Notes:
USTA guidelines for determining National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) play:
(from: http://assets.usta.com/assets/1/USTA_Import/dps/usta_master/sitecore_usta/USTA/ )
Simple version of level 2.5 characteristics:
This player is learning to judge where the ball is going although coverage is weak. This player can sustain a rally of slow pace with other players of the same ability.
- is starting to play on a regular basis, at least twice a month
- is starting to develop and favoring a more dependable side
- is starting to realize his strike zone
- is starting to think about hitting the ball harder, but rarely does
Alternate USTA version of level 2.5
- Forehand: Form developing; prepared for moderately paced shots
- Backhand: Grip and preparation problems; often chooses to hit forehand instead of backhand
- Serve/return of serve: Attempting a full swing; can get the ball in play at slow pace; inconsistent toss; can return slow paced serve
- Volley: Uncomfortable at net especially on the backhand side; frequently uses forehand racket face on backhand volleys
- Special Shots: Can lob intentionally but with little control; can make contact on overheads
- Playing Style: Can sustain a short rally of slow pace; weak court coverage; usually remains in the initial doubles position
General SPG Guidelines for Weekend Play
SPG 2024 Season points
General SPG Guidelines for Weekend Play
1295 Inman Ave, Edison, NJ 08820 US info@spgtennis.org
Membership
Membership
SPG Tennis
Players must be 18 or older. The start time will remain at 9 AM.
The 2024 SPG tennis season at Wardlaw was closed on October 27th
Please monitor our site for updates.
Peer Play Guidelines:
SPG cannot count on having an even multiple of four advanced players on the courts at all times. So Peer Play Guidelines, like the General Play Guidelines, are meant to be flexible.
The SPG Board has designated three courts at Wardlaw for advanced players who wish to experience more dynamic matches. The advanced-level area includes those three courts adjacent to the pine trees. Advanced members are encouraged to set up matches among themselves on the designated courts rather than on the other courts, and rotate play based on the General Play Guidelines.
When more than 12 advanced players are present, the overflow advanced players should play on the center courts whenever possible to facilitate switching when advanced courts open. Less advanced members can be invited to warm up or play on the advanced level courts. But unless invited to stay, upon completion of their set, they should find a game on the non-advanced level courts when enough advanced level players are available to complete a foursome.
Peer Play Guidelines:
SPG cannot count on having an even multiple of four advanced players on the courts at all times. So Peer Play Guidelines, like the General Play Guidelines, are meant to be flexible.
The SPG Board has designated three courts at Wardlaw for advanced players who wish to experience more dynamic matches. The advanced-level area includes those three courts adjacent to the pine trees. Advanced members are encouraged to set up matches among themselves on the designated courts rather than on the other courts, and rotate play based on the General Play Guidelines.
When more than 12 advanced players are present, the overflow advanced players should play on the center courts whenever possible to facilitate switching when advanced courts open. Less advanced members can be invited to warm up or play on the advanced level courts. But unless invited to stay, upon completion of their set, they should find a game on the non-advanced level courts when enough advanced level players are available to complete a foursome.
Advanced Level Play
SPG follows a modified Peer Play format that allows advanced level members to play a more dynamic game against other advanced level peers. There are three courts set aside for Competitive Play and the remaining courts for Social Play.
Competitive Play level players are individuals with advanced skills who are interested in playing a strong match against other skilled players.
Social Play level players are individuals who choose not to play on a competitive level, their skills are intermediate or below, are rusty or temporarily injured or just want to have a slower paced game.
Advanced Player Selection Process
The selection committee included various Board members and the input from a USTA level coach who observed some of our members play during the 2010 season.
The Board has selected several members as "skill evaluators" who will help to classify new members or reclassify current members into the proper play level groups.
Selection of Advanced level players are made based on the following skill levels:
a. your arsenal of strokes
b. the consistency of your strokes
c. your ability to handle pace
d. your ability to move well and cover the court
e. your level of stamina during hot, humid weather
f. your knowledge of tennis doubles strategy
g. your ability to apply a - f to win points against other SPG players
SPG is a tennis club that provides opportunities for intermediate and advanced level players to play with their peers. SPG encourages members to continually improve their skills.
Minimum skills required for new players to join SPG:
Prospective members must:
- be able to keep score,
- display a minimum proficiency level (NTRP 2.5 or better – see NOTES below),
- be familiar with International Tennis Federation (ITF) Rules and “the Code” (the player’s guide for un-officiated matches).
Prospective members may play at two SPG sessions before membership dues are required. The treasurer should not accept dues from new members until a Board member (or Board-designated “skill evaluator”) determines whether or not a prospective member’s skills are acceptable. Thus, it is important for the evaluator to report the outcome to the Treasurer as soon as possible. Prospects who don’t meet the minimum skill level may seek coaching to qualify for membership. The Board does not formally endorse any specific coach, but SPG members may coach at a location that does not interfere with SPG play, or suggest other resources. SPG has a member who coaches players and arrangements can be made with him for lessons.
