Question

Answer

I’m joining a box. Where will I be placed?

Usually new and returning players will be placed in a box with players of a similar LTA rating.

When placing a joining player or a doubles pair in a new box, information available such as LTA Rating, position in other box leagues and club tournament results are taken into account.

I’ve received the notification of the contact list for the new box. What should I do?

Depending on the number of participants in your box you have three or four matches to arrange and play by the Box League end date. There is no protocol for arranging games. Contact your opponents and find a mutually agreeable time for your match. Enter the result on the box league notice board. Remember that the boxes run more smoothly if matches are arranged earlier rather than later.

What is the Singles Ladder?

The ladder is a singles mini box league open to all members - men, women and juniors. It runs in parallel to the main box leagues on a strictly monthly basis with boxes of three players. I.e. Participants have a commitment of two matches to arrange and play each month. Match conditions are a 2 short sets to 4 games with a match tie break to 10 if 1 set all.

What is the rationale behind box league match conditions being two standard sets plus a match tiebreak?

Two sets plus a match tiebreak is an internationally and nationally recognised format for a formal match.

Two sets plus a match tiebreak is the minimum required format for any LTA ratings qualifying match. This is very important for serious tennis players.

A multiple set match gives players opportunities to recover from a poor start.

Can an Off Peak or Junior member play in the main boxes?

The main box leagues are open to all racquets members having PEAK playing privileges. This includes juniors but not off peak players.

The mid week boxes are available to OFF PEAK and PEAK members.

An active junior box league is available however junior members with an LTA rating or 9.2 or better are welcome to participate in the main box leagues.

What is the difference between by LTA rating and my Esporta colour coded rating?

Your LTA rating is your official rating and allows you to compete in LTA events external to Esporta. It is a competitive rating as it is based on the results of matches you play. All box league and club tournament matches are competitive ratings matches and submitted to the LTA for ratings.

Your Esporta colour coded rating is an easier view of your playing standard for Esporta club players. What is great is that your Esporta colour coded rating is directly related to your LTA Rating.

Yellow – LTA 9.1/9.2

Green – LTA 8.1/8.2

Brown – LTA 7.1/7.2

Blue – LTA 6.1/6.2

Pink – LTA 5.1/5.2

Black – LTA 4.2 or lower!

How can I improve my rating?

In September and April of each year the LTA recalculates all ratings in a “Rating’s Run”.

For adults winning at least 3 matches against the same or better rated players and maintain a 60% win record will have their rating lowered one level.

Juniors are required to win 7 matches and maintain their 60% winning record.

For detailed information look at the LTA FAQ’s on ratings :-

http://www.lta.org.uk/Articles/Players/AEGON-British-Tennis-Ratings-FAQs/

Question

Answer

When should I claim a walkover?

Reasons to claim a walkover could be :-

• If your opponent is injured or does not make reasonable effort to be available or contactable.
• If you think you have made reasonable effort which has not been reciprocated.
• If your opponent cancels late and there is insufficient time to rearrange.
• Failure to arrive on time for an arranged match.

To claim a walkover inform your opponent and the walkover to you on the Jeannie match card..

Note that if your opponent expresses an alternate view the administrator will endeavour to interpret fairly. The likely outcome for a disputed walkover will be a NULL result.

Can I request an extension to the end date of a box league?

No. Box leagues will not be extended. If you have limited or no availability to play your matches you should offer walkovers to your opponents. If unavailability is mutual you should set your matches to “not played”.

Box leagues work best when you arrange your matches early.

We managed to set a date with our opponents but have been unable to book an indoor court at that time. What should we do?

Members have to accept that indoor courts at busy times can be a scarce resource, particularly during peak times and the Winter. If not able to book courts at your preferred time, players need to be prepared to play at less palatable times or play outdoors by mutual agreement.

I am due to play a junior member in the main box however given their age and school commitments we are finding it difficult to arrange a time?

It’s of great benefit to juniors (and to adults!) if they can gain match experience in the adult boxes. Please make some allowance and if possible find a mutually agreeable time to play.

If the junior’s commitments prevent a match being arranged the junior player should offer a walkover.

On occasion we run out of time to complete a match within the 90 minute booking period. What should we do?

You may either enter the score as it stands when you run out of court time or arrange to complete your match at a mutually convenient time.

Is there anything we can do to help us complete our matches in a 90 minute booking period?

Yes! Warm up before your allotted court time. Turn up on time. Commence promptly after initial hit-up - 5 minutes should suffice. Move promptly between points and minimise changeover time between games.