We recently prepared a statement concerning Tri-Level tennis changing to 4 Tier Tennis (4TT). That document explained why BNP Paribas had made this change, and that we needed to comply with it so that our 2012 winning teams would be able to attend the 2012 BNP Paribas championships in Indian Wells, California in March of 2013.
We have now received some very disturbing news. BNP Paribas has “changed their mind” and reverted back to Tri-Level tennis. They gave all Sections the following explanation:
· some Sections were challenged pulling 3 levels together, let alone 4;
· many Sections play matches indoors and by adding another court it would not only increase the cost, but could challenge some with court availability;
· 3 matches give a clear winner; 4 matches may not;
· Difficult to determine who would be selected to round out a 4 level roster if a section decided to continue with tri-level locally
As you know, all of these issues were discussed and our Section came up with a plan to handle those obstacles.
Nevertheless, even though this Section has voiced not only our opposition to this change but also our disappointment with how it has been handled, we have no choice but to comply so that our teams may advance.
For existing 4TT Leagues, their winners will still be able to advance to Sectional Championships in January, 2013. Unfortunately, they will have to compete as a tri-level team and their 3.0 players cannot advance to Sectionals. We want you to know that this change was not our decision, and in fact we are strongly opposed to it. We are simply the messengers relaying a very disappointing decision made by BNP Paribas.
For those 3.0 players competing on current 4TT teams, there is no way that we can compensate you for this inconvenience. However; your District will reimburse your full registration fee, and the Section will reimburse the District for their portion of that fee. Also, for the existing 4TT teams, all matches will continue to be played with 4 levels until the end of the scheduled season.
We sincerely apologize for this sudden change made by BNP Paribas.
Pamela J. Leibfreid,
Sectional League Coordinato
Leibfreid@mas.usta.com