Matchpoint by Tennis BC by TENNIS BC

s u m m e r 2 014

A funny thing happens when you tell kids they matter. They believe you. Thousands of kids drop out of high school every year. Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada are committed to changing that. They provide a safe and supportive place where kids can develop confidence and life skills. They offer programs like Rogers Raising the Grade to help kids with their studies. The Club is a place where kids can drop in, so theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re less likely to drop out. TM

Proud supporter of

With education, anythingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possible.

rogersyouthfund.com

S H O T SP O T 13

ITF WORLDS

20+ YEARS LATER

CONTENTS

THE NEW STANLEY PARK OPEN

CO UR T L INE S SAVE THE DATE(S)

OUR MEMBERS

OUR PARTNERS

NEW BALLS PLEASE

THE HEALTHY ATHLETE

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

GEAR + FASHION

PLAY AS A TEAM

ODLUM BROWN VANCOUVER OPEN

IN THE ZONE

RECOGNITION

RULE SCHOOL

SAVE THE DATE(S)

C A L ENDA R O F E V EN T S

JULY 10 - 2 0 Rogers Radio Stanley Park Open // Location: Stanley Park

JULY 17 - 2 0 NEC ITF Wheelchair // Location: Kits Beach

JULY 19 - 2 6 ITF U18 World Ranking Tournament // Location: Kits Beach

JULY 2 6 - AU G US T 3 Odlum Brown Vancouver Open // Location: Hollyburn Country Club

S EP T EMB ER 2 0 2014 Tennis BC Coaching Conference // Location: Vancouver Lawn Tennis & Badminton Club

S EP T EMB ER 2 5 BC Sports Hall of Fame - Banquet of Champions // Location: Vancouver Convention Centre

S EP T EMB ER 27 Tennis BC AGM // Location: TBD

MATCHPOINT | SUMMER 2014

I T ’ S A L L A B O U T PA R T NER S HIP S . . . SUMMER 2014 CONTRIBUTORS Jeff Bardsley Anne Bees David D’Arge Sarah Kadi Lois Ker Allan Lawry Phil Moore Renee Ren Julie Reynolds Wayne Van Damm Charlotte Willis Che Winters Ana Clara de Lima Xavier PHOTOGRAPHY Alysha Amarshi Gerry Kripps Bo Mon Kwan EDITORIAL Lois Ker DESIGN + PRODUCTION See Creative www.see-creative.com Matchpoint Magazine is published by Matchpoint Publishing Inc. of Tennis BC 204-210 W. Broadway, Vancouver BC, V5Y 3W2 T: 604-737-3086 F: 604-737-3124 www.tennisbc.org ©Copyright 2014 Matchpoint Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.

Sharing a common vision and common goals with individuals, organizations and communities is the foundation for creating successful partnerships. As we inspire and enable the growth of tennis in communities in BC, we look to the partners around us to assist us as stewards of the game of tennis. It sounds easy, but it’s not. ParticipACTION created a platform for non-profits in October 2010, The Partnership Protocol, that identified guiding principles that Tennis BC embraces in developing and nurturing partners. Together with our partners we embrace a common vision, reach respective objectives, and share each other’s equity. We are mutually accountable and transparent in order that we can continually improve and be creative in our delivery. It’s about moving forward together. Learning to dance in step as together we commit to a long term strategic relationship. We are so incredibly grateful for the partnerships we have with our Member Clubs who provide us with access to their facilities throughout the year to host tournaments, clinics and educational forums. These clubs also hold numerous other events for their own members in addition to supporting leagues and open tournaments - all growing the game. Matchpoint will feature Member Clubs in each issue and through our Member e-news. This issue’s spotlight is on the Vancouver Lawn Tennis and Badminton Club, host of the ITF VLTBC Masters’ tournament and host to the 2014 Tennis BC Coaching Conference presented by TPA (September 20, 2014). You will see throughout this issue of MatchPoint a celebration of new corporate partnerships who are working with us to grow the game through the 83rd Rogers Radio Stanley Park Open. Our thanks to our funding partners, Tennis Canada, the Province of BC and ViaSport for their continued commitment to growing tennis in British Columbia as a sport for life.

Sue Griffin Executive Director

What we do as an organization would not be possible without the generous support of our community partners! We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of British Columbia.

MATCHPOINT | SUMMER 2014

OUR MEMBERS

Vancouver Lawn Tennis & Badminton Club

celebr ates a milestone birthday! This month marks a big milestone for the Vancouver Lawn Tennis & Badminton Club. While Vancouverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier r acquets and social club began in 1897 in the West End, it moved to its current location at Fir Street and 15th Avenue in June 1914 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ex actly one hundred years ago.

MATCHPOINT | SUMMER 2014

OUR MEMBERS

While tennis remains a passion for members, today the club is truly a multi-sport facility featuring 4 squash courts (and plans for a 5th), 6 badminton courts and a year-round swimming pool. All this, is in addition to 16 exceptionally well-maintained tennis courts. The Club has a strong fitness program with a gym, many varied fitness classes, and personal training programs available to playing and social members. The Club offers a diversity of programs and lessons in tennis, badminton, squash and aquatics for members of all ages and abilities. “Whether you’re an experienced r acquet player looking to refine your skills or just getting

and adult tournaments including the annual VLTBC Indoor Masters Championships (the largest senior tournament in Western Canada), and the Canadian National Championships - held every three years at Van Lawn. “We are more than just a club to our members,” affirms Club President Rob Edel. “We are their home away from home - a place where friends connect and families spend time together.” The clubhouse and treelined courts provide a private oasis within the city. Members enjoy dining poolside or retreating to the pub deck for an after match beverage on warm summer evenings. The membership is excited to offer more outside dining in the future after the expansion of the pub and pub deck next year, which occurs at the same time the new, larger squash centre is built. Now’s the time to join the Club! Van Lawn has a limited number of memberships available immediately. To learn about membership opportunities or to book a private tour, please contact the Membership Office at membership@vanlawn.com, or 604-731-2191.

started, our r acquets pros will create a progr am to help you reach your goals,”

promises Van Lawn’s Professional Russ Hartley.

Head

Tennis

“Our high performance members really benefit from practicing and playing on our clay courts,” adds Hartley, “and we’ve begun providing special accommodations for national coaching sessions on our four clay courts.” The Club also promotes tennis in the community by hosting many junior

play. Connect. Belong. Vancouver’s premier racquets club has a limited number of playing and social memberships available now. Contact us to arrange your private tour. Join in June and enjoy summer at the Club.

1630 West 15th Avenue, Vancouver, BC 604 -731-2191 vanlawn.com

MATCHPOINT | SUMMER 2014

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OUR PARTNERS

CANADIAN DIRECT INSURANCE IS PROUD TO BE THE NEW PREFERRED PARTNER TO TENNIS BC MEMBERS FOR THEIR HOME, CONDOMINIUM/ TOWNHOME, TENANTS/ RENTER, AUTO, AND TRAVEL INSURANCE.

Our involvement with Tennis in BC began by being a former presenting sponsor of the Odlum Brown Vancouver Open and we are very excited to again be a part of the thriving tennis community here in BC. In a recent article in the Thompson World Insurance News titled Thompson’s: “CDI likes multi-sport approach”, our COO Colin Brown was asked what’s the relationship between Canadian Direct and sport here in BC. Sport is “at the core of our sponsorship philosophy,” CDI COO Colin Brown told Thompson’s. “It’s not all-consuming, obviously, but it’s a way to get back to the grassroots, is the way we think about it.” Canadian Direct has chosen to partner with several Provincial Sport Organizations (PSO) including Tennis BC as Mr. Brown said it best, “It’s more family-oriented and so it fits with the type of people that we’re trying to talk to.”

ENTER TO WIN A DREAM TENNIS TRIP FOR TWO! The Grand Prize package for two includes: • Return airfare to Toronto plus 3 nights’ accommodation • Two tickets in the Head/Penn box to the Rogers Cup Quarter Finals on Friday August 8, 2014 • A “Meet and Greet” with one of BC’s best The secondary prize package includes: • A Penn tennis prize package (water bottles, carry bag, and Pro Penn Marathon balls) COURTESY OF CANADIAN DIRECT INSURANCE

Enter the contenst by June 27, 2014 Visit www.tennisbc.org to enter and view more details.

MATCHPOINT | SUMMER 2014

sub-zero and wolF disPlay trail vanCouver

exPerienCe the trail diFFerenCe Unparalleled customer service and expert advice has been a part of our tradition at Trail Appliances for almost forty years, and it remains our commitment to you today as a family owned business! At Trail Appliances, what sets us apart is our holistic approach to providing you with a great customer experience. We offer expert sales staff, the best selection in Western Canada, stunning display kitchens, and our own specialized service and delivery professionals. It’s helping you choose the right appliances at the right price, giving you the size and type of appliances to fit your space, lifestyle and budget.

Proudly Canadian, Proudly Family-owned VancouVer • richmond • Surrey • coquitlam langley • Victoria • Kelowna

www.trailappliances.com

OUR PARTNERS

CREATING YOUR DREAM KITCHEN AT TRAIL APPLIANCES New types of kitchen appliances arrive on the market every year, and the vast array of choices can be confusing. Shopping at Trail Appliances will take away nearly all of that stress. “As a family owned and operated business for over 40 years, we pride ourselves on making your shopping experience better by providing you with the best selection in Western Canada, expert sales staff and in-house service and delivery professionals,” says President Jason Broderick. “Our goal is to provide value by helping you choose the right appliances at the right price.” Trail Appliances offers more than 40 brands from North America, Europe and Asia and has the best selection of products in Western Canada, so homeowners will have no trouble finding what works best for their home. Sales consultants are there to walk the customer through every aspect of their purchase, lending their years of expertise to the process. They are experienced in choosing appliances for any home, from single-family to condominiums. Every sales consultant is trained via Trail Appliance’s extensive product and sales training program, ensuring they are up-to-date with all the latest options. When you enter a Trail Appliances showroom, you will be extremely impressed by the stunning display kitchens. Whether your style is European elegance, gourmet-level stainless steel or classic traditional, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for at Trail Appliances.

