WHAT IS THE LADDER?

The Ladder is an ongoing tournament designated to help players to improve their racquetball skills, meet regularly different players and enjoy the game. It is open to all R.P.A. members, from beginners to the best. A concrete ladder will be available in the Activity Center, and an electronic ladder is located on the web at:
http://www.utdallas.edu/orgs/racquetball/

LADDER RULES.

1. All matches shall follow the AARA Official Rules of Racquetball, unless specified differently below (check them on the RPA web site).

2. The Ladder is divided into three skill groups:

- Level A: Plays regularly and find time to practice to perfect shots. Has a good knowledge of court strategy and positioning. Is able to select the right shot most of the time. Has racquetball tournament experience at county and state levels.

- Level B: Has been playing recreationally for some years, and is developing strengths in basic strokes.

- Level C: Is just beginning to play or receive instruction. A novice racquetball player.

NB: This rating in terms of skill levels differs from the standard basic ratings commonly found at the national/international level. It has been adjusted to the RPA.

3. At any time, you may challenge any of the players ranked up to three places above you, by phone or email. If you are in the top three in your division, then you can challenge the division above you.

4. The match must occur within one week of the challenge. If a challenged player is unable to play during that week, or if the challenger receives no reply within a week, then the challenger wins by forfeit.

5. A challenged player will not be required to play more than one match per week. If a second challenge occurs within the same week, the challenged player may refuse the challenge until the next week.

6. It is mandatory to play a minimum of one game per week (as a challenger or challenged). Failure to do so will yield a loss of one place in the ranking.

7. The Sandy's Clause. If a player issues a challenge and then is challenged from below before the first match takes place, the second challenge is held in abeyance until the first match is resolved. For example, suppose player #4 has challenger #3, but then receives a challenge from player #7. If #4 beats #3, the challenge from #7 is not longer valid. However, if #4 loses to #3, the challenge from #7 becomes valid, and should be played within one week.

8. A match consists of the best of three games, the two first one being played at 15 points and the tie-breaker at 15 points. You win by 1 point!

9. The winner of the match should report the scores by email at golden@utdallas.edu with the specific date of the match. If the challenger wins, the players shall swap ranks on the board in the Activity Center, and the web ladder will be updated. The ladder will be updated Sunday evening once a week.

10. In case of dispute, report the problem to either the president or vice-president.

11. New members are allowed to challenge anyone they choose on the racquetball ladder (A level, B level, C level, or Women's Division) for their first month of membership on the ladder. If the new member beats a person on the ladder, then the new member is inserted above that person and that person (and all persons below that person) move down 1 level each in rank (for first month of membership on ladder only).

HOW TO JOIN THE LADDER?

1. Send an email to Richard Golden (golden@utdallas.edu). Then print and/or read the ladder rules available at http://www.utdallas.edu./orgs/racquetball/rules.html. Actually if you are reading this, it means that you already accomplished this step ;-)

2. Decide which division you belong to (A, B, C).

3. Challenge one player on the bottom half of your division.

4. Report the results. If you win, you will be placed above the player you defeated, and if you lose, then you will be placed at the bottom of the division.

MORE INFORMATION, QUESTIONS.

If you have any questions or need for further information, contact:

Dr. Richard Golden golden@utdallas.edu