Ladder BTennis

The ladder runs in monthly cycles: each player completes two matches, and standings are updated for the following month.

Start of the Month

• Players are placed in groups of three, based on ladder standings (1st–3rd, 4th–6th, 7th–9th, etc.)
• Contact details of group members are shared via email

Match Play

• Players have one month to play against the other two, in their group

Result Submission

• Results are submitted simply online

End-of-Month Movements

• The group leader moves up one group
• The 3rd-ranked player moves down one group
• New players may be added
• Inactive players are removed

Next Month Ladder

• New ladder standings are consolidated and published within 5 working days
• New groups and contact details are shared again

Can’t play this Month?

No problem – just skip it. You can also withdraw at any time and re-join later. However, players who fail to report 3 consecutive matches or miss 4 matches without notice will be considered inactive and removed from the ladder.

Match Scheduling

WhatsApp Contact

• Players contact each other via WhatsApp to arrange match times.

Court Booking

• Book courts and schedule your match as early as possible to avoid delays. Be flexible and cooperative, especially if someone doesn’t have a court.

Balls

• On the day of the match, bring three balls (new or in good condition). Common practice: the player who did not book the court brings the balls.

Result Submission

• It is common practice for the match winner to submit the results online.

Default Format

• 1 Set, first to 6 Games, standard scoring with advantage
• Tie-break at 6–6 (or earlier if both players agree)
• Matches are self-umpired (see self-umpiring rules)

Optional / Time-Limited Format

• Minimum duration: 1 hour per match.
• When time is up, the player leading in games is declared the winner.
• The score is recorded as it stands at the end of play.

Points Allocation

• Match unreported: 0 points
• Match reported: 25 points
• Match loss by Walk-Over (W.O): 50 points
• Match loss: 100 points
• Match won: 300 points

Game Difference

• Played Match: Games won − Games lost
• Walk-Over: Default score 6–0
• Retired Match: Score at time of retirement is recorded

Unfinished Matches

• Retired Match: The player who retires loses; opponent wins. Score at retirement is recorded and counts for game difference. 
• Unfinished Match (rain or court taken): Score stands as it is; the leader in Games is considered the winner. In case of a deuce situation, players will get 150 points.

Ties Criteria

• Three players tied: Game difference is used to determine ranking among the three players.
• Two players tied: The winner of the head-to-head match ranks higher.
• If ties persist: Previous group order is applied as a final tiebreaker.

Result Submission

• Results are submitted simply via Submit Result Form

• Players can also edit previously submitted results via Edit Result Form

• Submit all results, including Unfinished Matches and Walkover. If a match is not played, no submission is required.

• All results and edits must follow the monthly deadline (before the 2nd day of the following month).

Walkover (WO) usage

If a player cannot play a match due to injury, travel or any extended unavailability and must forfeit, the result can be submitted as a walkover by either player. This ensures the opponent is not penalised. A submitted walkover gives both players more points than leaving the match unsubmitted.

Self-Umpiring Code

• All calls on your side of the net are your responsibility.
• If you have any doubt, give your opponent the benefit of the doubt and play the ball as good.
• Any ‘out’ call must be made instantaneously, verbally, and with a hand signal.
• Do not enlist the aid of spectators to make calls.
• If you call a ball out and then realize it was good, correct your call and award the point to your opponent.
• The server should announce the score prior to serving each point.
• If players cannot agree on the score, they must restart from the latest score both players agree on.
• Serve foot faults are your responsibility. Do not enter the court before contact.
• For any unsettled dispute, players must refer to the tournament referee, who may ask the players to replay the match or default both players.

Placement of New Players

New players should provide as much information as possible about their level at registration, including:

• Estimated rankings if any
• Results versus friends or other players
• Coach’s estimation
• Years of tennis experience

Placement and adjustments are possible at any time by the ladder referee based on match results or information provided.

New players can join the ladder at any time and in any group, except in the top three groups during the last month, as these groups determine which players qualify for the Masters Finals.

Temporary Unavailability
If a player is unavailable for a specific month, they may inform the referee before the start of that month. The player will be marked as inactive for that month and can resume participation the following month.
Please note that once the monthly schedule has been sent, groups can no longer be modified.

Protected Ranking

Players who are travelling or injured for an extended period may apply for a protected ranking once per year. This allows them to sit out for one month without moving down the ladder — they will remain in the same group for the following month.

The protected ranking can be used only once per year and only up to September (not available in October or November, the final two months of the ladder, as these months determine which players qualify for the Masters Finals).

To request a protected ranking, email Ladder@btennis.sg and clearly state the month in which you will be unable to play.

Inactive Players

• Players will be considered inactive and removed from the ladder if they fail to report 3 consecutive matches or miss 4 consecutive matches without notice.

Player Withdrawal

• Players who can no longer participate in the ladder must inform the Ladder Referee via email at Ladder@btennis.sg
• Timely notification ensures fairness to other participants and helps maintain accurate group placements and ladder standings.
• Failure to notify may affect future participation in the ladder.

Role

The Ladder Referee is responsible for:

• Ensuring the integrity and smooth running of the ladder
• Placing new players fairly
• Removing inactive, withdrawing or unfair players
• Consolidating results and publishing the new monthly ladder

2026 Referee and Coordinator

Matthieu Bonnafous

French Tournament Director and Inter-clubs Chief Umpire Certified 

Eligibility

• Adults 16+

Registration Fees

• Before 31 Dec 2025: Free
• After 1 Jan 2026: $140 (one year registration / 20 matches)
• Package: $240 (includes 1 private class + one year registration / 20 matches)
• Registration Form

Renewal

• After 1 year, players can renew their participation
• Renewal (subsequent year): $90 / (one year registration / 20 matches)
• Renewal Form
  

• Ladder Referee: Matthieu Bonnafous
• Email: Ladder@btennis.sg