To help players identify suitable competitive opportunities so they can play against others of a similar standard competitions are graded from 7-1, progressing from local club level to county, regional and finally national level competitions.

Competition Grading

• Grade 7: If you are just starting to compete, Grade 7 competitions offer a great opportunity to gain some competitive experience in a local environment. These include local competitions such as club or squad box leagues and ladders. This grade of competition counts for ratings but not rankings. To find out more contact your local tennis venue or LTA regional office.
• Grade 6: Competitions in this grade are usually match-plays which are open to all players to enter. They are run throughout the year and across the country and offer players in all age groups the chance to develop their competitive tennis. This grade of competition counts for ratings but not rankings.
• Grade 5: These competitions take place at local club or county level and are open to players of all ages and abilities. They might be for specific age groups or cater for different age groups within one tournament. These competitions count for both ratings and rankings.
• Grade 4: These are county level competitions giving players the opportunity to gain competition experience at the next level and count for both ratings and rankings.
• Grade 3: These are regional level competitions that count for both ratings and rankings. There are opportunities for players of all ages to compete in grade 3 competitions throughout the year.
• Grade 2: These are national level competitions and count for both ratings and rankings.
• Grade 1: This is the top level of national competition and counts for ratings and rankings.