The prior to school opening "scramble" to get ready for the Fall Team Tennis Season raises some questions about practice requirements, and "challenge ladder" policy. In an attempt to alleviate that confusion, the following guidelines are offered.
Needing to establish a seeding order relatively quickly; after stroke evaluations were made during tryouts, the coaches dictated challenge matches during the initial weeks of the season. Beginning the week after the Stony Point Tournament, Challenge Ladders for both the boys¿ and girls¿ Varsity and JV squads will be posted.
Commensurate with court availability, players will be able to "challenge" the teammate immediately above them on the ladder, and be able to raise their seeding level accordingly. Challenge matches are structured in a "short set" format, with the score at 2-all beginning the first two sets, and a "regular" (first to 7 win by 2) tie breaker in lieu of a third set.
Coaches will make every attempt to ensure equitable challenge match opportunity. With the agreement of both players, challenge matches may be played at other venues, and the results reported at the next practice.
A player at the top of the JV ladder may challenge the last player on the Varsity ladder, and by winning qualify for varsity matches. After a challenge "up the ladder", a player must accept a challenge from a player below them before another "up" challenge is allowed.
In an attempt to foster a "team" atmosphere, and make players available for challenge matches, all players are required to attend practice at Bowie at least one day each week unless there are extenuating circumstances (school holidays, illness, injury, weather et al.). Attendance is taken at practices, and if a player misses three consecutive practices (extenuating circumstances not withstanding) they would automatically move one space down the ladder. Attempts will be made to accommodate club workouts within this general structure.
Final line up configuration for squad matches will remain the coaches¿ prerogative, and will not be dictated by rankings on the challenge ladder.
If you need further information, contact the Bowie Coaching Staff.
Tom Webber
(512) 441-3117 (H)
(512) 569-4899 (M)