Financial considerations for play:
Most of the dues paid by SPG members – as much as $6,000 a year –are needed to cover the cost of court rental and balls. So SPG needs member cooperation to minimize waste of your dues.
When rain is possible, the “opener” (member responsible for court opening) must NOT open the courts for play, and must not provide new balls, until two doubles courts can be filled. (If a partial or complete rain-out occurs, or play is otherwise canceled before it actually begins, SPG will pay a pro-rated court fee.)
If the opener anticipates a small turnout for some reason other than rain (e.g., very cold weather), new balls should not be provided until the two-court minimum is reached.
On days when play is canceled or shortened due to weather conditions, and when the Treasurer is not present, the opener (or closer) should let the Treasurer know the amount of court time used.
Use of SPG tennis balls is prohibited at any location or on any date not approved in advance by the Board of Trustees. .
Dues for the 2024 season are $135.00 if paid before May 1st by check. If you use PayPal the amount is $140. The dues paid after May 1st for existing members are $145. From August 1st to the end of the season the membership fee gets reduced to $90, from September 1st to $60, and from October 1st to $30.
This year SPG is offering new memberships at the reduced rate of $85 ( this rate is limited to 15 new members for the 2024 season only). A discount of $50 off the regular seasonal rate of $135. Members enjoy access to 8 dedicated courts on the weekends (9 am to 1 pm) from May to Oct. There is no play on May 18th. Tennis balls will be supplied.
Spend a free day on the court with us to experience the SPG level of play. This will help you to decide if SPG is right for you.
Paying the membership fee with Paypal to SPGTennis@aol.com includes an additional $5, Zelle is $135 to spgtennis.1295@gmail.com or you can send your check of $135 before May 1st to PO Box 502, Cranford NJ 07016.
Please send us your phone number and e-mail address along with the check, especially if you are a new member.
Notes:
USTA guidelines for determining National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) play:
(from: http://assets.usta.com/assets/1/USTA_Import/dps/usta_master/sitecore_usta/USTA/ )
Simple version of level 2.5 characteristics:
This player is learning to judge where the ball is going although coverage is weak. This player can sustain a rally of slow pace with other players of the same ability.
- is starting to play on a regular basis, at least twice a month
- is starting to develop and favoring a more dependable side
- is starting to realize his strike zone
- is starting to think about hitting the ball harder, but rarely does
Alternate USTA version of level 2.5
- Forehand: Form developing; prepared for moderately paced shots
- Backhand: Grip and preparation problems; often chooses to hit forehand instead of backhand
- Serve/return of serve: Attempting a full swing; can get the ball in play at slow pace; inconsistent toss; can return slow paced serve
- Volley: Uncomfortable at net especially on the backhand side; frequently uses forehand racket face on backhand volleys
- Special Shots: Can lob intentionally but with little control; can make contact on overheads
- Playing Style: Can sustain a short rally of slow pace; weak court coverage; usually remains in the initial doubles position
General Play Guidelines:
SPG’s guidelines are meant to be flexible. In any given match, exceptions may be made to the following guidelines – if mutually agreed upon in advance.
- Members should be familiar with, and follow, ITF Rules and “the Code” as published by the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) in Friend at Court, USTA Handbook of Tennis Rules and the Code. (See links at www.usta.com/Improve-Your-Game/Rules/).
- SPG generally follows ITF Rules, except for the length of matches and sets.
- SPG play generally consists of doubles matches. Singles practice hitting and/or matches are allowed until there is an opportunity to set up a doubles match.
- An SPG doubles match consists of a shortened set, best of seven games, which ends as soon as one side wins a total of four games.
- As soon as a match is completed, one or more player should immediately call out "Court Open." The call should be loud enough for waiting players to hear. If no one is waiting, players may rest or continue play until another court opens. Then they should stop play immediately and set up new matches as described below.
- Unless someone is waiting, or unless otherwise agreed upon, winners will play the winners and losers will play losers.
- When one or more players are waiting and a “court open” is announced:
a) If one person is waiting - if one person chooses to leave, the waiting player will replace that person. Otherwise,
losers will spin a racquet to see who stays and the person waiting will replace the player who lost the spin
b) If two people are waiting, they will replace the two losers. If one winner chooses to leave, losers will spin a
racquet to see which of them stays.
c) If three people are waiting, the winners will spin a racquet to determine who stays. The people waiting will
then replace the two losers and the departing winner.
d) If four people are waiting, generally they should start a new match on an open court. Exception: if a match is
close to conclusion (e.g., at deuce, three all) those waiting may opt to wait and start two new matches when
“court open” is called.
e) If four people are waiting and if there is no available court, the waiting players should replace the first four
players to announce “court open.”
f) If more than eight players are waiting and all courts are occupied, they should take the court on a “first come,
first served” basis unless otherwise mutually agreed.
g) Exception - in any of the above cases, a player has the option of giving up a spot in a match if that player needs
to leave or rest.
h) If two courts call "Court Open" at the same time, waiting players replace losers.
