USTA NTRP RATINGS Questions & Answers 

Developed in 1978, the National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) is a classification system that identifies and describes general characteristics of tennis-playing ability. The NTRP General Characteristics Guide outlines the abilities of each level from 1.5 (beginner) through 7.0 (touring pro). Generally, USTA League offers programs for the 2.5 through 5.0 levels. 

 

Click to watch these videos for NTRP level-by-level informational videos for the recreational tennis player. 

 

Jump to Section: General | Definitions | Appeals | Disqualification | Ratings | NTRP Third Party Sites Policy

 

General

 

Are all players in a given NTRP level equal in ability?

 

No. The NTRP system identifies general levels of ability, but an individual will be rated within those levels at 50 different hundredths of a point. For example, a 3.5 player can fall anywhere between a 3.01 and a 3.50. A typical match result for a player with a 3.01 rating versus a 3.49 player, both of whom are 3.5s, would be 6-0, 6-0 in favor of the higher rated player.

 

What is the difference between a Rating and a Ranking?

 

A rating is a number assigned to a player that reflects their level of playing ability. A ranking reflects the relative position of strength based on other players on the rankings list and is only achieved through tournament play.

 

What is an NTRP Rating and what are the different categories?

 

An NTRP Rating is a numerical indicator of tennis-playing ability, from 1.5 (beginner) through 7.0 (touring pro), which aligns with a set of general characteristics that break down the skills and abilities of each level, in 0.5 increments. Ratings are generated by play in USTA Adult Divisions of 18 & Over, 40 & Over, 55 & Over, 65 & Over, Mixed 18 & Over, Mixed 40 & Over and Mixed 55 & Over. In some sections, results from USTA Sanctioned Tournaments and additional leagues may be included in the Ratings calculation. Ratings help establish a player’s NTRP skill level after only a few matches and do not change dramatically. Rather, they slowly increase or decrease over time as they reflect consistent player skill level as exhibited through play results.

 

To find NTRP Rating information or to Self-Rate, click here.

 

How does the year-end NTRP calculation work?

 

Computerized ratings are affected by the score of a match as well as the dynamic ratings of a player’s partner and the player’s opponents. Based on player dynamic ratings at the start of a match, the NTRP algorithm expects a particular outcome of a match. The actual outcome is then compared to the expected outcome, and as a result of this comparison, the player’s dynamic rating is adjusted up or down (or there is no change, if the outcome was as expected). Computerized ratings are not directly affected by what position a player played, actual number of wins and losses, age, or team standing.

 

If a player’s NTRP level of play is not available in a player’s local leagues, what are their options?

 

• Play up one level
• File an appeal to determine if they are within the appeal range
• Work with the local or district league coordinator to establish a new league at that level
• Play in a league that offers combined ratings
• Play USTA NTRP sanctioned tournaments
• Play in an Adult Social League offered in the area.

 

Are District, Section, or National Championship results included in the Year-End algorithm?

 

Advancing Championship and National Championship play is included in the calculation of the algorithm.     

 

Definitions

 

Appealed Rating (A): A player receives an Appealed Rating when they are granted a request to play at a higher or lower level of play. Types of appeals include: medical appeals, automatic appeals, and committee reviewed appeals.

 

Computer Rating (C): A Computer Rating, also known as a Year End rating, refers to a player’s rating generated by their participation in USTA League Adult Divisions 18 & Over, 40 & Over, or 55 & Over, and other play as applicable during the course of a year, generally November 1 – October 31. The term “rating” is most often used to refer to a rating generated by this play but can also include USTA Sanctioned Tournament play and other leagues as determined by the Section. 

 

Disqualification (D): 

 

• A self-rated player can receive a disqualified rating by either receiving a dynamic disqualification, or having a grievance filed against them with the grievance being upheld.
• An NTRP Disqualification is a rule enforcement against a player who is generating dynamic ratings high enough to indicate the player is playing at a level that is too low for their ability. Dynamics indicating a player is out of level are called “strikes,” and at least three strikes will result in a Dynamic Disqualification.
• A Dynamic disqualification is defined as a self-rated player that has generated three dynamic ratings in a single calendar year (due to the effects of Covid 19, years 2020 and 2021 will be considered as a single calendar for the purpose of dynamic disqualification), based on USTA League Adult Division play (except retirements and through to Sectional Championships), that are clearly above their current computer-rating level, regardless of the championship year in which the matches take place. 

