tennis, life and a few things in between

Mommy Eng has just don a new hat: captain. Oh no .. I’m going to be responsible for an USTA league?!

I have no slightest idea how did I land it. It’s all Irene and Wah’s fault :).
My Long Island mixed 7.0 league is about to start and we’re still recruiting – we have 8 players so far. One day Simon asked me what to do in the winter, I told him that I’m playing in a mixed league. He said please sign him up too. I also asked Irene/Wah if they’d like to play. She said sure.

But when they found out the team consists all strangers they changed to No then egged me on .. why don’t we form a team? I’m not forming a team, a far away from that frame of mind .. but then I thought .. hmmmm .. why not – Isn’t Paul been talking about forming a mixed 7.0 for a while? Here we have two pairs already .. So .. the snow ball began to roll. I got Paul’s number from Mary and called.
Yes, Mr. Champion is interested to play but would not captain it.
How about you be the cap and I do the work? I offered.
No, he said. Oh well, no team then.

Who the heck knows me? I’m only famous within the confine of the four walls, among my kids. And I bet that’s going to change very soon – they’re heading to college in few years.
But .. but .. Simon, Irene n Wah are definitely in, all we need are two more warm bodies.
So … I asked Bill.
No .. winter time is family time.
My poor kids, I never reserved any time for them. Lucky that they haven’t run away or ended up on drugs. Maybe I drugged them too much when they were little – like sleeping pills so I could play tennis?

But Bill did get me in touch with the right person who overseeing the Metro league. Apparently after getting my email she asked Bill who I was, if I’m trust worth, dependable, .. .. then agreed to let me form a team.
Guess my sacrifice and devotion to the game had moved Bill, so he decided to be the co-cap – perhaps out of urge of the league. I really need to behave, not ruin his good name and reputation. Na, guys, lets all go wild 🙂

My little learning curve began. I didn’t know that the greater New York (NYC, LI and Westchester, etc.) are different regions or divisions that they don’t play together during the regular season. My LI league begins this week (14 battles in total, ends on 30/4/2010) while Queens next January (also ends in April 2010). The LI and Queens would only meet in the regional play off if they win within their own region.

Prematurely I sent out an e-mail to say Bill the cap and Paul the co-cap. Sorry guys!
Now .. who would want to play for me?! Hide behind Paul and Bill, we might have a team.
Paul said I could only use his name this way: “.. tell them I’m playing.” Gosh, sound like a tight corporate policy – I just got busted. But he said he’ll help me with lineup, etc.
I have a full plate at the moment with this Ambit Energy (want to save $$? enhance your career/income? talk to me), and I don’t really know what’s going on on court other than swing the racquet once in a while.. so why am I captaining a league is way way beyond me.

I was lectured that e-mail doesn’t work; I have to work the phone. Oh man. Put rocks in my mouth to practice my phone manner. Now I armed with a list of guys to call with a phone script fm Paul.

Jimbo “.. call me in December if you still need me.”
Wai: “.. sorry – too many commitments ..”
Xiao Lee: left message ..
Jimmy: to avoid being drafted he self-exiled to another country.
I knew I have that much charm.

Now the girls .. we women are easy. Anna would play only if Susan plays. Susan would like to play but she’s been bumped up to 4.0 – a little dilemma here: having a good hair day, with everything lined up for you during the playoffs, you are risking to be upgraded to the next level. Now where on earth can I find a strong 3.0 for her? Well, I can always wear short .. hmmmmm .. but unfortunately I just upgraded myself from 2.5 to 3.0. Don’t think I could keep my end of the bargain. We could only wish her rating be dropped to earth by end of the year.
Irene claimed she just upgraded herself from 2.0 to 3.0. Good career move, smart girl.
Mary was actually straight forward a yes but she’s leaving for Hong Kong for two months.
Sandy won’t give me a clear yes or no, so I’m haning there .. hoping for a ya.

Sorry people, I must stop here, go to work my regular day job.

