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Frequently Asked Questions

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Eligibility & Participation

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What is the minimum age for players to enter the GVTC?
Players must be at least 18 years old by 31st December 2025.

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Must I be a member of one of the 12 participating clubs?
Yes, only current members of the 12 participating clubs can partake in the GVTC 2026.

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Do team members in mixed and doubles have to be from the same club?
No, team members in mixed and doubles do not have to be from the same club.

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Events & Entry Options

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What are the events available for entry in the GVTC 2026?
There are five events to enter: Men's Singles, Women's Singles, Men's Doubles, Women's Doubles, and Mixed Doubles, each with different grading categories.

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Can I enter more than one ladder?
Yes. You may enter multiple ladders, each with its own €25 entry fee.

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Will the GVTC source a partner for me if I do not have one?

No. All players must arrange their own partner, and you cannot enter a Mixed or Doubles event without specifying a partner.

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Entry Fees and Charity

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What is the entry fee for the GVTC?
The entry fee is €25 per player per ladder. For example, if you enter just the Women's Singles ladder, the fee is €25. If you enter the Women's Singles and Mixed Doubles, your entry fee will be €50. In doubles and mixed entries, each player in a pair must pay the €25 entry fee (€50 per team entry fee).

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What is the €25 entry fee used for?
Of the €25 entry fee, €20 is donated to Circle of Friends. The other €5 is allocated to cover ladder operational costs such as online transaction fees for entries, advertising, software for ladder management, tennis balls, and refreshments for the finals. Any remaining funds will also be donated to Circle of Friends Tipperary (circleoffriendstipperary.ie).

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How much of the €20 donation on entry will be given to Circle of Friends?
100% of the €20 donation will be passed on to Circle of Friends. KCTC will cover the transaction fees for the €20 donations so that 100% of the donation is passed on. Any excess funds will also be given to Circle of Friends.

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How much of Player Sponsorship payments will be given to Circle of Friends
100% of the sponsorship payment, after the Stripe transaction fee, will be passed on to Circle of Friends.

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Grading and Ladder Structure

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How are the ladder gradings determined?
Gradings are based on the latest Munster Tennis rankings. Ungraded players must enter the grade of the highest grading they have won in the last three years. For example, if an ungraded player won a Grade 4 event in 2022, they must enter as a Grade 4.

 

Why are grades initially combined into categories (1/2, 3/4 & 5/6) and when are they split?
Grades are initially combined in the ladder to ensure a critical number of players/teams to compete within a category and to allow for diverse match play, enabling players to challenge themselves against a broader range of opponents within their skill level. However, if there are at least six players or teams in both the lower grade (e.g., Grade 6) and the higher grade (e.g., Grade 5) within the combined group before 1st January, players in that combined category will be reordered in the ladder based on grade and date of entry (as opposed to date of entry and grade). This ensures fair competition and provides an opportunity for players to compete against peers more closely aligned with their abilities.

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In combined grades categories (e.g., Grade 3/4), why are lower grade players placed higher in the ladder if they enter early?
This approach encourages early entry, ensuring that all players have an equal chance to secure higher positions if they register promptly. It also prevents higher-grade players from leapfrogging lower-grade players who entered earlier. Note that this applies only within the combined grade category and assumes that the splitting of the combined grade category has not yet occurred.

 

Why can a lower-graded player knock higher-graded players out of the finals, even from multiple higher grades?
In the GVTC, all players within a combined grade category compete in one single ladder, and ladder ranking is based entirely on match results rather than player grade. This means that ladder movement is determined purely by performance.
A lower-graded player (for example, Grade 6) who performs exceptionally well can climb above players from higher grades (such as Grade 5, Grade 4, Grade 3 and even Grade 1/2) as long as they continue winning challenges and progressing upwards. If a lower-graded player finishes in the top two positions overall in the ladder, they automatically qualify for the final associated with the highest grade they have reached, even if that means overtaking every player from multiple higher grades. Any higher-graded players who finish below them will not qualify for that specific grade final. In summary, finals are decided by ladder position only, so a lower-graded player can knock out players from a higher grade if their results place them above those players in that grade at the closing date.

