Gladiator Tennis

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League Rules & Information

Getting Started
Setting Up Your Match
- Table of Contents
  Match Scheduling
  
  Why Scoring Deadlines?
  
  Home Court Location
  
  Division Size/Location/Travel distance for “Away” Matches
  
  Can't Contact Opponent
  
  Subplayers
  
  Withdrawn Players
  
  Replacement Players
  
  Frequent Term throughout Rules: “Assigned Week of Play”
  
  When you read through the rules that follow this, you will frequently see the term “Assigned Week of Play”. The Assigned Week of Play begins the day after the Score Reporting Deadline for the previous match, and ends on the Score Reporting Deadline for the match at hand.
  
  Example scenario:
  
  Q: What is the “Assigned Week of Play for Match #3 on the schedule if the Match #2 Score Reporting Deadline is June 10th and the Match #3 Score Reporting Deadline is June 17th?
  
  A: In this example, the Assigned Week of Play for Match #3 would be June 11th – June 17th.
  
  Match Scheduling
  - Players must complete their assigned matches by the Score Reporting Deadline.
  - Both players are responsible for contacting each other by the Friday night before their assigned week of play.
  - If a player does not respond to his opponent's calls/Texts/emails or is unavailable for any reason to schedule the match by the Friday before their assigned week of play they can be defaulted. - See "Defaults" below.
  Gladiator Tennis is using a flexible match scheduling format that allows you to schedule matches when it's convenient. However, because the majority of the players work, players must follow the nights and weekend playing times outlined below. Matches can be scheduled outside of the Nights and Weekend time periods only if it is mutually agreeable to both players.
  
  Schedule your matches using the following 4 step system below:
  
  Step 1: Suggest to your opponent what days and times would be most convenient for you to play. If you find a mutually agreeable day and time, then schedule the match.
  
  Step 2: If you can't find an obvious mutually agreeable time to play, each person must then offer 3 different days to play. Start times for matches must be offered during the following reasonable and customary time periods:
  Monday - Friday 5:00pm - 8:00pm
  Saturday - Sunday 9:00am - 7:00pm
  
  Step 3: If an agreement cannot be reached the player who is most available during the Assigned Week of Play has 3 options:
  
  Option #1: Reporting a default win and receiving 10 points
  
  Option #2: Recruiting a sub to play against (See “Sub Players” section)
  
  Option #3: Taking a Rain Check (See “Rain Checks” section)
  
  The less available player has 2 options:
  
  Option #1: Recruiting a sub to play in his place (See “Sub Players” section)
  
  Option #2: Taking a Rain Check (See “Rain Checks” section)
  - Matches may always be played ahead of schedule! This is encouraged if you know in advance you will be unable to play certain weeks. Example: A week #5 match can be played in weeks #1-4.
  - Matches may not be played beyond the Score Reporting Deadline or they will be counted as a zero. The only exceptions to this rule are sub matches against "Withdrawn players" (See ”Withdrawn Players" section), and using the Rain Check (See “Rain Checks” section).
  Why Scoring Deadlines?
  
  The Gladiator Tennis League match format is intended to provide a balance between flexibility and structure that works well for most people's schedules. Time limits are an absolute necessity for the league to function properly and keep players on track. Without due dates, even as few as two players delaying matches until the end of the season would lead to massive defaults paralyzing entire divisions and creating widespread frustration. With the advent of time limits, non-responsive players can be replaced early in the season preserving play for our active members. Gladiator Tennis has the reputation of a "player's league", where members are responsive and uphold their commitment to complete their matches. Please note: if hard deadlines were not absolutely necessary for the league, they would not be required. Thank you for your understanding and your commitment.
  
  Home Court Location
  - Each player will play 3 or 4 of the 7 matches for the season at his/her home court.
  - If you play other players who share the same home court as you do, then you could play as many as all 7 matches at your home court.
  - If you and your opponent both have the same Home Court, you can see who is the Home player by clicking the "Division Standings" tab. The Home player will see a House icon and the Away player will see an auto icon.
  - If you and your opponent agree to play at another location besides your homecourt, that is acceptable. If you or your opponent want to play at another llocation but cannot agree to where to play, then you must play at the court location of the Home player for the match.
  - If you know of courts within your metro area that are not on our list, you can email the League Coordinator, and he will add them to the list if they are in adequate condition, and if they are open to the public with no usage fee required.
  - If you live in an outlying area, you will be required to choose a home court location that is listed on the website. All home court locations will be approved by the league coordinator.
  “Home” players should be aware of the following issues when scheduling a Home match:
  - Make sure your home courts are not already reserved with high school matches/practice, or park district lessons. High School schedules can be found at this link: il.8to18.com - click the high school and look for the tennis team schedule.
  - Know when the courts are typically full from the public.
  - Know when the lights go off.
  - Know if there are cracks in the courts, broken nets, or anything about the court conditions that will hinder clean play.
  - Know if the courts will be inaccessible for any reason.
  If the Home Court player is unaware of any of the issues above, and it results in the match being interrupted or not played, the Home Court player can be defaulted if the Away player is unwilling or unable to reschedule the match. If the Home Court player believes the condition of the courts is suitable for play, but the Away player disagrees, either or both players can submit photos via phone to the League Coordinator who will then arbitrate and come to a decision. Keep in mind that this rarely happens. Almost all players are amenable to cooperating with each other and finding a reasonable solution.
  
  Head off potential problems when scheduling the match: If you are unsure if the courts will be available, or unsure about whether you can play your match before the lights go off, or unsure if your opponent will be comfortable playing with the conditions of the court, please inform your opponent about as much as you can, then agree on a plan. You could suggest coming to the court site, then having an alternate site to go to in case your home court is full, unsuitable, or unplayable in anyway. Make sure your opponent agrees to this when scheduling the match.
  
  Division Size/Location/Travel distance for “Away” Matches
  
  Size:
  
  The number of players in each division can range from 4-12 players. By varying the division sizes we can keep people who are from the same part of town together and dramatically reduce the driving time for our members. Because all players must play the same number of matches each season, in smaller divisions there may be some players you play twice. In larger divisions there will be some players you don't play. You may have a slightly harder or easier schedule than someone else in your division. Keep in mind this same slight variation occurs in every league due to simple geography. If stronger players sign up from your area this season, you will have a tougher schedule than if you had played in a neighboring division. The next season, the opposite could occur. Thus the slight variations in strength of schedules are a natural occurrence. However, the overwhelming advantages flexible division sizes offer are very real. They provide the opportunity for both a greater variety of players in each division and dramatically reduced drive times.
  