 

Dynamic Rating: A Dynamic Rating is generated at the conclusion of a player’s most recently completed USTA League Adult Division match. Dynamic Ratings are calculated to the hundredths of a point and are not published. A Dynamic Rating may be calculated after each match and it may change with each match played. Matches played against players that are self-rated do not generate dynamic ratings until a self-rated player has enough results from matches against other players who have Dynamic Ratings.

 

Grievance: A Grievance is a formal written compliant regarding an alleged violation of a regulation or procedure (from regulations). Players that have an upheld Grievance filed against them will receive a Disqualified rating.

 

Mixed Rating (M): A Mixed Rating is generated by a player who only participates in USTA League Mixed Division(s) and does not have a valid Year-End Rating. If a player also participates in USTA League Adult Division play, and plays at least three matches, they will generate a valid Computer Rating instead of a Mixed Rating. A Computer Rating will take precedence over a Mixed Rating.

 

Promotion: If a self-rated player competes only at a higher level, they will be disqualified from their self-rated level and promoted (moved up) to the higher level of competition. No other penalties will be imposed.

 

Self Rating (S): A Self Rating is an NTRP entry-level rating generated upon a new player or a player re-entering the USTA League Adult Division with a M (Mixed) or T (Tournament) rating, after completing the USTA Self-Rate Questionnaire. To participate in USTA League, all players must have a valid Computer Rating or Self-Rating. The USTA Questionnaire is available on Tennislink.

 

Start Rating: A player’s previous year-end rating to the hundredth used as the first calculation in averaging dynamic ratings for matches in the current championship year.

 

Tournament Rating (T): A Tournament Rating is generated by a player who only participates in USTA sanctioned tournament play. If a player participates in USTA League Adult Division play and plays at least three matches, they will generate a valid computer rating (C) and it will take precedence over their tournament rating.

 

USTA Rating Year: The USTA Rating Year is used to define the limits of data collection for the purpose of calculating a year-end rating for all participating players. It runs from the prior year’s ending collection date through the end of the last Adult 18 & Over, Adult 40 & Over and Adult 55 & Over National Championship. The exact date varies from year to year based on National Championship dates.

 

Valid Match: A team match in which a majority of the individual matches, played by the competing teams, have completed at least six games.

 

Year End Rating: 

 

A player receives a Year-End Rating by playing at least three valid matches in Leagues or included Tournaments. A valid match is defined as a team match in which a majority of the individual matches played by the two competing teams have completed at least six games.

 

• A Year-End Rating, also known as a Computer Rating, refers to a player’s rating generated by their participation in USTA League Adult Divisions of 18 & Over, 40 & Over, or 55 & Over, and other lay as applicable during the course of a year, generally November 1 – October 31. The term “rating” is most often used to refer to a rating generated by this play, but can also include USTA Sanctioned Tournament play and other leagues as determined by the Section. A Year-End Rating is an NTRP level assigned at the conclusion of the league championship which reflects a player’s ability level determined by a mathematical algorithm. A player’s Year-End Rating, published each December, is used to determine which USTA League(s) they are eligible to participate in during the following year. Year-End Ratings are valid for up to three years for players 59 year of age or under, and for up to two years for players over 60 years of age, or until another rating is generated.

 

Appeals

 

Who can appeal automatically through TennisLink and how is that done?

 

• Computer Rated Players – up or down
• Mixed Exclusive Players – up or down
• Self-Rated Players – up
• Click Here to learn more about the steps to appeal your NTRP rating.

 

NOTE: There is no further appeal if the appeal is denied.

 

Who can appeal when registering for a team?

 

• Computer Rated Players – down
• Mixed Exclusive Players – down

 

What appeals must be referred to / heard by Section administration or their designee?

 

• Self-rated players who wish to move down before matches are played at any time
• Self-rated players who wish to move down after playing a match.  This process includes review of play, as well as review by Section and/or National Committees.
  
