The USTA League National Championship Carrot

Yesterday’s post framed the fact that the existence of USTA league nationals creates a perception that some teams manipulate the NTRP system to get there. Nationals are also a powerful incentive which might induce some captains and teams to do exactly that.

The USTA hypes up the opportunity to play for a National Championship. The following blurb is the statement that the USTA consistently uses to promote league play. (Emphasis mine.)

With more than 320,000 tennis players taking part each year, USTA League is the country’s largest adult competitive tennis league. It’s a great way to stay active, improve your tennis game, and even have the chance to compete for a National Championship. If you love tennis, you’ll love USTA League.
About USTA League

In “Job Cuts at the USTA,” I referenced an Reuters article carried in the New York Times. USTA Chief Executive Officer Michael Dowse had quotes about re-imagining the structure of the USTA and getting closer to tennis players at the local level. He also indicated that there will be significant reductions in travel budgets through 2023.

Against that backdrop, I don’t think that it is ridiculous to throw the elimination of USTA league nationals on the table. Since the COVID-19 crisis has already effectively done that for 2020, it is not that far fetched. In fact, there is a chance that this is already under consideration by the USTA.

As the focus on tennis at the local level begins, I would strongly encourage the USTA to bring the concept of “player experience” to the front of mind. In short, we want for play at the local level to be fun and generally positive. When players have a negative experience, particularly when just starting out or returning to the game, they sometimes stop playing.

Playing against a “ringer” team which was assembled for the exclusive purpose of reaching nationals at the local level is generally not enjoyable. The purpose of NTRP leveling in leagues is to create competitive matches, not routs. When that team includes dubious self-rated players and brings a “win at all cost” attitude to the court, it isn’t fun. It creates a negative player experience that chases players away from the game.

Without incentives, such as potential advancement to the National Championships, the motivation to abuse the NTRP system would be diminished if not eliminated completely. It’s worth consideration.

Tomorrow, I am going to share one of my own NTRP horror stories that directly speaks to negative player experience. Buckle up.