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The season begins May 1st and play will continue through September 2, 2024.

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Cost per player is $40, which does not include the $25 AAC Annual Membership fee if you have not already registered with AAC. Players who wish to withdraw from the league for any reason before start-of-play should notify the Ladder Coordinators so they can be inactivated and will receive a full refund. Please note that no refunds will be issued under any circumstances after June 1st.

 

WHICH DIVISION DO I BELONG TO?

You need to determine your level based on USTA NTRP rating. Read below and see where you fit:

• 2.0 This is a beginning player.
• 2.5 This player is learning to judge where the ball is going although court coverage is weak. This player can sustain a slow rally with other players of same ability. 
• 3.0 This player is consistent when hitting medium pace shots, but is not comfortable with all strokes and lacks control when trying for directional intent, depth, or power. 
• 3.5 This player has achieved improved stroke dependability and direction on moderate pace 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 intent, 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 and 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 tactics according to opponents. This player can hit first serves with power and accuracy and place the second serve and is able to rush the net successfully.
• 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, can put away volleys, can successfully execute lobs, drop shots, half volleys and overhead smashes, has good depth and spin on most second serves.

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For more details visit: https://www.usta.com/content/dam/usta/pdfs/NTRP%20General%20Characteristics.pdf 

 

Now choose your division:
 

                                    Open = 4.5+    A = 4.0    B1 = 3.5    B2 = 3.0    C = 2.5 and below

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HOW DOES THE LADDER WORK?

Initial Ladder position will be based on previous year's results for returning players and USTA “NTRP” self-rating for new players. The Coordinators will make final decisions on placement. New players and those who sign up after the season begins (May 1) will be placed at the bottom of their division. If you are unhappy with your initial divisional placement,  you can request to be switched to a higher or lower division. Before you can make this request, you must play at least 3 matches inside of your division with lopsided scores. The coordinators also reserve the right to move a player, without their request, who is obviously in the wrong division. You move up and down the ladder based on your results as shown:

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NEW UPDATE: In 2024 the league will no longer require a certain number of matches each month. To qualify for the end-of-season playoffs, a player must complete 10 matches. The league will have speed singles days that will allow players to play more than one match in a day.

 

Online ladder standings are typically updated weekly. Updates are done chronologically based on matches submitted, not matches played. 

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Final Ladder for the season will be updated after the Playoffs. Winners and finalists of their divisions will automatically finish as number 1 and 2. Semi-finalists will hold 3rd and 4th position. Everyone's else final ranking on the Ladder will based on their final position before the playoffs.
 

 

 

 

SCHEDULING

You can play and accept as many matches as you like during the season. You can only challenge players who are up to 15 positions ranked above you in the ladder (includes crossing division lines) and as many spots below your rung you want. If a player moves out of this range after the challenge has been accepted (as ladder standings change constantly), the match should still be played as if there were no changes in ranking.

If you believe a player is dodging challenges, play somebody else. Players reserve the right to refuse challenges. Location of the courts should be chosen so it’s convenient for both players.

A challenge ladder can only work if everyone involved:

• Replies texts and emails promptly

• Accepts challenges in the order they are received

• Plays challenges in a timely manner after accepting

• Shows up on time (or early) for matches

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PLAYING MATCHES

Please be responsible, responsive, and respectful of other players!

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1. Both players must bring a new can of tennis balls, opening only one can for the match. The winning player will take the unopened can of tennis balls at the end of the match. 

2. All matches are best two out of three sets, with a 12-point tiebreak. The third set is a Super Tie-Break (first person to 10 points, win by 2).  If both players agree at the beginning of the match, the third set can be a full set during the regular league play. Match format for Playoffs might change at League discretion. 

3. If a player has to forfeit a match, the winner will have the match counted in their win/loss column but the person forfeiting will not. Note #1: neither player will be moved up or down the ladder due to a forfeit. Note #2: forfeiting a match will not help you meet a milestone unless you are the player receiving the win. Only 1 forfeit win allowed per season per player. Forfeits can only be reported for a no show/no call for a scheduled match.

4. Two no show/no calls will result in removal from the ladder. If you have to cancel a scheduled match within 24 hours of the start time, please CALL AND EMAIL your opponent. Please report any no show/no calls to the ladder directors. 

5. Before you can have a rematch against any player, BOTH you and the other player must play a minimum of three other challenge matches.

6. If a match is interrupted, the match must resume from that point unless the losing player agrees to default the remainder of match.

7. If you retire during a match, you lose that match. Do not reschedule the match to finish at a later time. 

8. A ball should be called out only if you can see space between the line and the ball. If you perceive your opponent to make multiple bad line calls, email the league directors. If a player receives three complaints against them, they will be removed from the league. We understand this is a competition, but this league promotes and encourages FAIR PLAY above everything.

 

REPORTING RESULTS

Unless otherwise is agreed, winner reports the score, desirably right after the match or on the same day. To report the score go to: https://www.secondcitytennis.com/summer-singles

All matches reported against an inactive player will not be taken into consideration.
Winner should report the score unless otherwise agreed.

 

MILESTONES

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Play a total of 10 matches by September 5th for playoff eligibility.

 

PLAYOFFS - Rules and format TBD

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Still have questions? Contact your coordinators at summersingles@secondcitytennis.com