So, you’re scheduled to play, but need a sub? Here’s how.
ACT EARLY. I understand that conflicts and health issues can arise at the last minute, but please try hard to NOT wait until Monday morning (or worse, Monday afternoon) to get a sub. That makes getting a sub more difficult and makes Jon’s job setting up the court sheets harder.
OOPS! Group eMail Faux Pas
Here are the most common Group eMail mistakes. Don’t let this be you! Follow the protocol (below).
Your eMail subject line doesn’t include your name. [A2 – Include name and date]
You send out a request and then don’t watch for quick responses. [A3 – Don’t ring & run]
You reply to a response just saying “you got it”. [B3 – Get confirmation]
MNT Group eMail Protocol
You can send a message to all players and subs by addressing an eMail message to MNTennis@GoogleGroups.com. HOWEVER:
A. HOW to use the Group eMail List:
(A1) NEW MESSAGE. Don’t start your request by forwarding/replying to an old one. Start a new message.
(A2) FORMAT. Subject line like ” ‘Name’ needs sub for mm/dd — courts x/y”.
(A3) MONITOR. Watch for responses and reply quickly. Look at your eMail after about 5 and 15 minutes. If no responses yet, check again after an hour or so, then occasionally after that. Don’t send out a request and then disappear.
B. Sub-Selection
(B1) LEVEL. Try at least a little to get a sub at about your level. Best not to say: “First to respond gets it.” Use the schedule’s court level guidance to help you pick a sub from those that responded positively.
(B2a) PREFERENCE. If you have a choice amongst whom to pick to sub, perhaps because you’ve received multiple responses, it’s good to opt for a scheduled player that’s off that week over someone who is just on the sub list.
(B2b) PRIORITY PAUSE. Scheduled players (who are off that day) responding within the first 10 minutes to a new request should get PRIORITY over a pure sub who responds earlier. This rule does NOT apply for same-day sub requests.
(B3) CONFIRM. Responses to your sub request will be tentative awaiting your selection. MAKE SURE after you’ve picked someone that you get their confirmation that they know it and will sub.
C. General Items
(C1) NO RESPONSE? If after a while (maybe 2-3 hours?), if you don’t get any replies, send out a follow-up. And, you might need to start contacting folks directly, especially if it’s getting close to Monday afternoon.
(C2) RESTRICTED. The Group eMail list is restricted, so only league players and subs can send a message to the Group List.
(C3) NO “I’M AVAILABLE”. Only those looking for a sub should start a new message. If you want to express that you’re available to sub, especially if it’s close to tennis time, just let Jon know.
(C4) MNT ONLY. The group eMail list is to be used ONLY by players arranging subs for this Monday Night Tennis league.
Other Sub-related Details
COURT MOVEMENT. A sub can’t move a player up (for the next time the player plays for himself). However, a sub CAN move a player down.
FLIPS. After the 2nd round, subs automatically lose flips vs. scheduled players. However, a high-scoring sub keeps other players on the court from moving up.
COST. Since players have pre-paid for their tennis, subs generally play for no charge. Then again, players are free to work out with their subs whatever they want moneywise.