 

Why is it necessary that lower-graded players can challenge and displace higher-graded players?
For the GVTC ladder to operate fairly, all players within a combined grade ladder must be able to progress based purely on results. If lower-graded players were not allowed to challenge or overtake higher-graded players, the ladder would become blocked. A higher-graded player could hold their position simply because of their starting grade, rather than their performance on court.

 

Allowing lower-graded players to challenge upwards ensures that:

• Every position on the ladder is earned, not protected.

• Strong performers can continue progressing, regardless of their starting grade.

• Higher-graded players remain accountable, as they must defend their place by playing matches.

• The ladder remains dynamic and competitive, preventing stagnation.

 

Without this system, a higher-graded player could stay ahead of lower-graded players without ever playing them, and a lower-graded player could win repeatedly yet never move into contention for the finals. This would undermine fairness and remove the incentive for players to improve and compete regularly.

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In short, allowing lower-graded players to displace higher-graded players is essential to maintain a merit-based ladder where performance, not grade, determines progression and final qualification.

 

Timing of Entry and Ladder Placement

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Does it make a difference when I enter the ladder?
Yes. In cases where two players/teams are competing in the same combined grade category (e.g., Men's Doubles 3/4), priority placement will be awarded to the player/team that completes their registration first, including full payment and successful entry into the GVTC TennisRungs system. Players/teams registering later for the same category will be ranked below those who registered earlier. This means that in the case of a combined Grade 3/4 group, a Grade 4 player will be placed above a Grade 3 player if the Grade 4 player enters first. This assumes that the category has not been split.

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What happens if a player is added after the 1st January, and it triggers a grade category split?
If a player enters during this period and their inclusion triggers a split of a combined grade category (e.g., six players in both the higher and lower grades), the category will not be split, as challenges will already be underway. The new player will be placed at the bottom of the combined grade category. However, separate finals will still be held for each grade to ensure fair competition. This underscores the importance of entering before 1st January 2026.

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TennisRungs System and Accounts

 

What system is used to manage the ladders?
The GVTC uses the TennisRungs online ladder system. This is a different system to the ebookingonline system used to book courts in some clubs. It is designed specifically to manage tennis ladders. Once you sign up to the GVTC tennis ladders, TennisRungs will provide feedback on:

• Your performance

• Your ranking

• Who you can challenge

• The record of your opponents

• Contact information to schedule matches with your opponents

• How your friends and other GVTC members are doing

 

More information is available at info.tennisrungs.com

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Do I need a paid TennisRungs account to enter the GVTC 2026?
No, you are provided with a free TennisRungs account as part of the GVTC entry fee.

 

Is there a link to sign-up for a free GVTC TennisRungs account?
Yes, the link to sign-up for a free GVTC TennisRungs account is https://app.tennisrungs.com/Public/Register/39559528

 

Can I enter a GVTC ladders directly through the TennisRungs app or website?
No. You must first pay the entry fee on the GVTC webpage (Step 2). Only after payment will you be added to the ladder. If you already have a free GVTC TennisRungs account and complete payment, you will be added to the ladder within 5 days of payment.

 

Can I add myself to a GVTC ladder if I already have a GVTC TennisRungs account?
No. You cannot add yourself. The GVTC admin team will add you manually in 5 days once the entry fee for that ladders you wish to enter has been paid (Step 2).

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I setup a paid TennisRungs monthly subscription to enter the GVTC. Is that correct?
No. A paid TennisRungs subscription is not required for the GVTC. All GVTC players receive a free TennisRungs account as part of their entry fee. If you created a paid monthly TennisRungs subscription specifically for the GVTC, it was unnecessary, and you may wish to cancel the subscription, as it is not needed for participation.

 

How do I find out my TennisRungs username to login or reset my password?
Check your email for a message titled "Welcome to the Golden Vale Tennis Challenge Ladders." This email contains your username, which you can use to reset your password on TennisRungs.com. Note that your username is usually your first name and surname combined (for example, MartinMurphy).

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How do I reset my TennisRungs account password?

• Go to https://app.tennisrungs.com/Account/Login.

• Enter Username: Type the username linked to your account. This is usually your first name and surname combined (for example, MartinMurphy).

• Click Reset: Click the link that says "Don't Know Your Password?".

• Check Your Email: TennisRungs will send password reset instructions to the email on file.

