NTRP purgatory

[J_R_B]

Originally Posted by backttennis

I just played my first season USTA in the summer and received my early start rating.

If I do not join a fall/winter USTA team or play again before year-end ratings come out, is my early start rating going to definitely be my year-end rating, or could it be adjusted up or down due to other factors even if I do not play again before year end?

Our summer team did not do that well or go to districts. Also, another self-rated player who I beat (her first match) now has a dynamic rating which could possibly affect the year end calculations, I would think.

It's not a huge concern, I'm just curious because I'm still trying to decide if I want to play USTA in the winter.

Early start ratings are only valid until the year end rating comes out. You can keep playing on the teams you already signed up for with the ES rating, but all subsequent teams you sign up for have to be using the YE rating.

[dizzlmcwizzl]

Originally Posted by backttennis

If I do not join a fall/winter USTA team or play again before year-end ratings come out, is my early start rating going to definitely be my year-end rating, or could it be adjusted up or down due to other factors even if I do not play again before year end?

Our summer team did not do that well or go to districts. Also, another self-rated player who I beat (her first match) now has a dynamic rating which could possibly affect the year end calculations, I would think.

Originally Posted by J_R_B

Early start ratings are only valid until the year end rating comes out. You can keep playing on the teams you already signed up for with the ES rating, but all subsequent teams you sign up for have to be using the YE rating.

The early start ratings are a snapshot of what your dynamic rating is at the time they take the snapshot. So, if you have not played since the snapshot was taken your exact current rating is into the next band.

At the end of the year, when all the national championships have been played they will compare sections and adjust ratings. Essentially, if you beat someone who then goes onto nationals and destroys everyone there your rating will likely go up, because one of your opponents perfromed well at the national level. However, it can go either way.

Last year I was early start raised to the next level after going 7-2 between districts and sectionals ... however, our section representative had a so-so nationals and they turned back the dial in our section and most players that were early start bumps got lowered at year end.

Also last year, there were 3 guys in our district who had decent seasons in the regular season but had no post season play. They were not early start bump ups, but at the end of the season they received year end bump-ups. I am not sure why.

The section ratings lady explained that they did not have direct contact with the national team so they were affected differently than we were.

The fact of the matter is that all you can draw from being an early start bump is that you are close to the line. There is a good chance you could get the call in November, but it could easily go the other way.

[backttennis]

That's about how I thought it worked. I note that many players who got bumped up last year in early start ratings subsequently lost that move up, and I don't think it was solely determined by their play in the few matches in between. I was told that there are some more complicated year end calculations that can have an effect on many ratings.

[mib]

Originally Posted by backttennis

That's about how I thought it worked. I note that many players who got bumped up last year in early start ratings subsequently lost that move up, and I don't think it was solely determined by their play in the few matches in between. I was told that there are some more complicated year end calculations that can have an effect on many ratings.

I've seen a guy who got bumped up to 4.5 (from 4.0), had a winning (>50%) record there and then got moved back to 4.0. Go figure.

[backttennis]

Yes, their algorithm isn't perfect. I've seen quite a few underrated and overrated players at my club. And the calculations can be off when comparing doubles and singles players, for instance. They're really different games.

Despite this, the levels create cliques who won't play people below their own level.

[Angle Queen]

Stepping aside from some of the subsequent discussion: like the OP, I feel like I am in NTRP Purgatory. Been a 3.5 for awhile, a long while. Many of my teammates were bumped up and, because of benevolent captains, I've had the opportunity to play up too. Admittedly...I've only had mixed success there, mostly, I think, because I've been asked to played singles (because no one else would/could) or with unfamiliar doubles partners (because my regulars are injured). At my rated level, though, I have little trouble.

But am I complaining? Heck no. I am most fortunate to be where I am in this station of life, in my personal life and on the tennis court. I'm lucky that my captains have me on their teams, regardless of the NTRP "number" beside my name....because of my on-court skill-set and my whole attitude towards the game.

So OP, I say to you, take what the computer gives you and run with it. Use any and every connection you have to find a team willing to take you on....and make it worth their while. Show up to any team practices, offer to organize them if no one else does, play with whoever wherever whenever....and you'll find you fit in. Whether you win at the new level or not. Adjustment may take a season or two, but it'll be fun. And that's what it's all about.

Cheers, mate...and keep us posted on how the USTA computer treats thee.

[NTRPolice]

Originally Posted by backttennis

Despite this, the levels create cliques who won't play people below their own level.

That's not the way it is for me. I play casual tennis with all levels ranging from the occasional 2.5 and 5.0, as a 3.0, and people here really dont care about your NTRP as long as you can play.

My normal range is 3.0-4.0 though, but that's probably because most of the people are rated between there.

There are some cliques of 4.0+ people who dont play below them, but that really depends on your skills and not necessarily your NTRP. I suppose in an extreme circumstance, it could be your personality too.

[backttennis]

Originally Posted by NTRPolice

There are some cliques of 4.0+ people who dont play below them, but that really depends on your skills and not necessarily your NTRP.

I agree. I've only seen cliques an issue at 4.0 and 4.5 at my indoor club. (I think outdoor tennis tends to be a bit more open and flexible.) A guy I play with who is a 3.5 was told he had to leave a cardio tennis group because the other men said he wasn't strong enough and they only wanted 4.0 players in it. Cardio tennis? Now that to me is cliquey!