Some information to consider when viewing the January singles and doubles rankings, which are the first computerized singles/doubles rankings of the season (the team rankings go to the computer the first week of March). Below are frequently asked questions regarding the first computer rankings for singles and doubles.

Q: How did player A climb so high from the last ranking? How did player drop so low?  
A: For the first computer rankings it's actually not entirely correct to say a player "climbed" or "dropped," since we are administering this ranking in an entirely different method than the previous ranking (in September), which was done by vote. In the September preseason rankings a player's ranking was basically determined by where they finished the previous season, removing the seniors from the final rankings. For the computer ranking, it is strictly wins and losses. In fact, where a player/team was in the September rankings has no impact on where he/she can go in the Jan. 9 ranking. Also, if a player drops from say No. 50 to No. 80, maybe take a look at the new player at No. 50's results - they will be better overall than the player ranked No. 80. Lastly, this is the ranking that has the highest amount of new players entering the rankings. Most seasons anywhere from 30-40 new players enter the first rankings, which creates a big shake up.

Q: I beat the No. 40 and 70 players in this ranking, but am unranked - how can this be?
A: This is probably because these players were unranked in the last (September) rankings. Credit is given to where player/teams are in the previous set of rankings, which were the September preseason rankings. Wherever opponents are ranked in this ranking are what a player/team will receive credit for in the next rankings.

Q: What does "insufficient data" mean?
A: Players who were ranked in the fall but did not play enough matches to earn a singles ranking are listed as "insufficient data." Mathematically they did not have enough points/data to have a computer ranking. Being listed as insufficient data does not impact how high they can go in future rankings. In the next set of rankings their value will remain what they were ranked in the September rankings.

Q: Is it true that the rankings tend to be more accurate as the season goes along?
A: Yes. The more results, the better the ranking. At this stage in the season, many players have very similar results. As the season goes along, the "cream rises to the top."

Q: Why is a player I beat ranked in front me? 
A: Direct wins and losses do not factor into the formula. As strange as this may sound, players and teams should really root for their opponents to stay as high as possible in the rankings. A win over a player over No. 15 is obviously worth a lot more than a win over No. 30. There is no way humanly possible to have every player ranked in front of all the players they beat. Also, the rankings are not intended to necessarily determine who the better player/team is, just who has the best overall results at a given point in time. 

Q: What happens if a player I beat moves up or down in the rankings?
A: A player or team's value is what they are in the most current ranking. For this ranking all the values were derived from the September rankings. The next ranking will use this rankings' values. So if you beat the No. 10 player from the previous rankings, you are given credit for a win over No. 10. If that player is No. 5 in the new rankings, you'll get credit for a win over No. 5 in the next rankings. However, it also works the same when players drop in the rankings.

Q: Are there bonus points for winning tournaments?
A: No. There has not been bonus points awarded for advancement in tournament play since the 1999 season.

Q: What should I pay attention to when looking at the averages?
A: It's very important to look at the averages, especially later on in the season. A player may be down at No. 80 but just a few tenths of a point away from No. 60, or just one good win away. Sometimes one really good win could mean the difference in 15-20 spots.

Q: Does the score of a match factor into the formula?
A: It does not. A 6-0, 6-0 loss counts the same as a 6-7, 7-6, 7-6 loss.

Q: I beat the guy at No. 40, but I'm No. 80 - how can that be?
A: First, you really need to look at where most of your wins are. If you beat No. 40, but don't have any other ranked wins and/or several unranked losses, that's why you're No. 80. Also, as stated earlier, direct wins do not factor into the formula. You need to also look at where that player was in the last ranking - he/she may be No. 40 now, but was No. 80 in the last ranking and that is what was used for the calculation. In these first ranking players with a one great win (top 25) can jump pretty high, but if they don't soon add to the win total, they will likely drop in future rankings.

Q: Do walkovers or defaults count as wins or losses?
A: No. A point must have been played in a match for it to count for ranking purposes.

Q: Does last season count for anything? A player's reputation?
A: No, each season everyone starts at 0-0. The computer is blind to a player's reputation or performances from previous seasons.

Q: Do players with longer records do better in the rankings?
A: Not necessarily. We took the 7 best wins this week, so it doesn't really matter is a player is 7-2 or 28-2. 

Q: I keep winning, but my ranking keeps dropping?
A: This is something that comes into play later on. There are a few of reasons why this could happen. First and foremost, what did your best wins/losses do in the last ranking? If most of them dropped in the rankings, that will affect your ranking. Also as the season goes along we count more and more wins; this week we took a player's 5 best wins. Next time when we still take your 7 best wins and you could get passed if other players ranked behind you have a better seventh win. Also, sometimes you don't really drop but get "passed" by a team or player with some recent big wins.

Q: When do the team rankings go to the computer?
A: March 6, which is two weeks earlier than in the past.

Q: Are the singles and doubles rankings calculated the same way?
A: Yes, and the same points are also used (the team ranking also uses the same formula).

Q: What can I do if after looking at the way the points work, there appears to be a mistake in a players' math/points?
A: After looking at the points and something still doesn't look quite right, an ITA coach should first view their player's results on collegtennisonline.com to make sure they were entered correctly. After that, an ITA coach can contact the ITA office - Marshall Kuresman (women's rankings coordinator) and Michael Sing (men's rankings coordinator). If there is ever a mistake, we'll be sure to fix it immediately.

Q: Why is the computer formula secret?
A: It's not. Many ITA coaches already have it and any coach who doesn't can request a point chart. Also, an ITA staff member can work with a coach to explain it in greater detail upon request. The point chart is only available to ITA-member coaches, though.

Q: I'm an ITA coach who has a suggestion on how to improve the rankings system, what can I do?
A: Please let the ITA office know. Over the years, we've made many refinements to the ranking system at the suggestion of coaches. If there is a better way to do things we want to know.