How to Join the Winnetka Platform Tennis Club – Ladies League Team

Thank you for your interest in the Winnetka ladies platform tennis team. We welcome new players. The Winnetka Platform Tennis Club (WPTC) is an independent organization which is affiliated with, but not a part of, the Winnetka Park District.

Joining the WPTC ladder
Ladies may join the ladder through the waiting list for a spot on the bottom team, or through external challenges for the following year.  In addition, teams usually need substitutes throughout the season.

Waiting List
Names can be added to the waiting list throughout the year for the following season.  September 1 is the deadline for current ladder members to decide if they are returning, so most of the openings on the bottom team become available in August.  In some years spaces remain available after September 1.

This option is best for new or inexperienced players, or players who have missed the challenge season. There is no cost or commitment to adding you name to the waiting list. If you want to add your name, please contact the coordinator.

External Challenge
In March, after the winter paddle season, the ladder reorganizes for the next year. During this process women who want to join for the next year may play challenge matches to earn spots on the ladder. This option is appropriate for experienced players, or people moving from a league team at another club. The challenger plays an extensive round-robin with 3 ladder members and must beat 2 of them to earn a spot on the ladder.

Commitment
The time commitment to play full-time on a team is one practice and one match each week. Team members are expected to be available for most matches and for practices the weeks they play. The season starts in mid-Oct. and runs through mid-Mar., including the challenge period.  Practices are Monday or Tuesday and matches are played on Thursday or Friday, depending on series. If you cannot make this time commitment, you should not join the ladder.

Annual WPTC dues are set each year and range from $400 to $600 depending on residency status and time of payment. WPTC dues cover league play, APTA membership, social play without court fees, and other benefits. Dues are payable in full in early September.

Substitutes
Substitutes can be rostered throughout the season at appropriate levels on the ladder, and are called upon based on the needs of the teams. Subs pay a modest annual WPTC membership fee.  If you play in a league match for Winnetka as a sub, you may not play for another club in any league matches that season, and visa-versa.

Thank you for your interest in joining us here at Winnetka.
If you have any questions, or would like to put your name on the waiting list or become a substitute member, please let me know.

Brenda Sussna
Coordinator, WPTC Women’s Ladder
bbsussna@gmail.com