Want a lower rating? Don't forget to appeal down.

[Gut4Tennis]

Log onto your usta page

click appeal rating right next to your rating

select appeal down or up

You also have to appeal down before you join any 2014 teams, or its too late after you join a team

If your rating was on the edge of being lower then the appeal down will be granted and you will have a .5 lower rating

if you were a 5.0C then you'll be a 4.5A (appeal)

Mixed doubles wont affect your rating, but same sex doubles or singles will

good luck

edit: to see if you got the new rating log out, then in again

 

[Gut4Tennis]

This appeal down has worked for many people I know. This really works if you're on the edge

 

[gmatheis]

Unfortunately all the people I know that would want to appeal down are "B"enchmark players because they went to states and they can't appeal for at least a year.

 

[mikeler]

Unfortunately all the people I know that would want to appeal down are "B"enchmark players because they went to states and they can't appeal for at least a year.

That would be me.

 

[ReopeningWed]

I'm not quite sure I understand, since I don't play league tennis myself yet. I thought people would want to have a higher rating for bragging rights and to play against better people right?

 

[Gut4Tennis]

I'm not quite sure I understand, since I don't play league tennis myself yet. I thought people would want to have a higher rating for bragging rights and to play against better people right?

you can appeal up also if you want a higher rating.

Most people wold rather appeal down so more people would want them on a team as their value would be higher to a team if you had a lower rating. In mixed doubles a lower rating means you can play with a higher rated partner

 

[BravoRed691]

Log onto your usta page

click appeal rating right next to your rating

select appeal down or up

If your rating was on the edge of being lower then the appeal down will be granted and you will have a .5 lower rating

if you were a 5.0C then you'll be a 4.5A (appeal)

Mixed doubles wont affect your rating, but same sex doubles or singles will

good luck

edit: to see if you got the new rating log out, then in again

Hi GutTennis, can you elaborate on how mixed dubs won't affect your rating?

If we had a player appeal down and play mixed doubles, are you saying that they won't be subject to the 3 strikes dynamic DQ rule?

I guess i should be asking our AOC but since I'm here...

Thanks

Br

 

[Gut4Tennis]

Hi GutTennis, can you elaborate on how mixed dubs won't affect your rating?

If we had a player appeal down and play mixed doubles, are you saying that they won't be subject to the 3 strikes dynamic DQ rule?

I guess i should be asking our AOC but since I'm here...

Thanks

Br

Lets say you're a 4.0 rated guy. If you play on a 4.0 rated mens team and 5 mixed dubs teams, they will always take the 4.0 team values to determine a rating over any mixed, so there is no need to hold back(sandbag) during mixed.

 

[BravoRed691]

Lets say you're a 4.0 rated guy. If you play on a 4.0 rated mens team and 5 mixed dubs teams, they will always take the 4.0 team values to determine a rating over any mixed, so there is no need to hold back(sandbag) during mixed.

I was under the impression that if you have an "A" type rating, you will be subject to the 3 strikes Dynamic DQ. So if we have a player who successfully appealed for a bumped down (from 5.0), then played the following season (in this case Mixed) as a 4.5 A, might they not be subject to DQ'ed during that season before they even play the 4.5 Men's team season?

Thanks for helping me clarify.

Br

 

[Gut4Tennis]

I was under the impression that if you have an "A" type rating, you will be subject to the 3 strikes Dynamic DQ. So if we have a player who successfully appealed for a bumped down (from 5.0), then played the following season (in this case Mixed) as a 4.5 A, might they not be subject to DQ'ed during that season before they even play the 4.5 Men's team season?

Thanks for helping me clarify.

Br

its almost impossible to get dq'ed playing mixed. you have sooo many variables in play. that's why they have ME ( mixed exclusive ratings) , as playing mixed is like a cake walk in the park for not being dq'ed

 

[BravoRed691]

That is our experience as well...but i wanted to make sure to clarify that it IS possible...hate leaving things to chance...our AOC was suppose to get back with us with the definitive answer tho the rule book is pretty clear i think...

Thanks for your insight Gut4Tennis

Br

 

[JLyon]

Hi GutTennis, can you elaborate on how mixed dubs won't affect your rating?

