What is NTRP?
The National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) is the official system for determining the levels of competition for the USTA League Program. As a competitive, or at least serious, tennis player, you should know where you fall on this rating scale. Why? It will help you find playing partners who more closely match your play level and make for better, more interesting tennis. It also will help you select an appropriate tennis racquet, as most manufactures indicate the NTRP level the racquet is designed for.
Purpose
The primary goal of the program is to help all tennis players enjoy the game by providing a method of classifying skill levels for more compatible matches, group lessons, league play, tournaments and other programs.
Guidelines
The rating categories are generalizations about skill levels. You may find that you actually play above or below the category that best describes your skill level, depending on your competitive ability. The category you choose is not meant to be permanent, but may be adjusted as your skills change or as your match play demonstrates the need for reclassification. Ultimately your rating is based upon match results.
Players must rate themselves in accordance with the NTRP. When players are rating themselves and they question at which level they should play, they should request an evaluation from an MLTC Pro so that we can help make the proper determination. .
It is important that you are honest in evaluating your level of ability. Players who are good athletes and/or intend to spend a great deal of time taking lessons and practicing should be aware that their improvement may be significant enough to surpass their original self-rated level. All players are subject to disqualification from their current level if they are playing at too low an NTRP level and consequently win three championships in one year. Players should aspire to improve their skills by playing against opponents who have similar or better skills than they have and not focus on beating other, less skilled, players. In an effort to avoid disqualification, you should place yourself at the higher level of play.
To Place Yourself:
A. Begin with 1.5. Read all categories carefully and then decide which one best describes your present ability level. Be certain that you qualify on all points of all preceding levels as well as those in the level you choose.
B. When rating yourself assume you are playing against a player of the same gender and the same ability.