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How do I make a challenge?

• Open the TennisRungs app or Website and log in.

• Go to your Ladder.

• Find an eligible player/team

• Tap Challenge next to their name.

• Confirm the challenge.

• Once sent, the challenge is recorded in the TennisRungs system.

 

Who can I challenge?

You can only challenge players/teams who are 3 places above you or 3 places below you in the specific ladder you are in. Only eligible players/teams that are not already in a challenge can be challenged. Players whom you have previously challenged in the last 7 days will also not be eligible for challenges. If there is no Challenge button next to a player’s name, they cannot be challenged at that time.

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How do I know if I’ve been challenged?

You will be notified by:

• Email (sent to the address registered in TennisRungs)

• App notification (if notifications are enabled on your device)

• The challenge will also appear in the TennisRungs app under your matches/challenges section

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We recommend adding mailer@tennisrungs.com to your email contacts, as this is the email address used to notify players of challenges. Please also check your Spam or Bulk Mail folder regularly for any challenge notifications.

 

How do I accept a challenge?

• Log in to the TennisRungs app or Website.

• Go to your Challenges / Matches section.

• Select the incoming challenge.

• Tap Accept.

• Once accepted, the match is active.

 

How do I decline a challenge?

Open the challenge in the TennisRungs app and select Deny and the team that challenged you will be granted a walkover and be able to progress.

 

How do I arrange the match after accepting?

After a challenge is accepted:

• Players contact each other outside TennisRungs (email, text, WhatsApp, etc.)

• Agree a date, time and venue.

• TennisRungs does not manage this process.

 

What happens after the match is played?

One of the players (usually the winning player/team) enters the match result in the TennisRungs app. The ladder updates automatically and changes the ladder positions automatically.

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What email address does TennisRungs use?

TennisRungs sends notifications to the email address you used to set up your TennisRungs account.

If you are not receiving emails:

• Check spam/junk folders

• Confirm your email address is correct in the app

 

I have signed up to the GVTC TennisRungs system but when I login, I cannot see any players in the ladders.

Players will be added to the ladders within 5 days of completion of entry fee payment.

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Match Organisation and Court Bookings

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How are matches organised between participants on the ladder?
Participants can organise matches at a time convenient to both players/teams. It is the responsibility of the host player to book the courts and ensure that they are available for the agreed time.

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What are the rules regarding green fees, lighting, and court booking?
Participating clubs have agreed to waive green fees for GVTC matches, with lighting costs covered by the host player. The host player also books the courts and covers light fees if applicable.

 

Are matches required to be played at night?
No. Matches can be played at any mutually agreed time. The 19:00 – 21:00 rule applies only when players cannot agree and must follow the formal scheduling protocol.

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Challenges, Forfeits & Scheduling

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Who has to travel if a challenge is issued in the GVTC?
In the GVTC, the player/team that is challenged by another player/team has the first opportunity to propose their home club. If they cannot provide a time at their home location, the challenger has an opportunity to propose a time at their home club.

 

If I am challenged and I do not accept the challenge, what happens?
If you are challenged, you have 2 days to either "Accept" or "Deny" the challenge. If no response is given within this time, the challenge will automatically result in a forfeit, awarding a win to the challenger.

 

If I am challenged, can I ask the challenger to withdraw the challenge?
No, it is important that any challenger is never asked to withdraw a challenge. If you cannot accept a challenge, you should deny the challenge and give a walkover so that the challenging player/team can progress.

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If I challenge someone, can they ask me to withdraw the challenge?

No, you cannot be asked to withdraw a challenge and any player/team that asks you to withdraw a challenge is not following the GVTC rules. Once you issue a challenge, the player/team challenged should either accept or deny the challenge.

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What happens if someone does not reply when arranging a match after accepting a challenge?
If after accepting a challenge, communication is one-sided and a match cannot be arranged due to lack of willingness to communicate, the other player/team should record a forfeit in their favour.

 

Can I challenge someone again immediately after playing them?
No. You must wait seven days before re-challenging the same opponent.

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Is there a limit to how many matches I can play?
No. You can play as many matches as you like within the challenge rules.

