With the demise of access codes for league teams, so too died the Call's beloved mnemonic contest. Marvelous creations such as Every Arrest Has Judicial Decisions (possibly inspired by the television's Law and Order), have gone the way of the running board. That mnemonic was one of several submitted by the Gold River Women's 2.5B team captain Peggy Connaughton. Collectively, they won the contest for her team, pictured here. First row (L to R): Jackie Tenge, Kathleen Rudd, Patty Connaughton, Jeanne Oslund. Second row, Coach Keith Gilbert, Lea Reed, Pam Conrad, Coach Mari Maattanen-Silva. (Not pictured: Amy Kelly, Patty Savant, Sherri Brown, Jamie Vinciguerra and Kimberly Hak)

The Fall 2002/2003 Leagues that began in September are ushering in many changes from National USTA. Leading the list is Dynamic NTRP (National Tennis Rating Program), Self Rating and the Three Strikes Program.

NTRP is the program that allows tennis players to compete with players of similar ability. Dynamic NTRP permits self rating, replacing visual verification sessions. Players new to USTA tennis or players with expired ratings declare their rating when they join a team.

The Three Strikes Program allows USTA to generate player ratings for all players (not just self-rated players) at regular intervals over the season. After each match's results are entered on-line, a dynamic rating is calculated in the DNTRP computer program. When a player's scores generate a rating that is at the disqualification level, that is a strike. When a player gets three strikes, he or she will be moved up. Any match played by that player at the lower level in that league will be adjusted to a 6-0 6-0 win for the opponent.

Dynamic ratings will be calculated every week, identifying players who have received a strike. As always, the computer looks at match scores and not at wins or losses. If a Joe Tennis self rates at 3.0, and wins five matches, that does not mean he is a 3.5. The computer has ratings to the hundredth, and looks at the level of his opponents, and at the closeness of the scores. If Joe's opponents were all 2.5 players, or low 3.0 players, Joe should win. In fact, he should win in straight sets.

On the other hand, if Jane Tennis self rates at 4.0 and loses three matches, that does not mean she should have self rated at 3.5. It might be that her opponents were all strong 4.0s. If the scores were close, or went to a super tiebreak, Jane is holding her own at the 4.0 level.

Players will not be able to view the DNTRP ratings during the year, nor will they be told when they receive a strike. Notice occurs only after three strikes are accumulated. Captains will be emailed.

A player who deliberately self rates too low puts his team at risk, since all his matches are in jeopardy if he is disqualified. Players who rate too high will find that out the hard way, but are not endangering their team.

Players will still receive year-end Final Ratings. As has been done in the last five years, USTA NorCal will publish these on the web. Year end ratings are based 50% on one's cumulative dynamic rating during the season, and 50% on the traditional benchmark calculation method. Traditional benchmarks are based on how well NorCal players do at National Championships.

The irrepressible Super Seniors and the new, pumped up 50 Mixed district team winners concluded their USTA league seasons with hot fall sectionals that gave nine teams the sweet smell of success.

The maiden season of the 50 Mixed was a welcome continuation for many of the 1,920 players who had not made it to districts in their Adult leagues. The 50 Mixed, popular in three other sections, popped up as a tidy ten-week season, starting July 8, and ending Sept. 15, boasting an associate sponsor in Niketown.

At the end, the playoffs turned out to be that satisfying, often pursued, combination of competition and socializing. Some of it had to do with Reno. It was the first time The Biggest Little City in the World, as it proclaims, ever hosted a playoff, coming at the suggestion of Area Coordinator Christy Funk. Known for its friendliness, food and entertainment, Reno stepped up to the plate, as did the inviting Caughlin Club where the 28 teams played their matches.

Temperatures were unusually hot in the low 90s, regular balls were used and no complaints were heard about the incredible lightness of being in the high altitude. Still, unusual things happened. Every match in the 8.0 finals was settled by the super 10-point tiebreak. And during the 6.0 final, the rooting alliances changed in mid-match when it was determined that one team had to win 2-1, not 3-0, in order for the vocal team on the sidelines from Ramsey Park in Watsonville to emerge as champions.

"It was an experience of a lifetime," said Ramsey's captain Mark Eckel, whose team flew to Reno with its public parks coach. "I think it the first time a team from around here ever won a sectional. We came out of nowhere and were really focused. We are so excited."

Likely, the 50 Mixed will continue to gain in popularity. The Florida section has had it four years, Texas three, and Pacific Northwest, in its second year, saw a 36 per cent player increase.

This season the Super Seniors (65 and over) increased their number of playoff teams from 24 to 36 with a hefty round of wild cards, "so they could experience the championship atmosphere," said Sandi Kaney, Director of Adult Tennis. But that meant squeezing what would normally call for three days of action into just two, using ClubSport Valley Vista as the main site and Round Hill Country Club as a satellite.

Then some unexpected heat came along that was enough to buckle the knees.

"Next year we'll probably go to three days," said Bob Walsh, ace volunteer who worked the tournament desk at both events. "The heat probably got into the high 80s and one lady passed out (after getting to the sidelines) and another had to quit. But the Super Seniors held up under the strain."

National League Winners all! Galvin Park's Men 5.0 team became the first USA Adult League team from Santa Rosa to win a national championship. They did it the hard way. Down 3-6 in the finals in the deciding 10-point tiebreak after splitting matches, then sets, Randy Flachman and Ryan Branciforte (a last minute replacement for injured John Vigil) stormed back to win 10-7. Also putting on a well-deserved national crown was the Mixed 6.0 team from Walnut Creek which played in San Diego. Other indomitable national winners this year came from the Senior Leagues: the 3.5 Women from Napa and the 3.5 Men from Sunnyvale, winning in Palm Springs.

The Tennis Link question, about whether to go forward with the computer system in 2003, is still undecided. NorCal is continuing to have discussions with national and as we go to press nothing has been decided about the program through which players can register online for tournaments and leagues. Members should check our website for the most up-to-date information.

The Adult Leagues Committee has been directed by the NorCal board to review the 10-point tiebreak (in lieu of the third set) decision that applies to regular league matches. The board wants the committee to come up with a rule having discretionary latitude based on facility considerations and what the competing captains, or players, want. The board expects a decision in time for the 2003 Adult League season.

Broke and can't go? Travel Assistance Grants of up to $500 per person per year are available for those who would be unable to participate in an event outside the Northern California section without financial assistance. Contact Aliza Avalos for application procedure at (510) 748-7373, ext. 2985.

Good Sport! Please send us examples you have seen on court in tournament or league play so we can share them in future NorCal Call issues. Carter@norcal.usta.com