If we had a player appeal down and play mixed doubles, are you saying that they won't be subject to the 3 strikes dynamic DQ rule?

I guess i should be asking our AOC but since I'm here...

Thanks

Br

I will be subject to DQ this coming season, I only played 9.0 mxd and got rating into appeal range and now sit with a 4.5A, so mixed only is subject to DQ and also must self-rate if "M" Rating before signing up for a team.

 

[BravoRed691]

I will be subject to DQ this coming season, I only played 9.0 mxd and got rating into appeal range and now sit with a 4.5A, so mixed only is subject to DQ and also must self-rate if "M" Rating before signing up for a team.

Thanks JLyon...that's what we thought...we have two players in that situation and just want to make sure we don't screw them and ourselves over. Good luck in your upcoming Season!

Br

 

[kylebarendrick]

There are no dynamic (3 strikes) DQs in mixed (unless they recently changed that rule).

 

[anubis]

I'm not quite sure I understand, since I don't play league tennis myself yet. I thought people would want to have a higher rating for bragging rights and to play against better people right?

Depends on who you ask. Personally, I want to have as high of a level that I can attain. I'm only a 3.5 now, but I'd like to be a 4.5 someday. I don't really care how tough it is. I'd rather be a 4.5 who loses 50% of his matches, than a 3.5 who wins 90% of his matches.

Other people don't like to be at the level where competition is most fierce. They'd rather it be a little easier, so they can build superstar teams with other like-minded folks, all in the hopes of going to Nationals.

 

[Joeyg]

I'm not quite sure I understand, since I don't play league tennis myself yet. I thought people would want to have a higher rating for bragging rights and to play against better people right?

In a perfect world, yes. In the world of USTA League Tennis and it's win at any cost mentality, sandbagging to some extent is the norm.

 

[TobyTopspin]

I've tried appealing down my 5.5 rating a few times, but gave up. I only play a few real matches a year now. I'm on a +40 5.5 team that goes to nationals every year and unfortunately we do pretty well for the matches that I play. I don't think I'm a 5.5 anymore due to my movement is not as good. I've had 4 knee surgeries over the years that has taken a toll. I would think I would still win over half my 5.0 matches judging from the guys that I play socially who still play tournaments and league. So I guess I can see their point, but I have run into some real buzz saws from time to time and get it handed to me.

 

[NumbersGuy]

There are no dynamic (3 strikes) DQs in mixed (unless they recently changed that rule).

Correct. You cannot get a strike playing Mixed, whether you're a Mixed Exclusive player or not.

 

[JLyon]

I've tried appealing down my 5.5 rating a few times, but gave up. I only play a few real matches a year now. I'm on a +40 5.5 team that goes to nationals every year and unfortunately we do pretty well for the matches that I play. I don't think I'm a 5.5 anymore due to my movement is not as good. I've had 4 knee surgeries over the years that has taken a toll. I would think I would still win over half my 5.0 matches judging from the guys that I play socially who still play tournaments and league. So I guess I can see their point, but I have run into some real buzz saws from time to time and get it handed to me.

Have you tried appealing directly to your district or Section? Obviously being in ATL area makes it tougher but I would assume if your 40+ they would be more lenient to appeal you down to 5.0 so you could play in the 4.5 40+ league.

 

[TobyTopspin]

Have you tried appealing directly to your district or Section? Obviously being in ATL area makes it tougher but I would assume if your 40+ they would be more lenient to appeal you down to 5.0 so you could play in the 4.5 40+ league.

I did try a few years ago, but I beat two bench mark 5.5 players that season in singles. My issue is that when I feel good, I can play at the 5.5 level, but the sometime the next day I can hardly walk. I seriously have to have help going down the stairs at home. So I play infrequently which means that my knees are usually ok for the most part. It is what it is, and It's not that big of a deal to me, but I'm sure it will be in a few years when I become uncompetitive. I'll just have to take my medicine that year and get bumped down the next.

