Addvantage 1988 October

In this issue ...

USTATennisTeache Conference Wr

Who says you can't buy confidence?

Introducing the new Prince Response!M The racquet with the best "feel" is normally the one that makes you feel like you can win. It's called confidence. It's also called the Response -the newest racquet from Prince.

Appropriately named, because when players asked for more controlled power with a comfortable feel, we had a Response.

The Advance Response System includes the exclusive technology of a "Bimodulus Flared Throat"area-made of Kevlar and fiberglassthat allows the racquet to actually flex upon contact with the ball. This creates a cupping effect which absorbs the ball's impact, cushions the hit, and provides the feeling of a ball exploding off a racquet.

The design of the Response also dissipates power-stroke vibrations before they travel down to the handle.

Response is more than just our newest racquet. It's a symbol of what we stand for: answering the needs of all players..Tested more than any other racquet in our history, the responses were overwhelming. We think you'll agree.

And the best time to pick up a Prince Response? Preferably before your opponent does.

TM

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PIIRCBÂŽ LET THE GAMES BEGINTM Prince is the exclusively endorsed racquet , shoe, apparel, ball machine and stringing machine of the United States Professional Tennis Association.

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The Trade Magazine of Tennis Teac hing ProfessionalsT•

Volume 12- Issue 5

October 1988

The Voice Of The Tennis Teaching Profession

NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Rod Dulany First Vice President Jack Justice Vice President Gordon Collins Vice President Dave Sivertson Treasurer Kathy Woods Secretary Allan Henry Past President Jim Reffkin C.E.O./EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Tim Heckler LEGAL COUNSEL Paul Waldman NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS Assistant to the Executive Director Rich Fanning

On the Cover . ..

Wimbledon Men's Sing les Champion Stefan Edberg is shown immediately following his 1988 victory Ph oto cou rtesy of Allsport, London, England.

Office and Membership Coordinator Elaine Sroka Communications Coordinator Bill Gordon Marketing Coordinator Dana Stull

CONTENTS

Public Relations and Magazine Coordinator Becky Senseney Financial Manager Renee Heckler Coordinator of Corporate Services Christi Neumann Computer Services and Club Relations Kathy Buchanan Membership Processing Donna Woodstead General Secretary Laraine Reid Membership Services Anne Lepkoske Member Services Denise Littlefield Merchandise Services and Accounting Stephanie Hulbert Director of Certification and Academies George Bacso Co-Director of Certification and Academies BiiiTym Advertising /Marketing Information Phone(813)973-3777

President Rod Dulany's Message ......................

2

4 Announcements ....................................... 6 Tennis Tip ..............................................

Building Better Club Relations

by Curt Beusman •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

1988 Tax Rules to Remember

10

by Bruce Weeber

12

USTA Tennis Teachers Conference Wrap-up by Rachael Ingber •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

14

Creating the Second Tennis Boom

United States Professional Tennis Association.

For information, write USPTA National Headquarters at Saddlebrook, The Golf and Tennis Resort, P.O. Box 7077, Wesley Chapel, Florida 34249, or phone (813) 973-3777 .

Office Hours: 9:00-5:30 EDT

by Chris Kretchmer •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

18

Industry Action ..................................... .

20

Copyright@United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 1988. All ri!jhts reserved.

Reproduction of any portion of th1s magazine is not permitted Without written permission from the publisher.

23 Executive Director Tim Heckler's Message ........ . 24

ADDvantage is published monthly by the

Division News . ...................................... .

•

•

anSIOniS

by Rod Dulany, USPTA President

W h e n there is a change in presidents, frequently there is fear of change in direction.

Let me assure you it is not my philosophy to change what already is a good product, but to expand the opportunities for its distribution .

During their terms in office, Mike Eikenberry and Jim Reffkin provided good insight on the needs of the Association . Mike guided USPTA into the modern business world, establishing it as a major industry force and providing ways for further influence. Jim showed us the need to rebuild our player base through recreational tennis. This made us a candicate to run some of the national tennis programs. Together they helped lay the foundation of progress on which USPTA now stands.

With your help, we will continue to progress, to strengthen our policies and increase our activities. We will expand our contacts and enhance our image within the industry, both publicly and commercially.

Growth is essential for big business, and we will grow. Not only in terms of numbers, but prestige as well. But to ensure orderly progress, we need a blueprint of action .

Here are three priorities:

1) Creating stronger bonds with allied associations. Our ties with USTA, already strong , will become stronger through our joint efforts in providing programs and activities aimed at returning United States tennis to the international forefront We also must look to create stronger alliances with our sister organizations, CMAA and IRSA These are our employers and co-workers. These are the men and women who will join with us to form a strong professional management team at tennis faciliti es throughout the country. This task already has begun through the efforts of Jack Justice and

2

Tim Heckler, who co-authored the US PTA booklet How to Hire a Tennis Pro-

fessional.

It's a beginning, but only that During the next year, we must organize joint seminars so that each group can understand the others' needs. The more that each of us interacts with members of these associations, the more our collective influence will be felt in the c lub atmosphere .

2) Expanding our educational program. This already has been formulated in dealing with the added responsibi lities of our professionals in today's marketplace . The Education Committee, chaired

by Dave Sivertson, is organizing a concept of educational sessions to guide USPTA professionals through the various stages of development, from first-year assistant pro to 15th-year head pro. This will provide members with a road map to follow on their way to becoming the most competent tennis professionals possible.

We want to help you reach your potential.

We want tennis to be your lifetime career.

3) Building a new National Headquarters. Nowhere is the theme of expansion more appropriate than in the context of our National Headquarters.

The time is right for building a new and larger facility, from which the national staff can efficiently serve the needs of our rapidly expanding membership . We should have courts. We should have classrooms . We should have room to grow. An Association-owned facility is well within reason .

I hope these items are of interest to each and every USPTA professional. I'll need your enthusiasm . I'll need your energy. I'll need your sanction if they are to become reality.

I look forward to working with you . n

USPfA Gift Shoppe Order Fonn SHIP TO (Please print clearly) NAME ---m(N~ovP.~on.~~xnM7u~~~inoMro~e~~M"-e~s~h""'P~~~a~P~~~------------------------------------------------ADDRESS __________________________________________ APT.# ___________________ CITY ___________________________________STATE------------- ZW ---------------

DAYTIME PHONE ) ----:-:----------:--------:----------- USPTA Membership# _ _ _ _ ___ We will call you only if we have a question concerning your order.

METHOD OF PAYMENT- Be sure to allow for Shipping, Handling & Insurance _Check _Money Order Amount Enclosed$-:-,-::-:-,.,-----:~==~==---------,..,.,..,-----------Or Charge My Account With _MASTERCARD ___VISA Name Of Cardholder -,--------------------------------------Signature Of Cardholder Date _______________________ CHARGECARDACCOUNTNUMBER __----=~--~~--~~--:-~~---------------------------Expiration Date: MO. I ______YR Mastercard Interbank No. ________

QUAN. ITEM#

UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

DESCRIPTION

*101 *102 *103 *104 *105

Ladies' Signet Ring, 10K Master Professional Ring, 10K, Black Onyx Coach of the Year, 10K, Topaz Member's Ring, 10K, Emerald Player of the Year, 10K, Ruby

265.00 395.00 395.00 395.00 395.00

*106 *107

Division President, 10K, Amethyst Men's Signet Ring, 10K

395.00 395.00

*108 *109

Professional of the Year, lOK, Blue Sapphire Ladies' Signet Ring, lOK, with .25 Cubic Z irconia

395.00 225.00

110 111 112 113 114 115

-

116 117

Master Professional Money Clip, (Gold Plate), Black Onyx Coach of the Year Money Clip, (Gold Plage ), Topaz Member's Money Clip, (Gold Plate), Emerald Player of the Year Money Clip, (Gold Plate), Ruby

55.00 55.00 55.00 55.00

Division President Money Clip, (Gold Plate), Amethyst Member's Money Clip, (Gold Plate), with USPTA Emblem Professional of the Year Money Clip, (Gold Plate), Blue Sapphire USPTA Tackette (Gold Plate)

55.00 35.00 55.00 12.00

TOTAL AMOUNT FLORIDA RESIDENTS ADD 6% SALES TAX SHIPPING, HANDLING AND INSURANCE (See chart below)

TOTAL AMOUNT OF ORDER *For Ordering USPTA Rings: Item# Initials to be engraved _____ Designated year _______ As all of these rings are custom made, please be certain as to ring size, exact initials and designated year to be engraved.

