Introduction

From 1 May we are introducing a Singles Box League to the Club. The intention is to encourage more singles tennis, and to have an element of competition while still retaining the friendly and social ethos that is core to BTC. This is open to everyone and will be “mixed” (ie no separate leagues for men/women).

Juniors over aged 16 are welcome to take part however as a club, we can't hand out junior's contact details, so initial contact should be via a parent's email/phone number.  After that adult club members can arrange matches directly with juniors, as long as the parent has given approval for this.

Everyone is welcome to join the League, which will be divided into “Boxes” of 5 players each. The precise number of Boxes and players in a Box will depend on the number of participants. Initially players will be put into differing Boxes based on their known/perceived strength. Everyone will then play everyone else in their Box within a defined timescale of 6 weeks (so you should be able to play 1 match a week) after which there will be relegation and promotion and a new round of matches.

We will review the timing of the league during the year – a longer period than 6 weeks may be needed during school holidays or our glorious Hope Valley winter.

Match format

At least for the first set of Boxes we will use a “Traditional 2 sets format”.  That is, play 2 sets only, first to 6 games per set with tiebreak at 6 games all (tiebreak being first to 7 Points but need to be 2 points ahead). If 1 set all, then play a Championships tiebreak (first to 10 points but need to be 2 points ahead) for the final set (i.e. 2 sets to 1 win).

Throughout the entire match, play normal deuce.

This format may change in future leagues (see Appendix 2), dependent on feedback.

Scoring and communication

A bonus point will be awarded to players who complete all of their games during the stated box period.

* If players can't arrange match

** If player doesn't show for pre-arranged match or gives a walkover to opponent(s) due to injury

We will set up a new dedicated WhatsApp Group for the league to share updates on the league tables, other relevant information, and will also regularly put tables on our notice board.

What to do now?

If you would like to take part from when we start on 1st May please drop David Gulland an email at davidgulland@virginmedia.com together with your phone number (for the new WhatsApp group). 1st May may seem a long way away, but we need to we have this all set up by mid April at the latest so you can start to arrange your matches.

If you are a junior please also note the requirements for parental approval and the age limitation.

Please also read the detailed rules/notes in Appendix 1.

Appendix 1: Rules/notes

1. Each box will generally have 5 players of similar ability – so 4 matches to be played in a 6 week period.
2. Players to arrange and book courts for their matches by mutual agreement by email, text or WhatsApp direct with their opponent(s), outside of the main WhatsApp Group to reduce chat ‘traffic’
3. When a match is complete, the result (games scores as well as set scores please) should be sent to League Organiser David Gulland preferably by email davidgulland@virginmedia.com copying in opponent, or text mobile 07801 573431
4. Points will be awarded as per scoring table above
5. A bonus point will be awarded to players who complete all of their games during the stated box period
6. At the end of the stated box period (normally 6 weeks), scores will be totalled up and players ranked. If players are level on points, then head-to-head record between those players is considered, then number of games won /lost.
7. In general, the top 1-2 players in each league will move up while the bottom 1-2 in each league will move down.
8. As these are new leagues as from 1/5/26, the Organisers will use their discretion to move a player up or down 2 leagues (based on their performance scores) instead of just 1 if it is felt he/she may have been put into the ‘wrong’ level of league initially
9. After players have been promoted/relegated into new boxes, new joiners/leavers will be added/taken out to ensure players have as many new opponents as possible for the next league period
10. If existing players want to leave the league (either temporarily or permanently) then they must let the league organiser know by the end of the box period.
11. If leaving the league temporarily, the player's approximate league position will be noted and you'll be placed back into a similar league (or close below) when re-joining unless otherwise requested.
12. If players do not play any matches during two box league periods without explanation to the League Organiser, they will be automatically removed from the leagues unless otherwise advised
13. New players can join the league at the beginning of a new box period. They will be placed in a league approximate to their ability to ensure everybody's enjoyment
14. If you have any concerns about the league in which you have been placed, have other queries or any constructive suggestions or feedback, please contact the League Organiser, David Gulland

Appendix 2: Possible alternative format for the future

Not everyone likes playing full sets, and at times the Hope Valley weather and sunlight can limit the time available to play a match. Hence in the future we may introduce an option whereby players can mutually agree whether to play a “Short Fast4 format” or the “Traditional 2 sets format”  as long as both players agree before they play their match.

If one player wishes to play the shorter format and the other player wishes to play the longer format, the format will automatically default to the Longer 2 sets format.

Short Fast4 format: Best of 3 sets. First to four games wins set. Tiebreaker at 3 games all, first to 7 points wins set (no need to be 2 points ahead). If the score reaches 1 set all and 3-3 all in final third set, match tie-break is played to 10 points. First to 10 wins match (no need to be 2 points ahead). Sudden death on first deuce with receiver choosing which side to take the serve on.