Addvantage 2013 April

contents the total professional – enhancing your career 4 PHIT America – A movement for a fit and healthy America

9 Landmark directive will open up opportunities –

by Jo Ann Kurz, USPTA, Meridian Tennis Association 11 Are we behind the curve on technology?

3 CEO’s message 5 Vice president’s message – Dan Moster 7 Vice president’s message – Nancy Cox 8 Classifieds

14 USPTA 2013 national tournaments series 17 USPTA partners with Rezilient Direct to offer members supplemental health benefits

13 Staff spotlight 15 Cardio Tennis 30 Career development

17 Award nominations due by July 2, 2013 19 Boost your spring programming with Tennis Across America™

Free poster inside

Date: Location:

departments

32 Industry action

Time:

For more information, contact:

20 USPTA Pros hold G Days nationwide to promote HEAD’s new Graphene technology

23 Music sensation Redfoo and “Heroes” star Sendhil Ramamurthy enter 2013 US Open National Playoffs 25 Courtside is the ticket at San Jose Country Club –

by Leo Vorwerk, USPTA 27 For this Arkansas pro 10U Tennis is a true game changer

volume 36 • issue 4

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ADDvantage magazine editorial offices

USPTA World Headquarters 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One Houston, TX 77042 Phone – 713-978-7782, ext. 116 800-USPTA-4U Fax – 713-358-7794 email – magazine@uspta.org www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Managing editor Circulation

Kimberly Forrester Kathy Buchanan

Office hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Central time

On the cover – Adaptive tennis – just one area of focus under the goal of diversity and inclusion for the USPTA.

ADDvantage is published monthly by the United States Professional Tennis Association.

The opinions expressed in ADDvantage are those of the authors and not necessarily those of ADDvantage or the USPTA. Copyright© United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 2013. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of any portion of the magazine is not permitted without written permission from USPTA. ADDvantage/April 2013

1

contents the total professional – enhancing your career 4 PHIT America – A movement for a fit and healthy America

9 Landmark directive will open up opportunities –

by Jo Ann Kurz, USPTA, Meridian Tennis Association 11 Are we behind the curve on technology?

3 CEO’s message 5 Vice president’s message – Dan Moster 7 Vice president’s message – Nancy Cox 8 Classifieds

14 USPTA 2013 national tournaments series 17 USPTA partners with Rezilient Direct to offer members supplemental health benefits

13 Staff spotlight 15 Cardio Tennis 30 Career development

17 Award nominations due by July 2, 2013 19 Boost your spring programming with Tennis Across America™

Free poster inside

Date: Location:

departments

32 Industry action

Time:

For more information, contact:

20 USPTA Pros hold G Days nationwide to promote HEAD’s new Graphene technology

23 Music sensation Redfoo and “Heroes” star Sendhil Ramamurthy enter 2013 US Open National Playoffs 25 Courtside is the ticket at San Jose Country Club –

by Leo Vorwerk, USPTA 27 For this Arkansas pro 10U Tennis is a true game changer

volume 36 • issue 4

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ADDvantage magazine editorial offices

USPTA World Headquarters 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One Houston, TX 77042 Phone – 713-978-7782, ext. 116 800-USPTA-4U Fax – 713-358-7794 email – magazine@uspta.org www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Managing editor Circulation

Kimberly Forrester Kathy Buchanan

Office hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Central time

On the cover – Adaptive tennis – just one area of focus under the goal of diversity and inclusion for the USPTA.

ADDvantage is published monthly by the United States Professional Tennis Association.

The opinions expressed in ADDvantage are those of the authors and not necessarily those of ADDvantage or the USPTA. Copyright© United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc. 2013. All rights reserved.

Reproduction of any portion of the magazine is not permitted without written permission from USPTA. ADDvantage/April 2013

1

CEO’s message

Official Tennis Net of the USPTA Six Star II Net ►

This is the best net on the market today! The Six Star II features an amazing 6 rows of stitching, 6 rows of double mesh, UV treated double-vinyl headband and a free center strap! Tapered for a perfect fit. 5-year warranty. 30 lbs.

USPT SPECIAA L

USPTA SPECIAL • SAVE $20!

SAVE $20!

ONLY $175 PER NET THRU 5/1/2013

The 10-S Tennis Supply 2013 Product Catalog is now available!

Scan here with your smartphone or visit http://ow.ly/jkwC6 to view & order online!

◄ 10-S Mobile Pro Finally, the perfect basket for the quick and easy transport of your tennis balls! The 10-S Mobile Pro Cart just tips back and rolls where you need to go. Upstairs or into the shop, it is perfect for many hard to get places. This design is lightweight and durable. Capacity: 200 balls. 20 lbs. #IL5575 $148.95

◄ 10-S QuickStand Basket The 10-S QuickStand Basket has a traditional look and feel with top quality craftsmanship. Perfect for picking up balls and storage. The handles flip down bringing the basket up for quick access while teaching or practicing your serve.

Capacity: 75 balls. 7 lbs. #IG3075 $25.95

◄ 10-S Tough Hopper The new 10-S Tough Hopper holds up to 80 balls. It has a traditional look and feel with top quality craftsmanship.

Perfect for picking up balls and storage. 7 lbs. #IG3080 $24.95

SCAN TO SEE IT IN ACTION!

▼

WE ARE PROUD TO INTRODUCE THE 10-S SURFACE MASTER This is the ideal towable All-in-One tool for maintaining and reconditioning your Har-Tru courts. With any golf cart or lawn tractor make heavy-duty maintenance a breeze. The main frame can be hooked up to multiple maintenance attachments in seconds. Then with a push of a button lift the equipment onto pneumatic tires to cross over sidewalks or grass. Call for more info!

EVERYTHING

10-S.com 800-247-3907

FOR THE LIFE OF YOUR COURTS Official Court Equipment Supplier of the USPTA

Our fourth core strategic pillar

S

ince assuming the awesome responsibility as yet we can learn some of the best practices that they your new CEO 90 days ago, I have made a have in serving their customer base. The priority that conscious effort to get into the field to attend they give to continuing education is the cornerstone division conventions (four as of this writing) and of their association. Even those members who run the meet as many of our professionals as possible. It most prestigious clubs across the globe pride themhas been a very gratifying experience to hear what selves on staying up to speed with the most current our members want from the Association and how trends and have a genuine commitment to enhance committed they are to becoming better profestheir knowledge in all areas that impact their clubs. sionals. Thank you for sharing your As part of our newly established comments and suggestions, which I partnership, we have asked a reprevalue considerably. sentative from the CMAA to submit Besides my travel to various divia regular article for inclusion in the sion conferences, I have also made a CMAA corner within ADDvantage point during the first quarter to reach magazine so that USPTA Pros can out to several allied organizations learn from the experts in club man(USTA, CMAA, Tennis Channel, agement (see January’s issue from just to name a few) by having faceCMAA CEO, Jim Singerling). In to-face meetings, and/or attending turn, the USPTA is providing regutheir Annual Meetings or World lar articles in BoardRoom magazine Conferences to show support for our as well as every other month in the John Embree partnerships that are so important to CMAA blog to inform CMAA memthe USPTA. Those of you who have attended the bers about important activities in tennis of which division conferences (where I have been) have heard they should be aware. an overview of our new strategic plan that highlights Finally, our members have expressed genuine the value of these and other allied partners. Toward interest in having more seminars and educational opthat end, I have made the fourth pillar of that plan portunities at the World Conference that go beyond “to become more closely aligned with our allied just tennis. For those who aspire to become directors organizations” because it is vital that we work in of tennis, or directors of sports, or even GMs, it is concert with those entities that impact our careers. incumbent upon us to provide classes and sessions Some of you may be asking, “Who is the CMAA with CMAA leaders that give insight into areas of and why are they mentioned in this list?” The Club club management that would help give our members Managers Association of America is the trade as- more training and information about these areas. sociation of close to 7,000 managers at close to Thus, CMAA will have a significant presence at the 3,000 clubs throughout the USA. For so many of 2013 USPTA World Conference in Orlando, Fla. our professionals, they are our bosses. They hire, Being the preeminent teaching professional orfire, manage and interact daily with our members. ganization in the world, it behooves us to be closely Because of their influence over the livelihoods of aligned with those entities that are connected with USPTA Professionals, we must have an on-going our industry, those groups that impact our careers, dialog with CMAA members so that they have a those associations that mirror ours. Without questhorough understanding of the value that USPTA- tion, CMAA is one of those with whom we should certified Professionals bring to their operations on be tied at the hip. You can look forward to seeing a daily basis. more news and activities in conjunction with I was fortunate to be able to witness firsthand the CMAA in the future. If our mission is to “elevate CMAA World Conference in San Diego in Febru- the standards of our teaching professionals and ary in addition to meeting with their national staff coaches,” having a strong collaboration with CMAA in the Washington, D.C., headquarters in March. will help us achieve this goal.

Our two associations face similar challenges (growing Thanks to each of you for all that you do to memberships, education/certification, diversity, etc.), become better professionals every single day. 

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

National Board of Directors President

Tom Daglis

First Vice President

Randy Mattingley

Vice Presidents

Past President

Nancy Cox Jeff Hawes Tom McGraw Dan Moster Gary Trost Harry Gilbert

WORLD HEADQUARTERS CEO

John Embree

Creative Services Director Publications Manager/ Managing Editor

Julie Myers Kim Forrester

Director of Public Relations

Poornima Rimm

Courtside USA Manager

Randy Jenks

Digital Asset Coordinator/ Ramona Husaru Tennis Multimedia Management Graphic Design Specialist Nick Warwick Director of Video Production Chris Maale Video Editor/ Videographer

Andrew Robertson

Director of Professional Development

Fred Viancos

Corporate Services Janice Stollenwerck Administrator Director of Information Technology

Dan Wilson

Network Administrator Director of Computer Services

Scott Bucic Kathy Buchanan

Director of Membership and Certification

Vicky Tristan

Membership/Insurance Melony DeLoach Coordinator Director of Finance Controller

Kathy Ladner Ellen Weatherford

Legal Counsel Attorney-at-law

Paul Waldman

For information, write the USPTA World Headquarters 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One Houston, TX 77042 Phone 713-97-USPTA 800-USPTA-4U Fax 713-978-7780 uspta@uspta.org www.uspta.com Office hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Central time

ADDvantage/April 2013

3

CEO’s message

Official Tennis Net of the USPTA Six Star II Net ►

This is the best net on the market today! The Six Star II features an amazing 6 rows of stitching, 6 rows of double mesh, UV treated double-vinyl headband and a free center strap! Tapered for a perfect fit. 5-year warranty. 30 lbs.

USPT SPECIAA L

USPTA SPECIAL • SAVE $20!

SAVE $20!

ONLY $175 PER NET THRU 5/1/2013

The 10-S Tennis Supply 2013 Product Catalog is now available!

Scan here with your smartphone or visit http://ow.ly/jkwC6 to view & order online!

◄ 10-S Mobile Pro Finally, the perfect basket for the quick and easy transport of your tennis balls! The 10-S Mobile Pro Cart just tips back and rolls where you need to go. Upstairs or into the shop, it is perfect for many hard to get places. This design is lightweight and durable. Capacity: 200 balls. 20 lbs. #IL5575 $148.95

◄ 10-S QuickStand Basket The 10-S QuickStand Basket has a traditional look and feel with top quality craftsmanship. Perfect for picking up balls and storage. The handles flip down bringing the basket up for quick access while teaching or practicing your serve.

Capacity: 75 balls. 7 lbs. #IG3075 $25.95

◄ 10-S Tough Hopper The new 10-S Tough Hopper holds up to 80 balls. It has a traditional look and feel with top quality craftsmanship.

Perfect for picking up balls and storage. 7 lbs. #IG3080 $24.95

SCAN TO SEE IT IN ACTION!

▼

WE ARE PROUD TO INTRODUCE THE 10-S SURFACE MASTER This is the ideal towable All-in-One tool for maintaining and reconditioning your Har-Tru courts. With any golf cart or lawn tractor make heavy-duty maintenance a breeze. The main frame can be hooked up to multiple maintenance attachments in seconds. Then with a push of a button lift the equipment onto pneumatic tires to cross over sidewalks or grass. Call for more info!

EVERYTHING

10-S.com 800-247-3907

FOR THE LIFE OF YOUR COURTS Official Court Equipment Supplier of the USPTA

Our fourth core strategic pillar

S

ince assuming the awesome responsibility as yet we can learn some of the best practices that they your new CEO 90 days ago, I have made a have in serving their customer base. The priority that conscious effort to get into the field to attend they give to continuing education is the cornerstone division conventions (four as of this writing) and of their association. Even those members who run the meet as many of our professionals as possible. It most prestigious clubs across the globe pride themhas been a very gratifying experience to hear what selves on staying up to speed with the most current our members want from the Association and how trends and have a genuine commitment to enhance committed they are to becoming better profestheir knowledge in all areas that impact their clubs. sionals. Thank you for sharing your As part of our newly established comments and suggestions, which I partnership, we have asked a reprevalue considerably. sentative from the CMAA to submit Besides my travel to various divia regular article for inclusion in the sion conferences, I have also made a CMAA corner within ADDvantage point during the first quarter to reach magazine so that USPTA Pros can out to several allied organizations learn from the experts in club man(USTA, CMAA, Tennis Channel, agement (see January’s issue from just to name a few) by having faceCMAA CEO, Jim Singerling). In to-face meetings, and/or attending turn, the USPTA is providing regutheir Annual Meetings or World lar articles in BoardRoom magazine Conferences to show support for our as well as every other month in the John Embree partnerships that are so important to CMAA blog to inform CMAA memthe USPTA. Those of you who have attended the bers about important activities in tennis of which division conferences (where I have been) have heard they should be aware. an overview of our new strategic plan that highlights Finally, our members have expressed genuine the value of these and other allied partners. Toward interest in having more seminars and educational opthat end, I have made the fourth pillar of that plan portunities at the World Conference that go beyond “to become more closely aligned with our allied just tennis. For those who aspire to become directors organizations” because it is vital that we work in of tennis, or directors of sports, or even GMs, it is concert with those entities that impact our careers. incumbent upon us to provide classes and sessions Some of you may be asking, “Who is the CMAA with CMAA leaders that give insight into areas of and why are they mentioned in this list?” The Club club management that would help give our members Managers Association of America is the trade as- more training and information about these areas. sociation of close to 7,000 managers at close to Thus, CMAA will have a significant presence at the 3,000 clubs throughout the USA. For so many of 2013 USPTA World Conference in Orlando, Fla. our professionals, they are our bosses. They hire, Being the preeminent teaching professional orfire, manage and interact daily with our members. ganization in the world, it behooves us to be closely Because of their influence over the livelihoods of aligned with those entities that are connected with USPTA Professionals, we must have an on-going our industry, those groups that impact our careers, dialog with CMAA members so that they have a those associations that mirror ours. Without questhorough understanding of the value that USPTA- tion, CMAA is one of those with whom we should certified Professionals bring to their operations on be tied at the hip. You can look forward to seeing a daily basis. more news and activities in conjunction with I was fortunate to be able to witness firsthand the CMAA in the future. If our mission is to “elevate CMAA World Conference in San Diego in Febru- the standards of our teaching professionals and ary in addition to meeting with their national staff coaches,” having a strong collaboration with CMAA in the Washington, D.C., headquarters in March. will help us achieve this goal.

Our two associations face similar challenges (growing Thanks to each of you for all that you do to memberships, education/certification, diversity, etc.), become better professionals every single day. 

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

National Board of Directors President

Tom Daglis

First Vice President

Randy Mattingley

Vice Presidents

Past President

Nancy Cox Jeff Hawes Tom McGraw Dan Moster Gary Trost Harry Gilbert

WORLD HEADQUARTERS CEO

John Embree

Creative Services Director Publications Manager/ Managing Editor

Julie Myers Kim Forrester

Director of Public Relations

Poornima Rimm

Courtside USA Manager

Randy Jenks

Digital Asset Coordinator/ Ramona Husaru Tennis Multimedia Management Graphic Design Specialist Nick Warwick Director of Video Production Chris Maale Video Editor/ Videographer

Andrew Robertson

Director of Professional Development

Fred Viancos

Corporate Services Janice Stollenwerck Administrator Director of Information Technology

Dan Wilson

Network Administrator Director of Computer Services

Scott Bucic Kathy Buchanan

Director of Membership and Certification

Vicky Tristan

Membership/Insurance Melony DeLoach Coordinator Director of Finance Controller

Kathy Ladner Ellen Weatherford

Legal Counsel Attorney-at-law

Paul Waldman

For information, write the USPTA World Headquarters 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One Houston, TX 77042 Phone 713-97-USPTA 800-USPTA-4U Fax 713-978-7780 uspta@uspta.org www.uspta.com Office hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Central time

ADDvantage/April 2013

3

PHIT America –

Vice president’s message

T

Invest in yourself and others may invest, too

A movement for a fit and healthy America he USPTA is proud to announce our support and sponsorship of a new campaign and cause to create a movement for a Fit & Healthy America, PHIT America. This new campaign is an effort by a sports and fitness coalition to educate America on the issues of obesity and sedentary lifestyles and find ways to get more Americans active, fit, playing sports and healthy.

One of the primary goals is to pass two pieces of legislation that will produce more active, fit and healthy lifestyles: PHIT Act (Personal Health Investment Today) There is legislation currently pending in Congress that, if passed, would allow taxpayers to use Pre-Tax Medical Accounts for reimbursement of physical activity expenses. The lower costs will promote active lifestyles and improve the health of Americans.

The following are a sample of activities that would be eligible for pretax reimbursement: • • • • • •

Youth and adult sports league fees (tennis fees) Sports and fitness equipment (racquets, balls, etc.)

Health club membership dues Youth camps (including tennis camps) Tennis lessons from USPTA Professionals And more!

PEP (Carol M. White Physical Education Program) Did you know that only 48 percent of our nation’s schools have PE and the average annual school budget for PE is $764? PEP is an 11-year federal program that provides grants from the Department of Education directly to school districts to support and build quality PE programs. It is being threatened by our national budget crisis. PEP essentially will improve the health and wellness of our children and reduce healthcare expenses for our future. Grants are utilized for equipment, support and the training and education of teachers and staff.

There is new conclusive research that a child who has PE is three to four times more likely to be active outside of school.

With the nation’s obesity crisis and a great deal of concern about childhood obesity (and its growing numbers), maintaining strong funding for PEP is vital for the health of our nation’s youth.

U

SPTA CEO John Embree had the opportunity to represent USPTA on Capitol Hill during National Health Through Fitness Day on March 13 as he lobbied (with 150 others) led by SFIA (Sports and Fitness Industry Association) for PEP and PHIT. During his time on the Hill, Embree had the opportunity to meet with several members of Congress with a team of others from various facets of the sports and fitness industry. The goal of these efforts was to get Congress to support continued PEP funding and co-sponsor The PHIT Bill.

National Health Through Fitness Day, which has been held by SFIA since 2000, brings together those from celebrity athletes to PE teachers to pro- From left: Ken Harvey, Congressman mote initiatives that will help Rod Graves, (R-GA), and John Embree Americans lead healthier and more active lifestyles – “Get America Moving.” While the presence of those from alliance companies on Capitol Hill has a strong impact, long-term commitment by joining the PHIT America Campaign and making Health Through Fitness a national priority is also important.