Trail Appliances is a long-standing member of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association, and has won the Consumer Choice Award for Business Excellence for 2003 to 2013. Trail Appliances is proud to announce a new partnership with Tennis BC as the Title Sponsor for Tennis BC’s Senior Series. Sharing a commitment to develop and grow long term strategic relationships with community partners, both Trail Appliances and Tennis BC are working together to grow tennis at the grass roots level. Trail proudly supports sports organizations within the community, and Tennis BC is honoured to have the opportunity of working with Trail to grow tennis in BC. Trail Appliances makes it easy to find the style, choice and value you want while experiencing the quality you deserve. With eight locations throughout British Columbia, Trail Appliances welcomes you to experience the Trail Difference, or visit them online at www.trailappliances.com.

If you’re looking to outfit your entire home, you’ll also find laundry, outdoor living and healthy home appliances in-store, just to name a few. Trail is pleased to offer the latest technology, whether it’s front-loading washers and dryers or induction cooktops and ranges. Currently, steam is the latest innovation in appliances. Steam offers a healthier way of cooking, and enhances the taste and texture of food. In the laundry room, steam loosens wrinkles, removes odours and adds extra cleaning power in a wash cycle.

MATCHPOINT | SUMMER 2014

G R O U P O F C O M PA N I E S

PROUD TO BE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TENNIS BC At Silex, we believe in growing long-term strategic relationships with organizations that share the same values. Relationships are crucial in the construction business. We also believe in giving back to the community and supporting events that support a lifetime of healthy, active children and adults. With a love of tennis and a desire to build a strong community foundation together, the owners of Silex Restorations have teamed up with Tennis BC. This year Silex will sponsor the Men’s ITF competition during the 83rd Stanley Park Open on July 10th – 20th. Providing General Contracting and Development Services in BC and AB for over 25 years

Come visit us at the event’s Vendors Village to find out more about us.

SILEX RESTORATIONS LTD .

SILEX CONTRACTING LTD.

MJM DEVELOPMENTS LTD.

Building Envelope and Concrete Restoration

General Contracting/Construction Management, specializing in commercial & industrial construction

Commercial/Industrial/Multi-Family Real Estate Developments

Silex Restorations Ltd. 356 Harbour Avenue North Vancouver, BC V7J 2E9

P 604-985-8449 F 604-985-8451

E info@silexrestorations.com W silexrestorations.com

Plenty

in the

Park I n t r o duci n g t h e

RADIO VANCOUVER

It’s been a tradition for more than 8 decades, as long lived as many a lifetime. It takes place in a heritage site that was named Best Park in the World 2013, by TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards.

It attracts players from around the world.

It holds a Guinness World Record for the greatest number of entries in an open tournament – over 1500.

For 2014, it will play host to two ITF Pro Circuit events – The Canadian Direct Insurance Women’s $10,000 and the Silex Men’s $15,000 Futures - in addition to a Junior National Qualifying Open Tournament (for U12, 14, 16), NTRP categories ranging from 2.5 to 5.0+ and a one day Rogers Rookie Tour. Tennis thrives in our community, and is very much a part of our healthy and active lifestyle. Tennis BC, in cooperation with Tennis Canada, the City of Vancouver, the Province of British Columbia, ViaSport and Hosting BC, plus our many sponsors, our committed staff and volunteers, is excited to take Tennis in the Park to this next level of competition. Whether you’re a player or a fan, there will be lots to see and do at the 83rd Stanley Park Open.

Participate in the Tennis Events

July 14 - 20 Silex Men’s $15,000 Futures

July 10 - 18 Junior National Qualifying Open Series

July 10 - 20 NTRP 2.5 to 5.0+

July 18 Rogers Rookie Tour

July 14 - 20 Canadian Direct Insurance Women’s $10,000

RADIO VANCOUVER

Park

Feature Events July 15 4:30 - 6:30pm VIP Reception

July 15 6 - 7pm Pro Am >

July 19 9 - 10am Tommy Europe Fitness Tennis Boot Camp

July 19 12 - 1 pm Celebrity Challenge

July 19 - 20 Show Court Lounge

TBC New Balance Demo Day

PARTNERS IN THE PARK SPONSORSHIP

RADIO VANCOUVER

Title Sponsor Presenting Sponsor

Title Sponsor Women’s $10,000

Title Sponsor Men’s $15,000

Hospitality Official Vender Official Footwear & Apparel

Official Retail & Stringing

Official Hotel

Proud Partners

Proud Suppliers

) 6 , 5 = ; - = 5

HOSTING BC

Proud Supporters

2014 Park Ambass Philip Bester >

2013 & 2010 Stanley Park Open Champion

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

2013 Won the $15K Kelowna Futures

Many good memories from Stanley Park Open. Besides the summer beach patrons walking directly next to the court with their booming boom boxes, my earliest memory is losing 6-0 6-0 when I was 10 years old and walking off the court with a waterfall of tears coming down my face. Only to return the next year and win my junior event, and follow that up 10 years later winning the Open event. Having a Professional event

2012 Doubles chanmpion (with Vasek Pospisil) at the $50K Granby Challenger. Doubles chanmpion (with Kamil Pajkowski) at the $10K Tampa Futures. 2011 Won the $15K ITF Futures event in Chico, California. Was the hero of Canada’s Davis Cup tie against Ecuador, winning the fifth and deciding rubber in straight sets to send his country to the World Group Play-Off. Career-high ranking of No. 229 on July 4, 2011 before injuries forced him to sit out the rest of the season. 2010 Won three ITF Futures singles titles and three doubles titles. 2009 Champion at USA F11 Futures, his first professional singles title.

in combination with the Junior and NTRP events brings every level and age of tennis to the same place at the same time. Great for

2008 Won first professional doubles title at Granby Challenger with fellow Canadian Peter Polansky.

spectators to enjoy as well as many aspiring young tennis players to be inspired by Pro

JUNIOR HIGHLIGHTS

Tennis just a few courts down.

BIRTHDATE October 6, 1988 BIRTHPLACE Sonthoffen, Germany RESIDENCE North Vancouver, BC PLAYS Right

2006 Won the Boys U16 Canadian indoor singles and doubles titles as well the U16 Orange Bowl doubles competition. Reached a career-high ranking of No. 8 on the ITF Junior Boys rankings. Reached first grand slam final at Junior Roland Garros. 2005 Won Tennis Canada Excellence Awards for Most Improved Male Player and Outstanding Junior Male. Named the top junior male athlete for the province of British Columbia. 2004 Won the Boys U18 outdoor junior nationals.

RADIO VANCOUVER

adors Rebecca Marino >

2006 & 2005 (at age 14) Stanley Park Open Champion

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

2012 In her fifth tournament back following a seven-month break from tennis, won eight consecutive matches in qualifying and the main draw to clinch the $25K Rock Hill Challenger in South Carolina. My very first tennis tournament was the Rookie tour at Stanley Park, so there is definitely a soft spot in my heart for the tournament. I’ve always enjoyed the tournament, because it brings the entire tennis community together for a fun summer event. From the picturesque location, to the herons flying overhead, and especially some of the best tennis you can find, the Park truly represents what summer in Vancouver is all about!

BIRTHDATE December 16, 1990 BIRTHPLACE Toronto, Ontario RESIDENCE Vancouver, BC PLAYS Right (Double-handed backhand)

2011 Marino’s breakout year. Round 2 of the Australian Open, nearly eliminating world No. 7 Francesca Schiavone before falling 9-7 in the third set. First career WTA final in Memphis. Round 3 of Roland Garros. Round 2 at Wimbledon. Career-high No. 38. Quarter-finals of the Bell Challenge in Quebec City. 2010 At just 19 years of age, Marino continued her steady rise up the world rankings, hitting a then-career-high mark of No. 155. Finalist at the $50,000 Torhout Challenger in Belgium. Competed in qualifying of all four majors and qualified for her first Grand Slam main draw at the US Open. Reached the second round in New York where she gave Venus Williams all she could handle on Arthur Ashe Stadium court. First appearance in a WTA quarter-final at the Bell Challenge where she defeated Marion Bartoli, her first victory over a Top 20 player. Won three consecutive $50,000 ITF Challengers in Saguenay, Kansas City and Troy. 2009 Climbed more than 300 spots up WTA rankings from No. 471 to No. 158. 2008 Qualified for first WTA main draw at the Bell Challenge in Quebec City. First victory over a Top 100 player.

JUNIOR HIGHLIGHTS

2007 15-match winning streak that included singles victories at the 25th All Canadian ITF Junior Championships, the Security & General International Junior Championships and the Canadian U18 ITF Junior World Ranking event in Repentigny, and a semifinal appearance at the US Junior International Hard Court Championships.

NEW BALLS PLEASE

PENN & ALL ABOUT

TENNIS BALLS A BRIEF HISTORY…

Penn was started in a small town in Jeanette, Pennsylvania in 1910. In Penn’s first year of manufacturing, they produced a grand total of 13,000 tennis balls. Today, more than 104 years later, our state of the art factory produces more than 13,000 tennis balls each hour! The first tennis balls produced were not put in pressurized cans but came fresh off of the line and were trucked to dozens of factory branches which sold “fresh” tennis balls. Pressurized cans were introduced by Penn in 1922 to give the tennis balls a longer shelf life. During the past decades, the factory has used A LOT of optic yellow felt in the production of tennis balls - more than 150 million square feet. To give you a rough idea on how much this is, it would blanket almost 9.6 square kilometers or if it was cut into a continuous strip one inch in width, it would extend more than 563,000 kilometers. You could wrap that around the earth about 14 times or take it to the moon and halfway back! Penn recently celebrated 104 years of excellence. On the right are some important milestones in its history.

1910 Penn begins manufacturing tennis balls in Jeanette, Pennsylvania, USA. 1922

Penn makes the first pressurized ball cans.

1960

Penn invents a more durable felt cover by weaving New Zealand wool and man-made fibers.