QUEENS 2009 Spring Season Local Rules All captains and players are responsible for following these rules and regulations
Governing Rules
USTA Adult leagues are divided into layers of organization: National, Sectional (Eastern), Regional (Metro), District (Manhattan, Queens & Brooklyn), and then Divisions. Three levels of rules apply: The USTA League Tennis Regulations (National), the USTA Eastern rules (Section), and the Local Rules (District). In addition, the USTA Code of Conduct applies. The local rules are to be read in a manner consistent with the Sectional and National rules whenever possible and are not intended to supplant those rules. The local rules are intended to identify only the most essential portions of the National and Sectional rules and only depart from those rules as authorized by the USTA and whenever deemed necessary and advisable by local league administration. Any players who use The Code to quote a rule during a match must be able to produce a copy of that rule at that time, as set out by The Code.
Captain‟s Responsibilities
Captains are responsible for the administration of their team. Duties include: player recruitment; arranging match payments and refunds; reporting scores on TennisLink; sending points to their coordinator; arranging lineups and ensuring that team players are on-level, registered and fully informed of league rules. Captains are to show cooperation and courtesy to all players, captains and coordinators. Captains are responsible for ensuring new players do not have a current computer rating from any other US state. Captains should check a players’ level of play, and background, before the player “self rates”. Captains who wish to captain more than 1 team must have the approval of the league coordinator. Player Registration Registration fees on TennisLink are $33 (includes $10 USTA registration fee + $23 roster fee). This is in addition to USTA Membership ($40 per year) Players must register before their match. It is the captain’s responsibility to check that their players have registered before they play a match and before the registration deadline (whichever comes first). Any team that plays an unregistered player will default the points for that court to the opposing team. The second time the team plays an unregistered player, they will forfeit all points earned for that match (the opposing team will only be awarded points for the court with the unregistered player). The third time will result in disciplinary action against the captain. USTA computer ratings are valid for 3 years for players under 60 years old, and for 2 years for players 60 and over. Players must use their current year-end computer rating. Computer rated players may appeal their year end rating on-line by using the automated process on TennisLink. NOTE: Championship benchmarks may not be appealed during the 1st year received. Players who do not have a computer rating on file in TennisLink shall self-rate in accordance with the National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) Guidelines and complete the self-rating process on TennisLink when registering. Omission of information regarding a player‟s tennis history will subject the player (and any captain and/or others who condoned inaccurate self-rating) to sanctions and disqualification. Players should self-rate at the level where they will be competitive, not at a level where they will dominate. A captain who completes a player’s self-rate questions will be held responsible for the answers provided. Once a player has registered with a self-rating, any rating appeals must be filed through the Eastern Section.
Register Online at http://tennislink.usta.com/leagues using your USTA membership # and 10 digit team code Registration deadline: June 22, 2009
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DNTRP (Player Disqualification) (for complete details see National Regulations, Section 3.04) Players will be disqualified if they reach the disqualification level three times based on all matches reported in the national database for USTA League Tennis. Players with a year-end “C” or “B” rating are not subject to dynamic disqualification.
Player Participation
Roster Limits: Team rosters are limited to 22 players. The league coordinator may allow an additional player under limited circumstances. Teams must have at least 75% of players “on level”. Captains must wait to register their below-level players until enough on-level players are registered to keep them in compliance with this rule. For example: 12, 13, 14, 15 on a 4.0 team = no more than three 3.5’s playing up 16, 17, 18, or 19 on a 3.5 team = no more than four 3.0’s playing up. Players may not play more than one level above their rating. (A 3.0 player may play on a 3.5 team, but not a 4.0 team) Players may play on more than one team per season BUT NOT at the same league level in the same district. For example: A 3.5 player may play on one Manhattan 3.5 and 4.0 team. S/he may also play in another district and/or region at those levels. Players/teams that choose to play in more than one district or region will not be given any special consideration in the scheduling of matches. This is