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the magazine for men and women tennis-teaching professionals
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Explore the history off USPTA
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ADD
the magazine for
the total professional - enhancing your
departments
9 The USPTA seminar contest: a win-win situation
3
President's message
by Mike Kernodle, National Seminar Contest Chairman — Win money, earn points toward Master Professional certification and speak at the World Conference.
4
USPTA mailbox
5
Secretary-treasurer's message
10 USPTA history shows growth of a profession by Dan Soine, USPTA staff writer— USPTA's founders sought to bridge the gap between the amateur ranks and a respectable career as a tennis professional.
14 Ask the professor - Sudden impact can deliver too much too soon
18 Little Tennis tips 29
Career development
32
Industry action
34
Classifieds
by Jack Groppel, Ph.D., USPTA — Risks involved when children compete against older, more physically mature players. 19 Tennis tips 22
Tennis player retention: the evolution of a club member by Klaus P. Hilgers and Paul MacDonald, USPTA — Club staff and tennis pros help new participants meet challenges of learning tennis and being a new club member.
36
Pro Penn Quarterly Discount
news 6
Bonjour Bolle! Sunglasses endorsed by USPTA
7 Tennis industry contacts 16
More scenes from the 1998 USPTA World Conference on Tennis
26
Champion of Champions: It's your choice
27
Champion of Champions brochure
On the cover ... USPTA's archives contain photos that trace its history. See related story on ye 10.
>lume 22 • issue ADDvantage magazine editorial offices One USPTA Centre, 3535 Briarpark Drive Houston, TX 77042 Phone-(713)978-7782 (800)
USPTA-4U
Fax-(713) 978-7780 e-mail — magazine@uspta.org
Editor Managing editor Circulation Advertising
Shawna Riley Julie Myers Kathy Buchanan Diane Richbourg Office hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Central time ADDvanfage is published monthly by the United States Professional Tennis Association.
The opinions expressed in ADDvanfage are those of the authors and not necessarily those of ADDvanfage or the USPTA. Copyright© United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 1998. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any portion of the magazine is not permitted without written permission from USPTA. ADDvantage/Decemberl998
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USPTA, USTA working together to improve coaching in United States
1.
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NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS President First Vice President Vice Presidents
Harry Gilbert Mark McMahon David T. Porter Ron Woods
Secretary-treasurer Townsend Gilbert Past President
Kurt Kamperman
WORLD HEADQUARTERS CEO
I
'm happy to tell you that USPTA has come to a positive agreement with USTA that involves building a coaching development program for tennis professionals who train promising young and college-age competitive players. In order to achieve a certification through this program, applicants will be required to demonstrate that they have acquired a specific set of coaching competencies. The USTA, in cooperation with the tennis-teaching organizations, will set the standards and administer the test for these competencies. The USPTA will develop Specialty Courses and a certification track for coaching development so those members who are truly dedicated to training competitive players can follow that career track and be recognized for their expertise. The USPTA and USTA signed an agreement in August to work together on this project. I would like to point out that from the beginning, the USPTA was 100 percent behind the idea of developing a program through which our members and other certified teaching professionals could gain additional knowledge and a specialty certification in teaching competitive players. However, we felt strongly that the two tennis-teaching associations should handle the certification for this program. The USTA agreed to this and now it is time to move forward and put our energies behind this concept. As for what this new program is all about — it is about training and education to help our profes-
sionals who currently coach or desire to coach high-level competitive players. The program will help them do an even better job with our country's top players. Both associations agree that there is no reason our great country shouldn't have numerous players in the top 50 and always some in the top 10. To guarantee this happening in the future, this cooperative program is being developed. So, how does this work? Initially, the program will be limited to professionals who have met the following prerequisites: • Highest level of certification (PI) • Pass the Level I Sport Science Exam • Five years of training experience with competitive players (at least three sectionally ranked) The test, which is currently being developed, will likely have a written component (possibly using the Internet), an on-court component, video analysis and a training workshop. The USTA Sport Science testing program will also be part of this program. The actual certification will be granted by USPTA and will be issued in cooperation with the USTA's Player Development Program. We are looking forward to working with the USTA on this important and exciting project and encourage all of our top professionals to participate. SS*0
Tim Heckler
Director of Operations
Rich Fanning
Executive Assistant
Marty Bostrom
Director of Communications
Shawna Riley
Communications/ Divisional Liaison
Courtenay Dreves
Communications
Jill H. Phipps
Publications Coordinator
Julie Myers
Public Relations Coordinator
Dan Soine
Marketing Coordinator
Diane Richbourg
Director of Career Development
Jim Peavy
Educational Administrator
Thelma Holmes
Career Mathew Thompson Development Assistant Webmaster/Corporate Services Manager Corporate Services Secretary Computer Services/ Club Relations Membership/ Education
Kendra Garcia Kathy Buchanan Vicky Tristan
Financial Manager Controller
Christl Call
Renee Heckler Theresa Weatherford
Insurance/ Merchandise Services Merchandise Services
Ellen Schmidt
Susan Wright-Broughton
Director George Bacso of Certification and Academies
LEGAL COUNSEL Attorney-at-law
Paul Waldman
For information, write the World Headquarters USPTA One USPTA Centre 3535 Briarpark Drive Houston, TX 77042 Phone(713)97-USPTA (800) USPTA-4U Fax (713) 978-7780 e-rnail - uspta@uspta.org Internet - www.uspta.org Office hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Central time
ADDvantage/Decemberl998
3
USPTA mailbox Dear USPTA, I don't think there is anyone in the USPTA who has spent as much time with George Bacso, on and off a tennis court, over the years as I have. In 1976,1 started taking lessons from George when I was a junior in college. It was no coincidence that my game really picked up within weeks. George is a pro's pro. The following summer, George asked me to work at his summer camp. I had been teaching at a county facility and would be making more money as its director than at George's camp. My parents convinced me that if I was serious about becoming a teaching pro after college, it was more important to learn from the master than to make money at the time. I couldn't have made a better decision. I learned more from George during the next two summers than most people learn about teaching in a lifetime. I learned about teaching techniques, how to run drills, how to organize camps and to teach. His passion for teaching couldn't help but rub off on me. I was determined to be like him. After college, a club asked George to take over the teaching program and he wanted me to be his head pro. What an opportunity! I felt honored to be able to walk into a job like that. I had become familiar with the USPTA by working for George. He was on the national board and eventually moved up to president. I was ordered to take the USPTA Certification Exam by the start of 1979- In those days prospective members needed a sponsor. I was honored to be one of very few people George agreed to sponsor. I passed the test and actually felt 4 ADDvantoge/Decemberl998
/ learned more from George during the next two summers than most people learn about teaching in a lifetime.
the preparation he put me through was more difficult than the test itself. I figured I passed the test and now I could take it easy. Wrong! George told me it would be a good idea to get involved on the New Jersey board. He said that while I was at it, I might as well help him give the certification test. That was a journey that still hasn't ended. I have been active in the USPTA since 1979 and I don't regret it one bit. I have met people from all over the country, creating friendships that will last a lifetime. I worked for George from 1976 until 1984, when he thought it was a good idea for me to go out on my own and run my own program. I didn't know it at the time, but he made the decision for me. George Bacso is the USPTA. He has dedicated his whole life to it. George might not be as slick or smooth as some people might be. He is honest, straightforward, no BS. He might not sugar-coat things, not because he is mean, but because he doesn't have time to mince words. He probably has to grade an exam or give a lesson or test. I once told George at our indoor club that all of the kids and three quarters of the parents were scared to death of him. He laughed and couldn't understand what I was talking about. George doesn't have a nasty bone in his body. He is just so devoted to tennis and his work that he doesn't have time for small talk. He takes his tennis seriously. If all his students took their tennis as seriously, they would have been even better. George was awarded the first USPTA George Bacso Lifetime Achievement Award at the World
Conference on Tennis in La Quinta, Calif. I spent time with George's daughter Delia at the conference. We reminisced about how their whole garage was filled with USPTA stuff! There wasn't any room for a car. It shows you what is more important to him. There couldn't be a more fitting recipient of a more appropriate award. The success of the entire USPTA is a result of George Bacso's lifetime devotion to it. George is going through a difficult time right now, as everyone knows. If you haven't wished him well lately, please call or write to him. I am glad the USPTA has honored George Bacso with the one award he truly deserves. Steve Diamond, USPTA Eastern Division President Montville, N.J. Dear Membership, I am thrilled with my certification this year with USPTA. Even though I have taught for a number of years, the prestige and identification with USPTA has noticeably affected people's reaction to my teaching credentials. I was recently hired for a job teaching group lessons after only a phone interview, mainly because I was certified specifically with USPTA. That was a good experience. It is great being a certified member of USPTA. Gary A. Elwell, USPTA Arlington, Va.
Secretary-treasurer's message flHHHHHIHHHH^HHIHHHHHHHHIHMHHHHHHHlMl >„,. .,.,, B:
Who are we?
What business are we in? What do we really do?