  Location/Travel:
  
  Your home court location, not your street address, will be used to determine which division you will be placed in. From season to season, players should expect to be playing out of the same general area but not necessarily in the same exact division or with the same players. This is because players may be moved up or down to another skill level, depending on their performance. Also, as the league grows, groups get bigger and separate into smaller geographic areas.
  
  The ideal is for all Gladiator Tennis members to drive no more than 20 minutes to their “away” Singles matches, and 30 minutes to their "away" doubles matches. This will not be possible for some of you who live in the outlying areas of the suburbs. The more players we have in every area, the less travel we have for “away” matches.
  
  Can't Contact Opponent
  
  If you can’t contact your opponent, it’s possible that there has been an update to your division. If there are any updates to your division, you will immediately be sent an email notifying you of the change. Updates may include new phone numbers, email addresses, withdrawn players, sub players, and new replacement players.
  
  If you have attempted to contact your opponent at least twice by email and text at all listed numbers, and received no reply by the Friday before your assigned week of play, you may choose from one of the following options:
  - Recommended: Sub - Recruit a sub to play against (See "Sub Players" section).
  - Default win - worth 10 points. Just click "update" on the schedule, then click the default box under the "opponent's scores" column, and "submit" at the bottom of the screen.
  - Rain Check– Just click “Update” on the schedule, then look for the Rain Check button in the lower left corner of the screen. Hope that you can reach your opponent later in the season. See Rain Checks for more information.
  - Continue to attempt to contact your opponent, up to the Score Reporting Deadline.
  You can let the League Coordinator know if this player is not playing anybody else either. Otherwise, just choose an option and move on to scheduling your next match.
  
  Opponent Unable to Play
  
  If your opponent is unable to arrange a match with you by the score reporting deadline, one of the following options are available:
  
  1. Recommended: Your opponent can recruit a subplayer. See Sub Players for more information.
  
  2. Your opponent can take a Rain Check. See Rain Checks for more information.
  
  3. You can recruit a sub - your opponent would receive a zero point default. Only take this option after you have communicated with your opponent and he is unable to take one of the first 2 options above.
  
  4. You can take a Rain Check - This would be a generous move on your part, but not obligatory. It is appropriate if your opponent has already used his Rain Check and cannot find a sub.
  
  5. You can take a Default win, worth 10 points. Just click "update" on the schedule, then click the default box under the "opponent's scores" column, and "submit" at the bottom of the screen.
  
  Subplayers
  
  A "sub" can be any Gladiator Tennis player at your skill level. Even regular players from other divisions that are not listed as a subplayer may play as subs.
  
  Reasons to enlist a subplayer, rather than taking a default or default win:
  1. You are awarded whatever points your subplayer earns for you.
  2. The match is played rather than unplayed. We all sign up to play, right?
  3. The subplayer gets 3 Bonus Points for playing the match. See Bonus Points
  If you want to be a subplayer, click "Profile", then click "Yes" for Subplayer on the page that appears.
  
  Where to find subplayers:
  1. "Find Substitute", located in the bottom right corner of your schedule. Only phone numbers are listed.
  2. Play another player in your division. It's ok if you have already played them. If you are in a division of greater than 8 players, then you should pick one of the players in the group that you are not already scheduled with. If you cannot find that player's contact info in the "Find Substitute" link, ask the League Coordinator for it.
  3. Play any other player at your skill level in the league. You can see players at your skill level from other divisions by clicking the "Division Standings" tab, then clicking the link where it says "If you want to check other divisions click here". If you need the contact information of a particular player who is not in your division, or who is inactive, you can email the League Coordinator to ask.
  Scenarios involving a subplayer:
  - If you recruit a subplayer to play for you - you get whatever points the subplayer earns for you. The subplayer should report the scores to you. Before the Score Reporting Deadline, you would record the scores and check the "substitute" box under the "Your Scores" column.
  - If your opponent recruits a subplayer for you - you get a default, zero points, for the match. Your opponent would record the scores and then click the "substitute" box, and the "Who is defaulting" box under the "Opponent Scores" column.
  - You recruit a subplayer in place of your opponent - Click "Find Substitute" on the screen that shows your schedule. Find someone on the list that is able to play you. You can also ask another player in your division. When finished playing, report your score and click the "Sub" and the "default" box under the Opponent Scores column.
  Matches involving Subplayers do not factor into Player Rating. All matches against subs count towards your point standings and Wildcard Points Race but do not count toward your rating. The reason sub matches are not counted towards a players rating is:
  1. Players can choose their own subs, and can pick a player who is the weakest in the group, thereby artificially inflating their rating.
  2. Substitute player opponents may not be motivated to play as hard as if the match counted towards their own point total.
  Withdrawn Players
  
  If your opponent has withdrawn from your division, you must select one of the following options:
  
  Option #1. Playing a sub (You have the entire season to play a sub or the replacement player, if one has been added.)
  
  Option #2. Reporting a default win and receiving 10 points.
  - Defaults wins must be reported before the last day of the season.
  - The League Coordinator will try to replace the withdrawn player as soon as possible.
  - If you know of a friend that is at the same level and might like to fill in the open position, please contact the league coordinator ASAP. Replacement players will pay a prorated entry fee based on the amount of time left in the season, at the discretion of the league coordinator.
  - If a withdrawn player is replaced with a new player, you have the option of replaying this match anytime during the regular season. (See "Replacement Players" section).
  Please DO NOT call or email the League Coordinator and ask what to do when your opponent has withdrawn due to injury or other reason. This is a normal occurrence in any league. Choose option #1 or #2 above and move on to scheduling your next match.
  
  Replacement Players
  
  Replacement Players may enter your division after the season has begun. All Replacement Player information will appear on your schedule, and an email alert will be sent to all the players in the division by the League Coordinator.
  
  Replacement players must first arrange matches that have not already been played and are not past the Score Reporting Deadline. If there is still time left in the season, Replacement Players may contact earlier opponents to see if they have time to replay matches already played, or unplayed matches that are past due. It is up to the opponents to decide if they want to replay any matches that have already been played or are past due. Matches behind schedule with Replacement Players can be replayed anytime before the end of the season.
  