 

[Gut4Tennis]

I did try a few years ago, but I beat two bench mark 5.5 players that season in singles. My issue is that when I feel good, I can play at the 5.5 level, but the sometime the next day I can hardly walk. I seriously have to have help going down the stairs at home. So I play infrequently which means that my knees are usually ok for the most part. It is what it is, and It's not that big of a deal to me, but I'm sure it will be in a few years when I become uncompetitive. I'll just have to take my medicine that year and get bumped down the next.

start taking MSM supplement

 

[TobyTopspin]

start taking MSM supplement

I have and it helps somewhat. I've had four knee surgeries including 2 ACL replacements. I've also had a plate inserted for a hip fracture that cause my left leg to become dislocated. I've had multiple broken toes as well.
I've had a lot of pounding on my body over the years, but I still love the sport as much today as I did when I first started if not more.

 

[Gut4Tennis]

I have and it helps somewhat. I've had four knee surgeries including 2 ACL replacements. I've also had a plate inserted for a hip fracture that cause my left leg to become dislocated. I've had multiple broken toes as well.
I've had a lot of pounding on my body over the years, but I still love the sport as much today as I did when I first started if not more.

the bionic man!!! you're an inspiration!!!!

 

[dizzlmcwizzl]

I've tried appealing down my 5.5 rating a few times, but gave up. I only play a few real matches a year now. I'm on a +40 5.5 team that goes to nationals every year and unfortunately we do pretty well for the matches that I play. I don't think I'm a 5.5 anymore due to my movement is not as good. I've had 4 knee surgeries over the years that has taken a toll. I would think I would still win over half my 5.0 matches judging from the guys that I play socially who still play tournaments and league. So I guess I can see their point, but I have run into some real buzz saws from time to time and get it handed to me.

It is not that I don't believe you but ...

This was the first year for 40+ leagues and the highest level is 4.5+. There is no, nor has there ever been a 40+ 5.5 league.

Also,

The 18 + leagues for 5.0 are now 5.0 + ... so there is room for a 5.5 player in 5.0 leagues now. Should be no need to appeal, as you can get into 5.0 leagues as a 5.5.

 

[TobyTopspin]

It is not that I don't believe you but ...

This was the first year for 40+ leagues and the highest level is 4.5+. There is no, nor has there ever been a 40+ 5.5 league.

Also,

The 18 + leagues for 5.0 are now 5.0 + ... so there is room for a 5.5 player in 5.0 leagues now. Should be no need to appeal, as you can get into 5.0 leagues as a 5.5.

Yeah, I maybe wrong on which team is which. I'm on a regular team and a 40+ team. I only play a few times a year. Like I said my playing days were over long ago and I'm the guy the captain calls when he gets desperate

 

[TobyTopspin]

the bionic man!!! you're an inspiration!!!!

I don't know about that. My wife calls me a whiner when she carries me up the stairs.

 

[TobyTopspin]

It is not that I don't believe you but ...

This was the first year for 40+ leagues and the highest level is 4.5+. There is no, nor has there ever been a 40+ 5.5 league.

Also,

The 18 + leagues for 5.0 are now 5.0 + ... so there is room for a 5.5 player in 5.0 leagues now. Should be no need to appeal, as you can get into 5.0 leagues as a 5.5.

I logged in to check. My 40+ team is 4.5+, my 18+ league is 5.0+, my personal rating is 5.5 and my Alta level is AA1.

I never really looked at the team ratings before. I just signed up with guys I always play with.

Some of us played an invitational event in Las Vagas about two months ago. It was fun and I know that everyone there were 5.5 at least. I had a hard time keeping up with them. Great players!

 

[JLyon]

I logged in to check. My 40+ team is 4.5+, my 18+ league is 5.0+, my personal rating is 5.5 and my Alta level is AA1.

I never really looked at the team ratings before. I just signed up with guys I always play with.

Some of us played an invitational event in Las Vagas about two months ago. It was fun and I know that everyone there were 5.5 at least. I had a hard time keeping up with them. Great players!

You must have been bumped to 5.5 or else you would not have been able to play on the 40+ team

 

[beernutz]

I logged in to check. My 40+ team is 4.5+, my 18+ league is 5.0+, my personal rating is 5.5 and my Alta level is AA1.

I never really looked at the team ratings before. I just signed up with guys I always play with.

