NEPC reviews all available information to determine the most accurate skill rating for each player. This comprehensive approach includes evaluating performance in our competitive Give ‘N Take League, Blue Square Group Play Events, as well as any external tournaments. Our goal is to use a wide range of data to make the fairest skill rating decisions possible. For players who don’t have sufficient competitive data, which is often the case, the club allocates staff resources to observe and assess skill levels during our Blue Square Group Play Events. These skill assessments are conducted or reviewed periodically to ensure they remain accurate and up-to-date. If you’re interested in having your skill level assessed, you can sign up for an event on the calendar where Stephen Iandoli is the coordinator. Be sure to ask him for a skill assessment before the event starts. If you’re new to NEPC and unsure about your skill level, it’s better to self-rate conservatively, for example, as a 2.5, and then you can request an upgrade to a 3.0 based on your performance in the Give ‘N Take League or after an assessment. NEPC has a diverse player base with varying levels of tournament experience, both regionally and nationally. This allows us to maintain accurate benchmarks for each skill level, which are updated regularly. Whether you’re competing in New England or elsewhere, you can expect our skill ratings to be on par with those in strong regional or reasonably strong national tournaments. For instance, our 3.5 male and female players are competitive with players rated between 3.5 and 3.9 in such tournaments. We do not differentiate between senior and regular skill ratings, so some senior players who excel in 3.5-level tournaments may find that they fit best in our 3.0 skill rating category.