SCTA Junior Ranking Requirements
What are rankings?
A ranking is a comparison of all the players in each age division, and weighs wins, losses and exposure. Rankings are based solely on a players’ record for the year under consideration, not upon reputation, past ranking or opinion. A good win record is essential; a long and strong record, even with some losses, is preferable to a short record with comparable wins and fewer losses. Exposure to quality players is important.
How many tournaments do you need to play to get ranked in Singles?
The minimum requirements to obtain a ranking are as follows: players in the 10’s must play sectionals plus three (3) in the same age division for a total of four (4) tournaments or five (5) tournaments if unable to play sectionals. Players in the 12’s, 14’s, 16’s, & 18’s must play sectionals plus five (5) tournaments in the same age division for a total of (6) tournaments or eight (8) tournaments if unable to play sectionals. All tournaments must be played to completion without default to count for ranking, including consolation and feed-ins.
How are rankings done in the SCTA?
The SCTA uses the STAR computer ranking program. Rankings are based on results of the calendar year and the system calculates a total record comparison of all the players in each age division. It weighs the quality of matches won and lost. Thus, your ranking is based on who you beat and lost to in the calendar ranking year and not the results of any other year. The score and round reached are not factors in the system.
Do you have to play designated tournaments to get ranked?
No, a player does not need to play designated tournaments to become ranked.
How many tournaments do you need to play to get ranked in Doubles? In Mixed Doubles?
A player in the Boys & Girls 12, 14, 16, 18 needs to play the SCTA junior sectionals plus two other sanctioned junior doubles tournaments in the same age division, one of which must be a SCTA sanctioned open junior tournament; the other may be a USTA National Junior Championship. If a player is unable to play in or compete the Junior Sectionals for any reason, he/she must play four doubles tournaments.
Boys and Girls 10’s & Mixed 10, 12, 14, 16, & 18. Need to compete in the SCTA junior sectionals plus one other SCTA sanctioned tournament to receive a ranking.
Can you play the minimum doubles requirements with two partners and get a ranking?
No, A player must complete all the doubles ranking requirements with the same partner. You can receive a ranking with two or more partners as long as the team meets the ranking requirements.
During sectionals if you had to withdraw from the feed-in for any other reason, does the tournament count for ranking?
The matches that you played count for ranking, but the tournament does not count. You must play a total of eight tournaments to obtain a ranking. (Note: Any tournament not played to completion does not count as a tournament played.)
Are some tournaments stronger than others?
Yes, you will find that some are stronger than others. The sectionals and designated tournaments usually have the strongest field of players. However, the SCTA offers other tournaments throughout the year that have draws of different strengths.
What is the junior sectionals?
Sectionals is a tournament run by the Southern California Tennis Association. This tournament determines the Southern California champion and is the largest Junior tournament held in the United States. It is a tournament that almost all players in Southern California compete in. It is a required tournament to receive an SCTA ranking or endorsement for USTA National play.