WHAT IS A LOCAL LEAGUE GRIEVANCE?

A local league grievance is a formal way to address serious league issues when they cannot be resolved through normal communication. Grievances may be submitted by a team captain, co-captain, or the Local League Coordinator and are reviewed by the WNC USTA Grievance Committee.

Grievances are intended to be a last resort. In most situations, open communication and good-faith efforts to resolve concerns will lead to better outcomes for everyone involved.

The Western North Carolina USTA League Program values sportsmanship, communication, and fair play. Most concerns can be resolved through respectful discussion between captains, often with guidance from the Local League Coordinator.

Grievances exist to provide a fair and structured process when issues cannot be resolved informally. When used appropriately, they help protect the integrity of league play while maintaining a positive experience for players.

AT A GLANCE

Who may file:

• Team Captain

• Co-Captain

• Local League Coordinator

When to file:

A grievance should be filed only after reasonable efforts to resolve the issue have been unsuccessful, except in cases of extreme misconduct or flagrant unsportsmanlike behavior, which should be addressed immediately.

Timing is critical. A grievance must be filed no later than:

• The involved team’s next scheduled match in that flight, whether or not the involved player participates, or

• Within 24 hours after the end of the local league season, whichever occurs first.
  
  

Administrative Grievances are not subject to this timing requirement.  Failure to file within the required timeframe may result in the grievance being dismissed.

Who reviews the grievance:

• WNC USTA Grievance Committee 

• If an appeal is filed, the WNC USTA Grievance Appeals Committee

GRIEVANCE VS. ARBITRATION

Arbitration

• Informal resolution process between captains

• Encouraged as the first step

• Promotes cooperation and sportsmanship

Grievance

• Formal, written complaint

• Reviewed by a grievance committee

• Used only when arbitration fails or in extreme situations

ISSUES THAT MIGHT JUSTIFY A GRIEVANCE

A grievance may be appropriate when an issue is serious, ongoing, or cannot be resolved through communication or arbitration. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Flagrant unsportsmanlike conduct, including abusive language, threats, intimidation, or repeated disruptive behavior

• Ineligible player participation, including knowingly playing a suspended, disqualified, or otherwise ineligible player

• Intentional falsification of scores, lineups, or match results

• Failure to follow USTA or Local League regulations after the issue has been brought to the captain’s attention

• Physical altercations or credible threats of violence

• Refusal to complete a match without valid cause or league approval

• Deliberate manipulation of lineups to gain an unfair competitive advantage in violation of league rules

• Retaliation or harassment directed toward players, captains, or officials

• Failure to comply with a decision or directive issued by the Local League Coordinator

This list is intended as guidance and is not exhaustive. Each situation is evaluated individually based on the facts and applicable USTA regulations.

HOW TO BEGIN THE PROCESS

Western North Carolina USTA captains or co-captains should start by contacting the Local League Coordinator to discuss the situation. In many cases, the coordinator can help facilitate communication or suggest next steps.

If a grievance is determined to be appropriate, the coordinator will direct you to complete the form and explain the submission process.  Grievance filings require a one hundred dollars ($100) filing fee - cash or check only – checks should be written to Asheville Tennis Association which is refunded if the grievance is upheld and points are assessed (no filing fee is required for an NTRP Grievance).  Any filing fee retained by ATA will be considered a donation.

IMPORTANT NOTE ON NTRP GRIEVANCES

Concerns that a self-rated player is competing below their true skill level are handled through the USTA’s NTRP grievance process and are not managed by Local League Coordinators.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

For complete details, official procedures, and governing rules, please visit the USTA Rules & Regulations and grievance resources.