Format & Rules

1. Matches can be played at any time or place. Both players should bring a can of balls.
2. Matches must be best 2 out of 3 sets with a full 3rd set OR 10-point match breaker. It is best to decide about a full third or match breaker before the match begins, but not a rule.
3. You may challenge up to five (5) places above your current position in the ladder.
4. If you win a match you will move into your opponent’s spot if they were ranked above you, or maintain your spot if they were ranked below you. If you lose a match from a player ranked below you, you will move down one spot.
5. Match scores need to be reported to vttennisladder@gmail.com or 802-338-2397 before you play your next match so the ladder can be adjusted accordingly. Please report all scores by 9 p.m. the Sunday before the end of each session.
6. You are welcome to play anyone on the ladder anytime, matches won't count that are outside these rules.
   
   
7. If you challenge a player and they do not get back to you within four (4) days, cancel within twelve (12) hours of the scheduled match time, or need to reschedule more than once, for any reason, you will take their spot as if you have won the match. The result will be recorded as a default win and, for the winning player, counts as though you played the match.
8. Each player must play a minimum of one (1) match every session. If you don't play a match during this time, you will be moved down one (1) spot on the ladder. You will not be moved down if you: a) are on vacation; b) are injured; c) have made an effort to challenge and schedule matches with three other active players during the Session; or, d) have demonstrated a good faith effort to play a match during the Session and have been unable to do so. As with reporting match scores, please report your inability to play a match for the reasons outlined (a)-(d) by 9 p.m. the Sunday before the end of each Session. The #1 player is not obligated to play matches if not challenged during a Session.
9. If you are new to the ladder this season, you may challenge any player up to fifteen (15) spots above the lowest ranking member of the ladder. This exception to Format & Rule #3 is only valid until the end of Session 2. After Session 2, you may challenge in the same manner as in Format & Rule #3 as though you were ranked one rank lower than the lowest ranking member of the ladder.
   
   
10. Playoffs will be split into A and B (or C, D, etc. if active numbers allow) brackets. The top 8 players make the A playoff, the next 8 make the B playoff, and so forth. The first two rounds of the playoffs have an abbreviated one-week session in order to schedule and play. If scheduling allows, a "Vermont Tennis Ladder Championships" match date for the finals of all divisions may be scheduled for the same time and place so that friends, family, and fans can attend if interested.