Some of us played an invitational event in Las Vagas about two months ago. It was fun and I know that everyone there were 5.5 at least. I had a hard time keeping up with them. Great players!

There are only 8 5.5 rated male players in the Atlanta area. Five are self rates, which it didn't sound like you were from what you've written but whatever, and the other three are benchmarks. None of the 8 that I can see are on both a 4.5+ league team and on a 5.0+ >18 league team.

http://tennislink.usta.com/leagues/...ID=&FlightNodeID=&GenderCode=M&NTRPRating=5.5

Pardon my skepticism but we get a lot of people on this forum claiming to be things which they are not.

 

[Nostradamus]

Unfortunately all the people I know that would want to appeal down are "B"enchmark players because they went to states and they can't appeal for at least a year.

why is that unfortunate ? they should be forever be Banned from appealing down. they are bumped up for Good reason so they can't be ringers in lower leagues and Destroy all hopes and Dreams of lower level players.

 

[Gut4Tennis]

why is that unfortunate ? they should be forever be Banned from appealing down. they are bumped up for Good reason so they can't be ringers in lower leagues and Destroy all hopes and Dreams of lower level players.

spot on.....brilliant

 

[TobyTopspin]

There are only 8 5.5 rated male players in the Atlanta area. Five are self rates, which it didn't sound like you were from what you've written but whatever, and the other three are benchmarks. None of the 8 that I can see are on both a 4.5+ league team and on a 5.0+ >18 league team.

http://tennislink.usta.com/leagues/...ID=&FlightNodeID=&GenderCode=M&NTRPRating=5.5

Pardon my skepticism but we get a lot of people on this forum claiming to be things which they are not.

I understand, but I can assure you that am a computer rated 5.5. Maybe that's why a lot of the more advanced players don't post on this site because of the fact that they have to prove themselves.

I'll try to come up with something to prove it, but I would rather not give away my actual name on a tennis message board.

I'll give you a hint. I am currently ranked in the ITF seniors (+40) and I'm ranked +-300. My country of origin is not necessarily the US.

and to make it even easier... (Although my record looks a lot worse than I would like it to looking at this)

Win-Loss Win Loss
Current Year Singles (ATP*/WTA and ITF Pro Circuit main draw) 0 0
Current Year Doubles (ATP*/WTA and ITF Pro Circuit main draw) 0 0
Career Singles (ATP*/WTA Tour and ITF Pro Circuit main draw) 3 6
Career Doubles (ATP*/WTA Tour and ITF Pro Circuit main draw) 5 14
Career Singles (ITF Pro Circuit main draw) 3 6
Career Doubles (ITF Pro Circuit main draw) 5 14
* Includes ATP Challengers Events

 

[JLyon]

I understand, but I can assure you that am a computer rated 5.5. Maybe that's why a lot of the more advanced players don't post on this site because of the fact that they have to prove themselves.

I'll try to come up with something to prove it, but I would rather not give away my actual name on a tennis message board.

I'll give you a hint. I am currently ranked in the ITF seniors (+40) and I'm ranked +-300. My country of origin is not necessarily the US.

and to make it even easier... (Although my record looks a lot worse than I would like it to looking at this)

Win-Loss Win Loss
Current Year Singles (ATP*/WTA and ITF Pro Circuit main draw) 0 0
Current Year Doubles (ATP*/WTA and ITF Pro Circuit main draw) 0 0
Career Singles (ATP*/WTA Tour and ITF Pro Circuit main draw) 3 6
Career Doubles (ATP*/WTA Tour and ITF Pro Circuit main draw) 5 14
Career Singles (ITF Pro Circuit main draw) 3 6
Career Doubles (ITF Pro Circuit main draw) 5 14
* Includes ATP Challengers Events

I'll take your word and that is impressive having some tour wins, but the teams do not add up if you're a computer 5.5 unless you just got bumped to 5.5 end of 2013 rating, otherwise you could not have played 40+ 4.5 men

 

[TobyTopspin]

I'll take your word and that is impressive having some tour wins, but the teams do not add up if you're a computer 5.5 unless you just got bumped to 5.5 end of 2013 rating, otherwise you could not have played 40+ 4.5 men

Thanks, I would rather that part go away as that was long ago when I could actually move. I'm not nearly the same play as I was in my mid twenties.