John Embree shares why he went to Washington to participate in the lobbying efforts: “Imagine a day when consumers could take tennis lessons from a USPTA Professional and have those dollars be reimbursed as part of their Pre-Tax medical accounts.

That day is not far off if The PHIT bill passes Congress. What a boom it could mean for our members!”

“I personally invite all USPTA members to help by joining the PHIT America Alliance. We started a new Alliance category, Ambassadors, for PE Teachers, Professionals, etc., to help us spread the word about our cause and get America fit, active, healthy and hopefully, playing more tennis. Just email us at Alliance@ PHITAmerica.org to learn more.” – Jim Baugh Visit the Ambassador’s page at http://www.phitamerica.org/­ Alliance_Sponsors/Ambassadors.htm.

PHIT America is led by Jim Baugh, the former president of ­Wilson, President of the TIA, and Sports Industry Hall of Fame inductee. Many of you will remember Jim with his many years working with the USPTA at both Prince and Wilson.

To find out more, go to www.PHITAmerica.org. Once you have explored the website, then you can choose to Advocate, Participate, and Donate. Join us in supporting PHIT America, a great cause for America. 

4

ADDvantage/April 2013

From left: Erik Winborn, PGA; Jim Gerson, SPEEDO; Congressman Jon Runyan (RD-NJ); Ken Harvey, All Pro NFL Linebacker; John Embree, USPTA CEO; and Kymm Ballard, North Carolina Parks and Rec.

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

President

T

year for me professionally and a very important year he following letter serves as a guide to a discussion you may or may not have had for your club and professional tennis staff. We both with your employer or direct supervisor. know how successful our program has been and the To have your employer take an interest in invest- club growth we have experienced during the past year. ing in you, as a member of the USPTA, you need I want to make the next 12 months even better. Here to show him/her that you first have invested in is what I am proposing. yourself professionally, financially and education- We both know that giving a raise to anyone on the ally. A very important point is not to make the tennis staff will be difficult and maybe impossible, so here is what I am requesting instead discussion about you but to focus of discussing giving raises. As a prothe discussion on the benefits to fessional-level member of the USPTA, the club, its membership and the our annual dues past year were $249.

USPTA staff. This is only a guide Membership is from Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 and will hopefully give you some of each year. ideas on how to discuss and ask for support of your career as a member Discussion Point No. 1: Will the club of the USPTA. I hope the letter consider assisting its USPTA Profesis thought provoking, helpful and sionals with their annual membership will begin some effective dialog dues in 2014? between you and your employer or direct supervisor. I also hope this Dan Moster Discussion Point No. 2: Assisting your article will start some discussion within our membership and between members via USPTA staff with the cost of continuing education. social networking, during convention/workshop I, along with many of my fellow USPTA asroundtables, and via other means of communica- sociates, have always made continuing education a tion. We all need to share ideas with each other on very important part of our career. Our education how we can increase the investment our employers and knowledge are our students’ education and make in us, whether it’s assisting with our USPTA knowledge. What we learn they will have the opmembership dues and/or helping us with our quest portunity to learn. We learn for our sake and for for continued education. But remember, we must the sake of others. My proposal is for you and I to invest in ourselves first before we can ask someone develop a program that will help assist your USPTA tennis staff with their continued education. I’m not else to invest in us. talking about college expenses; I’m talking about assisting with expenses to attend USPTA workshops Dear Bob, This letter serves as an introduction to some ideas and conventions. This education begins with us and and information I want to share with you during our then benefits our club membership and students. upcoming monthly meeting. I apologize for the length This continuing education and your support will of this letter, but I want to give you as much “food for be one of the key ingredients that will help keep the thought” as I can. Some of the ideas and information membership we have and it will help attract adwe have discussed in the past and some we haven’t. ditional membership to our club. It will also be one I look forward to our meeting and discussing these of the key ingredients that will set our tennis staff and program apart from others in the area. There topics.

First, I want to thank you for all of the support you are additional benefits we can discuss. have given me and my fellow USPTA Pros during my time with you. We greatly appreciate all that you have Discussion Point No. 3: How you and our club can done. As I enter my 25th year as a professional-level benefit from our USPTA membership by doing busimember of the USPTA, I feel this is a very important ness with the USPTA endorsees. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

National Board of Directors

continued next page

First Vice President

Tom Daglis Randy Mattingley

Vice Presidents

Past President

Nancy Cox Jeff Hawes Tom McGraw Dan Moster Gary Trost Harry Gilbert

We allHEADQUARTERS need to share WORLD CEO Johnother Embree ideas with each Creative Services Director Julie Myers on how we can increase Publications Manager/ Kim Forrester Managing Editor the investment our Director of Public Poornima Rimm employers make in us Relations Courtside USA Manager Randy Jenks whether it’s assisting Digital Asset Coordinator/ Ramona Husaru our USPTA Tenniswith Multimedia Management Graphic Design Specialist Warwick membershipNickdues Director of Video Production Chris Maale and/or helping us Video Editor/ Andrew Robertson Videographer with our quest Director of Professional Fred Viancos for continued Development Corporate Services Janice Stollenwerck education.

Administrator Director of Information Technology

Dan Wilson

Network Administrator Director of Computer Services

Scott Bucic Kathy Buchanan

Director of Membership and Certification

Vicky Tristan

Membership/Insurance Melony DeLoach Coordinator Director of Finance Controller

Kathy Ladner Ellen Weatherford

Legal Counsel Attorney-at-law

Paul Waldman

For information, write the USPTA World Headquarters 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One Houston, TX 77042 Phone 713-97-USPTA 800-USPTA-4U Fax 713-978-7780 uspta@uspta.org www.uspta.com Office hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Central time

ADDvantage/April 2013

5

PHIT America –

Vice president’s message

T

Invest in yourself and others may invest, too

A movement for a fit and healthy America he USPTA is proud to announce our support and sponsorship of a new campaign and cause to create a movement for a Fit & Healthy America, PHIT America. This new campaign is an effort by a sports and fitness coalition to educate America on the issues of obesity and sedentary lifestyles and find ways to get more Americans active, fit, playing sports and healthy.

One of the primary goals is to pass two pieces of legislation that will produce more active, fit and healthy lifestyles: PHIT Act (Personal Health Investment Today) There is legislation currently pending in Congress that, if passed, would allow taxpayers to use Pre-Tax Medical Accounts for reimbursement of physical activity expenses. The lower costs will promote active lifestyles and improve the health of Americans.

The following are a sample of activities that would be eligible for pretax reimbursement: • • • • • •

Youth and adult sports league fees (tennis fees) Sports and fitness equipment (racquets, balls, etc.)

Health club membership dues Youth camps (including tennis camps) Tennis lessons from USPTA Professionals And more!

PEP (Carol M. White Physical Education Program) Did you know that only 48 percent of our nation’s schools have PE and the average annual school budget for PE is $764? PEP is an 11-year federal program that provides grants from the Department of Education directly to school districts to support and build quality PE programs. It is being threatened by our national budget crisis. PEP essentially will improve the health and wellness of our children and reduce healthcare expenses for our future. Grants are utilized for equipment, support and the training and education of teachers and staff.

There is new conclusive research that a child who has PE is three to four times more likely to be active outside of school.

With the nation’s obesity crisis and a great deal of concern about childhood obesity (and its growing numbers), maintaining strong funding for PEP is vital for the health of our nation’s youth.

U

SPTA CEO John Embree had the opportunity to represent USPTA on Capitol Hill during National Health Through Fitness Day on March 13 as he lobbied (with 150 others) led by SFIA (Sports and Fitness Industry Association) for PEP and PHIT. During his time on the Hill, Embree had the opportunity to meet with several members of Congress with a team of others from various facets of the sports and fitness industry. The goal of these efforts was to get Congress to support continued PEP funding and co-sponsor The PHIT Bill.

National Health Through Fitness Day, which has been held by SFIA since 2000, brings together those from celebrity athletes to PE teachers to pro- From left: Ken Harvey, Congressman mote initiatives that will help Rod Graves, (R-GA), and John Embree Americans lead healthier and more active lifestyles – “Get America Moving.” While the presence of those from alliance companies on Capitol Hill has a strong impact, long-term commitment by joining the PHIT America Campaign and making Health Through Fitness a national priority is also important.

John Embree shares why he went to Washington to participate in the lobbying efforts: “Imagine a day when consumers could take tennis lessons from a USPTA Professional and have those dollars be reimbursed as part of their Pre-Tax medical accounts.

That day is not far off if The PHIT bill passes Congress. What a boom it could mean for our members!”

“I personally invite all USPTA members to help by joining the PHIT America Alliance. We started a new Alliance category, Ambassadors, for PE Teachers, Professionals, etc., to help us spread the word about our cause and get America fit, active, healthy and hopefully, playing more tennis. Just email us at Alliance@ PHITAmerica.org to learn more.” – Jim Baugh Visit the Ambassador’s page at http://www.phitamerica.org/­ Alliance_Sponsors/Ambassadors.htm.

PHIT America is led by Jim Baugh, the former president of ­Wilson, President of the TIA, and Sports Industry Hall of Fame inductee. Many of you will remember Jim with his many years working with the USPTA at both Prince and Wilson.

To find out more, go to www.PHITAmerica.org. Once you have explored the website, then you can choose to Advocate, Participate, and Donate. Join us in supporting PHIT America, a great cause for America. 

4

ADDvantage/April 2013

From left: Erik Winborn, PGA; Jim Gerson, SPEEDO; Congressman Jon Runyan (RD-NJ); Ken Harvey, All Pro NFL Linebacker; John Embree, USPTA CEO; and Kymm Ballard, North Carolina Parks and Rec.

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

President

T

year for me professionally and a very important year he following letter serves as a guide to a discussion you may or may not have had for your club and professional tennis staff. We both with your employer or direct supervisor. know how successful our program has been and the To have your employer take an interest in invest- club growth we have experienced during the past year. ing in you, as a member of the USPTA, you need I want to make the next 12 months even better. Here to show him/her that you first have invested in is what I am proposing. yourself professionally, financially and education- We both know that giving a raise to anyone on the ally. A very important point is not to make the tennis staff will be difficult and maybe impossible, so here is what I am requesting instead discussion about you but to focus of discussing giving raises. As a prothe discussion on the benefits to fessional-level member of the USPTA, the club, its membership and the our annual dues past year were $249.

USPTA staff. This is only a guide Membership is from Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 and will hopefully give you some of each year. ideas on how to discuss and ask for support of your career as a member Discussion Point No. 1: Will the club of the USPTA. I hope the letter consider assisting its USPTA Profesis thought provoking, helpful and sionals with their annual membership will begin some effective dialog dues in 2014? between you and your employer or direct supervisor. I also hope this Dan Moster Discussion Point No. 2: Assisting your article will start some discussion within our membership and between members via USPTA staff with the cost of continuing education. social networking, during convention/workshop I, along with many of my fellow USPTA asroundtables, and via other means of communica- sociates, have always made continuing education a tion. We all need to share ideas with each other on very important part of our career. Our education how we can increase the investment our employers and knowledge are our students’ education and make in us, whether it’s assisting with our USPTA knowledge. What we learn they will have the opmembership dues and/or helping us with our quest portunity to learn. We learn for our sake and for for continued education. But remember, we must the sake of others. My proposal is for you and I to invest in ourselves first before we can ask someone develop a program that will help assist your USPTA tennis staff with their continued education. I’m not else to invest in us. talking about college expenses; I’m talking about assisting with expenses to attend USPTA workshops Dear Bob, This letter serves as an introduction to some ideas and conventions. This education begins with us and and information I want to share with you during our then benefits our club membership and students. upcoming monthly meeting. I apologize for the length This continuing education and your support will of this letter, but I want to give you as much “food for be one of the key ingredients that will help keep the thought” as I can. Some of the ideas and information membership we have and it will help attract adwe have discussed in the past and some we haven’t. ditional membership to our club. It will also be one I look forward to our meeting and discussing these of the key ingredients that will set our tennis staff and program apart from others in the area. There topics.

First, I want to thank you for all of the support you are additional benefits we can discuss. have given me and my fellow USPTA Pros during my time with you. We greatly appreciate all that you have Discussion Point No. 3: How you and our club can done. As I enter my 25th year as a professional-level benefit from our USPTA membership by doing busimember of the USPTA, I feel this is a very important ness with the USPTA endorsees. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

National Board of Directors

continued next page

First Vice President

Tom Daglis Randy Mattingley

Vice Presidents

Past President

Nancy Cox Jeff Hawes Tom McGraw Dan Moster Gary Trost Harry Gilbert

We allHEADQUARTERS need to share WORLD CEO Johnother Embree ideas with each Creative Services Director Julie Myers on how we can increase Publications Manager/ Kim Forrester Managing Editor the investment our Director of Public Poornima Rimm employers make in us Relations Courtside USA Manager Randy Jenks whether it’s assisting Digital Asset Coordinator/ Ramona Husaru our USPTA Tenniswith Multimedia Management Graphic Design Specialist Warwick membershipNickdues Director of Video Production Chris Maale and/or helping us Video Editor/ Andrew Robertson Videographer with our quest Director of Professional Fred Viancos for continued Development Corporate Services Janice Stollenwerck education.

Administrator Director of Information Technology

Dan Wilson

Network Administrator Director of Computer Services

Scott Bucic Kathy Buchanan

Director of Membership and Certification

Vicky Tristan

Membership/Insurance Melony DeLoach Coordinator Director of Finance Controller

Kathy Ladner Ellen Weatherford

Legal Counsel Attorney-at-law

Paul Waldman

For information, write the USPTA World Headquarters 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One Houston, TX 77042 Phone 713-97-USPTA 800-USPTA-4U Fax 713-978-7780 uspta@uspta.org www.uspta.com Office hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Central time

ADDvantage/April 2013

5

from previous page The endorsees range from stroke and match analysis software to court products and court resurfacing. The USPTA has the best endorsees in the tennis industry and our club can benefit from all of them. Attached is a list of the USPTA endorsees and additional endorsees are added each year. Some of the USPTA endorsees could be utilized on a regular basis, while others not as often. With the need to replace windscreens this year and court resurfacing not too far away, you’ll see that working with these USPTA endorsees will help your bottom line. Working with USPTA endorsees could allow you to reinvest into the club when needed. It could also allow you to assist with the USPTA membership and continuing education proposals I would like to discuss during our upcoming meeting.

Thanks again for all of the support you have given me and my fellow USPTA Professionals. Please let me know if there is any additional information you need in preparation for our meeting. As you think about our three discussion points remember one thing: what benefits our club membership benefits our club as a business and will benefit our pros. What benefits the pro, will benefit the club as a business; and will benefit the club membership.

Here to serve, Dan Moster, USPTA As you prepare to discuss anything financial in this meeting, be prepared, have handouts (a list of the USPTA endorsees and any information about them you want to share) and any additional information that will help you sell your ideas. It’s very important that you provide numbers, dollar amounts, costs and what the return on any investment would be. All the necessary information should be presented well, both spoken and in print. I would even suggest creating a page of key points

6

ADDvantage/April 2013

and including it in the information you will hand to the person you are meeting with. The bottom line is to know what the person you are meeting with will want and need. If you are meeting with a big numbers person, be prepared with plenty of numbers and information you expect them to ask for and want. If they are more laid back and not likely to ask for a lot of detailed information, keep your presentation simple and don’t overwhelm them. You’ll still want to have plenty of information to present and share, you may just not need to use some of it to sell your ideas. Good pros don’t over teach; good salesmen don’t over sell.

Know who you are selling to and be prepared to make your key points with supporting information and be prepared for questions you think they may have. You know they’ll have questions, so make sure you have the answers. Know how much time you will have for your meeting and approach the meeting as if your manager’s time is more valuable than yours. Another very important point I want to make is this: Although the sample letter above had three discussion points, you might not discuss them in that particular order. I suggest starting the discussion with how the club, its owners and club membership can benefit from using the USPTA endorsees. After opening with that discussion I would move on to the remaining discussion points. We must remember that the success of the business we work for is priority No. 1; we’re No. 2 at best.

Good luck and I hope the sample letter and ideas in this article are helpful as you try to maximize being a member of the United States Professional Tennis Association.

If you are the club owner reading this and not on the employee side of the discussion, are you investing? Will you invest in your USPTA Professional? 

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Vice president’s message A pillar of hope: USPTA becomes diversified and inclusive in 2013 and beyond

A

mong the initiatives recently announced as abilities. To meet our goal of becoming diversified part of CEO John Embree’s five-pillar stra- and inclusive, the USPTA must reach out and be tegic plan was the charge to become more proactive in recruiting members with cross-cultural diverse and inclusive as an association. While this representation. At all levels of our organization we is a valiant and admirable goal, words are only need to establish a diverse and inclusive talent pool. words; it is the actions that will As mentioned previously, the speak the loudest. So, where do we USPTA has a history of a memberbegin? Perhaps by first defining what ship that is primarily male. With it is that we are looking to achieve. less than 20 percent of its members Diversity is defined as “the inclusion being women, it is essential that of different types of people (as people we do more to attract and encourof different races or cultures) in a age highly qualified individuals group or organization.” Inclusion is to become certified and join our defined as the “presence in group: the association. We can certainly idenaddition of somebody or something tify capable women on high school to, or the presence of somebody or and college campuses, in our club something in, a group or mixture.” lesson pool or while we are out at Nancy Cox From these definitions it is clear various tournaments and events. It that we need to begin the process of appreciating is in our hands to be proactive and reach out to and embracing differences and find ways to bring potential female members, offer our mentorship together all types of individuals in the USPTA. and recruit them to become members rather than USPTA has a long history of male profession- waiting for them to come to us. Having a female als far outnumbering its pro on staff enhances and female membership. Curoffers a much-needed diTennis and tennis courts are rent membership statistics mension to any tennis yet to truly represent today’s are 81 percent male and program. As we know, the America. We can use the diversity 19 percent female. Therefemale and male approach fore we need to become to teaching the mechanics of the USPTA National Office more gender diverse and and mental side of tennis as a positive model and good inclusive. We know that can vary greatly. Having starting point of what the prevailing ethnicity of the option of a male or we should strive to achieve. the USPTA is Caucasian. female instructor allows As a result, we are not the opportunity for our as ethnically diverse and students to learn the game inclusive as we would like to be and should be. from a variety of perspectives.

