1. What are the various league formats?
2. When does play begin?
3. How long does a season last?
4. What does a player have to do before he can play league tennis?
5. How does a player acquire a rating?
6. How can a player find a team?
7. What are the responsibilities of a captain?
8. How does a player register for a team?
9. Where are matches played?
10. Can I play on a private club team?
11. When are matches typically played?

ANSWERS:

1. What are the various league formats?
There are basically 3 leagues throughout the year. All leagues use a team format. The regular league plays in the spring, mixed league plays in the summer and combo league in the fall. Regular league consists of 2 singles courts and 3 doubles courts. The mixed and combo leagues consist of 3 doubles courts and no singles. Each league is based upon the USTA rating system. Women have the option of participating in 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, or 4.0 leagues. Men's league consists of 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 and 4.5. Summer mixed leagues offer 5.5, 6.5, 7.5 and 8.5. Fall combo for men consists of 6.5, 7.5 and 8.5 with the women offering 5.5, 6.5, 7.5 and 8.5.

2. When does play begin?
Regular play begins in late January or early February. Mixed league begins in early June, and combo begins in early September.

3. How long does a season last?
Regular play completes in early to mid May, mixed league in August and combo league wraps up at the end of October.

4. What does a player have to do before he can play league tennis?
In order to play USA league tennis, players must have a valid USTA rating, based upon the NTRP ratings guidelines and players must be a member of the USTA. That membership must be paid through the end of the season for which a player is attempting to register. Individuals must be at least 19 years of age, or must attain the age of 19 in the calendar year of the league in which they wish to participate.

5. How does a player acquire a rating?
Each playere must have a valid USTA rating either from the December 2001 listing of Spring 2000 play, from the December 2002 listing of Spring 2001 play, a valid court verification received within the past 12 months of the start of the fall league, or, if none aof the above, player will be asked to declare a rating on-line when attempting to register for a team. USA league tennis will be using the Dynamic NTRP rating system beginning with league play in the spring of 2003. For more information click here (link to the LTA site.)

6. How can a player find a team?
In order to play, a player must find a team. Captains who are looking for players, post their name on this website. Players may post their names on a list for captains to access as well. LEAGUE COORDINATORS DO NOT AND CANNOT PLACE PLAYERS ON TEAMS.

7. What are the responsibilities of a captain?
Captains are responsible for assembling their teams within the proper timelines. Captains must attend all captains' meetings, usually one per year for each league. Captains are also responsible for assigning players for matches, creating lineups and reporting scores.

8. How does a player register for a team?
In order to register to play, you must receive a team number from your captain. Registration is done through an on-line program call Tennis Link. Further instructions are available at this website.

9. Where are matches played?
Matches are played at all facilities in Lafayette. Currently, that is Red Lerille's, Oakbourne, River Ranch, Beaver Park, and Thomas Park.

10. Can I play on a private club team?
In order to play on a private club team, (Red's, Oakbourne, and River Ranch) you must receive permission from that particular club. Red's and City Club's teams are only available to members, however Oakbourne offers some options.

11. When are matches typically played?
Matches are typically played during the week at night. The men play on Tuesdays and Thursdays and the women play on Mondays and Wednesdays. If necessary due to large participation, Saturday and Sunday play is required.

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