(Almost) Everybody Self-Rates
In this year of our Lord 2025, almost every active player in USTA League tennis first engaged with the NTRP system by going through theRead More
1 responseSelf-Rating Criteria: Lost in Translation
Last Wednesday, I wrote about the pitfalls of the USTA self-rating system and how high school tennis experience, as specified in the guidelines, doesn’t alwaysRead More
Self-Rating Criteria: “Played High School Tennis”
Self-rating might be the most controversial topic in all of USTA League tennis. It’s one of those dark places where objectivity goes to die. PlayersRead More
When A Player’s Self-Rating Criteria Changes After the Fact
In my recent post “When Does a Player Turn 18 for USTA League,” I mentioned in passing that my daughter’s self-rating story would have toRead More
One USTA League Rule Deletion, One Win for Clarity and Fairness
Addition by subtraction is the idea that removing something can actually make a system stronger, clearer, or more effective. It’s a principle that sometimes canRead More
New USTA Rule Limits Captains to One Team at the National Championships Starting in 2026
It’s theoretically possible for a person to captain two teams from different Sections that qualify for the same USTA League National Championships. Previously, the USTARead More
When Does a Player Turn 18 for USTA League Purposes?
The USTA has made a seemingly minor revision to the 18+ age eligibility rules for USTA League play in 2026. However, analysis of the updateRead More
4 responsesUSTA League Grievance Updates for 2026
The 2026 USTA League Regulations have officially been released. Last week, we explored changes to the NTRP ratings appeal process for players who compete atRead More
What Problem is Solved by the New USTA League Rule on Appealed Ratings
Last Wednesday, I closed my weekly “Tennis Rules” post with a pledge to continue exploring the new rules limiting NTRP Appeals in the USTA LeagueRead More
An Unappealing New USTA League Rule for 2026, Effectively Starting Now
The 2026 USTA League Regulations have officially been released. The updates include a few non-trivial changes for the upcoming year. We will spend the nextRead More
3 responses