I
n an industry filled with acronyms and tennis terms, we sometimes question our function within the scheme of our sport. Although programs and personalities will change over time, USPTA professionals will always play an important role in tennis. I would like to describe USPTA professionals and the obstacles we face. Who are we? 1. USPTA members are hard-working tennis teachers and coaches. 2. On average, we spend more than 40 hours a week working to make a living. 3. We enhance the lives of our students. 4- We are dedicated to the sport we serve. 5- Our function is still not completely understood or respected by owners and employers. 6. We are facing decreasing growth in our chosen career. 7- We give freely of our time for future growth of the sport . 8. We perform skills that only a small percentage of people have the ability to do. 9. We are dedicated to our professional organization. What do we lack? 1. Time 2. The industry's awareness of our skills 3. The income to justify our professional skills What is our business? 1. Service oriented: No work, no pay 2. Educational: Our enjoyment seeing students learn 3- Social: Our enjoyment being around people 4- Physically demanding As an association, we have to promote our members in a way that enhances their lives and ability to earn a living. The public relations department is starting to do just that. The new budget reflects an increase in funding for this area.
I started teaching tennis in 1963 and have taught in some capacity every year. I have found that over the years, the biggest obstacle I have had to overcome was trying to increase my income. The years my net income was up, the owner or manager of the facility where I worked would increase the cost of my lessons so the club could make more money. One club I worked in had a net income from lessons of $5,000 the year before I was hired. After 13 years and 13 arrangements (a net income of over $54,000), the owner still did not understand what I did for a living. I believe he started to fully understand the year after I left because the income from the tennis area dropped dramatically. We are entrepreneurs. We, the Association and each USPTA professional, have to tell our own story again and again. We do not promote ourselves very well. We have to improve the way we sell ourselves. Suggestions to increase awareness to the public and management 1. Hang your USPTA plaque in public view. 2. Sign all your correspondence with USPTA-P (l, 2, 3) or Master Professional. 3. Hang a USPTA banner with your name on it on your teaching court. 4. Join service clubs and educate your fellow professionals as to your abilities. 5. Record every dollar of income to the tennis area for support in contract negotiations. 6. Record information of court usage by club members. 7> Set goals for yourself and the tennis area with management on a quarterly basis.
Townsend Gilbert
USPTA professionals will always play an important role in tennis.
I realize we are all very busy trying to make a living. Time is something we do not have and is also very hard to find. You have to make time. Your income depends on it. Do it for yourself — you will receive the rewards, and everyone will realize the importance of the teaching professional in tennis. ^ ADDvantage/Decemberl998 5
Bonjour Bolle! Sunglasses endorsed by USPTA Bolle, maker of the first tennis-specific sunglasses, re- \y became a USPTA endorsee. The product approval was announced at the 1998 USPTA World Conference on Tennis in La Qumta, Calif., where the Bolle glasses quickly made a positive impression on members attending the International Tennis Buying Show. Bolle's Competivision glasses, made specifically for tennis players, are designed to protect players from harmful UV rays without hampering on-court vision. The lenses, which have a teal cast, do not lessen the perceived color contrast between the ball and background objects.
Instead, t h e \ en-
^^H hance the contrast by using a selective optical filter, making it easier to see the optic yellow of a tennis ball. "Bolle is in the vision and performance business," said Ken D'Arcy, Bolle North America's general manager. "Our job is to provide tennis players and teaching professionals with the bestperforming sunglasses and protect them from the harmful effects of the sun." Competivision frames are
available in pre-pack displays for retail sale, and have already proven to be successful sale items in some pro shops run by USPTA professionals. USPTA First Vice President Joseph Thompson told fellow members at the World Conference that a prepack display he ordered before the conference already sold out by the time he arrived in California from his Denver-area club. More traditional gray lenses also come with the Competivision ones and are easily interchangeable. In addition, Bolle makes eyewear for skiing, golf and other sports, and has provided sunglasses to the United States space program. Bolle was founded in France and began making eyewear 40 years ago. It was purchased in 1997 by an American company and has its North American headquarters in Denver. USPTA members who would like more information about Bolle may visit the company's
A visitor to the Bolle booth at the USPTA International Tennis Buying Show discusses the Competivision sunglasses. 6 ADDvantoge/December 1998
web site at www.bolle.com. To order Bolle sunglasses for personal use or retail sale, please call Bolle customer service at (800) 772-4093.^
ITHF International Tennis Hall of Fame Mark Stenning, Executive Director 194 Bellevue Ave. Newport, R.I. 02840 (401) 849-3990 (401) 849-8780 fax ithf@aol.com www.tennisfame.org
AAHPERD American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Karen Dowd, President 1900 Association Drive Reston, Va. 20191 (703) 476-3400 (703) 476-9527 fax info@aahperd.org www.aahperd.org
CMAA Club Managers Association of America James B. Singerling, Executive Director King Street Metro Place 1733 King St. Alexandria, Va. 22314
ASEP American Sport Education Program Karen Partlow, National Director 1607 N. Market Street Champaign, III. 61820 (217) 351-5076 (217) 351-2674 fax asep@hkusa.com www.asep.com
French Open French Open Patrice Clerc, Tournament Director 2 Avenue Gordon Bennett 75016 Paris, France 33-1-47-43-4800 33-1-465-16724 fax www.frenchopen.org
NAIA National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics William R. Patterson, CEO 6120 S.Yale Ave., Suite 1450 Tulsa, Okla. 74136 (918) 494-8828 (918)494-8841 fax jbeeman@naia.org www.naia.org
IHRSA International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association John McCarthy, Executive Director 263 Summer St. Boston, Mass. 02210 (617)951-0055 (617) 951-0056 fax ihrsa@aol.com www.ihrsa.org
NCA National Club Association Susanne Wegrzyn, Executive Vice President 3050 K St. N.W., Suite 3c Washington, D.C. 20007 (202) 822-9822 (202) 822-9808 fax
ATA American Tennis Association Bernard Chavis, Executive Director 8100 Cleary Blvd. Suite 1007 Plantation, Fla. 33324 (954)382-1121 (954) 382-1126 fax ataflorida@aol.com www.ata-florida.org ATP Tour Men's professional tour Mark Miles, CEO 200 ATP Tour Blvd. Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. 32082 (904) 285-8000 (904) 285-5966 fax www.atptour.com Australian Open Australian Open Paul McNamee, Tournament Director Private Bag 6060 Richmond South 3121 Victoria Australia 61-39-286-1177 61-39-650-2743 fax mab@ibm.net www.ausopen.org
CCA Club Corp. of America Robert H. Dedman Sr., CEO P.O. Box 819012 Dallas, Texas 75381 (214) 243-6191 (214) 888-9856 fax info@clubcorp.com www.clubcorp.com
(703) 739-9500 (703) 739-0124 fax cmaa@cmaa.org www.cmaa.org
ITA Intercollegiate Tennis Association David Benjamin, Executive Director P.O. Box 71 Princeton, N.J. 08544 (609) 258-6332 (609) 258-2935 fax dab@princeton.edu www.tennisonline.com/ita
International Tennis Federation Brian Tobin, President Bank Lane Roehampton, London SW15 5XZ England 44-181-878-6464 44-181-878-7799 fax itf@itftennis.com www.itftennis.com
NCAA National Collegiate Athletic Association Cedric Dempsey, Executive Director 6201 College Blvd. Overland Park, Kan. 66211 -2422 (913)339-1906 (913) 339-1950 fax www.ncaa.org NFWT National Foundation of Wheelchair Tennis Susan Edelstein, National Coordinator USTA 70 W. Red Oak Lane White Plains, N.Y 10604 (914)696-7000 (914)696-7234 info@usta.com www.usta.com
r
NHSTCF National High School Tennis Coaches Federation Scott M. Enge, President 8130 Bell Road Lenexa, Kan. 66219 (913)541-0531 maenge@smsd.k12.ks.us
Over ADDvantoge/Decemberl998
7
NJCAA National Junior College Athletic Association George Killian, Executive Director P.O. Box 7305 Colorado Springs, Colo. 80933-7305 (719)590-9788 (719) 590-7324 fax www.njcaa.org NRPA National Recreation and Park Association R. Dean Tice, Executive Director 22377 Belmont Ridge Road Ashburn, Va. 20148 (703) 858-0784 (703) 858-0794 fax info@nrpa.org www.nrpa.org PBI Peter Burwash International Peter Burwash, President 2203 Timberloch Place, Suite 126 The Woodlands, Texas 77380 (713)363-4707 (713) 292-7783 fax *g pbi@infohwy.com
PCPFS President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports Sandra Perlmutter, Executive Director 701 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Suite 250 Washington, D.C. 20004 (202) 272-3421 (202) 504-2064 fax
TCA Tennis Corporation of America Alan Schwartz, Chairman I J3611 N.KedzieAve. Chicago, III. 60618 ; ; (773)463-1234 (773) 463-0999 fax TIA Tennis Industry Association Kurt Kamperman, President 19 Pope Ave. - Executive Park Suite 107 Hilton Head Island, S.C. 29928 (803) 686-3036 (803) 686-3078 fax tiakurt@aol.com
usoc United States Olympic Committee Dick Schultz, Executive Director One Olympic Plaza Colorado Springs, Colo. 80909 (719)632-5551 (719) 578-4654 fax www.olympic.nbc.com/usoc
Special Olympics International International Headquarters Timothy Shriver, CEO 1325G. St. N.W., Suite 500 Washington, D.C. 20005-4709 (202) 628-3630 (202) 824-0200 fax specialolympics@msn.com www.specialolympics.org SGMA ^H Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association John Riddle, President 200 Castlewood Drive North Palm Beach, Fla. 33408 (561)842-4100 (561) 863-8984 fax www.sportlink.com
8 ADDvantage/December