We need to energize USPTA by attracting We need only look at our club teaching staff, young people into our association. There is no our division and national conference attendees, and doubt that the association is getting older and is the boardroom at our association meetings to see graying. that we do not represent the many ethnicities in Finally, we recognize that there are many our country proportionally. America, with its rich individuals from adaptive tennis programs who cultural fabric, is not yet represented in the USPTA. could benefit from involvement with the USPTA. Just as in the case of gender diversity and equality, We need to be inclusive of individuals with dis- in order to achieve racial equality we must take the www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

continued next page

National Board of Directors President

Tom Daglis

First Vice President

Randy Mattingley

Vice Presidents

Past President

Nancy Cox Jeff Hawes Tom McGraw Dan Moster Gary Trost Harry Gilbert

WORLD HEADQUARTERS CEO

John Embree

Creative Services Director Publications Manager/ Managing Editor

Julie Myers Kim Forrester

Director of Public Relations

Poornima Rimm

Courtside USA Manager

Randy Jenks

Digital Asset Coordinator/ Ramona Husaru Tennis Multimedia Management Graphic Design Specialist Nick Warwick Director of Video Production Chris Maale Video Editor/ Videographer

Andrew Robertson

Director of Professional Development

Fred Viancos

Corporate Services Janice Stollenwerck Administrator Director of Information Technology

Dan Wilson

Network Administrator Director of Computer Services

Scott Bucic Kathy Buchanan

Director of Membership and Certification

Vicky Tristan

Membership/Insurance Melony DeLoach Coordinator Director of Finance Controller

Kathy Ladner Ellen Weatherford

Legal Counsel Attorney-at-law

Paul Waldman

For information, write the USPTA World Headquarters 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One Houston, TX 77042 Phone 713-97-USPTA 800-USPTA-4U Fax 713-978-7780 uspta@uspta.org www.uspta.com Office hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Central time

ADDvantage/April 2013

7

from previous page The endorsees range from stroke and match analysis software to court products and court resurfacing. The USPTA has the best endorsees in the tennis industry and our club can benefit from all of them. Attached is a list of the USPTA endorsees and additional endorsees are added each year. Some of the USPTA endorsees could be utilized on a regular basis, while others not as often. With the need to replace windscreens this year and court resurfacing not too far away, you’ll see that working with these USPTA endorsees will help your bottom line. Working with USPTA endorsees could allow you to reinvest into the club when needed. It could also allow you to assist with the USPTA membership and continuing education proposals I would like to discuss during our upcoming meeting.

Thanks again for all of the support you have given me and my fellow USPTA Professionals. Please let me know if there is any additional information you need in preparation for our meeting. As you think about our three discussion points remember one thing: what benefits our club membership benefits our club as a business and will benefit our pros. What benefits the pro, will benefit the club as a business; and will benefit the club membership.

Here to serve, Dan Moster, USPTA As you prepare to discuss anything financial in this meeting, be prepared, have handouts (a list of the USPTA endorsees and any information about them you want to share) and any additional information that will help you sell your ideas. It’s very important that you provide numbers, dollar amounts, costs and what the return on any investment would be. All the necessary information should be presented well, both spoken and in print. I would even suggest creating a page of key points

6

ADDvantage/April 2013

and including it in the information you will hand to the person you are meeting with. The bottom line is to know what the person you are meeting with will want and need. If you are meeting with a big numbers person, be prepared with plenty of numbers and information you expect them to ask for and want. If they are more laid back and not likely to ask for a lot of detailed information, keep your presentation simple and don’t overwhelm them. You’ll still want to have plenty of information to present and share, you may just not need to use some of it to sell your ideas. Good pros don’t over teach; good salesmen don’t over sell.

Know who you are selling to and be prepared to make your key points with supporting information and be prepared for questions you think they may have. You know they’ll have questions, so make sure you have the answers. Know how much time you will have for your meeting and approach the meeting as if your manager’s time is more valuable than yours. Another very important point I want to make is this: Although the sample letter above had three discussion points, you might not discuss them in that particular order. I suggest starting the discussion with how the club, its owners and club membership can benefit from using the USPTA endorsees. After opening with that discussion I would move on to the remaining discussion points. We must remember that the success of the business we work for is priority No. 1; we’re No. 2 at best.

Good luck and I hope the sample letter and ideas in this article are helpful as you try to maximize being a member of the United States Professional Tennis Association.

If you are the club owner reading this and not on the employee side of the discussion, are you investing? Will you invest in your USPTA Professional? 

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Vice president’s message A pillar of hope: USPTA becomes diversified and inclusive in 2013 and beyond

A

mong the initiatives recently announced as abilities. To meet our goal of becoming diversified part of CEO John Embree’s five-pillar stra- and inclusive, the USPTA must reach out and be tegic plan was the charge to become more proactive in recruiting members with cross-cultural diverse and inclusive as an association. While this representation. At all levels of our organization we is a valiant and admirable goal, words are only need to establish a diverse and inclusive talent pool. words; it is the actions that will As mentioned previously, the speak the loudest. So, where do we USPTA has a history of a memberbegin? Perhaps by first defining what ship that is primarily male. With it is that we are looking to achieve. less than 20 percent of its members Diversity is defined as “the inclusion being women, it is essential that of different types of people (as people we do more to attract and encourof different races or cultures) in a age highly qualified individuals group or organization.” Inclusion is to become certified and join our defined as the “presence in group: the association. We can certainly idenaddition of somebody or something tify capable women on high school to, or the presence of somebody or and college campuses, in our club something in, a group or mixture.” lesson pool or while we are out at Nancy Cox From these definitions it is clear various tournaments and events. It that we need to begin the process of appreciating is in our hands to be proactive and reach out to and embracing differences and find ways to bring potential female members, offer our mentorship together all types of individuals in the USPTA. and recruit them to become members rather than USPTA has a long history of male profession- waiting for them to come to us. Having a female als far outnumbering its pro on staff enhances and female membership. Curoffers a much-needed diTennis and tennis courts are rent membership statistics mension to any tennis yet to truly represent today’s are 81 percent male and program. As we know, the America. We can use the diversity 19 percent female. Therefemale and male approach fore we need to become to teaching the mechanics of the USPTA National Office more gender diverse and and mental side of tennis as a positive model and good inclusive. We know that can vary greatly. Having starting point of what the prevailing ethnicity of the option of a male or we should strive to achieve. the USPTA is Caucasian. female instructor allows As a result, we are not the opportunity for our as ethnically diverse and students to learn the game inclusive as we would like to be and should be. from a variety of perspectives.

We need to energize USPTA by attracting We need only look at our club teaching staff, young people into our association. There is no our division and national conference attendees, and doubt that the association is getting older and is the boardroom at our association meetings to see graying. that we do not represent the many ethnicities in Finally, we recognize that there are many our country proportionally. America, with its rich individuals from adaptive tennis programs who cultural fabric, is not yet represented in the USPTA. could benefit from involvement with the USPTA. Just as in the case of gender diversity and equality, We need to be inclusive of individuals with dis- in order to achieve racial equality we must take the www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

continued next page

National Board of Directors President

Tom Daglis

First Vice President

Randy Mattingley

Vice Presidents

Past President

Nancy Cox Jeff Hawes Tom McGraw Dan Moster Gary Trost Harry Gilbert

WORLD HEADQUARTERS CEO

John Embree

Creative Services Director Publications Manager/ Managing Editor

Julie Myers Kim Forrester

Director of Public Relations

Poornima Rimm

Courtside USA Manager

Randy Jenks

Digital Asset Coordinator/ Ramona Husaru Tennis Multimedia Management Graphic Design Specialist Nick Warwick Director of Video Production Chris Maale Video Editor/ Videographer

Andrew Robertson

Director of Professional Development

Fred Viancos

Corporate Services Janice Stollenwerck Administrator Director of Information Technology

Dan Wilson

Network Administrator Director of Computer Services

Scott Bucic Kathy Buchanan

Director of Membership and Certification

Vicky Tristan

Membership/Insurance Melony DeLoach Coordinator Director of Finance Controller

Kathy Ladner Ellen Weatherford

Legal Counsel Attorney-at-law

Paul Waldman

For information, write the USPTA World Headquarters 3535 Briarpark Drive, Suite One Houston, TX 77042 Phone 713-97-USPTA 800-USPTA-4U Fax 713-978-7780 uspta@uspta.org www.uspta.com Office hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Central time

ADDvantage/April 2013

7

from previous page initiative in reaching new and/or underserved markets and encourage membership to the USPTA. Look for qualified individuals, reach out to them and ask them to join us. When we are looking to fill vacancies at our clubs/facilities, we need to be attentive to cultural and ethnic balance as we look to fill these openings. We must become mindful of the individuals who provide that balance, aligning ourselves and our efforts with them, clarifying the benefits that we can bring to them. There are opportunities to attend events, write editorials and advertise in publications that reach these underrepresented factions.

The USPTA is an aging association. Current statistics show that 72 percent of our membership is over 40 years of age, while 26 percent is under 40. Not only is our average teaching pros’ age rising, but also we are not seeing an influx of younger pros looking to come into the tennis-teaching profession. We can recruit from USTA’s Tennis on Campus and our USPTA University, as well as from four professional tennis management schools and of course our own lesson pools and teams. But once we identify these potential professionals, we also need to find ways to appeal to this sect with financial stability and benefits that make it lucrative for them to choose the tennis profession. A strong base income with potential for advancement, retirement plans and insurance are top priorities among young people seeking jobs in the tennis industry. It is critical to the future of the USPTA that we meet these demands now.

There are many adaptive tennis programs and events established across the United States, but there are only 156 currently registered with USTA Adaptive Tennis. It is our charge to look for opportunities to participate in or help plan events so that individuals with disabilities have not only the opportunity to participate in our sport but also the potential to become certified. The USTA has developed a database for Adaptive Tennis Programs with the purpose of serving the needs of and connecting adaptive tennis players with the USPTA pros who are running them. To register your adaptive events/programs under the USTA Adaptive Tennis umbrella go to: www.usta.com/play-tennis/ adaptive-tennis/adaptive and click on program registration. By creating a strong registry we will be better able to serve and be inclusive of our adaptive tennis connections. As an association we must commit to holding an adaptive tennis event during our national conference and ask our divisions to do the same. As a member of the USTA National Adaptive Tennis committee I am personally committed to doing all that I can to reach out to this underrepresented community.

Talk is cheap. Meeting our goal to become more diverse and inclusive will take significant time and action. Our executive committee and national board can become more diversely represented.

We can have more women speakers at our conventions, women pros on our teaching staff, wheelchair athletes and disabled veterans amid our ranks and an abundance of young people looking to become members. It will take all of us looking for opportunities to reach out and embrace these individuals. Let’s begin now! As you go about your day and try to increase your business and/or club membership, be mindful of the people/community groups around you, and why not try new marketing efforts to reach out to new groups in an effort to expose them to tennis as a player and potentially as a teacher?

The USPTA will benefit and our tennis world will become richer because of it. 

8

ADDvantage/April 2013

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by Jo Ann Kurz, USPTA, Meridian Tennis Association

I

find it ironic that 40 years ago I played high school sports with no district or state championships for girls. I just went back to Kettering, Ohio, to be inducted into Fairmont High School Athletic Hall of Fame and I gave an acceptance speech. I reflected on how Title IX in 1975 changed everything for girls’ sports as young women then received equal funding/opportunities with boys/men from schools across the country. My life playing tennis at the University of Texas changed instantly. Our tennis team went from driving to Arizona for tournaments to flying to California, Michigan and Louisiana. My tuition waiver (Texas was only one of four schools in the country to offer athletic assistance to women) became a greatly enhanced scholarship over the next few years. Our women’s team was able to use the same state of the art facilities the Longhorn men were using.

Many girls growing up today take these equalities for granted.

I came to realize that the coaches, teachers and parents of my era laid the foundation for this change. I was able to pursue a career in tennis for the next 30 years, something I never even dreamed I’d have as an option when I began college.

The irony of going to Kettering to give my acceptance speech was for me to see the headlines on the same day of my induction – Jan. 25, with a new “Title IX” (Washington Post article). The U.S. Department of Education just passed a landmark directive for disabled athletes to have equal accommodations for competing on mainstream teams. If the modifications fundamentally change the way the sport is played then the schools are obligated to provide opportunities for modifications, such as wheelchair teams.

What will this do for sports? It will open up so many new opportunities for disabled people to compete in sports and gain the benefits of goal setting, teamwork and competition. How can we prepare? Let’s ramp up our wheelchair opportunities in tennis!

To Randy Corbett, Emily Kovarik, IWTA (Idaho Wheelchair Tennis Association), Robbie Hogue, Juan Reyes, Eldon Hatterveig, Greg Proctor and countless others I am not mentioning, thank you for laying the groundwork for this revolutionary change. One day just as females growing up today have never known sports opportunities to be any different than males, disabled students will grow up never knowing the difference competing with accommodations. 

The Grey Rock Tennis Club hosted its first “Run and Roll Tennis Event” Oct. 5, 2012. Players in wheelchairs and prosthetic aids were matched with tennis players from Austin and played a round robin.

The event raised money to purchase a wheelchair for Dustin Streslky, a 14-year-old young man who was paralyzed almost two years ago in a car accident who decided to start playing tennis a year ago. He has been training with the director of tennis at Grey Rock Tennis Club on Saturday mornings together with a group of players with orthotic aids.

Performing during the event was the world famous “Bijou” Tennis Show, which is the equivalent of the “Harlem Globetrotters” on the tennis courts.

Henri Elkins and his partner, Fernando Velasco, entertain tennis players and spectators in China, Colombia, New York, Florida, Hilton Head Island, Las Vegas and Austin. Also in attendance was Francisca Mardones, who was ranked No. 16 in the world in the Wheelchair ITF and a past participant of the 2012 Paralympics Games in London.

More than 15 players with prosthetic aids and four players in wheelchairs had an opportunity to play tennis with Circle C Pro-Emeritus, Dennis Ralston, and General Manager and director of tennis, Fernando Velasco during the “Orthotic and Prosthetic Technologies Adaptive Clinic” held at the Circle C Tennis Club Oct. 8, 2011. The players ranged in age from 7 years old to 75 years plus.

This was the third consecutive year that Circle C Tennis Club hosted this special clinic, with the goal that players with special needs become acquainted with the “game of a lifetime.” The event was sponsored by Aaron Foreman, owner of the “Orthotic and Prosthetic Technologies of Austin.” Circle C resident, Mike Haynes, who is an expert at playing Wheelchair Tennis tournaments all over the United States, was happy to share his experiences and skills with the rest of the players and the coaches. Also, Coach Ralston, a former US Open and Wimbledon Champion, had some excellent advice for all of the players on how to adjust to playing with their new challenges in life. He lost part of his leg a year and a half ago after having surgery. Now he is back on the court at the Circle C Tennis Club teaching and coaching players of all levels and abilities.

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Rates: $30 for 20 words, minimum per issue. 50 cents per word thereafter.

Prepayment is required. Supply typed copy and include full name, telephone number, credit card number and expiration date. Email magazine@ uspta.org or fax to 713-358-7794, attn: ADDvantage classifieds. No classifieds will be accepted by telephone. No exceptions are made. USPTA cannot verify nor be responsible for the contents of any advertisement.

The USPTA is committed to the policy that all people have equal access to its programs, facilities, employment and membership without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status. USPTA is an equal opportunity employer. USPTA reserves the right to reject any advertisement at its discretion, or to edit the advertisement to be certain that any employment requirements set forth in it conform with the law. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ADDvantage/April 2013

9

from previous page initiative in reaching new and/or underserved markets and encourage membership to the USPTA. Look for qualified individuals, reach out to them and ask them to join us. When we are looking to fill vacancies at our clubs/facilities, we need to be attentive to cultural and ethnic balance as we look to fill these openings. We must become mindful of the individuals who provide that balance, aligning ourselves and our efforts with them, clarifying the benefits that we can bring to them. There are opportunities to attend events, write editorials and advertise in publications that reach these underrepresented factions.

The USPTA is an aging association. Current statistics show that 72 percent of our membership is over 40 years of age, while 26 percent is under 40. Not only is our average teaching pros’ age rising, but also we are not seeing an influx of younger pros looking to come into the tennis-teaching profession. We can recruit from USTA’s Tennis on Campus and our USPTA University, as well as from four professional tennis management schools and of course our own lesson pools and teams. But once we identify these potential professionals, we also need to find ways to appeal to this sect with financial stability and benefits that make it lucrative for them to choose the tennis profession. A strong base income with potential for advancement, retirement plans and insurance are top priorities among young people seeking jobs in the tennis industry. It is critical to the future of the USPTA that we meet these demands now.

There are many adaptive tennis programs and events established across the United States, but there are only 156 currently registered with USTA Adaptive Tennis. It is our charge to look for opportunities to participate in or help plan events so that individuals with disabilities have not only the opportunity to participate in our sport but also the potential to become certified. The USTA has developed a database for Adaptive Tennis Programs with the purpose of serving the needs of and connecting adaptive tennis players with the USPTA pros who are running them. To register your adaptive events/programs under the USTA Adaptive Tennis umbrella go to: www.usta.com/play-tennis/ adaptive-tennis/adaptive and click on program registration. By creating a strong registry we will be better able to serve and be inclusive of our adaptive tennis connections. As an association we must commit to holding an adaptive tennis event during our national conference and ask our divisions to do the same. As a member of the USTA National Adaptive Tennis committee I am personally committed to doing all that I can to reach out to this underrepresented community.

Talk is cheap. Meeting our goal to become more diverse and inclusive will take significant time and action. Our executive committee and national board can become more diversely represented.

We can have more women speakers at our conventions, women pros on our teaching staff, wheelchair athletes and disabled veterans amid our ranks and an abundance of young people looking to become members. It will take all of us looking for opportunities to reach out and embrace these individuals. Let’s begin now! As you go about your day and try to increase your business and/or club membership, be mindful of the people/community groups around you, and why not try new marketing efforts to reach out to new groups in an effort to expose them to tennis as a player and potentially as a teacher?

The USPTA will benefit and our tennis world will become richer because of it. 

8

ADDvantage/April 2013

CLASSIFIEDS Business opportunities Tennis swim fitness club for sale in North Carolina. Large clubhouse, fitness center, pro shop and activity area. Eight underground lighted clay courts, and two pools. Assumable loan.

Website: theclubatwestport.com.

Contact: Robbie Smith at 704492-6931.

Clay court maintenance The Smith 3C Clay Court Conditioners are the next generation of highly engineered/ powered equipment to keep your fast-dry courts in desirable likenew condition. Manufactured in the U.S. and available for immediate shipment starting under $3,000. You can scarify a light top-dressing, mill 5/8" back to like-new powder, loosen hard packed sub-surface watered courts, or remove algae. Rejuvenate and renew your fast-dry courts. Call M. Kohlman at 805-550-0149 or email mkohlman@tcsn.net.

For more information, visit ­www. claycourtconditioner.com.

Drills NEED TENNIS DRILLS? USPTA Master Professional Jorge Capestany’s new website has more than 700 videos of tennis drills and tips. Log on to www. tennisdrills.tv to see (and print) more than 18 free samples.

Landmark directive will open up opportunities

Subscriptions FREE SAMPLE Bob Larson’s Tennis Jobs newsletter. Daily newsletter lists new tennis jobs in USA. For sample, email jobs@tennisnews.com.

Tennis products PRO/COACH PRICING on racquets, apparel, shoes, bags, balls, strings and accessories. Get baskets, carts, training equipment, books, videos and more. www.TennisExpress.com/800833-6615.

QM-1 Portable Camera Support.

Extendable pole, precalibrated system places on fence, from either side, quick and easy. MyTennisTools.com.

GRIP COACH is a practical product that has simple and easyto-follow guidelines, making it ideal for adults and kids to learn tennis grips. Players and coaches love the Grip Coach because it maximizes coaching time for everyone. Visit: www.gripcoach. com.au.

by Jo Ann Kurz, USPTA, Meridian Tennis Association

I

find it ironic that 40 years ago I played high school sports with no district or state championships for girls. I just went back to Kettering, Ohio, to be inducted into Fairmont High School Athletic Hall of Fame and I gave an acceptance speech. I reflected on how Title IX in 1975 changed everything for girls’ sports as young women then received equal funding/opportunities with boys/men from schools across the country. My life playing tennis at the University of Texas changed instantly. Our tennis team went from driving to Arizona for tournaments to flying to California, Michigan and Louisiana. My tuition waiver (Texas was only one of four schools in the country to offer athletic assistance to women) became a greatly enhanced scholarship over the next few years. Our women’s team was able to use the same state of the art facilities the Longhorn men were using.

