A challenge ladder is a mechanism for ranking tennis players according to their skill levels. As members of the ladder play each other, their relative positions are adjusted to reflect the results of their play.
The purpose of a tennis challenge ladder is to allow all tennis players, from the beginning novice to the serious, experienced player, to meet and play other tennis enthusiasts at their own skill levels. Whether you play only occasionally, "just for fun," or prefer to compete several times a week, you can meet others at your level. You will also have the opportunity to improve your play by challenging others who are slightly more advanced.
Operation of the ladder
Approximately once a week, an update of the challenge ladder will be posted. The update will show the current ranking of players and the results of recent matches between ladder members.
The following section describes the rules that apply to challenge ladder play. The most important rule of the challenge ladder is that common sense and sportsmanlike courtesy should be applied in every situation.
Challenge Ladder Rules
The initial ranking of players on a ladder is based on their NTRP self-ratings and when they submitted their information. New players are added to the bottom of the ladder.
In general, a player may challenge any other player above his or her position who is within the legal challenge range. The legal challenge range will contain about 25% of the ladder members; the precise number appears on each copy of the ladder listing that is posted. Invalid challenges are not accepted for use in the adjustment of relative position on the ladder. The challenger is responsible for verifying the validity of the challenge.
The top four members of a ladder may challenge members below them within the legal range, if so desired.
Members are not required to accept more than one challenge per week. Otherwise, however, members must accept valid challenges from other members, or accept a loss by default. Players are not required to accept a challenge from another player they have defeated within the past two weeks.
Players may issue or accept more than one challenge at a time. A ladder match is only valid, however, if the players are within legal challenge range at the time of the match. Of course, members are free to play matches that are not valid; the results will simply be ignored.
The challenged player may select the time and location of the match; however, the time and location should be mutually agreeable to both players. Court fees, if any, are to be shared, and must be agreeable to both players.
A match should be completed within ten days of the challenge, unless extenuating circumstances prevent it. A withdrawn or canceled challenge is a default loss for the challenger.
The challenger is responsible for providing tennis balls, in good condition, for the match. It is generally best to have a new can available in case it is needed.
Pro-set scoring is to be used, due to court time reservation limits in use at Seger. The winner is the first player to win 8 games. No-ad scoring is to be used. At the end of the hour, whoever is in the lead wins the match.
The winner of the match is responsible for reporting the results within 24 hours, by emailing webmaster@segerparktennis.com and providing the following information:
date of the match,
winner's name,
loser's name,
and the match score.
The ladder listing is reissued approximately once a week, with updated results and rankings. A player who is inactive for four periods is moved down in the ranking at that time, with additional penalties each succeeding period of inactivity.
The rules will be interpreted and disputes between members will be settled at the sole discretion of the ladder coordinator.
As is prudent in any recreational activity, and especially when involved with others, members should exercise due care in their involvement in a challenge ladder. The operators of the ladder cannot be responsible for injury to members or others, damage to property, or other liability arising out of membership in and use of the challenge ladder. By participating in a challenge ladder, each member accepts and agrees to abide by its rules.
Tips for Greater Enjoyment
A new member on a challenge ladder may find that the first one or two matches played on the ladder appear to be mismatches (in terms of skill levels). Don't be discouraged -- as the season progresses, the ladder sorts itself into order. You will soon discover other members with whom you can play comfortably. In addition to the relative rankings, you may find it useful to look at the results of specific matches. This can give you a further clue to the levels of other players, and gives some indication of players that you may want to challenge.
So don't just sit there -- send an email! Like you, the other members of your challenge ladder are eager to play. And, regardless of your frequency or level of play, there are tennis matches waiting for you!
Copyright 2008 Seger Park Tennis Club. All rights reserved.