United States Tennis Association Rick Ferman, Executive Director 70 W. Red Oak Lane White Plains, N.Y. 10604 : (914) 696-7000 (914) 696-7167 fax info@usta.com www.usta.com
USTC&TBA United States Tennis Court and Track Builders Association Jim Petrucelli, Chairman 3525 Ellicott Mills Drive, Ste N. Ellicott City, Md.21043 (410)418-4875 (410)418-4805 fax f assnhdqtrs@aol.com •
Wimbledon Wimbledon Christopher Gorringe, Tournament Director All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet
Club U.S. Open U.S. Open Joseph A. Snyder, Tournament Director USTA 70 W. Red Oak Lane White Plains, N.Y 10604-3602 (914) 696-7000 (914) 696-7167 fax W, info@usta.com www.usta.com
USPTA Special Olympics
USTA
United States Professional Tennis Association Tim Heckler, CEO One USPTA Centre 3535 Briarpark Drive Houston, Texas 77042 (800) 877-8248 (713)978-7782 (713) 978-7780 fax uspta@uspta.org www.uspta.org
Church Road Wimbledon, London SW19 5AE England 44-181-946-9122 44-181-947-3354 fax www.wimbledon.org WTA Tour Women's professional tour Bart McGuire, CEO 1266E. Main St. Stamford, Conn. 06902 (203)978-1740 (203) 97 8-1702 fax www.corelwtatour.com
WTS Washington Tennis Service Gary Henkin, President and CEO 12501 Prosperity Drive, Suite 460 Silver Springs, Md. 20904 (301)622-7800 (301) 622-3373 fax wtsint@aol.com
USRSA United States Racquet String Association Jill Fonte, Executive Director P.O. Box 40 Del Mar, Calif. 92014 (619)481-3545 (619) 481-0624 fax usrsa@aol.com
WTT World TeamTennis liana Kloss, Executive Director 445 N. Wells, Suite 404 Chicago, III. 60610
(312)
245-5300
(312) 245-5321 fax www.worldteamtennis.com
USPTA seminar contest: a w'\t\-w'\n situation by lAichael Kerhodld, Ph.D. National Sdminar Contest Chairman
o you want to win money? Do you want a chance to speak at the USPTA World Conference? Do you want to earn points toward your Master Professional rating? Would you like a free night at the conference plus free registration? Do you want the opportunity to speak in front of your peers and express your views and new ideas? If the answer to any of these questions is "yes," you should become a seminar contestant at your divisional meeting and compete for a chance to speak at the national level. Let's get down to specifics. Is there really any money? Ask Don Hazledine from the Intermountain Division about the $1,200 he got for winning this year's seminar contest. Congratulations Don. Great job! By the way, congratulations to all of the contestants. The quality of the presentations this year was terrific and the ranking of the contestants was very difficult. Back to money. Amy Bradley of the Southern Division won $750 for second place, Mark Frampton of Southwest, $400, Pat Hanssen of the
Mid-Atlantic, $200, and Lyn Delaney of Missouri Valley, $100. As you can see, the dispersal of money goes all the way down to fifth place. In addition, some divisions provide funds to their division winners to help defray travel expenses. Keep in mind that the national winner is given a one-hour slot to speak at the World Conference the following year. This means that the registration fee f or the convention is gratis and your room the night before you speak is free. Are there other benefits? As previously mentioned, you get points toward your Master Pro certification by attending the divisional and international conference. And, if you win the international seminar contest, you get points the next year for speaking at the World
Conference. By participating you get a chance to express your ideas and work on your speaking skills. I would strongly encourage everyone to get involved. If you don't want to actually participate, go to hear the speakers. I learn something new every year and really enjoy the influx of new ideas and/or new ways of rearranging old ideas. The seminar contest is truly a win-win situation. If you want to get involved, contact your divisional officers and they will have the information you need. You can also contact Thelma Holmes at the national office in Houston or me at Appalachian State University. In closing I would like to say that of the four years I have been involved, this year's contest was the best organized with the highest overall level of quality. I would like to thank Thelma Holmes of the national office and my two judges, Tom Cascarano and Lefty Wilner for their help and insight. I hope to see your name as a presenter in the near future. *&°
ADDvontage/DecemberI9'
USPTA history shows growth of a profession by Dan Soine, USPTA staff writer
Pros Art Prochaska and Doris Hart give a tennis clinic in Pittsburgh, Pa.
USPLTA officers, clockwise, beginning bottom center: Louis Ballato, Mickey Phillips, Thomas Byrne, Lillian Martin, George Agutter, James A. Bernson, Herb Walker, Richard Barrow, Claudia Long and Arthur F. Condon, ("K
10 ADDvantage/Decemberl998
n September 23, 1927, a small group of tennis professionals gathered in an upper-story room of the Spaldmg building in New York City. Their mission: to bridge the gap between the amateur ranks and a respectable career as a tennis professional. Little did they know their plan would materialize into today's United States Professional Tennis Association, a worldwide organization of more than 11,000 teaching professionals dedicated to promoting the sport and raising the standards of their profession.
First serves Among the pioneers at that initial planning meeting were George Agutter, the first head professional at West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills, N.Y.; James Burns; William Croker, head professional at Longwood Country Club in Boston; Ed Faulkner; Henry Geidel; Paul Heston; Walter Kinsella; Frank Lafforgue; Harry McNeal; James Reid; H.L. Richards; Vinnie Richards; Harvey Snodgrass and Charles Wood. They met to organize a national body that would work to further the best interests of the game of tennis, especially through the professional players and instructors of the sport. Although tennis was introduced to the United States in 1874, it was not until the years following World War I that tennis became popular enough to warrant professional instructors, and the majority of these instructors were located on
the East Coast. When the group emerged from its first meeting, the Professional Lawn Tennis Association (PLTA) of the United States was born. The group sent out the following notice to all recognized tennis professionals: "For some time there has been a very strong feeling among lawn tennis professionals that there is a need for some organisation to protect and promote their interests, and to assist them in obtaining a proper and recogni^ed status in the tennis world. A meeting was held on September 2j and it was decided to form an Association.. .An initiation fee of $10 will be charged to all new members. Dues are to be $5 annually. "An executive committee has been elected and a constitution adopted. It is the desire of this executive committee to have all tennis professionals of accepted standards become members of this Association. As one of these, you are cordially invited to fill out the enclosed application blank for membership."
Pro active As the years passed, America's greatest tennis players and teach-
ers belonged to the PLTA, includ-
Great
ing Jack Kramer, Tony Trabert,
with the World's
Matches
Fred Perry, Don Budge, Bobby
Greatest
Riggs, Pancho Segura, Bill Til-
Tennis by Con-
Pros;
den, Ellsworth Vines, Frank Park-
trast, Comparative
er, Vinnie Richards, Bruce Barnes,
Games of Riggs,
Welby Van H o r n and A l e x
Budge,
Olmedo.
Stoefen and Til-
Perry,
den; and Mixed
As early as the 1940s, the organization also began to attract
Troubles, a tennis
famous women members, includ-
comedy starring
ing Pauline Betz Addie, Alice
Mickey Rooney,
Marble and Sarah Cooke.
Walter Pidgeon, Pa u11n e
These women and men were
Betz
the cream of the tennis crop, and
and Sarah Pal-
their professional tours captured
frey Cooke.
In 1957, the
the imagination of thousands of
Association
fans around the world.
changed
During this period, the PLTA
its
membership was limited prima-
name
rily to the eastern United States.
U n i t e d States
The Association offered few ben-
Professional
efits other than a membership directory, annual meetings and an opportunity to meet others in the profession.
The Spalding building in New York City, site of the Association's first meeting,
In the late 1940s, membership increased to more than 200
Lawn
to
the
Tennis
Paul
Association
Building a profession
(USPLTA). Membership grew to
A World Headquarters build-
more than 550 professionals in
ing was just a dream in the for-
eight geographic regions under
mative years of USPTA. The
the presidency of William Lufler
records of the Association's ear-
in the early 1960s.
lier members were stored in shoe-
of the nation's top professionals.
The open tennis explosion in
The group added benefits such as
1968 brought professional players
a job placement service, two meet-
into their heyday, and the indus-
In 1990, USPTA took the
ings a year and a model profes-
try grew by leaps and bounds. The
next step in its development as
sional contract for members to
first national Certification Exams
an association. It purchased a
use with their clubs.
were administered in 1969 under
t w o - s t o r y office b u i l d i n g in
In following years, the PLTA
then President Jack Barnaby, mod-
H o u s t o n to house its World
acquired an official song, "I'm in
eled after those already in use by
Headquarters. The fully comput-
the PLTA now!," and members
several of the Association's divi-
erized, state-of-the-art USPTA
1970 USPTA Membership
sions. Over the years, it has been
offices brought member services
Directory
molded under the direction of
to an even higher level. USPTA's
George Bacso, USPTA director of
ownership of the building contin-
certification and academies, into
ues to serve as a source of finan-
the extensive exam it is today.
cial stability, in addition to build-
were involved in three movies, Topflite
Tennis, Great Moments of
The establishment of professional standards through the Cer-
boxes at the home of USPTA's first executive director.
ing member pride in the organization.
tification Exam caught the atten-
Over the years, the national
tion of teaching professionals in-
office has moved from Huntsville,
terested in a tennis career path,
Ala., to The Colony Beach and
and membership began to grow.