If uncertain as to ring size, call or write USPTA Gift Shoppe at the address below for ring size template or contact a local jeweler.

Shipping Information:

We usually ship orders within 3 days of receipt of order. For custom orders, allow 4-6 weeks.

We prefer to ship via UPS and need your street address and Apartment number for UPS delivery. Items ordered together might NOT necessarily be shipped together.

SHIPPING, HANDLING AND INSURANCE Please Remit

Please make checks and money orders payable to:

If Your Order Totals

$ 50.00 or under $ 50.01 to $100.00 $100.0 1 to $150.00 $150.01 to $199.99 $200.00 & OVER ___ UPS 2nd DAY AIR add $3.00 to above

$4.95 $6.95 $7.95 $6.95 $9.95

USPTA GIFT SHOPPE 269 Southeast 5th Avenue Delray Beach, FL 33483 (407) 278-0545

See merchandise on back cover. Items 110 - 117 not shown.

''TENNIS TIP"

Simple Lesson Retention Techniques

by Chris Kretchmer

W e would all like to have dedicated, regularly returning students. Here are ten simple ideas that will help foster dedication and get your students coming back.

1. Teach Fun If the lessons are enjoyable enough students will make an effort to return . Use movement, games, smiles and creativity to add some fun . Remember, if the professional is not enjoying the lesson the students will sense it, and the session will not be as enjoyable as it might be. If it is fun for the professional it is fun for the students.

Try to add a game of some sort for the last ten minutes of the lesson to create enthusiasm.

2. Alternate Material Rotate the material to keep your students interested. Teaching backhands for 3 lessons may be exactly what the students need from a functional standpoint, but it may also produce boredom . Try a backhand review and then introduce a new concept. Strategy might be good for intermediate and advanced players, scoring for beginners. Keeping the material fresh keeps the lessons fresh .

3. Lesson Packages Lesson packages are a great way to foster lesson retention .

Five lessons for the price of 4 is a common example, but there are many more creative ways to accomplish the same goal. If the lessons are already paid for then the student will make an effortto return . Also, if a student begins to lose his/her dedication a quick phone reminder of the pre-paid lessons should get the student back onto the court and give the professional another chance to rebuild enthusiasm. ¡ 4. Flexible Schedule The professional .needs to schedule lessons when the students are most available, not just when the professional feels like teaching . Certainly weekdays between 10 and 11 a.m. are great teaching hours, but many of the best students might work or go to school during

4

these times. Lesson scheduling is one of the great excuses/barriers for players and with a little extra effort we can overcome it.

5. Homework Try adding some homework. It is a great way to add enthusiasm to lessons. If a student is doing his/her homework each lesson can be dedicated to a new concept, and the professional is actually beginning to act as an instructor rather than a practice partner . In these instances improvement is rapid and exciting. When giving homework try to give the students simple attainable goals. Simply asking them to practice is not enough. They must be helped with who, what, when, where and how. A student who needs time on the backboard with a particular stroke should also know where the backboard might be located, when it might be available, how to practice against it, exactly what to practice and then help the student in deciding how they can fit practice time into their busy schedule. ¡ 6. Student's Journal Each student should keep a journal which would include lesson concepts and new ideas presented as well as personal revelations and key words that make the concepts come alive for them. A practice record is also helpful as it is a visual representation of practice time or lack of it. Improvement is much more rapid with a journal as concepts can be reviewed and do not have to be rediscovered .

7. Professional's Journal Each professional should keep a record of each student. This record might include name, address, phone number or numbers, dates and times of lessons, key concepts and words for each lesson, and where to begin the next lesson. The journal is not only great for lesson continuity but is also a great marketing tool.

8. Partners It is critical that students find regular people to practice, play and

socialize with . Nothing will discourage your students faster than feeling as if they are the only people who are at their level. It would be nice to think that all our students are outgoing and confident enough to find players, but they usually are not. If we are to keep people as tennis players and as students we must assume responsibility, in part, for finding them partners.

9. Events Students will certainly want an arena to test their skills. As a professional and an expert we are in a much better position than the student to know what options are open to them in both social and competitive areas. A casual reminder on the court of an up-coming event being held outside of lesson time is enough. It will signify to the student that you care enough to get them involved.

10. End on A Positive All your lessons should end on a positive note. The last shot, swing, or point should be a good one. Great marketers know that the emphatic or most remembered portions of a presentation are the first and last positions. Our students should be walking off the courts bursting with enthusiasm.

11 . Bonus A Bonus? Yes. That is exactly what the students on your lesson courts should get. Whenever possible, students should get more than they expect. It might be more attention . It might be a list of partners or an introduction to a new player, it might even be 10 extra minutes on the lesson if the lesson is really making progress. It really does not matter as long as the student feels that they are getting special attention and walks off the court looking with anticipation to the next lesson.

Editor's Note: See Chris Kretchmer's article featured on page 18.

ANNOUNCEMENTS USPTA SPONSORSIDP AWARDS The United States Professional Tennis Association is pleased to announce the ten recipients of the 1988 Sponsorship Awards.

This annual award is given in recognition and appreciation of the corporations and institutions that have supported USPTA. The 1988 award recipients are: Prince Manufacturing Penn Athletic Products Tenex (Gamma Products) Saddlebrook, The Golf and Tennis Resort Association Group Administration United States Tennis Association Tennis Week

Tennis Magazine Tennis Industry LIPC

MASTER

PROFESSIONAL AWARDS Each year the United States Professional Tennis Association honors those professionals who have participated in various industries services and have earned the respective number of points by presenting them with the Master Professional Award.

This year's recipients are: J. Cary Bachman Eduardo S. Garcia Sanford Baruch

USPTA DMSION AWARDS RECIPIENTS The United States Professional Tennis Association has chosen the divisions for the 1988 Greatest Increase in New Members Award.

The recipients are: First place Midwest Division Second place Florida Division The USPTA has also chosen the divisions for the 1988 Greatest Percentage of Increase in New Members Award.

The recipients are: First place Southwest Division Second place Missouri Valley Division

USPTA Gin SHOPPE The USPTA Gift Shoppe is now receiving merchandise orders. Please direct all current and future orders to the following address: USPTA Gift Shoppe PO Box 7077 Wesley Chapel, FL 34249 If you have previously placed an order to the former location, there is no need to be concerned as it will be forwarded to our new address. Look for our order forms which are currently being placed in our publications.

If you would like for us to send you a USPTA merchandise catalog which includes the complete line of USPTA logo clothing , specialty items. gifts and accessories. please complete and return the coupon below.

____ Yes, please send me a USPTA merchandise catalog.

Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Member Number __________________ Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___ Division ____________

City --------------------------------State ------------------ZiP¡-------------------

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USPTA Gift Shoppe Order Fonn SHIP TO (Please print clearly) NAME _____________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS (No P.O. Boxes as all orders are shipped UPS)

APT. # ___________________

CITY -------------------------------STATE. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ZIP _ _ _ _ _ _ __ DAYTIME PHONE

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - USPTA MEMBERSHIP# - - - - - - - -

We will call you only if we have a question concerning your order.

METHOD OF PAYMENT- Be sure to allow for Shipping, Handling & Insurance Amount Enclosed$ ----------------------------------Or Charge My Account With _MASTERCARD _VISA

_Check

_Money Order

Name Of Cardholder----------------------------------Signature Of Cardholder Date _____________________ CHARGECARDACCOUNTNUMBER~------~~--~~----~~

Expiration Date:

MO. I ____YR

QUAN. ITEM#

314 315 316 317 318 319

Mastercard Interbank No. _ _ _ _ _ ____

DESCRIPTION

UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

Tennis: A Professional Guide USPTAJunior Development Manual USPTA Tennis Professional's Business Manual USPTA Complete Guide to Coaching, Vol. 1 USPTA Accounting, Business & Financial Management Handbook USPTA Sport Science and Sports Medicine Guide

25.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 22.00 25.00

TOTAL AMOUNT FLORIDA RESIDENTS ADD 6% SALES TAX SHIPPING, HANDLING AND INSURANCE (See chan below)

TOTAL AMOUNT OF ORDER Shipping Information: We usually ship orders within 3 days of receipt of order. For custom orders, allow 4-6 weeks. We prefer to ship via UPS and need your street address and Apartment number for UPS delivery. Items ordered together might NOT necessarily be shipped together.