 

[Joeyg]

why is that unfortunate ? they should be forever be Banned from appealing down. they are bumped up for Good reason so they can't be ringers in lower leagues and Destroy all hopes and Dreams of lower level players.

The mind reels....

 

[TommieF]

Is there a time frame the appeals must be done by?

 

[Gut4Tennis]

Is there a time frame the appeals must be done by?

I have no idea. Not sure. Call your section and ask.

 

[Gut4Tennis]

I'll take your word and that is impressive having some tour wins, but the teams do not add up if you're a computer 5.5 unless you just got bumped to 5.5 end of 2013 rating, otherwise you could not have played 40+ 4.5 men

as judge judy says, "if it does not make sense, its not true"

 

[schmke]

I have no idea. Not sure. Call your section and ask.

I believe it is simply before you sign-up for a 2014 league.

 

[NumbersGuy]

Is there a time frame the appeals must be done by?

No. Not Section-dependent either.

 

[KoaUka]

why is that unfortunate ? they should be forever be Banned from appealing down. they are bumped up for Good reason so they can't be ringers in lower leagues and Destroy all hopes and Dreams of lower level players.

Still don't understand the "B" rule. Why penalize the individual because the team did well as a whole? Thought the whole point of the NTRP was to evaluate each individual based on their win-loss (or competitiveness) record. Just because the team did well (3-2, 3-2, 3-2 all the way to nationals), does not mean that everybody on that team would be a ringer. What do you think?

 

[dizzlmcwizzl]

Still don't understand the "B" rule. Why penalize the individual because the team did well as a whole? Thought the whole point of the NTRP was to evaluate each individual based on their win-loss (or competitiveness) record. Just because the team did well (3-2, 3-2, 3-2 all the way to nationals), does not mean that everybody on that team would be a ringer. What do you think?

The B does not indicate your ability level at all. It is just an indicator that you played in the post season ... meaning that you are at most a match or two removed from playing someone that advanced to sectionals or beyond.

The USTA believes that by directly playing folks that have competed against others from across the land they can accurately compare your rating to theirs .... hence you are benchmarked.

Benchmarking does not mean you are a good player ... it just means you have been compared to the players across the nation in your rating band and therefore perhaps your rating is more accurate than others and not subject to appeal*.


* If you played in sectionals or nationals according to new rules that have been posted.

 

[Gut4Tennis]

The B does not indicate your ability level at all. It is just an indicator that you played in the post season ... meaning that you are at most a match or two removed from playing someone that advanced to sectionals or beyond.

The USTA believes that by directly playing folks that have competed against others from across the land they can accurately compare your rating to theirs .... hence you are benchmarked.

Benchmarking does not mean you are a good player ... it just means you have been compared to the players across the nation in your rating band and therefore perhaps your rating is more accurate than others and not subject to appeal*.


* If you played in sectionals or nationals according to new rules that have been posted.

that's hot.......

 

[anubis]

I personally don't see the point in appealing down. If you can't handle the slightly higher level of competition of a half level above your current position, when why did you get bumped in the first place? Obviously you had some success there, and obviously you dominated at the lower level. So by appealing down, you're really just annoying all the people that you've been wiping the floor with. They're all waiting for you to get bumped so you can go to "where you belong".

I was recently bumped to a 3.5 after being a 3.0 for two years. I don't consider myself a true 3.5, and I lost my first 3.5 match just this past weekend. But, all the rest of the 3.0s would rise up and burn down the village in protest if I appealed down to 3.0. I went something like 30 wins and 3 losses at 3.0 this past year alone.

It's clear I don't belong at 3.0, even if I don't belong at 3.5 just yet either. But hopefully with some training and practice, I will eventually belong there.

 

[Gut4Tennis]

I personally don't see the point in appealing down. If you can't handle the slightly higher level of competition of a half level above your current position, when why did you get bumped in the first place? Obviously you had some success there, and obviously you dominated at the lower level. So by appealing down, you're really just annoying all the people that you've been wiping the floor with. They're all waiting for you to get bumped so you can go to "where you belong".

