The FALL COMMONWEALTH
MIXED LEAGUE has nearly doubled in size since it started in 2004,
according to local league coordinator Patty Smith.
"I think the growth
is facilitated by several factors," she said recently. "One
is, of course, word of mouth.
The local league website
(maintained by Patty and her husband, Stone Smith) at www.richmondtennisleagues.com is
a great tool. More players and captains are relying on it for up
to date league information. It also is a great help when Tennis
Directors and Club Pros at local tennis facilities help spread the word
by posting promotional flyers and by informing their players about
leagues through e-newsletters."
Patty, who has been the
Commonwealth League Coordinator since 2005, credited various clubs and
facilities for their efforts to promote league play. "Leagues
and tennis clubs go hand-in-hand. Each promotes the other in both
direct and indirect ways," she said.
The COMBO DOUBLES LEAGUE,
which just completed its third season of regular summer season play, has
doubled its numbers since 2005
"Players and captains
really like Combo Doubles," said league coordinator Stone
Smith. "The combined rating format makes it easy to form
teams. Many of the smaller local tennis facilities that don't have
enough players at a certain level to form Adult League teams have been
able to form multiple Combo Doubles teams due to the combined rating
format."
| 2005
Combo |
2006
Combo |
2007
Combo |
| 36 Teams |
60
Teams |
69 Teams |
| 404
Players |
704
Players |
860
Players |
A new league to Richmond,
the RICHMOND
SINGLES LEAGUE had over 100 players in its first season this
year. Stone Smith is coordinator of that league as well.
"I'm not sure how
many will play in the league this Fall. Since this is a
non-USTA league, there is some flexibility with the league format.
I can update the rules each season to meet players' needs,"
he said.