Conditional Approval to Play in Division Above Rating

Purpose of This Process

  • Accountability of CHH – Maintain the competitiveness and integrity of each division.

  • Accountability of the player – Ensure players demonstrate the drive to compete, train, and improve over time.

  • Recognising UTR limitations – Many CHH players do not regularly compete in UTR events, so their rating may not fully reflect their actual playing level. This process ensures fair placement by considering real match performance in the league.

  • Coaching & Player Development – CHH recommends that all players “playing up” seek private coaching during this period to assist with the transition. Players should identify their strengths and weaknesses during matches and bring these to coaches for targeted development. This reflects the CHH Mission — train, compete, repeat — with player development at all ages remaining the central focus of CHH Leagues.

Process

Where a player’s UTR is below the minimum rating for a division during the registration period, the following applies:

  1. Eligibility Check

    • New to the division – Player must submit a Grading Exemption Application or provide relevant competitive history to the CHH League Manager for review. Coaches may also directly contact the CHH League Manager to provide a recommendation.

    • Previously competed in the division – Player’s match results from the most recent league will be reviewed to ensure:

      • They have won at least an average of 2.5 games per set across all completed matches.

      • They have met the minimum match requirement for that league.

    • Additional Considerations – Playstyle and unorthodox game styles may also be factored into the decision where they provide a competitive balance not fully reflected in UTR.

    • Grading Matches – May be arranged through the CHH League Manager or the CHH Group if further opportunities are required to demonstrate playing level.

  2. Approval Decision & Duration

    • Conditional approval applies to the current league the player is registering for.

    • If the player is competitive in that league (averaging >2.5 games per set across completed matches), they will not need to request conditional approval for the subsequent league, even if their UTR remains below the minimum.

    • Where requirements are not met, the player will be advised by the CHH League Manager and may choose to:

      1. Be relegated to the lower division for the next league, or

      2. Re-register once their UTR is within the divisional standard, or

      3. Organise a grading match to demonstrate playing level.