League Handbook

Season Overview

Season 3 runs for five months, from August through December 31, 2026. The league begins with 40 registered players and may expand when additional complete groups of four are confirmed.

Players range from approximately 2.5 to 4.0. Initial placement is based on TennisRecord, available results, and the League Director's judgment.

Registration Process

Complete every step below before your league registration can be approved.

League Structure

Players are always organized into divisions of four. Each division plays one round robin per month, giving every player three scheduled matches during the round.

At the end of each month, standings determine promotion, retention, or relegation for the following round. GTN tracks scheduling, results, standings, match history, and long-term ELO.

Divisions Overview

The league begins with 40 players and can grow over time by adding more qualifying groups without changing the overall structure.

Match Format

Matches are best of three sets. A 10-point super tiebreak is played instead of a full third set.

Division standings are based on sets won, so the official result must be recorded as either 2–0 or 2–1.

Both players bring one unopened can of balls. One can is used, and the winner keeps the opponent's unopened can. Each player pays their own court fees.

Promotion and Relegation System

Every monthly round creates movement throughout the league. The division standings—not overall GTN ELO—determine who moves up, stays, or moves down for the next round.

• Division 81st ↑ Division 7
  2nd & 3rd stay
  • Division 91st ↑ Division 8
    2nd stays
    • 10A1st ↑ Division 9
      2nd stays
      • 11A1st ↑ 10A
        2nd ↑ 10B
      • 11B1st ↑ 10B
        2nd ↑ 10A
    • 10B1st ↑ Division 9
      2nd stays
      • 11B1st ↑ 10B
        2nd ↑ 10A
      • 11A1st ↑ 10A
        2nd ↑ 10B

Earn Your Place: A player promoted into Division 8 becomes eligible to compete for monthly division prizes.

Scheduling and Deadlines

Players are responsible for contacting each other and scheduling their three monthly matches. Prompt communication is expected.

Every round ends at 11:59 PM on the last day of the month. There are no automatic extensions.

The official WhatsApp group is used for announcements, scheduling support, updates, and community photos.

Injuries, Retirements, Late Arrivals, and Defaults

If a player retires during a match, the remaining sets are awarded to the opponent. An injury default before the match is normally recorded as 2–0.

A player arriving more than 15 minutes late may forfeit unless both players agree that enough time remains to complete the match.

No-shows require reasonable proof. Unresolved cases are normally recorded as 2–0 for the player who appeared. Three no-shows may result in disqualification without refund.

Injury and severe-weather cases must be reported promptly to the League Director and will be reviewed individually.

The Yibzer Spirit: Fun, Photos, and New Friends

The Yibzer Tennis League is about more than standings, promotion, and prizes. One of the league's goals is to help players meet new opponents, build friendships, and strengthen the local tennis community.

As a fun league requirement, players are expected to:

• Introduce themselves and welcome opponents they have not met before.
• Help create a friendly, respectful, and inclusive match environment.
• Take a picture together after each match.
• Share the match photo in the official league WhatsApp group.
• Celebrate good tennis and sportsmanship regardless of the final score.

A missing photo will not change the official match result, but players are expected to participate consistently and help document the season.

Every match should end with a handshake, a smile, and a picture.

Sportsmanship and Self-Officiating

Sportsmanship is the league's most important commitment. Players must make honest line calls, report accurate scores, communicate respectfully, and avoid intimidation, harassment, cheating, abusive language, or false reporting.

Players are also expected to support the league’s fun and community requirements by welcoming new opponents, taking a post-match photo, and sharing it in the official WhatsApp group.

Prize Distribution

Monthly Prizes

The winner of every division from Division 8 and higher receives $35 at the end of each round.

End-of-Season Awards

Effort Award eligibility: Only players assigned to Division 9, 10A, 10B, 11A, or 11B for the final round are eligible. The four eligible players with the highest GTN ELO at the end of that round receive the award, provided they completed all three scheduled matches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join after the season has started?

Yes, but new players will only be added once a complete group of four has been confirmed. At the end of a round, the League Director may place them into the appropriate divisions based on estimated level and ranking.

Can I skip a month?

No. Joining means committing to the full season. Three matches per month should normally be manageable. Missed matches may be entered as negative defaults and can result in relegation.

What happens if I get injured?

Report the injury promptly and directly to the League Director. Each situation will be reviewed individually.

What happens if weather prevents matches from being played?

Weather-related situations will be reviewed individually based on the circumstances and the number of matches affected.