Many girls growing up today take these equalities for granted.

I came to realize that the coaches, teachers and parents of my era laid the foundation for this change. I was able to pursue a career in tennis for the next 30 years, something I never even dreamed I’d have as an option when I began college.

The irony of going to Kettering to give my acceptance speech was for me to see the headlines on the same day of my induction – Jan. 25, with a new “Title IX” (Washington Post article). The U.S. Department of Education just passed a landmark directive for disabled athletes to have equal accommodations for competing on mainstream teams. If the modifications fundamentally change the way the sport is played then the schools are obligated to provide opportunities for modifications, such as wheelchair teams.

What will this do for sports? It will open up so many new opportunities for disabled people to compete in sports and gain the benefits of goal setting, teamwork and competition. How can we prepare? Let’s ramp up our wheelchair opportunities in tennis!

To Randy Corbett, Emily Kovarik, IWTA (Idaho Wheelchair Tennis Association), Robbie Hogue, Juan Reyes, Eldon Hatterveig, Greg Proctor and countless others I am not mentioning, thank you for laying the groundwork for this revolutionary change. One day just as females growing up today have never known sports opportunities to be any different than males, disabled students will grow up never knowing the difference competing with accommodations. 

The Grey Rock Tennis Club hosted its first “Run and Roll Tennis Event” Oct. 5, 2012. Players in wheelchairs and prosthetic aids were matched with tennis players from Austin and played a round robin.

The event raised money to purchase a wheelchair for Dustin Streslky, a 14-year-old young man who was paralyzed almost two years ago in a car accident who decided to start playing tennis a year ago. He has been training with the director of tennis at Grey Rock Tennis Club on Saturday mornings together with a group of players with orthotic aids.

Performing during the event was the world famous “Bijou” Tennis Show, which is the equivalent of the “Harlem Globetrotters” on the tennis courts.

Henri Elkins and his partner, Fernando Velasco, entertain tennis players and spectators in China, Colombia, New York, Florida, Hilton Head Island, Las Vegas and Austin. Also in attendance was Francisca Mardones, who was ranked No. 16 in the world in the Wheelchair ITF and a past participant of the 2012 Paralympics Games in London.

More than 15 players with prosthetic aids and four players in wheelchairs had an opportunity to play tennis with Circle C Pro-Emeritus, Dennis Ralston, and General Manager and director of tennis, Fernando Velasco during the “Orthotic and Prosthetic Technologies Adaptive Clinic” held at the Circle C Tennis Club Oct. 8, 2011. The players ranged in age from 7 years old to 75 years plus.

This was the third consecutive year that Circle C Tennis Club hosted this special clinic, with the goal that players with special needs become acquainted with the “game of a lifetime.” The event was sponsored by Aaron Foreman, owner of the “Orthotic and Prosthetic Technologies of Austin.” Circle C resident, Mike Haynes, who is an expert at playing Wheelchair Tennis tournaments all over the United States, was happy to share his experiences and skills with the rest of the players and the coaches. Also, Coach Ralston, a former US Open and Wimbledon Champion, had some excellent advice for all of the players on how to adjust to playing with their new challenges in life. He lost part of his leg a year and a half ago after having surgery. Now he is back on the court at the Circle C Tennis Club teaching and coaching players of all levels and abilities.

VACATION OpportuniTIes Five-Star Caribbean Resorts are Waiting for You! Working ­vacations available for certified tennis professionals. Family and couple resorts available. ­Contact: www.fitbodiesinc.com or call ­Denise Cox, 678-778-4673.

We do the things you don’t have the time, staff or resources to do!

Free samples: www.jobeasier.com, discount code: s-uspta.

Employment TennisJobs.com – The tennis industry’s ONLY international tennis professional employment service. Subscribe today!

Rates: $30 for 20 words, minimum per issue. 50 cents per word thereafter.

Prepayment is required. Supply typed copy and include full name, telephone number, credit card number and expiration date. Email magazine@ uspta.org or fax to 713-358-7794, attn: ADDvantage classifieds. No classifieds will be accepted by telephone. No exceptions are made. USPTA cannot verify nor be responsible for the contents of any advertisement.

The USPTA is committed to the policy that all people have equal access to its programs, facilities, employment and membership without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status. USPTA is an equal opportunity employer. USPTA reserves the right to reject any advertisement at its discretion, or to edit the advertisement to be certain that any employment requirements set forth in it conform with the law. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ADDvantage/April 2013

9

Are we behind the curve on technology? http://uspta.fromuthtennis.com

O

n Aug. 10 Peter Freeman, USTA Georgia Professional of the Year, conducted an eye-opening speech at the GPTA Lunch and Learn on how using Internet tools can help tennis coaches conquer their three biggest challenges. Freeman interviewed tennis pros across the nation asking them exactly what those challenges were and found that the following were the top three answers: 1. Frustrations with income: Many coaches state that the economy has had negative effects.

2. Life/balance concerns: Coaches feel that the long hours make it hard to have a life off of the courts.

3. Health concerns: Teaching professionals feel their bodies can’t hold up with all the hours spent on the court.

Coach Freeman knew these challenges all too well. In fact, he recalls being so tired and frustrated at the young age of 33 he decided to quit teaching the sport he loved. At the time he had a good, stable income as a director of tennis at a nice athletic club in San Jose, Calif. His biggest fear was that he could not keep up

the frantic pace to stay at the same income level when he was 50, if he was feeling totally beat up at age 33. So, feeling beat up physically, mentally, and seeing nowhere to go but down financially, he decided to hang up his tennis racquet.

Freeman’s mission is to provide training to coaches around the U.S. and arm them with the tools they need to compete in today’s changing marketplace.

Freeman decided to find work in sales to get some real world experience. He had his share of success becoming a national sales manager at a mortgage company. There he learned about the power of automation when it comes to using tools on the Internet and a light bulb went off in his head: all this information could be used to run a tennis business in a much more efficient manner.

Low and behold, Freeman was correct! He took a program that was dead at Gold’s Gym in Douglasville and created a vision with USPTA Master Professional Skip Johnson to get tennis booming again in the community. Freeman had a vision to use the power of the Internet to build his book of clients, build relationships on autopilot, and generate income for his classes online.

Now Freeman wants to educate coaches on automated online systems that have built his business while cutting his teaching hours in half. At the end of his speech at the GPTA Lunch and Learn, he conducted a survey in an effort to find out how many tennis pros were using tools like this to grow their businesses and here is what he found: • 38 percent of tennis coaches have their own website • 13 percent offer online registration and payment services • 8 percent of tennis pros have a YouTube channel and use video marketing (not a little known fact – YouTube gets more than 4 billion views a day and is responsible for building thriving online-coaching businesses for Will Hamilton of Fuzzy Yellow Balls and Jeff Salzenstein) • 4 percent of coaches used email auto responders

Freeman had a vision to use the power of the Internet to build his book of clients, build relationships on autopilot, and generate income for his classes online. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

• 100 percent of coaches strongly agreed that the information discussed in the Lunch and Learn was important information that coaches need to learn about. continued next page ADDvantage/April 2013

11

Are we behind the curve on technology? http://uspta.fromuthtennis.com

O

n Aug. 10 Peter Freeman, USTA Georgia Professional of the Year, conducted an eye-opening speech at the GPTA Lunch and Learn on how using Internet tools can help tennis coaches conquer their three biggest challenges. Freeman interviewed tennis pros across the nation asking them exactly what those challenges were and found that the following were the top three answers: 1. Frustrations with income: Many coaches state that the economy has had negative effects.

2. Life/balance concerns: Coaches feel that the long hours make it hard to have a life off of the courts.

3. Health concerns: Teaching professionals feel their bodies can’t hold up with all the hours spent on the court.

Coach Freeman knew these challenges all too well. In fact, he recalls being so tired and frustrated at the young age of 33 he decided to quit teaching the sport he loved. At the time he had a good, stable income as a director of tennis at a nice athletic club in San Jose, Calif. His biggest fear was that he could not keep up

the frantic pace to stay at the same income level when he was 50, if he was feeling totally beat up at age 33. So, feeling beat up physically, mentally, and seeing nowhere to go but down financially, he decided to hang up his tennis racquet.

Freeman’s mission is to provide training to coaches around the U.S. and arm them with the tools they need to compete in today’s changing marketplace.

Freeman decided to find work in sales to get some real world experience. He had his share of success becoming a national sales manager at a mortgage company. There he learned about the power of automation when it comes to using tools on the Internet and a light bulb went off in his head: all this information could be used to run a tennis business in a much more efficient manner.

Low and behold, Freeman was correct! He took a program that was dead at Gold’s Gym in Douglasville and created a vision with USPTA Master Professional Skip Johnson to get tennis booming again in the community. Freeman had a vision to use the power of the Internet to build his book of clients, build relationships on autopilot, and generate income for his classes online.

Now Freeman wants to educate coaches on automated online systems that have built his business while cutting his teaching hours in half. At the end of his speech at the GPTA Lunch and Learn, he conducted a survey in an effort to find out how many tennis pros were using tools like this to grow their businesses and here is what he found: • 38 percent of tennis coaches have their own website • 13 percent offer online registration and payment services • 8 percent of tennis pros have a YouTube channel and use video marketing (not a little known fact – YouTube gets more than 4 billion views a day and is responsible for building thriving online-coaching businesses for Will Hamilton of Fuzzy Yellow Balls and Jeff Salzenstein) • 4 percent of coaches used email auto responders

Freeman had a vision to use the power of the Internet to build his book of clients, build relationships on autopilot, and generate income for his classes online. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

• 100 percent of coaches strongly agreed that the information discussed in the Lunch and Learn was important information that coaches need to learn about. continued next page ADDvantage/April 2013

11

from previous page So while it does appear that we are behind the curve when it comes to using Internet tools, we do have a desire to learn more about them. Freeman believes that coaches are behind the curve for two main reasons. First of all, they are too busy and don’t have time to learn the very skills that will literally save them hundreds of hours in work. Secondly, many pros appear to be intimidated when it comes to using online technology such as websites, social media, online registration and video marketing.

Peter Freeman says his mission is to provide training to coaches around the U.S. and arm them with the tools they need to compete in today’s changing marketplace. To help him better support his colleagues, Freeman started a business called Crunch Time Coaching. The name Crunch Time Coaching comes from his belief that it is not too late for us to catch on as an industry; however, it is crunch time. You can check out his website for free training and education at www.crunchtimecoaching.com. 

Peter’s tips: Here are the two important tips I would give anyone who is thinking of developing an online presence for their tennis business. Whether you are trying to grow your tennis lesson program or sell products online this is the blue print the Internet marketing pros follow.

Step 1: Develop a list of leads online. The best way to do this is to set up lead pages or squeeze pages. These are one-page websites that focus on one very specific offer that invoke a required action from your audience. Example: Sign up for my Free Course on the forehand and learn to play just like the pros. Here is what one of my most effective lead pages looks like that had 60 people sign up within a week:

customers on autopilot where you can do so many things. First of all, you can set up automated messages and schedule them to go out whatever day and time your heart desires. When people signed for my Tennis 1-2-3 offer, I set up 10 automated messages that thanked them for signing up, sent them instructional videos to watch, and of course offered other lesson programs.

Perhaps the most important feature of an auto-responder system is the ability to track and measure the activity of your clients.

• What is your title and how long have you worked at USPTA? My title is Director of Certification and Membership. I actually have been working for USPTA for 20 years. Time has flown.

I started working at USPTA while I was in college. I began as the receptionist. I moved to education then the membership department. After completing college, I really enjoyed working here so I’ve stayed. I have learned a lot about the Association through my years and with the people I have gotten to work with. One person who I was really lucky to work with was George Bacso.

• Explain what you do at USPTA. I work closely with testers and the Testing & Membership Committees. I coordinate the tests given throughout the year. This includes communicating with testers about their needs, scheduling each exam, and helping members with any issues they may have. I really enjoy working with committee members. It’s exciting to see their passion for improving the certification process and member experience.

• What do you like about your job? It’s really a good feeling when you’ve been able to help someone.

The offer is very strong, which is key to growing your list fast. Eight weeks of tennis for just $7.50 a week plus a free racquet. Also notice there are only 40 spots available, which creates urgency.

Once they fill out the form they are on my list. This is where the magic happens and brings us to step 2.

Step 2. Have all your landing pages connect to an email auto-responder. This allows you to communicate with your

12

ADDvantage/April 2013

Here I can see not only how many people opened my email, but who opened my email and how many times that particular person opened it. It also allows me to see if they clicked on a link, which most of the time connects to another lead page offer.

Now I am able to analyze who likes my offers and how effective my campaigns are.

The beautiful thing about operating in this system of lead pages and auto-responders is it becomes a rinse and repeat system that keeps on compounding. The more people that sign up on your list, obviously the more leads you now have to communicate with on auto-pilot. The bigger your list becomes, naturally your program offers get better response rates and therefore your classes start to fill up with less effort.

Using these online tools has truly been a lifesaver for me and I could not imagine operating my programs without using this system. I hope this article has fired off some light bulbs going around in your head. Best of luck and if you would like to reach out and ask me any questions, I can be reached at crunchtimecoaching@gmail.com. 

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Julie Myers and Vicky Tristan (right), USPTA staff

• You are an avid biker. Tell us how you got into cycling. A good friend of mine invited me to a spin class. I was nervous and told her that if I fell off the bike, she couldn’t take a picture.

Thank goodness, I didn’t fall off. I was just really sore for a couple of days. After that day, I was hooked. I enjoy going to spin classes about three days a week. I love it!

• You participated in the BP MS150 – a two-day fundraising cycling ride from Houston to Austin. I completed my first MS 150 two years ago. Our spin instructer started a biking club and we bike on weekends and train for the MS150. The funds raised go towards MS research, which is such a great cause. To say I’ve completed it makes me so happy. When you’re on mile 120 going up a hill, all I could think about was the finish line. It’s really been very rewarding.

• How did you become involved with the Houston Rodeo? Another great friend invited me to volunteer. If you ask any Houstonian, the rodeo is a big deal here during the months of February and March. The rodeo provides scholarships to kids that may not be able to go to college. I volunteer throughout the year and a couple of days during the rodeo. Anytime you are in Houston during the rodeo, make it to a show, you won’t be disappointed.

• If you could travel to anywhere in the world…I will get to Rome one day. I would love to see the Vatican city, Sistine Chapel and all of the other historic sights it has to offer. 

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ADDvantage/April 2013

13

from previous page So while it does appear that we are behind the curve when it comes to using Internet tools, we do have a desire to learn more about them. Freeman believes that coaches are behind the curve for two main reasons. First of all, they are too busy and don’t have time to learn the very skills that will literally save them hundreds of hours in work. Secondly, many pros appear to be intimidated when it comes to using online technology such as websites, social media, online registration and video marketing.

Peter Freeman says his mission is to provide training to coaches around the U.S. and arm them with the tools they need to compete in today’s changing marketplace. To help him better support his colleagues, Freeman started a business called Crunch Time Coaching. The name Crunch Time Coaching comes from his belief that it is not too late for us to catch on as an industry; however, it is crunch time. You can check out his website for free training and education at www.crunchtimecoaching.com. 

Peter’s tips: Here are the two important tips I would give anyone who is thinking of developing an online presence for their tennis business. Whether you are trying to grow your tennis lesson program or sell products online this is the blue print the Internet marketing pros follow.

Step 1: Develop a list of leads online. The best way to do this is to set up lead pages or squeeze pages. These are one-page websites that focus on one very specific offer that invoke a required action from your audience. Example: Sign up for my Free Course on the forehand and learn to play just like the pros. Here is what one of my most effective lead pages looks like that had 60 people sign up within a week:

customers on autopilot where you can do so many things. First of all, you can set up automated messages and schedule them to go out whatever day and time your heart desires. When people signed for my Tennis 1-2-3 offer, I set up 10 automated messages that thanked them for signing up, sent them instructional videos to watch, and of course offered other lesson programs.

Perhaps the most important feature of an auto-responder system is the ability to track and measure the activity of your clients.

• What is your title and how long have you worked at USPTA? My title is Director of Certification and Membership. I actually have been working for USPTA for 20 years. Time has flown.

I started working at USPTA while I was in college. I began as the receptionist. I moved to education then the membership department. After completing college, I really enjoyed working here so I’ve stayed. I have learned a lot about the Association through my years and with the people I have gotten to work with. One person who I was really lucky to work with was George Bacso.

• Explain what you do at USPTA. I work closely with testers and the Testing & Membership Committees. I coordinate the tests given throughout the year. This includes communicating with testers about their needs, scheduling each exam, and helping members with any issues they may have. I really enjoy working with committee members. It’s exciting to see their passion for improving the certification process and member experience.

• What do you like about your job? It’s really a good feeling when you’ve been able to help someone.

The offer is very strong, which is key to growing your list fast. Eight weeks of tennis for just $7.50 a week plus a free racquet. Also notice there are only 40 spots available, which creates urgency.

Once they fill out the form they are on my list. This is where the magic happens and brings us to step 2.

Step 2. Have all your landing pages connect to an email auto-responder. This allows you to communicate with your

12

ADDvantage/April 2013

Here I can see not only how many people opened my email, but who opened my email and how many times that particular person opened it. It also allows me to see if they clicked on a link, which most of the time connects to another lead page offer.

Now I am able to analyze who likes my offers and how effective my campaigns are.

The beautiful thing about operating in this system of lead pages and auto-responders is it becomes a rinse and repeat system that keeps on compounding. The more people that sign up on your list, obviously the more leads you now have to communicate with on auto-pilot. The bigger your list becomes, naturally your program offers get better response rates and therefore your classes start to fill up with less effort.

Using these online tools has truly been a lifesaver for me and I could not imagine operating my programs without using this system. I hope this article has fired off some light bulbs going around in your head. Best of luck and if you would like to reach out and ask me any questions, I can be reached at crunchtimecoaching@gmail.com. 

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Julie Myers and Vicky Tristan (right), USPTA staff

• You are an avid biker. Tell us how you got into cycling. A good friend of mine invited me to a spin class. I was nervous and told her that if I fell off the bike, she couldn’t take a picture.

Thank goodness, I didn’t fall off. I was just really sore for a couple of days. After that day, I was hooked. I enjoy going to spin classes about three days a week. I love it!

• You participated in the BP MS150 – a two-day fundraising cycling ride from Houston to Austin. I completed my first MS 150 two years ago. Our spin instructer started a biking club and we bike on weekends and train for the MS150. The funds raised go towards MS research, which is such a great cause. To say I’ve completed it makes me so happy. When you’re on mile 120 going up a hill, all I could think about was the finish line. It’s really been very rewarding.

• How did you become involved with the Houston Rodeo? Another great friend invited me to volunteer. If you ask any Houstonian, the rodeo is a big deal here during the months of February and March. The rodeo provides scholarships to kids that may not be able to go to college. I volunteer throughout the year and a couple of days during the rodeo. Anytime you are in Houston during the rodeo, make it to a show, you won’t be disappointed.

• If you could travel to anywhere in the world…I will get to Rome one day. I would love to see the Vatican city, Sistine Chapel and all of the other historic sights it has to offer. 

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ADDvantage/April 2013

13

USPTA 2013 national tournament series

T

his year the United States Professional Tennis Association continues to offer its members national tournaments on several court surfaces as part of the USPTA National Surface Championship Series. The first tournament in the series, the USPTA Clay Court Championships, took place at BallenIsles Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., Mar. 22-24, with total prize money of $7,500. Florida’s Paulo Barros and Suzanne Siegler were crowned singles champions.

