Box league rules
1. Eligibility
1.1. The leagues are open to all members of Cotham Park Tennis Club. There is no division by gender or age.
1.2. Players must have an active LTA Advantage Play+ membership. Club membership entitles players to this for free. Information on signing up can be found on the LTA Advantage page.
2. Box placement
2.1. Players will be placed roughly according to standard based on previous performance in the box leagues (with more recent performance carrying more weight), the league organiser's knowledge of player's ability and form outside of the box leagues, and players' World Tennis Number (roughly in that order of precedence).
2.2. For the doubles league, the average performance/standard of players in a pair will be used for placement.
3. Format
3.1. The leagues consist of boxes of around 6 players for singles and 4 teams for doubles.
3.2. The boxes are grouped by standard with box 1 being the highest standard.
3.3. Seasons run for 6-8 weeks for singles and 4 weeks for doubles.
3.4. Each player/team can play each other player/team in their box up to once per season.
3.5. Matches are best of 3 sets, which a match tiebreak (first to 10 points with 2 points clear) in lieu of a third set. The match tiebreak score should be recorded in points (e.g. 10-6 rather than 1-0).
3.6. Players must enter the results of matches on the LTA competitions site (singles, doubles) by the end of the season.
3.7. One point is awarded for each set won.
4. Standings
4.1. The order of players in a box will be determined by the number of points (sets) won.
4.2. Where two players are tied on points, the winner of the match between the two players shall be ranked higher.
4.3. If the tied players did not play each other, or three players are tied, the order will be determined by percentage of matches won, followed by percentage of games won.
5. Arranging matches
5.1. Match times shall be agreed by players.
5.2. By entering the league players consent to the contact details they share with the league organiser being shared with other members of the league.
6. Walkovers
6.1. If a player cannot play an arranged match players should make reasonable efforts to rearrange the match before the end of the season. However, if a new date cannot be agreed then the player who was able to play is entitled to a walkover.
6.2. Reasonable effort should be made to arrange a date for matches. If a player suggests three reasonable dates and times at least seven days apart, and their opponent cannot play and does not offer alternative dates, then they are entitled to claim a walkover if the match is not played by the end of the season.
6.3. If a player has not arrived 30 minutes after an agreed start time, their opponent is entitled to claim a walkover.
6.4. Players cannot be expected to play in weather conditions that they reasonably believe to be unsafe or otherwise unplayable. An assessment of the weather conditions should be made at the venue unless a postponement is mutually agreed in advance. No walkover can be claimed if a player reasonably believes the weather or courts are unsafe or unplayable.
6.5. Walkovers will count as a 6-0 6-0 win but should be recorded by setting the status of the match to "walkover" on the results website, rather than typing in the score.
7. Retirements
7.1. If a player needs to retire during a match, count any incomplete sets as wins for the non-retiring player. For example, if a player needs to retire at 3-6 0-2, the match should be recorded as a 3-6 2-6 loss. If a player needs to retire at 4-4 in the first set, the match should be recorded as a 4-6 0-6 loss.
8. Conduct
8.1. Matches are competitive but players must always treat opponents, spectators, bystanders, and courts with respect.
9. Disputes
9.1. Matches are not umpired - players are responsible for keeping score and calling lines at their end of the court.
9.2. Any disputes - including regarding scoring or behaviour - that cannot be resolved between players should be reported to the league organiser who will make a call on resolution.
Last updated 9 March 2026