SHIPPING, HANDLING AND INSURANCE Please Remit

Please make checks and money orders payable to:

If Your Order Totals

$ 50.00 or under S 50.01 to $100.00 $100.01 to $150.00 $150.01 to $198.99 $200.00 & OVER UPS 2nd DAY AIR add $3.00 to ..,bolle

$4.95 $8.95 $7.95 $8.95 $9.95

USPTA GIFT SHOPPE P. 0. Box 7077 Wesley Chapel, FL 34249 (813) 973-3777

Call Today& Take Advantage of Us!

Toll Free: 1800237-7519 InFL

1 800 282-4654 or(813)973-llll Telex: 522621

~~cJlJJtl?tt!RlSJ I00 Saddlebrook Way, Wesley Chapel, Florida 34249

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USPTA'S OPTIONAL COURSES

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FORCO~GEDUCATIONCREDITS

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The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) will conduct three (3) Specialty Education Courses during the month of November at the University Club in Houston, Texas. These courses are specifically designed to: 1) enhance the tennis education of its members, 2) fulfill the continuing educational course requirements for future Master Professional, and 3) use as a tool in the USPTA membership upgrading process. Each Specialty Education Course consists of two, eight hour sessions beginning at 8:00am through 5:00pm. The sessions include classroom lectures, group discussions and practical application laboratories. The following is a brief description of the three Specialty Education Courses to be offered in November.

ICOURSES TO BE OFFERED I I.

GROUP INSTRUCTION,

II.

STRATEGY AND TACTICS,

III. JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT,

November 14- 15, 1988

November 16- 17, 1988

November 18- 19, 1988

(George Bacso, Instructor) This course is designed to familiarize tennis teaching professionals with the skills needed to organize and conduct small and large group lessons. Areas to be covered:

(Bill Tym, Instructor) This course will cover the progression of strategy and tactics from the intermediate level through the advanced level of play for both singles and doubles. Topics featured are:

(Dave Power, Instructor) This course examines every aspect of junior development programs from administration to building your teams.

Course Contents Include:

• How to Prepare Group Application Forms • Establishing a Theme for Lessons • Safety Procedures in Group Lessons • How to Work on Individual Problems Within a Group • Proper Rotation of Students • Assigning Homework • How to Establish the Level of the Group

• Theory - Mental and Physical Aspects • Intermediate and Advanced Stroke Production • Specific Drills for Habit Patterns • Basic Game Plan for Singles and Doubles with Advanced Options • Progression Drills for Intermediate and Advanced Techniques

• Management and Staff Responsibilities • Programming the Different Ability Levels • Student Placement • Publicizing your Program • Developing the Competitive Player • Junior Traveling Teams • Junior Camps • Evaluation and Testing • Recognizing the Talented Player

"USPTA Specialty Courses present tennis teaching professionals with an opportunity to improve their skills and specialize in a specific area of the profession," says USPTA Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director Tim Heckler.

To register for these Specialty courses, please fill out and return the registration form below. For room reservations please contact the Grand Hotel in Houston at (713) 961-3000. Details on accommodations and facilities for these courses are

••~v~a~l: t~:u~ :h: ~a~o~~ ~e•.d:u:rt~•: ~~ca:i:n ~~ :~t~g ~:p:"~:·:•: (~13: ~-3~. •......·~ II USPfA SPECIAL1Y EDUCATION COURSE REGISTRATION FORM II Please register me for the following courses:

FEES

c=J Group Instruction c=J Strategy and Tactics c=J Junior Development

1 Course .••••.••••..•. $ 200.00 2 Courses •.••......... $ 350.00 3 Courses .•••••••••••• $ 400.00 Name __________________________________________________________ MemberNumber __________ Street Address State

City _______________ Zip

Telephone---------------------

Registration Deadline: November 4, 1988. (Absolutely NO Registrations Accepted Without Registration Fee) Return to: USPTA Specialty Education Courses • P.O. Box 7077 • Wesley Chapel, FL 34249

b

Building BeHer

by Curt Beusman

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Curt Beusman is the president of Tennis Equities, Inc., which owns and operates Saw Mill River Club. A life long tennis player, he has been sectionally ranked in the USTA since 1942. In addition to teach ing tennis professionally, Cu rt started and built four tennis clubs including the renown Saw Mill River Club. He is also the founder of the International Racquet Sports Association (IRSA) and currently serves on its advisory bOยง~d .

He has lectured extensively for the USTA, USPTA, and participated in the first annual UK Symposium on Indoor Tennis in Britain in 1986. He was the keynote speaker at the 1987 IRSA Convention.

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t happens all the time . A new, young eager tennis professional, proudly bearing a hard-won USPTA certification , takes on the job as a teaching professional at an indoor club in town . After a couple of seasons, he has developed a good junior program and looks to get more court hours for the two top kids who may be getting national ran kings in the fall .

But, much to his surprise , not only are his open hours cut back, but the owner decides there are too many kids around on weekends and eliminates the group practice sessions on Saturday afternoons. Then he requests that the professional start giving more free adult clinics for women during the early afternoon hours. And then even worse, he wants to increase the court fee s paid by his Director of Tennis because the club is not making any money.

On the other hand, consider the hardworking owner who built his indoor club twelve years ago. He has gone through seven different head professionals since he opened . The last guy worked a deal to teach privately at the covered University courts nearby and moved his widely-advertised tennis academy over there . The owner realizes he made a mistake when he did not use his club's name in the newspaper advertisements that he paid for promoting the academy. The new USPTA replacement professional is a good teacher, but still interested in playing tournaments for a ranking , and uses lots of open court hours to

drill and practice with his buddies. A few years ago, the lesson program contributed about $13,000 a year in profit, but in the past four years it is just breaking even, and it is utilizing only 10 percent of the available court hours during the winter season . Also, the new professional seems to have many part-time teachers so members never know who is going to be on the court Does this sound familiar? These scenarios have been played over and over again in the indoor and commercial club industry in the past Is it a case of bad professionals versus bad owners, or are there things that can be done to smooth out the relations and benefit both sides?

That is the question that Mike Eikenberry and I put to a group of professionals and owners at the International Racquet Sports Association (IRSA) convention last winter.

We asked for definitions and characteristics of bad owners and bad professionals. The list is interesting, and with careful reading , the criti cisms are almost mirror images of one another. They reflect the labor versus management travails of the tennis teaching business. Clearly, bad owners show a lack of respect for the integrity and professionalism of a hard-working tennis professional.

Similarly, a bad tennis professional seems no more than an itinerant, uncommitted ripoff artist who is ready to hop to the next opportunity without even a thank-you .

It should not be this way, and in fact, it is generally much better. What is needed is a

Club Relations positive working relationship with commitviewing for a new position , I would give a to expect. Even if I were at a club with a solid, ment to a common goal, agreed upon copy of the booklet to the ten nis committee secure job, I wou ld still want the people in ahead of time, so that everyone is playing or club owner so we would both know what charge to see and read it in order to evaluate the same game on the same how our relationship stood legally court. The professional should and ethically. make sure that he/she knows BAD PROS BAD OWNERS The USPTA and the Tennis exactly what the owner expects.

Council of IRSA are currently That would require a job desdiscussing the possibility of dis• ARE UNINVOLVED • ARE POOR HIRERS cription. If your owner does not EXCEPT ON COURT tributing the hiring guide to all • ARE UNINVOLVED IN have one, you should draft one tennis-involved IRSA clubs. That TENNIS PROGRAMS • HAVE LACK OF CLUB you rse lf and review it carefully is a terrific first step at creating a LOYALTY • HAVE "TOO MUCH with the person you report to. more positive interaction between • ABUSE COURT ACCESS MONEY FOR TOO How many cl ini cs are required? club owners and tennis teaching LITILEWORK" ATIITUDE • DO NOT RETURN How often can you practice, and professionals PHONE CALLS • HAVE LACK OF JOB do you get reimbursed for travel To achieve the growth goals PROMPTLY DESCRIPTION expenses when you take your that the USPTA and the USTA • HAVE NARROW SCOPE top juniors to a tournament? Is • USE DECEITFUL have set for tennis in the 90 's, we INTERVIEW the club insurance adequate, or all have to stamp out the " Bad • DO NOT CROSS SELL INFORMATION are you expected to carry a large Pro" and " Bad Owner" stereoNON-TENNIS EVENTS policy yourself? Will there be any HAVE UNREALISITIC • types that have lingered too long.

