Below are the complete rules for the MP Tennis Ladder, as well as an explanation of some of the most important rules. 

Explaination of major rules

1. The higher seeded player, at time of challenge, has the home court. Lower 
seeds bring the balls.

This will make it easier to determine home court. One thing to remember is that it is positions when the 
match is set up. Even if players move due to other matches, the home court still is based on positions 
when the match was set up.


2. Players can play anyone within 20 spaces of them at time of match.

3. Players will be able to schedule more than one match at a time....
with limits.

With the  20 player challenge range, players will be able to schedule more than one match 
at a time, but there will be limits.
The 20 space rule will be enforced with no exceptions. If a player schedules more then one 
match, and moves out of range of someone they have a match scheduled with, the match will 
not count. It will be the player's responsibility to make sure that they are scheduling matches 
that are still going to be within the 20 player range when they are reported.
A good suggestion would be to schedule only matches within 10-15 spots apart, knowing that 
more then likely, they will still be within range when the match is played.
Remember....there will not be exceptions to the 20 space rule. Players will need to keep up 
with who they have set up matches with and where those players are on the standings.


4. A new, tougher bump down rule is in effect

All players must get at least one, official match during each two week bump down period. Any one who does not get a match reported during a bump down will be dropped to the bottom of the ladder. This is to insure that players are not holding onto their spot by not playing. The next bump down date is always posted on the site above the list of ladders

5. All scores must be reported within 24 hours of completion

When you play a match, the score will have to be reported within 24 hours of the completion of 
the match. This will include defaults caused by cancellation or no-shows. They will have to call 
the default into our Carrollwood store within 24 hours of the scheduled match time.
This will ensure that players are posting the scores in the order they were played 
and will avoid confusion resulting from scores being turned in day (even weeks) after they 
were actually played. Remember, scores must be reported in the order played.



The complete rules for Season 24.


GENERAL SETUP:
1. Men Singles - Levels: "A" 4.5+, "B" 4.4-3.6, "C" 3.5-
Women Singles - Levels: "A" 4.0+, "B" 3.9-
2. Two seasons: Spring and Fall
3. Entry Fee is $25.00/player per season (cash or check only in store) or $30 onine at mptennis.com
4. Open sign-ups until end of season
5. End of season tournament to be held for the top players on each Ladder
6. Prizes for tournament winners on each MP Ladder
7. The two players who play the most matches on the Ladder will receive a prize
8. Number one player at end of season on each Ladder will receive a prize
9. Ladder open to all players over 16 years

RULES:
1. Best two out of three sets; twelve point tie-breaker at six all
2. Official USTA rules apply to all matches

CHALLENGE FORMAT:
1. Higher seed when challenge is made has home court. Lower seed brings the balls.
2. Players can challenge within 20 spots, however, they must still be within 20 spots when the match is 
played and reported or the match will not count. NO EXCEPTIONS. (Players are responsible for making sure they 
are well within range before playing matches)
3. Winning challengers take challenged position on the Ladder and the losing player moves down one 
position (including defaults); all other players below will move down one position
4. If a challenger loses, both players remain at their same positions; unless higher seed challenges 
down, winner will move to the loser's position
5. A challenged player must offer two reasonable days & times for the match within seven days (unless 
they already have a match scheduled) Inability to play, cancelled matches (within 24 hours of 
scheduled time) and no-shows are considered defaults. Defaults must be called in to MP Tennis 
(defaults reported online will be deleted). Defaults must be called in within 24 hours of the scheduled 
match. Defaults will not count as a match, played for the defaulted player.
6. All scores must be reported within 24 hours of the match conclusion.
7. Scores must be entered online or called in by Noon on bump down Mondays to count; scores 
reported after Noon will count towards the next bump down.
8. If any player does not call in at least one match result (win or lose) every two weeks, they will be 
dropped to the bottom of the Ladder
9. A player must wait at least two weeks from their last match to play the same player and both players 
must play a different player before playing again.
10. A player must play a minimum of 8 matches during the season to participate in playoffs.
11. Reporting fraudulent scores will result in player(s) dropping to the bottom of the Ladder. After a 
second incident, a player is removed from the Ladder for the season without refund

PLAYER INFO:
1. Players beginning after start date are added to the bottom of Ladder
2. If a player becomes unable to play during the course of the season, then they must call for removal 
from the Ladder; to re-enter the player will challenge no higher than the last held position. If the match 
is lost, the player will begin at the bottom of Ladder. When a player returns, the score must be called in 
to 813-961-8844 to be reinstated to the Ladder. Injury leave players will be shown on the Ladder 
standings at the bottom with the word "injury" past their name
3. Players winning B or C Ladders must play on the next level in following seasons. Final decision on which level is appropriate for a player is at the discretion 
of MP Tennis.
4. In the event of complaints due to a player at an inappropriate level, the director can move a player 
to a more appropriate Ladder level
5. Up to the minute standings are available on www.mptennis.com.