Master Multitasker -- The "Playing" Captain

[Angle Queen]

I'm captain again this year of a summer league team and despite having a rather large roster, find myself in the position of having to be a Player and Captain. Haven't had any real issues yet but there are some things I realize I could have done better. I'm just hoping for some "how-tos" from this crowd.

If, as captain, you're playing in the lineup and have no one else to handle such things, how do you deal with such things as determining "lateness" and rule clarification or interpretations (like how/when to change sides, or what sort of TB to play)? Please let's not get into whether late-penalties should be done or not...just that it is. But seriously, how to you warm-up (with) your opponents and still police the other courts, making sure they start on-time? And do/have you ever interrupt(ed) your match to deal with an issue that's arisen on another one?

I'll admit I have plenty of experienced players and captains (8! on a team of 15, no pressure on me, right?) that most of them can handle their own situations, but sometimes, or in the case of a new-to-USTA player, serious guidance and/or backup is needed.

As my youngest would say, "A Little Help Here, Please."

 

[OrangePower]

If, as captain, you're playing in the lineup and have no one else to handle such things, how do you deal with such things as determining "lateness" and rule clarification or interpretations (like how/when to change sides, or what sort of TB to play)? Please let's not get into whether late-penalties should be done or not...just that it is. But seriously, how to you warm-up (with) your opponents and still police the other courts, making sure they start on-time? And do/have you ever interrupt(ed) your match to deal with an issue that's arisen on another one?

If I am captaining, I will not start my match until all the other courts are 'settled' - meaning the players are there and are warming up, or else there is agreement with the opposing captain that a late-penalty / default is in play. I will warm up while waiting for resolution on the above, but will check every few minutes.

Beyond that, I don't police the other courts, or get involved in their matches. They are all adults. They know when they are supposed to start. They know the rules of play (or at least are supposed to). If an issue arises, I expect them to deal with it.

 

[ian2]

If I am captaining, I will not start my match until all the other courts are 'settled' - meaning the players are there and are warming up, or else there is agreement with the opposing captain that a late-penalty / default is in play. I will warm up while waiting for resolution on the above, but will check every few minutes.

Beyond that, I don't police the other courts, or get involved in their matches. They are all adults. They know when they are supposed to start. They know the rules of play (or at least are supposed to). If an issue arises, I expect them to deal with it.

Exactly. And in general, don't sweat it, it will be fine. In my three years of captaining (multiple teams each year), the only time a serious issue arose was on my own court, playing singles at the districts. Ah, and that one time when the entire opposing team got lost on the way to the match

 

[TENNIS4FUN2]

I've been in the same situation many times. Usually I will ask someone who is watching the matches, that knows what they are doing, to go help the other court. I have had to stop playing to help beginners with a tiebreak and it's definitely distracting when I'm playing and trying to monitor the people I am helping with the tiebreak. There is really no ideal solution to this problem.

As far as warmup, I try to get to the courts early to warm up before everyone is present so that I can handle court assignments and such. I am usually the last court to start, but if I can't wait to start, I find the most experienced player of the ones available and explain to them what should be done.

 

[floridatennisdude]

With 8 former captains on one team, I will bet there will be no issues. I'd relax and play my match and let them handle themselves like adults.

 

[Cindysphinx]

I guess you can break it down into pre-match and during the match.

Pre-match, you just have to be sure you get there plenty early if you are playing. I try to arrive 30 minutes early so I have time to get ready. At 15-20 minutes before, I call any players who have not yet arrived.

After line-up exchange (5 minutes before the match), I check to be sure that all players from both teams are present. If a player is missing, I review the ****iness/default rules with my players and give them my notebook with the rules. I then leave it to them to time the ****iness and decide how strict/generous to be with their opponents. I go ahead with my warm-up, and our local rules state that captains who are dealing with default issues get an extra five minutes before ****iness penalties kick in.

During the match, I do not interfere, period. If players do not know how to play a tiebreak or some such, too bad. They'll have to figure it out. If they ask me a specific rules question and I am certain of the answer, I will tell them. Newbies should be given experienced players as partners.

You'll do great. The hardest part is keeping your cool and focusing on your own play when you are worried about whether Sally will make it on time. I really appreciate players who do not put me through that sort of pre-match angst.

 

[Z-Man]

I much prefer a playing captain. I think professional captains who recruit teams need to find a new hobby. The two exceptions are:

1) Rising players who captain a team at a level that they are working up to. These types will sacrifice themselves at #1 or play themselves in easy matches or after the season is clenched.

2) Older players who have lost a step, but continue to captain at a level they can really no longer play. These guys will often play themselves at the bottom of the lineup with a younger, quicker player.