From the Singles Box League starting in May 2023 there was a revamp done due to a large number of matches being played, resulting in issues with court time, too many mismatches between player standards and too many matches not getting played within each box. Smaller targetted groups may help to address these.
There will be an 'A' league and a 'B' league. The 'A' league will be the main league and one that I will still be monitoring and updating the group to play matches and giving weekly updates. The expectation is that players aim to play all their matches. The 'B' league will be setup mainly for new players to join in and current players that do not play too many matches or are returning from injury. If a new player can commit to playing their matches then they may be admitted to the 'A' league.

After each round, players can move up and down the groups within their league (promotion/relegation to be defined) and may move across the leagues, depending on whether they are playing enough matches and keen to move across. New players to the 'B' league may be very keen but struggle to get enough matches in. If they attempt to get matches in (thru the group WhatsApp chat) and are keen to join 'A' league, then they will get that opportunity in the next round.

There will also be 4 points for a win and 1 point for a loss.

Full details to be confirmed in coming weeks.

Box League Rules

1. There will be a WhatsApp group chat for each box, where players arrange their matches and post their results. The organiser will regularly update a large group chat with details of group leaders etc. After initial contact, recommended that players pm each other if they are trying to agree on a date etc, so there are less messages in the chat.

2. Matches will be played at DL Renfrew indoor carpet courts. However if players agree then matches can be played on our hard courts, outdoor or even at another venue.

3. Match format to be agreed by players at start of match. Default format will be 2 full sets, and if 1 set all, then 3rd set will be a Championship tie break (first to 10 points, 2 points clear). Other formats can be:  

• 3 full sets (only to be done at off-peak time and when courts are generally quiet)
• 3 short sets
• 2 short sets and a Champs tie break at 1 set all.
• All of the above formats can be played with normal deuce, sudden death deuce or sudden death on a 2nd deuce.
• Recommend a shorter set format and/or sudden death deuce format if the match is unlikely to be completed due to time or court availability.

4. There will be 4 points for a win and 1 point for a loss.

• If a match starts and a player/pair has to retire, then points will be allocated.
• If a match is not played for whatever reason then no points will be allocated. Under no circumstances, log a match as 'Walkover' or 'Not Played'. It can be frustrating when this happens but purpose of box league is to play matches. If unplayed matches were to be logged then it would just open up a can of worms!

5. Players have to enter their own results in the LTA website. See the instructions page.

6. There will be a minimum number of matches players are expected to play. Failure to do so may result in the player/pair being relegated to a lower Group or moved to a lower League. See format for the round below.

7. Players that decide to miss out a round and wish to return at a later round, will not rejoin in the same group. If there are spaces, then it will be 1 group below the group that they would have been in for the missed round.

8. Fair play and good court etiquette to be adhered to at all times. Please at all times treat your opponent(s) with respect, both on court and in any group chat.

9. Any player(s) found to be reporting a result of a match that was unplayed, will be removed from the box leagues.

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