In 2007 USTA NorCal offers five categories of sanctioned tournament play available for adult tennis players. They are NTRP, Open, Senior, Wheelchair and Family. Here is a summary of their eligibility requirements:
NTRP (National Tennis Rating Program)
CLICK HERE for the NTRP rating descriptions. This will give you guidance on what level NTRP tournament you should play. You are required to have a rating to play USTA tournaments in NorCal. If you do not have a current rating you will be prompted to the electronic self-rate process and self-rate yourself. If you currently have a rating, you must play at that rating level or higher. Juniors may not play NTRP tournaments. If doubles partners of different ratings play, the doubles team must play at the higher rated player's level.
Open
An open tournament is exactly as the name implies, anyone--any age or any level--can play in an open tournament. This catagory may include touring pros, collegiates, junior players looking to explore a higher level of competition, and NTRP players alike.
Senior
To be eligible for a senior age group tournament, you must turn that age during the calendar year in which the tournament takes place. For example, in order to be eligible for a 40 and over tournament, you must be 40 or older by December 31 of the year in which the tournament is played.
Family
Family tournaments are unique in the respect that you get to experience the thrill of competition with a loved one. It could be with a parent, child, spouse or sibling and is a fun way to bond with someone you care about. In many tournaments these events try to offer more than one match, so with a variety of levels there is sure to be plenty of competitive opportunities. You may also have the opportunity to compete with a family member at the national level.
Wheelchair
 Created in 1976 in California, wheelchair tennis is one of the fastest growing and most challenging of all wheelchair sports. In wheelchair tennis, the player must master the game of tennis as well as the wheelchair. Learning mobility on the court is exciting and challenging and helps build strength and cardiovascular ability. A wheelchair player who plays against an able-bodied person in singles or doubles is allowed two bounces of the ball while the able-bodied player is allowed one bounce. Wheelchair tennis is a fun and exciting sport to be involved in! |
