Currently the rules for our Midwest section of the USTA requires disqualification and forfeit of wins when a self-rated player is found to be playing above level in the first year after signing up.  Not only does this punishment seem extreme, but it also negatively effects the entire team the player is on.  

In my experience, tennis players sign up and begin to play at the appropriate level.  But due to a faster improvement than anticipated (due to being a fantastic athlete that catches on quickly or by catching the tennis bug and starting to play multiple times per week) they win more than expected.  The USTA gives them "three strikes", which no one really understands because you can actually receive a "strike" when you lose.  It all depends on what the computer-generated algorithm for each match has determined should be the outcome. 

By signing this petition, you are agreeing with the requested change for the USTA Midwest Section as follows:

IF PLAYERS THAT SELF-RATE IN THEIR FIRST YEAR ARE FOUND TO BE PLAYING ABOVE LEVEL, THEY SHOULD BE IMMEDIATELY REMOVED FROM THE TEAM THEY ARE CURRENTLY ON AND REQUIRED TO PLAY AT THE APPROPRATE LEVEL.  BUT THAT NO DISQUALIFICATION OR REVERSAL OF WINS SHOULD OCCUR.

This in itself is "punishment" enough.  (Although I use the word punishment here loosely because the DQ rule was put in place to deter cheaters from sandbagging their initial rating. And I personally have never met anyone who has intentionally done this, so a punishment is not necessary).  But to make it fair for everyone involved, just remove the player from the current team.  DO NOT take away the wins from the player, thus changing the win status of the team they are on at the time.  This hurts everyone involved in a circumstance that is very likely no one's fault.  Having to quit playing with the team you are on is hard, let alone finding a new team to let you on mid-season.   In conversation with many pros, players and employees of the USTA Midwest, I have found that they all feel that the Disqualification Rule is way too harsh and hurts an entire team. Because of these conversations, I have determined that a change needs to be championed.  Please help put an end to this overly harsh rule by signing this petition.  Thank you so much for your support!