8. Late arriving players have priority in taking places in a newly opened court. When two-to-three newly arrived
players are waiting and a court is available, they should warm up together with old balls while waiting for a “court
open” call.
9. A member of SPG’s Board of Trustees present at the courts can be asked to resolve any disputes that pertain to
these Guidelines. If necessary, the Board may issue additional Guidelines when issues arise that need to be
addressed formally.
General Play Guidelines:
SPG’s guidelines are meant to be flexible. In any given match, exceptions may be made to the following guidelines – if mutually agreed upon in advance.
- Members should be familiar with, and follow, ITF Rules and “the Code” as published by the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) in Friend at Court, USTA Handbook of Tennis Rules and the Code. (See links at www.usta.com/Improve-Your-Game/Rules/).
- SPG generally follows ITF Rules, except for the length of matches and sets.
- SPG play generally consists of doubles matches. Singles practice hitting and/or matches are allowed until there is an opportunity to set up a doubles match.
- An SPG doubles match consists of a shortened set, best of seven games, which ends as soon as one side wins a total of four games.
- As soon as a match is completed, one or more player should immediately call out "Court Open." The call should be loud enough for waiting players to hear. If no one is waiting, players may rest or continue play until another court opens. Then they should stop play immediately and set up new matches as described below.
- Unless someone is waiting, or unless otherwise agreed upon, winners will play the winners and losers will play losers.
- When one or more players are waiting and a “court open” is announced:
a) If one person is waiting - if one person chooses to leave, the waiting player will replace that person. Otherwise,
losers will spin a racquet to see who stays and the person waiting will replace the player who lost the spin
b) If two people are waiting, they will replace the two losers. If one winner chooses to leave, losers will spin a
racquet to see which of them stays.
c) If three people are waiting, the winners will spin a racquet to determine who stays. The people waiting will
then replace the two losers and the departing winner.
d) If four people are waiting, generally they should start a new match on an open court. Exception: if a match is
close to conclusion (e.g., at deuce, three all) those waiting may opt to wait and start two new matches when
“court open” is called.
e) If four people are waiting and if there is no available court, the waiting players should replace the first four
players to announce “court open.”
f) If more than eight players are waiting and all courts are occupied, they should take the court on a “first come,
first served” basis unless otherwise mutually agreed.
g) Exception - in any of the above cases, a player has the option of giving up a spot in a match if that player needs
to leave or rest.
h) If two courts call "Court Open" at the same time, waiting players replace losers.
8. Late arriving players have priority in taking places in a newly opened court. When two-to-three newly arrived
players are waiting and a court is available, they should warm up together with old balls while waiting for a “court
open” call.
9. A member of SPG’s Board of Trustees present at the courts can be asked to resolve any disputes that pertain to
these Guidelines. If necessary, the Board may issue additional Guidelines when issues arise that need to be
addressed formally.
SPG is a tennis club that provides opportunities for intermediate and advanced-level players to play with their peers. SPG encourages members to continually improve their skills.
Minimum skills required for new players to join SPG:
Prospective members must:
- be able to keep score,
- display a minimum proficiency level (NTRP 2.5 or better – see NOTES below),
- be familiar with International Tennis Federation (ITF) Rules and “the Code” (the player’s guide for nonofficiated matches).
Prospective members, if they have never played with SPG before, may play one full SPG day session before membership dues are required. The treasurer should not accept dues from new members until a Board member (or Board-designated “skill evaluator”) determines whether or not a prospective member’s skills are acceptable. Thus, the evaluator needs to report the outcome to the Treasurer as soon as possible. Prospects who don’t meet the minimum skill level may seek coaching to qualify for membership. The Board does not formally endorse any specific coach, but SPG members may coach at a location that does not interfere with SPG play or suggest other resources. SPG has a member who coaches players and arrangements can be made with him for lessons.
Financial considerations for play:
Most of the dues paid by SPG members – as much as $6,000 a year –are needed to cover the cost of court rental and balls.
When rain is possible, the “opener” (member responsible for court opening) must NOT open the courts for play, and must not provide new balls, until two doubles courts can be filled. (If a partial or complete rain-out occurs, or play is otherwise canceled before it begins, SPG will pay a pro-rated court fee.)
If the opener anticipates a small turnout for some reason other than rain (e.g., very cold weather), new balls should not be provided until the two-court minimum is reached.
On days when the play is canceled or shortened due to weather conditions, and when the Treasurer is not present, the opener (or closer) should let the Treasurer know the amount of court time used.
Use of SPG tennis balls is prohibited at any location or on any date not approved in advance by the Board of Trustees.
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