1968

Penn makes the first fluorescent yellow tennis ball.

1970 Penn’s “play-rated” balls debut - unique tennis balls for different court

surfaces and high-altitude areas.

1972 Penn develops a plastic pull-ring can. Penn develops Optic Orange tennis felt. Penn develops the first ball for high altitude areas.

1993 Penn develops a stain and moisture resistant felt. 1998

Penn designs the first Titanium tennis ball and pressureless tennis ball for training.

1999 Penn Racquet Sports is acquired by HEAD creating a strong tennis

partnership by combining two leading companies in the racquet sports industry.

2000

Responding to ITF requests, Penn introduces the first larger ball of the century, the Penn OS.

2001

Penn becomes the Official Ball of the Tennis Masters Series (Roger’s Cup Canada, Indian Wells, Cincinnati and Miami).

2004 Penn introduces the Penn Championship Pink ball and donates $0.25

for every can sold to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation to support breast cancer research.

2005 Penn introduces new Encore technology in its Pro Penn tennis balls. Encore technology limits ball softening for increased durability and helps balls “play like new” longer.

2010 Penn Turns 100 Years Old and continues to be America’s #1 Selling Ball. 2011 Pro Penn Marathon is introduced as Penn’s longest lasting tennis ball featuring Encore Technology for a 22% longer lasting core (vs Pro Penn+) and high tenacity LongPlay felt for extended play.

Today, Penn is the #1 selling tennis ball in the United States. Article Cont. on next page....

MATCHPOINT | SUMMER 2014

NEW BALLS PLEASE

PENN’S COMMITMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENT…

THE PRO PENN M AR ATHON TENNIS BALL…

Penn takes great pride in its commitment to the environment. Over time Penn has developed unique manufacturing and packaging processes in order to minimize the waste created and ensure that material used come from post-consumer waste. When making the rubber for the core of the tennis ball, there is a certain amount of dust that occurs when the tennis balls are buffed. Penn is able to capture it and put it back into our production process. 2 million tennis balls each year are made from that accumulated dust, cutting down on the amount of new rubber that needs to be used and the amount that ends up in landfills.

The Pro Penn Marathon is Penn’s #1 selling premium quality ball and its longest lasting tennis ball featuring such unique technologies as: Encore™ Technology for a 22% longer lasting core. High tenacity LongPlay® felt for extended durability translating into longer play time. SmartOptik® felt for increased visibility on court. Penn’s professional tennis balls are the most technologically advanced tennis ball providing the player with top of the line core and felt technologies that allow the ball to play at its best for longer periods of time. Penn balls are produced in their own factory which allows for Penn to enforce the high quality control standards that people have come to expect, ensuring consistency with every ball produced. The Pro Penn Marathon ball is the official ball of Tennis Quebec and Tennis BC. The Pro Penn Marathon ball is available in Canada in both Extra-Duty Felt (for hard courts) and Regular-Duty Felt (for soft courts). Penn is also the official ball of the 4 US Open Series Tournaments including the Roger’s Cup (the Canadian stop) and the 3 US Tournaments (Miami, Indian Wells and Cincinnati).

Penn does not dispose of oil into the environment – the oil used in the machines is regenerated back into the production process and completely used up. All of Penn’s plastic PET containers are made with recyclable materials (PET #1). Did you know that most city recycling programs throughout Canada will accept plastic PET tennis ball cans in their curbside container pick-up? Keep it in Play and recycle your Penn tennis ball cans after each match. Penn uses a unique manufacturing process in the production of their cans that starts with approximately 25% less material and also recycles 20% of the material used back into the process. Because Penn makes their own cans, any cans that do not meet quality standards can be ground up and recycled back into the production process to make new cans as opposed to ending up in a landfill. All of Penn’s master cartons are made of 50% recycled material. Although advancements continue to be made in the recycling industry, there is currently not an efficient and economical method to recycle used tennis balls. However, Penn encourages re-use and re-purposing of used tennis balls by:

For additional information please visit: www.pennracquet.com or www.head.com

• Balls are used for a tournament and then put into teaching baskets. • Balls too old to be used at a club are donated to a school or park. • Balls too worn to be used for play are used in schools or nursing homes for the bottoms of chairs and walkers.

What more does a player need than a court, a racquet, some sunshine and a new can of Penn balls! 20 Cents from every can of Pro Penn Marathon Balls is returned to Tennis BC for community development.

MATCHPOINT | SUMMER 2014

OFFICIAL PRINTER OF THE 2014 STANLEY PARK OPEN TOURNAMENT TEES

TEAMS, TOURNAMENTS, ACADEMIES & EVENTS. WE’RE THE OFFICIAL VENDOR FOR TENNIS BC. Specializing in custom prints, embroidery and embellishment on everything from tees to duffel bags, we’re excited to be the exclusive garment printhouse for Tennis BC. Tennis BC Members now have streamlined access to our services for all their apparel & merchandise printing needs. TennisBC@t-shirtprinting.ca

Proud Partner of

A LW AY S T H E S M A R T C H O I C E

PROud TO bE THE OffICIAL HOTEL Of TEnnIS bC And THE STAnLEY PARk OPEn

1 800 SANDMAN (726 3626) Vancouver City Centre | Vancouver Suites - Davie St.

MATCHPOINT | SUMMER 2014

CANADA

ITF WORLDS Drop shots, gators and the Williams sisters…. It was hot, hot hot, but everyone had a wonderful experience. 40 players from Canada (20 from the West!) laced up their clay court shoes and took on the world’s best. The tennis was tough, but with the Williams sisters practicing on the next court each day, one needed to look no further for inspiration. CORA WILLS (WOMEN’S 55 TEAM)

SHIERA STUART (WOMEN’S 40 TEAM)

The team aspect combined with different competing nations and venue locations is a highlight each year. STEPHEN KIMOFF (MEN’S 50 TEAM)

When you get to the second week of the Worlds (the individual championships) it all comes down to having less injuries than your opponents. JOACHIM NIERFELD (MEN’S 40 TEAM)

Nothing like getting the competitive juices flowing by kicking the French Team off your practice court! RENATA KOLBOVIC (WOMEN’S 35 TEAM)

”

HANNES BLUM (MEN’S 40 TEAM)

The Canadian Austria Cup Team (Men’s 55 +) led with consistent singles play by B.C.’s John Picken and Robert Bettauer finished 11th in the world, up from 17th last year when they played in Turkey. The team this year was supported by Cary Willson and Richard Viau from Montreal who handled the doubles duties giving John and Robert a bit of break to prepare playing in the tough 31 degree heat and high humidity. It is a great experience every time you have the privilege to represent your country and play in this kind of high calibre international tennis competition. ROBERT BETTAUER (MEN’S 55 TEAM)

Could not describe enough how valuable was this experience. CAROL LAU (WOMEN’S 45 TEAM)

BC PLAYERS

It was a privilege to represent Canada at the Senior World Championships… meeting and playing people from all over the world is a once in a lifetime opportunity. The team camaraderie and cheering took me back to the olden days of College Tennis!

First time for me at the Worlds and it was an amazing experience. Very well organized in a great location, high level of tennis – too bad we had a tough draw in the group matches.

WOMEN’S 35 RENATA KOLBOVIC, SHERRY BULLER, TERESA DOBSON-WAHL

MEN’S 40 JULIEN HEINE

WOMEN’S 40 KATERYNA FILYUS, TISH KILBURN, SHIERA STUART

MEN’S 45 MAX BROWN, HANNES BLUM, JOACHIM NIERFELD

WOMEN’S 45 SUSIE FOUGHT, ANNE LYDON, CAROL LAU, ROSIE SCHAICH

MEN’S 50 MURRAY BENNETTO, STEPHEN KIMOFF

WOMEN’S 55 BRENDA CAMERON, CORA WILLS

MEN’S 55 ROBERT BETTAUER, JOHN PICKEN

35’s

40’s

50’s

55’s

35’s

40’s

45’s

55’s

T HE HE A LT H Y AT HL E T E

HEALTHY PARTNERSHIPS

WITH YOUR BODY!

By Allan Lawry of ALFitness

It’s hard to admit, but Mom was right when she said “Get a good night’s sleep, eat your vegetables and get out in the fresh air!”

I have learned that her advice is very important for managing our health and fitness levels, and especially so for those of us wanting to maintain or improve our tennis game. Here are some science facts that we learned about sleep: - Attempt to get 6-8 hours each night of un-interrupted sleep. The first 4 hours are vital for REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, which is important for rest, recovery and repair of the body. - Avoid stimulants before bedtime, such as coffee, black tea, and alcohol. - Keep your room as dark as possible, and use earplugs if needed. Also keep your window open for more fresh air. Next is new info on vegetables: - Almost all vegetables are alkaline and contribute to keeping the body from becoming too acidic, a major reason for many health issues, including sore muscles, fatigue and fat gain. - Our bodies like to stay alkaline and our blood will work hard to maintain a slightly alkaline PH of 7.0 -7.4 - It is recommended to consume a diet of 70-80% alkaline foods (veggies and greens) and 20-30% acid foods (meats and grains) for optimal balance. We need to breathe: - Our cells need oxygen! A lack of it in the body is called hypoxia, and can become a problem if you don’t get enough oxygen rich fresh air. - Practice deep breathing (go to yoga!), open windows, go out for a walk, and play outdoors, all of which are good for long term cellular fitness. Here are some other day to day practices that can be habit forming: - Try a regular stretching program. I recommend PNF technique

MATCHPOINT | SUMMER 2014

for maximum range of motion and for preventing injuries such as tendonitis. - Set up a daily activity such as walking that you enjoy, or can enjoy with someone. A twice weekly fitness program builds muscles, which burn fat, and keeps your body strong. Other healthy practices: - Keep regular appointments with your primary health care providers – have an annual physical, full blood checkups every two years and regular heart checkups every three years after age 45 - Having a regular massage, acupressure or acupuncture session can be beneficial for negative stress reduction and pain management - Periodic appointments with your physiotherapist or chiropractor will help to maintain or improve neuromuscular and muscular functions Just add up how much preventative and ongoing repair costs you have spent this year on your car. Don’t you think you deserve to spend as much if not more on your own engine and parts? All the best in your pursuit of a long and healthy life, see you on the court this summer!