• All medical appeals

 

NOTE: Each section also provides directions, deadlines and any related fee on their website.

 

If a player inadvertently appeals their rating online, and it is granted, can the rating be changed back?

 

No. Players should not appeal their rating unless they are sure they want to have it changed. If an auto appeal is granted in error, please contact the Section League Coordinator.

 

Is there a way for a player to know if their appeal will be granted or not without appealing online?

 

No. The only way to find out of a player’s rating is within the appeal range is to go to TennisLink and appeal the rating. The player should make sure they want to appeal before going through the process.

 

A player’s pro says their rating is higher than what the computer says. Can a player’s rating be adjusted based on what their pro is telling them, or can someone hit with them to see if their rating can be adjusted?

 

No. Teaching professionals have a general sense of how someone may compete at various NTRP levels. This enables them to help connect new players with other players who may have a compatible style of play. However, they are not trained by the USTA to accurately assess a player’s exact NTRP rating. Ratings are based on matches, not how well someone can hit their strokes or play points in a lesson. In addition, a formal visual verification process is no longer recognized by the USTA.

 

Why does a player’s Year-End Rating move back down (or back up) when they had successfully appealed their rating up toward the end of the previous season?

 

When players successfully appeal their rating, it moves them up to that level but has a negligible effect on the year-end calculation. If the appeal took place late in the season and no matches were played after that point, the appeal has no effect on the Year-End Rating.

 

How can a player know how close their rating is to the next level?

 

Dynamic Ratings in one-hundredths are not available to players. The USTA is aware of other sites that suggest they provide NTRP ratings and/or player statistics and skill analysis. An alleged NTRP related information available on these other sites is not endorsed by the USTA, is not accurate, and cannot be relied upon.

 

If a player is injured while they played in the previous year, but is now recovered, can they file a medical appeal if they are moved up?

 

Medical appeals are only considered for players who want to move down due to a permanently disabling injury or illness. It is recommended to log into TennisLink and use the auto appeal option to move up. If the auto appeal is denied, in this special circumstance, the Section League Coordinator should be contacted.

 

A player’s partner/teammate appealed to move up and the appeal was granted. The player’s appeal was denied. Please explain.

 

Even if players are the same NTRP level they can have different ratings in hundredths for their start rate. If they had any matches against different opponents, that could cause a deviation between their ratings in hundredths. Appeals of Year-End Ratings are denied if they do not meet the appeal criteria.

 

A player’s record was similar or better than their partner’s record / A player’s record was better than another player’s record who was moved up / A player had a very good win-loss record: Why was that player not moved up?

 

 

Win/loss records do not directly affect the year-end calculation. A player’s rating may have improved (in hundredths), but it may not have improved enough to move them up into the next level. Even if players are in the same NTRP level, they can have a different start rating based on their previous Year-End rating. If they had matches against different opponents, that could also cause a deviation between their ratings in hundredths.

 

Disqualification

 

How can a player be dynamically disqualified?

 

Year-End computer rated (C) players, Mixed Exclusive (M) players, and Tournament (T) players are not subject to NTRP Dynamic Disqualification. All other players who play in Adult Divisions are subject to NTRP Dynamic Disqualification.

 

Why would a player be Dynamically Disqualified?

 

A player can be dynamically disqualified if they have a sufficient number of strikes due to entering the USTA League program at an NTRP level lower than their ability, or by an upheld NTRP League Grievance.

 

If a player is disqualified by an NTRP Grievance that was upheld, do the matches played count toward the ratings of their opponents?

 

No

 

If a player is Dynamically Disqualified and the matches reversed, do the matches played count toward the ratings of the opponents?

 

Yes

 

Can a player be disqualified if they have a valid computer rating?

 

No. However, players whose year-end ratings have been reduced through appeal actions are subject to Dynamic Disqualification. A computer rated (C) player who had just started (formerly self-rated) in an Early Start League can also be promoted.

 

Who cannot be Dynamically Disqualified?

