Ladder Rules

Matches
  1. The initial rankings are based on the dynamic ratings from TennisRecord.com. Where players are not rated, the USTA rating is utilized.
  2. The lower ranked player, challenges the higher-ranked player. Challenges should typically be made a maximum of 5 rungs above the challenger's current position. If someone mentions that they are "away” in their notes, skip over them when you count the rungs.
  3. Players in the first 5 positions may challenge any player.
  4. Participants who are challenged should accept the challenge unless they already have a ladder match to complete or are injured, on vacation, etc.
  5. All matches are regulation format –> 2 out of 3 sets with the third set being a 10-point tiebreaker.
  6. Scores should be entered into this website by the winner of the match (Login->Ladder->Enter Scores). The website automatically updates the ladder based on any match scores entered.
  7. We suggest players aim to play at least one match every 2 weeks so that the ladder remains active, but we all have busy lives so please check the notes section to see if the person you are reaching out to is away or otherwise unavailable.
  8. In 2025, the ladder will start on May 23rd and end on July 23rd.
  9. If you are in any position and you are not called for a challenge or no one responds to your challenge, you may arrange a game with anyone on the ladder. Your ranking will not change, regardless of the outcome. Both players will get credit for a match played. There will be a non-monetary award at the end of the season for the most matches completed!
  10. If you run out of time while playing a match, you will get credit for that match if it is completed within the week it began. Please remember to report it as an "Incomplete" match when entering scores.
Fees and balls
  1. There is no cost to play in the ladder (other than the guest court time fees and balls).
  2. If neither player has a club membership, each player will pay their own guest fee.
  3. If you are challenged and you play at the opponent’s club, she is responsible for your guest fee.
  4. If you are playing an out of range match (OOR), in most situations this is a match that is not within the five rungs above you, both players share the guest fee because you both derived a benefit…..you get credit for the match, practiced your singles game, and hopefully had some fun. When entering the score for an OOR match, use the status of "Fun" in the program.
    Examples:
    • Mary (#15) challenges Jane (#13) and they play at Mary’s club, Mary pays Jane’s guest fee.
    • Mary (#15) challenges Jane (#13) and they play at Jane’s club, Mary pays her own guest fee.
    • Mary (#15) challenges Audrey (#9) and Audrey accepts, as this is an example of an OOR match, both players share the guest fee.
  5. Each player brings an unopened can of balls to the match. The winner leaves with the unopened can and the loser takes the used balls. If you agree to use “used once” balls, you each leave the court with the balls you brought. There is no exchanging of the unopened can.
* If someone is listed as “away,” skip over them when you count the rungs. Please notify the ladder coordinator (Karen Wells) of dates when you will not be available to play.
** Extenuating circumstances including tournament play, weather, injury, family emergencies, etc. will be taken into account. Please contact the ladder coordinator (Karen Wells) with any concerns.