an amateur, recreational league. Players may not accept any gifts, money or incentives for playing in a match from anyone, including captains. Assistance with the payment of match fees, registration and/or USTA membership is allowed. Team Match Fees: $150 per match ($30 per court) For cancellation purposes, that‟s $30 per court All match fees are paid directly to the Clubs prior to going onto the courts. IMPORTANT: Queens College only accepts credit cards. Match Preparation and Court Cancellation Captains: 1. Contact your players several days prior to the match to confirm they know the correct date, time and location of the match. Players should be told to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to their match time. 2. Call the club a few days prior to the match. Verify the number of courts and time scheduled. Errors do occur. If there is a discrepancy, contact your coordinator immediately. If you do not confirm with the club in advance, Metro will not be responsible for reimbursement of court fees. 3. Contact the opposing team captain at least 48 hours prior to the match. Verify the time, place and potential forfeits. Canceling Courts: ONLY COORDINATORS MAY CANCEL COURTS. The canceling captain must phone, and email, the coordinator and opposing captain indicating what court they are cancelling. The coordinator will confirm by email when the court has been cancelled. If you cannot reach your coordinator, contact another coordinator (see list at the end of these rules) or the Metrotennis office. ***In order to avoid paying court fees, the court must be cancelled before 3pm the day prior to the match*** Re-Scheduling Courts: Matches are only re-scheduled due to rain or a club problem. Exception: Teams who are representing Metro at a Sectional playoff may be allowed to re-schedule courts. The captain must submit their request at least 3 weeks in advance, and indicate which players will be competing at playoffs. Players: 1. Return calls/emails from your captain promptly. 2. If you are delayed getting to a match, call your captain, or the club, as soon as possible. 3. Arrive at the club at least 15 minutes prior to the match start time.
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Line Ups + Scorecards If the captain or co-captain are not present at the match, an acting captain must be assigned. The acting captain must be on the team roster, be familiar with the Eastern and Queens Rules, and have this rules document with them at the match. Print a blank scorecard from TennisLink using your match number. Clearly print the first and last names of your players on the scorecard and notate the court number. Order of strength is advised to ensure competitive play. Scorecards must be exchanged simultaneously between captains AT LEAST 5 minutes prior to the match start time. Teams must present a line up at this time, even if all players are not yet present**. It is strongly recommended that in addition to the captain, another player on the team know the line-up for the match. Once scorecards are exchanged, changes to the line-up can ONLY be made if there is an illness or injury during the warm up. **Defaults MUST occur from the bottom up. If a doubles player is missing at the end of the warm-up, the line-up MUST be adjusted and that team put into the 3rd doubles position. The 2nd and 3rd doubles teams will be moved up 1 position – no changes in the teams are allowed. A missing singles player MUST be moved to the 2nd singles position. 3rd doubles and/or 2nd singles MUST be the first courts defaulted. It is the responsibility of the players to make sure they are on the correct court with the proper opponents. Captains should give their players the names of their opponents when sending them to their court. All matches stand as played. Players must report their scores to the captain. Captains will enter the scores on the scorecard and circle the winner‟s names. Scores should be written from the winners’ perspective, e.g., 6-0, 6-3. Do not write 0-6, 3-6 Both captains must sign the scorecards. Scorecards should be kept and sent to the coordinator in the case of a discrepancy. Forfeits + Defaults Forfeit: when a captain knows in advance they are short a player(s) for the match. Always notify the opposing captain and your coordinator immediately and ensure the courts have been cancelled. (See Canceling Courts) The forfeit takes place at 3rd doubles or 2nd singles. “Legal” Match: A team must play a minimum of 3 courts (4 players) for the match to be considered an eligible match. Any team forfeiting an entire match will be subject to disciplinary action. Default: when player listed on the scorecard fails to show within 15 minutes after the match time. Players arriving onto the assigned court more than 15 minutes after the scheduled start time may be defaulted at the discretion of the opposing team (having been so advised before the start of match play on that court.) If players from both teams arrive 15 minutes or later onto the same court, neither, or both, teams will be defaulted, depending on the circumstances. Double defaults: Neither team will be awarded points for the defaulted court. Extenuating circumstances including, but not limited to, extreme weather/travel conditions (i.e. snowstorms, bridge or tunnel closings, fires, tornadoes and major street closings). A coordinator has the power to extend the default time by 15 minutes — depending on the situation. If none of the coordinators can be reached, play the match in good faith and deal with the legalities later. Match Details:
Match play is 2 hours.
Both teams will bring 5 cans of hard-court balls. The winner on each court will keep the unopened can. Each team fields 8 players per match: 2 singles and 3 doubles courts. The points awarded are: 1S = 5pts, 2S = 4pts, 1D = 6pts, 2D = 4 pts, 3D = 3pts. Games are regular scoring, with a 7-point Coman tie-break when 6-6 in games is reached during the first 2 sets. If you split sets, a 10-point Coman tiebreak will be played in lieu of the 3rd set. The first team to 7 (regular tie-break) or 10 (tie-break in lieu of a 3rd set), by a 2 point lead, wins. Play continues until the 2 point lead is reached. Coman tie-break: teams switch sides after the first point, and then after every 4th point (after 1st, 5th, 9th point, etc.)
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Match Details: – continued Timing Matches: If a clock is visible from the courts, players must adhere to that clock. If a clock is not visible, players should use a watch from one player from each team on the court. Players should coordinate their watches with the club clock before the match begins. Warm ups may take no more than fifteen minutes, including service practice. If a player arrives on court prior to the default time, they will only be allowed a 5 minute warm-up. Under no circumstances may a match start more than 20 minutes past the match start time. A 2 min break is permitted between the 1st and 2nd set. Play is continuous between the 2nd set and the 3rd set tie-break unless there is a changeover. 90 seconds on changeovers. 20 seconds between points. No coaching allowed. All cell phones and electronic devices must be turned off during matches. Line calls: If line calls become an issue, the players on court can ask one person from each team, or can agree on a single person, to assist with calls. The observers may ONLY overrule incorrect calls on balls they can clearly see. They may not rule on every ball. Unfinished Matches (matches not completed within 2 hrs) FIVE MINUTE RULE: if 5 minutes or more remain before the end of the match, players MUST start and attempt to complete the next game or the tie-break. If less than 5 minutes remain, do NOT start a new game or tie-break. A game in progress at the end of the time period is stopped and not counted. A tie-break in progress should be completed unless circumstances make it impossible to do so (players are waiting to use the courts, club maintenance staff is waiting for the courts or the club turns off the lights). Scoring for Unfinished matches is as follows:
o In the 3rd set 10 pt tiebreak Every attempt should be made to finish the 3rd set tie break. If it is impossible to finish the tie-break, then the match is a tie with split sets. An incomplete 3rd set tie break does not count.
o Split sets, with no time left to start the 3rd set tiebreak: The points for that court are split.
o If the 2nd set is unfinished: Only completed games count.
o The team that won the first set, and the score is a tie or on serve in 2nd set, wins all the points.
o The team that won the first set and is ahead in the 2nd set by 1 break or more, wins all the points.
o The team that won the first set but is losing the 2nd set by 1 break or more, points are split.
o A game in progress at the end of the time period is not counted.
Score Reporting (two steps for captains) 1. TennisLink Match Results Entry (within 24 hrs of the match) Both captains (or a player on the roster) must enter and/or confirm the match results on TennisLink within 24 hours. http://tennislink.usta.com/leagues  enter your USTA member # record a score  enter your match code # Any team that fails to confirm scores within 48 hours, loses the right to dispute those scores. Repeated failure to enter match scores will result in captain sanctions. When entering scores into TennisLink, please observe the following:
o The 3rd set tiebreak is entered as 1-0.
o Ties cannot be entered: Enter the scores from the home team’s perspective and declare the home team the winner.
o Unfinished matches: Enter as “timed match” if TennisLink will let you; otherwise select “retired”. Declare the winner.
o Defaults/Forfeits: Enter the players names who were available for the defaulted court, the score as 6-0, 6-0, and declare a default.
o Double defaults: Do not enter any player names; use “double default” option.
2. Team points/standings – posted on www.metrotennis.com Both teams must email the following information to their coordinator within 24 hours after the match: Match code, date of match, team A = * pts + team B = * pts. No other information is necessary.
Please do not expect your coordinator to search TennisLink to find the match results. TennisLink does not use the Metro points system and will not upload the points to the Scores & Results page on www.metrotennis.