 

Participants in the Adult NTRP Levels followed by the letter below:

 

C – Computer Rated Players

 

Exception: Players who entered an Early Start League at an NTRP level lower than their current year-end rating are subject to NTRP Dynamic Disqualification

 

M – Mixed Exclusive Players

 

Exception: Year-end (M) and (T) rated players are required to self-rate to enter the Adult Division. They then automatically become self-rated (S) players and are, therefore, subject to Dynamic Disqualification.

 

Who can be Dynamically Disqualified?

 

Participants in the Adult NTRP Levels followed by the letter below:

 

• A – Appealed (all granted appeals including Medical and Promoted Players 60 and over)
• S – Self-Rated Players
• D – Dynamic or Grievance Disqualified players
• C – Computer Rated Players with Exceptions, as noted above
• Players participating in the Adult Division who are promoted as a result of Dynamic Disqualification will be immediately required to participated at their new NTRP level in all USTA League programs.

 

What are the consequences of Dynamic Disqualification?

 

In all cases, the player is disqualified from participation at that NTRP level in all USTA League programs. Each USTA Section determines which one of two methods they will follow at the local and the championship level. (Contact your Section League Coordinator to see what option your Section uses.) The effect on team standings may vary depending on when the Dynamic Disqualification occurs:

 

• During Local League Play: In all cases, the player is disqualified from participation at that NTRP level. Each USTA Section will determine what matches, if any, will be reversed for the local season.
• During Championships: Each Section must state before the championship event one of the two methods for NTRP Disqualification.
  • Following completion of championship play: The player is disqualified from participation at that level for the balance of the year and the succeeding year. If the Section elects to run the computer ratings following completion of the championships, match scores by the Dynamically Disqualified player will stand.
  • Throughout championship play: If the Section elects to run calculations throughout the championship event, the player will be disqualified from participation at that NTRP level for the balance of the year and the succeeding year.
• Round-Robin Format: Throughout the championship event, any player who reaches the Dynamic Disqualification criteria will have all matches at that NTRP level reversed to 0-6, 0-6.
• Single-Elimination Format: Throughout the championship event, the last match played by the Dynamically Disqualified player at that NTRP level will be reversed to 0-6, 0-6.

 

If a player is NTRP Dynamically Disqualified during the Adult Local League, what happens to matches in other divisions?

 

• If the Local Dynamic Disqualification occurs during concurrent Local Adult USTA League seasons, the disqualifications shall affect the matches played by the disqualified player in both divisions.
• If the Local Adult USTA League seasons are not concurrent or overlapping, the Dynamic Disqualification shall affect the matches played by the disqualified player in the season in which the Dynamic Disqualification occurred.
• Each Section determines the penalties to be imposed for Dynamic Disqualification.

 

Why are all scores reversed in some Sections?

 

Players who have been Dynamically Disqualified reflect skills in a higher NTRP level than the level in which they were competing. Consequently, their team had an unfair advantage.

 

Is there a rating professional, or someone else, who can observe a player to support a claim that they should not be disqualified?

 

No. For consistency and fairness, all players are judged by the dynamic calculations, not human beings.

 

The rules state that Dynamic Disqualification does not apply to the Mixed Division. If a player is dynamically disqualified in the Adult Division, is the player allowed to participate at the disqualified level in the Mixed Division for the remainder of the League Year?

 

No. Even though the Mixed Division does not allow NTRP Dynamic Disqualification, it must follow the rules in relation to playing at the correct level. A player who has been moved up as a result of a disqualification in the Adult Division must immediately adjust their NTRP level

 

• If on a combined NTRP level team, the player may continue on that team by adjusting the levels. (9.0 combined team—disqualified 4.5 player now at 5.0 must play with no greater than a 4.0 player)
• If on a single level NTRP team, the player must move up to the appropriate NTRP level or sit out the balance of that season depending on the Section’s regulations. A player on a combined NTRP level team may also choose to move up if the Section allows.
• In Mixed Doubles, all matches played up until the time of the disqualification will be counted. Any match played at the disqualified level, following notification of the disqualification, will be counted as a default for the individual team match of the disqualified player, and a 6-0, 6-0 win for the opponents in those matches.

 

Ratings

 

Dynamic

 

Is there a difference between a Dynamic Rating and a Year-End Rating?

