Hampton-In-Arden Sports Club

Tennis Section

National Competiton Framework - Frequently Asked Questions

When does the competition framework take effect?

The framework will lake effect from 1st September 2007, so you can expect competitions from this date to be organised according to the new framework in terms of age group, ball and court. There will be a phasing-in process for age groups over 2 years so that players aren't forced back e.g. a 7 year old in year 1 can compete with an orange ball but not in year 2 and a 10 year old in year 1 can compete with a yellow ball but not in year 2.

Do other countries operate a similar system?

Similar systems operate in a number of major tennis playing nations. In France and Belgium the structure for 10&U competition has been in place for a number of years with great success. It is also widely recognised that to have players competing at the right age, with the right ball and on the right sized court has a huge benefit on the technical, tactical, mental and physical development of their game.

Why can 8 year olds play in red and orange ball competitions?

It is less clear when a player should progress from red to orange than it is from orange to green ball competition as it depends on when they started playing. A player that starts red ball competition at 6 may be ready to move to orange ball at 8 rather than 9. Once in orange ball competition this difference is not as relevant.

How will players benefit from this new framework?

Players will have access to well organised, meaningful and fun competition, which is consistent across Great Britain. They will have the opportunity to regularly compete against players of the same age in an environment which will develop their game technically, tactically, mentally and physically. They will also be able to build their own player profile and see their results online.

How will parents benefit from this?

In addition to parents knowing their children will be playing in well organised, meaningful and fun competition they will also know when, where and how long each competition will last, allowing for more convenient planning. Players and parents will receive better communication and support through the talent ID and coach network.

How do I know what age group to play in?

Currently a player's eligibility to compete is based on the year in which they are born, e.g. from 1st September 07 a player born in 1998 is eligible for 10&U age group competition. Vanous options are open to all sports to determine whether a player is eligible to compete in a given age group, however, there is no firm evidence which proves the argument one way or another. As a result, there will be no change to the current age eligibility rule, the LTA will continue to keep a close eye on changes in tennis and in other sports in order to ensure all players have access to appropriate competition.

Will any players be allowed to 'play up' an age group?

All players are expected to compete in their own age group, 'playing up' is only allowed in exceptional cases when players are issued with a passport to 'play up' as well as in their own age group. There will be conditions in place for this:

  • If a player has exhausted the competition opportunities in their own age group category
  • If a player has a track record which proves they have no appropriate competition within their own category
  • A passport to play may be approved by the Head of Talent Management in conjunction with the relevant Talent Performance Manager for the area and will be communicated to the National Competitions Department and local competition organisers

What happens for 11 and 12 year olds?

We realise that with more competition taking place for 10&U's there needs to be appropriate competition for these players when they move into 11/12&U competition. With this in mind we are looking to:

  • Provide more competition opportunities at all grades for 11 and 12 year olds
  • Ensure players are fully communicated with so they know where to go to get appropriate competition after they progress from green ball competition
  • By registering all players earlier, the LTA can better monitor participation numbers by age group to ensure appropriate competition provision

How will coaches benefit from this?

Coaches will be supported by a competition framework which will have a huge impact on the technical, tactical, mental and physical development of their players. They will be able to see their players develop through a simple and consistent structure which measures their performances against other players on an equal playing field within their peer group.

Should coaches progress players through red, orange and green in line with the competition framework?

Yes. Coaches are advised to use the appropriate ball and court size at the relevant ages as recommended in the competition framework.

How will competition organisers benefit from this?

Competition organisers will have an easy to understand and consistent framework to deliver. They will be provided with support packages to help organise meaningful and fun competitions in which formats and scoring are consistent throughout British Tennis.

Contact Details

Hampton-In-Arden Tennis Club
Shadowbrook Lane
Hampton-In-Arden
Solihull
West Midlands
B92 0DQ
Telephone: 01675 442284

Secretary: Chris Barnes
01675 443572

Coach: Ian Poole
07968 451956

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