NEWS

Mixed Doubles Teams Forming

Registration is now open for USTA Mixed Doubles Leagues. Adult and Senior teams are forming at all skill levels. SOKY Tennis will once again be hosting the State Championships this year September 10-12 at Kereiakes Park, Bowling Green High School and Greenwood High School. Here are some important dates for both captains and players:

June 10 - Captain's Meeting (Pepper's on Campbell Lane, 6:00 p.m.)

June 21 - Initial Roster Deadline

June 30 - League Play Begins

Aug. 22 - League Play Ends

Never Played Tennis?

That's not very likely if you've found this site, but there's a good chance that you know someone who hasn't. SOKY Tennis and Bowling Green Parks and Recreation have teamed up to offer a FREE Adult Clinic for anyone interested in learning the game. It will be held in conjunction with the SOKY NTRP Tournament on June 13 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. Space is limited so pre-register to ensure your spot by calling Jeanne at 793-9027 or email sokytennis@yahoo.com. Racquets will be provided for use and will also be available for purchase at cost.

Kereiakes Park Update

(via Paul Correa, Athletic Program Manager, Bowling Green Parks and Recreation)

As of April 1, all of the City's 17 courts should have had nets erected and lights set to be available to use, with lights set at shortly before dusk until at least 9:00 p.m. Keep in mind that the eight-court complex at Kereiakes Park is still set on player control, so you will have to push the button to activate the lights. They will remain on for one hour, and the flashing blue light will warn you that you have 10 remaining. Please only push the button that will affect the courts you wish to use.

If you have kids aged 6-12 interested in participating in the BGPR Summer Tennis Camp(s) or if you are interested in becoming an instructor, please call 393-3249; the two-week sessions will begin the first week of June and conclude in August. If you're interested in any other BGPR programs, visit the Bowling Green Parks and Recreation website.

Important Changes Regarding NTRP Ratings

The year end 2009 NTRP ratings will reflect a nationwide movement in which a higher percentage of players will move upward this year. This reflects the concerns of the National Oversight Group, the Observers (Verifiers), charged with protecting the integrity of our NTRP levels as defined below. It was also the clear consensus of many others including staff, volunteers, team captains and players that the system is in need of adjustment as too many players were above the NTRP level they were playing at. Additionally, the same issue was noted through player concerns raised in survey work. A growing disconnect was seen between the standards used in the Self Rating guidelines and the actual characteristics of players on court at various levels, along with players who had been allowed for many years to appeal their year end ratings downward.

Of the 300,000+ league players nationally, more than 90,000 will be seeing movement in their NTRP rating that should coincide with their appropriate skills. With almost a third of the players seeing movement, please know that if you are in this group, you will not be alone. We recognize that there may be initial concerns and questions, but we believe rating adjustments are necessary to protect the integrity of the NTRP and insure that the vast majority of all league players will have competitive matches.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact leagues@usta.com.

The table below shows the movement of players up and down from their previous rating levels. Players will continue to have compatible and competitive matches, although many will now be playing at a different level.

Players will also find that there will be far less ability to appeal NTRP ratings successfully based on current appeal guidelines.

This table shows a broad overview of the movement of players at 2009 year end.