  Replacement players may qualify for the playoffs if they meet the 2 criteria below:
  
  1. Play at least 4 matches,
  
  2. They earn enough points in the Wildcard Points Race for a wildcard spot.
Playing Your Match
- Table of Contents
  Match Site
  
  Who Bring the Balls?
  
  Scoring & Tiebreaks
  
  Breaks and Rest Periods
  
  Spectators
  
  Unsportsmanlike Behavior
  
  Disputes and Protests
  
  Match Site
  
  Matches are played at the "home court" of one of the players. If a player is scheduled to have the "home court" for a match, it will be shaded in gold on the schedule.
  
  Tennis clubs
  Indoor Court locations on the list are not to be selected for our outdoor seasons. You must choose an outdoor court location for the Spring, Summer, and Fall seasons. If you want to play a match indoors during one of the outdoor seasons, your opponent must agree to this, and you must pay the court costs and any applicable guest fees.
  
  Clay Courts
  Clay courts are not listed among our Chicagoland court locations. If you want to play at a clay court, you can do so if your opponent agrees, and if you are willing to pay the court costs and any applicable guest fees.
  
  Public facilities
  If the facility charges court fees, the "Home" player will cover the fees of both players. If the facility does not have a court reservation system, the "home" player must show up early to secure courts for the match. If a court is not available within 20 min. of the designated time, the "away" player may take a default.
  
  "Home" players should be aware of the following issues when scheduling a Home match:
  - Make sure your home courts are not already reserved with high school matches/practice, or park district lessons. High School schedules can be found at this link: http://il.8to18.com/ - click the high school and look for the tennis team schedule.
  - Know when the courts are typically full from the public.
  - Know when the lights go off.
  - If there are no lights, the match must be scheduled early enough in the day to complete the match 30 minutes before sundown. If you cannot arrange a time early enough with your opponents, you must choose a lighted court.
  - Know if there are cracks in the courts, broken nets, or anything about the court conditions that will hinder clean play.
  - Know if the courts will be inaccessible for any reason.
  If the Home Court player is unaware of any of the issues above, and it results in the match being interrupted or not played, the Home Court player can be defaulted if the Away player is unwilling or unable to reschedule the match.
  
  If the Home Court player believes the condition of the courts is suitable for play, but the Away player disagrees, either/both player can submit photos via phone to the League Coordinator who will then arbitrate and come to a decision. Keep in mind that this rarely happens. Almost all players are amenable to cooperating with each other and finding a reasonable solution.
  
  Head off potential problems when scheduling the match: If you are unsure if the courts will be available, or unsure about whether you can play your match before the lights go off, or unsure if your opponent will be comfortable playing with the conditions of the court, please inform your opponent about as much as you can, then agree on a plan. You could suggest coming to the court site, then having an alternate site to go to in case your home court is full, unsuitable, or unplayable in anyway. Make sure your opponent agrees to this when scheduling the match.
  
  Late Opponent/No Show
  
  If you or your opponent is over 20 minutes late to the match, it is reasonable at that point for the player who showed up to go home and take a default win. But before leaving, the player who showed up should call and/or text the other player to make sure that they communicated correctly about the time and location of the match. Contact the League Coordinator if a player fails to show and either does not follow up, or shows little or no concern about it. No shows are not tolerated in the league and can lead to suspension from league play, subject to the discretion of the League Coordinator. Typically, the League Cooordinator will follow the 3 strikes protocol that is outlined in our Unsportsmanlike Conduct section.
  
  Default Alert: If a player assumes for any reason (e.g. rain) that the match has been canceled, but does not communicate to his points via text or phone call first, he can be defaulted if the other player shows up and believes the conditions are playable. If you think the match should be canceled on the day of the match, you must communicate via text or phone call with your opponent and receive a response before deciding not to go to the match site. Both players must agree that the match is defaulted, otherwise show up to play. DO NOT CANCEL MATCHES VIA EMAIL.
  
  Who Bring the Balls?
  
  The "home court" player shall provide a new, unopened can of balls. New balls must also be provided if there has been a break in play (see "Incomplete Matches" section).
  
  Players are strongly recommended to use the Wilson US Open ball. It is weighted consistently and properly and doesn't shed right away to nothing. It is made for hard courts and lasts far longer than other balls. These can be hard to find in stores, but you can get them at a discount online at Tennis Warehouse or Midwest Sports.
  
  Scoring & Tiebreaks
  
  If there is a score disagreement during the match, players must go back to the last point you both agree on, and continue the match from there.
  
  A conventional, best 2 of 3 sets shall be played, with a 12 point tie break (first player to 7 pts. by two) used at six games all. If you split sets, players may elect to play a Super Tiebreak instead of playing out the third set. However, both players must elect to play a 3rd set Super Tiebreak. If either player wants to play out the third set, it must be played out. Once agreed upon, a player cannot later change his mind. 3rd set "Super Tiebreaks" are a 10 point match tie break (first player to 10 pts. by two). 3rd set "Super Tiebreaks" are an option to prevent unnecessary fatigue to players and eliminate rescheduling and incomplete matches due to time constraints/sundown/weather. 3 hour exception: In the unusual instance when a match will exceed 3 hours, a super-tiebreak must be played, unless both players agree to play it out.
  - Record a 12 point tiebreaker as 7-6.
  - Super Tiebreak scores should be reported by the point totals earned (e.g 10-3).
  - See this video for an illustration of how to play out a 12 point tiebreaker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0PVoD7vZzA.
  Alternate Scoring Option - Gladiator Tennis adaptation of the "Fast 4 Format"
  
  If BOTH PLAYERS AGREE, a Gladiator Tennis version of the Fast 4 format can be played as a quicker alternative. This is helpful especially for matches in the city, where a 1 hour time limit is often imposed because of overcrowded courts. Fast 4 Scoring Format
  
  --If both players do not agree, then the traditional scoring method ahould be followed. If a player wants to use the Fast 4 Format, it is recommended that he/she propose that when scheduling the match, and not suggest it when both players have reached the courts already.
  
  --New Heat Rule - If the temperature is above 90 degrees, the Fast 4 Format will be used unless both players agree to play it out.
  