 

Dynamic Ratings are not disclosed to players, whereas Year-End Ratings are published annually at NTRP levels. Dynamic ratings are calculated to the one-hundredth of a point, whereas Year-End Ratings are published in .5 increments.

 

What is the dynamic range for each NTRP level?

 

There are 50 data points for each NTRP level. Example for the 3.5 level: 3.01, 3.02, 3.03, 3.49, 3.50 etc.

 

Does the dynamic calculation treat doubles partners differently?

 

No, the dynamic calculation does not treat doubles partners differently. The system knows the players’ information and calculates the dynamics based on the opponent(s) dynamics and the scores. The effect of the outcome of the match is applied equally to both players.

 

Does a dynamic calculation apply to Mixed League play?

 

Yes, for players who participate exclusively in the Mixed Division. Mixed results will not be included in year-end rating calculations for those who play a sufficient number of matches in any Adult Division.

 

When are dynamic ratings calculated?

 

Dynamic Ratings for local play are calculated nightly for the Adult Divisions. During championships, Dynamic Ratings can be run instantly as match results are entered. Check with your Section to see if they run reports during the championships or if they run the reports after the championships.

 

Can a player’s rating level change during the championship year?

 

Yes. Dynamic Ratings may fluctuate throughout the league year, but a player’s level will not be changed unless:

 

• The player generates sufficient strikes
• The player is subject to an upheld League Grievance
• Year-End Ratings are calculated.

 

Is a player able to see my Dynamic Rating?

 

No. NTRP ratings are only published at year end.

 

Does a Dynamic Rating move above or below a player’s level?

 

Yes. Calculations are done nightly and a player’s dynamics can fluctuate up and down depending on their match play.

 

Does the USTA share Dynamic Ratings?

 

The USTA respects the privacy of member information and does not disclose Dynamic Ratings to the public. While this information might be desirable to some, in other instances it could negatively affect player experience.

 

Who can be Dynamically Disqualified?

 

Year-end Computer (C) Players, Mixed-Exclusive (M) Players, and Tournament (T) Players are not subject to Dynamic Disqualification. All other players who play in Adult Divisions are subject to NTRP Dynamic Disqualification

 

Why would a player be dynamically disqualified?

 

A player can be dynamically disqualified when they have generated a sufficient amount of strikes due to entering the USTA League program at an NTRP level lower than their ability or by an upheld NTRP League Grievance.

 

What are the consequences of Dynamic Disqualification?

 

In all cases, the player is disqualified from participation at that NTRP level in all USTA League programs. Each USTA Section determines which one of two methods they will follow at the local and the championship level. (Contact your Section League Coordinator to see what option your Section uses.) The effect on team standings may vary depending on when the Dynamic Disqualification occurs:

 

• During Local League Play: In all cases, the player is disqualified from participation at that NTRP level. Each USTA Section will determine what matches, if any, will be reversed for the local season.
• During Championships: Each Section must state before the championship event one of the two methods for Disqualification.
  • Following completion of championship play: The player is disqualified from participation at that NTRP level for the balance of the year and the succeeding year. If the Section elects to run the computer ratings following completion of the championships, match scores by the NTRP Dynamically Disqualified player will stand.
  • Throughout championship play: If the Section elects to run calculations throughout the championship event, the player will be disqualified from participation at that NTRP level for the balance of the year and the succeeding year.
• Round-Robin Format: Throughout the championship event, any player who reaches the Dynamic Disqualification criteria will have all matches at that NTRP level reversed to 0-6, 0-6.
• Single-Elimination Format: Throughout the championship event, the last match played by the Dynamically Disqualified player at that NTRP level will be reversed to 0-6, 0-6.

 

What is a strike and how does a player get one?

 

Each time an eligible player’s dynamic rating exceeds the maximum tolerance for the level, they automatically earns a "strike."

 

How high can a player’s dynamic rating go before they earn a “strike”?

 

The dynamic NTRP system allows a certain tolerance for player improvement—more for lower-level players where rapid improvement is more likely; less for higher-level players.

 

Will a player be notified if they earn a “strike”?