Tennis Resort near Sarasota, Fla.,
During the 1960s and early '70s,
then Saddlebrook Resort near
USPLTA expanded west and add-
Tampa, Fla., and f i n a l l y to
ed its last eight divisions. It made o
Houston.
its final name change to USPTA in the early '70s.
From 1974 to I 9 8 l , the m e m b e r s h i p i n c r e a s e d from 1,000 to 2,500. It has since Continued next page
The kids all love USPTA member Mary Hardwick. (1952) ADDvantage/December]998
From page 11
Ernie Spiller, Cincinnati (Ohio) Country Club, giving son "Chip," age 3, first lesson, leaped from 2,500 to more than 11,000 members. As the number of members grew, so did the number of membership benefits. Today, USPTA offers numerous publications, on-court liability insurance, sports marketing events, extensive continuing education, prize-money tournaments, influence with club owners and managers, a national public relations program and a variety of prod-
uct packages, to name a few. Some of the most successful teachers, coaches and players joined USPTA's membership ranks throughout the 1970s, '80s and '90s. Some standouts include Arthur Ashe, Nick Bollettieri, Vic Braden, Peter Burwash, Mary Carillo, Cliff Drysdale, Chris Evert, Vitas Gerulaitis, Jack Groppel, Tim and Tom Gullikson, Billie Jean King, Jim Loehr, Dennis Ralston, Pam Shriver, Stan Smith, Fred Stolle, Bill Tym and many others. In the early 1980s, the women members organized, their numbers began to grow, and they acquired stronger leadership roles. Kathy Woods served as the first woman president of the Association from 19941996. Minority professionals also became more involved in the tennis profession and USPTA formed multicultural committees at the divisional and national levels. In 1981, the Japan Professional Tennis Association invited USPTA and Fred Stolle to conduct a tennis academy in Tokyo and became the first foreign tennis organization to join USPTA. Other allied associa-
tions USPTA has worked with include the Asociacion de Profesores & Instructores de Tenis de Mexico, the British Tennis Coaches' Association, the Tennis Coaches of South Africa and Spain's Registry of Professional Tennis. USPTA's membership now boasts representatives from more than 60 countries. There have been many changes in the Association and in the tennis industry since September 23, 1927- New racquets, new pro stars and new teaching methods continue to touch millions of tennis enthusiasts worldwide. Nevertheless, one constant remains — the dedication of thousands of USPTA teaching professionals who continue to shape the way people learn and play the game. «^» Some of the above material was adapted from Tennis: A Professional Guide, availablefor #25 from the USPTA World Headquarters. Thejz6-page manual features a history of professional tennis, tennis skills, strategy, match preparation, biomechanics, tournament organisation, rules and more.
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Sudden impact can deliver too much too soon There is a very talented I I-year-old male player who has been playing in the 14s all summer. This player has competed in district, sectional and national tournaments. He also plays 16s and 18s in order to advance his level of play. He hits the ball as hard as any 18-year-old, is tall for his age - about 5 feet 6 inches, and has an average build for an 11 year-old. At the tournament last weekend, this young man was playing 18s against a pretty good opponent who was 18. As he returned a forehand, he felt his shoulder snap. After that, he could not continue the tournament and was sent to have an MRI the following day. Has there been any research regarding the physical ability of a young body (particularly male since they mature later) to handle the force exerted by a more physically mature player?
Jack Groppel, Ph.D., is the executive vice president of LGE Performance Systems. He is an instruction editor for Tennis magazine, and is the author of High-Tech Tennis and co-author of The Science of Coaching Tennis. Groppel is a USPTA Master Professional and was named 1987 USPTA Professional of the Year. 14 ADDvantage/Decemberl998
;s This is an area of great con. cern, both from an anatomical viewpoint, and from a view of total tennis development. Let me begin by discussing issues of injury in tennis and how they occur. Injury can be acute (occurring upon immediate stress like stepping on a ball and spraining an ankle) or chronic (over time stress like tennis elbow). Causes of injury can be numerous, but can stem from three general areas: 1. Encountering too much force for the body to accommodate 2. Accelerating to move a body part 3. Decelerating to slow down a body part Your question specifically deals
with the issue of encountering excessive force, but it also involves the other two areas. For years, I have had concerns about young children using racquets that are either too long or too massive for their bodies to handle. Although this research does not specifically address your question, it took place in the late 1970s. I published a research article in a scientific journal dealing with how children must have a racquet suited to their physiological capacity. This was stated specifically to minimize the incidence of injury and to improve that child's skill development in tennis. It was found that children will change their swing mechanics if the racquet is not appropriately suited to their capabilities. Therefore, tennis skill development is severely compromised. Now, let s discuss the issue you raised. If an 11-year-old child plays an 18-year-old of the same gender, we should examine the physical situation. An 11-year-old is pre-pubescent, so many issues are presented, but the primary one I wish to expound upon is anatomical development. An 11 -year-old definitely has not completed bone and muscle development whereas an 18-year-old late adolescent is nearing full development. This has ramifications for the ability to encounter and resist force, accelerate the body and decelerate the body. This is true for both genders, but would probably occur in higher numbers for boys because, in general, an 18-year-old boy can swing the racquet with greater speed and accommodate the repetitive force of the strokes.
To examine your specific issue, then, we have an 11-year-old boy playing an 18-year-old boy. Assuming that this 18-year-old boy is skilled and can swing the racquet effectively, this boy may be able to serve near 100 mph and hit heavy, aggressive groundstrokes. Given this, the 11-yearold has options - change swing mechanics to "bunt" the ball back, or try to play the 18-year-old straight up and try to match hit for hit. Most (and I emphasize the word most) 11-year-olds could not handle this second option. Now, whose responsibility is it to monitor a situation like this? I believe it is first the parents' and then the coach's. We must step up to the plate, take responsibility and protect our players. I feel this way, in general, about the sports medicine implications to our players regardless of whether they' are o young or old, male or female. HavingO said that, you should be Âť aware that in some countries (such as Spain), there exists only one competitive age group, l8-andunder. There are age-level tournaments, but not for ranking. It is the responsibility of the parents and coaches to allow or not allow a child to compete in those 18and-under tournaments. Decisions would be made on physical and mental capabilities, but also from the standpoint of game development. In summary, we as tennis-teaching professionals must help players at all levels and ages improve their skill, but we also must act responsibly in protecting the health and happiness of our athletes. ^Âť
TENCAP, the USPTA-endorsed handicap system, accurately ranks players of differing abilities. That means more competitive events and active, motivated players. It's the most significant advance in tennis in 15 years. The TENCAP Advantage... + Tennis becomes exciting again. Matches between equals are more fun. TENCAP makes every match a challenge. + Events are more competitive. With TENCAP everyone has a chance to win. + TENCAP generates revenue. Leagues and tournaments will be better attended. Plus, earn income from TENCAP fees. + TENCAP helps manage your players. A built-in database keeps track of players and their scores.
COMING TO VOUR REGIOH THIS VERRI B TENNIS HANDICAPPING SYSTEM
The Official Handicap System of the l/SPf/P For more information, call 612-591-9495 or e-mail at tencap@aol.com
More scenes from the 1998 USPTA World Conference on Tennis Sept. 19-26, La Quinta, Calif.
^t:%;-,^"-: '.&& #>m^ \- :•','••?•'*'•:&}
16 ADDvantage/Decemberl998
ADDvontage/Decemberl998 17
uspta
w me your baby We all want children to have a good time while at clinics. Laughing, smiling and joking around is always a sign that kids are having fun. Have you ever played games in which you give the player a second chance? For example, when I play a game called "Around the world," I will give each player a second chance. However, in order for them to get that second chance, they have to make a baby face. This really works. The parents who are watching get a kick out of it and the players and teachers always laugh. David Minihan, USPTA Norman, Okla.
3-point play Body tennis Arrange the students in a semicircle. The pro tosses a bouncing rubber ball to a child and as the ball is in the air the pro calls out a body part. Kids then hit the ball back to the pro with that part of their body. For example, the pro may call out "elbow" and the child must hit the ball back with their elbow. Michael Shires, USPTA Dallas, Texas
One of the first things tots like to do when picking up balls is to pretend they're playing basketball and start hurling tennis balls from 10 feet back. So instead of giving them a big basket to aim for I got a little hook-on basket from a household store one day while shopping. It hooks onto the fence about racquet's reach for the kids and acts as a great hoop. They shoot for this hoop during serves using the tossing motion of the serve. They absolutely love it and, in fact, want to be at the tossing station instead of the serving station. Each child gets to play until they get two or three balls in. You can adjust the hoop up and down for higher or lower tosses, depending on how you want the player to adjust their toss. Great for all ages! Matt Springer, USPTA Richland, Wash.
18 ADDvantage/December 1998
-tips , USPTA Real estate tennis What kind of real estate do you wish to own in the service court? When serving to the deuce court, for example, visualize which part of the service court you wish to serve toward. Imagine a service court being divided into three separate sections by an imaginary rope emanating from the middle of the service court. To force your opponent out of court, serve wide to the first section close to the doubles alley. Or, to play it safe, serve to section 2. If your opponent is preparing to receive wide, serve down the middle to section 3By making the right investment in your piece of real estate m the service court, you should be able to keep your opponent at bay.
Intercept wide serves To return wide serves, try to intercept diagonally forward rather than sideways. It will cut down on the angle of the serve by taking it before it moves even wider. Taking the ball early also puts more pressure on the opponent. Finally, your weight will be moving forward rather than sideways, thus giving more power with little or no extra effort.