P.S. My mom played competitive tennis until she was 82 and is still going strong at 91.

MATCHPOINT | SUMMER 2014

Play tennis for the pure love and enjoyment of the game. Put aside the wins, losses, rankings, what others think of your strokes or your outfits, and all the other political issues that surround our sport. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find yourself playing happy!

years later

Guillaume Gauthier and Steve Deakin met in the finals of the Men’s 40 Singles at the 37th VLTBC Masters Tennis Championships. It was a terrific match, with Gauthier coming out the winner 6-4, 6-4. They both agreed to answer a number of questions and their responses were so thoughtful and elegant we have elected to print every word. This is great reading for our upcoming juniors as well as those still enjoying the game well into their adult years.

MP: Describe your introduction to tennis – was it through a parent, a community program, a school sport, or ?

MP: Did you play other sports first, or during the time you focused on tennis?

Steve: My father introduced me to the sport when I was 4. We actually started playing tennis at the same time. Very fond memories for me. My father bought me an old wooden racket from Woodward’s for $1.49. We would walk down to an elementary school close to our house and hit the ball against the wall. I remember vividly being able to do this very quickly with a great deal of ease. Every outing always ended with an ice cream at the corner store! I really enjoyed those times with my Dad.

Steve: From the ages of 5 - 14, I played baseball, soccer, and tennis. Oddly enough, tennis being the sport I played the least. The schedule to play all three sports competitively was very difficult to maintain for my parents as I got older. I made the decision to play tennis full time at the age of 14 after I won the under 14 Nationals. Instead of training 4 hours per week (2 days), I was now able to train 18 hours per week (6 days).

Guillaume: My introduction to tennis was through my parents who signed me up for a two-week summer tennis clinic at our local public tennis facility located within a short bike ride distance from my house. My parents had asked me to participate in it the previous summer but I was too involved in hockey and had refused to sign up. Although this time they did so without my consent and told me that if I did not have a good time then they would never push me into playing tennis again. I attended the first clinic and to this day I am still in love with tennis!

Guillaume: I was 10 years old when I started playing tennis and I was also extremely involved in hockey. My parents’ house was located within a short 5-minute walk from a sports complex with a couple of hockey rinks. Needless to say I was spending lots of time there playing hockey, watching hockey games, watching friends figure skate, or just hanging out. My focus shifted quickly to tennis once I started getting more involved in tennis clinics, camps, and local junior tennis events.

C O N T.

MP: How important was the coaching to the development of your game?

MP: What was your “A” game plan when you were a junior?

Steve: Coaching was a very important aspect to the development of my game from the ages 10 - 18. I knew I had the potential to become a very competitive player but certainly needed the guidance to get to that “next level”. I had an incredible amount of support from club, provincial, and national level coaches. Each and every one contributed in some way to my development over those years. I was very fortunate in that regard.

Steve: As a junior, my “A” game plan was very simple. Wear my opponent down with consistently hard hit ground strokes, always looking for the short ball to apply pressure. Basically, smother my opponent.

Guillaume: I was very fortunate to have a wonderful and caring primary coach in Jean-Paul Cote for the first four years of my young tennis journey. To this day JP and I still communicate with one another and meet for dinner when we happen to be in the same city. I moved to Quebec City when I was 14 years old to attend the Ecole de Tennis Herisset-Bordeleau. I was extremely privileged to be surrounded by outstanding tennis coaches such as Jacques Bordeleau, Jacques Herisset, Christian Gingras, Louis Lamontagne, and Eric Giguere. Being part of a tennis academy allowed my tennis to grow as a young tennis athlete and ultimately was awarded a scholarship in order to study and play college tennis at Tyler Junior College and The University of Texas at Tyler. I would have never been able to accomplish such standards without the precious help of such coaches and unconditional support from my parents along the way. I am forever grateful. MP: Do you remember your first tournament win? How did you react to losing a match? Steve: I remember winning an under 10 provincial event at the age of 8 but my more memorable victories came from the ages of 13 and on. I will be honest, to this day, I do not take losing very well (just ask my wife HAHA!). However, it did and still does motivate me to look at why I lost and where I can make improvements/changes. I have always been a perfectionist and worked very hard on my game both on and off the court to minimize those losses. Guillaume: I’ve always been a very emotional athlete. As a youngster I would take a loss to heart and would get extremely upset. Needless to say I did not have a short memory when it came to losses! As I got older and more experienced, I learned to deal with my emotions more effectively through adversity and by doing so I was able to win key matches throughout my tennis journey. Funny enough I do not recall my first ever tournament win but the feeling I have inside when lifting a trophy is one of the best and is in part what keeps me striving to compete these days.

Guillaume: I have always enjoyed trying to apply pressure on my opponents by either making my way to the net first or playing “first strike tennis” from the baseline. Growing up I truly enjoyed watching Boris Becker, Stefan Edberg, and Andre Agassi. The way these players were constantly applying pressure on their opponents inspired me to follow along. To this day I still strive to develop and improve such a style of play. It’s been a fun journey trying to build points by imposing my style of play… sometimes it works and sometime it crashes and burns! MP: What would you consider to be your best accomplishment/result in junior tennis? Steve: I have a few accomplishments that really stand out. Representing Canada in World Team events such as World Youth Cup, Sunshine Cup, and the Pan American Games, being the youngest ever Stanley Park Men’s Open Champion at 16, all 8 Junior National Championships I earned, and obtaining my first ATP point at 17. Guillaume: My proudest accomplishment in junior tennis came as a series of small goals reached along the way that allowed me in the end to receive a full scholarship in order to pursue my university studies in the United States. I had set this long term goal when I was 15 years old and I was extremely proud when sign in day came knocking at the door. Although for years in the juniors I would dream of winning a singles Canadian junior national title but this kid named Steve Deakin always seemed to step up his game at the right time and ultimately win those titles! MP for Steve: When did you stop playing competitively, and why? I had suffered a terrible elbow injury competing in a pro event when I was 17. The “week in and week out” schedule of these entry level professional events took their toll on my body. This injury was a huge blow not only physically but mentally. I felt I was playing the best tennis of my life and on the verge of breaking into that “next level”. I had surgical options to correct the issue but the rehab would have been a very slow process which would have taken me out the sport for a one year period. Time that I felt (in my 17 year old head) that I could not lose. I decided to continue, playing hurt, managing the injury the best I could with the

support I had. This, looking back, was a huge mistake. I began losing matches that I shouldn’t have. This was the beginning of the end for my promising career. I regretfully made the decision to move on from the sport at 18.

me to do so. Emotionally, I am extremely fortunate to have a family and a wonderful spouse who understands the importance and impact that tennis has in my life and supports me 100%. MP: How do you stay fit to play at age 40?

MP for Guillaume: Why did you stay in tennis for the next 22 years? Where has that journey taken you? I just love tennis and furthermore I love to compete at it! But what I enjoy above it all is the process to get ready for competition on and off the tennis court. To have a precise plan of action on how to get physically and emotionally ready is what I still love to abide by nowadays. My wife is an avid runner and she is extremely detailed about her training routine as well. We certainly hope that our love for sports and competition will keep rubbing off on our ten year old son named Jacob. Personally, I have had the privilege to travel to various places and meet such wonderful people who influenced my professional career throughout my adult tennis career. Tennis allowed me to travel to Vancouver and reconnect with Steve after 22 years! MP for Steve: What brought you back, how hard was it, and what did you need to do to become competitive again?

Steve: I have been training religiously (going to the gym 3-4 times a week), along with as much court time as I can possibly manage between my family and professional obligations. I made the decision to train for singles play August of 2013. I have improved tremendously during this time and feel I will continue to improve these next couple of years. I love every aspect of this sport. I love the idea of being able to participate competitively as a “senior” at an International level. I genuinely enjoy the friendships I have developed since my return. This sport is simply magical.

Coaching was a very important aspect to the development of my game from the ages 10 - 18. I knew I had the potential to become a very competitive player but certainly needed the guidance to get to that “next level”. I had an incredible amount of support from club, provincial, and national level coaches.

I will give 100% credit to my wife for bringing me back. She suggested we start playing social mixed (which I fought hard not to do for many years but eventually lost the battle). Once that racquet was put back into my hands, I instantly needed to play more and at a higher level. I became obsessed with the idea of competing again but needed to make some lifestyle changes to achieve my goals. I definitely needed to lose a bunch of weight if I wanted to even think about playing singles again. That is exactly what I did. MP for Guillaume: Is there still a thrill in competing? The thrill of competing is still burning alive and well inside of me. I am hopeful to be able to compete for a very long time as long as my body and my mind will allow

Guillaume: The importance of staying fit in order to play at age 40 is crucial. I truly enjoy going to the gym four times a week and going through a rigorous training schedule each time. I have a stretching routine that I go through for about an hour every night after dinner and I extremely rarely skip it. Of course on top of that I make time during the week to play tennis! MP: Your advice for junior, and not so

junior players.... Steve: This is the most important message. The advice I would give juniors from my experience would be to keep the competition in perspective and use the sport to open as many doors and experiences as possible. Do not make it an all or nothing endeavor. Simply cherish the friendships made and learn to compete in the healthiest way possible. This is truly a lifetime sport and the camaraderie you’ll enjoy from fellow competitors over the years means more than most titles combined. Guillaume: My advice for any junior players and adult players is the following: Play tennis for the pure love and enjoyment of the game. Put aside the wins, losses, rankings, what others think of your strokes or your outfits, and all the other political issues that surround our sport. You’ll find yourself playing happy!

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MATCHPOINT | SUMMER 2014

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

WHAT MAKES A GREAT TENNIS SHOE? By Phil Moore

LadySport in Vancouver and FitFirst Footwear in Burnaby

Tennis shoes are not unlike any other item you wear for sport.