 

No. Notice occurs only after three strikes are accumulated. Players often receive one or two strikes and never get the third. To needlessly worry or prevent a player from participating based on the possibility of getting a strike is not fair to the player or the team.

 

Will a player be told exactly which matches earned them “three strikes”?

 

Yes. If not provided, the player can ask the Section League Coordinator or designee which matches earned the strikes. All matches played are visible in TennisLink.

 

Who is notified in the event of a disqualification? By whom? How quickly?

 

Responsibility for monitoring dynamic ratings lies with the Section League Coordinator or designee. When a "third strike" situation arises, the Section League Coordinator or designee will first notify:

 

• The player’s team captain, using the captain’s e-mail address as reported in TennisLink;
• The affected player, by telephone, e-mail or voicemail message, and
• The relevant District and Local League Coordinator.

 

Notification is made as soon as possible once a third strike has been received.

 

If a player receives a third strike while participating in another division, but following the conclusion of my Section Championship for a given year and Division, will the player be allowed to advance to Nationals if otherwise qualified?

 

No. The one exception is if you are playing in a league using combined ratings (Mixed Doubles or Adult 55 & Over). As long as the player's (at the new NTRP level of play) and his or her partner's combined ratings do not exceed the NTRP level of your team, the player will be allowed to continue to play on that team

 

The rules state that Dynamic Disqualification does not apply to the Mixed Division. If a player is dynamically disqualified in the Adult Division, is the player allowed to participate at the disqualified level in the Mixed Division for the remainder of the League Year?

 

No. Even though the Mixed Division does not allow Dynamic Disqualification, it must follow the rules in relation to playing at the correct level. A player who has been moved up as a result of a disqualification in the Adult Division must immediately adjust his/her NTRP level

• If on a combined NTRP level team, he/she may continue on that team by adjusting the levels. (9.0 combined team—disqualified 4.5 player now at 5.0 must play with no greater than a 4.0 player)
• If on a single level NTRP team, the player must move up to the appropriate NTRP level or sit out the balance of that season depending on the Section’s regulations. A player on a combined NTRP level team may also choose to move up if the Section allows.
• In Mixed Doubles, all matches played up until the time of the disqualification will be counted. Any match played at the disqualified level, following notification of the disqualification, will be counted as a default for the individual team match of the disqualified player, and a 6-0, 6-0 win for the opponents in those matches.

 

Do USTA sanctioned tournaments count in the dynamic rating system? If so, can a tournament win be used as one of the three strikes?

 

Each Section has the option of including NTRP tournament results for year-end calculations. Sanctioned NTRP tournament results do not generate strikes; however, if your Section does Opt In, they will impact your year-end rating.

 

How does winning and losing affect a player’s rating?

 

All matches have expected outcomes that vary depending on the dynamic NTRP ratings of the players on the court. If a player wins or loses by the expected outcome, it will have a much smaller effect on their rating than if the player wins or loses by a margin that is greater than expected. It is possible for a player to lose a match and have their rating go up. It’s also possible for a player to win a match and have their rating go down.

 

How do matches against Self-Rated players affect a player’s rating?

 

Self-Rated players will not impact a player’s dynamic rating unless the Self-Rated players have generated sufficient dynamic ratings. These matches will be included at year end when the final calculations are run.

 

When are Dynamic Ratings calculated?

 

Dynamic Ratings for local play are calculated nightly for Adult and Senior Divisions. During championships, Dynamic Ratings are run instantly as match results are entered.

 

Mixed

 

How does a Mixed Doubles player get a rating?

 

If a sufficient number of Mixed Doubles matches are played, the player will receive a year-end mixed rating (M) that will be used as their NTRP play level for the next year for mixed league eligibility.

 

Does a dynamic calculation apply to Mixed Division play?

 

Mixed Doubles Division play results will only have an effect on the ratings of players who play exclusively Mixed Doubles.

 

The rules state that Dynamic Disqualification does not apply to the Mixed Division. If a player is dynamically disqualified in the Adult Division, is the player allowed to participate at the disqualified level in the Mixed Division for the remainder of the League Year?

