Play Session FAQ

Q: The website says that space is limited on a first-come, first-served basis. Is there a limit on the number of people who can register for a play session?
A: There is no limit on the number of who can register for a play session. However, our statistics indicate that on average, only 25 to 30% of people show up for their respective play session. Many members choose not to participate in the summer play sessions but are very active in our club tournaments, singles ladder and/or winter tennis program.

Q: Do I have to attend the play session I’ve registered for?
A: Upon registration, a member has to choose a play session but the VTA does not necessarily restrict members to play in that session; however, members registered for a given play session have priority for available spots over members registered for a different play session. There is a higher rate of participation when the season first starts (May is always busy), so some members may not be able to play if they arrive late or if all available spots are taken; however, most people who show up are able to play. If a member registered for a given play session presents him/herself to the play director but all spots have already been taken, he/she has an option to exercise priority placement in the following weeks’ session. Towards the end of the season in August we typically have more spots available than players.

Q: Can I attend more than one play session?
A: As court time and play sessions are limited, you are encouraged to attend your play session. If you attend another play session and there is space, then you may participate. However, priority is given to those members who are registered for that play session.

Q: Can I drop-in at a play session if I’m not a member?
A: Yes, non-members can participate if there is space. The cost is $8.00. Non-members can only drop-in twice throughout the summer season. However, since court space is limited, priority is given to VTA members over guests who drop-in.

Q: How is the play session structured?
A: Ideally, an even number of players are on the player roster which will allow for several courts of doubles and no more than one court of singles. Note that this year, our new policy caps the player roster at the number of courts available times four ( ie. 6 courts = 24 spots) so that no players will be required to sit-off during the 2-hr sessions. The play director will make initial court assignments based on his/her assessment of the skill level and relative doubles ranking of the players in that sessions’ play roster. The highest ranked players will be assigned to Court 1 and the remaining players will be assigned to the remaining courts in rank order. The 4 players assigned to a court will form 2 doubles teams on their own accord and when court changeover is called by the play night director (he/she yells out “Last Point !”), the winning team, will move up a court and then play as opponents in the next round of play. Similarly, the non-winning team will move down a court and play as opponents in the next round of play. Winners on Court 1 remain on Court 1 and non-winners on the lowest court remain on the lowest court.

Q:How early should I arrive for a play sessions?
A: The play director will typically arrive 15-30 minutes prior to the start of a play session. He/she will collect players fees ($5) add names to the player roster on a first-come, first served basis. Players who arrive later than 5 minutes prior to the scheduled play session start time are considered “late” and may be assigned a spot on the roster subject to the availability of spots and the number of courts in use. At 5 minutes to play time the play director begins assigning spots to VTA members registered for other play sessions and guests. With the play roster finalized, he/she then determines the initial court assignments for all the players on the roster.

Q:Do you get instruction at play sessions?
A: No, there is no instruction at play sessions (however, at the beginner play session the play director provides information on the basics of the game, some skill-developing drills and may provide pointers and some assistance). If you would like formal instruction, lessons are offered at Stanley Park by Gayle and Gordie. You can contact them at 604-605-8224.

Q:What should I bring to a play session?
A: Bring along your tennis racket, appropriate footwear, comfortable clothing, sun protection (if necessary), a bottle of water (stay hydrated) and your own tennis balls (low pressure balls and used balls for drill sessions are provided for our beginner group).

Q:What is the format of the play session?
A: In most cases, we play doubles (singles may be played if there is enough court space is available).