NTRP Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dynamic rating?
• A dynamic rating is a rating that is calculated daily during Adult/Senior League based on match scores and player ratings.
What is a year-end rating?
• Once benchmarks have been entered, a year-end rating is assigned by the computer based on the average of all Adult/Senior League play, Category I and II Age Division tournaments, National 5.5 and Open Championships, and Super Senior play.
What is a benchmark rating?
• A computer rating for a player using a combination of their dynamic rating and their rating derived at championships.
What is a mixed-exclusive rating?
• A year-end rating for the player that played only mixed-doubles.
What is a tournament-exclusive rating?
• A year-end rating for the player that played only Category I and II National Age Division Tournaments
What data is not used to calculate year-end ratings?
• BMW Combo Doubles
• Non USTA Leagues/Fun Leagues/Flex Leagues
• NTRP Tournaments
• Non-Sanctioned Tournaments
• 6-0, 6-0 match results
Who sees the changes in dynamic ratings?
• Only the section NTRP Administrator reviews the NTRP information daily in TennisLink.
How does the computer calculate a dynamic rating?
• It uses only two pieces of information in calculating ratings at the conclusion of a match. The computer uses the actual rating of the players at the time of the match and the match scores to calculate a new dynamic rating for each player at the end of the match. It does not factor in position of play, age, gender, or win/loss record.
When calculating dynamic ratings, does the computer treat doubles partners differently?
• Whatever mathematical difference that existed between partners at the beginning of a match is maintained at the end of the match. For example if partners’ ratings were two-tenths of a point apart at the beginning of a match (3.3 and 3.1), then they will remain two-tenths of a point apart at the end of the match (3.5 and 3.3).
How do I receive a 2007 year-end rating (computer rating)?
• All adult, senior, and super senior players who played at least two matches that calculated a rating (6-0, 6-0 matches do not calculate at year-end).
• Players who exclusively played mixed doubles in at least two matches that calculated a rating (6-0, 6-0 matches do not calculate at year-end)
• Category I and II age division tournament players and 5.5/Open Championship players that played in at least two matches (all matches are calculated)
What are the ways a player can be disqualified/promoted mid-year?
• During Adult and Senior local league competition and at every level of championship competition below national championships, computer ratings will be calculated for all players to determine if any players have reached the disqualification level (a strike). Players will be disqualified if they reach the disqualification level three times based on all matches reported.
• If a new player who self-rates to enter a league program has a Self-rate Grievance filed against him or her, and it is upheld by the Section Self-rate Grievance Committee the player will be disqualified.
• A player is promoted when they hit three strikes for their self-rating but are playing at a higher level. A player may continue to play at the higher level without penalty and must register for all subsequent leagues at the newly assigned level.
If a player is disqualified, what is the notification procedure?
• The Section NTRP Administrator will notify the State League Coordinator (or designee) who will then notify the player, captain and LLC. The Section NTRP Administrator will reverse matches in the local standings if applicable and change the player’s rating in TennisLink.
What happens when a player is disqualified during local league play?
• In 2008, if a self-rated player is disqualified for that particular level of play, all matches played by that individual player shall be considered losses and scored (6-0, 6-0). If a computer rated player is disqualified for that particular level of play, the player is immediately promoted but no matches are reversed..
What are the disqualification procedures for Playoffs/Championships?
• Players not disqualified by the conclusion of local league play will be eligible to compete in the entire local playoff. Local league play concludes twenty-four hours after the last scorecard has been entered. Ratings will be calculated at the end of the local playoff to inform any disqualified players that they may not advance to the State Championships.
• Once a player has finished local play without disqualification, the player is eligible to play all matches in the State Championships. The USTA Southern Section NTRP Administrator will review reports through TennisLink on the day after the State Championships. Players who hit a third strike during the championship will be notified that they are not eligible to advance to the Sectional Championships. The same process occurs the day after the Sectional Championships. Points earned by disqualified players at State or Sectional Championships will stand.
Does playing up increase your chances of being disqualified or moved up at the end of the year to the higher level?
• Remember ratings are calculated based on individual player ratings and match scores not the division being played. So, your rating depends on who you play and how competitive you are. If you play higher rated players and are competitive, then your rating may increase. When playing a higher division you are more likely to play higher rated players, therefore you could increase your rating.
Who may appeal their year-end rating?
• Any player may appeal except for those who participated at the 2007 National Championships. National Championship participants may not appeal their rating for the 2008 league year unless by medical appeal. National Championship participants may appeal after one year
Why are most medical appeals denied?
• Very few medical appeals should be granted, as it is usually better to let the computer determine the NTRP Skill Level based on actual match play. Most orthopedic injuries are denied as surgery typically improves mobility and arthritic conditions are typically progressive rather than traumatic in nature. Most adult/senior players will experience at least one orthopedic condition/injury during their tennis career. Please review the USTA Southern Section Medical Appeals Procedures at leagues home page at southerntennis.com.
How do I appeal my year-end rating?
• All year-end appeals are now processed through Tennislink by the player. You will need to go to the Tennislink home-page and click on Find A Rating on the upper right-hand side. Enter your USTA number (your name alone will not work) and you will see Appeal Rating (in blue) next to your year-end rating. Click on that and enter the zip code that is associated with your membership. You will be taken to the appeal page and can then appeal your rating. You will get an instant reply letting you know if the request is granted or denied.