All certified USPTA professionals should receive a 1999 equipment program contract from Wilson by January 8. Anyone not receiving a contract should contact Wilson at (773) 714-6737 or USPTA at (800) 877-8248 or (713) 978-7782. Completed contracts must be returned to Wilson territory managers by the deadline indicated in the contract. International members should return contracts to Wilson Racquet Sports, 8700 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.( Chicago, IL 60631.
BRINGING TENNIS COURT TECHNOLOGY TO THE WORLD www.xsports.com www.xsports.com
PRESENTS
internEttEr [where to surf & valley]
Court Surface www. Decoturf. com Sources of Daily Tennis News on the Worldwide Web CNN/SI Tennis: www.cnnsi.com/tennis ESPN Sportszone Tennis News: ESPN.SportsZone.com/ten Nando's Tennis Newsvvire: www.nando.net/newsroom/sports/oth/1995/oth/ten/feat/ten.html Reuters Tennis News: www.sportsweb.com/Tennis/index.shtml Sportsline USA: www.sportsline.com/u/tcnnis/index.html USA Today Tennis News: wvvw.usatoday.com/sports/other/sotn.htm Tennis Information Services Bob Larson's Tennis News: www.tennisnews.com The Tennis Server: www.tennisserver.com Tennis Week: www.tennisweek.com Professional^Tour News ATP Tour: www.atptour.com Nuveen Tour: w\vw.nuveentour.com World Team Tennis: www.worldtcamtennis.com WTA Tour: www.corelwtatour.com Tennis Organizations ITA: www.tcnnisonline.com/ita ITF: www.itftennis.com International Tennis Hall of Fame: www.tennisfame.org TIA: www.sportlink.com/individualsports/market/tennis/index.html USPTA: www.uspta.org USPTR: www.usptr.org USTA: www.usta.com Van der Meer: www.vandermeertennis.com ^Tennis Product Manufacturers Blackburne: www.blackburneds.com Gamma: www.gammasports.com/index.html Gosen: www.gosen.com Head USA: www.headusa.com Nike: www.nike.com Penn: www.pennracquet.com Prince: www.princctennis.com Tennis Tees: www.tennistees.com Wilson: www.wilsonsports.com/wilson/Tennis/tennismain.html Tennis Shopping ATS Total Sports: www.atssports.com Holabird Sports: www.holabirdsports.com Tennis Direct: www.tennisdirect.com Hotel The Roger Smith Hotel: www.rogersmith.com Tournament Sites Australian Open: www.ausopen.org French Open: www.frenchopen.org U.S.Open: www.usopen.org Wimbledon: www.wimbledon.org USA Network: www.usanetwork.com (French & U S. Opens) Fan Pages Hingis: www.stack.nl/~geertt/martina.html Sampras: www.sportsline.com/u/sampras Davenport: www.angelfire.com/ca/lindsaydavenport/index.html For ad rates on website listing, please call (212) 808-4750.
ADDvantage/December 1998 19
USPTA MEMO PADS Description
Item No. 1 pad 5 pads
10 pads
20 pads
"A member of the ..." pad
MMP
5.00
15.00
25.00
40.00
Personalized pad
PMP
N/A
N/A
59.95
99.95
Qty
Price
uspta •^KT—J
^JP"
* Each pad has 50 5.5" x 8. 5" sheets printed with navy ink.
subtotal Texas residents add 8.25% sales tax
Shipping/handling charges
Shipping/handling
Contiguous 48 states add $6.95 AK, HI, PR, Canada ... contact office International orders
MMP sample
Total
contact office
United States Professional Tennis Association
METHOD OF PAYMENT: (Make checks payable to USPTA) Q Check fj Visa Q MasterCard Name of cardholder Signature of cardholder Account number Exp. date SHIP TO: (No P.O. Boxes please)
Residence
Business
Name Address
City, State, ZIP Daytime phone No.
Member No.
"Determining the teay thf world learns to pltty tennis"
COMPLETE FOR PERSONALIZED ORDERS ONLY:
Print or type exactly as you want information to appear. Name
PMP sample (personalized) Mike Doty Dimmef&mttS
Title Club or facility
Hoauot). TX ~TIV2~
(713) «M»7 c-tnltl: *xy*> wUani
Address City.State.ZIP Phone
Fax E-mail Web site Please allow three weeks for personalized orders. Mail or fax this form to USPTA GiftShoppe 3535 Briarpark Drive Houston, TX 77042 (800)USPTA-4U PHONE (713) 978-5096 FAX "Determining ttu u>ay thf urarU Itatru to flay tennii"
Enhance your decor with USPTA logo plaques Display pride in membership
^^00B^^
A
This is a great opportunity to own a hand-painted cast replica of the wood-carved USPTA logo. Each plaque has been painstakingly finished with 23K gold leaf and premium paints and stains, and is suitable for interior or exterior use. Together with the matching personalized USPTA professional plaque, it will create a dynamic impression in your pro shop or office. A. USPTA logo plaque
USPTA PROFESSIONAL
A cast replica of the USPTA logo wood carving with painted and 23K gold leaf lettering. Mounting hardware included.
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Order your USPTA member plaques today. B. Personalized USPTA professional plaque Custom made with your name in 23K gold leaf lettering to match USPTA logo plaque. Mounting hardware included.
16" x 5V2" x 11/4M $119 plus $6.95 for shipping and handling/cont. U.S.
- [AJ USPTA logo plaque(s) @ $149
$
_ [B] Personalized USPTA plaque(s) @ $119 Subtotal Houston MTA residents add 8.25% Other Texas residents add 7.25% Sales tax Add $6.95 for each plaque Shipping & handling (Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. territories and Canada - additional fee required for air freight)
Total
_
$
_
$
_
$
_
$
_
$
_
Name to be carved on personalized plaque: (maximum 18 spaces) SHIPPING ADDRESS (No. P.O. boxes, please): PAYMENT METHOD:
Name
Qvisa
Street
Name as it appears on credit card
City
Credit card No.
State
ZIP
Exp. date
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Member No.
Signature
MasterCard
Q Check (payable to USPTA)
USPTA GiftShoppe, 3535 Briarpark Drive, Houston, TX 77042 tel (800) USPTA-4U • (713) 97-USPTA • fax (713) 978-5096 • e-mail: proshop@uspta.org • www.uspta.org
I beginner tennis player makes changes in his lifestyle by playing tennis and becoming a new club member. He is initially going through an orien' tation period that is full of changes, temptations, ! alligators, traps, barriers and obstacles that have to be overcome in order to maintain this new interest in tennis. The club staff and tennis professionals can assist the new participant in meeting the challenges of starting the game of tennis and being a new club member by understanding the key underlying principles behind motivation and participation and utilizing them x appropriately. We are assuming here that you have a good club program and are committed to servicing new players to the game so that they have a quality experience. If your goal at your club is "enthusiastic tennis players participating in your program on a regular basis, and referring new participants" then these principles will help you.
Beginner tennis programs succeed when students have fun while they learn, and bond as a class with the instructor and club.
The integration of a new tennis member Phase I A beginner tennis player comes into the club and he doesn't usually know a lot of people. Make sure he meets as many people as possible. Have the tennis director or head professional introduce him to others. The club as part of its tennis program should have social functions for every playing level to help get members acquainted with each other. A successful club is made up of small groups where new members of every playing level can bond.
Phase II If Phase I isn't done well, this is the danger zone. As initial enthusiasm begins to diminish, outside influences and time constraints — along with the feeling that the game is too difficult to learn — may lead new members to become susceptible to the drop-out phenomenon. Support them m keeping their tennis les22 ADDvantage/Decemberl998
sons and follow through with them when they don't. Use the 30-day, 60-day and 90-day telephone contact to find out how they are enjoying their tennis. Make sure the tennis professional works on the three-contact principle: First contact- Say, "Hello." Second contact — Tell the member about an upcoming event, such as a club mixer. Third contact — Say, "Goodbye."
Phase III Help new members through the danger zone by promoting special events, lessons, league programs and tennis partners. Stay in touch with new tennis players and help them stay in touch with each other. When a new member starts to promote the club and the benefits of tennis to others, brings guests and gives referrals, it's a sign that he is becoming a stable member who
is fully integrated into the club.
Phase IV The new tennis player is fully integrated into the club. He plays tennis on a routine basis, both in lessons and with new club friends. He usually has a fairly set routine in terms of when and with whom he plays. He will also invite nonmember friends to play and give referrals if asked. He is on his way to becoming an intermediate player. The member has been empowered to become a lifelong tennis player and club member.
Phase V To get people to participate on a regular basis requires an understanding of the basic underlying principles of participation. The purpose here is not to tell you what to do, but to share some principles to help you create your own solutions. The idea is to care about the
person and help him through whatever barriers might prevent him from making tennis a part of his life. The barrier is usually time, but sometimes fear of failure. Your job is to help the new tennis player remove the barriers so he can truly participate in the sport of a lifetime. Beginner tennis programs succeed when students have fun while they learn, and bond as a class with the instructor and club. While a student's success on the court is vital, equally important is the feeling that the club staff cares about him. The more you can encourage the class to practice together as a group, the more effective you will be in helping create new friendships and partners. Also, the more often students use the club, the more at home they will feel. Using the club will become a habit, which will translate into more members. ^»
by Klaus R Hilgers and Paul MacDonald, USPTA
of a club member Key principles for participation 1.