  Fast 4 Rules, adapted for Gladiator Tennis:
  1. No-ad scoring. At deuce, the receiver gets to pick which side of the court to receive from, and the winner of that point wins the game.
  2. 4 game set - the first to win 4 games, wins the set.
  3. Tiebreaker at 3 games all
    - 1st player to win 5 points wins the tiebreaker
    - 2 points serving each, starting deuce side
    - change ends after 4 points played
    - if tiebreak reaches 4-4, the next point wins the tiegreaker and set. Spin the racket to see who serves at 4-4. Receiver of serve decides which side of the court to play on.
  4. Play a Fast 4 tiebreak instead of a 3rd set. The 3rd set Fast 4 Tiebreaker follows the description in Point #3 above.
  Gladiator deviations from original "Fast 4 format"
  - Let Courts on the serve are NOT played out.
  - Scoring is still "15,30,40, Game".
  - There is no "Power Play" point.
  Breaks and Rest Periods
  
  The following are standard rules in all organized tennis (Gladiator, ITF, USTA) regarding rest periods and breaks:
  - 15 minute maximum warm-up period.
  - Players are allowed a maximum of 25 seconds between points.
  - Players are allowed a maximum of one minute and thirty seconds when changing sides of the court.
  - Players are allowed a 10 minute break between the second and third sets.
  - Players are allowed a one-time 3 minute injury suspension.
  - Play shall never be suspended, delayed or interfered with for the purpose of enabling a player to recover his strength, breath, or physical condition.
  Additional Gladiator Tennis rules…
  - Players may have one toilet emergency visit per match, which shall not exceed 5 minutes.
  - No cell phones or beepers are allowed on court except for emergencies. The first time your cell phone rings during a point, your opponent has the option of replaying the point. Each subsequent time your phone rings during play, your opponent is awarded the point.
  Spectators
  - No coaching of players is allowed by spectators in the adult league.
  - If players disagree on line calls, one player should not ask spectators or others on neighboring courts to support or adjudicate their calls.
  - Please scroll down for the "High School Rules" to see the coaching guidelines for the STL Junior League.
  - Children should not be allowed on the premises during a match if they cannot be prevented from coming onto the court or behaving in a way that distracts either player from concentrating effectively.
  Unsportsmanlike Behavior
  
  Ensure an enjoyable league with quality opponents! Please report all acts of unsportsmanlike conduct to the league coordinator. If players don't report, no action can be taken. Not reporting problem players means other members will be subjected to the same behavior. Unsportsmanlike behavior includes: Verbal abuse, bad line calls, no response to phone calls, excessive questioning of line calls, and consistently rude or argumentative behavior. Players will receive a verbal warning from the league coordinator after two complaints from different players within a 3 year period. A third complaint within a 3 year period will result in a one calendar year suspension. Behavior that involves immediate expulsion from the league are physical abuse, threats of physical harm, and racial slurs. Do not expect the League Coordinator to expel a player if it is your word vs. his word on the first offense. But if you report an offense, and a pattern of complaints has been established with that player, this protocol will be followed.
  
  Disputes and Protests
  
  Because all league matches are unofficiated, players are responsible for both knowing the rules and enforcing them while on court. The Gladiator Tennis League Coordinator will only overturn matches if you follow the "Disputes and Protests" rules below:
  - The League Coordinator will only rule on disputes in which the offending player has been issued an "official protest" at the time of the incident. (See Issuing a Protest below).
  - The League Coordinator will not impose rulings, or settle disagreements about the following:
    - A disagreement in which an "official protest" was not stated to the opponent at the time of the incident.
    - A disagreement in which the players can't agree upon what events transpired, which include line calls, foot faults, scoring, court conditions, match scheduling, or rude behavior unless indisputable evidence can be provided. Because a league official is not present, we will not take one player's word over another or the word of casual bystanders. These events should be resolved on court according to the helpful guidelines found in the Friend at Court guide from the USTA.
  - It's important to make it very clear, that even though a ruling can't be made on these events, negative behavior should be reported. A "complaint file" is kept on players who have complaints reported on them. After two negative comments, the player will be contacted and issued a verbal warning. If the same behavior happens a third time, the player is suspended from the league for 1 calendar year.
  Official Protests
  The purpose of issuing an "official protest" is to prevent a player from wrongfully taking a point when their opponent knows they are breaking the rules. The protest provides a means for getting around the impasse and allowing the match to be completed and later ruled on by the League Coordinator. You should never walk off the court during a match. If the League Coordinator does not rule in your favor, you will lose the match. By completing the match under protest, you still have the possibility of winning the match both on the court and through the League Coordinator's ruling.
  
  Issuing A Protest:
  A protest should be announced if your opponent agrees on the events that have transpired, but disagrees on what the rules are:
  1. State to your opponent what rule has been broken.
  2. State that you are completing the match from that point forward "under protest" to be later ruled on by the league coordinator.
  3. After the match, the League Coordinator will review the situation and will overturn a match based on a single disputed point if it is supported by the rules found in the Friend at Court, or found in the Gladiator Tennis rules.
  In any dispute, if you claim the point, you should be 100% sure of the rules. If the league coordinator finds that the USTA rules do not support your actions, you will lose the match based on that one infraction. If you are not 100% sure of the rules, it is wise to let your opponent take the point and continue the match under an "official protest" (this will increase your odds of winning the match). If your understanding of the rules is wrong, then the League Coordinator cannot disqualify you based on the infraction. You still leave yourself the possibility of winning the match on court. If you are right, and the League Coordinator supports your protest, then your opponent would be disqualified based on the infraction and you would win the match.
  
  Example:
  Your opponent touches the net with his racket. You state that per the rules of tennis, if you touch the net with your racket, you lose the point. Your opponent disagrees about the rules and is adamant about taking the point. You state that if he takes the point you are playing the remainder of the match "under protest". Inform him that if the league coordinator rules in your favor he will lose the match based on that one single point. Report the incident to the league coordinator. In this case the coordinator would support the rules of tennis and overturn the match in your favor. You would receive the win and your opponent would only receive points up to the infraction. If you simply disagree about the rules and do not state that you are "protesting the match", the coordinator will not rule on the infraction or overturn the match even if your opponent agrees he touched the net.
After the Match - Reporting to the Website
- Table of Contents
  Reporting Scores
  
  Rain Checks
  
  Incomplete Matches
  
  Defaults
  
  No Shows
  
  Weather Interferences
  
  Reporting Scores
  
  Follow these steps to report scores:
  1. Log in to the website www.gladiatortennis.com.
  2. Click “Update” on the schedule.
  3. On the next screen that appears, complete the template. Click "Submit”.
  The winner typically reports the match scores, but both players are responsible to make sure the scores are reported on time and accurately. The winner and loser will receive a zero if the match score is reported late. The exception to this is when the Rain Check is used (See “Rain Checks” section).
  