The use of Courtside USA, the second largest tennis league management software in the United States with more than 300,000 users annually, allows USPTA members to register for surface tournaments through Courtside and get quick and easy access to location information, match times and results. It not only provides tennis teachers and clubs with access to a free website to build their business and connect with their members/players from one central location, but it also gives teaching professionals the technology they need to run leagues, ladders, tournaments, flex leagues and round robins. In addition, they can manage lesson bookings, court bookings and events.

The national tournaments are open to Professional-level members in good standing. They are eligible to compete in any of the competitions and the International Championships. USPTA

Tips from the pros

The importance of using the Cardio balls

by Michele Krause, TIA Cardio Tennis Manager and Ted Murray, TIA Cardio Tennis Coordinator

Barros and McCollom, 2012 USPTA Clay Court Championships singles open winners.

T

he Cardio ball is one of the six components of the Cardio Tennis (CT) session. Without these it is not truly Cardio Tennis. The purpose of this article is to make it clear what balls are to be used during the various aspects of the Cardio Tennis class in order to make it as effective as possible.

Let’s look at the what, why, where and how.

members will have the opportunity to test their playing skills in competition and earn prize money at each event.

For additional information, please contact the USPTA at 800-USPTA-4U. USPTA Professionals may log in to the “members only” section of the USPTA website at www.uspta.com for more information. To sign up for the Indoor Championships on Courtside go to http://www.courtsideusa.com/tournaments/346/. 

Why are we using the Cardio balls?

• It makes it easier to play • It keeps the players safe • It allows for cooperative hitting

2013 USPTA National Surface Championship Series schedule:

• Players of mixed ability can play together • The cardio ball does not “come” to you, you must “go” to the ball, and therefore this forces a quicker first step and improvement of overall footwork

Indoor Championships April 19-21

Lifetime Fitness Fridley Club Fridley, Minn.

International Championships TBA

What is the Cardio ball?

The Cardio ball is the low compression/ transition ball (red, orange, green).

Hard Court Championships Oct. 18-20

Why do we call it the Cardio ball?

• It sounds much more appealing to the adult consumer who perceives a low compression ball as being the baby/kids ball.

Hollytree Country Club and Tyler Tennis & Swim Club Tyler, Texas

• Cardio ball sounds more exciting.

14

ADDvantage/April 2013

All USPTA Professional members in good standing are ­eligible to compete in any of the surface championships.

• These balls provide a better cardio workout.

Visit uspta.com for more information.

How long has the Cardio ball been ­utilized in CT sessions?

For more than four years.

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ceptable for this as they can be hit as hard as possible with no need to be concerned about whether the balls are in the court or not. The participants can have the feeling of hitting the ball hard and going after all balls on the first bounce while getting the feel of how a yellow ball bounces. There are Cardio Tennis deliverers that only use the orange ball and this is absolutely acceptable.

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Where are we using these balls?

There are four segments within the Cardio Tennis session: warm-up, cardio drill, cardio game and cool-down.

Warm-up: mostly red and maybe orange Cardio drill: orange, green or yellow Cardio games: orange, in very isolated ­circumstance green Cool down: mostly red and maybe orange The only portion of the Cardio Tennis session that should use the yellow ball is the cardio drill segment. The pro needs to have as many balls as possible to keep the drills moving. The yellow balls are ac-

• Because the Cardio ball is slower, one can actually get to more balls • The ball stays in play longer, therefore it is easier and more effective to train “in your zones” • The Cardio balls allow for more “touches” and the more touches you have on the ball the better player you become • Beneficial for advanced players because it is difficult to hit a “clean winner,” therefore the ball stays in play longer • Most Cardio Tennis sessions are made up of mixed ability, therefore the Cardio ball makes playing games enjoyable and successful for all participants continued next page 15

ADDvantage/April 2013

USPTA 2013 national tournament series

T

his year the United States Professional Tennis Association continues to offer its members national tournaments on several court surfaces as part of the USPTA National Surface Championship Series. The first tournament in the series, the USPTA Clay Court Championships, took place at BallenIsles Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., Mar. 22-24, with total prize money of $7,500. Florida’s Paulo Barros and Suzanne Siegler were crowned singles champions.

The use of Courtside USA, the second largest tennis league management software in the United States with more than 300,000 users annually, allows USPTA members to register for surface tournaments through Courtside and get quick and easy access to location information, match times and results. It not only provides tennis teachers and clubs with access to a free website to build their business and connect with their members/players from one central location, but it also gives teaching professionals the technology they need to run leagues, ladders, tournaments, flex leagues and round robins. In addition, they can manage lesson bookings, court bookings and events.

The national tournaments are open to Professional-level members in good standing. They are eligible to compete in any of the competitions and the International Championships. USPTA

Tips from the pros

The importance of using the Cardio balls

by Michele Krause, TIA Cardio Tennis Manager and Ted Murray, TIA Cardio Tennis Coordinator

Barros and McCollom, 2012 USPTA Clay Court Championships singles open winners.

T

he Cardio ball is one of the six components of the Cardio Tennis (CT) session. Without these it is not truly Cardio Tennis. The purpose of this article is to make it clear what balls are to be used during the various aspects of the Cardio Tennis class in order to make it as effective as possible.

Let’s look at the what, why, where and how.

members will have the opportunity to test their playing skills in competition and earn prize money at each event.

For additional information, please contact the USPTA at 800-USPTA-4U. USPTA Professionals may log in to the “members only” section of the USPTA website at www.uspta.com for more information. To sign up for the Indoor Championships on Courtside go to http://www.courtsideusa.com/tournaments/346/. 

Why are we using the Cardio balls?

• It makes it easier to play • It keeps the players safe • It allows for cooperative hitting

2013 USPTA National Surface Championship Series schedule:

• Players of mixed ability can play together • The cardio ball does not “come” to you, you must “go” to the ball, and therefore this forces a quicker first step and improvement of overall footwork

Indoor Championships April 19-21

Lifetime Fitness Fridley Club Fridley, Minn.

International Championships TBA

What is the Cardio ball?

The Cardio ball is the low compression/ transition ball (red, orange, green).

Hard Court Championships Oct. 18-20

Why do we call it the Cardio ball?

• It sounds much more appealing to the adult consumer who perceives a low compression ball as being the baby/kids ball.

Hollytree Country Club and Tyler Tennis & Swim Club Tyler, Texas

• Cardio ball sounds more exciting.

14

ADDvantage/April 2013

All USPTA Professional members in good standing are ­eligible to compete in any of the surface championships.

• These balls provide a better cardio workout.

Visit uspta.com for more information.

How long has the Cardio ball been ­utilized in CT sessions?

For more than four years.

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ceptable for this as they can be hit as hard as possible with no need to be concerned about whether the balls are in the court or not. The participants can have the feeling of hitting the ball hard and going after all balls on the first bounce while getting the feel of how a yellow ball bounces. There are Cardio Tennis deliverers that only use the orange ball and this is absolutely acceptable.

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Where are we using these balls?

There are four segments within the Cardio Tennis session: warm-up, cardio drill, cardio game and cool-down.

Warm-up: mostly red and maybe orange Cardio drill: orange, green or yellow Cardio games: orange, in very isolated ­circumstance green Cool down: mostly red and maybe orange The only portion of the Cardio Tennis session that should use the yellow ball is the cardio drill segment. The pro needs to have as many balls as possible to keep the drills moving. The yellow balls are ac-

• Because the Cardio ball is slower, one can actually get to more balls • The ball stays in play longer, therefore it is easier and more effective to train “in your zones” • The Cardio balls allow for more “touches” and the more touches you have on the ball the better player you become • Beneficial for advanced players because it is difficult to hit a “clean winner,” therefore the ball stays in play longer • Most Cardio Tennis sessions are made up of mixed ability, therefore the Cardio ball makes playing games enjoyable and successful for all participants continued next page 15

ADDvantage/April 2013

from previous page When delivering Cardio Tennis and an activity is not working, first change the ball in order to modify or progress whatever it is you are doing. Your job is to coach to the highest skill/fitness level and at the same time make everyone on your court feel successful.

In any given activity different players can be working with different balls.

During the warm-up and cool-down most CT activities are cooperative ones that focus on control, feel and consistency. These warm-ups should use the red ball or possibly the orange ball. Not only are these balls easier to control, but they are also much softer and easier on the arm than yellow balls. Many injuries occur by hitting too hard initially when the jar of a mis-hit with the yellow balls can cause severe damage to a cold wrist, elbow or shoulder.

The multi-colored nature of the red and orange balls also make it easier to focus on the ball and begin to recognize the spin that is being imparted. This immediate development of concentration in warm-up is an important key to the overall success your students will experience throughout the cardio tennis class. Also in the warm-up and cool down we are doing partner activities in signature Cardio Tennis court set-up that is four red courts on one traditional court. The red ball allows players to control the ball better and stay within their court area when attempting activities such as up-and-backs and side-to-sides.

Convincing your students to use the cardio balls during warmup and cool down is usually not a problem. Where I find my students tend to hesitate to use them is during the games portion of the class. Here are some common complaints: “I have just been hitting with the yellow balls, now you want me to change the entire feel and hit with these soft balls?”

• Change is good; it is how we get better.

“These balls don’t bounce much, so I am always lunging to reach balls.”

• Therefore improving your ability to move and take small steps to set-up.

“I can’t get any feel off these balls.”

• The low compression balls actually stay on the strings longer, therefore it is easier to develop feel for touch shots like drop shots and sharply angled topspin.

“The game is so slow with these balls. I can’t put the ball away.”

• It’s actually livelier as there are more touches on the ball; putting the ball away is not the purpose of Cardio Tennis.

“I can’t hit a volley with these balls without taking a big swing.”

• Attack with your feet and drive through the ball.

“These balls are for little kids, not a 4.5 player like me.”

• The Cardio ball is a training tool for players of all ability levels.

“These balls will screw up my timing for my league match tomorrow.”

• It teaches you how to deal with emergency situations, variance of ball bounce on different surfaces and prepares you for occasions of hitting balls off a line, off a crack, off a dead spot in the court and a ball breaking in the middle of a match.

16

ADDvantage/April 2013

Do these excuses sound familiar? I have heard these and many versions of them, and I will admit that I have succumbed to the pressure and played games with yellow balls. However, one of our goals in Cardio Tennis is to be a different form of tennis that is meant to be more fun and a more rewarding experience. It is up to us as coaches to use all components of the CT class to create this experience, and cardio balls are as important as the music, the cardio blasts, or monitoring heart rate in ensuring the experience is a positive one for everyone.

Here are some of the advantages of using the orange ball during the games portion of the class that can help you convince even the macho 4.5 player that using the orange cardio ball is beneficial.

One of the real advantages of Cardio Tennis is to create more flexible and adaptive players. Instead of grooved-in strokes that fall apart when moving or under match pressure, CT puts players constantly in situations where they have to hit on the run, when off balance, and when lunging for balls – just like they will face in a tough match! Therefore adjusting from one ball to another throughout the class is one more way that they become more complete and flexible players.

The purpose of the Cardio balls is obviously to create longer rallies and more interesting points. The games portion is meant to be fun and stimulating for everyone. By neutralizing the importance of power it makes the games more fun and exciting for all levels.

This is especially important when the levels of the class are mixed.

Another purpose of CT is to encourage beginning players to get into the sport, and having hard balls blasted at them is a great way to turn them off. The Cardio balls remove much of the fear factor, as they are certainly safer. And if someone steps on a Cardio ball the likelihood of turning an ankle is greatly diminished. Cardio Tennis games are about putting more people on the court at the same time and many games are three vs three, four vs four and other unique multi-person combinations. With this many people on a court and a lot of net play, the probability of getting hit is definitely real, and the cardio balls make this much less of an issue.

The cardio balls also develop more effective strokes. You can take a full swing at the ball and really drive through the contact without always worrying about it going out. It also forces greater net clearance. Even on the volley where it does take more to hit it solidly, you want to encourage players to attack more with their feet rather than taking a huge swing. It will help them realize that placement and precision are more important in finishing a volley than brute force, as even their hardest volleys will come back if not well placed.

We have found that players who use Cardio balls regularly actually become more effective match players. One reason for this is that the balls encourage greater racquet head speed as well as more awareness of spin. This racquet head speed translates into more power with the yellow balls as well as the spin to control it. More effective strokes and more adaptability during matches add up to a winning game. Plus, when you have encouraged players to no longer make excuses about the balls being used, perhaps they will be less likely to complain about the wind, the sun, their partner and many other conditions that they can’t control.

Get comfortable being uncomfortable, it is the way to game and fitness improvement.  www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

USPTA partners with Rezilient Direct to offer members supplemental health benefits

T

he United States Professional Tennis Association announced the start of a partnership with Rezilient Direct Corporation, giving USPTA-certified members the opportunity to purchase additional health coverage. Rezilient Direct, which is based in ­Austin, Texas, is one the first companies to offer supplemental health benefits directly online to the consumer.

Rezilient Direct’s extensive interactive platform allows customers to enroll and purchase supplemental health insurance within minutes and get covered in as little as 24 hours. They also have a Call and Live Chat center to assist customers throughout the process.

Rezilient Direct offers four supplemental products in the United States. Their core business is voluntary products such as Cancer, Accident and Heart & Stroke insurance underwritten by American General Life Companies, and Hospitalization insurance underwritten by Heartland National Life Insurance Company. This year they are adding Short-Term Disability, Term Life, Dental and Vision to their portfolio. In addition, Rezilient Direct has an agreement to offer Critical Illness policies through Rezilient Direct Canada, a subsidiary of Rezilient Direct Corporation.

Greg Feste, CEO of Rezilient Direct, stated, “We could not be more excited about our new partnership with the USPTA. I’m deeply impressed with the leadership of John Embree and the entire organization’s concern for the well-being of all their members. We look forward to a long and beneficial relationship as we meet the needs of their members throughout the United States.”

“At a time when our members are looking for tangible and

quantifiable benefits for their USPTA membership, Rezilient Direct has come forward with a terrific program to help those professionals who seek a way to help bridge the gap between the medical insurance that they do have and a potential calamity that is not fully covered,” said USPTA CEO John Embree.

“With health care being the No. 1 concern amongst our members, here is a program that should make a positive difference.”

Visit rezilientdirect.com/USPTA­LandingPage/tabid/2009/ Default.aspx for more information. 

John Embree and Greg Feste, CEO of Relizientdirect.com, our new endorsement relationship.

Award nominations due July 2, 2013 USPTA is accepting nominations for the 2013 National Awards Program through July 2. All Professional-level members are eligible. Award category definitions, nomination forms and guidelines are available at www.uspta.com, by calling 800-877-8248 or by sending a request to pr@uspta.org.

While hard copies are still accepted, ALL applications can now be submitted as PDFs and submitted via email. Large PDF files may be burned to a CD/DVD and mailed in. The Awards Committee encourages applicants to submit their applications and all supporting materials in one of the above electronic formats. Send email applications and questions to pr@uspta.org.

Tom Daglis presents Angel Lopez with the USPTA Diversity Award. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

While all award recipients will be honored at the World Conference in Orlando in September, there are exciting new changes to the awards presentation – look out for details to come.  ADDvantage/April 2013

17

from previous page When delivering Cardio Tennis and an activity is not working, first change the ball in order to modify or progress whatever it is you are doing. Your job is to coach to the highest skill/fitness level and at the same time make everyone on your court feel successful.

In any given activity different players can be working with different balls.

During the warm-up and cool-down most CT activities are cooperative ones that focus on control, feel and consistency. These warm-ups should use the red ball or possibly the orange ball. Not only are these balls easier to control, but they are also much softer and easier on the arm than yellow balls. Many injuries occur by hitting too hard initially when the jar of a mis-hit with the yellow balls can cause severe damage to a cold wrist, elbow or shoulder.

The multi-colored nature of the red and orange balls also make it easier to focus on the ball and begin to recognize the spin that is being imparted. This immediate development of concentration in warm-up is an important key to the overall success your students will experience throughout the cardio tennis class. Also in the warm-up and cool down we are doing partner activities in signature Cardio Tennis court set-up that is four red courts on one traditional court. The red ball allows players to control the ball better and stay within their court area when attempting activities such as up-and-backs and side-to-sides.

Convincing your students to use the cardio balls during warmup and cool down is usually not a problem. Where I find my students tend to hesitate to use them is during the games portion of the class. Here are some common complaints: “I have just been hitting with the yellow balls, now you want me to change the entire feel and hit with these soft balls?”

• Change is good; it is how we get better.

“These balls don’t bounce much, so I am always lunging to reach balls.”

• Therefore improving your ability to move and take small steps to set-up.

“I can’t get any feel off these balls.”

• The low compression balls actually stay on the strings longer, therefore it is easier to develop feel for touch shots like drop shots and sharply angled topspin.

“The game is so slow with these balls. I can’t put the ball away.”

• It’s actually livelier as there are more touches on the ball; putting the ball away is not the purpose of Cardio Tennis.

“I can’t hit a volley with these balls without taking a big swing.”

• Attack with your feet and drive through the ball.

“These balls are for little kids, not a 4.5 player like me.”

• The Cardio ball is a training tool for players of all ability levels.

“These balls will screw up my timing for my league match tomorrow.”

• It teaches you how to deal with emergency situations, variance of ball bounce on different surfaces and prepares you for occasions of hitting balls off a line, off a crack, off a dead spot in the court and a ball breaking in the middle of a match.

16

ADDvantage/April 2013

Do these excuses sound familiar? I have heard these and many versions of them, and I will admit that I have succumbed to the pressure and played games with yellow balls. However, one of our goals in Cardio Tennis is to be a different form of tennis that is meant to be more fun and a more rewarding experience. It is up to us as coaches to use all components of the CT class to create this experience, and cardio balls are as important as the music, the cardio blasts, or monitoring heart rate in ensuring the experience is a positive one for everyone.

Here are some of the advantages of using the orange ball during the games portion of the class that can help you convince even the macho 4.5 player that using the orange cardio ball is beneficial.

One of the real advantages of Cardio Tennis is to create more flexible and adaptive players. Instead of grooved-in strokes that fall apart when moving or under match pressure, CT puts players constantly in situations where they have to hit on the run, when off balance, and when lunging for balls – just like they will face in a tough match! Therefore adjusting from one ball to another throughout the class is one more way that they become more complete and flexible players.

The purpose of the Cardio balls is obviously to create longer rallies and more interesting points. The games portion is meant to be fun and stimulating for everyone. By neutralizing the importance of power it makes the games more fun and exciting for all levels.

This is especially important when the levels of the class are mixed.

Another purpose of CT is to encourage beginning players to get into the sport, and having hard balls blasted at them is a great way to turn them off. The Cardio balls remove much of the fear factor, as they are certainly safer. And if someone steps on a Cardio ball the likelihood of turning an ankle is greatly diminished. Cardio Tennis games are about putting more people on the court at the same time and many games are three vs three, four vs four and other unique multi-person combinations. With this many people on a court and a lot of net play, the probability of getting hit is definitely real, and the cardio balls make this much less of an issue.

The cardio balls also develop more effective strokes. You can take a full swing at the ball and really drive through the contact without always worrying about it going out. It also forces greater net clearance. Even on the volley where it does take more to hit it solidly, you want to encourage players to attack more with their feet rather than taking a huge swing. It will help them realize that placement and precision are more important in finishing a volley than brute force, as even their hardest volleys will come back if not well placed.