The most important thing to consider when shopping for a new shoe is ‘THE FIT”! If you have a very narrow or extremely wide foot, you will likely get directed to a company like New Balance as their shoes come in multiple widths. Once you find a few shoes that are comfortable, then start to focus on some of the key technical differences. For instance, a durable outer sole for toe draggers, leather uppers for added support, and mesh uppers for breathability. However, there is one critical technical feature to consider that shoe designers often omit in order to create cleaner lines and better aesthetics ….or so they say! This feature is called a “cup sole”. Many of you might remember the Adidas Stan Smith shoe. A tennis gear staple from the early‘80s. It featured a leather upper with a full 360° foot frame or cup sole. Your foot sat inside a supportive casing, thus maximizing lateral support. There was little or no cushioning in this classic Adidas shoe, but for lateral support it was quite effective! By sitting your foot inside this rubber frame, your foot could not easily slide off the base of the shoe. Given that there is tremendous torque on a tennis shoe when a player is running, stopping quickly and attempting to sprint back in the other direction, this feature would easily set one court shoe apart from the rest! Without some kind of rubber or foam casing at the ball of the foot, a player is susceptible to going over on the ankle (inversion sprain). Additionally, if the foot is allowed to slide off the side of the shoe, the player’s ability to stop and quickly recover is severely compromised. Today, well-designed tennis shoes have some cup soling in strategic areas of the shoe, i.e in the lateral forefoot near the base of the fifth toe. Check out the shoes below for a couple of key models that have this feature. Test your own shoes! Put your tennis duds on... get in a good athletic position on the balls of your feet and move laterally! Feel whether the shoe keeps your foot supported, allowing you to push off effectively in the opposite direction, without either rolling your ankle or having to take an extra stutter step to recover. Look for them to keep your ankles healthy and get that extra jump on the ball... you may just be quicker than you think!

K-Swiss Bigshot Light Asics Gel Resolution 5

MATCHPOINT | SUMMER 2014

GE AR + FA SHION

CLOTHING THAT PROTECTS FROM SUN & HELPS BEAT HEAT By Dave D’Arge

Owner of Rackets and Runners

This is the time of year you get to take your game to the great outdoors. There’s something even more invigorating about playing in the elements. But whether you are playing league, tournaments or just hitting for fun, warmer weather and hot sun comes with its own unique challenges....

You get thirsty faster, sweat more, and, if not properly protected, you can risk sunburn and heat exhaustion.

Covering up is still one of the best ways to look out for your tender skin. Protective tennis clothing has come a long way. Fabric with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor can protect your skin by blocking more of the sun’s UV rays. (ie 50 UPF lets 1/50th of the sun’s UV radiation reach the skin). Check out the Response Polo by Adidas. Available for men and women, it’s made of fabric that boasts a UPF of 50. Consider Nike’s Power UV Polo for men, or Flirty Knit Skirt for women made with Dri-Fit UV fabric and UPF of 30. Sugoi’s Jackie N’Ice long sleeve shirt uses Icefil technology to keep you cool and protects against UV rays. New Balance brings their fitness apparel knowledge to the court with the Speed Polo and a UPF of 30. The right duds not only protect you from the sun, but also encourage your “cooling system” to work better.

For areas that your Tennis whites don’t cover, be generous with the sunscreen and the lip balm. Consider the Sun Protection Factor. The SPF number indicates how long you can be in the sun before your skin is at risk of a burn. Choose a product that goes on easily and is sweat resistant like KINeSYS Performance Sunscreen. It sprays on easily, dries fast, is water resistant and leaves no residue. Designed specifically with athletes in mind, it is also environmentally friendly and cruelty free.

Finally, wear a hat or visor to protect your scalp, and don’t forget about your eyes! They are as vulnerable as your skin. Choose shades that protect against UV rays. SunDog Sunglasses go one step further. They come with Mela-Lenses made with synthetic melanin, a pigment which occurs in our body and protects tissue from harmful rays.

Follow these simple fail-safes and you can focus on the game you love, on the court, outdoors.

4 5

2 3 35

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TECHNOLOGY

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PL AY A S A TE A M

PLAY AS A TEAM THE 2014 MIELE TEAM TENNIS PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

MATCHPOINT | SUMMER 2014

The Miele Team Tennis Provincials is a one of our summer highlights, bringing teams from around the province for a weekend full of matches and social activities. Which teams will come out victorious as Champion for their respective Division?

PL AY A S A TE A M

Winning teams from the Lower Mainland and South Island Spring Leagues are invited to compete in these championships. The Interior Regional Playoffs, to be held at the Salmon Arm Tennis Club on July 26th and 27th, will qualify teams from the Thompson Okanagan. All other BC Regions are invited to take part in this one and only adult team format event.

For the first time, this Championship will be held outside of the Lower Mainland, as two regional clubs have opened their doors on the August 22 to 24 weekend. Okanagan Mission Tennis Club plays host to the Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Divisions, while Whistler Racquet Club is the setting for the Women. For more information, please email: alysha@tennisbc.org

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TECHNOLOGY

Proud sponsor of team tennis miele.ca

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MATCHPOINT | SUMMER 2014

REFRIGERATION

LAUNDRY

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PL AY A S A TE A M

TOWN & COUNTRY TENNIS CLUB once again hosted the Miele Junior Provincial Team Championship

The Lower Mainland teams were joined by teams from The Okanagan and Vancouver Island. Dream Team lost only 2 points to sweep the Senior Boys title. This team also won the “Volley” Division in the 2103 Miele Junior Team Tennis Fall League. The Junior Boys came down to a 2nd set tie break, won by Winston Le of Ace Bombers, sneaking past The Burners. Junior Team Tennis builds team spirit within a very individual sport, and offers regular match play to supplement training and tournaments. What a great preparation for High School Championships and College/ University tennis. Presentation photo: Miele Junior Team Tennis would not be possible without the dedication of Anissa Chung, shown here presenting to Fall “Smash” Division winners Net Force One.

2ND ANNUAL MIELE UNDER 10 BC VS AB TEAM CHALLENGE

Kamloops Tennis Centre again hosted the U10 BC vs AB Miele Team Challenger, with 8 boys and 8 girls from each province, all playing 4 singles and 4 doubles. BC again came out on top, with 4 more sets won, and the trophy will stay in BC for another year!

Congratulations to both players and team coaches, Nick Coutts and Ruben Alcantara.

MATCHPOINT | SUMMER 2014

ODLUM BROWN VANCOUVER OPEN

While you might attend the Odlum Brown VanOpen for just a single day, or watch it on live streaming for the week, what you are seeing has been several months – and sometimes even years – in the making. We go behind the scenes to find out who helps bring the Odlum Brown VanOpen to life every summer. Meet Floyd Hill, Tournament Chairman of the Odlum Brown VanOpen, and the hard-working group of professionals he has put together to stage the event year after year. Tournaments of the stature of the Odlum Brown VanOpen don’t happen without the support of many groups and individuals who commit a significant amount of time, effort and financial resources to bring this event to Vancouver and ensure the city is planted firmly on the global tennis map. Every department, staff member, player, coach, official, ball kid, stakeholder and volunteer involved in the Odlum Brown VanOpen works towards leading the growth of tennis in BC with the end goal being to develop Canada as a leading tennis nation.

MATCHPOINT | SUMMER 2014

ODLUM BROWN VANCOUVER OPEN

On the TOURNAMENT ORGANIZING COMMITTEE “Our intent is to nurture the tournament over time. There will be a day when Vancouver has a Tour event, whether that’s two or five years away, we have to be ready for when it occurs. The Odlum Brown VanOpen has been instrumental in developing Canadian tennis and with the support we’ve fostered amongst our volunteers, the community, media, tourism and sponsors we know we have the infrastructure in place to grow the event in years to come.” On PARTNERS/SPONSORS “The Odlum Brown VanOpen has a strong history of attracting long-supporting and loyal sponsors, as well as a core group of benefactors. With their assistance and patronage the event has thrived and grown year over year.”

On partnerships with TENNIS CANADA/USTA PRO CIRCUIT “The Odlum Brown VanOpen receives tremendous support from its national Tennis Associations, Tennis Canada, Tennis BC and the USTA Pro Circuit. It is in partnership with these organizations that we are able to promote and develop the growth of tennis across North America in order to accomplish our various objectives.” On partnerhips with HOLLYBURN COUNTRY CLUB “Since 2005 Hollyburn Country Club has played host to the Odlum Brown VanOpen. The ongoing support, commitment and generosity of the Club, its staff and its members is a major factor as to why the players love embarking on Vancouver every year. Hollyburn Country Club provides both players and fans with a backdrop unmatched in most places around the globe.” MATCHPOINT | SUMMER 2014

ODLUM BROWN VANCOUVER OPEN

MATCHPOINT | SUMMER 2014

ODLUM BROWN VANCOUVER OPEN

On Partnership with MEDIA “The support of the Odlum Brown VanOpen media partners including The Vancouver Sun, The Province, Global TV BC, Team 1040, Western Living and North Shore News has enabled us to capture the hearts and souls of British Columbians via transmitting the passion for tennis throughout the Province. In collaboration with our media partners we have grown the tennis fan base and popularity of the sport by leveraging our famous alumni including Maria Sharapova, Andy Murray, Marcos Baghdatis, Milos Raonic and Eugenie Bouchard.”

From the TOURNAMENT SUPERVISORS “2013 was the best year ever and the tournament organizers and USTA share those same sentiments. We had a wonderful week and the tournament continues to strive to make it better for everyone each year!!” MISSY MALOOL, WOMEN’S SUPERVISOR, USTA “The members, staff and management (of Hollyburn Country Club) are enthusiastic supporters of the event. The players often comment that they feel welcome and appreciated at the club. The tournament does an excellent job housing players, which is greatly appreciated by both the players and the housing families.” KEITH CROSSLAND, MEN’S SUPERVISOR, USTA

Recruitment for Ball Crew and Volunteers gets underway early and aspiring applicants should lodge their details online at www.vanopen.com. Trials and briefing sessions will take place in June and July.