  The League Coordinator will not hunt players down for missing scores. It is the players’ responsibility to ensure all point totals have been reported correctly before the end of the season. Players should do a final confirmation on the last day of the season.
  
  Rain Checks
  
  A Rain check is a free pass to play a match after the score reporting deadline has passed. It is one more measure that Gladiator Tennis provides for flexibility in scheduling.
  - Each player has ONE Rain Check to use per season.
  - Once you play the match, you get the rain check back to use again if needed.
  - Only one player needs to use his check to postpone a match. The player who was least available to play during the Assigned Week of Play uses his rain check, unless the other player consents to use his/hers instead.
  - Rain Check matches must be made up by the final day of the season or else it will be counted as a default for both players and zero points awarded.
  - Players must communicate and agree upon using a rain check before they report it to the website.
  Incomplete Matches
  
  As the result of a player = loss of the match
  - Players must provide a playable court for their home matches, or they can be defaulted. When scheduling a match they must be aware of their facility's court policies, including reservation times and lights. (See Match Site section). If a match cannot be completed because the court was not playable, the Home player will lose the match if both players are unable or unwilling to reschedule. The Home Player will receive points for all games completed up to the stoppage of play. The Away player in this scenario receives 12 /14 points (see “Point System” section) for the win.
  - If a player fails to complete the match for any reason (ie player walks off court, leaves due to personal reasons, injury etc.) he shall lose the match, but will receive points for all games completed up to the stoppage of play. The opponent receives 12 /14 points (see “Point System” section) for the win. Loser receives points for games completed up to a max of 8.
  Not the result of a player = incomplete (ie. bad weather, etc.):
  - The match may be rescheduled or players may elect to receive points earned up to the stoppage of play.
  - The player who was ahead when play stopped will receive 12/14 points for the win.
  - If Player A won the 1st set, and Player B was winning or won the 2nd set, the incomplete scores can be reported to the website and both players will automatically receive 10 points.
  - If Player A won the 1st set, and the players were tied in the 2nd set, Player A wins the match and will receive 14 points. Player B will receive whatever points he accumulated, up to a max of 8. Report the scores to the League Coordinator and he will record them in a way for the website to give Player A the win.
  Resuming an Incomplete Match: If the match is resumed at a later date/time, it must be completed by the same players that start the match, and must resume at the exact score that you stopped at. New balls must be provided by the home player, when resuming a match in the 3rd set, or with more than 2 days between the start of the original match.
  
  Defaults
  
  A default occurs when:
  - A player does not respond to his opponent's phone calls, texts, and emails by the Friday before the scheduled week of play.
  - A player is more than 20 minutes late to the match.
  - A player is unavailable for any reason to schedule the match by Friday before the scheduled week of play.
  - A player cancels a scheduled match, unless his/her opponent is willing and able to reschedule.
  The player taking the default win must select from one of the following two options:
  1. Playing a sub before the Score Reporting Deadline. After the match against the subplayer, the player would report the scores and click the “default” box under the “Opponent Scores” column.
  2. Reporting a default win and receiving 10 points. Default wins must be reported within before the Score Reporting Deadline. The player would NOT enter a score, but would only click the default box under the “Opponent Scores” column.
  The player reporting the default win may choose to waive the default in the event that a defaulted opponent withdrew and was replaced.(See Replacement Players section) He can play the match, then report the scores to the League Coordinator who will record the scores on the website. If a player withdraws from your division, you have until the end of the season to make up the match with a substitute player or a replacement player and report the scores.
  
  A player that receives 3 unexcused defaults will be withdrawn from the season by the League Coordinator. No refunds will be issued.
  
  Please DO NOT call the league coordinator and ask what to do when your opponent is unavailable. This is a normal occurrence in any league. Choose an option and move on to scheduling your next match.
  
  No Shows
  
  A player that is more than 20 minutes late to a match is considered a "No Show". At this point the waiting player has four options:
  
  Option #1. Continue to wait. If the waiting player elects to wait for the opponent or play at a later time, the match will stand as played. This is the best option if the late player has been in contact with the waiting player and is trying to get to the match site. Traffic and other considerations should be taken into account.
  
  Option #2. Playing a sub before the Score Reporting Deadline.
  
  Option #3. Reporting a default and receiving 10 points. Defaults must be reported before the Score Reporting Deadline.
  
  Option #4. Using a Rain Check so that the match can be rescheduled and played after the Score Reporting Deadline.
  - Important - Players must verbally contact each other to cancel a match. Do NOT cancel matches via email. If you leave a text message, you must get confirmation that it was received.
  Contact the League Coordinator if a player fails to show and either does not follow up, or shows little or no concern about it. No shows are not tolerated in the league and can lead to suspension from league play, subject to the discretion of the League Coordinator. Typically, the League Cooordinator will follow the 3 strikes protocol that is outlined in our Unsportsmanlike Conduct section.
  
  Weather Interferences - Scheduling & canceling matches, excessive cold or heat, rain & score reporting deadlines
  
  Gladiator Tennis is an outdoor sport from April through October. It is assumed that temperatures will vary, and wind is an element in the competition that is part of the game.
  
  Canceling matches due to rain: A match is never assumed to be cancelled due to rain - it may be raining in your area and not raining at the Court location. Players must verbally contact each other to cancel a match. Do NOT cancel matches via email. If you leave a text message, you must get confirmation that it was received. If you do not hear back from the other player, you should go to the court site. Players who do not show are at risk of being removed from the league, subject to the decision of the League Coordinator.
  
  Rain during a match: In the event of rain, matches will stand as played. Incomplete matches must be resumed at the exact set, game and point as they stood when play was halted. If it begins to rain in the middle of play, players should wait at the courts for 20 minutes to determine if the courts will be playable again within the hour. If you are unable to resume play, the rules above about Incomplete Matches - not the result of a player apply.
  
  Excessive rain & waiving of score reporting deadlines: If there are not at least 4 "Prime Time" periods in a week that are rain-free, then the League Coordinator will postpone the score reporting deadline by 1 week. Prime Time periods are 5-9pm on Monday-Friday, and 9-9pm on Saturday and Sunday.
  