We have found that players who use Cardio balls regularly actually become more effective match players. One reason for this is that the balls encourage greater racquet head speed as well as more awareness of spin. This racquet head speed translates into more power with the yellow balls as well as the spin to control it. More effective strokes and more adaptability during matches add up to a winning game. Plus, when you have encouraged players to no longer make excuses about the balls being used, perhaps they will be less likely to complain about the wind, the sun, their partner and many other conditions that they can’t control.

Get comfortable being uncomfortable, it is the way to game and fitness improvement.  www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

USPTA partners with Rezilient Direct to offer members supplemental health benefits

T

he United States Professional Tennis Association announced the start of a partnership with Rezilient Direct Corporation, giving USPTA-certified members the opportunity to purchase additional health coverage. Rezilient Direct, which is based in ­Austin, Texas, is one the first companies to offer supplemental health benefits directly online to the consumer.

Rezilient Direct’s extensive interactive platform allows customers to enroll and purchase supplemental health insurance within minutes and get covered in as little as 24 hours. They also have a Call and Live Chat center to assist customers throughout the process.

Rezilient Direct offers four supplemental products in the United States. Their core business is voluntary products such as Cancer, Accident and Heart & Stroke insurance underwritten by American General Life Companies, and Hospitalization insurance underwritten by Heartland National Life Insurance Company. This year they are adding Short-Term Disability, Term Life, Dental and Vision to their portfolio. In addition, Rezilient Direct has an agreement to offer Critical Illness policies through Rezilient Direct Canada, a subsidiary of Rezilient Direct Corporation.

Greg Feste, CEO of Rezilient Direct, stated, “We could not be more excited about our new partnership with the USPTA. I’m deeply impressed with the leadership of John Embree and the entire organization’s concern for the well-being of all their members. We look forward to a long and beneficial relationship as we meet the needs of their members throughout the United States.”

“At a time when our members are looking for tangible and

quantifiable benefits for their USPTA membership, Rezilient Direct has come forward with a terrific program to help those professionals who seek a way to help bridge the gap between the medical insurance that they do have and a potential calamity that is not fully covered,” said USPTA CEO John Embree.

“With health care being the No. 1 concern amongst our members, here is a program that should make a positive difference.”

Visit rezilientdirect.com/USPTA­LandingPage/tabid/2009/ Default.aspx for more information. 

John Embree and Greg Feste, CEO of Relizientdirect.com, our new endorsement relationship.

Award nominations due July 2, 2013 USPTA is accepting nominations for the 2013 National Awards Program through July 2. All Professional-level members are eligible. Award category definitions, nomination forms and guidelines are available at www.uspta.com, by calling 800-877-8248 or by sending a request to pr@uspta.org.

While hard copies are still accepted, ALL applications can now be submitted as PDFs and submitted via email. Large PDF files may be burned to a CD/DVD and mailed in. The Awards Committee encourages applicants to submit their applications and all supporting materials in one of the above electronic formats. Send email applications and questions to pr@uspta.org.

Tom Daglis presents Angel Lopez with the USPTA Diversity Award. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

While all award recipients will be honored at the World Conference in Orlando in September, there are exciting new changes to the awards presentation – look out for details to come.  ADDvantage/April 2013

17

Boost your spring programming with Tennis Across America™

T

he USPTA kicks off its annual Tennis Across AmericaTM pro- Here are a few event ideas you may want to consider: gram. Just like in previous years, while Tennis Across America is officially cel• Adult clinic ebrated in May, events can be held at any time • Cardio Tennis event of the year as long as the event is registered be• Junior clinic fore the July 2 deadline. USPTA is continuing • Member-guest event the tradition of emphasizing the multicultural • 10 and Under Tennis event segment of Tennis Across America as a means of increasing tennis participation at the grass Tennis Across America was created in roots level in 2013. Tennis Across America response to a call from the Tennis Industry has a long and colorful history and is a great Council for industry groups to develop a way to kick off your spring programming and project to promote tennis to current, former increase your lesson base. and prospective recreational players. The Established in 1990, Tennis Across purpose of the event is to stimulate interAmerica is the original, free, grassroots lesest in tennis as a participation sport and a son program. Its goal is to introduce the means of maintaining physical fitness. game to children and adults who have not Tennis Across America has grown into experienced it. However, free clinics are not Date: Time: a multifaceted program that has reached Location: restricted to new players but may be open to hundreds of thousands of people through former players or even current players who For more information, contact: three distinctive program segments. The want to jump-start their spring activity. Oththree-phase program provides opportunities ers may target people who would not have an to grow the game of tennis through special opportunity to play except through a special multicultural clinics, nationwide free clinClick here for free TAA poster. event arranged by a USPTA Professional. ics hosted by volunteer professionals, and a USPTA encourages its members to host an follow-up program of lessons and league play designed to retain event because it’s your opportunity to showcase tennis and you player interest. can benefit from the many years of publicity and the TAA name. There are many volunteers assisting USPTA-certified ProfesUSPTA provides you with everything you need to plan and host a sionals in administering the event. In years past we have had a great clinic. The end result could mean financial benefits for you distinguished group of honorary co-chairs, who have included and your facility. It doesn’t take much effort to run and promote former President George H.W. Bush; TV analysts Cliff Drysdale an event, and you can get lots of help by visiting www.uspta.com, and Patrick McEnroe; the World’s No. 1-ranked men’s doubles going to the “Quick links” pull-down menu on the right and team of Mike and Bob Bryan; former touring pros Tom Gullikson, selecting “Tennis Across America.” This area provides a program Billie Jean King, Pam Shriver, Harold Solomon, Tony Trabert guide, complete with event ideas and promotional help. and MaliVai Washington; world-renowned tennis coach Rick To register your Tennis Across America event, please visit www. Macci; author and speaker Peter Burwash; sport science expert uspta.com and click on the Tennis Across America logo on our Jack ­Groppel, Ph.D; and Wayne Bryan, father of Mike and Bob home page.

Bryan. 

$10 TAA banner Purchase a 34" by 52" Tennis Across America banner for only $10 plus shipping. Regularly priced $30.

To order, visit www.usprotennisshop.com. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ADDvantage/April 2013

19

Boost your spring programming with Tennis Across America™

T

he USPTA kicks off its annual Tennis Across AmericaTM pro- Here are a few event ideas you may want to consider: gram. Just like in previous years, while Tennis Across America is officially cel• Adult clinic ebrated in May, events can be held at any time • Cardio Tennis event of the year as long as the event is registered be• Junior clinic fore the July 2 deadline. USPTA is continuing • Member-guest event the tradition of emphasizing the multicultural • 10 and Under Tennis event segment of Tennis Across America as a means of increasing tennis participation at the grass Tennis Across America was created in roots level in 2013. Tennis Across America response to a call from the Tennis Industry has a long and colorful history and is a great Council for industry groups to develop a way to kick off your spring programming and project to promote tennis to current, former increase your lesson base. and prospective recreational players. The Established in 1990, Tennis Across purpose of the event is to stimulate interAmerica is the original, free, grassroots lesest in tennis as a participation sport and a son program. Its goal is to introduce the means of maintaining physical fitness. game to children and adults who have not Tennis Across America has grown into experienced it. However, free clinics are not Date: Time: a multifaceted program that has reached Location: restricted to new players but may be open to hundreds of thousands of people through former players or even current players who For more information, contact: three distinctive program segments. The want to jump-start their spring activity. Oththree-phase program provides opportunities ers may target people who would not have an to grow the game of tennis through special opportunity to play except through a special multicultural clinics, nationwide free clinClick here for free TAA poster. event arranged by a USPTA Professional. ics hosted by volunteer professionals, and a USPTA encourages its members to host an follow-up program of lessons and league play designed to retain event because it’s your opportunity to showcase tennis and you player interest. can benefit from the many years of publicity and the TAA name. There are many volunteers assisting USPTA-certified ProfesUSPTA provides you with everything you need to plan and host a sionals in administering the event. In years past we have had a great clinic. The end result could mean financial benefits for you distinguished group of honorary co-chairs, who have included and your facility. It doesn’t take much effort to run and promote former President George H.W. Bush; TV analysts Cliff Drysdale an event, and you can get lots of help by visiting www.uspta.com, and Patrick McEnroe; the World’s No. 1-ranked men’s doubles going to the “Quick links” pull-down menu on the right and team of Mike and Bob Bryan; former touring pros Tom Gullikson, selecting “Tennis Across America.” This area provides a program Billie Jean King, Pam Shriver, Harold Solomon, Tony Trabert guide, complete with event ideas and promotional help. and MaliVai Washington; world-renowned tennis coach Rick To register your Tennis Across America event, please visit www. Macci; author and speaker Peter Burwash; sport science expert uspta.com and click on the Tennis Across America logo on our Jack ­Groppel, Ph.D; and Wayne Bryan, father of Mike and Bob home page.

Bryan. 

$10 TAA banner Purchase a 34" by 52" Tennis Across America banner for only $10 plus shipping. Regularly priced $30.

To order, visit www.usprotennisshop.com. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ADDvantage/April 2013

19

USPTA Pros hold G Days nationwide to promote HEAD’s new Graphene technology

I

n an effort to support our key endorsee, HEAD Penn, USPTA members stepped up to help with the launch of HEAD’s new racquet technology, Graphene. The goal for our membership was to get 50 sites across the country to hold demo days between Feb. 1 and mid-March. USPTA members went above and beyond by signing up and committing to hosting nearly 80 Graphene Demo Days, which were held nationwide from California to Alabama to Pennsylvania.

All Graphene Demo Days received by late February were also promoted on HEAD’s website and through an ad by HEAD in TENNIS magazine that linked people to the page on their website to find a local demo day. This was an opportunity to show HEAD our continued support (as the USPTA and its members have benefited from the relationship with HEAD) and give consumers and USPTA Professionals an opportunity to try out the new technology.

Thanks to all the USPTA divisions and members who committed to this effort and helped make it a success.

The following USPTA members shared photos and thoughts about G Days at their clubs. 

The Sports Club of West Bloomfield in West Bloomfield, Mich., held a HEAD G Day on March 6. This event – hosted by Ricky Brown, Paul Marcum and Scott Rea, HEAD representative, – was a success! Around 25 people took advantage of the product demonstration and information session. Participants hit on court with Brown and Marcum and received direct HEAD feedback from Rea on the side. It was a fun event and each player left with a HEAD prize or two.

– Paul Marcum, USPTA Midwest President

“The HEAD G Day was a big success at my club. I actually held two events. One on March 20 for kids ages 10 to 15, and one for adults on March 22. Both were well attended – about 20 each time.”

– Dophie Poiset, Tennis Director Rancho Santa Fe Tennis Club President, USPTA San Diego Division

“Our event was a great success! About 75 people attended, including two Pennsylvania State senators and a congressman, and we made the local TV news.”

– Bill Kurtain President, Winning Touch Tennis Inc. President, USPTA Middle States

“The G Day was great! Here is a picture of some ladies who were in attendance and tried out the new Graphene technology.”

– Conan Lorenzo, Director of Tennis La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club

“We had about 120 people enjoy our Demo day. It was very successful.

People tried the racquets and we sold a few.”

– Charlotte Wylie, Richland Tennis Center Executive Director, Texas

20

ADDvantage/April 2013

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ADDvantage/April 2013

21

USPTA Pros hold G Days nationwide to promote HEAD’s new Graphene technology

I

n an effort to support our key endorsee, HEAD Penn, USPTA members stepped up to help with the launch of HEAD’s new racquet technology, Graphene. The goal for our membership was to get 50 sites across the country to hold demo days between Feb. 1 and mid-March. USPTA members went above and beyond by signing up and committing to hosting nearly 80 Graphene Demo Days, which were held nationwide from California to Alabama to Pennsylvania.

All Graphene Demo Days received by late February were also promoted on HEAD’s website and through an ad by HEAD in TENNIS magazine that linked people to the page on their website to find a local demo day. This was an opportunity to show HEAD our continued support (as the USPTA and its members have benefited from the relationship with HEAD) and give consumers and USPTA Professionals an opportunity to try out the new technology.

Thanks to all the USPTA divisions and members who committed to this effort and helped make it a success.

The following USPTA members shared photos and thoughts about G Days at their clubs. 

The Sports Club of West Bloomfield in West Bloomfield, Mich., held a HEAD G Day on March 6. This event – hosted by Ricky Brown, Paul Marcum and Scott Rea, HEAD representative, – was a success! Around 25 people took advantage of the product demonstration and information session. Participants hit on court with Brown and Marcum and received direct HEAD feedback from Rea on the side. It was a fun event and each player left with a HEAD prize or two.

– Paul Marcum, USPTA Midwest President

“The HEAD G Day was a big success at my club. I actually held two events. One on March 20 for kids ages 10 to 15, and one for adults on March 22. Both were well attended – about 20 each time.”

– Dophie Poiset, Tennis Director Rancho Santa Fe Tennis Club President, USPTA San Diego Division

“Our event was a great success! About 75 people attended, including two Pennsylvania State senators and a congressman, and we made the local TV news.”

– Bill Kurtain President, Winning Touch Tennis Inc. President, USPTA Middle States

“The G Day was great! Here is a picture of some ladies who were in attendance and tried out the new Graphene technology.”

– Conan Lorenzo, Director of Tennis La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club

“We had about 120 people enjoy our Demo day. It was very successful.

People tried the racquets and we sold a few.”

– Charlotte Wylie, Richland Tennis Center Executive Director, Texas

20

ADDvantage/April 2013

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ADDvantage/April 2013

21

Music sensation Redfoo and “Heroes” star Sendhil Ramamurthy enter 2013 US Open National Playoffs

T

he USTA announced that music sensation Redfoo of the music group LMFAO and “Heroes” TV star Sendhil Ramamurthy have both entered the 2013 US Open National Playoffs, which provides the opportunity for all players 14 years of age and older to earn a berth into the US Open.

Redfoo has entered the USTA Northern California Sectional Qualifying Tournament in Salinas, Calif., June 18-23.

Ramamurthy has entered the USTA Eastern Sectional Qualifying Tournament held at the USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center at the home of the US Open, June 9-15. Both celebrities will compete in singles and mixed doubles.

Redfoo, 37, is a rapper, dancer and DJ, and is best known as part of the musical duo LMFAO, whose hits “Party Rock Anthem” and “Sexy and I Know It” dominated the music charts. Redfoo, who formed LMFAO in 2006, is set to release his first solo album this year. The multi-talented artist is also involved with tennis in a variety of ways – as a player, a fan, a coach, and a tournament sponsor.

Redfoo played tennis as a junior and has recently been seen as a spectator at many of the Grand Slam tournaments. He also sponsored a USTA Pro Circuit women’s event last September, titled “The Party Rock Open” after his Party Rock clothing line, which was won by young American Lauren Davis. Redfoo is entered under his given name Stefan Gordy, and will be playing singles and mixed doubles with 17-year-old Ayaka Okuno, who he is currently coaching. Okuno is ranked a career-high No. 28 in the ITF World Junior Rankings.

“As a kid, it’s always been a dream of mine to play professional tennis,” Redfoo said. “Thanks to the US Open National Playoffs for giving good players with a dream the chance to qualify for one

22

ADDvantage/April 2013

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

of the biggest tournaments – the US Open. Every day I see my dream!”

Ramamurthy, 38, was a competitive junior tennis player in Texas who always had dreams of going pro but fell back on his safety profession – acting. Perhaps best known for playing Dr. Mohinder Suresh on NBC’s “Heroes,” Ramamurthy also co-starred on “Covert Affairs,” “The Office,” and in the current “Beauty and the Beast” on the CW, where he made his debut on the show recently. His feature film credits include the independents “Shor,” “Brahmin Bulls” and “The Lifeguard.”

“I’m psyched to compete in this year’s US Open National Playoffs,” Ramamurthy said. “Since I was a young player, I always dreamed of snagging a spot at the Open. I am also excited to play on the grounds of the US Open, where all of the action happens and where there is so much US Open history.”

Other celebrities and personalities that have competed in the US Open National Playoffs include Olympic skier Bode Miller, former Major League Baseball player Todd Walker, and ESPN’s Mike Greenberg, who teamed with six-time US Open champion Chris Evert in mixed doubles.

Online entry and additional information for each of the 13 sectional qualifying tournaments is available at www.USOpen.org/ NationalPlayoffs. The entry fee for each of the sectional qualifying tournaments is $100 for singles and $120 for each mixed doubles team ($60 per player). All players competing must have a current USTA membership valid through Aug. 26, 2013.

The US Open National Playoffs begin as a series of sectional qualifying tournaments and will be held in 13 USTA Sections throughout the country. The 13 men’s, women’s and mixed doubles champions or top available finishers from each sectional qualifying tournament will advance to the US Open National Playoffs – men’s and women’s singles and mixed doubles championship.

All three championships will be held in conjunction with the New Haven Open at Yale presented by First Niagara, an Emirates Airline US Open Series event.

The US Open National Playoffs men’s and women’s singles champions earn a wild card into the US Open Qualifying Tournament, held the week prior to the US Open. The US Open National Playoffs mixed doubles champions receive a wild card into the main draw of the 2013 US Open.

More information on the US Open National Playoffs is available now at www.USOpen.org/NationalPlayoffs.  ADDvantage/April 2013

23

Music sensation Redfoo and “Heroes” star Sendhil Ramamurthy enter 2013 US Open National Playoffs

T

he USTA announced that music sensation Redfoo of the music group LMFAO and “Heroes” TV star Sendhil Ramamurthy have both entered the 2013 US Open National Playoffs, which provides the opportunity for all players 14 years of age and older to earn a berth into the US Open.

Redfoo has entered the USTA Northern California Sectional Qualifying Tournament in Salinas, Calif., June 18-23.

Ramamurthy has entered the USTA Eastern Sectional Qualifying Tournament held at the USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center at the home of the US Open, June 9-15. Both celebrities will compete in singles and mixed doubles.

Redfoo, 37, is a rapper, dancer and DJ, and is best known as part of the musical duo LMFAO, whose hits “Party Rock Anthem” and “Sexy and I Know It” dominated the music charts. Redfoo, who formed LMFAO in 2006, is set to release his first solo album this year. The multi-talented artist is also involved with tennis in a variety of ways – as a player, a fan, a coach, and a tournament sponsor.

Redfoo played tennis as a junior and has recently been seen as a spectator at many of the Grand Slam tournaments. He also sponsored a USTA Pro Circuit women’s event last September, titled “The Party Rock Open” after his Party Rock clothing line, which was won by young American Lauren Davis. Redfoo is entered under his given name Stefan Gordy, and will be playing singles and mixed doubles with 17-year-old Ayaka Okuno, who he is currently coaching. Okuno is ranked a career-high No. 28 in the ITF World Junior Rankings.

“As a kid, it’s always been a dream of mine to play professional tennis,” Redfoo said. “Thanks to the US Open National Playoffs for giving good players with a dream the chance to qualify for one

22

ADDvantage/April 2013

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

of the biggest tournaments – the US Open. Every day I see my dream!”

Ramamurthy, 38, was a competitive junior tennis player in Texas who always had dreams of going pro but fell back on his safety profession – acting. Perhaps best known for playing Dr. Mohinder Suresh on NBC’s “Heroes,” Ramamurthy also co-starred on “Covert Affairs,” “The Office,” and in the current “Beauty and the Beast” on the CW, where he made his debut on the show recently. His feature film credits include the independents “Shor,” “Brahmin Bulls” and “The Lifeguard.”

