Positions on the ladder following completion of a match change as follows:
If the winner has the higher position, there is no change.
If the winner has the lower position, he or she takes over the higher
position. The loser and all others below the winner move down one
position. The calculation is based on the positions of the two players
when the match is recorded, not those at the time the challenge is made.
It's not unusual to find the positions of the players have changed during
that interval; please observe good sportsmanship and play your match even
if you find your respective positions have changed. The calculations are
made each Tuesday at noon, regardless of holidays, so make sure you get
your weekend results in before then.
You may challenge anyone that you feel would be a good match of tennis. A
good rule of thumb is a maximum of 20 positions, unless you are unable to
arrange a match within that range.
A player who is challenged must agree to a match with the challenger if the
challenger is within a fair range to be played no later than two weeks after
the challenge is made unless:
a. The challenged player already has at least two other matches to play.
b. The challenged player is unable to play due to injury, vacation, etc.
c. The two parties cannot mutually agree on a date and time of a match.
Each player is expected to play at least one match every 4 week interval,
otherwise HE or SHE will be dropped FIVE positions. The number one player
is exempted from this requirement. This requirement is also waived before
June and after August when weather conditions make it more difficult to
arrange matches.
Each player brings a new can of balls and one can is used for the match;
winner keeps unopened can and loser keeps the used can.
Play 2 out of 3 sets. If the set goes to 6-6, play a 12-point tie-breaker
(first to win more than 6 points and lead by at least 2 points).
Alternatively, you may play a pro set where the player who wins 10 games and
leads by 2 wins the match; if the pro set goes to 10-10, play the 12-point
tie-breaker. If the match cannot be completed due to weather or other
reasons, the player leading at that point shall be considered winner; if
the match is tied at that point, the challenger shall be considered loser.
It is the responsibility of the winner of the match to report the score,
regardless of whether any change in positions occurs. If the winner cannot
report the score, make sure the loser does so; this helps ensure both
players remain active and not lose their positions due to inactivity.
USTA Rules of Tennis