• ARE OUTSIDE EXPECTATIONS sharing of financial informati on One way is to stop talking about ENTREPRENEURS so you wi ll know how the cl ub is them. Stereotypes extract a few • HAVE LACK OF • HAVE SHORT TERM doing? And if you contribute to negative traits and tarnish a whole TRAINING AND GOALS the bottom line, will there be any GUIDANCE group with the poor images.

• HAVE "ONLY PAID TO profit-sharing coming your way There are many good profes• HAVE LACK OF TEACH" ATIITUDE at year-end? sionals with excellent relationKNOWLEDGE Owners should read the newly • ARE POOR ships with their clubs at facilities REGARDING TEACHING INTERVIEWERS published USPTA How To Hire COSTS that are proud of their tennis A Tennis Professional: Ten reputations. Let us all start talk ing • HAVE "HOURLY'' • DO NOT SHARE Important Steps. It is a complete MENTALITY and acting like good professionFINANCIAL DATA guide to interviewing, evaluating als, working at good clubs, with • PROS: 3 ROLES, 12 • DO NOT BACK THE and hi ring a competent tennis good owners, developing good, FUNCTIONS, 64 TASKS PRO IN CONFLICT professional for a commercial or life-time committed tennis players.

• HAVE NO PROFIT private c lub. If I were a tennis H SHARING professional engaged in inter-

11

Tax Rules to Remember

by Bruce Weeber, C.P.A.

Bruce Weeber is a Certified Public Accountant with specialties in the areas of individual and corporate taxes and professional financial plann ing. He graduated from Albright Col lege in Reading, Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics. He played on the college ten nis team and is a US PTA member and former USTA umpire.

Currentl y, Bruce is creator and partner in the Business Success Team, a consu lting group designed to answer the questions of small businesses trying to be successful.

Rules When Hiring Your Spouse or Child The new rules that began on January 1, 1988 are effecting your working spouse and child employed by you . Before 1988 you could hire your spouse without having to deduct social security ta xes or pay employer's matching social security expense. The same was also true for your ch ild under 21 years of age who is working for you . This special benefit has changed . Ever since January 1, 1988 your spouse has

12

been subject to FICA (social security) and you must pay an equal amount as an expense . Your child is still exempt from this tax up to age 18 (the old rule allowed exemption to age 21 ). The social security tax rate for emplyees in 1988 is 7.51 %. Assume you pay your spouse a $2,000 annual salary. Social security taxes will have to be deducted 7.51% or $150.20 and you must match that $150.20 resulting in a total cost of $300.40.

Note: The rule change will require you to amend the 941 (employers quarterly return) and pay the social security on your spouse and /or chi ld (over 18). It might, however, be worth the additional cost if you and your spouse qualify for a deductible IRA An IRA of $2,000 at a tax rate of 28% would save you $560.

Warning: You must pay your spouse or chi ld by check. otherwise without solid proof of payment, IRS will not allow the deduction or the IRA benefit

Medical Reimbursement In the October 1987 issue of Financial Planning I wrote an article called "Vacation Strategy". The article had to do with the same article I wrote for ADDvantage in 1987. If you are salaried and have personal family medical exc lusion - then you should use this plan. This is how it works. Ask your employer to pay your vacation salary to you in form of medical reimbursement You save - all federal , state, and local taxes - and on ly one small catch - your employer must make the medical reimbursement plan mandatory for al l employees and not optional to save social security taxes (FICA) for both employee and employer. If the plan is optional , social security taxes must be paid by both employee and employer.

Home Mortgage Rules The 1986 Tax Reform Act gave us a new set of rules for deducting mortgage interest

in 1987. Under the 1986 rules you could deduct the interest on mortgage debt up to the cost of the house including improvements plus an additional amounts used for medical or educational expenses that would add up to the current market value of the house.

However, additional amounts could be deducted if the mortgage was taken out on or before August 16, 1986.

The Revised Law - you can deduct interest up to 1 million of mortgage debt to purchase. construct or improve the re sidence, plus an additional amount of $1 00,000 of home equity debt used for any purpose you might wish .

Personal Residence Sales We have learned from the tax laws, over the years, that when we sell our personal residence and buy a new one , there is no taxable gain if we invest in a personal residence of higher value . Since 95% of all new residences are greater than the previous one , and because of this tax rule many taxpayers ignore the effort in keeping and constructing the cost of many im provements.

Everyone should keep all records of improvements for as l_ong as they own their home plus three years in case of IRS audit. Every gain on the sale of your home decreases the basis of the new home. For example, you purchase your home in 1982 for $50,000, including sett lement costs , you make $10,000 in improvements= $60,000. Your home sel ls for $75,000 resulting in a gain of $15,000. For federa l tax purposes this gain of $15,000 is not taxable (however, your state tax laws may result in tax on the gain). If you are careless in keeping records on each home, the gains over the several home purchases could be significant Assume you have had several gains on sales and purchases, resu lting in your present home having a cost basis of $85,000 with a sale value of $150,000. You decide to move to an apartment, if you or your spouse are at SSV2

1 I

years or older you can exclude any gain up to $125,000. Under 55V2 you must report the entire gain as ordinary taxable income.

Note: If you have had a hand in building the improvements you should keep track of all out-of-pocket expenses such as gas, parking , tolls, etc. Unfortunately, you cannot charge for your own time as additional costs, unless you added that charge to your income.

Business Travel

J

1

Business travel remains deductible, while personal travel is not Problems arise when records are not kept, with the belief that prior laws requiring detail records was rescinded and oral testimony was sufficient This is true, but if you cannot convince the IRS agent of the business necessity of many trips, they may require more documentation

or they will disallow them .

Keep detail records in your lesson booknote any special trips that were essential, i.e., trip with students to local tournaments, your trips to tournaments (even if you do not participate because you are learning, improving your skills of observation , tactics, sharing your knowledge , gaining understanding of individual problems of students, professional players and fellow USPTA members).

If you take a business trip with your spouse who is not involved in your business, keep separate records for each of you . If a motel or hotel room would cost you $120 as single and $145 as a family, only the $120 is deductible. Do not divide the $145 and deduct only the $72 .50. That is wrong.

Spouse's meals are not deductible unless it is a meeting with a client who has brought his wife thereby requiring your wife to

accompany you : her costs are then deductible. All deductible meals are subject to the 20% exclusion rule.

Retail Merchandise Prince Manufacturing Company has given us the opportunity to reduce the problem of clothing and tennis shoe deductions. Due to their generosity Prince has allowed many professionals to reduce out-of-pocket necessary business clothing expenses. Previously, I suggested you stencil your clothing with the club name, USPTA and your name to solidify your clothing expense deduction as advertising expense . Prince has partially reduced that problem . Tennis shoe deductions will continue to be a problem now that tennis shoes are being worn by the general public. Prince has helped us in this departo ment as well.

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13

Excitement in the Tennis Teachers

by Rachael In gber

Tennis Excitement - there was a feeling in the air during the 18th annual USTA Tennis Teachers Conference. From the grand marquis outside the Sheraton Centre which welcomed everyone to the conference , to the action packed on-court sessions in the two grand ballrooms, to the most knowledgeable faculty presenting the latest information on new dimensions in tennis, the 1988 Tennis Teachers Conference was hot!

The three-day conference kicked off with the non-stop action of the Peter Burwash International Tennis Show. The audience of over 1,000 tennis teachers, professionals, coaches and enthusiasts laughed and cheered during the entertaining and educational choreographed presentation of ball control skills.

With smiles circulating everywhere , the enthusiasm level continued to climb with a special guest appearance by Virginia

Wade, winner of seven grand slams. Wade told the conferees, who traveled from 42 states and 19 foreign countries, " Impress upon your athletes the importance of always striving to be better players. There is so much to be learned ." Speaking on a personal level , Wade said she has learned more about the game in the past 10 years because she stopped being so competitive and serious about the sport. "Now I can go out and explore ," she said .

USPTA Master Professional Peter Burwash is seen here kicking off the USTA's 18th annual Tennis Teacher's Conference with his International Tennis Show.

14

~

Air durin~ USTA Conference Team consisting of 45 outstanding young American players, the expansion of international playing opportunities for those players, the implementation of training camps for the U.S. National Team , the integration of sport science testing through the expert advise of renowned specialists in the field , and the hiring of 1 7 sectional advisors to the steering committee for Player Development.

During the upcoming months regional training centers will be named and the process for selecting area training sites will be set in motion.

