Lisvane Tennis Club Box Leagues – How It Works?
Overview
Box League Rules and Points System
How It Works
These singles and doubles leagues are available for Men, Ladies, and U18 Juniors, divided into divisions (groups) such as Group 1, Group 2, Group 3, etc.
- Matches can be played anytime during each term, typically lasting 6-9 weeks across Spring, Summer, and Autumn (term dates are provided online).
- Players can arrange matches via the Club notice board (sheet provided) or log in to find their opponent’s email by clicking their name. Admin cannot share contact details directly.
At the end of the term:
- Points reset to zero for the next round.
- Promotions and demotions are determined based on standings (see below).
- Players who play at least one match are automatically entered into the next round.
For doubles, players can change partners, withdraw, or go on hold for a term by notifying Admin within one week of the next round’s start date. Failing to do so will result in automatic inclusion in the next round.
Key Reminder: Stay active and play regularly!
Match Participation and Scheduling
- Players/teams play against each opponent in their group once per term.
- Aim to play at least three matches per term and against a variety of opponents.
- Avoid leaving matches until the last week, as the term concludes on a specified end date.
Promotion and Demotion
- At the end of each term:
- Top two players/teams in each division are promoted.
- Bottom two players/teams are demoted.
- For doubles or groups with five or fewer players/teams, only the top and bottom player/team may be promoted or demoted.
Points System
- Base points are awarded for participation.
- Bonus points are awarded for victories.
- This encourages active participation, competitive play, and continuous improvement, even in defeat.
Final Standings
Standings are determined by:
- Total points earned.
- Head-to-head results (if tied on points).
- Game percentage (if players/teams haven’t played each other).
Inactive Players
- Players who play fewer than 3 matches may not be promoted, regardless of their position, and may be demoted by more than one division.
- Activity is rewarded—play at least three matches to avoid inactivity penalties.
Unable to Play This Round?
- Notify Admin BEFORE the round's starts to withdraw and go on hold for a term. You can rejoin in the future without additional fees.
- If the round has already started, withdraw via your LTA account by selecting ‘Withdraw.’ This notifies your opponents and avoids issues. Players who withdraw mid-term must pay a £10 rejoin fee for the next round.
Important: Players removed for inactivity or withdrawal after the draw will not be automatically included in the next round.
General Match Rules
- Warm-up: 5 minutes.
- Default format: LTA Fast4 rules (sudden death at deuce). Alternatively, players can agree on a different format. Scores must still be reported in the Fast4 format.
- Examples: 6-4 = 4-2, 7-5 = 4-3, etc.
- For quick matches: Play 3 tiebreak sets (two first-to-4 sets, and a final tiebreak to 10 points).
- Equipment: Play with yellow balls (as new as possible).
- Clay courts: Winners must sweep the courts and report scores promptly.
Cancellations and No-Shows:
- If a player doesn’t show up within 15 minutes of the agreed time, the opponent records a walkover win.
- If a match is canceled by one player within 24 hours, the opponent records a walkover win. Matches canceled by mutual agreement (e.g., due to weather) can be rescheduled.
Top Tip: Confirm matches 24 hours in advance to avoid confusion.
Respect and Conduct
- Respect your opponents' time and effort.
- Any player receiving three written complaints about conduct may be removed from the league without warning.
Admin and Contact Information
- Admin: Tony Symons-Hicks (volunteer)
- Email: tonysymonshicks@gmail.com
Note: Admin receives more complaints about inactive players than any other issue, so non-active players are automatically removed after each round.
Fees and Rules
- These leagues are free of charge, provided you play at least one match per term.
- A £10 rejoin fee applies for players removed for inactivity or late withdrawal.
Suggestions and Changes
We welcome suggestions for improvement—email only. Rules are not negotiable but may be updated by Admin to ensure smooth operation and encourage more matches.
Enjoy your matches and have fun improving your game!
Unable to Play next round?
If you cannot play next term, email within 1 week of the term start to be put 'on hold'. You can rejoin the next term and do not need to pay again.
If the round has already started:
Withdraw via your LTA account to notify opponents.
Rejoining costs £10, whether due to inactivity or withdrawal after the draw.
Note: Leagues are free if you play at least 1 match per term.
Match Rules
Warm-up: 5 minutes
Score Format: Any agreed format. Default = FAST4 with sudden-death deuce. Examples:
6-0 = 4-0
6-1 = 4-1
6-3 = 4-2
7-5 = 4-3
Final set = match tiebreak to 10 points (2 points clear)
Shorter option: 3 tiebreak sets (2 x first to 4, sudden death at 3-3; final tiebreak to 10 if 1 set all)
Balls: Yellow and as new as possible
Court Duties: Winner sweeps clay courts and records score ASAP
No-shows:
15 minutes late = forfeit points to winner only; no-show player gets no points
Cancelling <24 hours before = forfeit
Both players cancel = reschedule
Fair Play: Call lines and score honestly (see ITF Clay Court rules on notice board)
Complaints: 3 written complaints against the same player/team may result in removal
Administration
Admin: Tony Symons-Hicks – tonysymonshicks@gmail.com
Volunteer-run; no payment from Club or LTA
Main issue: non-active players → removed automatically
Suggestions welcome via email (rules are non-negotiable and may be updated to improve League participation)
Key Takeaways
Play regularly (at least 3 matches per term, minimum of 1 match)
Arrange matches directly with opponents
Stay active to avoid demotion or removal
Rejoining after inactivity or post-draw withdrawal costs £10
Enjoy your tennis and aim to improve while having fun
We also enter a number of teams into local tennis leagues:
Ladies First and Second teams
Mens First and Second teams
Mixed teams
Vets teams
Please get in contact for more details.