FAQ/Rules
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What are the rules?
The Rules of TennisLadders.NET
2 out of 3 set scoring must be used for all matches for this system to work properly. A tiebreaker may be used in lieu of a third set. If a match is defaulted, enough games must be added to the score of the victor to achieve a 2 set win. If the match is not completed, do not record the score on TennisLadders.NET.
Scoring (Rankings):
- New players start at the bottom of the ladder.
- If the winner is higher ranked he receives 20 points added to his previous point value.
- If the winner is lower ranked, his previous point value is replaced by the value of his opponent's points - plus 20 points, thus "leap-frogging" his opponent.
- The loser receives 1 point for each game that he wins.
This ladder design includes the most important feature of a traditional ladder, i.e. when you beat a player you move into a position above him. But unlike a traditional ladder, the loser receives a reward for his effort that is proportional to the performance of that effort. Conceivably, the loser may earn 19 points by losing a three set match in tiebreakers (7-6, 6-7, 7-6).
Ladder rankings are determined entirely by performance, while stimulating play in two important ways.
A strong player can move to the top in one match but will surely be passed by others if he doesn't keep active. This prevents stagnation in the ladder.
A losing effort gets rewarded for performance, but not enough to allow a player to maintain a high position simply by playing a lot of matches, often a problem in point accrual systems. Every losing effort also produces a higher-ranked winner. Winning is rewarded considerably more than just participating.
This ladder system gives a good credible ranking in a flexible and dynamic format. Anyone on the ladder can challenge anyone else, up or down, providing motivation for all players to participate. Anyone can rise as high in the rankings as performance justifies, yet no one can sit on their laurels.
Your Tennis Ladder is updated every time a match is entered.
- Any player may challenge any other player.
- Challenges may be made by email, phone or through the Quick Challenge button located on a players profile page.
- Both players must make a best effort to find an agreeable time and location for a match.
- Time, date and court should be mutually agreed upon.
- The challenger shall provide new balls for the match. If court fees are involved, players should share the cost.
- All matches will be best two out of three sets. Scoring should be conventional with a seven point tie-breaker at six all.
- Generally, a ten minute warm-up is reasonable. Please allow enough time for three sets.
- Official USTA rules apply to all matches.
- A match is null and void if, prior to match time, players agree that weather conditions are such that the match is not playable. The challenged player must then give two additional days and times within the next seven days for a match or give a default.
- Matches interrupted because of weather, darkness or court time limitations should be continued from the point of interruption within the next seven days. If the challenged player cannot offer two additional days and times, they must give a default.
- Match winner is the player winning 2 out 3 sets wins the match.
- A match is valid when at least one set has been completed.
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A default occurs when:
- A challenged player cannot or will not offer two reasonable days and times within the next seven days for a match.
- A challenged player cancels a match or drops off the ladder before the match is played.
- A player is more than 15 minutes late for a match.
- Players should use their best judgment and respect the etiquite of the game.
- If a shot is too close to tell if it was in or out, it should be called in.
- If a dispute cannot be resolved by the players, contact the league administrator to resolve the dispute.
The point of the game is to have fun and get good excersie. It is important that both players make a best effort to find an agreeable location, split court costs and make fair calls. Get out there and challenge yourself to climb the ladder!
Check back often as these rules are always subject to change. Please direct any questions you may have to admin@tennisladders.net. - What is a tennis ladder?
Most tennis players have heard of a tennis ladder, but a lot of players still do not know exactly what a tennis ladder is, or how it works:
The concept of a tennis ladder is simple. Players are arranged much like the rungs of a ladder. The idea is to be at the top of the tennis ladder. It is a lot like king of the mountain. As you win, you move up the ladder. Winning players take the place of their higher ranked opponents, thus "leap-frogging" them.
Ladder matches can either be pre-arranged, or can be done using challenges. If the players choose to use challenges to arrange tennis matches, then players simply challenge each other to a match via this website. Players then play when and where they would like. At TennisLadders.NET, players submit their own scores online. The website then updates the ladder positions automatically. TennisLadders.NET will even send an automatic email to both players, letting them know they have a pending challenge that needs to be accepted or declined.
Ladders are a blast. They are a great way to meet new players and improve your game. If you haven't played in a tennis ladder, then you have been missing out!
- How do I join?
Joining is easy, and free.
1. Go to the home page, and enter your zip code in the "Find a Ladder Near You" form.
2. Click the "Search using Zipcode" button.
3. Choose the ladder nearest you on the pop-up.
4. Click the "Join this Ladder" button on the rankings page
5. Fill in your information and click OK
That's it! If you don't see a ladder near you, email ladder-request@tennisladders.net, and we'll get one started!
- Can I join more than one ladder at a time?
You are more than welcome to register for multiple ladders on TennisLadders.NET.
Currently, you may join a second ladder by registering under a new account using another unique email address. Please use the same name and phone number as this will maintain consistency for the other players you are playing with.
We know that many players would like to join multiple ladders under one main account, and we are working on plans to implement this in the future.
Please email any questions you may have about this, or to request a new ladder to info@tennisladders.net.
- What if I don't see a ladder in my area?
If you would like to join a ladder, and you don't see a ladder in your area, please send an email to info@tennisladders.net requesting a ladder and we will be happy to launch one near you!
- How do I submit a score?
Submitting the score of a recently played match is easy.
First, login to the site using your email/password.
Next, click the "Submit Score" link in the login area.
Be sure to enter the correct date of your match, the location you played your match and the correct score for both players. If you did not play a 3rd set just leave the 3rd set score 0-0.
You can leave the score of any tie-breakers played in the notes section. Please also leave any releavnt notes about the match in the notes section.
Finally, you can also access the Submit Score link when veiwing your current ladder rankings. It is on the top-right of The Ladder.
If you are about to go submit a score, congratualations on your big win!