Appeal Your NTRP Rating

What Is an NTRP Rating Appeal?

The USTA assigns players a computer-generated NTRP (National Tennis Rating Program) rating based on match results from league and tournament play. If you believe your rating does not accurately reflect your current ability — for example, due to injury, an extended break from the sport, or a significant change in playing level — you may file a formal appeal to have it reviewed.

Only computer-generated (C) ratings can be appealed. Self-rated (S) players must re-self-rate through the standard process and cannot file a rating appeal.

Types of Appeals

Appeals to move up a rating level are not supported — you may only appeal to move down. If you believe you should be playing at a higher level, contact your local section.

Who Is Eligible to Appeal

• Players with a computer-generated (C) NTRP rating
• Players who competed in USTA League play during the rating year
• Players who have a documented reason their rating does not reflect current ability (injury, extended absence, etc.)

You are not eligible if:

• You are self-rated (S) — self-rated players must re-self-rate
• You were already bumped up via a disqualification (DQ) — DQ bumps follow a separate process
• The appeal window has closed for the current cycle

Appeal Deadlines

Appeal Type	Typical Window
Year-End Rating Appeal	Early January — usually a 2–3 week window after year-end ratings post
Medical / Hardship Appeal	Contact your local section directly; handled on a case-by-case basis

Appeals filed after the deadline will not be accepted. Watch for the appeal window announcement in your USTA account and from your local section.

1 Log In to Your USTA Account

• Go to usta.com and sign in
• Use the email address and password associated with your USTA membership

2 Navigate to Your NTRP Rating

• Click your name or profile icon in the upper right
• Select My Profile from the dropdown
• Locate the NTRP Rating section — it will show your current rating and type (C = computer)

3 Submit the Appeal Form

• Click Appeal Rating (only visible during the appeal window)
• Select the rating level you are appealing to (must be lower than your current rating)
• Provide a clear written reason for your appeal
• Attach any supporting documentation if applicable (e.g., medical records for a hardship appeal)
• Review and submit before the deadline

If the Appeal Rating link does not appear, the appeal window is currently closed. Check back after year-end ratings are published.

What to Include in Your Reason

A strong appeal clearly explains why your rating no longer reflects your playing level. Common valid reasons:

Reason	What to Say
Injury / illness	Describe the injury, when it occurred, how it affected your results, and your current status. Attach medical documentation if available.
Extended absence	Explain the gap in play (e.g., did not play for 2+ years before returning) and that your skills have declined from the rated level.
New to competitive play	Describe your background and that early match results against stronger players inflated your rating beyond your actual ability.

After You Submit

• Appeals are reviewed by a USTA rating committee — typically within 4–8 weeks
• You will receive an email notification with the outcome
• If approved: your rating is adjusted to the appealed level, effective for the next season
• If denied: your current computer rating stands; you may not re-appeal for the same cycle

Approved appeals apply to the next season's registration. If the league season has already started, you will play the current season at your existing rating.

NorCal-Specific Notes

• NorCal players file appeals through the national USTA portal — not through the NorCal league site
• After an approved appeal, allow 2–3 business days for your updated rating to sync to your NorCal profile
• Contact the NorCal office if your updated rating does not appear in time for team registration: info@ustanorcal.com

Useful Resources