In addition, USTA Director of Coaching Stan Smith, National Coach Lynne Rolley and members of the U.S. National Team treated a standing room only crowd to tennis tips in their upbeat demonstration "The Volley, Overhead and Net Play." Dr. Jack Groppel, sport science advisor to the USTA and Paul Roetert, USTA coordinator of

research, both USPTA pros, teamed to demonstrate how easy and important it is to integrate sport science and tennis performance in their lecture, " Biomechanics for the Tennis Coach and Teacher." "Simplest is best, " stressed Groppel 'The high-tech information has to be applied in a simple manner or it won't work well Don 't get too mechanical or you 'll get 'Paralysis by Analysis.' " In a session entitled, "Accelerating Mental Skills Through Music Videos, " Dr. Jim Loehr, USTA director of sport science and a USPTA master professional, had the crowd rockin ' with music videos of players on the court. "Music is like therapy for kids," explained Loehr. "It changes their biochemistry and we can actually measure the physiological effects." Loehr encouraged coaches to videotape their players and set their best performances to their favorite

Eve Kraft, director of USTA Center for Education and Recreational Tennis, is shown speaking at the opening presentation.

And exploring is exactly what the conference was all about. Exploring new programs, new ideas, new research , new philosophies and new techniques. The 1988 Conference was divided into " modules" or themes, which addressed areas most relevant to tennis in the 80 's. The theme on Thursday was sport science and information abounded on the USTA's Player Development Program, on -court applications, nutrition research , mental skills, biomechanics and the physics of the game. Ron Woods, director of the USTA Player Development Program and a USPTA master professional, explained the unfolding picture of the U.S. plan for tennis longevity and supremacy. "Our goals are to attract more people to the game and keep them playing; help young players reach their maximum potential and help our absolutely superb players win the U.S. Open, " said Woods. In achieving those goals, Woods outlined numerous events and actions which had taken place during the past year. Highlights included the hiring of key administrative staff and USTA National Coaches; the initiation of a U.S. National

The Peter Burwash International Tennis Show is shown commencing the USTA Tenni s Teachers Conference.

15

songs. "It often helps players become energized and challenged before a match, and increases self-confidence. It's a new and exciting form of emotional training," he said.

The evening concluded on an inspirational and entertaining note, when U.S. National Coaches Tom Gullikson, Nick Saviano, and Benny Sims teamed with Loehr to apply basic sport science principles on court Emphasizing the importance of recreational tennis and how crucial it is to both the goals of Player Development and the future of the game were several US PTA professionals. Rod Dulany presented " Fun Tournaments for Club Competition," Sean Sloane, co-d irector of the Conference, demonstrated simple, action-packed group lesson techniques, and Peter Burwash, with his endless energy, enticed the crowd by showing them how to infuse excitement and enthusiasm into their teaching .

Another very motivating and inspiring oncourt session was led by Brad Parks, president of the National Foundation of Wheelchair Tennis and John Newcombe, Wimbledon and USTA singles champion.

Demonst rating how to' mainstream the wheelchair tennis player, Parks urged the audience, "Coach as if you were working

with any able-bodied person." Except for the fact that wheelchair athletes receive two bounces, Parks said the training is the same.

"There are no drills we can't use."

Throughout the Conference , it became clear that tennis drills were not only applicable to all levels of players, but to a variety of sports as well. Famed baseball star Steve Garvey made a special appearance and led a seminar on " Using Tennis to Train for Other Sports." An avid tennis player, Garvey demonstrated how the forehand in tennis was the same motion as hitting a baseball and how the footwork, eye/hand coordination and good balance learned in the racket sport helped him improve his agility on the baseball field .

When it came to team coaching, USPTA professionals Candy Royer, Peter Daub and lan Crookenden led a thought provoking discussion on "College or the Pros?

What to Tell Your Talented Juniors," while Bill Tym spoke on "Curing the Neurotic Tennis Player." Bob Bayliss shared his expertise on adjusting doubles strategy to the opposition and Don Dickinson mapped out a quality shot system.

Back to the basics, Kathy Woods presented "Workouts for Physical Fitness and Mental Toughness," and Chuck Kriese shared the secrets to winning matches -

court positioning and running the right play.

Bill Drake demonstrated sport specific anaerobic training and Doug MacCurdy, director of development for the International Tennis Federation, explained the importance of progressive development for complete players and fitting practice techniques to age and ability.

Finally, fiscal fitness was on the minds of many teaching professionals who are expanding their careers to become facility owners and managers. The USTA Tennis Teachers Conference shared their concerns by providing discussions on "1 01 Ways to Make Your Club Members Feel Special," led by Laury Hammel, "Advancement Opportunities for the Tennis Professional," revealed by Kurt Kamperman and "Computerizing Business Applications for Tennis," presented by Bob Smyth. A ball machine is not a crutch, proved Ken Walts, while Larry Funk, and Marilyn Fernberger shared insights on obtaining sponsorships for clubs or local tennis programs.

In all, 34 USPTA professionals, including 12 master professionals, presented seminars at this prem iere teaching training event Catch the excitement at next year's USTA Tennis Teachers Conference - mark your calendar today - August 30, 31September 1, 1989. n

Mind, Set, Match psycho logical skills, detail speci fic techniques to develop these skills and demonstrate that developing psychological bl' KU)' Porter, Ph.D u lldjud)l roste1·. . . .257 pp., il/us.; 1986 skills w ill lead to better performance and greater enjoyment Poner and Foster give both the on th e tennis coun. "whys" and " hows," combin MENTAL TOUGHNESS TRAINING FOR SPORTS ing th eories w ith practice. byJames H Loehr 239 pp., il!tts., reuised 1986 Their mental training plans Shows how to understand and control the mind-body bl end th e expenise of the connection and fl ow with th e current rath er than against it. psychologist w ith th e concerns Loehr's focus on th e moment leads the way to an inner sense of the athlete to produce of calm , strength and energy, a journey into mental toughness. specific self- help programs.

THE MENTAL ATHLETE

MENTAL TRAINING FOR PEAK PERFORMANCE F Cuuro11, Ph.D 195 pp. , illus. , 1984 An informative book w hich teaches ath letes and coaches th e need to understand and cont ro l one's th oughts and fee lings.

Concentrati on, internal dial ogue. relaxation , bodv awaren ess, motivation , visuali zati on, and th ought stopping are all a pan o f Dr. Gauron's program. /7) ' l:·ugelle

THEMENTALADVANTAGE IJJ•Ro!Jerl S \Veiii!Jerg, l'b.!J. .209 fiji., illus., 1988 Dr. Weinberg's object ive is to discuss th e development o f

1 Please send me the following :

Price

Amount

$3.95 I Quantity _ _ Mental Athlete (Item 1!4063) 11 .95 1__ Mental Advantage (I tem 1!4 124) 8.95 _ _ Tough ness (Item 1!4019 15.00 1--Mental Training for Peak Performance (Item 1!4129) Sub-total Please add 20% of tota l for shipping and handl ing I Total I Name ______________________________________ ___ 1Street address ----------------------------------City State _________ Zip ________ I United States Tennis Association Publications Department I~ 707 Alexander Road ----D~

.........................

16

r--------- -----

Make check or money order payable to USTA and send to:

----------Princeton, NJ 08540

I I I I I I I

__ :.JI

Creating the Second

by Chris Kretchmer

T h e second tennis bQom? Yes, and it is up to us I We cannot wait for the US PTA to do our job. We are on the front lines and we will make or break American tennis in the next ten years. How? It is as simple as breaking down the basic barriers that keep everyday people from discovering recreational tennis, and all tennis teaching professionals can help.

There are three major groups that we as directors and tennis teaching professionals must identify, target and reach .

1. New players 2. Inactive players 3. Juniors Let us start with new and /or inactive players. Why not serious players? Because the serious players will continue to play and to come to us because they already are dedicated. They are easy to keep and retain because they already have an emotional investment in the game. But what about the guy or gal in bermuda shorts, new tennis shoes, dark socks, and the antique racquet?

Like it or not this is the person we have to target. The now famous USTA study in part targeted this player as the one who created the tennis boom and who now plays once every three years if at all.

The tennis teaching professional is responsible for planting the seed of interest and respect of the sport in these beginning players. Today's " hacker" is tomorrow's dedicated player and it is up to us to get him involved. The future of our sport lies partly with those people who are not currently playing tennis.

Where do professionals find this elusive player? Everywhere! It sounds too easy, but

18

they are right under our noses. I have yet to find a person who has not played or who would not like to try tennis. The game has a certain flare and it is up to us to see that each person we meet can benefit from its magic. I try to envision everyone I meet as a potential tennis player. How many times have people after learning that you are a teaching professional say, " I used to play Tennis." What happened, why did they quit? They ran into barriers , and it is our job to remove those barriers.

