Need help with registering for USTA tournament

[map07023]

I'm trying to register for an upcoming USTA tournament. I have never done this before so I am not familiar with some of the abbreviations on the web site. For instance, with this tournament here:

http://tennislink.usta.com/tournaments/TournamentHome/Tournament.aspx?T=84548

Next to divisions, what does M(Op,55)s,SE; W(Op)sd,SE; M(Op)d,SE; X(Op)d,SE; NMW(3.5,4.5)sd,SE all mean? I obviously understand the 3.5 and 4.5 as NTRP ratings but what is the M OP, SE, W OP, X OP, NMW all mean?

Also, it says players are selected manually by the tournament director. How does said director decide who plays and who doesn't? Is it just random? Usually are the chances slim of getting into tournaments like this?

Lastly, do they just trust people to self rate themselves as far as NTRP goes. If someone was a 5.0 or 5.5 and joined a 3.5/4.5 tournament what would happen? Not saying i'm going to do this, just curious.

Sorry for all the questions, just not familiar with tournaments like these. Thanks!

 

[saigonbond]

Scroll down towards the bottom of the tourney page and you'll see this link:
Division and Draw Type Abbreviations Legend

Specific questions concerning the draw and tourney procedures should be directed to the tourney director. There should be a contact phone# as well as an email listed in the tourney description info. Usually a day or two after the entry deadline, the draws and any new info will be posted (as a link) on the same tourney page.

Basically as long as its an "Open" tourney and you're a current USTA member, you can play in any division (1 singles and 1 dubs) you're eligible to compete in.

Most NTRPs are self-rated, so its basically the honor system. Based on your tourney results, dynamic rating, and ranking points, one can be bumped up or down in the NTRP divisions. Players can be disqualified for not following the guidelines. If you have have a coach or teaching pro available to you, seek their advice on your level of play. Also consult the USTA guidelines for NTRP for more detailed info:
http://www.usta.com/Play-Tennis/USTA-League/Information/1237_NTRP/

Hope that helps, good luck!

Cheers!

 

[SweetH2O]

Next to divisions, what does M(Op,55)s,SE; W(Op)sd,SE; M(Op)d,SE; X(Op)d,SE; NMW(3.5,4.5)sd,SE all mean? I obviously understand the 3.5 and 4.5 as NTRP ratings but what is the M OP, SE, W OP, X OP, NMW all mean?

It took me a while to figure out the abbreviations as well, even with the link provided above. Here is my best shot at decrypting this one for you, in order.

Mens Open and 55 age brackets - singles, single elimination
Womens Open - singles and doubles, single elimination
Mens Open - doubles, single elimination
Mixed Doubles Open - doubles, single elimination
NTRP Mens and Womens - 3.5 and 4.5 levels, singles and doubles, single elimination

You should be able to figure out what abbreviations go with what from there. Anyone feel free to correct me, as this is new to me too.

 

[map07023]

Thanks for the help guys!