 

No. Even though the Mixed Division does not allow Dynamic Disqualification it must follow the rules in relation to playing at the correct level. A player who has been moved up as a result of a disqualification in the Adult Division must immediately adjust their NTRP level of play in the Mixed Division. The player will have two options:

 

• If on a combined level NTRP team, the player may continue on that team by adjusting the levels (e.g., 9.0 Combined team – disqualified 4.5 player now at 5.0 must play with no greater than a 4.0 player).
• If on a single level team, the player must move up to the appropriate NTRP level or sit out the balance of the season depending on the Section’s regulations. (A player on a combined level NTRP level team may also to move up if the Section allows).

 

In the Mixed Division, all matches played up until the notification of the disqualification will be counted. Any match played at the disqualified level following notification of the disqualification will be counted as a default(s) for the individual team match of the disqualified player and 6-0, 6-0 wins for the opponents in those individual matches.

 

Self Rating

 

When and how does a player get a Self Rating?

 

If a player does not have a computer rating, the player must self-rate before entering a USTA League program. To self-rate, go to tennislink.usta.com, on the navigation bar select USTA League. Below the heading “Find NTRP Rating Info” click the “self-rate” button. A membership or a team number to self-rate but a USTA Account number is needed.

 

If registering for a team, a player will need a USTA Membership number, the team number and a major credit card. When “Register for a Team” is clicked, the player will be directed to the self-rate questionnaire.

 

What dynamic rating does a self-rated player start with?

 

A self-rated player does not start with numerical dynamic rating. The self-rate process is intended to place a player in a particular level.

 

Can’t a player lie when answering the questions to self-rate too low and win all their matches?

 

Yes, unfortunately some players, even though they are required to check a box certifying they answered the questions honestly, will lie in an effort to obtain a lower rating.

 

There are minimum rating levels for players with high school or college history. If you know a player with high school or college history is rated too low, a captain or coordinator can file an NTRP grievance. In the Adult 18 & Over, 40 & Over, and 55 & Over Divisions, a player’s dynamic rating is monitored on a daily basis. If they are playing well into the next level, they will receive a strike. Once they have received a sufficient number of strikes, they will be moved to a higher level.

 

Can a player declare self-rating for different Adult Divisions (e.g., 3.5 for Adult 18 & Over, and 4.0 for Adult 40 & Over?

 

No. Once a player declares an initial self-rating, the player is bound by it for two years or until they generate a computer rating.

 

What if a player believes a self-rated player has not rated himself/herself appropriately?

 

On any given day, a player may play above or below his or her NTRP rating level. If you truly feel a self-rated player is significantly above level, a captain or coordinator may file an NTRP grievance. Contact your Local League Coordinator.

 

What if a player has self-rated, played four matches in the Adult 18 & Over Division, and then signs up for the Adult 40 & Over Division? Will the player use their self-rating, or will the system generate a computer rating for the player?

 

The system will have a Dynamic NTRP rating from all of the players Adult Division play. However, the player will continue with the self-rating he/she selected until the year-end computer ratings are published; unless of course, the player is disqualified and the player then must immediately move up.

 

Can a player have a played in a USTA League before they were self-rated?

 

Yes, there can be several possibilities:

 

• The player’s rating expired, requiring them to self-rate
• The player previously self-rated but did not play enough matches to publish a year-end rating
• The player had an M (mixed exclusive) or T (tournament exclusive) rating which required them to self-rate to play in the adult division.

 

How do matches against self-rated players affect a rating?

 

Self-rated players will not impact your dynamic rating unless they have generated sufficient dynamic ratings. These matches will be included at the year-end when the final calculations are run.

 

How long is a self-rating valid?

 

A self-rating is valid for two years or until a computer-rating is generated.

 

Tournament

 

How do “tournament rankings” compare to “ratings?” 

 

Tournament rankings are based on a “points per round” system in tournament play. A player could do very well in tournaments and achieve a very high ranking, but their ranking will have no bearing on their NTRP rating.

 

Sections may opt-in or opt-out of including sanctioned tournament results in their NTRP calculations. If a Section opts-in, NTRP sanctioned tournament matches are included in their year end rating calculation. In this case, tournament matches could have a direct effect on a player’s rating. 