Initially, as tennis teaching professionals, we must be approachable and available .

This help must be in all areas including where to get equipment, how to find partners, how to score , procedures for reserving and /or getting onto courts to play. We must be experts in our field and on all our club's facilities (not just tennis facilities) in order to develop the friendships and camaraderie that is essential in keeping people around a tennis atmosphere.

If we are at clubs or recreation facilities we must befriend golfers, aerobics people, swimmers, chess players and anyone else we can . The professionals I work with continually bring in new players by simply being a friend . If we are independent professionals we should be spending time at public facilities, donating our knowledge to developing or running a league or social event. It has been said before but it should be repeated, we are tennis professionals but we are also 24 hour salespeople for tennis. Let us create enthusiasm for the game among the masses of non-players by being role models. The energy we originate will hopefully be given back to tennis in multiples. Enthusiasm is contagious.

Another great way to find new players is

getting involved in the USTA schools program, or donating time to a local recreation district starting or helping with a beginning tennis program . If only one professional introduced one person to tennis each day, that would be 25 people per month or 300 people per year. Imagine if all professionals put forth halfthis effort. The next tennis boom would be generated right in front of us.

Once we identify and acquaint ourselves with novice players then our goal must be to get them actively involved. We must reach them . What is it that usually stops them? The major reasons I hear again and again are in order: 1. Lack of partners 2. Not enough time 3. Ability level At the facility where I am employed we have a program which has been successful in integrating new and non-active players.

Its form fits our needs, but it can be easily modified to fit any situation. The new member and membership retention departments supply the tennis department with lists of new members and non-active members.

These lists contain some personal data, work phone number and home phone number. It is the responsibility of the tennis department to see that each person is called to schedule a tennis evaluation. The evaluation is a free 15 minute program offered to tennis players and potential players. It includes a quick look and analysis of the major strokes, a list of potential partners and a list of the future events that players might enjoy.

The evaluation fits three needs. One, it allows the club to keep a current list of

Tennis Boom

players by ability so¡that they can be invited to club events and be placed properly by abi lity level. Second, it gives them a personalized list of programs to attend and players to contact, as well as making them feel welcome and included. Thirdly, we find that after the stroke analysis nearly 80 percent of the people we contact participate in either group or private lessons. ¡ Another critical factor we try to address at my facility is the "peer group" problem .

There is a direct relationship between continued play and a group of people who are at about the same skill level. We have instituted a program which not on ly helps us overcome the "peer" issue but breaks down many other barriers: free group lessons. That is right, free group lessons for beginners and non-active players. We offer one hour a week for men and one hour per week for women . Before you pass off the idea as ridiculous let me explain what we accomplish . Not only do free lessons get these people out in a peer group, they encourage private lessons and they serve as a form of public relations. Free lessons also break down all three major barriers. Players have immediate partners, the time is set to target the greatest number of players and they improve at the same time .

Your system need not be quite this elaborate. It could be as simple as being readily available to set up games for students and perhaps non-students, or keeping a mental list of players so that you can help match the right people for play. Perhaps you could set up a weekly round robin for your students.

Many successful directors and professionals set up leagues to give their players a chance to play. Whatever form it takes we must go beyond just being teachers . We must

address the issue of partners and we must be persistent Our dedication to keep them playing must be stronger than their barriers not to play regularly.

The third major group we must get involved is juniors. They are the easiest group of all.

We only need one thing to get them actively participating and involved: fun . Certain ly we can target those kids who show athletic potential and be more critical on stroke development, but most juniors just want to have fun . It should be our function to give them what they want Wh en you were 8 years old would you have liked to stand in a line and wait to mechanically hit a bal l? Tennis teach ing professionals need to get more creative, let the kids move, give them prizes, use color, use surprise and have funl The professional shou ld take advantage of the fact that adolescents are very conscious of their peers. Use tenni s as a vehicle to get them together into social groups if that is what they want and need. However it is done it must be fun for them , because the fastest way to keep kids from participating is to bore them.

The next tennis boom is up to the tennis teaching professional who can make an impact by selling the sport to everyone he comes in contact with . Let us get started , it is easyl Remember we must do three things as teaching professionals:

Ch ri s Kretchmer graduated from California State University with a degree in marketing and Engl ish. A USPTA member since 1985, he formerly directed tennis at the Evanston Golf Club in Chicago, Illinois, the Miami Lakes Inn and Country Club in Miami Lakes, Florida and the Riyadh Intercon tinental Hotel in Riyadh , Saudi Arabia.

Ch ri s is currently the Tennis Director at Rolling Hills Club in Novato, California and operates a private consulting practice which specializes in tennis direction.

1. Identify and reach potential players.

2. Provide players with opportunities to play and, most importantly, find them suitable partners.

3. Fun is the key for junior participation.

H

19

INDUSTRY ACTION RODNEY HARMON APPOINTED COORDINATOR OF UNITED STATES TENNIS ASSOCIATION CLINICIANS SERVICE Rodney Harmon of Medford, New Jersey has been appointed Coordinator of the Clinicians Service for the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Center for Education and Recreational Tennis in Princeton, New Jersey. The appointment was announced by Sean Sloane, Dire ctor of Recreational Tennis.

In his new position , Harmon will enroll tennis professionals, speakers and verifiers for all USTA function s and conduct workshops, training clinics, school assemblies, and tennis carnivals. He will also act as the USTA's liaison to the facets of planning for the USTA Tenni s Teachers Association (USPTA) as well as assist in all facets of planning for the USTA Tennis Teachers Conference, including the organization of the an nual Clinicians Meeting held prior to the Conference .

Harmon was introduced to tenni s in 1971 through the USTA's National Junior Tennis League in his hometown of Richmond, Virginia. Just nine years later, he was a member ot.the U.S. Junior Davis Cup Team, winner of the National Boys 18's Doubles Championship and a semifinalist in the singles. Harmon was a three-time All-American for Southern Methodist Unive rsity, where in 1980 he teamed with Mel Purcell to capture the NCAA doubles title . As a professional , Harmon was a U.S. Open quarterfinalist in 1982, and made it to the third round at Wimbledon the following year.

"Rodney Harmon 's accomplishments as a player lend him instant credibility in the world of tennis," said Sloane. "We are fortu nate to have his professional expertise , first hand knowledge of the USTA National Junior Ten nis League , and his energy, intelligence and speakin g ability available to the USTA family."

Prior to his USTA appointment, Harmon 20

was the director of tenni s at Arrowhead Racquet and Fitness Club in Medford. A member of the USPTA, Harmon has vol un teered his time extensive ly with the USTA Schools Program, conducting assemblies and assisting with teaching workshops in the Philade lphia school system .

UNITED STATES TENNIS ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES 1988 USTA COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD WINNERS The United States Tenni s Association (USTA) is pleased to announce the ten winners of the 1988 USTA Community Service Awards, given to honor individuals for outstanding field work in recreational tenni s.

The awards, in their 14th year, are conferred annually in recognition of significant contributions to tenni s development by individuals teaching the sport in community ce nters, schools and parks.

"We are grateful for the endless service given by these recipients to recreational tenni s," said Eve Kraft, director of the USTA Center for Education and Recreational Tennis, "It is through their efforts that tennis can truly be a lifetime sport for so many."

The 1988 recipients are: USPTA member Dexter Fong (Sacramento, CA), Bill Gill (Marinette , WI), Kenneth Hiatt (Harrison , OH), Judy Levering (Lancaster, PA), Harold McCollum (Des Moines, lA), Tom Mortimer (New Rochelle, NY), Jerry Peach (Bozeman , MT), USPTA member Denis Quilligan (Tampa, FL), USPTA member Eugene St. Martin (Baton Rouge, LA) , and Jim Wright (San Diego, CA).

All ten honorees received plaques and a cash donation to their respective tennis programs from the USTA during a general session of the USTA Tennis Teachers Conference , which took place Augu st 31September 2 in New York City, NY. Dexter Fong is credited with the success of the extensive tenni s programming in

Sacramento, CA He introduced the USTA Schools Program into the San Juan Unified School District and run s a USTA National Junior Tennis League (USTA/ NJTL) program .

Bill Gill has become "Mr. Tennis" to 30 ,000 residents in the tri-city area of Marinette and Peshtigo, WI, and Menominee, Ml , after forming a community tennis association for all three cities and initiating a USTA Schools Program.

