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Ladder Kicks off Sunday, June 16th
We are excited to announce the 2024 STC Ladder! Our tennis ladder is a fun and competitive way for club members of similar skill levels to challenge each other, improve their game and make new connections on the court. This season, we are returning to a traditional, player-managed format using the ladder board mounted at the clubhouse in memory of Jay Friedenson.
What is the STC Ladder? The Ladder is a season-long program where players or teams are positioned on a "ladder," with the strongest player or team at the top and the newest or least experienced at the bottom. Players can challenge those ranked above them and if accepted, they play a match. If the challenger wins the match, they move up the ladder. Join one or more of the five ladders on offer this season - Men's and Women's Singles, Men's and Women's Doubles, and finally Mixed Doubles.
Ladder Participants
The ladder board at the club will have the most up-to-date rankings available. Winners, please remember to move the player or team cards on the ladder after your match to reflect any changes to the ranking, then record your scores on the clipboard provided. Challengers, use the online Directory or printed member phone list to reach out to your opponents and to schedule the match. Note that you will have to log into your account on our website to access the online Directory.
Each Sunday, a photo of the current standings will be published on our Facebook page and below for your reference.
Ladder Rules
Joining the Ladder:
Want in on the ladder action? Just give us a call at (802) 253-8250 or shoot us an email at contact@stowetennisclub.com to get you or your doubles team added. When you start, we'll sort out your spot on the ladder for you. Players and teams are welcome to join anytime during the season.Challenges: You can challenge the player or team up to 2 spots above you on the ladder. No challenging the same player or team twice in a row. Challenges should be locked in and scheduled within a week, or else they count as a win for the challenger!
A ladder week kicks off on Sunday and wraps up the following Sunday. You don't have to tackle more than one challenge per week. If you win, congrats! You take over the spot of the player or team you beat, and they just move down one spot. Lose? No worries, it's all good – everyone stays put.
Responsibilities: If you're the challenger, it's on you to set up a time that works for both of you and bring some fresh balls to the match. After the match, winner takes the honor of jotting down the final score on the clipboard at the club. And don't forget to update the ladder board by adjusting the player or team cards as needed!
Match Format: Matches go for 2 out of 3 sets with a set tiebreaker (i.e., first to 7 points, win by 2) at 6-6 in the first two sets. Third set? It's a quick-fire ten-point super tiebreaker. If you can't finish a match due to time or weather, no sweat – just reschedule within a week.
Inactivity: We're all about keeping things lively. Players or teams from position 4 and up who don't get in on the action for two ladder weeks in a row will slide down a spot. The rest of the ladder will shimmy up accordingly.
Vacation: Taking a break? Just flip your card over, and you're off the ladder for the week. You won't lose your spot, promise. When you're back, flip it right-side up, and you're back in the game.
Got any burning questions about the ladder, gameplay, or rules? Hit up Robin at robinkbaum@gmail.com or George at georgegay2011@gmail.com. They've got you covered.