I was recently bumped to a 3.5 after being a 3.0 for two years. I don't consider myself a true 3.5, and I lost my first 3.5 match just this past weekend. But, all the rest of the 3.0s would rise up and burn down the village in protest if I appealed down to 3.0. I went something like 30 wins and 3 losses at 3.0 this past year alone.

It's clear I don't belong at 3.0, even if I don't belong at 3.5 just yet either. But hopefully with some training and practice, I will eventually belong there.

usually when you appeal down you were already bumped and spent a year there twiddling your thumbs as there were few team that wanted you at the higher level. when you are successful at appealing down your stock goes up and you can then play on lots of teams, not only because of the lower rating, but because you did not go to any playoffs, so the new no national rule makes you even more valuable for teams.

its the 5.0C that appeal to 4.5A that I'm talking about

 

[NoChance]

Actually, I find this thread pretty amusing. I live so far in the boonies that the closest league tennis is 100+ miles away. And, I don't live "that" far in the middle of nowhere.

Where I live, we tennis players spend our time calling people to set up matches and hitting sessions, rather than fussing over league issues. The USTA has become preoccupied with league tennis, which is great for urban areas. No so for us.

You know, the more I think about it, it may be a good thing. The USTA doesn't even know we exist. We just go play tennis. We don't even have to be USTA members, unless one has the urge to play in one of the few sanctioned tournaments in my district.

 

[Gut4Tennis]

Actually, I find this thread pretty amusing. I live so far in the boonies that the closest league tennis is 100+ miles away. And, I don't live "that" far in the middle of nowhere.

Where I live, we tennis players spend our time calling people to set up matches and hitting sessions, rather than fussing over league issues. The USTA has become preoccupied with league tennis, which is great for urban areas. No so for us.

You know, the more I think about it, it may be a good thing. The USTA doesn't even know we exist. We just go play tennis. We don't even have to be USTA members, unless one has the urge to play in one of the few sanctioned tournaments in my district.

but but but....then you can't pay lots of cash to play timed matches all for the hopes of paying 1-1.5k or more to get on a jet plane for nationals against all the others people so you can flex your muscles and see who has the best shots and biggest racquet!!

 

[NoChance]

You are absolutely right! I can't do that stuff : )

I am simply part of a circle of decent players who call each other to get matches and hitting sessions. We have a four-court, har-tru facility, and a backyard clay court or two in the area.

Some of us play a sanctioned tournament once or twice a year, or maybe a local, non-sanctioned tournament or two.

Tennis mostly ends at Halloween, to begin again in April, except for a 60-90 minute drive to an indoor facility, when we get itchy to hit a few.

It's all I want, and need. I used to play more tournaments, and Interdistricts. Just when I began to think about traveling to senior tournaments, I realized how expensive it was, and how I didn't have to do that to just go play tennis, still be competitive, and have fun.

And, my "drive to the court" car is much nicer nowadays...

 

[Gut4Tennis]

You are absolutely right! I can't do that stuff : )

I am simply part of a circle of decent players who call each other to get matches and hitting sessions. We have a four-court, har-tru facility, and a backyard clay court or two in the area.

Some of us play a sanctioned tournament once or twice a year, or maybe a local, non-sanctioned tournament or two.

Tennis mostly ends at Halloween, to begin again in April, except for a 60-90 minute drive to an indoor facility, when we get itchy to hit a few.

It's all I want, and need. I used to play more tournaments, and Interdistricts. Just when I began to think about traveling to senior tournaments, I realized how expensive it was, and how I didn't have to do that to just go play tennis, still be competitive, and have fun.

And, my "drive to the court" car is much nicer nowadays...

I like what you got. Sometimes I wish I had it your way, nice and simple, but sometimes I like being in the mix and wanted by many teams. I admit it feels good to have teams wanting you, as its human nature to be wanted.

As long as you're playing tennis and not golf then I'm happy

 

[RobFL]

What is the "TLS" rating? Mine is 4.5 but the year end rating is 4.0. I can say for sure Florida does not use tournament data because I beat a lot of 4.5s and about five 5.0s in age group tournaments. My 55 and over 4.0 team is going to be upset with me, I can't in good conscience play 4.0 this year.