Kenneth Hiatt's tennis involvement began with a USTA Schools Program in Harrison, OH , and today he is credited with forming a model community tennis association , initiating a summer recreation program for children and expanding the USTA Schools Program to the entire district- 23 schools and nearly 7,000 students.

Judy Levering is credited with developing one of the first combined USTA Schools/ NJTL programs in the country with her expert fund raising and organizational skills.

Harold McCollum was one of the first inductees to the Iowa Tennis Hall of Fame.

He has spent mu ch of his life promoting recreational tennis for all ages on the local, state , regional, and national level.

Tom Mortimer was the primary deve loper of the City of New Rochelle , NY, publi c tennis program, enabling over 300 children to enjoy free tennis instruction.

Jerry Peach is the coordinator of the Montana Tennis Association. His efforts include organizing a high school coaches clinic at Montana State Unive rsity, where he is the tenni s coach and working with the USTA Schools Program.

Denis Qui Iligan is the director of tennis for the city ofTampa, FL. A teaching professional for the past 17 yers, Quilligan is a supporter of the USTA Schools Program , USTA/ NJTL, Special Olympics tennis and a host of senior tennis programs.

Eugene St. Martin is a strong participant in tennis programming for Special Olympic, wheelchair, and deaf athletes. He also works exten sively with the USTA/ NJTL program in Baton Rouge , LA. Jim Wright has been the prime move r in the USTA/NJTL program of southeast San Diego and created P.O.I.NT (Parents Involved in Tennis) to expand the program .

,

CMAA INTRODUCES BUSINESS MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE BETHESDA, MD - September 1, 1988 The Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) is proud to introduce the Business Management Institute (BMI}, a highlystructured academic program centered on professional club management. CMAA developed BMI in conjunction with the Club Management Institute in order to create a lifetime career development program for CMAA members.

BMI offers professional development oppor!unities for club managers of all career levels, from assistant managers to those in senior level positions. To date, a total of five phases of BMI exist or are being developed.

Curriculum for BMII and BMIIII is complete .

Funding for BMI II has been granted, and proposals for BMI IV and V are now being reviewed .

BMI 1: Designed for assistant managers or managers with limited experience in or wishing to enter the club management profession .

The format consists of a five day, intensive 40-hour session taught on a university campus by highly qualified university faculty, industry professionals and experienced club managers. A sampling of courses offered include an Introduction to CMAA, a " Howto" series on various aspects of club management, Social Function Marketing, Facilities Management, Financial Management, Labor Law, Personal Career Development and much more.

The first two sessions are scheduled for September 11-15, and February 19-23, 1989; both at Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia. Tuition is $395 per session .

BMI II: Designed for mid-level managers who want to sharpen their leadership skills.

BMIII curriculum is currently being developed, however, proposed topics include Development of Human Resources, Leadership and Ethics, Club Administration, Club Management, Club Law, Taxes and Government Relations, Athletics, Service Management, Personal Development, Writing and Communications . The target date for a prototype session is mid 1989.

BMI Ill: Designed for experienced club managers preparing to take the Certified Club Manager (CCM) examination. This phase of BMI will serve as a review of subject areas covered on the CCM exam.

The format, similar to BMI I, consists of a five-day, intensive 40-hour session taught on a un iversity campus by highly-qualified faculty.

Examples of course content include Food and Beverage Controls, Personnel and Human Relations, Applied Psychology, Economics, Communications, Property Management, Hospitality Law, Government Regulations, Marketing and Principles of Club Management

The first session will be offered at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia on November 13-17, 1988. Tuition is $495.

BMI IV & V: Designed for se nior/execu-¡ live level managers. These phases, currently under development, will cover advanced topics where club executives will collectivelyexplore strategic planning and decision making, staff development and the dynamics of the club as a legal entity.

For more information concerning CMAA's Business Management Institute, contact CMAA National Headquarters at 7615 Winterberry Place, Bethesda, Maryland, 20817; (301) 229-3600.

USTA/VOLVO

TENNIS LEAGUE LOWERS AGE REQUIREMENT TO 19 PRINCETON- The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has announced that the age requirements for participation in the USTA!Volvo Tennis League program will be expanded to include 19- and 20-year-old players effective October 1, 1988, the start of the 1988-89 season.

This action coincides with the USTA's decision to lower the adult membership age requirements from 21 to 19, effective January 1' 1989.

The USTA!Volvo Tennis League expansion will offer young adult players an opportunity to participate in organized league tennis immediately after leaving the junior division. ''I'm happy to see this age group involved in the USTA!Volvo Tennis League Program ," Yvonne Garton , Chairman of the adult leagues Committee said . "In the past it seems they have been in 'limbo' after leaving the junior age division because play was restricted to 21 and over. This provides a place for 19- and 20-year-olds to play recreational tennis."

The USTA!Volvo Tennis League is administered by the USTAand sponsored by Volvo Tennis in conjunction with the USTA The League currently boasts more than 100,000 participants which total more than 51% of the USTA's current adult membership.

"The expansion fits perfectly with the comprehensive objective of the Volvo Tennis program , to increase the public's access to the game of tennis at all levels, " stated Bill Mergler, director of corporate promotions of Volvo North America Corporation. "These young players are the future of tennis in America. By exposing them to the social and competitive nature of the nation 's largest and most successful grass-roots tennis league, we will hopefully encourage more of them to enter and stay in the game."

The program groups players in one of six National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) skill levels, from 2.5 (novice) to 5.0 (advanced) .

Matches consist of both singles and doubles competition in a format which progresses through local, district and sectional play and

culminates in the USTA!Volvo Tennis League National Championships.

The USTA/ Volvo Tennis League is part of the national Volvo Tennis Program which includes title sponsorship of several men's professional events and the Volvo Tennis / Collegiate Series.

UNITED STATES TENNIS ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES 1988 TENNIS FACILITY

AWARD WINNERS The United States Tennis Association (USTA) is pleased to announce the winners of the 1988 Facility Awards, presented for superior architectural design in a public tennis facility.

The awards, in their eighth year, are accorded to promote the construction of public tennis facilities by parks, schools and industry. These award winners set the standard for construction or renovation of tennis facilities across the nation. " We are pleased to honor these outstanding facilities ," sa id Tricia Keeler , staff coo rdinator of the tenn is facility award committee . " Since the inception of the Program in 1981, the USTA has honored 60 outstanding tennis facilities and in many instances, the recognition these centers have received as award winners has stimulated the allocation of additional municipal funds for the expansion of the facility or the promotion of recreational tennis programs."

Four facilities have been selected in the small (4-10 courts) category: the Eck Tennis Pavillion (Notre Dame, IN), HomewoodFlossmoor Racquet and Fitness Club (Homewood , IL}, Marj orie Park Tennis Fac ility (Tampa, FL) and Summers Tennis Center (Tyler, TX) .

Among larger tennis facilities with seating for at least 1,000 spectators, four facilities have been honored: Mary Potishman Lard Tennis Center (Fort Worth , TX), North Fulton Tennis Center (Atlanta, GA), Patch Reef Park (Boca Raton , FL) and Penick-AIIison Tennis Center (Austin , TX).

Th e Kiwan is Park Recreation Center (Tempe, AZ) topped all large tennis center ( 11 or more courts) entrants, and the Jack Nicklaus Sports Center (Kings Island, OH), took top honors among tournament tennis centers with permanent stadium seating of at least 3,000.

Announcement of these awards was made in the official program of the 1988 USTA Tennis Teachers Conference and at the USTA Semi-Annual Meeting in New York, NY. Each award winner was presented with a handsome wooden plaque, a sign to be placed outside the facility and a complimentary one-year USTA membership. The names of all winning facilities are also inscribed on a plaque displayed in the ¡Iooby of the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadow, NY. 21

"Good sportsmanship is as important as a good backhand."

Jimmy Arias

Chris Evert

Now Available: The Sportsmanship Program from the United States Tennis Association.

A complete program for establishing a positive attitude toward tennis rules, conduct and competition. Designed for teachers and coaches.

It's called SPORTSTAR, the first comprehensive program for sportsmanship training. SPORTSTAR was created by the USTA to make players better sports and to make the teaching of sportsmanship a rewarding and pleasant process.

Recommended for players in grade school through high school, SPORTSTAR has a message for players of all ages: that "how you play the game" is more than a matter of technical proficiency.

The SPORTSTAR kit includes everything instructors will need to help develop lasting traits of good sportsmanship in their students.

