By level
Levels 1 to 6: most go top down, highest on the National Standings List first. A strong ranking is what gets a junior in when it fills.
Level 7: almost all go bottom up, lowest-ranked first. The field is kept for the players who need it, so a strong ranking doesn't help a junior get into a Level 7 and can work against them.
Junior Circuit: many go first come, first served. Ranking doesn't matter there; entering early does.
Some tournaments are picked by the tournament director, and then no ranking guarantees a place. A few select by rating instead.
Which list it reads
A junior has more than one number. The National Standings List (6 best singles plus 15% of 6 best doubles) decides who gets in. The singles seeding list (6 best singles only) decides the seeds once they are in. A separate doubles list is used for the national doubles championships.
So when a Level 6 or higher tournament picks by ranking, doubles results genuinely help a junior get accepted, because acceptance reads the list that includes them.
When you find out
Selections post after entries close, and draws usually post the week of the tournament. Each tournament page on Coach Ace says how that tournament picks its field and when its entries close.
Common questions
What does top down mean?
The tournament takes the highest-ranked players first when it fills. Most Level 1 to 6 tournaments work this way.
What does bottom up mean?
The tournament takes the lowest-ranked players first. Almost every Level 7 works this way, so the entry level stays open to newer players.
Does a higher ranking help get into a Level 7?
No. Almost every Level 7 picks the lowest-ranked players first, because it is the entry level. A strong ranking can keep a junior out of one.
How do Level 6 tournaments pick players?
Most Level 6 tournaments take the highest-ranked players first, by the National Standings List, when the tournament fills.
Do Junior Circuit events use rankings?
Many don't. They go first come, first served, so entering early matters more than ranking.
What is director selection?
The tournament director picks the field. No ranking guarantees a place at those tournaments.
Which ranking decides who gets in?
The National Standings List: the 6 best singles results plus 15% of the 6 best doubles results. Seeds come from a different list, the singles seeding list.
Does doubles help a junior get into a tournament?
Yes, at Level 6 and up when the tournament picks by ranking. Acceptance reads the National Standings List, which includes 15% of the 6 best doubles results.
When are selections and draws posted?
Selections post after entries close. Draws usually post the week of the tournament.
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