Tri Level Kudos

[MayorGorman]

Wanted to see everyones opinion on this. Played tri level for the first time this year and have to say its the most fun I have had in USTA Tennis. If you tend to be a player who is higher ranked for your rating Tri Level makes the matches a lot more competitive. You get every teams best players because its only one line, feels like it eliminates the monotony of playing the same players and having the same results.

 

[TennisOTM]

I also really enjoyed playing tri-level when I was a good 3.5 player. Since become a crappy 4.0 player I have never been invited back. Definitely is an unofficial all-star league in my area. By all accounts I've heard, the National Invitational is a great event for those who make it there.

I also think it's a good sort of format that local leagues can use to get creative. For example, my area has experimented with different "18-39" leagues for younger players to have a league during 40+ season (which does not overlap with 18+ season here). Most of the 18-39 leagues in prior years failed to attract many players, but this year they tried making it an 18-39 tri-level league and it was more popular.

It could also be a good way to get 5.0 players into leagues where there are not enough of them for the traditional 18+ league. Why not make an "advanced tri-level" league that is 4.0/4.5/5.0? Would not need many 5.0 players to form a small league of teams.

 

[bobbybob14]

There already is a tri-level 4.0/4.5/5.0 that goes to nationals. I also think tri-level is a good way to meet people that you normally wouldn't be on the same court as or the same team.

 

[Remioli]

I liked being on the team and playing with 4.5's and 3.5's in practice. The matches were basically just 4.0 matches. It's really annoying to schedule though. Similar to mixed, when you have multiple groups of people scheduling is tough cause you need 2 3.5s, 2 4.0s, 2 4.5s. As opposed to just 6 4.0's which is easier.

 

[Creighton]

You get every teams best players because its only one line, feels like it eliminates the monotony of playing the same players and having the same results.

Sounds like you would be better off just playing up a level.

 

[LOBALOT]

Yeah, not a fan of trilevel from a captains perspective because there are so many sandbaggers.

If you are already at a higher level why not play at that level and get better through competition against players at your level vs. protecting a non-standard rating just to sandbag.

In our area so many sandbaggers don't play on regular USTA teams so that they can protect their sandbagger rating.

 

[silverwyvern4]

Yeah, not a fan of trilevel from a captains perspective because there are so many sandbaggers.

If you are already at a higher level why not play at that level and get better through competition against players at your level vs. protecting a non-standard rating just to sandbag.

In our area so many sandbaggers don't play on regular USTA teams so that they can protect their sandbagger rating.

A lot of people use trilevel for tanking in my area because it is right before rating deadline.

 

[TennisOTM]

There already is a tri-level 4.0/4.5/5.0 that goes to nationals.

Cool I've never seen that. How many sections actually send teams to this?

 

[MayorGorman]

Sounds like you would be better off just playing up a level.

Sometimes you dont have time to play for two teams. No league is perfect but having a quick hitting league that guarantees for the most part good matches is a lot of fun

 

[time_fly]

In our area of New England, they broke up tri-level into “one doubles” teams because it was hard to get teams of broad levels organized. Now a “team” is 3 or 4 players of one level. The winning teams at each level get integrated into a single tri-level team representing New England. With this format, the leagues tend to be small and it’s a short path to Nationals if you can put together an all-star crew. Therefore the matches also tend to be very competitive.

 

[Purestriker]

In our area of New England, they broke up tri-level into “one doubles” teams because it was hard to get teams of broad levels organized. Now a “team” is 3 or 4 players of one level. The winning teams at each level get integrated into a single tri-level team representing New England. With this format, the leagues tend to be small and it’s a short path to Nationals if you can put together an all-star crew. Therefore the matches also tend to be very competitive.

So you joined your rivals?

 

[TennisOTM]

In our area of New England, they broke up tri-level into “one doubles” teams because it was hard to get teams of broad levels organized. Now a “team” is 3 or 4 players of one level. The winning teams at each level get integrated into a single tri-level team representing New England. With this format, the leagues tend to be small and it’s a short path to Nationals if you can put together an all-star crew. Therefore the matches also tend to be very competitive.

There are a few sections that do it this way. Probably a good way to get together the most talented tri-level team. The downside would be if say the 3.5 one-doubles champs and the 4.0 champs are mortal enemies who hate each other, and now they have to travel and spend a weekend at a tournament together.

 

[Moon Shooter]

I captained two Tri level teams. I think they are great and easy to captain because you only need one doubles team for each level. Even there if you are short a player at the upper two levels you can have someone play up. In order to be competitive you need people at the top of the level no matter what USTA league you play in. But Tri level is better then saying you need 9 guys all over 40 and all at the top of the same level. IMO that is just ridiculous.

 

[Roforot]

In my section, we play 7.0/8.0/9.0. Its cool because we had a 5.0 play w a 4.0. The thing that sucks is if we had avanced, they require it to be 3.5/4.0/4.5. So our 5.0 would not get to play.

Theres also a low tri 7.0/7.5/8.0 and advancing teams have to field a 3.0/3.5/4.0… so every team has a token 3.0 guy and girl…

I don’t like the disconnect. One team played without a 3.0 and just said if they win, theyll let the runner up advance…

 

[ichaseballs]

In my section, we play 7.0/8.0/9.0. Its cool because we had a 5.0 play w a 4.0. The thing that sucks is if we had avanced, they require it to be 3.5/4.0/4.5. So our 5.0 would not get to play.

Theres also a low tri 7.0/7.5/8.0 and advancing teams have to field a 3.0/3.5/4.0… so every team has a token 3.0 guy and girl…

I don’t like the disconnect. One team played without a 3.0 and just said if they win, theyll let the runner up advance…

sounds like COMBO league...
i think this is something that is interesting and allows for similar teams as tri level

 

[Roforot]

Its called tri level fall.
I am not sure what a COMBO league is or what the difference is? Im guessing combo allows for 3.5/3.5 or 4.0/3.0 pairings which was how our regular season ran.

 

[Moon Shooter]

Its called tri level fall.
I am not sure what a COMBO league is or what the difference is? Im guessing combo allows for 3.5/3.5 or 4.0/3.0 pairings which was how our regular season ran.

I think Local rules can vary and even section rules can vary. But once you get to nationals in Tri level everyone has to be the assigned level (or .5 below playing up)..