“I’m psyched to compete in this year’s US Open National Playoffs,” Ramamurthy said. “Since I was a young player, I always dreamed of snagging a spot at the Open. I am also excited to play on the grounds of the US Open, where all of the action happens and where there is so much US Open history.”

Other celebrities and personalities that have competed in the US Open National Playoffs include Olympic skier Bode Miller, former Major League Baseball player Todd Walker, and ESPN’s Mike Greenberg, who teamed with six-time US Open champion Chris Evert in mixed doubles.

Online entry and additional information for each of the 13 sectional qualifying tournaments is available at www.USOpen.org/ NationalPlayoffs. The entry fee for each of the sectional qualifying tournaments is $100 for singles and $120 for each mixed doubles team ($60 per player). All players competing must have a current USTA membership valid through Aug. 26, 2013.

The US Open National Playoffs begin as a series of sectional qualifying tournaments and will be held in 13 USTA Sections throughout the country. The 13 men’s, women’s and mixed doubles champions or top available finishers from each sectional qualifying tournament will advance to the US Open National Playoffs – men’s and women’s singles and mixed doubles championship.

All three championships will be held in conjunction with the New Haven Open at Yale presented by First Niagara, an Emirates Airline US Open Series event.

The US Open National Playoffs men’s and women’s singles champions earn a wild card into the US Open Qualifying Tournament, held the week prior to the US Open. The US Open National Playoffs mixed doubles champions receive a wild card into the main draw of the 2013 US Open.

More information on the US Open National Playoffs is available now at www.USOpen.org/NationalPlayoffs.  ADDvantage/April 2013

23

Courtside is the ticket at San Jose Country Club

by Leo Vorwerk, USPTA

C

ourtside USA has been a big boost to our programming at weather and court conditions. Now our court maintenance person San Jose Country Club since we began implementing it in texts the head pro at 7:30 each morning and he is able to list the December. We chose to incorporate it in stages in order to court conditions and weather on Courtside from his home. Our focus on select groups within our membership. Our first step was members know this and can go to Courtside to see if their courts to educate our staff on member registration. We started by chang- are ready to go. ing our winter ladder from an online Excel ladder to Courtside’s We have just started registration for our club’s premier tennis event, online ladder. This program has been great as it is self-sufficient our Member Guest Tournament. This event really showcases our club and has saved our staff countless hours of taking emails, recording and our members take a lot of pride in putting it on. We have used scores, and updating the ladder. The members have embraced it Courtside’s custom entry form in which members write all of the inforand we plan to continue to do all mation we need from them for of our ladders through Courtside. the weekend. Again, this saves our staff countless hours in Our second task was to conphone calls and emails gatherduct our Ladies Spring Clinic ing the information needed and Package Registration on Courtallows us to be better organized side. We have more than 100 than ever as a staff. players who regularly take clinics.

In the past our players have had to Our next step will be to send the staff an email and then implement all of our junior we again plugged their names programming into Courtside. into Excel spreadsheets for the With only being on Courtside clinic they selected. We then had for two months, I feel our to return an email to let them members have come to emknow they got in. Now our playbrace it and are growing very ers can view who else is in a clinic comfortable with using the and they can sign up on a daily program. Our staff is having or package basis. They are able fun using Courtside. They are to cancel when they are unable fully on board with helping to come. The great thing for our Head Pro Zach Ganger convincing the staff that HEAD has the racquet for everyone! our members with any quesmembers is that they can do it at tions they may have. any time of the day and know whether they can get into a clinic or Another great aspect here in Jacksonville is that all the major clubs if it is full. They are not at the mercy of the pro shop being open have incorporated Courtside into their programming and we are and someone taking their call. now starting to implement many Courtside helps our programs make We have had about five of the city-wide tournament regmembers who either don’t use a money while eliminating a big percentage istrations through the program. computer or feel they want the Finally, from a financial perof administrative work and headaches. personal touch of a staff member spective, Courtside helps our responding to them. What we have done is help them register and programs make money while eliminating a big percentage of adminthen tell them to call us if they prefer. For the five or six players istrative work and headaches. Signing up for Courtside has been one who prefer this method our staff is only too happy to accommo- of the most positive things we have done here at San Jose Country date them as the staff member has access to register or cancel that Club.  member’s registration in a clinic. After all, five or six phone calls are Leo Vorwerk, Co-Director of Tennis at San Jose Country Club a lot easier than 100 calls and it keeps all of our members happy. for 13 years, has had an integral role in maintaining San Jose’s Our next step was to move all of our special events to Courtside. status as one of the premiere private tennis facilities in North We always place the top two or three events on our club website’s Florida. Leo’s colleagues attribute his success to his dedication main page under “Featured Events” and once again players can see to tennis and his members, work ethic, and strong effort to keep which of their friends have signed up. with the current trends and leading edge of the club tennis business. Leo Another great feature has been the “Weather Alert.” Our staff can be reached at 904-733-1414 and is willing to speak to any USPTA used to get calls from our team captains at all hours regarding the member that would like to discuss club operations.

ADDvantage/April 2013 25 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Courtside is the ticket at San Jose Country Club

by Leo Vorwerk, USPTA

C

ourtside USA has been a big boost to our programming at weather and court conditions. Now our court maintenance person San Jose Country Club since we began implementing it in texts the head pro at 7:30 each morning and he is able to list the December. We chose to incorporate it in stages in order to court conditions and weather on Courtside from his home. Our focus on select groups within our membership. Our first step was members know this and can go to Courtside to see if their courts to educate our staff on member registration. We started by chang- are ready to go. ing our winter ladder from an online Excel ladder to Courtside’s We have just started registration for our club’s premier tennis event, online ladder. This program has been great as it is self-sufficient our Member Guest Tournament. This event really showcases our club and has saved our staff countless hours of taking emails, recording and our members take a lot of pride in putting it on. We have used scores, and updating the ladder. The members have embraced it Courtside’s custom entry form in which members write all of the inforand we plan to continue to do all mation we need from them for of our ladders through Courtside. the weekend. Again, this saves our staff countless hours in Our second task was to conphone calls and emails gatherduct our Ladies Spring Clinic ing the information needed and Package Registration on Courtallows us to be better organized side. We have more than 100 than ever as a staff. players who regularly take clinics.

In the past our players have had to Our next step will be to send the staff an email and then implement all of our junior we again plugged their names programming into Courtside. into Excel spreadsheets for the With only being on Courtside clinic they selected. We then had for two months, I feel our to return an email to let them members have come to emknow they got in. Now our playbrace it and are growing very ers can view who else is in a clinic comfortable with using the and they can sign up on a daily program. Our staff is having or package basis. They are able fun using Courtside. They are to cancel when they are unable fully on board with helping to come. The great thing for our Head Pro Zach Ganger convincing the staff that HEAD has the racquet for everyone! our members with any quesmembers is that they can do it at tions they may have. any time of the day and know whether they can get into a clinic or Another great aspect here in Jacksonville is that all the major clubs if it is full. They are not at the mercy of the pro shop being open have incorporated Courtside into their programming and we are and someone taking their call. now starting to implement many Courtside helps our programs make We have had about five of the city-wide tournament regmembers who either don’t use a money while eliminating a big percentage istrations through the program. computer or feel they want the Finally, from a financial perof administrative work and headaches. personal touch of a staff member spective, Courtside helps our responding to them. What we have done is help them register and programs make money while eliminating a big percentage of adminthen tell them to call us if they prefer. For the five or six players istrative work and headaches. Signing up for Courtside has been one who prefer this method our staff is only too happy to accommo- of the most positive things we have done here at San Jose Country date them as the staff member has access to register or cancel that Club.  member’s registration in a clinic. After all, five or six phone calls are Leo Vorwerk, Co-Director of Tennis at San Jose Country Club a lot easier than 100 calls and it keeps all of our members happy. for 13 years, has had an integral role in maintaining San Jose’s Our next step was to move all of our special events to Courtside. status as one of the premiere private tennis facilities in North We always place the top two or three events on our club website’s Florida. Leo’s colleagues attribute his success to his dedication main page under “Featured Events” and once again players can see to tennis and his members, work ethic, and strong effort to keep which of their friends have signed up. with the current trends and leading edge of the club tennis business. Leo Another great feature has been the “Weather Alert.” Our staff can be reached at 904-733-1414 and is willing to speak to any USPTA used to get calls from our team captains at all hours regarding the member that would like to discuss club operations.

ADDvantage/April 2013 25 www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

For this Arkansas pro 10U Tennis is a true game changer

W

hen the 10 and Under Tennis initiative first got under way, USPTA Professional Gary Jones, the director of tennis at the Jonesboro (Ark.) Country Club, was definitely not a fan.

“What’s satisfying for me is seeing kids out there hitting with each other or with their parents, and they’re using the right racquets and the orange ball with the 60-foot court lines, doing just what they were taught – and not caring about hitting with yellow balls yet,” Jones says.

“At that time, kids who were 9 and 10 kind of got left out,” he said. “Some were playing with the yellow ball and had to switch to orange, or they had to play up into the 12s. And of course, I had phone calls and emails from upset parents complaining about it, and I fired off some emails myself to tennis officials about how it was a huge mistake.”

In short, Jones was skeptical of the rule change that took effect back in January 2012 mandating the use of lower compres-

26

ADDvantage/April 2013

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

sion balls and shorter racquets on shorter courts. And he himself was concerned about the development of his talented 9and 10-year-old players.

Jones had other reservations too, such as the initial cost of having to buy baskets of red and orange balls, and the hassle of having to put down taped lines to create 36- and 60-foot courts. And when the time came to put permanent lines on 78-foot courts, how would adult club members react?

But then, everything suddenly just clicked into place. “We now have one of the top 10 and Under Tennis programs in the South, and this has really paid off for us,” Jones said. “But more importantly, it’s really paid off for all the kids. In fact, we don’t really want our kids to start playing up in the 12s until they’ve done everything they can in the 10s.”

Needless to say, Jones, who in 2012 was named USTA Southern Pro of the Year, is now a huge fan of 10 and Under Tennis.

“At our state meeting last year, I stood up and admitted that I was completely wrong about 10 and Under Tennis,” he said (Jones also was named Arkansas Tennis Professional of the Year for the third time).

Jones admits that for some young players and their parents, there was a rough transition as they fell in that range where they either had to play with a ball they continued next page

ADDvantage/April 2013

27

For this Arkansas pro 10U Tennis is a true game changer

W

hen the 10 and Under Tennis initiative first got under way, USPTA Professional Gary Jones, the director of tennis at the Jonesboro (Ark.) Country Club, was definitely not a fan.

“What’s satisfying for me is seeing kids out there hitting with each other or with their parents, and they’re using the right racquets and the orange ball with the 60-foot court lines, doing just what they were taught – and not caring about hitting with yellow balls yet,” Jones says.

“At that time, kids who were 9 and 10 kind of got left out,” he said. “Some were playing with the yellow ball and had to switch to orange, or they had to play up into the 12s. And of course, I had phone calls and emails from upset parents complaining about it, and I fired off some emails myself to tennis officials about how it was a huge mistake.”

In short, Jones was skeptical of the rule change that took effect back in January 2012 mandating the use of lower compres-

26

ADDvantage/April 2013

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

sion balls and shorter racquets on shorter courts. And he himself was concerned about the development of his talented 9and 10-year-old players.

Jones had other reservations too, such as the initial cost of having to buy baskets of red and orange balls, and the hassle of having to put down taped lines to create 36- and 60-foot courts. And when the time came to put permanent lines on 78-foot courts, how would adult club members react?

But then, everything suddenly just clicked into place. “We now have one of the top 10 and Under Tennis programs in the South, and this has really paid off for us,” Jones said. “But more importantly, it’s really paid off for all the kids. In fact, we don’t really want our kids to start playing up in the 12s until they’ve done everything they can in the 10s.”

Needless to say, Jones, who in 2012 was named USTA Southern Pro of the Year, is now a huge fan of 10 and Under Tennis.

“At our state meeting last year, I stood up and admitted that I was completely wrong about 10 and Under Tennis,” he said (Jones also was named Arkansas Tennis Professional of the Year for the third time).

Jones admits that for some young players and their parents, there was a rough transition as they fell in that range where they either had to play with a ball they continued next page

ADDvantage/April 2013

27

from previous page weren’t used to or play with older kids to stay with the yellow ball. But he says it was something that had to happen, there had to be one group that would end up being more affected during the transition, in order to reach the point where, all kids are playing with the racquets and balls that truly help them develop proper strokes and technique.

“Looking back, I don’t see how the USTA could have done it any differently,” said Jones, a USPTA-certified Professional.

“If they had not made it mandatory, no one would have done it. And to be honest, my kids now who are 12 are doing fine. Sure, they had a tough transition year, but once you get past that initially, it’s fine.

“Now, the way it’s turned out, our kids have been playing their whole careers with red and orange balls, so it’s now a natural progression. I have no problems with any juniors – or adults – with this. To be honest, if it hadn’t been mandatory, I wouldn’t have switched a lot of my kids. In the end, switching was good for all of them.”

And switching over also has been good for business. Depending on the

28

ADDvantage/April 2013

season, Jones now has between 100 and 140 kids in his programs at the private club. Last year, he took 80 of his juniors to Little Rock to play in Jr. Team Tennis tournaments.

“More and more people will be doing 10 and Under Tennis,” he said. “The two big advantages I’ve found are you can start kids playing so much younger, and now they can start playing tournaments and team tennis by the time they’re 6 years old. In the past, you couldn’t do that, and then as they got a bit older, they got involved in other sports.

With 10 and Under Tennis, we get to the kids at a little bit younger age.”

Another lasting development is that with shorter racquets and lower compression balls, kids develop proper technique right from the start. “Balls don’t bounce over their heads, so they don’t develop weird strokes like they did in the past,” Jones says. “We’re going to have a bunch of kids coming up that will have very nice strokes, and it’s because of the red, orange, green and yellow balls.” This, he adds, should help in developing more American champions.

The Jonesboro Country Club has three indoor and four outdoor courts, that are now permanently lined for 10 and Under Tennis. Initially, some adults thought the blended lines would be confusing. “Once the rule was mandated, I said we had to do it, if we were going to hold junior tournaments and have a junior program,” Jones said. “Once we put the lines down, there was some grumbling for a few weeks, but that was two years ago, and now it’s not a big deal at all for anyone.” Jones also praises the line grants available from USTA National, USTA Southern, and the Arkansas district, which basically paid the whole cost.

“What’s satisfying for me is seeing kids out there hitting with each other or with their parents, and they’re using the right racquets and the orange ball with the 60foot court lines, doing just what they were taught – and not caring about hitting with yellow balls yet,” Jones said.

“Once the rules of tennis changed, I knew we needed to go with it,” he added.

“And I’m glad we did. It was the right move, for the kids, the parents, and our club.” 

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ADDvantage/April 2013

29

from previous page weren’t used to or play with older kids to stay with the yellow ball. But he says it was something that had to happen, there had to be one group that would end up being more affected during the transition, in order to reach the point where, all kids are playing with the racquets and balls that truly help them develop proper strokes and technique.

“Looking back, I don’t see how the USTA could have done it any differently,” said Jones, a USPTA-certified Professional.

“If they had not made it mandatory, no one would have done it. And to be honest, my kids now who are 12 are doing fine. Sure, they had a tough transition year, but once you get past that initially, it’s fine.

“Now, the way it’s turned out, our kids have been playing their whole careers with red and orange balls, so it’s now a natural progression. I have no problems with any juniors – or adults – with this. To be honest, if it hadn’t been mandatory, I wouldn’t have switched a lot of my kids. In the end, switching was good for all of them.”

And switching over also has been good for business. Depending on the

28

ADDvantage/April 2013

season, Jones now has between 100 and 140 kids in his programs at the private club. Last year, he took 80 of his juniors to Little Rock to play in Jr. Team Tennis tournaments.

“More and more people will be doing 10 and Under Tennis,” he said. “The two big advantages I’ve found are you can start kids playing so much younger, and now they can start playing tournaments and team tennis by the time they’re 6 years old. In the past, you couldn’t do that, and then as they got a bit older, they got involved in other sports.

With 10 and Under Tennis, we get to the kids at a little bit younger age.”

Another lasting development is that with shorter racquets and lower compression balls, kids develop proper technique right from the start. “Balls don’t bounce over their heads, so they don’t develop weird strokes like they did in the past,” Jones says. “We’re going to have a bunch of kids coming up that will have very nice strokes, and it’s because of the red, orange, green and yellow balls.” This, he adds, should help in developing more American champions.

The Jonesboro Country Club has three indoor and four outdoor courts, that are now permanently lined for 10 and Under Tennis. Initially, some adults thought the blended lines would be confusing. “Once the rule was mandated, I said we had to do it, if we were going to hold junior tournaments and have a junior program,” Jones said. “Once we put the lines down, there was some grumbling for a few weeks, but that was two years ago, and now it’s not a big deal at all for anyone.” Jones also praises the line grants available from USTA National, USTA Southern, and the Arkansas district, which basically paid the whole cost.

“What’s satisfying for me is seeing kids out there hitting with each other or with their parents, and they’re using the right racquets and the orange ball with the 60foot court lines, doing just what they were taught – and not caring about hitting with yellow balls yet,” Jones said.

“Once the rules of tennis changed, I knew we needed to go with it,” he added.

“And I’m glad we did. It was the right move, for the kids, the parents, and our club.” 

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

ADDvantage/April 2013

29

Career Development

conventions (division conventions, 5 credits; dates subject to change) May 16-18 Southern Division

Charleston, S.C. May 28-

June 2

Florida Division West Palm Beach, Fla.

May 31- June 1

Pacific Northwest Division Kirkland, Wash.

June 9-10

Eastern Division Mount Kisco, N.Y.

coaches course May 2-4

Sanchez-Casal Academy Coaches Course – The Spanish Way Claremont Resort, Berkley, Calif.

The coaching course is open to all coaches, players, and parents who want to learn how to develop players the “Spanish Way.”

exams, upgrades & certification review courses (4 credits for PTCA I segment) April 7 April 7 April 7 April 8-9 April 11-12 April 13-14 April 13-14 April 14 April 14-15 April 17-18 April 20 April 27 April 27-28 May 4-5 May 5

Hilton Head Island, S.C. Midlothian, Va. Big Rapids, Mich.

San Francisco Chatham, N.J. Aurora, Ill. Atlanta Orlando, Fla. Los Angeles Tyler, Texas Des Moines, Iowa Nashville, Tenn.

Anderson, S.C. Boston New Orleans

May 5 May 5 May 5 May 6 My 11 May 11-12 May 13 May 17-18 May 18 May 18 May 18-19 May 19 May 19 May 26 May 29-30

Conway, Ark. Nashville St. Louis, Mo. Frederick, Md. Knoxville, Tenn.

Boca Raton, Fla. Indian Wells, Calif.

Houston* Des Moines, Iowa Kansas City, Mo. Charleston, S.C. Mt. Kisco, N.Y. Ocala, Fla. Louisville, Ky. Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

* This course is held at the USPTA World Headquarters.