Player and Spectator Etiquette A warning and/or a penalty may apply as a result of any player, captain or spectator interfering with match play and abusing the code of conduct. This includes disruptive behavior on or off the court. Players: Warm ups. Some players confuse warm ups and practices. Players should make an effort to hit shots directly to their opponent. If players prefer to warm up their partners, they may do so. The server must call the score loudly and clearly before each serve. All players are responsible for making sure they have heard and understood the score. If all players on a court forget the score, go back to the point everyone agrees on. All line calls must be made clearly and immediately. If there is doubt, the ball is good. (A ball that is 99% out, is still 100% in). When an out call is corrected, whether the point is to be replayed or the point given to the opposing team, depends on the circumstances. See “The Code”, #12. Unless invited by the opposing team, players may not cross to their opponent’s side of the court to check a mark. Spectators (including players and captains) watching matches:
 May not talk to players on the court.
 May not coach, either verbally or visually.
 May not comment or make visual signals on line calls.
 May not cause any distractions to the players.
 May not get involved with any dispute between the players on the court. A captain may offer clarification on a match rule only if asked by a player.
 May not interrupt a match in progress for any reason. .
 May sit on the court only if ALL players on that court agree. You must ask for permission 5 minutes before the match begins. Permission may be revoked at any time if the spectator‟s behavior is distracting.
Protocol At Clubs League players are guests at the clubs and must adhere to club policy at all times. Players must not go to their courts until their match start time. Do not „bump‟ members off of their courts at match time. Politely inform the players that it is “time”, and allow them to finish one or two points. If they choose not to finish in a timely manner, speak to the front desk staff. Players are to dress in proper tennis attire. Cut off shirts and shorts, aerobic outfits and sports bras (in lieu of a top) are not allowed. All clubs require that all players use TENNIS sneakers on the courts (no cross trainers, running shoes or other sports shoes allowed). Do not jeopardize the league/club relationships by arguing with, or berating, the staff at the clubs. Try to resolve issues in a respectful manner and treat staff with courtesy at all times. Grievances
If a player or captain wishes to file a complaint against another person in the league, the team captain must file the complaint with Deborah-Rose Andrews (debrose@metrotennis.com) within 48 hours of the match that precipitated the complaint. For full grievance procedures, please see the Rules section on www.metrotennis.com
Local Playoffs
Points are cumulative throughout the season; the team with the most points at the end of the season wins. These points are posted on metrotennis.com on the Scores & Results page. In the event of a tie in points at the end of the season, USTA regulations will be used to break the tie. The playoff schedule is determined at the sole discretion of the league coordinator, and matches may be scheduled at any time during the designated playoff period. Leagues with 3 or fewer teams: The 1st place team advances directly to the regional playoffs. Leagues with 4 to 7 teams: There will be a playoff at the end of the season between the 1st and 2nd place teams. Leagues with 8 or more teams with 2 divisions: The top two teams in each division advance to playoffs. The 1st place team of each division will play the 2nd place team of the opposite division. The winners will play in a final match.
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Player Qualification for Playoffs Players must play at least two times in the local season to be eligible for Flight/District, Regional and Sectional playoffs. Only 1 of these matches can be a default. If two teams are scheduled for regional or sectional championship and those teams share at least 50% of their eligible players, the teams must choose which district/region they will represent. The remaining team must concede their playoff spot to the second place team. The league coordinator must be notified no later than 48 hours following the conclusion of the deciding match. Players who play on two teams who go to championships (region, section or national) may play on both teams in the same championship provided they are at different NTRP levels, and if the championship schedule permits. Requests to reschedule championship matches to accommodate players on multiple teams will not be accepted. Players who play on two or more teams at the same NTRP level in different regions in the Eastern Section must declare which team they will represent should more than one team qualify for a region or section championship. Teams eligible for playoffs must have all scores up to date in TennisLink in order to advance. Playoff Dates The playoff schedule is determined at the sole discretion of the league coordinator.
 Districts: July 24 – 26, 2009
 Regional: July 31 – August 2, 2009 at the National Tennis Center
 Eastern Sectionals (Syracuse NY):
o 2.5, 3.5, 4.5 – August 7-9, 2009
o 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 – August 14-16, 2009
League Coordinators
Deborah-Rose Andrews, League Coordinator: debrose@metrotennis.com, (917) 576-7926
Metrotennis CTA Treasurer: Pam Glick – pamglick@aol.com (all payment issues) Barbara Thompson, Metrotennis CTA office: (718) 639-8936
TennisLink help: debrose@metrotennis.com
Women‟s Coordinators 3.0 w – Susan Peck, speck222@verizon.net, (917) 319-3568 3.5 w – Denise Fiallo, denise.fiallo@gmail.com, (917) 405-8251 4.0 w – Cheung Wong, ywong@dcas.nyc.gov, (347) 612-1490 Men‟s Coordinators 3.0 m – Susan Peck – speck222@verizon.net, (917) 319-3568 3.5 m – Elaine Bauer, swinging_volley@yahoo.com, (917) 861-9265 4.0 m – Cheung Wong, ywong@dcas.nyc.gov, (347) 612-1490 Information
Please visit www.metrotennis.com or the following information: Metro, Eastern & National USTA Rules Paying For Matches Points and Standings of league matches
Directions to clubs
Refund Procedures Grievance Procedures