Tennis Ladder - Frequently Asked Questions
The tennis ladder is designed to provide players of all ability levels an opportunity to participate in organized competitive tennis. Scores are based on a system where players get points for making challenges and for playing matches.
How do I challenge another player?
I just received an email challenge from another player. How do I accept it?
How do I challenge any player willing to play at a specific time?
How do I enter the results of a match?
How are match points calculated?
If a match is tied after two sets, do we play a full third set, or a third set tie-break?
If we play a full third set, and it is tied at 6-6, do we play a tie-break to determine the winner or a play on until someone wins by two?
How do I enter the score for a third set tie-break?
How does the end of season playoff work?
Who brings the tennis balls?

How do I challenge another player?
  • Login to the LNTA Ladder program with your username and password
  • Click on the ladder season you are playing in ex. Summer 2008 Ladders
  • Click the individual link for the ladder level you are sign up for ex. Women's 3.5 Singles Ladder
  • The Rankings page will appear. Next to each player, except your own, will be a challenge link.
  • Click the link and an email will be sent to the player you are challenging.
  • Once the other player accepts the challenge, you will automatically receive an email. At this point, the two of you can work out a time and place to play.

I just received an email challenge from another player. How do I accept it?
  • In the email you received, there will be a link to either accept or deny the challenge.
  • Clicking the link will bring you to the ladder website. You will need to log in.
  • When you log in go to the level you are in. At the top, click challenges and it will show you the challenges you have. There will be an action link.
  • Click the appropriate link (either accept or deny).
  • When a challenge is accepted and email will be sent to the challenger and the status of the match will be changed to Accepted, instead of pending.
  • Contact each other and come up with a time to play.

How do I challenge any player willing to play at a specific time?
  • Login to the LNTA Ladder program with your username and password
  • Click on the ladder season you are playing in ex. Summer 2008 Ladders
  • Click the individual link for the ladder level you are signed up for ex. Women's 3.5 Singles Ladder
  • On the Rankings Page there will be a propose link above the names. Click the link.
  • You will then enter the date and time that you would like the play. Enter match time and an email will be sent out to all players.
  • A player who accepts that time of play will log on to their username and accept it.
  • Once a match time is accepted, you will receive an email letting you know that your proposal was accepted.

How do I enter the results of a match?
  • Login to the LNTA Ladder program with your username and password
  • Click on the ladder season you are playing in ex. Summer 2008 Ladders
  • Click the individual link for the ladder level you are signed up for ex. Women's 3.5 Singles Ladder
  • Click on the "Matches" link at the top of the page
  • A list of matches will be displayed below. If your match is listed, click on the match and you will be prompted to enter the score.
  • If your match is not listed, click on the "Add Match" link at the top. This will bring up a page to enter scores.
  • Enter the scores and click save to save the results.

How are are the points for a match calculated
  • For the Winner:
    • If lower-ranked: 15 + ((Difference in games in sets won * Difference in rankings up to 10) / 2)
    • If tied in rank: 15 + Difference in games in sets won
    • If higher-ranked: 10 + Difference in games in sets won
    • Challenger receives 2 additional bonus points
  • For the Loser:
    • Total # of games won (up to 10)
    • Challenger receives 2 additional bonus points

If a match is tied after two sets, do we play a full third set, or a third set tie-break?
In the interest of time, if either player prefers to play a 10 point tie-break instead of a full third set, you should play a tie-break. If both players agree to a full set (my preference), then you can play the full set. The way that the scoring works, you will usually get more points for playing a full third set.

If we play a full third set, and it is tied at 6-6, do we play a tie-break to determine the winner or a play on until someone wins by two?
During the regular season, you should play a tie-break at 6-6 in the third. In the playoffs, you should play it out until someone wins by two games.

How do I enter the score for a 3rd set tie-break?
If you choose to play a third set tie-break instead of a full third set, the score should be entered as 1-0 (e.g. 6-4, 4-6, 1-0).

How does the end of season playoff work?
In any singles division with enough entrants, there will be a playoff at the end of the season to determine the overall winner.
  • Divisions with less than 12 players
    • There will be a three person playoff. #2 vs #3, and the winner will play #1 for the championship.
  • Divisions with 12 or more players
    • There will be a four person playoff. #1 vs #4 and #2 vs #3. The winner will play for the championship.

Who brings the tennis balls?
It is the challenger's responsibility to bring a new unopened can of balls to the match.

If you have any further questions, please send an e-mail to
tennisladder@lakenormantennis.org