Exam reservations must be made at least 21 days prior to the dates listed. Each date includes an exam, upgrade and PTCA I unless noted. Exam cancellations must be received no later than 14 days before the exam, or a cancellation fee will be charged accordingly. Applicant: late cancellation fee – $95; failure to cancel – application fee is forfeited. Certified members: late cancellation fee – $25; failure to cancel – $25 plus the upgrade fee is forfeited. Registration for another exam will not be accepted until cancellation fees are paid.

specialty courses Developing players: Technical, movement and strategical skills, May 17, Charleston, S.C., L. Beltrame

For additional information and registration please go to: http://www.norcaluspta.com.

10 and Under Tennis: Skill development and training activities for the committed 10 and Under Players, May 19, Charleston, S.C., B. Staples

cardio tennis April 6 April 13 April 18 April 21 May 6-7 May 11 May 17 May 18 May 24 May 31 June 1 June 6 June 16 July 12

The Woodlands, Texas Orlando, Fla. Darien, Conn.

Wheaton, Ill. Hilton Head Island, S.C. Mountlake Terrace, Wash.

Aurora, Ill. Acton, Mass.

Middletown, N.J. College Park, Md. Williamsburg, Va. Alpharetta, Ga. Wexford, Pa. Homewood, Ill.

Please visit www.cardiotennis.com/courses to register online.

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ADDvantage/April 2013

The deadline to register and/or cancel a course is 15 working days before the event. Anyone canceling late or failing to cancel will forfeit one-half the course fee. Schedule is subject to change.

Call the USPTA Education Department for more information or email education@uspta.org.

accredited professional coach To receive APC credits, professional members must accurately fill out APC attendance forms with the seminar/course number, their name, presenter’s name, and they will have the ability to rate the seminar/course. The form must then be turned in at the end of the seminar/course. The forms will be available as members arrive at seminars or courses and must be turned in as members leave. If members arrive late or leave early, then they will not receive credit for attending.

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Career Development

conventions (division conventions, 5 credits; dates subject to change) May 16-18 Southern Division

Charleston, S.C. May 28-

June 2

Florida Division West Palm Beach, Fla.

May 31- June 1

Pacific Northwest Division Kirkland, Wash.

June 9-10

Eastern Division Mount Kisco, N.Y.

coaches course May 2-4

Sanchez-Casal Academy Coaches Course – The Spanish Way Claremont Resort, Berkley, Calif.

The coaching course is open to all coaches, players, and parents who want to learn how to develop players the “Spanish Way.”

exams, upgrades & certification review courses (4 credits for PTCA I segment) April 7 April 7 April 7 April 8-9 April 11-12 April 13-14 April 13-14 April 14 April 14-15 April 17-18 April 20 April 27 April 27-28 May 4-5 May 5

Hilton Head Island, S.C. Midlothian, Va. Big Rapids, Mich.

San Francisco Chatham, N.J. Aurora, Ill. Atlanta Orlando, Fla. Los Angeles Tyler, Texas Des Moines, Iowa Nashville, Tenn.

Anderson, S.C. Boston New Orleans

May 5 May 5 May 5 May 6 My 11 May 11-12 May 13 May 17-18 May 18 May 18 May 18-19 May 19 May 19 May 26 May 29-30

Conway, Ark. Nashville St. Louis, Mo. Frederick, Md. Knoxville, Tenn.

Boca Raton, Fla. Indian Wells, Calif.

Houston* Des Moines, Iowa Kansas City, Mo. Charleston, S.C. Mt. Kisco, N.Y. Ocala, Fla. Louisville, Ky. Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

* This course is held at the USPTA World Headquarters.

Exam reservations must be made at least 21 days prior to the dates listed. Each date includes an exam, upgrade and PTCA I unless noted. Exam cancellations must be received no later than 14 days before the exam, or a cancellation fee will be charged accordingly. Applicant: late cancellation fee – $95; failure to cancel – application fee is forfeited. Certified members: late cancellation fee – $25; failure to cancel – $25 plus the upgrade fee is forfeited. Registration for another exam will not be accepted until cancellation fees are paid.

specialty courses Developing players: Technical, movement and strategical skills, May 17, Charleston, S.C., L. Beltrame

For additional information and registration please go to: http://www.norcaluspta.com.

10 and Under Tennis: Skill development and training activities for the committed 10 and Under Players, May 19, Charleston, S.C., B. Staples

cardio tennis April 6 April 13 April 18 April 21 May 6-7 May 11 May 17 May 18 May 24 May 31 June 1 June 6 June 16 July 12

The Woodlands, Texas Orlando, Fla. Darien, Conn.

Wheaton, Ill. Hilton Head Island, S.C. Mountlake Terrace, Wash.

Aurora, Ill. Acton, Mass.

Middletown, N.J. College Park, Md. Williamsburg, Va. Alpharetta, Ga. Wexford, Pa. Homewood, Ill.

Please visit www.cardiotennis.com/courses to register online.

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ADDvantage/April 2013

The deadline to register and/or cancel a course is 15 working days before the event. Anyone canceling late or failing to cancel will forfeit one-half the course fee. Schedule is subject to change.

Call the USPTA Education Department for more information or email education@uspta.org.

accredited professional coach To receive APC credits, professional members must accurately fill out APC attendance forms with the seminar/course number, their name, presenter’s name, and they will have the ability to rate the seminar/course. The form must then be turned in at the end of the seminar/course. The forms will be available as members arrive at seminars or courses and must be turned in as members leave. If members arrive late or leave early, then they will not receive credit for attending.

www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

Members USPTA Professional Brad Minns was selected to be the national men’s and women’s head coach for USA Deaf Tennis, which will head to Sofia, Bulgaria for the Deaflympic Games held in late July. Unlike other countries, USA Tennis athletes are without financial aid from sporting organizations or sponsors. As a former Deaflympic athlete, Minns has first-hand knowledge of the challenges and responsibilities these players have for travel and expenses to the upcoming Sofia Games.

The USA Deaf Tennis team relies in donations to defray costs for uniforms, traveling expenses, training camp, meals and lodging. All or part of any donation may be tax deductible as a charitable contribution.

Please check with your tax advisor. For more information, please visit www.razoo.com/story/

Brad-Minns-Is-RaisingFunds-For-Usa-DeafTennis/mobile.

Manufacturers USPTA Professional Keith Evans joined Aer-Flo as the new National Sales Manager of its Tennis Division. Evans has experienced a sterling career in tennis – excelling at all levels – and brings to Aer-Flo his vast knowledge of the tennis world. He fully understands the many demands on club professionals and college coaches, which will be extremely helpful in his new duties in support of Aer-Flo’s nationwide network of tennis and sports equipment dealers.

In just five years, Aer-Flo has grown its windscreen business from zero to now being the largest supplier of tennis and sports windscreens in America. Evans will now lead the company’s Tennis Division to higher levels with not only windscreens but also other tennis court

It’s round-up time for the 3rd Annual Cowgirl Challenge, May 17-19 at T Bar M Resort in New Braunfels, Texas. The Cowgirl Challenge is a women’s team tennis tournament featuring teams of seven to eight women, three guaranteed matches, on-site condos and hotel, Saturday night player party, gifts, trophies, complimentary beer, and more. It’s the perfect getaway for women who love to play tennis and have fun. For complete details, visit www.facebook.com/ cowgirlchallenge for pictures from last year’s event.

32

ADDvantage/April 2013

Butch Staples, USPTA P-1, chats with President Obama at the 10 and Under Tennis Clinic held during the Easter Egg Roll at the White House. products. Aer-Flo is the official windscreen of the USPTA. Har-Tru Sports, the manufacturer of HarTru, will be conducting a Har-Tru maintenance certificate seminar Oct. 4 and 5. The purpose of the seminar is to bring together leading experts on clay courts to discuss the construction and maintenance of clay. In addition to construction and maintenance techniques, the seminar will include the latest research on clay. Information will be communicated through classroom presentations, panel discussions and on-court demonstrations.

The event will be hosted by the Bonita Bay Club, 26660 Country Club Drive, Bonita Springs, Florida 34234. The seminar is designed for anyone managing, maintaining or considering the installation of clay tennis courts including club managers, teaching professionals, court builders and maintenance professionals. USPTA teaching Professionals

receive 6 update training credits for attending both days of the seminar.

For more information contact Ed Montecalvo at 1-877-4HARTRU or emontecalvo@hartru. com.

Industry action every team entry fee and the chance for their winners to advance to one of four Super Regional Tournaments. For more information or to register as a local host site visit www.familytennis.com.

Tennis facilities have until June 30 to conduct their local tournaments for up to six divisions of play including: Husband/Wife, Brother/Sister, Father/ Son, Father/Daughter, Mother/Son and Mother/ Daughter. Host sites are encouraged to offer at least three of the six divisions. Players of all levels compete in the same division with the only limitations being a son or daughter must be under the age of 18 and a father or mother is required to be the

minor’s legal guardian.

During July and August, local winners in each division can advance to one of four Super Regional Tournaments.

The top teams at each regional advance to the national championships in New York City. Teams will receive travel, meals and three nights of hotel accommodations as well as tickets to see the best in the game play at the USTA/Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

The 2013 National Family Tennis Championships is being produced by Oasis Sports Ventures.

Promotional support is provided by Tennis. com, Tennis15-30 and the USTA. For more information, visit www. familytennis.com.

Miscellany There’s a new tennis tournament that doubles as family time. The 2013 National Family Tennis Championships offers thousands of amateur players all across America the opportunity to team up with a family member to earn the right to play for a national title in New York City from August 22-26. Tennis facilities interested in being one of the 300 host sites can sign-up at www. familytennis.com. Each local host site receives a free tournament kit with everything they need to promote and run the event including counter cards, promotional posters, NFTC banners, player premiums, tennis balls, plus winner and runner-up awards for each division. In addition, they receive $10 from www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

A project built by Fast-Dry Courts, Inc., located in Pompano Beach, Fla., has been recognized as a winner in the American Sports Builders Association’s annual awards program. ASBA, of which Fast-Dry Courts, Inc., is a member, is the national organization for builders, designers and suppliers of materials for athletic facilities. Awards are presented each year to facilities built by ASBA members that best exemplify construction excellence. Fast-Dry Courts, Inc., was presented with an award for Residential Tennis Facility of the Year 2012 for its work on the Private Residence, Boca Raton. This project was new construction of one sub-irrigated court with American Red Har-Tru Surface. This was a residential project, built in the backyard of a home in Boca Raton. Fast-Dry Courts, Inc., completed this job in June 2011. For more information about Fast-Dry Courts, Inc., or about its projects and services, contact Todd Dettor at 800-432-2994 or todd@fast-dry.com. Visit the website for more information at www.Fast-Dry.com. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

The USPTA Midwest Division honored those who stand out in all aspects of the tennis industry, from tennis coaches to players to volunteers during its annual Midwest Division awards luncheon Feb. 8 at the USPTA Midwest Division Conference in Troy, Mich.

Women’s Open Player of the Year Wendy Strauss, Illinois Men’s Open Player of the Year Raymond Vassas, Ohio Men’s 35 and over Player of the Year Mark Woldmoe, Indiana Men’s 45 and over Player of the Year Darren Heinz, Ohio

2012 award winners and 2013 Hall of Fame

Industry action

Men’s 55 and over Player of the Year Chip Bondurant, Indiana Midwest Outstanding Education Mark Faber, Ohio Tester of the Year Jing (Amy) Nestle, Michigan Lesson for Life Event of the Year under $10,000 Compete for a Cure, Fox Cities Racquet Club, Appleton, Wisconsin Lesson for Life Event of the Year over $10,000 Mercy Health Cincinnati Tennis Classic, Mercy HealthPlex, Cincinnati, Ohio High School Coach of the Year Mike McGinnis, Michigan College Coach of the Year Dave Morin, Western Michigan University Individual Coach of the Year Edward Nagel, Michigan Rookie of the Year Tate Whitlinger, Wisconsin Fay Tooley Memorial Award Bill Lofgren, Ohio Facility Manager of the Year John Frausto, Wisconsin Illinois State Professional of the Year Tom Wangelin Indiana State Professional of the Year Sam Kercheval Michigan State Professional of the Year Sharon Cleland Ohio State Professional of the Year Cathy Thomas Wisconsin State Professional of the Year Scott Carson Midwest Professional of the Year Jay Hardman This year one candidate was selected to the Hall of Fame. Congratulations to Paul MacDonald. Induction will take place in August at the 2013 Western & Southern Tennis Tournament in Cincinnati.

ADDvantage/April 2013

33

Members USPTA Professional Brad Minns was selected to be the national men’s and women’s head coach for USA Deaf Tennis, which will head to Sofia, Bulgaria for the Deaflympic Games held in late July. Unlike other countries, USA Tennis athletes are without financial aid from sporting organizations or sponsors. As a former Deaflympic athlete, Minns has first-hand knowledge of the challenges and responsibilities these players have for travel and expenses to the upcoming Sofia Games.

The USA Deaf Tennis team relies in donations to defray costs for uniforms, traveling expenses, training camp, meals and lodging. All or part of any donation may be tax deductible as a charitable contribution.

Please check with your tax advisor. For more information, please visit www.razoo.com/story/

Brad-Minns-Is-RaisingFunds-For-Usa-DeafTennis/mobile.

Manufacturers USPTA Professional Keith Evans joined Aer-Flo as the new National Sales Manager of its Tennis Division. Evans has experienced a sterling career in tennis – excelling at all levels – and brings to Aer-Flo his vast knowledge of the tennis world. He fully understands the many demands on club professionals and college coaches, which will be extremely helpful in his new duties in support of Aer-Flo’s nationwide network of tennis and sports equipment dealers.

In just five years, Aer-Flo has grown its windscreen business from zero to now being the largest supplier of tennis and sports windscreens in America. Evans will now lead the company’s Tennis Division to higher levels with not only windscreens but also other tennis court

It’s round-up time for the 3rd Annual Cowgirl Challenge, May 17-19 at T Bar M Resort in New Braunfels, Texas. The Cowgirl Challenge is a women’s team tennis tournament featuring teams of seven to eight women, three guaranteed matches, on-site condos and hotel, Saturday night player party, gifts, trophies, complimentary beer, and more. It’s the perfect getaway for women who love to play tennis and have fun. For complete details, visit www.facebook.com/ cowgirlchallenge for pictures from last year’s event.

32

ADDvantage/April 2013

Butch Staples, USPTA P-1, chats with President Obama at the 10 and Under Tennis Clinic held during the Easter Egg Roll at the White House. products. Aer-Flo is the official windscreen of the USPTA. Har-Tru Sports, the manufacturer of HarTru, will be conducting a Har-Tru maintenance certificate seminar Oct. 4 and 5. The purpose of the seminar is to bring together leading experts on clay courts to discuss the construction and maintenance of clay. In addition to construction and maintenance techniques, the seminar will include the latest research on clay. Information will be communicated through classroom presentations, panel discussions and on-court demonstrations.

The event will be hosted by the Bonita Bay Club, 26660 Country Club Drive, Bonita Springs, Florida 34234. The seminar is designed for anyone managing, maintaining or considering the installation of clay tennis courts including club managers, teaching professionals, court builders and maintenance professionals. USPTA teaching Professionals

receive 6 update training credits for attending both days of the seminar.

For more information contact Ed Montecalvo at 1-877-4HARTRU or emontecalvo@hartru. com.

Industry action every team entry fee and the chance for their winners to advance to one of four Super Regional Tournaments. For more information or to register as a local host site visit www.familytennis.com.

Tennis facilities have until June 30 to conduct their local tournaments for up to six divisions of play including: Husband/Wife, Brother/Sister, Father/ Son, Father/Daughter, Mother/Son and Mother/ Daughter. Host sites are encouraged to offer at least three of the six divisions. Players of all levels compete in the same division with the only limitations being a son or daughter must be under the age of 18 and a father or mother is required to be the

minor’s legal guardian.

During July and August, local winners in each division can advance to one of four Super Regional Tournaments.

The top teams at each regional advance to the national championships in New York City. Teams will receive travel, meals and three nights of hotel accommodations as well as tickets to see the best in the game play at the USTA/Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

The 2013 National Family Tennis Championships is being produced by Oasis Sports Ventures.

Promotional support is provided by Tennis. com, Tennis15-30 and the USTA. For more information, visit www. familytennis.com.

Miscellany There’s a new tennis tournament that doubles as family time. The 2013 National Family Tennis Championships offers thousands of amateur players all across America the opportunity to team up with a family member to earn the right to play for a national title in New York City from August 22-26. Tennis facilities interested in being one of the 300 host sites can sign-up at www. familytennis.com. Each local host site receives a free tournament kit with everything they need to promote and run the event including counter cards, promotional posters, NFTC banners, player premiums, tennis balls, plus winner and runner-up awards for each division. In addition, they receive $10 from www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

A project built by Fast-Dry Courts, Inc., located in Pompano Beach, Fla., has been recognized as a winner in the American Sports Builders Association’s annual awards program. ASBA, of which Fast-Dry Courts, Inc., is a member, is the national organization for builders, designers and suppliers of materials for athletic facilities. Awards are presented each year to facilities built by ASBA members that best exemplify construction excellence. Fast-Dry Courts, Inc., was presented with an award for Residential Tennis Facility of the Year 2012 for its work on the Private Residence, Boca Raton. This project was new construction of one sub-irrigated court with American Red Har-Tru Surface. This was a residential project, built in the backyard of a home in Boca Raton. Fast-Dry Courts, Inc., completed this job in June 2011. For more information about Fast-Dry Courts, Inc., or about its projects and services, contact Todd Dettor at 800-432-2994 or todd@fast-dry.com. Visit the website for more information at www.Fast-Dry.com. www.ADDvantageUSPTA.com

The USPTA Midwest Division honored those who stand out in all aspects of the tennis industry, from tennis coaches to players to volunteers during its annual Midwest Division awards luncheon Feb. 8 at the USPTA Midwest Division Conference in Troy, Mich.

Women’s Open Player of the Year Wendy Strauss, Illinois Men’s Open Player of the Year Raymond Vassas, Ohio Men’s 35 and over Player of the Year Mark Woldmoe, Indiana Men’s 45 and over Player of the Year Darren Heinz, Ohio

2012 award winners and 2013 Hall of Fame

Industry action

Men’s 55 and over Player of the Year Chip Bondurant, Indiana Midwest Outstanding Education Mark Faber, Ohio Tester of the Year Jing (Amy) Nestle, Michigan Lesson for Life Event of the Year under $10,000 Compete for a Cure, Fox Cities Racquet Club, Appleton, Wisconsin Lesson for Life Event of the Year over $10,000 Mercy Health Cincinnati Tennis Classic, Mercy HealthPlex, Cincinnati, Ohio High School Coach of the Year Mike McGinnis, Michigan College Coach of the Year Dave Morin, Western Michigan University Individual Coach of the Year Edward Nagel, Michigan Rookie of the Year Tate Whitlinger, Wisconsin Fay Tooley Memorial Award Bill Lofgren, Ohio Facility Manager of the Year John Frausto, Wisconsin Illinois State Professional of the Year Tom Wangelin Indiana State Professional of the Year Sam Kercheval Michigan State Professional of the Year Sharon Cleland Ohio State Professional of the Year Cathy Thomas Wisconsin State Professional of the Year Scott Carson Midwest Professional of the Year Jay Hardman This year one candidate was selected to the Hall of Fame. Congratulations to Paul MacDonald. Induction will take place in August at the 2013 Western & Southern Tennis Tournament in Cincinnati.

ADDvantage/April 2013

33