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TENNIS LEVEL (NTRP) SELF-RATING SYSTEM AND ETIQUETTE
National Tennis Rating Program guidelines by the United States Tennis Association (USTA)

This is the most accurate rating system available and was developed by the U.S. Tennis Association. Player levels are based on a scale from 1.0 to 7.0

NTRP LEVEL: 

1.0 - This player is just starting to play tennis (For example, a complete beginner)

1.5 - Has limited experience and is still working primarily on getting the ball into play.

2.0 - Needs on-court experience. Has obvious stroke weaknesses but is familiar with basic positions for singles and doubles play.

2.5 - Learning to judge where the ball is going although court coverage is weak. Can sustain a short rally of slow pace with other players of the same ability.

3.0 - Fairly consistent when hitting medium-paced shots, but is not comfortable with all strokes and lacks execution when trying for directional control, depth or power. Most common doubles formation is one-up and one-back.

3.5 - Has achieved improved stroke dependability with directional control on moderate shots, but still lacks depth and variety. Starting to exhibit more aggressive net play, has improved court coverage and is developing teamwork in doubles.

4.0 - Has dependable strokes, including directional control and depth on both forehand and backhand sides on moderate shots, plus the ability to use lobs, overheads, approach shots and volleys with some success. Occasionally forces errors when serving and teamwork in doubles is evident. Rallies may be lost due to impatience.

4.5 - Starting to master the use of power and spins and beginning to handle pace, has sound footwork, can control depth of shots and is beginning to vary game plan according to opponents. Can hit first serves with power and accuracy and place the second serve. Tends to overhit on difficult shots. Aggressive net play is common in doubles.

5.0 - Has good shot anticipation and frequently has an outstanding shot or exceptional consistency around which a game may be structured. Can regularly hit winners or force errors off of short balls and can put away volleys, can successfully execute lobs, drop shots, half volleys and overhead smashes and has good depth and spin on most second serves.

5.5 - Has developed power and/or consistency as a major weapon. Can vary strategies and styles of play in a competitive situation and hit dependable shots in a stress situation.

6.0 Generally do not need NTRP ratings. Rankings or past rankings will speak for themselves. The 6.0 player has obtained a sectional and /or national ranking.

The 6.5 player has extensive satellite tournament experience.

The 7.0 player makes his living from tournament prize money (eg. Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal, Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova).

For simplicity's sake, the Vancouver Tennis Club also uses a 3 category ranking system.

1.  Beginners:  NTRP Level 1.0 to NTRP 2.5

2.  Intermediates:  NTRP Level 3.0 to NTRP 4.5

3.  Advanced:  NTRP Level 5.0 to NTRP 7.0

TENNIS ETIQUETTE

- HAVE FUN and relax when playing tennis!  It should be a pleasant and fun game to be enjoyed.  This is the most important thing.

- Play fair and remember that public courts are shared with equal access and rights.

- Read and follow the specific rules posted at the tennis court or site.

- When waiting for public tennis courts, there should be 2-4 people sitting at the bench facing the court to claim it.
Let the people on the court know that you're waiting for their court.  For most public courts in Vancouver, there is a 30 minute limit when someone is waiting.
After waiting for 30 minutes, announce that you've waited for 30 minutes and that it's your turn to get on the court.

- Show some courtesy and consideration for your partner and opponents as well as those who are playing on the neighbouring courts.

- Don't interrupt games on neighboring courts for any reason. Wait until a point is over to walk past a court or retrieve a ball.

- Avoid loud grunting, yelling or swearing when playing.  It can be very annoying and uncomfortable for others.

- Wait until your opponent is ready to receive before serving.

- If the ball is out or it's a fault, call it immediately and clearly.

- You are supposed to call all balls that bounce on your side of the net.
If you are in doubt as to how to call the ball because you have not seen it clearly, you should give your opponent 
the benefit of the doubt or play the point over.
Never call a ball on your opponent's side of the net unless your opponent asks you for help in deciding on how to call it.

If a ball rolls into your court from an adjacent court, stop rallying if you have not begun to play.  Return the ball immediately.
If you are in the process of completing a point when the ball rolls through, either 
stop playing immediately, if the ball disturbs either you or your opponent, or return the ball as soon as the point has been completed.

- Call a "let" if a ball from another court interrupts play.  Replay the point.

- Make all line calls promptly and accurately; never challenge a call made by your opponent or partner.

- SERVERS should KEEP THE SCORE throughout the game
The server must announce the score at the start of each game and at the start of the second point and each subsequent point in each game.
If the receiver cannot hear the server's announcement of the score, ask the server to speak louder immediately.

- If your opponent has served a fault, do not go after the ball. 
Wait until your opponent's second serve is over, since an interruption between the first and second serves will disturb your opponent's rhythm.

- Bring an extra racquet and a new can of balls, anticipating broken strings and lost balls.

When you have finished playing a game, always thank your opponent(s) whether you have won or lost.
In doubles, thank your partner as well as your opponents. When playing matches, shake hand with your partner and then with both opponents.

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