Flex Leagues – FAQs

What are USTA NorCal Flex Leagues?

Flex Leagues group players of similar ability together in a local, organized 9 week season that allows players to arrange matches when it best fits their schedules at a convenient location.  Players go online to register, contact opponents, report scores, track standings and scout opponents.  Our friendly staff will help you every step of the way.

Why does this format work?

Flex Leagues are designed with your busy schedule in mind.  You make the schedule.  You set the time.  You play when it’s convenient for you.  Flex Leagues provide all of the thrills of league tennis, built around your busy lifestyle.  Choose a facility for one match that is closer to work and choose a facility closer to home for the next match. With varied work and personal schedules, some Flex League players are able to schedule matches mid-day, during the week giving facilities an opportunity to fill off peak court times.  Unlike team leagues, only one court is required for a Flex League match, easing the scheduling burden on tennis facilities.

What does it cost to play?

The registration fee is $25 for USTA members, $35 for non-members.  The “home” players is required to supply the balls and pay guest fees if charged.

What format is used?

Each match is best of three sets with a 10 point tie break in lieu of the third set.  If both players agree, a full third set can be played but will still be scored 1-0.

For best scheduling:

Be sure to fill out your Player Availability on your Profile and keep it current throughout the season.  This lets your opponents know when you prefer to play but please be prepared with a variety of time that you can play.

Contact all of your opponents early in the season to get a match date on your calendars.  Don't wait for them to contact you and don't wait until the week of your match.  If possible, schedule a make-up date just in case.

Use the Comment Box in Player Availability to give your opponents added information such as dates you'll be out of town, best playing days/times, alternate facilities, directions, etc.  If you're using a court for the first time, check it out in advance for availability, lights, parking, fees, water, restroom and alert your opponent.

What should I do if I can’t reach an opponent?

Communication is the most important aspect of Flex League.  Acknowledge your opponents calls or emails even if you're unavailable to play.  If you're leaving town, let your scheduled opponent know that you'll contact them when you return. 

Our philosophy is to emphasize playing the match whenever possible. This is why we actually give the whole season to play all of the scheduled matches and at least one extra week at the end to complete your schedule. However, things happen and sometimes opponents seem to be unreachable or unavailable. Keep a “log” of emails or phone calls made in case this match doesn’t get played. If one player attempts contact and the other player does not, the administrator will likely give the player who made the attempt to play the default over the player who did not. There is also an option to record a double default where the match did not get played and neither player attempted adequate contact.

In round robin play, we score withdrawing players as 6-0, 6-0 wins for all other players in the flight since some may have already played the player and others have not. This rule attempts to give credit to players who have already played a withdrawing player without penalizing those players who did not play the withdrawing player.

You may also leave a match on your schedule unplayed.

Can I play in more than one level?

For now, yes, you can play .5 above your rating. We are monitoring feedback and do hope that we see a high level of enjoyment and good competition. Many players live on the fence between two NTRP levels and can offer a great match at a higher level. We do not allow players to play below their current NTRP rating and do ask players to remember the need for integrity in placing themselves in this program.

Can I play in more than one area such as San Francisco and South Bay?

Yes. The league assumes that the individual has the best idea of whether he/she has enough availability for multiple flights within the same season.  The player must be willing to play his/her matches within each of the league boundaries.