  Rescheduling matches without risk of default in excessive heat, cold, or wind: If the temperature is below 50 or above 90, or if the sustained wind speed is above 20 mph, a player can refuse to play a scheduled match, and demand to reschedule it. But players must communicate live with each other to confirm that the match is canceled, otherwise you must show up at the court site. No shows receive a default and are at risk of being removed from the league, subject to decision by the League Coordinator.
  
  Heat Rule - If the temperature is above 90 degrees, players will use the Fast 4 Format, unless both of them agree to play it out. See the Scoring & Tiebreaks section of the rules to learn how to play Fast 4.

Point System

Table of Contents

Point System

Calculating Your Player Rating

Adjusting Your Skill Level

Bonus Points

Point System

The winner receives 14 points for a 2-set win, and 12 points for a 3-set win. The loser receives a point for each game won in their two highest scoring sets up to a maximum of 8 points for each match played.

Example #1 Match Score 6-4, 6-2, winner = 14 pts. & loser = 6 pts.

Example #2 Match Score 6-2, 4-6, 7-5, winner = 12 pts. & loser = 8 pts.

1. The 12 points received by the winner was derived from the normal 6 + 6 points collected in most two set victories. The league awards an additional two points or 14 points for players able to win in straight sets to help better separate the top players in each division.

2. The loser's scores are capped at 8 points to help ensure that players who win more matches will usually achieve more points.

Calculating Your Player Rating

Your proficiency at any given level is determined by calculating your "differential" - the difference in the number of league points you win and lose during the season divided by the number of matches played. This is the number you see in the Player Rating column on your schedule. Matches played against subs, defaults, incompletes, and retirements do not represent your abilities and are not included. Your "differential" or rating gives a statistically accurate picture of how competitive a player you are at your skill level. During the season you will notice your Player Rating number will after each match, being finalized after 7 weeks of play. This final number will determine what skill level you will compete at in the next season. (see below)

Because your Player Rating is dependent on the point spread of each match it is very important for players seeking to move up a skill level to close out each match as convincingly as possible. DO NOT coast or give games to your opponents, otherwise your Player Rating will not reflect your true ability. Below is an example of how we calculate your Player Rating. Note: Week 3 was not used in the calculation due to a sub being used.

	Wk 1	Wk 2	Wk 3	Wk 4	Wk 5	Wk 6	Wk 7
Points	14	12	8P	4	14	12	12
Opponent's Points	6	8	12S	14	8	7	8
Point Difference	+8	+4	N/A	-10	+6	+5	+4	17 Total Points

17 points divided by 6 valid matches = +2.8 End of season Player Rating

Adjusting Your Skill Level

Your skill level is based on your Player Rating from your most recent season of play. Your skill level will adjust from one season to the next based on the rules below:

If your Player Rating is -4.9 to +4.9 you stay at your current skill level.
Borderline + Rating: If your Player Rating is +5.0 to +5.9 you have the option of moving up 1 level or remain at your current skill level.
If your Player Rating is +6.0 or greater, you move up 1 skill level.
If you are the Champion of the playoffs at your skill level, you move up 1 skill level.
Borderline (-) Rating: If your Player Rating is -5.0 to -5.9 you have the option of moving down 1 skill level or remain at your current skill level.
If your Player Rating is -6.0 or lower you move down 1 skill level.
If your Player Rating exceeds a +10.0 or -10.0, you may move up or down 2 levels at the discretion of the League Coordinator

Placement for the following season and for the playoffs will be based on all matches that are in by the Sunday before the final week of the season.

* If a player with a borderline rating does not email the League Coordinator with a preference of moving up/down or staying at the same level, the League Coordinator will make the decision. Do not expect the League Coordinator to contact you to ask where you want to be placed.

Men only - Spring Season Skill Level Reset according to UTR

Before the Spring Singles Season of each new year, all active male players will see their skill levels reset according to UTR (Universal Tennis Rating). Players can see their UTR postedundertheir name and skill level onthe same page where their schedule is located. See the skill levels and the corresponding UTR ranges below:

Skill Level	UTR Range
2.5	1.00 to 1.74
3.0	1.75 to 2.49
3.25	2.50 to 3.24
3.5	3.25 to 3.99
3.75	4.00 to 4.74
4.0	4.75 to 5.49
4.25	5.50 to 6.14
4.5	6.15 to 6.89
4.75	6.90 to 7.64
5.0	7.65 and up

Why not women? Currently their are not enough female match scores in the UTR pool for the Chicago and STL regions to create a reliable UTR rating for women. When that changes, we will use the UTR rating as the standard for our skill levels for female players also.
Why reset the skill levels?

1. Seamless transition for new players: These levels are roughly more in line with the skill levels at area clubs, USTA, and other team tennis organizations in the area. New players who play in other organized tennis can enter our league more accurately. The UTR rating also enables a more accurate entry for new players who have a UTR Rating from UTR tournaments.
2. Parity of competition in the playoffs: Organizing the levels by UTR range also means that players from one region of the league (e.g. Chicago, Naperville, Northwest...) will be equal to players from another region. This matters when we have the end of the year playoffs, where players from different regions face off for the first time against each other.
3. Parity of competition between men and upper level women: We have been running coed divisions over the past 4 years, including women 4.5 & above in with the men. This will enable us to have more coed divisions. Right now, the NTRP levels for men and women are very different. For example, a 4.0 woman is typically equal to a 3.5 man player. UTR removes the difference and puts everyone on the same rating.
4. To avoid inflated skill levels: Players' skill levels become inflated after a year of placement according to the Gladiator Player Rating system. That is why we reset each Spring according to UTR.

Bonus Points

Bonus points are earned when a player does one of the things below that contribute to a great experience for all the players:

20 Bonus points = 1 free season
Receiving an excellent "5" rating from another player for initiative/cooperation in scheduling a match (1 Bonus Point)
Playing a "sub" match (3 Bonus Points)
Playing a "ratings match" with an incoming player (3 Bonus Points)
Referring a new player into the league (10 Bonus Points)

Playoffs
- Table of Contents
  Rounds of 64, 32, 16 & Quarterfinals:
  
  Semifinals & Finals:
  
  Skill levels for playoffs
  
  1st Season Players
  
  Qualifying for the Playoffs
  
  Note
  
  Playoff Positioning
  
  Home Court for Playoff matches
  
  Playoff Points Race
  
  Why “weight” the playoff points?
  