Tennis is the ideal sport for fun, since it is challenging,
13.
If you get off your schedule, you can always create a new
People want to be healthy and fit, and feel good about
14.
It's never too late to start.
themselves.
1 5.
When people break agreements with themselves (like not playing tennis), their morale goes down and they don't feel like trying any more and want to drop out.
16.
If a person breaks an agreement with himself, he may justify this by saying, "I should never have started playing tennis,"
rewarding and exhilarating. 2. 3.
Health in any sport is a function of participation.
4.
People who have bonded with others and established buddies tend to participate longer.
5.
People must be aware of and experience the benefits of their
schedule.
or "I never should have joined the club." This is often the beginning of the drop-out phenomenon.
achievements. 6.
Participants must be acknowledged and/or rewarded for their
7.
8.
achievements.
17.
People enjoy games and respond positively to a good challenge. Games must have beginnings and ends; then one starts the next game. If there is no real game, why play? People have to
If a person breaks an agreement with himself, he can acknowledge it, take responsibility for it and make a new agreement.
1 8.
understand that tennis is a game.
Members should make realistic agreements in terms of the number of times a week they will play. Make sure they mark
When people fail to achieve their original purpose for playing
it on their calendars.
tennis and joining the club, they have a tendency to stop participating. To get them playing again, put them in touch with their purpose for playing in the first place.
1 9.
If people don't understand something, they usually don't like it. "I don't know how to serve," means "I don't like to play games."
People tend to see a need for change when they are aware of
20.
some unwanted condition that is effecting them negatively. They feel if they don't handle it, it will get worse.
If a person creates a positive habit like playing tennis, they continue it because it is part of their lifestyle.
21.
People are willing to make investments in themselves.
1 0.
If you are not getting regular exercise, you are getting worse.
22.
People return when they are having a fun experience.
11.
The benefits of playing tennis far outweigh the results of
23.
The staff of the club creates the atmosphere.
not playing tennis.
24.
The tennis professionals create the groups that evolve into
9.
12.
Time is not the problem. Scheduling is the problem. If you don't schedule your tennis time, you do not play.
Tennis professional's objectives 1.
2. 3. 4.
.:;.
':â&#x20AC;˘'
:
5. 6. 7.
8. 9. 10 11
Introduce new players to tennis. Increase the number of people playing tennis in the community. Create excitement in the club with a whole new group of players. Increase community awareness of club through ads. Increase number of league participants. Increase pro shop sales. Increase number of private lessons taught. Increase pro hours taught. Occupy courts during slower season. Increase enrollment and revenues in follow-up classes. ^ Sell memberships.
friendships.
Paul MacDonald,
Klaus P. Hilgers,
USPTA, is the
founder and
general manager
president of Epoch
of The Kenosha
Consutlants, Inc.,
(Wis.) Tennis
is an internation-
Club and The
ally known
Racine (Wis.) Tennis Club.
I j
consultant, speaker and trainer. He
His specialty is hiring and
has published numerous books and
training staff, developing, selling,
articles on management, slaes and
marketing and implementing
related topics.
lessons and programs.
ADDvantage/December 1998 23
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Champion of Champions: It's your choice
U
SPTA's Champion of Champions provides an opportunity for teaching pros to add their own creative style to a tennis tournament that will generate income, participation and excitement among club members. The Champion of Champions format provides a win-win situation for teaching pros, club management, and most importantly, the players. The pros will receive more player participation and business; club management will benefit from generated exposure and sales; and the players will have an opportunity to participate in a tournament that has the potential to not only be competitive, but also may be used to raise funds for various grassroots programs. The tournament could be used as an added incentive for members who can advance to the Champion of Champions after winning the club championship. Another advantage of the tournament is its flexibility — it may be used in conjunction with almost any existing tennis
program. Its format is ideal for use in cooperation with the USPTA Adult Tennis League, as a wrap-up event for other leagues or for regional and divisional tournaments. Some pros even like to hold it back-to-back with a Tennis Across America clinic. The Champion of Champions tennis tournament opens the door for everyone, with competition in men's and women's singles and doubles. USPTA professionals serve as area coordinators and establish tournament dates, registration fees and tournament draws. They also select the awards for the winners and collect registration information and entry fees. Some facilities sponsor players in the tournament by paying their entry fees. The Champion of Champions program features competition at five skill levels and utilizes either the Tencap handicapping and rating system or the National Tennis Rating Program. Winners of the designated club tour-
BALL MACHINES
naments may compete for the championship title at the Tencap levels of 47 or higher, 42-46, 37-41, 32-3 6, and 31 or less for women, or 40 or above, 35-39, 30-34,2529, 24 or below for men, which are equivalent to the 3-0, 3-5,4.0, 4.5,and5.0/open NTRP levels, respectively. Below is a handy checklist for hosting a Champion of Champions tournament at your facility: For more information about the Champion of Champions tennis tournament program, call USPTA's Sports Marketing Department at (713) 978-7782 or (800) USPTA-4U, or write via e-mail to sports@uspta.org. ^»
Champion of Champion's •list t/ Contact other clubs in your community, region or state and invite them to send the winners of their club tournaments to compete in your Champion of Champions event. \r
Clip the sample brochure found on the following pages. Members are encouraged to use it as a way to advertise and promote their tournaments. Fill in the appropriate blanks, insert the area or division name and tournament date where noted on the front, and photocopy.
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Set the tournament entry fee to cover the costs of court time, awards, refreshments and other activities. USPTA recommends a tournament entry fee of $10 per person. The fee may be adjusted to compensate for a scaleddown tournament or for a more elaborate tournament with parties.
1r
Send out press releases to local media for all clubs participating to publicize your event.
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Organize the schedule for level matches in cooperation with local facilities. Finals and open competition should be held at one key site.
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Send tournament results, pictures, a copy of the press release and, if possible, a short summary of your event to the USPTA national office for possible publication in ProAction (Tennis Week} or ADDvantage.
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(#1 Portable Ball Machine)
USPTA
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Fax: 818/972-9651
40+ (3.0)
35-39 (3.5)
30-34 (4.0)
25-29 (4.5)
24- (5.0/open)
47+ (3.0)
42-46 (3.5)
37-41 (4.0)
32-36 (4.5)
31-(5.0/open)
Phone
State
City_
Address
Club
ZIP
les
Men's doubles
Women's doubles
'
Entry fo
US1 " l
Sponsored by the United States Professional Tennis Association Š1998
Date
Division
uspta
regional tennis tournament
HAMPION'
Finals will be held at the
Where:
$
Questions? Contact your coordinator at:
Please complete the attached entry form and mail with entry fees to:
Entry deadline:
Cost:
Any player who has won a designated club tournament where he or she is a current member.
Who:
The schedule for all other matches will be announced later.
Men's and women's singles and doubles competition using the Tencap Handicapping System and National Tennis Rating Program levels. The championship title will be competed for at the Tencap levels of 47 or higher, 42-46, 37-41 , 3236, 31 or less for women and 40 or higher, 35-39, 30-34, 25-29, 24 or less for men; which are equivalent to the NTRP levels of 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5 and 5.0/open, respectively.
What:
Join the fun in this tournament of tournaments as players meet in singles and doubles competition for the title of Champion of Champions.
Regional tennis tournament
USPTA
Players are expected to report on time to the designated site for all
2.
Players will be expected to play at least one match per day per event. All matches will be the best two out of three sets. The 12-point tiebreaker rule will be used at six games all. (If
4. 5. 6.
USTA rules will be enforced.
8.
USPTA Sports Marketing Dept. One USPTA Centre 3535 Briarpark Drive Houston, TX 77042 (713) 97-USPTA (978-7782) e-mail: sports@uspta.org
For more information about USPTA, contact:
USPTA offers several grassroots programs to promote the sport, including USPTA's Tennis Across Americaâ&#x201E;˘, USPTA Little Tennisâ&#x201E;˘ and the USPTA Adult Tennis League5".
USPTA's purpose is to raise the standards of the tennis-teaching profession and to increase participation in tennis.
The United States Professional Tennis Association is the world's oldest and largest nonprofit organization of tennis-teaching professionals with more than 11,000 members.
Awards will be presented to winners.
7.
discretion.)
necessary, no-ad scoring may be used at the tournament committee's
A default may be awarded 15 minutes after the match is called.
3.
matches, and be dressed and ready to play.
All players must be available to play the week of
1.
USPTA -tfAUDflw, T o u r n a m e n t jules
40+ (3.0)
35-39 (3.5)
30-34 (4.0)
25-29 (4.5)
24- (5.0/open)
47+ (3.0)
42-46 (3.5)
37-41 (4.0)
32-36 (4.5)
31-(5.0/open)
Phone
State
City
Address
Club _
Men's singles
Women's singles
ZIP
USPTA rHAMPIOK Entry form singles
Career Diwlsi
meetings/actifitii
(1/2 credit and up)
Dec. 27
Midwest Division Grand Rapids, Mich.
workshop (2 credits)
Jan.
2-5
Jan. 22-23
Florida Division Key Biscayne, Fla. Midwest Division Lincolnshire, 111.
Feb. 5-6
Midwest Division Troy, Mich.
Feb. 5-6
Midwest Division Indianapolis, Ind.
Feb. 7
Eastern Division Bethpage, N.Y.
Feb. 28 -March I
Midwest Division Columbus, Ohio
March 13
Eastern Division DeWitt, N.Y.