 

Walkovers, Weather & Errors

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What happens if a match starts but is stopped due to weather?
The match should be continued from the same score at another day/time before the challenge window expires. If rescheduling within the 7-day window is not possible, a forfeit is entered so ladder positions remain the same. The two players/teams cannot challenge each other again for seven days.

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What if I accidentally accept a challenge I cannot play?
If either the challenger or the challenged player/team are unable to play the match for any reason (such as injury, illness, schedule changes, or other circumstances), the player/team unable to play must forfeit the match. The forfeit is recorded as 0-0,0-0 forfeit and awarded as a win to the player/team who is willing and able to play.

 

What if I issue a challenge that I cannot play (whether accidentally or otherwise)?
If you issue a challenge by mistake, you cannot withdraw it. You must either play the match or give a forfeit win to the opponent. A forfeit is recorded as 0–0, 0–0  forfeit and awarded as a win to the player/team who is willing and able to play.

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Does a forfeit cause a change in ladder position?

Yes if the player or team who causes the forfeit is higher on the ladder, they lose their position and the opponent moves up, except where the forfeit is recorded only due to unsafe weather conditions, in which case no ladder positions change.

 

Injuries & Leaving the Ladder

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What happens if my doubles partner is injured or unavailable for a number of weeks?
The pair must temporarily leave the ladder until the injured player can return. Substitute partners are not allowed.
Please use the "Temporarily Leave Ladder" to do this. Temporarily leaving a ladder will result in a players/teams position dropping 2 positions immediately. In addition, injured players must rejoin the ladder by 1st March 2026 and must be available for challenges towards the final section of the GVTC competition after this date.

 

Can I rejoin the ladder after leaving due to injury?
Yes. You will drop two positions upon leaving and must rejoin by 1st March 2026.

 

What happens if my doubles partner is injured or unavailable for the rest of the GVTC?
If a player enters the event with a partner and that partner is injured within the first four weeks, and it is confirmed that they will be unable to participate for the remainder of the event, a replacement partner may be permitted up until 1st February. Any replacement partner must be of the same grade as the injured partner, and the pair’s ladder position will remain unchanged.

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Finals & Results

 

How are finalists determined in each ladder?
Finalists are the top two players or teams in the ladder at 11:59pm on Sunday 12 April 2026. Any grade can reach the higher-grade final if they finish in the top two overall. If a lower-grade player/team qualifies for the higher-grade final, they give up their place in the lower-grade final, and the next eligible team from that grade takes their place. If a finalist cannot play, the next highest-ranked eligible player/team (not already in another final for that event) is selected. No substitutes are allowed.

 

How many finals are there in each ladder?
Each GVTC ladder has a minimum of three finals, one for each combined grade category:

• Grade 1/2 Final

• Grade 3/4 Final

• Grade 5/6 Final

 

However, if a combined grade category (e.g., 3/4 or 5/6) meets the criteria for splitting, meaning at least six players or teams in each lower and higher grade (e.g. 6 grade 3 players and also 6 grade 4 players), then additional finals may be created. For example:
If Grades 3 and 4 split, there will be a separate Grade 3 Final and a Grade 4 Final.
If Grades 5 and 6 split, there will be a Grade 5 Final and a Grade 6 Final.

This means that depending on sign-ups, a ladder can have more than three finals to ensure fair and appropriate competition for the finals.

 

If I win all of my matches, am I guaranteed a place in the final?
No. Finals depend solely on your ladder position, not your win record. You could win all matches but still finish outside the top two if you join late, cannot challenge high enough, or lack opportunities to move upward. Ladder ranking at the closing time is the only determining factor.

 

Match Volume & WTN Grading Impact

 

How many matches can I expect to play in the GVTC?
This will be determined by how quickly your challenges are accepted and how soon within the 7-day window the match is played. However, typically active players can expect to play between 6-10 matches per ladder over the 12 weeks. You can also choose to play fewer matches if preferred.

 

Will playing in the GVTC impact my Munster Tennis grading or Tennis Ireland WTN?
No, this competition is not linked to your Tennis Ireland account WTN, and you will not accumulate Munster Tennis points by winning matches.

 

Contact & Queries

Where can clubs and players send queries about the GVTC?
Queries should be sent to gvtc@kilfeacletennis.ie.

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