Haslemere Tennis Club’s singles ladder exists to help members find suitable opponents to play competitive singles matches. The ladder is managed by Martin Brown and is open to both men and lady members. The ladder operates all year round split into two seasons starting 1st October and 1st April but new members can join at any time. The rules of the ladder are very simple:

1.    The season will run until 30 September. Please try to play at least one match a month. If no matches have been recorded by June 30 you will be relegated by two places.

2.    You can challenge anyone up to and including 4 places above you. If you win your challenge, you move into your opponent’s place and the loser drops below you.

3.    WILD CARD Every player has the option of using one wild card per season (to the end of Sept).- use it wisely! You may challenge anyone, in any position, and move to their position if you win. You may choose to be the recipient of only one wildcard  per quarter, but you can always accept more if you wish. Let the organiser know if you have used your wildcard or received a challenge with one.   Similarly, if the gap with your opponent has widened to more than four places away since the challenge, let the organiser know so you don’t lose your wildcard.

4.    Players choose the format between them prior to starting ie. 1 set, 2 sets with a short tie-break decider, or best of 3 sets.  If you cannot agree then the default is 2 sets plus tie-break decider. If you are short on time then try the LTA’s short set format: best of 3 sets to 4 games (instead of 6). 

5.    Players should contact the opponent with three date options. If you cannot play within 4 weeks of being contacted then you must forfeit and allow your opponent to take your position.

6.    Let the ladder organiser know if you are injured (or unable to play for any other reason) and promptly of any results, to adjust the ladder accordingly.

Contact Martin Brown at hltcladder@gmail.com to join or for any queries about how the ladder works!