in the Mixed Division for the remainder of the league year? No. Although, the rules state that NTRP disqualification is not part of the Mixed Division, it must follow the rules in relation to playing at the correct level. A player who has been moved up as a result of a disqualification in the Adult Divisions must immediately adjust his/her NTRP level of play in the Mixed Division. The player will have two options:

- They may continue on that team by adjusting the Levels. (Ex: 9.0 combined team - DQ’d 4.5 player now at 5.0 must play with no greater than a 4.0 player) - Or sit out the balance of that season, depending on the section’s regulations. In the Mixed Doubles Division, all matches played up until the notification of the disqualification will be counted. Any match played at the disqualified level following notification of the disqualification will be counted as defaults for the individual team match of the disqualified player and 6-0, 6-0 wins for the opponents in those individual matches.

24. If I am NTRP disqualified during the Adult 18 & Over Local league, what happens to my matches in other Divisions? If a local NTRP disqualification occurs concurrently in the Adult 18 & Over, Adult 40 & Over and/or Adult 55 & Over local league seasons, the disqualifications shall affect the matches played by the disqualified player in all Divisions. If the seasons are not concurrent or over-lapping, the NTRP disqualification shall affect the matches played by the disqualified player in the season in which the NTRP DQ occurred.

FAQ

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