Division conventions (5 credits) Feb. 13-15 Feb. 18-21 Feb. 20-22 Feb. 25-28 March 5-7
California Division Industry Hills, Calif. Texas Division Grapevine, Texas Missouri Valley Division St. Louis, Mo. Intermountain Division Littleton, Colo. Mid-Atlantic Division Williamsburg, Va.
Specialty Courses (2 credits per four-hour course; 4 credits per eight-hour course) Competitive Doubles Patterns, Dec. 12, Syracuse, N.Y. (4 hours), T. Martin Building and Repairing Fundamentals, Dec. 12, Leawood, Kan. (4 hours), D. Ko^lowski
upgrades & Certification Training Courses (2 points for CTC
Dec. 4-5 Dec. 4-6 Dec. 5-6 Dec. 5-6 Dec. 11-12 Dec. I 2 - I ? Dec. 12-13 Dec. 12-13 Dec. 12-13 Dec. 12-13 Dec, 14-15 Dec. 2? Dec. 3O-3I Jan. 8-9 Jan. 9-IO Jan. 9-JO Jan. 11-12 Jan. 16-17 Jan, 16-17 Jan. 22 Jan. 23-24 Jan. 23-24 Jan. 28-29 Feb. 3-4 Feb. 4-6
Bloomtngton, Minn. St. Louis, Mo. Gastonia, N.C. Fort Myers, Fla, j Nashville, lenn. ""i*Y Danville, III. Burbank, Calif. Belton, S.C. Austin, Texas Mandeville, La. Houston, Texas Flushing, N.Y. Goto de Caza, Calif. Glen Eden Beach, Ore. Tampa, Fla. San Francisco, Calif. Houston, Texas Wayland, Mass. Boca Raton, Fla. Lincolnshire, 111. (upgrades only) Midlothian, Va. Industry Hills, Calif. Bedford, N.Y Lynbrook, N.Y. Mesa, Ariz.
Feb. 6-7 Feb. 13-14 Feb. 13-14 Feb. 13-15 jfjFeb. 19-20 Feb. 19-20 Feb. 21-22 Feb. 22-23 Feb. 24-25 Feb. 27-28 Feb. 27-28 Feb. 27-28 Feb. 27-28 March 5-7 ^jJMarch 7-8 March IO-II March 1 3 - 1 4 March 13-14 March 13-14 March 2O-21 March 21-2 2 March 22-23 March 27-28 March 27-28 March 27-28
Mobile, Ala. Boca Raton, Fla. Pleasanton, Calif. Kansas City, Mo. ^ Rochester, N.Y. Industry Hills, Calif. Grapevine, Texas Houston, Texas Denver, Colo. Fort Wayne, Ind. Wichita, Kan. Gastonia, N.C. Dallas, Texas Las Cruces, N.M. Williamsburg, Va. Flushing, N.Y Manchester, N.H. Los Gatos, Calif. Louisville, Ky. Boca Raton, Fla. Atlanta, Ga. Houston, Texas ~\, Ohio Charleston, S.C. Augusta, Ga.
Exam reservations must be made at least 21 davs prior to the dates listed. Each date includes an exam, upgrade and CTC unless noted. Exam cancellations must be received no later than 14 days before the exam, or a cancellation fee will be charged accordingly. Affiliate members: late cancellation tee — S75; failure to cancel — application fee is forfeited. Certified members: late cancellation fee — S25; failure to cancel — $25 plus the upgrade fee is forfeited. Registration for another exam il will not be accepted until cancellation fees are paid. |L. : :j..... An applicant gives a group lesson during the oncourt portion of the USPTA Certification Exam.
Building and Repairing Fundamentals, Jan. 21, Chicago, 111. (4 hours), D. Ko^lowski
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a
The deadline to register and/or cancel a course is J 5 working days before the event. Anyone canceling late or failing to cancel will forfeit one-half the course fee. This schedule is subject to change. Call the USPTA Membership Department for additional information or write via e-mail to membership@uspta.org. ADDvantage/Decemberl998 29
aunched your free site in cyberspace? II
*
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*J
*
Put the power of the Internet to use for your career. USPTA Personal Websites5" are USPTA's newest free member benefit -- even if you don't have a computer. USPTA pros get a free personalized site on the Internet's World Wide Web atwww.usptapro.org. Show off your biography, color photos of you and your club, and playing tips (provided by USPTA). Be a hero to your students, friends, club members and employers. Give them your personal password and they'll get full access to worldwide tennis news and events, business, family fun, travel, finance, games and much more. Looking for a tennis job? Send a prospective employer your site address and password and uwow" them with your marketing savvy! This web site would literally cost thousands of dollars for each member to produce independently.
Don't miss out on one of the most exciting benefits brought to you by USPTA, always first with the newest and best benefits for professionals and the tennis industry.-
Call (713) 978-7782 for a Personal Website registration form. Or, check out USPTA's site at www.uspta.org for complete details.
Power up your career with a USPTA Personal Website!
Participate in Professional Development in "Everybody's Favorite City" ••"/.: :<.':'..''^£;:]<i$SJ-.
••
- • ' •
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Come to the Club Managers Association of America's World Conference On Club Management
1999 CMAA
In San Francisco, CA, GSA February 28 - March 4, 1998
SAN FRANCISCO
Club managers from around the world will gather for a week of intense learning and sharing of management techniques, philosophies and experiences during this World Conference. As our global community becomes smaller with the development of new technologies, it is more and more vital to come together and share both our common and unique experiences that can help fellow colleagues from the United States to Great Britain to Australia to Spain, grow as club managers and improve club operations. More than 90 education programs are planned for the World Conference as well as Pre- and Post-Conference Workshops, Case-Study Clinics, Roundtables, an international symposium and numerous social activities including an opening party Club Tour which entails visiting three of San Francisco's finest clubs. To top off the week, a glittering black-tie dinner and dance will be held with attendees dressed to the nines. In addition to great speakers, such as Sam Donaldson, Herman Cain and Richard Simmons, industry professionals will get the chance to discuss the latest club management issues. Topics that will be covered range from: New Technologies and their Effects on Club Management Club Strategies for the Next Millennium Operating the Club as a Business Profitable Golf and Tennis Shop Operations Educational Opportunities via ClubNet and the Internet Much, Much More!
Working with Club Boards Trends in Exercise and Fitness Clubhouse/Facility Management How Ethics Fit into Club Management International Symposium
Complete this form to indicate your interest in receiving complete registration information on attending the World Conference and FAX it to Bridget Gorman at (703) 739-0124 or e-mail cmaa@cmaa.org. [~1
Please send me more information on the 1999 World Conference on Club Management.
[Name:
Address: City:
Phone: e-mail address:
State:
Country: FAX:
Zip/Area Code
USPTA
Gold's Gym in Syracuse,
USPTA pros who umpired at the 1998 U.S. Open
N.Y. Scott
were Todd Ruedisili, Mark Schwartz and Jack Vinson, all of Flor-
Nichols, USPTA, is now director
ida;
of tennis at the Long Cove Club
Stephanie Burnam
and Dessie Samuels, both of Texas; Chris Pearson of Michigan; Lynn Welch of South Carolina; Larry Wyman of Maryland; Holly Haggerty of California; and Bill Araneo of New Jersey.
^^^
Bob Cofer,
^
USPTA, is the new West River Tennis & Fit-
C°fer
ness Center in South Londonderry, Vt. Cofer formerly was director of tennis at
Nichols
on Hilton Head Island, S.C.
Adam Thompson, USPTA, is the new director of tennis at the Healthplex Sports Club in Indianapolis, Ind. The Rush-Copley Healthplex Fitness Center in Aurora, 111., has appointed Mathew Wagner, USPTA, as junior coor-
Hobson, JeffDudacek, Rob Spencer, John Wahlborg, Jay Bewley, Mitch Adler, Joe Capobianco, Jon Haines, Macky Domingue^ David Reeves,
dinator; Drew Patterson, USPTA, stringing coordinator;
Bret Schwart^ Chris Da^et, Leslie Bashinsky, Zenda Griebenow, Bill Riddle, Beth Green, Heidi Raemakers, Bill Tym, Rebecca Parker and Tommy Wade.
and Jody McKay, USPTA, administrative
Midwest Division inducts three into Hall of Fame USPTA pros Steve Contardi, Michael O ' C o n n e l l and William Rork "Bill" Thompson have been inducted into the USPTA Midwest Division Hall of Fame. Contardi is the operating partner at the Club at Harper's Point in Cincinnati and the Lexington Tennis Club in Kentucky, as well as presi- Contardi
O'Connell
dent, founder and owner of "Tennis Fantasies with the Legends." O'Connell is the head professional at the tennis center at Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind. He has been a speaker at USPTA divisional and national conventions, as well as high school coaches con-
ventions. Thompson has been a financial services professional and a consultant to the tennis industry. A USPTA pro since 1970, he is a former Midwest Division president and former Midwest Professional of the Year. Thompson 32 ADDvantage/Decemberl998
Southern Division pros gave something back to their community by hosting a three-hour ladies' clinic and a pro-am free of charge at the recent Southern Division conference. Forty-two women took part in the clinic and 40 men played in the pro-am. USPTA pros who participated were: Reedy Toney, Tom Daglis, Tom McGraw, Pat Whitworth, Jimbo
coordinator. Bob Shetler, USPTA, is the new director of tennis at the Errol Estate Country Club in Apopka, Fla., a suburb of Orlando. Shetler recently was named 1998 USPTA Florida Division Coach of the Year. Ken DeHart, USPTA Master Pro and director of tennis at Los Gatos Swim & Racquet Club in Los Gatos, Calif, recently won a bronze medal in men's 50 singles and a silver medal in 50s doubles with partner Ron Hohman of Alaska at the Nike World Games in Portland, Ore.
