The Origins of The Code: How Nick Powel Shaped Modern Tennis Etiquette
Today marks the start of a new weekly series breaking down the rules contained in The Code, which is a key part of the USTA’s officialRead More
1 responseHarnessing the Full Power of Sportsmanship Affirmations
A few weeks ago, as I registered for the USTA 55+ National Championships, I was greeted with something I’d never encountered before when signing upRead More
What is the Purpose of USTA League Play
After last week’s post about the prospects of a potential future medical appeal for the Trophy Husband, I realized I still had a significant looseRead More
3 responsesMedical Appeals and Medical Setbacks
For obvious reasons, one of our recent breakfast table conversation topics revolves around the question of whether the Trophy Husband might one day need toRead More
3 responsesSelf-Rating Happens Every Time You Show Up for a Drill
Last week, I made the case that nearly every USTA League player begins their journey with a self-rating. However, here’s the thing: self-rating isn’t aRead More
1 response(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