Hi everyone,
In part 2, we will be talking about the group of U12, U14, U16, etc...
Once player get into the U12 or older group. All tournaments are played in regular ball full court, some time with modified scoring system, but usually best out of three sets format. Tournament can break into many different tiers, and of course there are other specially singles, doubles, team events.
Rogers Rookie Tour
-You will still find them, but there are very few and I believe rookie tour only up to U12 not beyond
-Designed for entry-level juniors who is getting into tournament for the first time
-Player get minimum of three matches
-No ranking points been tracked
-Does not need to be a registered OTA tournament player
More info:
Rogers Rookie Tour page
Rogers Rookie Tour Handbook
Transition Tour★★
This circuit is the “next stage” of competition beyond the Rogers Rookie Tour. Players can now attain Ranking Points in a tournament format at a two star value guaranteeing two matches with modified scoring. The rating for these events is set such that the winner receives points equal to a quarter finalist of a Provincial Circuit (three star) event.
Provincial Circuit ★★★
These tournaments are oriented towards more competitive and experienced players looking to enter the ranks of the top 30 in Ontario. The three star provincial circuit is standard scoring, best of three sets. At this level, competitors are only guaranteed one match; however, consolation rounds may be offered at some events. All events are offered at a 3 star value. The rating for these events is set such that the winner receives points equal to a player who reaches the round of 16 at a selection event.
Provincial Circuit ★★★+ (new in 2015)
This level is for players looking to transition into the Provincial & National Selection levels. The three star provincial circuit + is standard scoring, best of three sets. At this level, competitors are guaranteed two matches; and will be provided with a main draw and doubles or main draw and consolation. All events are offered at a 3 star+ value. The rating for these events is set such that the winner receives points equal to a player who reaches the quarterfinals of a selection event.
Provincial Selection Events
This is the road to the Nationals along with playing the Provincial Championships. Each player can accumulate selection points through these tournaments. There are 2 indoor and 2 outdoor selection events offered each season per category at a 4 star value. All National Selection events will offer a qualifying or feed up event as well as a consolation in which all will award ranking points. Note: 2 other 4 star tournaments may be offered during the calendar year. These events will not be involved in the Team Ontario Selection process.Consistent with the rest of the country, the selection events are rated at 60% of the Provincial Championships.
Ontario Provincial Championships
There are 2 Junior Closed Provincial Championships held each year at a 5 star value (1 indoor & 1 outdoor). Each Provincial Championship will offer a qualifying event as well as a feed-in consolation event in which all will award ranking points. Boys Provincial Championships are rated at 0.524 as compared to the National Championships. Girls Provincial Championships are rated at 0.69.
As you can see, there are many different levels of tournaments a player can participate in. Of course what tournament to enter really depending on the player's level of play, my suggestion is to start with the easiest one and work your way up. A simple way to determine whether a player should move up or not, you should look to see if he/she can achieve a 3:1 win/lose match ratio in that tier, this way you can ensure the player is playing tournament at the correct skill level.
Examples:
-If John played many rookie tournaments and wins every match. Move up.
-If John played two Transitional ★★ tournaments and ratio is 3:1. Move up.
-If John played two Provincial Circuit ★★★ tournaments and ratio is 1:1 or 2:1. Keep playing, but try to participate in some Transitional tournaments as well.
-If John played two Provincial Circuit ★★★ tournaments and ratio is 1:3 or always lose in first round. This is not the correct skill level and over all not a good environment for the player.
I would highly recommend everyone to go to the below websiteto read up these materials. It will provide you more information in terms of tournament format, rules, ranking points system.
Roges Ranking homepage
On the homepage, go to "Junior Ranking" and click on "About Rankings".
I would recommend you to read:
-Key concepts
-Rating and Points Awards
-Ranked Events
That's all for now. Please let me know if you have more questions or post comments to share your thoughts.
Peter Liu