On partnership with FANS “Over 13,000 tennis fans embark upon the Odlum Brown VanOpen during the week. We continue to see record attendance figures and corporate box sales. The support and encouragement of the fans helps the players, this event and this sport to succeed.” From the PLAYERS “This is a great tournament. It’s better than most of the tour events. I wish the event was around when I was on tour – I would have played for sure. I love Vancouver!” MARTINA HINGIS, 5 TIME GRAND SLAM CHAMPION, 2012 The Odlum Brown VanOpen is one of the best-run tournaments, at one of the best locations in the world. I would, and do, highly recommend the Odlum Brown VanOpen for all players looking to compete during this week.” RIK DE VOEST (RSA) On partnerships with STAFF “The event is much deeper than the organizing committee. Each year the event trains and works with over 300 dedicated volunteers, over 100 energetic ball boys and ball girls, and trains and employs new officials that are able to feed back their skills to local clubs, enhancing the quality of experience for all participants.” RYAN CLARK, TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR

JULY 26 AUGUST 3/2014

JULY 26 AUGUST 3 /2014

A USTA PRO CIRCUIT & TENNIS CANADA EVENT

Hosted at Hollyburn Country Club

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IN THE ZONE

zone 01 F IND IN G T ENNI S IN F ER NIE zone 08 / C A R I B O O - N O RT H E A S T

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zone 07 / N O RT H W E S T

zone 06 / VA N C O U V E R I S L A N D - C E N T R A L C O A S T

zone 05 / VA N C O U E R - S Q U A M I S H

zone 04 / F R A S E R R I V E R - D E LTA

zone 03 / F R A S E R VA L L E Y

zone 02 / T H O M P S O N - O K A N A G A N

zone 01 / K O O T E N AY

Fernie is a sporting mecca and it was only a matter of time before tennis took off. In the last five years a small group of 35 enthusiastic tennis players has grown to a registered community association with a committee and a membership of 150. There is a budding junior tennis scene with events running from Spring through Fall. Numerous local businesses now regularly sponsor events East Kootenay Credit Union, Gear Hub, Freshies, Blackstone Lodge, Fernie Tennis Community Association, Fernie Tennis Coaching and Tennis BC. Supported by the Building Tennis Communities program, Fernie Tennis Coaching, in cooperation with the Fernie Tennis Community Association, has introduced nearly 1500 students to this life long sport within the Fernie and Sparwood Schools. Court resurfacing is underway, with two courts set up with 3/4 lines for Kids Tennis. The Club has also introduced â&#x20AC;&#x153;Girls Onlyâ&#x20AC;? socials, aimed at getting girls back on court, with their friends, with a view to develop in to girls only camps and tennis teams. Check out www.tennisfernie.com for more information on this great tennis community.

IN THE ZONE

zone 02 R EP O R T F RO M C L E A RWAT ER ’ S CO MMU NI T Y C H A MP I O N S – Tennis enthusiasm has exploded in Clearwater in 2014! The year started with winter indoor tennis programs running through the early spring to stimulate enthusiasm whilst our courts lay under 60 cms of snow!! Through April and May the local elementary school was introduced to tennis with a Pro-D Day workshop for teachers, followed by every class getting instruction during PE from grades Kindergarten to 7. Nothing was more amazing than seeing all the potential in these future tennis programs – well, and of course the smiles and enthusiasm from the kids was just a little addictive!!!!

Clearwater is working hard at reintroducing this sport to the community and is holding weekly drop in sessions during kids’ soccer practices. All the kids’ camps are already full. We also have a new program, “Tennis to Go”, moving through the community on a weekly basis, and setting up portable nets in different cul de sacs. Tennis in Clearwater is moving forward, and we are all excited to see where it goes.... Stay tuned, and if you are driving through our community come check out our new courts - they are amazing!!!

February 2014 in Clearwater Richard Crowell, Tennis Canada’s Director of Community Tennis, delivered an on-court workshop for PE teachers, high school students and community leaders.

MATCHPOINT | SUMMER 2014

IN THE ZONE

zone 02 When you are looking for inspiration, you need only to look to Tennis BC’s Zone 2 Manager, Joachim Nierfeld, to see what one dedicated tennis fellow can stir up in Kelowna…. Heading into its 3rd year, the Capri Chubb Men’s $15K Futures has now inspired two additional ITF Men’s Pro Circuit events for 2014, creating a great western Canadian circuit from Richmond, to Kelowna, to Saskatoon, and back to Vancouver with the Stanley Park Open. These entry level professional events allow our regional players the opportunity to gain valuable tournament experience in a highly competitive environment, without having significant financial outlay required by longer range travel. Last year, BC’s top U18 junior Alexander Day earned his first ATP point in Kelowna with a Main Draw victory. Providing more opportunities for BC Juniors, the Okanagan Mission Tennis Club will host an Under 18 tournament right before the qualifying draws of the Futures event, granting the winner of that event a wildcard into the qualifying draw of the Futures. An additional wildcard into the Main Draw will be granted to the Okanagan’s top junior male player...

MATCHPOINT | SUMMER 2014

Grass roots tennis continues to thrive in Kelowna, with a variety of programs running at Global Tennis, Parkinson Rec Centre and the YMCA. After a visit from Tennis Canada and an inspirational coaches training session, April saw the launch of the Little Aces Community League program that has very successfully involved four schools from school district #23. Lead by the energetic and enthusiastic Johnny Vesterinen, 122 students from grades 4-5 are now playing in an after school league where they learn skill development, teamwork and competitive tennis. The schools currently involved are Bankhead, Casorso, Davidson Road and Aberdeen Hall, with two more schools requesting to join the league for the next session. Rosie Schaich, graduated Community Champion and Club Pro at Lakeview Heights, ran a thriving after school program at George Pringle for 54 K-2 students. Watch for these up and coming junior tennis players at the Okanagan Mission and Lakeview Heights Tennis Clubs, and all the other courts in and around Kelowna this summer. They are the future of Okanagan tennis.

IN THE ZONE

zone 03 L E A D E R S HIP A ND S E L F- E S T E EM “All you need is a racquet, a ball and a wall!” This Spring Break program included approximately 85 “at-risk” Grade 4 to 6 girls from four Surrey schools. Activities focused on leadership and self-esteem, and incorporated tennis drills and games. Each girl took home a brand new racquet, partly subsidized by All Court Stringing and the Tennis BC Urban Youth Fund. This program was so success it plans to run on Saturdays as a weekly activity, starting in the fall of 2014.

zone 05 L A DY S P O R T D O U B L E S C H A MP I O N S HIP S Over 100 women enjoyed the fabulous LadySport Doubles Championships hosted by the Jericho Tennis Club, Feb 28 - March 2. This event, one of three organized annually by the BC Senior Women’s Tennis Association is always a huge success. The weekend offers great doubles competition, a scrumptious buffet dinner with wine, plus amazing prize giveaways, all generously donated by sponsors and supporters.

MATCHPOINT | SUMMER 2014

IN THE ZONE

zone 05 VA N CO U V ER I S N O W H O ME TO T WO I T F S ENI O R TO U R N A MEN T S Everyone knows that BC has many terrific senior players who hone their skills throughout the BC Senior Circuit. Some of these players represent Canada internationally – see our coverage of the ITF World Championships held in Florida this past spring. Sometimes a Canadian is a World Champion – Don McCormick, Lorne Main, Muffie Grieve, Gordon Verge to name a few.... Getting an IPIN in order to participate has been a challenge to many of our players, some of whom question why these events are now sanctioned by the ITF. There are several ITF Senior tournaments in Eastern Canada and Tennis Canada/Tennis BC have worked cooperatively to ensure that the Western players have equal opportunity to achieve ITF ranking points. With tennis as a lifetime sport, it is important that there be play opportunities, not only for all ages, but for all levels of play.... so whether you are a club player, enjoy the camaraderie of league tennis, or compete regularly in tournament, the wide variety of options in BC will keep you in the game. Highlights of the 37th VLTBC Masters Tennis Championships included an excellent Players’ Reception and some nail-biting 3 set, 3 hour matches. Congratulations to all the champions, as well as winners of the draw prizes, kindly supplied by sponsors Penn and Trail Appliances.

Left: Men’s 55 Doubles

Left: Men’s 55 Doubles Right: Women’s 60 Doubles Right: Women’s 60 Doubles

MATCHPOINT | SUMMER 2014

Guess which former World #1 Doubles player graced the courts

Top: Peter Figasinski wins Head Racquet Door Prize Bottom: Dawn Koop wins Trail Appliance Door Prize

IN THE ZONE

T E NNI S B C CO MMU NI T Y CO AC HE S In partnership with UBC Education (Department of Curriculum and Pedagogy), Tennis BC Community Coaches taught workshops for some 300 UBC education students. The focus was to show how easy it is to deliver tennis in a school setting, using modified equipment, in an indoor or outdoor setting. In addition to the traditional sports taught in PE classes, tennis promotes a Healthy Active Lifestyle and can easily be taught by generalist teachers. This program was so successful it has been incorporated into next year’s curriculum.

Leading off the 2014 Men’s Pro Circuit (June 21 – 29) in Western Canada is the Richmond $15K Futures. How do these events just happen? It takes a lot of work and the dedication of a group of tennis enthusiasts, financial support, a vision for the future, along with a site that can host such an event. All this came together at the Richmond Country Club this year.

N O R T H VA N CO U V ER T E NNI S Kathy Kadler was on hand to present a framed photo of the Miele Davis Cup Team at the grand opening of the newly expanded, and renamed, North Vancouver Tennis Centre (previously Grant Connell Tennis Centre). With Kathy is Wayne Elderton, Tennis Director, and Tom Walker, NVTC Coordinator.

