Q1 WHAT'S THE HISTORY OF THIS LEAGUE?

A1  This League was designed, constructed and launched in Aug 2009 by Sandy Miller.  Sandy and many other members were frustrated that the club offered no regular, competitive playing structure.  The League was created to allow those (that would commit to the strict rules) to play completive matches on a regular basis and is run by Sandy with no help from any DL staff.  Apart from the players all being DL members the League is totally independent of the club and therefore benefits greatly from not having to consider what DL management want, but can focus exclusively on the needs and preferences of the League members.

 

Q2  WHO IS THIS LEAGUE AIMED AT?

A2  Although based in the David Lloyd, Glasgow Rd, Edinburgh, it is of course open to anyone of any standard who wants to play on a REGULAR basis.  Ladies, Men, Vets, anyone!  Juniors (U18) are also welcome but a parent (or legal guardian) must register for you.

 

Q3  WHO IS NOT WELCOME?

A3  Anyone who cannot play all of their matches every period, or is too lazy to organise their matches.

Basically - anyone who just likes to see their name on a list SHOULD NOT JOIN!

 

Q4  HOW DO I JOIN?

A4  Go to the section Joining this League.  All the information you need is there.

 

Q5  WHEN A PLAYER GETS TO 7 GAMES, WHAT’S THE POINT OF PLAYING ON?

A5  You should complete ALL 13 games for good reason.   If at the end of a period you are level on points, then the player with the highest games DIF/% will be ranked higher that month.  So even if you have lost the match, still play hard for each remaining games (see FAQ 7)

 

Q6  DO I HAVE TO PLAY ON?

A6  No you don't.  If you have lost the match (say 7-1) and you really don't want to play any more games then you can elect to forfeit the remaining games (in this case 5 games) to the other player, who will submit a score of 12-1.  However, I would ask and strongly recommend you play the outstanding games for a number of reasons;

      6.1  It may make all the difference at month end.  Experience has shown, winning 1 more game could stop you from going down. (see FAQ 7)

      6.2  Personal pride, you are not a quitter!

      6.3  It's really good match practice for you and your opponent.

      6.4  It's keeps the league stats more consistent.

 

Q7  PLAYING 13 GAMES IS A STRANGE NUMBER, WHY IS THIS?

A7   There is no perfect format for these things however experience as proved this is the best format for this league.  The problem with 2 or 3 straight sets, or any other format, is time, most courts are only available for 1½ hrs so, most matches would not finish.  Even with 2 hrs most matches would not finish 2 sets in time.  So, if you complete 1 set and have to come off (as most will) who wins?  Well it's obviously the one who won the first set, so what’s the point in playing 2 sets?  None!

 

Q8  HOW SOON SHOULD I PLAY MY MATCHES?

A8  Aim to have all matches played within the first 3 weeks, leaving 7 days for unforeseen probs or re-matches.  But more inportantly, if you have arranged to play your matches early in each month and you pick up an injury, you will have given youself enough time recover and still play all your matches.  If you leave your matches to later in a month you run the risk of not being able to playing them all and you will be demoted 1 or more DIVs.  If you do this too often you will be removed from this League.

 

Q9  WHY ARE NEW PLAYERS PUT IN ABOVE ME?

A9  This is the parachute policy.  New players are asked to state their playing standard in the joining process.  They are then placed straight into the most appropriate DIV for their playing standard.  This achieves a number things;  1,  It means some are not thrashing all others on their way to the top.  2, Others that have to play them are not humiliated as they march on up the DIVs.  3, Some players would not join the league at all, if they had to start at the bottom.