How do you change a team during USTA League Play

I am stuck in a team with the minimum playing time and want to change a team, is it possible and how do I do it? I know captains of few other teams and feel that I will get in to one of their teams.

Once you play a match you can't. Otherwise, talk to your league coordinator.

Te Nis said:

I am stuck in a team with the minimum playing time and want to change a team, is it possible and how do I do it? I know captains of few other teams and feel that I will get in to one of their teams.

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You can't go to another team during the season within the same league, but you can go to another county and play in a different league's team. I live in the MD/DC/VA area, so our counties are very close to one another. It's not a big deal for me to play on two different leagues in two different counties.

Once you play a single match for a team, you cannot transfer to a competing team in that league. You can, of course, go play in another league.

Do yourself a favor, though. If you cannot transfer now, be a good soldier for the rest of the season. You do not want to make an enemy of your current captain, as you cannot know what the future may hold and you may want to return someday.

Also, do your captain a favor. Please do not accept an offer with his team for next season, have him hold a spot, and then bail to accept a different offer. That captain will remember that and will not be quick to give you a second chance to honor your obligations.

Cindysphinx said:

Once you play a single match for a team, you cannot transfer to a competing team in that league. You can, of course, go play in another league.

Do yourself a favor, though. If you cannot transfer now, be a good soldier for the rest of the season. You do not want to make an enemy of your current captain, as you cannot know what the future may hold and you may want to return someday.

Also, do your captain a favor. Please do not accept an offer with his team for next season, have him hold a spot, and then bail to accept a different offer. That captain will remember that and will not be quick to give you a second chance to honor your obligations.

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Ditto this. As a captain this year I had two players tell me they would play with our team only to bail and join another team just before season began. One was legitimate, I think--he had truly forgotten a previous commitment. The other guy didn't even have courtesy to let me know; I found out when looking at the rosters of other teams! When I asked him about it he said his buds talked him into playing with them. It seems to say a bit about character. So, yeah, take the high road and you will be glad in the long run.

Is there a local league in your area with a team you can join? You could also sign up for flex league.

And don't forget about tournaments, tennis ladders, and tennis clubs. There's plenty of tennis to be played, most likely.

Just want to tell all the incompetent captains not to play buddies who can't play by forcing guys who can play sitting out. Players have good memories too.

I will ride this out and let my stick do the talking during the next season.

Te Nis said:

Just want to tell all the incompetent captains not to play buddies who can't play by forcing guys who can play sitting out. Players have good memories too.

I will ride this out and let my stick do the talking during the next season.

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Now that is a completely different scenario. Doesn't change the fact that you can't play in another team for the same league, but I am sorry that your captain is being unfair with the lineups.

All I can say is, don't agree to be on his team again next season. Ask around to see what other captains do a better job of rotating the players so that everyone gets his fair share of court time.

I am very choosy as to which captain I agree to play with. I ask my friends about how this person used to captain. Get a feel for the politics and fairness.

You could also be a captain yourself next season. It's very rewarding! And you might get some to come along, those who feel as you do.

Thanks for all responses.

I was thinking of captaining, need to know players well since this is a new league. I might consider later on. I don't have a problem sitting down if I am the worst player. When I see close matches we loose that I feel I can do a better job, it is frustrating and at the same time a learning experience as well.

Can't wait for the next season and come back and kick some butts.

not all teams play the best available players all the time, but if you are one of the better players you shouldn't be sitting a whole lot either way.

my teams operate this way....we try to win, but not all costs and we try to get everybody as much play as possible (unless they just have too many outside conflicts, then they get less play perhaps).

edit: going to states is ok pending the location, but we have no interest in travelling for regionals.