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 can typically be made a maximum of 5 rungs above the challenger's current position.* Participants who are challenged must accept the challenge unless they already have a ladder match to complete (or are injured, on vacation, etc.).
  3. All matches are regulation format –> 2 out of 3 sets with the third set being a 10-point tiebreaker.
  4. 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.
  5. The ladder week runs from Monday through Sunday. You must play at least one match within 2 weeks or be dropped to the bottom of the ladder.**
  6. The ladder will start on June 2nd and end on July 26th.
  7. If you are in any position and you are not called for a challenge or no one will accept 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.
  8. If you run out of time while playing a match, you will not be penalized for missing a match that week, but you will not get credit for that match unless it is completed within the week it began. Please remember to report it as an uncompleted match.
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. The lower player always pays the guest fee, regardless of where the match is played unless neither of you have Club membership or you agree to something else (like splitting the fee). If you are playing an OOR (out of range) match, you both split the guest fee if you are playing at a member’s home club.
    Examples:
    • Mary (#15) challenges Jane (#13). Mary belongs to Indigo Run, Jane is a “Your Club” player. Even though Mary is a dues-paying member at IR, she will pay Jane’s guest fee.
    • If it is an OOR match, both players share the guest fee. You both derived a benefit…..not being dropped and getting credit for the match.
  4. 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.