Howard Hunt, USPTA, is the new tennis director for the Big Canoe Owners Association, Inc., in Big Canoe, Ga. Bill McGrath, USPTA, has been named manager of the Seattle Tennis Center in Seattle, Wash. Tennis magazine named the Seattle Tennis Center as one of the top five public tennis facilities in the country. Tom Dundis, USPTA, has become a certified golfteaching professional with the U.S. Golf Teachers Federation.
Member product showcase Joe Dinoffer, USPTA Master Pro and president of Oncourt Offcourt, has announced a free Internet subscription service called "Oncourt Online." Innovative tennis tips will be available for coaches and serious players from sources throughout the world. To register for this free service, visit the Oncourt Offcourt web site at www.oncourtoffcourt. com and simply enter your e-mail address.
USTA Judy Levering, first vice president of the United States Tennis Association, will become the first woman president of the 118-year-old association on Jan. I, 1999. The 1998 Arthur Ashe Kids Day, a USTA event presented by Aetna, raised $350,000 for charitable organizations and drew more than 25,000 people to a festival of tennis clinics, games and musical entertainment at the USTA National Tennis Center. The program was hosted by comedian Bill Cosby and featured tennis stars Pete Sampras, Martina Hingis, Andre Agassi, MaliVai Washington, Venus and Serena Williams, Anna Kournikova and Mirj ana Lucic.
The USTA selected tennis great Zina Garrison of Houston for the 1998 United States Tennis Association Service Bowl Award. This award is presented annually to the player who makes the most notable contribution to the sportsmanship, fellowship and service of tennis.
Associations The Club Managers Association of America will hold its 72nd World Conference on Club Management and 22nd Annual Exposition February 28-March 4, 1999, at the San Francisco Hilton and Towers and the Moscone Center in San Francisco. The National Club Association has released an updated version of its Club Director Reference Series publication, Understanding the Federal Wage and Hour Laws. The price for NCA members is $19. or $14 each on orders of four or more copies. The nonmember price is $39. For more information, call NCA at (800) 625-6221.
Miscellaneous Hofstra University in Hempstead, N.Y., now has two full athletic scholarships available for women for January 1999- For more infor-
mation, e-mail athweg@hofstra.edu; call (516) 463-4968; or fax to (516) 463-4860. The Sand Island Tennis Facility in Bethlehem, Penn., celebrated its 62nd anniversary this year. USPTA member Arthur W. Smith Jr., director of tennis at the facility, discovered that Sand Island had hosted such standouts as Maureen Connolly, Bill Tilden, Vincent Richards and Alice Marble.
Manufacturers The latest authentic and casual apparel and footwear will take center stage as more than 100 of the world's top manufacturers premiere their latest offerings, runway style, at The Super Show/99- The world's largest sports performance, technology and style event will be held Feb. 12-15, 1999, at the Georgia World Congress Center, the Dome and Pavilion in Atlanta. For more information, call (305) 893-8771 or (800) 327-3736. The email address is supershow@aol.com and the web address is www.thesupershow.com. Wilson Sporting Goods touring pros â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and the new Wilson Hyper Carbon racquets â&#x20AC;&#x201D; put on an impressive showing at this year's U.S. Open in
New York. Second-seeded Lindsay Davenport, a Wilson Advisory Staff member since 1989, defeated No. I-ranked Martina Hingis to claim the women's title. Hyper Carbon, a high modulus fiber material originally developed for the aerospace industry, is four times stiffer, four times stronger and 65 percent lighter than today's most popular racquet materials. Christopher Merrill has joined the Wilson Racquet Sports sales force as a territory manager representing the Northern Georgia and Northern Alabama territory. Metaltek, maker of Playmate Tennis Ball Machines, has announced the arrival of the new Alumalift and Ball Mower. The Alumalift raises any of Metaltek's Ace series Playmate Tennis Ball Machines into the optimal position to throw serves up to 100 miles per hour. The Ball Mower makes picking up returned serves a breeze with its large-capacity basket and lightweight, aircraft-grade aluminum construction. For more information, call (800) 776-6770. Penn Racquet Sports recently provided the official ball of the 1998 ATP World Doubles in Hartford, Ct.
o o o for ADDvantage magazine offers USPTA members numerous benefits. They can share knowledge from their field of expertise, such as coaching, pro shop management, sport science and club management. 0 Articles should be approximately 2,000 words long. 0 Article should cover some aspect of a teaching professional's job. 13 Articles must be typed in a narrative form. The article should not be an outline or written as notes. 0 Contributions will be edited for magazine format and focus, and a copy will be sent to the author to review. 0 Please send photos related to the topic, preferably black and white, if available. 0 Articles submitted to ADDvantage are forwarded with the name of the author removed to the USPTA Technical
Having an article published can enhance a pro's career or add to a resume. Also, being published in ADDvantage is worth 25 points toward USPTA Master Professional certification (a maximum of 50 is allowed). Review Committee for approval. 1 Authors must sign a release form for any work submitted to us. This form assures us that you have not released the article previously to any other publication and prevents you from releasing it for further publication for a period of six months from the date of the agreement. I Please include a brief biography and a black and white photo (bust shot). 1 Send articles to the attention of the Publications Coordinator at the USPTA World Headquarters or via email to magazine@uspta.org.
ADD COACHING/TEACHING Discover the training secrets of the greatest teams and athletes throughout history. Learn from Wimbledon champions, Super Bowl teams and various superstars. This priceless limited-edition offer is only $47! Only 100 training manuals left. First come, first served. Send check or money order to TeamMastermind, 79 Daily Drive, Suite 307, Camarillo, Calif. 93010. Or call toll-free (877) 44-MASTER for more information.
New, exciting clinic formats and group drills, plus drills for private lessons. Free samples! Our products make your job easier! Call Club & Resort Marketing, (800) 569-4661. EMPLOYMENT BERKHEIMER'S TENNIS SERVICES, a pro-placement service in Vero Beach, Fla., is actively matching USPTA managers, tennis directors, head pros and assistants to clubs, resorts and academies nationwide. Call Gerry Berkheimer for details at (561) 388-5491.
34 ADDvontage/December 1998
CLASSIFIEDS Job opening â&#x20AC;&#x201D; tennis professional. Looking for a certified, outgoing, dynamic teaching professional. This full-time position includes teaching tennis to all age and ability levels. Competitive hourly wages, health plan, paid vacation and access to the clubs' facilities. Please send resume to: Wendy Zimpfer, KTC/ QRRC, 4565 Gateway Circle, Dayton, Ohio 45440. Tennis coach. Westchester. Analyze, instruct nationally ranked, college-bound players in strategy and techniques for world-class competition. Observe players for individual and team improvement. Coach players for technique and sportsmanship. Oversee practices for deficiency and motivation. Determine players' strategies, training and nutrition. USPTA-certified and national status with four years experience. Travel, 40 hours, overtime, six days, Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. $17.23 reg. $25.85 OT. Growth potential. Fax Chris Harris (914) 693-3082. Want to be a college coach? Bob Larson's College Tennis Employment newsletter lists what jobs are open. Sample $ 5 - P.O. Box 24379, Edina, MN 55424.
www.tennisjobs.com The Tennis Job Line is a tennis professional employment service. It advertises tennis openings at country clubs, tennis clubs, resorts, public facilities, colleges and summer camps. SOFTWARE
NEW TENNIS SOFTWARE PRODUCT - SPORTZ FAX. Match analysis, game plan, competitive data storage and retrieval. Easy to use. For players, parents and coaches. CD-ROM makes GREAT GIFT. $29-95 retail, wholesale pricing available for quantity. To order, visit web site www.tennisace.com. TENNIS TOURS
You can earn a FREE Trip to the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and many other tournaments. Book a group of your tennis friends on any of our tours and you can travel with them for free. We will take care of all the details. Your clients can choose from a quality selection of 3-, 4- and 5-star hotels. We offer excellent stadium seats, a wide variety of ticket options, personal service and lots more. Call Grand Slam Tennis Tours for details and free brochures. (800) 289-3333.
VACATION OPPORTUNITIES
WANTED! Tennis professionals and tennis coaches. The Professional Coaches Association offers numerous opportunities for tennis pros and coaches to participate in PCA Working Vacation Programs at exclusive resorts throughout the Caribbean. Join this long-running and successful program that so many professionals have enjoyed. For information, contact Mark Burns at (617) 552-3171.
Rates: $30 for 20 words, minimum per issue. 50 cents per word thereafter. Pay by check, money order, Visa or MasterCard. Prepayment is required. Supply typed copy and include full name, telephone number, credit card number and expiration date. (No agency or cash discounts.) Issue closes 1 5th of month, two months preceding cover date. Fax to (713) 978-7780, attn: ADDvantage classifieds. No classifieds will be accepted by telephone. No exceptions are made. USPTA cannot verify nor be responsible for the contends of any advertisement. It reserves the right to reject any advertisement at its discretion.
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341
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United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. World Headquarters One USPTA Centre 3535 Briarpark Drive Houston, TX 77042-5235