By Candace Cole, Thursday Women’s League Vice President
You’ve done everything right. Your roster is set, everyone’s ALTA membership is confirmed, and your team is registered.
Schedules are released, and you send out that familiar message asking everyone to update their availability. There’s excitement in the air — tennis is back, and you’re looking forward to reconnecting after the summer. And then the replies start rolling in:
- Tina just started a full-time job.
- Jessica’s daughter is now a volleyball phenom with a travel schedule.
- Michelle has a new granddaughter (and tennis has taken a backseat).
Suddenly, that promising season feels a lot more complicated. Take a deep breath. Before you panic, remember this: Your situation may be the exact opposite of your opponents’. While you are scrambling for players, they may have a surplus.
Step one: Recruit, recruit, recruit
If you can, build your bench.
- Check the ALTA website for players looking for teams.
- Visit your local tennis centers.
- Ask your current teammates to spread the word.
You may be surprised how often a last-minute addition becomes a season-saving hero.
Step two: Communicate with your opponents
Still short? Reach out to your opponents and ask if they would be willing to play a line or two early on weeks when you’re struggling.
Just keep in mind — this is a courtesy, not an expectation. Most players have carved out Thursday morning as their time to play tennis. Flexibility isn’t always easy.
If you’re asking for a favor, consider offering one in return. For example, you might volunteer to travel for those early lines — even on days that normally would be your home matches.
Know the stakes
As the season progresses, consistent defaults can create bigger issues than just a tough week — and the rules are very clear:
General Rules Adult Leagues, V. Penalties and Forfeitures: D. A team having excessive defaults shall have all its matches to date nullified and shall be treated as a bye for the remainder of the season. Excess defaults shall be defined as defaulting all points of a given dual meet or averaging more than one default per dual meet.
E. If a team has excessive defaults as decided in rule V. D., the team and/or its members may be suspended for the next season.
When a team is removed, it impacts every team in the division, as match results and standings must be recalculated. Additionally, if your team is defaulted out, it cannot return as a team in that league the following season.
Stay proactive — and keep perspective
If you find yourself in this position, the key is to act early and communicate often. The more proactive you are, the better your chances of keeping your season intact.
And if you’re on the other side — being asked for a little flexibility — remember that a small accommodation can go a long way. Next season, the situation easily could be reversed.
Because in ALTA, as in life … tennis karma is real.