Gabe Davis, President of the Davis Group speaks to the event. “As a competing junior player growing up in BC, I was fortunate enough to translate my very modest success into an NCAA scholarship in the US, and ultimately a minor stint travelling around on a Futures Tour. While in Mexico, I questioned why players from Canada had to travel so far in an attempt to accumulate ATP points. It seemed that there were so few opportunities to play on home soil and not have the added burdern of travel and financial Pressures.” Gabe, Club Professional Henry Choi, Tournament Director Christine Lindsay, and the management and staff of Richmond Country Club invite you to join them in celebrating the growth of Men’s Tennis in BC. There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer or just enjoy the event – check out rccfutures.com

Left to Right: Kathy Kadler, Wayne Elderton and Tom Walker

MATCHPOINT | SUMMER 2014

IN THE ZONE

zone 06 G I V IN G B A C K Sy Silverberg, a retired physician living in Victoria, and his wife, wanted to do something to “give back” that was more than just writing a cheque. Sy was a recent convert to tennis and absolutely fell in love with the game. Drawing on examples from other major Canadian and US cities, allowing financially disadvantaged children to experience the joy of learning to play tennis, the Society for Kids at Tennis (not for profit society) was formed in October 2013. With support from Tennis BC, the South Island Tennis Association and the Victoria Real Estate Board, the first series of classes began in April on public courts in central Victoria, providing free equipment and instruction. With plans to expand to the Greater Victoria area, KATS is seeking tennis playing volunteers and of course, donations! For more information, go to their website at www.kidsattennis.ca

WHAT IS A COMMUNIT Y CHAMPION? Person or group who are passionate about tennis and well connected to other community leaders (e.g. youth group leaders, town/ city counselors, health professionals, local business people etc) in his/her community. Community Champions are integral to Tennis Canada’s Building Tennis Communities Strategy. The mandate of this program is to grow and sustain the growth of tennis by addressing the needs of communities. If you are interested in becoming a community champion in your area, please contact Lenka Moravcova, Manager of Coaching and Community Services at lenka@tennisbc.org

Sy Silverberg

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IN THE ZONE

Energy and enthusiasm, in abundance, describe Brenda Dean, one of Tennis Canada & Tennis BC’s Community Champions. Her drive and leadership brought the Comox Valley to be names as Tennis Canada’s Friendly Community of the year for 2013. Her schools’ program has reached 1000+ children in the North Island region. In addition to inschool lessons, she organizes numerous try days and recently held a “So you’ve always wanted to play tennis” event. Brenda recently initiated a junior leadership group, teaching older students basic tennis skills , who then went into elementary schools, instructing on a 1 to 1, or 1 to 2 basis. This group also fundraised, and contributed $500 to tennis equipment for the elementary school.

I N TO F I N O ! Organized by Laura Lunty of Tofino Parks and Recreation, 300+ school children experienced try-days at both Wickaninnish Community School and Ucluelet Elementary School. Jeannie Rohr, Tennis BC’s Community Coach, also led evening tennis clinics for adults and training for two recreation centre staff members. The day after the training, more than 30 kids signed up for the newly created community lesson program. Special thanks to Jamies Rainforest Inn who provided complimentary accommodation for Jeannie.

WO MEN ’ S P RO F E SS I O N A L T ENNI S HI T S T HE I S L A ND Panorama Recreation Centre in Sidney will host the Freedom 55 Financial Victoria Women’s ITF Tennis Tournament from June 14 – 22, with a prize money purse of $10,000 US. This event is one of hundreds of entry level tournaments which enable emerging young tennis players to gain valuable ranking points, moving their way up in the professional ranking system. With qualifying and main draw singles, and a doubles event, the tournament expects anywhere between 45 and 64 players to take to the courts. This provides excellent opportunities for our aspiring local players. Eric Knoester, Racquet Sports Coordinator at Panorama, and Tournament Director for this event, credits the decision to host this event to the very successful ITF U18 Junior Tournament held in October 2013. Both levels of event allow the Vancouver Island tennis enthusiasts an opportunity to watch world class tennis action. Partnerships with sponsors, Tennis Canada/Tennis BC, the South Island Tennis Association and the province of BC ensures this event will be a resounding success. Coralee Oaks, Minister of Community, Sports and Cultural Development, is quoted, “Hosting BC is an excellent program the helps make it all happen by funding sporting events throughout the province and we’re proud to support it.”

MATCHPOINT | SUMMER 2014

IN THE ZONE

zone 08 SOAR SOAR is a partnership between Curl BC, Tennis BC, and British Columbia Golf. Through a collaborative effort, these three provincial sport organizations provide children in remote communities of BC an opportunity to experience a new sport that otherwise would not be accessible to them. Each sport is introduced in a fun and engaging environment that provides each child with the chance to learn the fundamentals of all three lifelong sports, using adapted sport technology suitable for the varying age groups. The equipment is all brightly coloured, and reduced in size and weight, making delivery within gymnasiums viable throughout the school year. SOAR trains local instructors/coaches in sport delivery basics for all three sports, ensuring continuity while reducing overall program delivery costs. The SOAR program is completing its third year of development and has been well received by teachers and education professionals across BC. In the past year, SOAR ‘s reach extended into 33 schools, and included a SOAR training in Zone 7 (NW) with 4 keen and enthusiastic participants, who have all gone on to deliver SOAR in their communities.

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NE W S F RO M T HE ( FA R ) N O R T H For anyone wanting to play tennis under the Midnight Sun, consider a trip to Whitehorse. July 7 to 11th will see the Advantage North Tennis Camp for juniors, which includes various supplemental activities and clinics along with excellent on-court training. And of course, lots of fun things to do once the racquets are put away…. To encourage parent participation, this camp will be followed by the Capital Cup Tennis Tournament July 11 – 13, with entry open for juniors and adults. Additionally, they now have an established challenge tournament between Whitehorse and Juneau. Tennis Yukon is definitely prepping their athletes for the Western Canada summer Games in 2015!

RECOGNITION BC SPORTS HALL OF FAME

ROBERT POWELL BC Sports Hall of Fame to induct Robert Powell in to the Pioneer Category for Tennis at 2014 Banquet of Champions. The selection process for an individual or team to be inducted into the BC Sports Hall of Fame is extensive. After a month of reviewing nominees and a full day behind closed doors, the Selection Committee discusses, debates and determines who the class of inductees will be for the coming year. The tennis community is thrilled to celebrate Robert Powell’s induction in the class of 2014. Powell was born in Victoria in 1881 and became the captain of the 1913 Canadian Davis Cup team. The team featured four Victoria-based players who defeated Belgium and South

Africa before losing to the US in the zone final, marking Canada’s best-ever finish in the Davis Cup before the 2013 Canadian team’s semi-final finish. Robert was the singles champion in 1901, 1903, and 1904. Pacific Northwest singles and doubles champion in 1904. He represented Canada at the 1908 Olympics in tennis. And in the same year he reached the semifinals of Wimbledon. At the very young age of 36, Robert Powell was killed in action in 1917 at the Battle of Vimy Ridge while serving in the Canadian Expeditionary Force in WWI.

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RECOGNITION

TENNIS CANADA 2013 BUILDING TENNIS COMMUNITY (BTC) EXCELLENCE AWARD

BRENDA DEAN Comox Valley, British Columbia, led by BTC champion Brenda Dean, is being recognized as the Tennis Friendly Community of the Year. A true leader and promoter of tennis in Comox Valley, Dean has a unique ability to connect people and get them involved in the community. She spends a great deal of her time building relationships with key stakeholders, and her tireless efforts are paying off as tennis in the community is growing as is the number of partners and supporters. Well-connected with the school district, city, tennis club, and recreation centre, she has also developed a great partnership with the Canadian Diabetes Association by promoting the organization at her events, which in turns increases awareness of diabetes and how tennis can contribute to staying healthy and active. Always looking to find ways to grow tennis even further, one of her next goals is getting an indoor facility built in the area. Way to go, Brenda!

SPORT BC’S PRESIDENT’S AWARD

SHEILA BIONDO Sheila Biondo was recognized with the prestigious Presidents’ Award, presented to deserving, long-standing volunteers in the BC sport community for outstanding contribution to their sport. Sheila’s dedication to the Biondo Junior Grass Court Tournament did not waiver following Franco’s passing in 2009 - instead, she took it to the Champs level (from Challenger) and saw it through its 25th year! Sheila knows she will miss the enthusiasm of the many juniors who play this event but is looking forward to more time with her grandchildren over the summer months.

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RECOGNITION

TENNIS BC EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Tennis BC Excellence Awards are presented at the Annual General Meeting in September each year. They acknowledge the contributions made by our communities, coaches, clubs, officials, volunteers and players in helping to grow the game. For 2014 and beyond, an open nomination process is underway to garner input from our Membership for these awards. All candidates will be considered by Tennis BC’s Recognition Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. Please go to our website for a nomination form. Nominations will open July 1, 2014 and will close September 1, 2014.

Achievement in Officiaiting Award Winners - Left to Right: Anissa Chung, Claire Allan, 2013 Recipient Ute Buffotot, Anne Bees

Contribution to Community Tennis Recognizing that tennis begins with “community” this award is given to an individual or organization that promotes the introduction, delivery or continuity of tennis programs which may be specific or general in their target audience. Community Coach of the Year Presented to a certified coach who contributes his/her own time and energy in helping to promote tennis in the community. Contribution to Seniors Tennis Recognizes the efforts of a club, organization, or person(s) who promotes and supports tennis for players over the age of 35. Volunteer Appreciation Volunteers work within our tennis community in the promotion and delivery of league play and club, open, amateur, professional, local, regional, national and international events. Achievement in Officiating Acknowledges a new official (less than three years of experience) who has embraced the challenge to learn and perform under pressure, and shows strong future potential.

Excellence in Officiating Recognizes an official who has made an outstanding contribution to officiating, through his/her excellent performance, leadership and teamwork. High Perfor mance Coach of the Year Working with high performance athletes, this certified coach inspires, though his/her technical expertise, leadership, and communication skills, and by example, high performance athlete(s) to attain their greatest potential. M ale and Female Players of the Year These awards are presented to a player competing in open events who has exhibited excellent results in national and/or international competition. This could also apply to a player competing in senior events. Junior M ale and Female Player of the Year

Presented to a player competing in junior events who has exhibited excellent results in national and/ or international competition.

