Singles League
Many clubs offer very little or nothing for singles play for adults. We are very proud to offer this successful and competitive singles option for those that love singles play! We have a big mix in terms of ages and abilities. Matches are arranged between players so you can pick and choose how frequently and who you want to play.
Our Singles League Starts from Wednesday 1st November 2023 and runs until Tuesday 30th April 2024.
Would you like to play in our Singles League?
This is available to all Adult Members, as well as any Junior Members 14years upwards.
We welcome all ages and levels of ability, both male and female.
How Do I get Signed up?
Please contact Paul Handford on 07709821006. This is for Members ONLY. Once you have text Paul, you will be emailed the link to the Singles League. The league is all online so you can see results, player ratings and leader board as well as contact information for all players that have entered.
What can I expect once I have signed up?
The purpose is to give our members the opportunity to play competitive singles matches. We hope all matches will be fun and friendly and give you the opportunity to make some new friends.
Most importantly, win or lose, playing matches will improve your tennis. As well as this, singles is a particularly great way to improve your fitness!
Is signing up a big commitment?
No, not at all! You can play as much or as little as you like. All we ask is for everyone to play a MINIMUM of one match per month… so over the six months all you will need to have completed is six matches. Obviously the more you play the better…
How do I challenge someone?
It’s easy, everyone is given a rating R1-R4, so you just message others of a similar rating to yourself…
That’s the beauty of this format, you get to play at a level you feel comfortable with. The stronger players challenge each another and the less experienced players challenge each other. (See rules to how this works).
This way, everyone ends up getting competitive games where you are playing opponents of a similar level
Cost
Its £10.00 to enter the singles League. For the £10.00 you get a can of brand new Dunlop Fort balls worth £6.00. The top three players with the highest points total win a prize. Everyone who plays their six matches over the six months will automatically get put into a free draw to win a free St Leonards and St Ives club jacket worth £40.00.
Rules
1. Matches will be best of 3 sets. Tie breaks to be played at 6-6 in sets 1 & 2. A 10 point tiebreak must be played if a third set is required.
2. Players can play as many matches as they wish each month & throughout the duration of the league, but must play a MINIMUM of one match per month (MINIMUM of SIX matches at the end of the six month period).
3. Points for your matches will be awarded as shown below. The more you play the more points you can accumulate.
Win 2-0 in sets = 4 points
Win 2-1 in sets = 3 points
Lose 2-1 in sets = 2 points
Lose 2-0 in sets = 1 point
As you can see, even a loss will gain you one or two points. So, the more you play the better!
4. Each player entering the Singles League will be given a singles rating from R1-R4.
R1 = Very Advanced Singles Player
R2 = Very Good Singles Player
R3 = Developing Singles Player
R4 = Less Experienced Singles Player
This is done purely to give you an idea of standards and to help you choose who to contact to play.
The rating you have been given allows you to challenge anyone with the SAME rating as you, one rating HIGHER, or one rating LOWER. For example…
A player with a R1 rating can challenge other R1s or R2s (not R3s and R4s)
A player with a R2 rating can challenge other R2s, R1s, or R3s not R4s)
A player with a R3 rating can challenge other R3s, R2s or R4s (not R1s)
A player with a R4 rating can challenge other R4s or R3s (not R1s or R2s)
Please do not get offended with your rating, it’s just to give you all an idea of each other’s levels and help you select appropriate opponents to play.
5. It is NOT permitted to play the same player in succession or a player that does not fall into the appropriate rating levels (as above).
6. All matches must be played in a friendly and fair manner. Of course be competitive but remember we are all part of the same club, so any close line calls etc just play a let. It's not worth falling out about!
7. Once you have entered the Singles League I will send you an email with the link to the online results. Your contact number will be available for others to see so they can contact you to arrange a game. Under NO circumstances should this link be shared with ANYONE ELSE at ANYTIME. This link is STRICTLY ONLY for participating members.
8. All match results should be entered on the Googledoc link within 24hrs of completion. The WINNER of the match MUST enter the results CORRECTLY. It is the responsibility of the WINNER to enter the result for both YOU and YOUR opponent.
9. New players can be added ANYTIME by texting Paul Handford. Paul will forward any new players the link by email. Just ensure you all stick to the minimum of one match per month rule.
10. Any problems should be reported to the organiser, who will try to resolve it. The organiser’s decision should be seen as FINAL.
11. Match balls- brand new balls are optional for matches but they should be of match standard. Everyone will recieve a can of brand new Dunlop Fort Balls upon entering the league to get you started.
12. Ensure that a court is booked online in advance (up to 7 days prior). The court availability is better before 3pm (weekdays) and over weekends, so booking during these times is advised.
13. Ensure you have a minimum of two hours to complete your match when booking a court.
14. A £10.00 entry fee is required. For your £10.00 you will recieve a can of brand new Dunlop Fort balls to get you started. (Worth £6.00). The top three players who accumulate the most points will be the winners and receive a prize. Everyone who plays their six matches over the six months will automatically get put into a free draw to win a free St Leonards and St Ives club jacket worth £40.00.
This free draw is strictly only for those that play the six matches (or more) over the six months. No excuses, it's your job to organise a game, not wait for others to contact you.
Finally can I ask you all to remember I do not get paid for doing this, I do this for you all as members to give you the opportunity to improve your tennis and the chance to compete in singles.
I hope you all enjoy and appreciate this fantastic opportunity to play singles @ St Leonard’s and St Ives Tennis Club. Win or lose you will be improving your game and fitness which is the most important thing!
Good luck to you all and enjoy your matches…Paul Handford -07709821006