 

NOTE: Having a “high” ranking does not mean a player’s rating will go up to the next level. It simply means that the player received more points in the ranking criteria than other players.

 

Do tournament matches count more or less, than league matches, for the year-end rating?

 

If a Section has opted to include tournament play in their NTRP ratings, tournament results count the same as league matches.

 

Do all tournaments count toward my rating?

 

No. Currently age-division tournaments are not included in the rating calculation. Age-division tournaments are not included because they are open to all players of the specified age and are not restricted to skill level. Also, Sections have the ability to “opt-in” or “opt-out” of certain tournament categories. Check with the Local League Coordinator or Section League Coordinator to obtain the information for a specific section.

 

Can a player use their Tournament Rating to play in other divisions?

 

A tournament-rated player who chooses to participate in the USTA League Adult Division must self-rate in order to play. A Tournament Rating (T) is not supported by any NTRP calculation and is subject to NTRP grievances.

 

Do USTA sanctioned NTRP tournaments count in the dynamic rating system? If so, can a tournament win be used as one of the three “strikes?” 

 

Each Section has the option of including NTRP tournament results for year-end calculations. Sanctioned NTRP tournament results do not generate strikes; however, if a player’s Section does “opt-in,” they will impact a player’s Year-End Rating.

 

If a player only plays mixed doubles in tournaments, what kind of year-end rating will the player achieve?

 

The player will receive an “M” rating if they only play mixed doubles.

 

Year-End Ratings

 

How many matches are required to generate a valid Year-End NTRP Rating?

 

A minimum of three Valid Matches in qualifying USTA Leagues, or NTRP tournaments opted-in by the player’s section, are needed to generate a year-end rating. 

 

Which matches do and don’t count toward a player’s rating?

 

All USTA Leagues (i.e., 18 & Over, 40 & Over, 55 & Over, 65 & over, Mixed) are included in the Year-End Rating calculation. Mixed Doubles divisions will only have an effect on the ratings of players who played exclusively Mixed Doubles. Each Section has the option to include or exclude other adult leagues as well as NTRP tournaments. Ladders, non-sanctioned leagues, and non-sanctioned tournament results shall not be used to produce Year-End Ratings.

 

How does winning and losing affect a player’s rating?

 

All matches have expected outcomes that vary depending on the Dynamic NTRP ratings of the players competing. If a player wins or loses by the expected outcome, it will have a much smaller effect on that player’s rating than if they were to win or lose by a larger than expected margin. It is possible for a player to lose a match and have their rating increase. It is also possible for a player to win a match and have their rating decrease.

 

How long does it take for a player’s NTRP rating to move up or down based upon their match results?

 

There is not a definitive answer to this question. Every player has a different set of results against different opponents. So, it is very difficult to state exactly how long it will take for a player’s NTRP rating to move up or down. NTRP ratings are published in 0.5 increments.

 

 

Is there a difference between a player’s Dynamic Rating and their Year-End Rating?

 

Dynamic Ratings are not disclosed to players, whereas Year-End Ratings are published annually at NTRP levels. Dynamic Ratings are calculated to the one-hundredth of a point, whereas Year-End Ratings are published in 0.5 increments.

 

NTRP Third Party Sites Policy

 

The National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) is a rating system that identifies and describes the general characteristics of 13 levels of tennis ability. NTRP ratings were developed specifically for grouping players by ability level.

 

Currently, NTRP ratings are generated by the USTA once a year in December to the nearest half point (e.g., 3.0, 3.5, 4.0). 

 

As the governing body of tennis in America, the USTA is committed to providing players with the most accurate rating information, and the USTA is the only source to provide your true NTRP rating. 

 

There are third-party websites that offer their own ratings. However, these are not NTRP ratings provided by the USTA. 

 

The USTA does not endorse NTRP ratings generated from any third-party sources. 

 

These third-party websites cannot correctly recreate the NTRP rating algorithm, and therefore the ratings generated from third-party sites are not accurate NTRP ratings. 

 

Any NTRP Appeals or Grievances based on third-party website rating information will not be considered by the USTA. 

 

Read more on the NTRP Third Party Sites Policy.

 

Return to the USTA League homepage.