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RECOGNITION

GREATER VANCOUVER REGIONAL SCIENCE FAIR

THE SCIENCE OF WAR M-UPS By Renee Ren

Approximately 10 million sports-related injuries occur every year that stem from an inadequate or ineffective warm-up, which could range from muscle stiffness or something much more serious that keeps the athlete out of the game for months. According to research, an appropriate warm-up eases nerve transmission, increases the speed of contraction and relaxation of muscles, and helps the player mentally focus on their training or competition. Thus, to the physically and mentally demanding sport of tennis, warm-ups are essential to the player’s performance on court and long-term well-being.

Renee Ren receives an Honorable Mention at the Greater Vancouver Regional Science Fair

With these theories in mind, I devoted my science fair on tennis warmups, and tested three warm-up routines that the tennis community around me frequently perform. Warm-up #1 focuses on footwork, warm-up #2 consists of gong-fu stretches in every joint, and warm-up #3 is made up of only dynamic stretches. I predicted that if the test subject did routine #1 before tennis, they would perform better on the tennis court and receive fewer injuries by scoring higher results on “four indicators” (which I used to determine the warm-up effects), because this warm-up routine is frequently used in higher levels of tennis group practices. Procedure

To carry out the experiment, I asked 30 volunteer tennis players, who are all 13-17 years old and have similar playing abilities, and tested them on the “four indicators” first, which are heart rate per minute, the number of forehand racket shadows per ten seconds, a sit-and-reach flexibility test, and a shuttle run speed test, which would act as the “baseline” of the experiment. After testing the indicators, I led the players through one of the three warm-up routines, then immediately after tested the four indicators again. I continued this process, but each time with a different baseline to compare to, with at least 24 hours between each testing, until all three warm-up routines had been tested. To determine the experiment results, I calculated the difference between the baseline and the postwarm up indicator results. Results

After averaging the values, I found that warm-up #1 yielded the best improvement results in the heart rate, by about 62% more than warm-up #2 and around 32% more than warm-up #3. The first routine also had the best results in the shuttle run speed test, where participants were

MATCHPOINT | SUMMER 2014

RECOGNITION

two times faster than after warm-up #2. However, participants performed twice as many racket swings after the second warm-up routine than after the first routine. As well, participants had better flexibility by about 20% after warm-up #2 than the first or the third routine. In addition, the majority of the players commented on more fluid racket swings after warm-up #2. Discussion and Conclusion

As a result, my hypothesis was partly only proven, since warm-up #1 did not achieve the best results in all four indicators. After some further research, I found that although the first warm-up increases the level of activation of the cardiovascular system and helps bring oxygen to muscles, the athlete is not necessarily ready for play, since their muscles and joints may not have been properly stretched out or activated. In fact, slow controlled movements through a full range of motion, which are satisfied by the gong-fu stretches, are essential to a good warm up, since it elongates the muscles, stimulates the nervous system, and, most importantly, increases the activation of synovial fluid in the joints. This natural lubricant plays an important role in cushioning soft tissue and cartilage and stopping friction between joints, which eventually helps prevent injuries. To create the ideal warm-up, it would be best to put together elements of the gong-fu stretches with some more physically demanding movements in warm-up #1, thus resulting in a routine that prepares the athleteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s footwork and effectively warms up their joints and muscles, so the risk of an injury decreases and the level of performance increases.

The Three War m-up Routines

WARM-UP #1

Includes jogging, high knees, butt kicks, carioca step, leg swings, bent-over twists, and sprinting. WARM-UP #2

Includes jogging, neck, knee, waist, and wrist and ankle turns, and arm circles (Warming up every joint, starting from the neck to the ankles). WARM-UP #3

Includes jogging, side shuffles with arm crosses, carioca step, lunges, backwards inverted hamstring, straight leg marches, lateral lunges, trunk rotations, and arm circles.

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RECOGNITION

THANK YOU

Lois Ker has been a true supporter of tennis in BC for as long as I can remember, making a positive impact in each of her roles. I first met Lois as the constant presence on the BC junior tournament circuit, where she kept everyone organised and well-behaved. I got to know Lois better when she volunteered to give me lifts to tournaments so that my parents didn’t have to leave work early, which outlines exactly Lois’s approach to tennis: practical, thoughtful, attentive to detail and fundamentally committed to keeping our sport open to as many people as possible, on and off the court. Lois got me, along with numerous other junior players, involved in officiating. Many of us went to officiate internationally, including at Grand Slam and Olympic event. But it was always the local events that we officiated with Lois that were the most satisfying and best prepared me for the real world of life and work. Officiating at Wimbledon and the Olympics was unforgettable, but I learned the most from working with our juniors to teach them the importance of fair play, braving the rain at Stanley Park so that local players of all abilities could compete in the world’s largest amateur tennis event and marvelling at the abilities of the human body at events for our wheelchair players. In addition her tournament and officiating work, Lois has also been a keen supporter of league competition, Senior events and an enthusiastic player. Outside of BC, she has worked hard to demonstrate the professionalism of tennis in BC to Tennis Canada, the USTA and the ITF. I’m sure I speak on behalf of our tennis community for saying a huge “thank you” to Lois for her time at Tennis BC. – Polina Konstantinova

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LOIS KER Everyone knows Lois- she has been the face of Tennis BC at all of the tournaments and leagues throughout the province! As an official with the unsavory job of enforcing registration, play and discipline rules, all make an event run smoothly but only if they are applied consistently and decisively. You either love her or hate her but all respect her. She has overseen the development of officials in BC from ball boys and girls supporting the Vancouver Open to seeing several BC Officials certified at the international level. Her passion to defend BC’s point of view with Tennis Canada has resulted in some sober second thoughts on ranking, tournament software and officials training. All of these items are now in a better position due to Lois’s caring for the game. One of the unknown roles Lois has taken on over the years is Tennis BC historian. Keeping track of the organizations accomplishments over time – an important but often overlooked function. This function will be missed, as it doesn’t fit in a typical program delivery. Lois’s tenure with Tennis BC has included: volunteer, contractor, part time and full time staff member. Her passion for the sport is driven the benefits at the recreational and high performance levels and everything in between. Lois, we will see you on the courts, playing league, in a tournament or just hitting with a buddy. We will know that all of these are better because of you. – John

You would think spending multiple 16-hour days in a tiny trailer wouldn’t be too much fun. But you would be completely wrong. I have had the honour to work with Lois for the past four summers at The Stanley Park Open. The amount of energy and enthusiasm that Lois brings into that tiny trailer every day during The Stanley Park Open is inspiring. She has taught me so many good lessons and opened many doors for me. Thank you Lois for making my four years at Tennis BC one of the best experiences of my life! – Lucas

RULE SCHOOL

We all know the “Golden Rule.” Our parents, our schools, our spiritual leaders all say, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Tennis, while often being fiercely competitive, also relies on the goodwill and cooperation of the players to ensure that the match is fair and encompasses good sportsmanship. Not unlike the 10 Commandments, there are a few simple rules and guidelines that can help players through the minefield of the rules of tennis. 1. Warm up is for the benefit of all players. Getting a feel for the speed of the court, where the sun or wind is, warming up your muscles – all this can be accomplished if the players work together, hitting medium paced balls to each other. A 5 or 10 minute warm up goes by far too quickly if players are chasing balls that land outside the court. When you practice your serves, catch the serve from the opponent and serve it back – you’ll get in twice as many within the warm up time.

2. All points played in good faith stand. So, if the net was too low, or a player had dampeners in the wrong place on their strings, or the wrong person served, the points still stand, but from that point forward, the correction takes place.

3. A player calls all shots that are aimed at, or land on, his or her side of the net. A double bounce can only be called by the player receiving that ball, even though it may look like a double bounce to the opponent. A lob that hits the ceiling is called by the player receiving that ball, even if it hit the ceiling on the other side of the court. A ball hit through the net is called by the person receiving that ball. This includes line calls…. a ball landing on the court will look different when viewed from various angles. Most players are taught to watch the ball, whereas line officials anticipate where the ball might land and have their eye on the outside of the line… making the ball prove that it landed out before calling “out.” It is more important to see where the ball lands on the court than where it leaves the court on the bounce… The Golden Rule…..if you can’t see a space between the ball and the line, you should play the ball as good. Players should also call against themselves if they see their own ball land out but the opponent is giving them the benefit of the doubt – with the exception of first serves.

fixtures include fences, ceilings, benches, curtains, garbage cans and scoring devices attached to the net, or on-court officials. Foul shots are when the player touches the net, or the ball touches the player, or his/ her clothing, or when contact with the ball is made in the opponent’s court (except for a ball that has bounced back over the net on a drop shot with spin/wind). Players are required to call foul shots upon themselves, the opponent cannot do so.

5. Hindrance Issues may not be caused by either player – a ball or ball can rolling onto the court. They should be called immediately and the point is replayed. Involuntary hindrances caused by a player (hat falls off, ball drops out of pocket) are dealt with by the opponent only calling a let for the first hindrance, with a loss of point if anything like that happens again (doesn’t have to be the same hindrance). Intentional hindrances (shouting or waving a racquet in the opponent’s face) result in an immediate loss of point. 6. Most errors are corrected immediately. If the player serves out of turn, if the serve is from the wrong court, if players forget to change ends….correct immediately. The only exception is in doubles if the receiving players have switched halves of the court – they must remain in that position to the end of the game, then return to the original order they set at the beginning of the set. We wish you a wonderful summer of tennis! Rules of the Court (Tennis Canada’s Rulebook) can be downloaded from www.tennisbc.org officiating rules. Hard copies are available at Tennnis BC’s office for $17.50

For more information on rules or tennis officiating, please email Lois Ker at officiating@tennisbc.org

4. The ball is in play from the moment it is successfully served until it has bounced twice, landed outside the perimeter of the court, hit a permanent fixture, or a player has committed a foul shot. Permanent

MATCHPOINT | SUMMER 2014