From the step-by-step training guide and test to a sample code of conduct card, rule booklet and award certificate or badge. All packaged in a durable case.

To order your SPORTSTAR kitor for details on other USTA instructional programs-send in the coupon today.

It's never too early for kids to be real sportstars.

United States Tennis Association D I'm very interested in SPORTSTAR! Please send detailed information.

D I want SPORTSTAR now! $10.00 per kit (includes postage & handling.)

Find enclosed $._ _ __ __ for kits.

(Check or money order only.)

D Send information on other USTA instructional programs.

Name,_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___ Stree'----------City/State/Zip_______________ Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Mail to: SPORTSTAR, USTA Center for Education and Recreational Tennis 707 Alexander Road L __ Prin!!~~e~J~f1!!~5_!!! _ _ _J

USPTA MEMBER RECEIVES NCAA ETHNIC MINORITY SCHOLARSHIP Ann Koger, Haverford College's women's volleyball and tennis coach, has received one of the First NCAA ethnic minority sports administration postgraduate scholarships for 1988-89. The $6,000 award will allow Koger to continue her doctoral studies in physical education at Temple University, while she remains coach of both sports at Haverford The award is renewable for a second year which would probably see Koger through her dissertation and the completion of her degree.

Koger received a bachelor's degree in physical education and a master's in recreation administration from Morgan State University (Baltimore), where she also lettered in seven different sports (volleyball, basketball , field hockey, tennis, badminton , softball and swimming). In 1983.' she was inducted into the Morgan State University Hall of Fame and was presented the Golden Bear Award .

Koger also has had a successful working career in the Baltimore area. At the Community College of Baltimore and Coppin State College she was head coach of women's softball and volleyball. At Dunbar High School, she was assistant varsity coach of volleyball and junior varsity coach of basketball. Koger also taught physical education for the Baltimore City Public School System and was assistant sports editor of the Baltimore Afro-American Newspaper.

As Haverford College 's first women 's tennis and volleyball coach , Koger has had standout teams since her arrival in 1981 .

During her seven-year tenure at Haverford, the volleyball and tennis teams have had overall records of 89-39 and 76-22 , respectively.

Koger was a member of the Virginia Slims Professional Tennis Circuit from 197 4-1977, an alternate to the 1975 Pan-American Basketball Team , and a member of regionally-ranked softball teams. She also serves on the USTA Standing Committee for Player Deve lopment, and is a certified tennis professional with the United States Professional Tennis Association .

Koger was the first woman to officiate a NCAA Division I men 's regular season basketball game (Delaware State versus Campbell College of NC, 1985) and the first woman to offi ciate men 's and boy's basketball in the city of Baltimore 's Public Schools and Recreation Department, 197 4-81 . In addition, Koger was the first black to compete in the Mid-Atlantic Tennis Championships

and the first and highest ranking black female in the state of Maryland and MidAtlantic Region (USTA). ''I'm delighted that the NCAA has recognized such a valuable member of Haverford 's athletic staff in this way," said Athletic Director Greg Kannestein . "Ann already is a leader in many phases of athletics, and finishing her doctorate would equip her for leadership in many more areas."

NEW WOMEN'S TENNIS COACH IULLSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE TAMPA - Mike Daniels of Valrico, Florida has been named the Women 's Tennis Coach for Hillsborough Community College.

A USPTA certified instructor, Daniels is the Valrico District representative. He is also serving as head professional at the City of Tampa's new Marjorie Park Complex and is currently ranked in two doubles divisions this year by the Florida Tennis Association . " I have never coached collegiately, but I did coach the Royal Saudi Arabia Air Force team when I worked for the United States Sports Academy," said Daniels. "That was something I enjoyed. But I was really wanting to get into college coaching at some point."

Education Department at the US PTA National Headquarters, (813) 973-3777.

Tennis Teachers' Workshops October 22 November 5 November 20 December 17

Hilton Head, SC Milwaukee, WI Los Gatos, CA Tampa, FL

Tennis Teachers' Courses October 19-21 Hilton Head, SC November 17-19 Los Gatos, CA December 14-16 Tampa, WI

Tests/Upgrades October 8-9 October 10 October 13 October 17 October 22-23 October 30-31 November 4-5 November 5-6 November 7 November 10 November 13 November 13-14 November 13-14 November 14 November 19-20 November 20-21 November 26 December 2-3 December 8 December 11-12 December 12 December 17-18 December 28-29

Ft. Washington, PA Tiburon, CA Flushing, NY Palm Springs, CA Hilton Head, SC Salt Lake City, UT Portland, OR Milwaukee, WI LaJolla, CA Flushing, NY Cincinnati , OH Houston, TX Baton Rouge, LA Woodland Hills, CA Farmington, CT Los Gatos, CA Bradenton, FL Minneapolis, MN Flushing, NY Las Vegas, NV Newport Beach, CA Tampa, FL Crystal River, FL

Specialty Education Courses Houston, TX Houston, TX Houston, TX

November 14-15 November 16-17 November 18-19

DMSION PUBLICITY NEEDED

DATES "111AT RATE The following dates and sites have been scheduled for US PTA educational events in 1988. For further information, contact the

USPTA is currently accepting news releases, publicity, upcoming activities or any other newsworthy items pertaining to USPTA Divisions for inclusion in the DIVISION NEWS section of NewsJournal and ADDvantage magazine. This section was introduced in the May/June NewsJournal.

We hope to build this section to accommodate on or two complete pages in each issue . But, we need your assistance. Let your division be represented by submitting news-related items, photographs, upcoming division activities etc., to the Public Relations Department at the National Office.

We appreciate all your support.

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Making Tennis Fun For Everyone b y Tim Heckler, USPTA Executive Director

I

n the absence of friendly competition , it is impossible for fun tournaments to live up to their name. Likewise, these events are unprofitable and socially unrewarding if the draws are small and the competition overly serious, as is often the case with events held at small- to medium-size facilities and limited to one level of competition .

The secret to a successful fun tournament, whether it be men 's, ladies or adult-junior doubles competition , is maximum participation and social interaction as well as the possibility that everyone can win a few matches. The solution is handicapping.

Proponents of handicapping point to the benefit of social interaction in the larger fun tournaments, and to the need of a segment of better players to test their skills against mounting odds. In their minds, the pressure to win is minimized, the challenge to win maximized. The fear of losing is less when playing an opponent with a prescribed handicap.

Opponents argue that, because the levels of tennis competence are so finely tuned, once you have established superiority over an opponent, it is no longer fun to play that person . Handicapping becomes a source of frustration . The weaker player has nothing to lose and everything to gain, including bragging rights that would not exist in championship conditions.

I ask you to consider the psychology of fun social tournaments. Wh ich format is better?

You be the judge.

It is inevitable that some players will never accept handicapping . They would be happier competing in levels tournaments or the multitude of championship-style events offered . They should not, however, discourage or impede development of handicapping systems, which ultimately can help introduce millions of players to tennis.

Currently, there are several excellent

24

handicapping systems in use worldwide some computerized, some manual, some even home-made. For years, British Commonwealth nations have utilized various methods of handicapping in an effort to add interest to certain events. In the United States, variations of the bisque , National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) and other systems have been similarly used by activity directors. (In our next magazine issue, under "Activity Tip of the Month," we will discuss how NTRP can be used as an effective handicapping tool.)

Although it was mentioned as important to tennis two years ago in the industry study " Why People Play," handicapping has yet to become a formal issue in the United States.

Opponents remain more vocal than proponents, and the debate is so cluttered that a major argument is being ignored: Handicapping won 't affect those who don 't enter handicapped tournaments. What's more, it will be targeted for the recreational level, which is much in need of an infusion of enjoyment and social interaction.

The development and promotion of handicapping will not detract from tennis. Rather, it will create a new dimension of interest for a large segment of current and potential participants who want more out of the game.

Hopefully, USTA and USPTA will give handicapping greater consideration in the future. US PTA professionals, being extremely knowledgeable activity directors, can draw many ideas from their groups for instituting handicapping and other activity formats.

With the next magazine issue, "Activity Tip of the Month" becomes a regular feature .

We welcome your ideas for review and possible publication . Should we receive enough tips on handicapping systems, we will devote a segment of a future issue to the topic.

I look forward to hearing from you . o

BULK RATE US POSTAGE

PAID Permit No. 3887 Tampa , FL

at Saddlebrook, The Golf and Tennis Resort Wesley Chapel, FL 34249

86219 McClain, William M 3820 Amhet~st Dallas TX 75225