League Info & FAQ

What is HITL and how does it work?

HITL is the Huntsville Industrial Tennis League. Though the word "Industrial" is in the title, the league has both company-sponsored and independent teams. The league is a non-profit organization. Dues (currently $13 per player per team) are used solely to operate the league and to provide trophies, t-shirts, and other benefits for league members.

Teams are composed of players with similar USTA or USTA-equivalent ratings, though a team is allowed to have a spread of 1 rating point on its roster. A player should have a USTA rating, or may receive the equivalent from a local teaching professional.

All teams play a 19–20 week season, starting in mid-April and running through the end of August. There are 9–10 dual team matches during the season, with teams having two weeks to play all matches.

What is the playing format?

Teams are placed into divisions of approximately equal strength, generally composed of six teams allowing for a double round robin format. Division standings are kept through the season, and awards are given to division winners.

Each team match consists of 6 singles and 3 doubles matches. The home team supplies balls. Players contact their opponents to agree on a place and time. If no location can be agreed upon, matches are played at the Huntsville Tennis Center.

The league also sponsors a Fall tournament where members compete as individuals and receive awards.

Who can join?

The league is open to any USTA-rated or equivalent-rated player in the Huntsville area. If a player has not been formally rated, the league will provide contact information for a teaching professional who can assign a preliminary rating.

What are the advantages of HITL?

The cost is modest — roughly $13 per player per team for the whole season.
Each round offers six singles and six doubles opportunities — more singles participation than many formats.
Long playing season from April through August, with tournament play extending into October.
You schedule your own matches with your opponent at a convenient time and place.
Members and their families are welcome at the HITL end-of-season party with free food, drinks, and awards.

How do I join or start a team?

Contact the HITL League Coordinator via email at Coordinator@hitl.org for information on joining or forming a team.

How do I get a HITL rating?

If you are new to HITL and do not have a USTA NTRP computer rating, you will need to attend a HITL rating session before your first match. Contact a private rater to schedule a session for $10.

Alice Daniel — alicecdaniel@bellsouth.net