Tennis for Adult/Senior Men (30-90)

Guidelines for Seeding

• USTA "All Factors" Principles

  The USTA has traditionally used the "all factors" method of seeding.  It gives heaviest weight to head-to-head matches and to indirect results thus a close loss to a strong player could weigh more heavily than a win over a lesser player.

  PPR standings alone should not determine seeds as experience has clearly demonstrated that points  are a poor predictor of outcomes.  (It's not uncommon for lesser players to earn  more  points from frequent play than world champions who play fewer tournaments.)

• General Approach

  Use standings as a starting point then "drill down" to individual player records to review specific wins and losses without regard to points.

  Give consideration to players "moving up" from a younger age category and to strong players who haven't played recently;

  "Eligible" players appear as the default, but "ineligibles" (those who've not played enough nationals) should also be considered;

  Doubles standings are prepared both for teams (preferable) and individuals (use ― with judgment ― for teams without a record);

  Rely on the National 12-Month Rolling Standings List solely as they list every match.

• Maximum Number of Seeds

  Effective January 1, 2012 the maximum number of seeds permitted is as follows:

  97-128 players: 32 seeds

  33-96 players: 16 seeds

  17-32 players: 8 seeds

  9-16 players: 4 seeds

  3-8 players: 2 seeds

• Specifics

  Here's how to find any player's record using this web site:

  Click here to display the current National Standings;

  Use the appropriate 12-Month Rolling Standings List;

  Click on the player/team name to view their complete record;

  Review records for ineligible players too (Use the Show dropdown in the upper left);

• Outside Assistance

  Strengthen your seeding by getting reliable outside advice. Here are good practices that Category I Nationals must observe:

  Consult the appropriate Seeding Assistants for your age divisions.  They are knowledgeable and available for advice;

  Discuss the seeds with some of the stronger players before posting them;

  Post the seeds a few days before the draw to give players a chance to point out oversights;