The National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) is the official system for determining the levels of competition for USTA League Tennis. The program’s primary goal is to help all tennis players enjoy the game by classifying skill levels for more compatible matches, group lessons, league play, tournaments, and other programs.
- What does a player at each level look like? (video)
- How to get your NTRP Rating (video)
- NTRP Ratings Questions and Answers (USTA.com)
- Player Guidelines for SELF-RANKING
- Finding a Player’s NTRP rating on TennisLink
- How to APPEAL your NTRP Rating (video)
- How to APPEAL your NTRP Rating (TennisLink) You can automatically appeal your rating through TennisLink. Note: if you appeal your rating inadvertently, it cannot be changed back. Login to USTA.com and Click “Appeal Rating Level” on TennisLink. No further appeal is allowed if you are denied. Medical appeals or self-rates that want to rate lower must file the appropriate appeal forms.
Self Rating (S) NEW PLAYERS who do not have an NTRP Rating must SELF-RATE in accordance with the General & Experienced Player guidelines available through Tennislink when registering for a team.
Computer Ratings (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. Computerized ratings are affected by a match’s score as well as your partner’s and your opponent’s dynamic NTRP rating. 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, a player’s dynamic rating adjusts up or down (or there is no change, if the outcome was as expected.) Computerized ratings are not directly affected by what position you played, your actual number of wins and losses, age, or team standing.
Disqualification (D) A self-rated player can receive a disqualified (D) rating by either receiving a dynamic disqualification or having a grievance filed against them. If a self-rated player competes only at a higher level, they will be disqualified from their self-rated level and moved up to the higher level of competition. No other penalties will be imposed.
A dynamic disqualification is defined as a self-rated player that has generated three dynamic ratings in a single calendar year, 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. An NTRP Grievance is a formal written complaint regarding an alleged violation of a regulation or procedure. (from regulations). Players that receive an NTRP Grievance will receive a disqualified rating and be promoted to a higher level. Players who appealed their rating and received an A rating are also subject to the dynamic disqualification.