  The playoffs begin after the final week of the Summer Singles #2 season.
  
  Rounds of 64, 32, 16, Quarterfinals & Semifinals:
  - For 2023: September 21st through October 21st.
  - Held at the higher seeded players home court
  - Date/Time arranged between the players.
  Finals:
  
  In Chicago: Played at a site to be determined on either October 14th (Doubles & Mixed) and October 21st (Singles).
  
  In St Louis: Arranged between players.
  
  Do not play early rounds if you will be unavailable for later rounds. Defaults ruin the tournament!!
  
  Skill levels for playoffs
  
  Stay at the same level: Playoff qualifiers will play at the same skill level for the playoffs as their last season if:
  - they finished their last season with a Player Rating that was +6.0 or below.
  - OR if it was above +6.00 but they had played the last two consecutive seasons at the same skill level.
  - OR if it was above +6.00 in the Summer #2 Season, but only after they had moved up from a lower level played in both the Spring and Summer #1 Season. (For example, if a player played at 4.0 in the Spring & Summer #1, advanced to 4.5 for the Summer #2 Season, then scored a Player Rating over +6.00 in the Summer #2, they would stay at 4.5 for the playoffs. This example would NOT apply if the player had played 3.5 in the Spring, moved up to 4.0 for the Summer #1, than moved up to 4.5 for Summer #2. In that case, if the player had scored a Player Rating over +6.00, they would move up to 4.75 for the Playoffs). Explanation: we do not want to penalize a player who makes a sudden improvement after consecutive seasons at a lower level, or who might just have entered a weak division for the Summer #2 Season by chance. But a player who escalates a skill level each season is showing that they have not really "landed" on the skill level that fits them best all year, and therefore needs to continue to move up.
  Move up 1 skill level: Playoff Qualifiers will move up 1 skill level for the Playoffs if they finished their last season with a Player Rating of +6.10 to +9.99.
  
  Move up 2 skill levels: Playoff qualifiers will move up 2 levels for the playoffs if the finished their last season with a Player Rating of over +10.00 AND they are first season players. If they are not first season players, they will only move up 1 level, regardless of how high their Player Rating is.
  
  Exception to moving up: If a player has played the last two consecutive seasons at the same skill level, he/she stays at the same level for the playoffs, regardless of the Player Rating from the last season of play.
  
  Move down a skill level: If a player moves up a skill level for the Summer #2 season, he/she cannot move back down to the lower skill level for the playoffs UNLESS
  - He/she played the spring and summer #1 at that lower skill level
  - AND his/her player rating for the Summer #2 season ended at a -3.00 player rating or lower
  Longer Travel Times
  
  Travel times for playoff matches will be longer than 20 minutes because players will be competing against others from different divisions around the Chicagoland area. If you cannot foresee making the extra time to travel to your matches, then withdraw your name from playoff competition.
  
  1st Season Players
  
  Since our new players rate themselves when signing up, there's a chance that they may unintentionally underrate themselves and start at a skill level that is below their capabilities. This would be a "fast track" to a division win and playoff berth that is outside of the spirit of how the league is structured.
  
  Therefore: If a 1st season player finishes the season with a player rating above +3.00, he will automatically move up a level for the playoffs. If he finishes the season with a player rating above +10.00, the League Coordinator will use discretion on how many levels he should move up for the next season, or for the playoffs if that is what is next.
  
  One Season players: If a player only plays one season and wins his division, he must move up for the playoffs to the next level up if his Player Rating finishes at +3.00 or higher.
  
  Qualifying for the Playoffs
  
  Division Winners: A Division Winner is the player who finishes a season with the most points in his/her division. If the League Coordinator chooses to allow players to enter late scores after the season has concluded, those scores will not factor into who wins the division. Division winners automatically qualify for one of the playoff spots in the tournament.
  
  Wildcard entries: The remaining spots are filled by the leaders of the Playoff Points Race - those players who have the highest cumulative weighted points for the year.
  
  How many players qualify? The number of spots available for the playoffs at each skill level depends on the number of players who competed at that skill level during the course of the year. You can see how many players competed at your skill leve by clicking the "Playoffs" link, then selecting your skill level from the dropdown menu.
  
  Skill levels with 100+ players = Top 40 of the Playoff Points Race + Division Winners will qualify
  
  Skill levels with 50 - 100 players = top 25 of the Playoff Points Race + Division Winners will qualify
  
  Skill Levels under 50 players = Top 50% of the Playoff Points Race + Division Winners will qualify
  
  Note
  
  All singles players must complete a minimum of 4 matches in one season to be eligible for the playoffs.
  
  Playoff Positioning
  
  Playoff qualifiers are seeded in the playoffs according to the number of Playoff Points accumulated.
  
  Home Court for Playoff matches
  
  Higher seeded player gets home court during playoffs.
  
  Playoff Points Race
  - After the Division Winners from the 3 seasons have been inserted into the draw, the players with the most "Playoff Points" (aka "Wildcard Points") accumulated over the 3 seasons will earn playoff spots.
  - Points in the Gladiator Playoff Point Race are “weighted” according to the skill level a player is playing at. For example, if a player plays at the 3.5 skill level, his points earned will be multiplied by 3.5. (e.g. if he earned 70 points, his weighted point total would be 70 x 3.5 for a weighted point total of 245).
  FAQ: Where do I find the Playoff Points Race on the website? Just login, then click the "Playoffs" link near the top of your page, and you will see a dropdown menu of Playoff Points Races for each skill level, Men and Women.
  
  Why “weight” the playoff points?
  
  Playoff Points are weighted for two reasons:
  
  1. While the league is growing, it might be necessary to combine some of the skill levels into the same tournament. Players that earn points at a higher skill level should be favored to make the tournament over players who earn the same number of points at lower skill levels.
  
