Racquetball
DOWNTOWN
Open and Ladder Racquetball Leagues
Open League - The January - May 2012 Springfield Open Racquetball League started January 16, 2012. The link below contains the players, contact information, match schedule, and player rankings and stats. The adult racquetball league gives you the opportunity to play at your own level of comfort within one or two skill divisions: Expert (A), Advanced (B), Intermediate (C), and Novice (D). The Open League is open to non-members ($50) and members ($7). These leauges are held about 3 times a year. Prizes are awarded. Email rball@springfieldymca.org to get on the list for the next session.
Ladder League - Any active YMCA member or current Open League contestant may compete with each other in a free ongoing "Ladder League" at anytime during the year. Players are continually ranked both during and between Open League sessions. To get your self ranked on our board, see the Ladder League instructions at the "Player Ranking" tab in the link below.
LINK to CURRENT JANUARY 2012 LEAGUE
How to Schedule and Play Open League Games
Each week the "Home" player contacts the "Away" opponent to arrange a time and date to play during the week as shown on the schedule.
Safety
Please bring your own safety gear, racquets and fresh racquetballs, as we can't guarantee the front desk will have these to loan when needed. Always play it safe and follow the safety rules, using eye protection, wrist straps and calling “hinder” to avoid injuries.
Scheduling Matches
Please try to work around schedule conflicts. If you are unable to play for a period of time, let us and your opponents know so the games can be rescheduled, either playing an extra game one week or playing during the overtime week. We don’t like to give forfeits but will if necessary. While winning is always fun, players REALLY want to play all matches.
Scoring
Winners of each 3-game match must e-mail all 3 game scores of the match, the division, and date played to rball@springfieldymca.org as soon as possible. Using this address assures that the person posting scores will get the email and the correct information will be posted. We always send a confirming e-mail, so if you don’t get a response within a day, send the scoring information again. Please check the posting at the link above to make sure it is correct. In the event of a tie, points can make the difference in standings, so play all 3 games each time. Scores, game schedule, contact information (and updates), and player status will be posted at the above link daily and on the upstairs bulletin board.
Awards
At the end of the league, the top two ranked players in each division will receive awards. This is usually a spiffy YMCA racquetball shirt that says, "YMCA Racquetball . . . It's Off the Wall!"
Skill Levels
Players select skill-based divisions in which to play when registering. Players are assigned by the league coordinator to a division(s) based on ranking from previous play at the Y, the league coordinator’s judgment, and the number of players registered. Players wishing to play an additional division must play at the skill level above the division assigned.
Contact
Mark Vassmer, Springfield Y Racquetball Coordinator
rball@springfieldymca.org
or call 217-404-0008.
Springfield YMCA Racquetball League Rules
- Matches are won by winning 2 out of 3 games to 15 points, with 1 point needed to win. Play all 3 games.
- The winner of each match will be responsible for reporting the scores to the league coordinators at rball@springfieldymca.org.
- Players with conflicts for a scheduled match must contact their opponent 24 hours prior to the match to reschedule.
- Players not showing up for matches within 15 minutes of the scheduled start time forfeit that match at the option of the player that shows up on time. While the late or “no-show” player may contact opponents to reschedule, the on-time opponent has the option to reschedule or take a forfeit.
- Eye protection with lenses is mandatory and must meet ASTM or CSA impact standards for racquetball.
- All games must be played at the Springfield YMCA racquetball courts during regular hours of operation.
- To determine first server, lob ball for the “short” line on service box; the closest serves first. Players alternate servers between first and second matches. The player who scored the most points in games one and two serves the third game. If all points are tied after two, lob ball for the “short” line to determine service on third game.
- Play safe and call hinders when necessary.
- Rules of play will be the United States Racquetball Association rules (http://www.usra.org) where they do not conflict with YMCA or YMCA Racquetball League rules.
General Court Policies
The YMCA maintains "Five Courts of Fun" on the second floor. 3 have partial back walls with a netted gallery viewing area. Two have full back walls with half glass for viewing. If the courts are in need of repair, notify the front desk and the racquetball coordinator at rball@springfieldymca.org.
Make court reservations with the front desk staff in person or by calling 217-544-4943. You need to provide your full name and can only reserve a court for yourself. You may not reserve a court for others.
YMCA members and racquetball league registrants (members and non-members) may reserve up to 2 courts for the day of a match and 2 more days in advance (except for Court #2). For example, call Monday for courts on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday; call Saturday for courts on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, etc. Court #2 can be reserved in advance for handball only, but may be reserved the same day for either sport.
YMCA guests and A.W.A.Y. members may reserve courts the day of their visit.
YMCA staff may use the courts for other purposes and events, but will post signs and let the front desk staff know about these "blackout" dates in advance.
Occupy your court at the reserved time. Don't reserve courts that you are not going to use. Courts will be held for 15 minutes following the reserved time, after which the reservation will be canceled for use by someone else.
The YMCA front desk may be called from the upstairs racquetball hallway court phone (Dial 24) to confirm, make and break reservations, or any emergency.