  2. A player may dominate in a lower skill level, earn a high number of points, and then move up to a higher skill level during the year. Points earned while in a higher skill level should be worth more than the points earned at a lower skill level. This is fair to the player, and fair to the other players in deciding who can earn a playoff spot. Below is a scenario of a player moving up to a higher level during the year and how it would affect the playoff Point Total:
  
  Season 1: 90 points earned at 3.5 level = 315 points
  
  Season 2: 70 points earned at 4.0 level = 280 points
  
  Season 3: 80 points earned at 4.0 level = 320 points
  
  Playoff Point Total = 915 points
Unacceptable "Off Court" Behavior
Player's Commitment to Complete the Season
Indoor Rules
- Table of Contents
  Players are responsible to know
  
  Scheduling matches and coming to play
  
  Costs
  
  No Ad Scoring & 3 Set Tiebreakers
  
  Time running out during 2nd set
  
  Players are responsible to know
  - Court fees
  - Guest fees
  - Reservation policy of each club they will be playing at. It is the player’s responsibility to refer to the Indoor Court List page for this information on each club, and call the club for any further questions.
  Scheduling matches and coming to play
  - Login to www.gladiatortennis.com to see your schedule of opponents and their contact information on the first day of the season. Click “Schedule” to see your schedule of opponents. Click “Players” to see your opponents’ contact information.
  - Players should reserve 2 hours of court time, unless BOTH players agree to reserve less or more time.
  - Players split the cost of the court fees. Scheduling matches should always be confirmed over email, with the day, date, and time, and club location spelled out clearly. In the event that players do not communicate clearly over email and show up at different times for a match, they will share the cost of the canceled court time. It is both players' responsibility to clearly confirm the time and place of the match.
  - Canceling court time – The player who cancels a match will be responsible for the entire cost of the canceled court time if the cancelation is past the advance notice required by the club.
  - Players are strongly recommended to arrive 15 minutes early before their scheduled court time. You are paying for every minute you reserve and it is unfair to your partner when you are late or arrive on time and need to stretch. Players who are more than 15 minutes late will pay the entire cost of the first hour reserved.
  - Any player that fails to show for an indoor match will be responsible for the entire cost of court time reserved. Failure to pay for court time missed will result in suspension from league play for the remainder of the season, and that player will be replaced. Gladiator Tennis will not be responsible for paying for any court fees where a player did not show.
  - Club Location: A map to every club can be found on the website by clicking the facility location on your schedule. Each player is responsible for themselves to know the directions to each club they play a match at.
  Costs
  - Players split the cost of the court fees for EVERY match. Guest fees are paid individually. An "away" player's guest fee is not split or paid for by the "home" player.
  - Players must pay the guest fee, when applicable, at any club they are not a member at. It is not the responsibility of a club member to share the cost of guest fees with non-members.
  - Refer to the Indoor Court List Each player is responsible to know the costs of guest fees and court time fees for each club they play at, and should be prepared to pay these fees on arrival. Players who arrive to any match unprepared to pay the guest fee and court fee will be suspended from league play for the remainder of the season.
  No Ad Scoring & 3 Set Tiebreakers
  - Warm-up between players should not take longer than 15 minutes. All dressing, stretching, and loosening up should take place before the reserved court time begins.
  - No ad scoring - Players can elect to shift to no ad scoring at the start of any game of the match if both players (or teams) judge the match is moving to slowly to get it in within 2 hours. No ad scoring defined = If players reach deuce in a game, the next point wins. The receiver gets to pick which side of the court to receive serve.
  - 3rd set tiebreakers - If you split the first two sets, you must play a Super Tiebreaker (first player to 10 points wins) if you have less than 15 minutes to go with your reserved court time. If time runs out before the super tiebreak ends, the person ahead will be the winner.
  - If you split the 1st two sets and have more than 15 minutes to go, begin playing the 3rd set. If either player goes up by 2 games or more in the 3rd set by the time you reach the 15 minute mark, the player ahead wins the match. If Player A is up only 1 game at the 15 minute mark, the next game must be played no-ad, and if Player A wins the game, he wins the match. If Player loses the game, a Super Tiebreaker is played to determine the match. If time runs out before the super tiebreak ends, the person ahead will be the winner.
  Time running out during 2nd set
  - If player A won the first set, and is up by 2 or more games in the 2nd set with 15 minutes left, player A will earn a 14 point win for the match, while Player B earns points = to the number of games won, not greater than 8. Just record the unfinished scores in the website, and it will automatically apportion the scores correctly.
  - If player A won the first set, but player B leads by 2 or more games in the 2nd set with 15 minutes left, player B shall be the winner of the 2nd set, and both players will play a super tiebreak to determined the 3rd set.
  - If Player A won the first set, but both players are tied in the 2nd set with 15 minutes left, they shall play a standard 12 point tiebreak to determine the 2nd set. If Player B wins the 2nd set tiebreak, then both players will play a Super Tiebreak to determined the 3rd set.
  - If Player A won the first set and is up or down only only 1 game at the 15 minute mark, the next game must be played no-ad.
    - If the outcome of that game results in a tie in the set, then the players will play a standard 12 point tiebreak to determine the 2nd set. If Player B wins the 2nd set tiebreak, they would play a Super tiebreak to determine the 3rd set. If times runs out before the 2nd set tiebreak ends, the match will be considered a tie if Player B is ahead, and a win for Player A if he is ahead. If time runs out before the Super Tiebreak ends, whoever is ahead will win the match.
    - If the outcome of that game results in Player B winning the 2nd set, the players will play a Super Tiebreak in lieu of a 3rd set. If time runs out before the end of the Super Tiebreak, whoever is ahead will win the match.
    - If the outcome of that game results in Player A winning the 2nd set, then he/she has won both sets and therefore wins the match.
  - Enter the unfinished score in the website. The website will automatically give each player 10 points.
Doubles Rules
Mixed Doubles Rules
High School Rules
League Coordinator

Unacceptable Off Court Behavior

In 14 years, and with thousands of matches played, this section addresses situations that have rarely occurred. Please report any of the following "Off Court" behaviors to the league coordinator:

Excessively calling/texting a player within a 24 hour period to arrange a match.
Calling/Voice mails after 9pm and before 9am.
Abusive language when calling/texting/emailing another player for any reason. This includes namecalling, insults, accusations, profanity, racial overtones, and yelling.
Badmouthing, spreading rumours of other players
Harrassment - the act of systematic and/or continued unwanted and annoying actions of one player to another, including threats and demands.

If players don't report, no action can be taken. Not reporting problem players means other members will be subjected to the same behavior. Players will receive a verbal warning from the league coordinator after two complaints from different players. A third complaint will result in a one year suspension. Threats or severe forms of harrassment will result in immediate and permanent expulsion.