RSPA Florida - Baselines Winter 2025 by RSPA

Baselines

Dear RSPA Members,

I’m excited to invite you to the RSPA Florida Division Conference, taking place May 29–31 at Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando This year’s event is shaping up to be one of our best yet, with an outstanding lineup of speakers, industry leaders, and networking opportunities.

We are thrilled to welcome Jack Sock, who will be delivering a special presentation on both Tennis and Pickleball, sharing his journey in both sports and providing insights on their evolution and growth Joining him will be Stevie Johnson, and together they’ll take part in a panel discussion that promises to be both insightful and entertaining. In addition, some of the most respected General Managers in the country club industry will be on hand for an engaging session, offering their perspectives on the current state and future of racquet sports while answering your questions

Another exciting highlight of this year’s conference is our fantastic Vendor Show on May 30, featuring tons of new vendors and the latest equipment for you to explore This is a great opportunity to connect with top brands, discover cutting-edge products, and bring fresh ideas back to your club

To ensure a top-tier experience, the Florida Board and District Presidents gathered for a board retreat in January at Rosen Shingle Creek, where we conducted walkthroughs and fine-tuned plans for the event Our goal is to provide you with an unforgettable conference filled with valuable education, networking, and inspiration

Mark your calendars, and don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and grow. Stay tuned for more details on registration and the full agenda I look forward to seeing you all in Orlando!

Best regards,

Mike Curran President, RSPA Florida Division

Meet Your New Executive director

HelloRSPAFloridaMembers!

IamexcitedtointroducemyselfasthenewEDforthe Floridadivision.MynameisCaryTidmus,andIbringa diversebackgroundinsales,collegeathleticsand hospitalitymanagement.Mostrecently,Iworkedasa GroupSalesCoordinatoratIslandH2OWaterpark, whereImanagedgroupbookings,digitalcontentand CRMprocesses.

Beforethat,Ispentalmost12yearsincollegeathletics overseeingeventandfacilityoperationsattheUniversity ofGeorgiaandUniversityofAlabama.Mycareerhas beenshapedbyacomittmenttoorganization, teamworkinganddeliveringoutstandingservice.

IcurrentlyresideinWinterGarden,FLandwhenIamnot workingIenjoyplayingpickleball,themeparkhopping andreading.MyhusbandandIhavebeenmarriedfor almost6yearsandwehave2dogs,DrogoandSushi.

Ilookforwardtomeetingeveryoneandhelpingtogrow theFloridadivisionoftheRSPA!

Cary Tidmus

Snow inthePanhandle

The Florida Panhandle saw record breaking snow for the first time since “The Great Blizzard in 1899”

JUST ANNOUNCED!

ROSENSHINGLECREEK|ORLANDO,FL

The 2025 Board Retreat brought together the divisions leaders to discuss key initiatives for the upcoming year, focusing on member engagement, certifications, and expanding racquet sports at all levels.

Strengthening Compliance & Certifications

President, Mike Curran, tasked leadership with coming up with efforts to enhance Safe Play compliance and increase certifications in the other racquet sports this year With growing demand, RSPA aims to schedule more certification events and members are encouraged to communicate their needs so events can be strategically planned and marketed.

Expanding High School & College Engagement

Leadership wants to focus on fostering connections with younger players and positioning racquet sports as a professional pathway. This initiative will help strengthen the pipeline of future coaches and industry professionals.

Industry Growth & Membership Benefits

RSPA President Brian Dillman highlighted a 6% increase, with over 14,000 paid members heading into 2025 The industry is booming , with both tennis and pickleball participation rising rapidly. To sustain this momentum, the emphasis is shifting toward communicating the value of membership, including discounts on equipment, insurance and exclusive resources.

Technology & Business Development

Enhancements

National will be rolling out updates to the website and financial systems to make it more user friendly and more efficient. Additionally, new Business Development Officer, Tim Buick was hired to explore more sponsorships beyond the racquet sports industry, with brands like Delta, Coca-Cola, Muscle Milk, etc.

Mentorship & Inclusivity

A key takeaway from the retreat was the importance of mentorship and welcoming new member at events “If we can keep them for 2 years, they will stay for 20”-Brian Dillman.

Retreat Updates Continued....

Florida Convention Updates & Opportunities

The upcoming convention will feature themed days such as tennis, pickleball and businesses, plus education sessions covering best practices, technology, and industry insights Efforts to grow attendance continue with a focus on person outreach Did you know Certified Members receive free convention registration their first year?

Update from USTA Florida President Chuck Gill

Chuck talked about the USTA’s 35 x 35 goal, which is to have 35 million tennis players by 2035, They are currently facing issue with infrastructure built in the 80's & 90's and tennis courts being converted to pickleball everywhere USTA is getting into coaching and finding coaches at the grassroots level. Tennis has a retention problem because lower level players are not getting the attention and care like a VIP would. He eased minds by mentioning USTA is getting into coaching, NOT certification We will look to continue our relationship and bring coaches in from USTA workshops to then get certified.

Looking Ahead

With ambitious goals for certification, compliance and engagement, 2025 is set to be a transformative year. Members are urged to get involved, provide input and leverage the many opportunities available through an RSPA membership

The Florida Division Leadership is really excited for 2025 and looks forward to supporting it’s members this year

It’stimetorecognizetheoutstandingcontributionsandachievementsofourfellowprofessionals withintheRSPACommunity.Followthelinkbelowtonominatesomeoneinyourarea.TheAwards showwillbeheldduringtheDivisionConventioninMayatthebeautifulRosenShingleCreek ResortinOrlando,FL

Weencourageallmemberstonominatedeservingprofessionalswhohavedemonstrated excellence,leadership,anddedicationintheirroles

Pleasetakeamomenttoconsidernominatingacolleagueormentorwhohasinspiredyouand contributedtothegrowthandsuccessofracquetsportsinFlorida

DeadlineforsubmissionsisApril1st,2025.

Region 1

College spirit was present in Region 1, in Northwest Florida as the Watersound Club hosted a fundraising event attended by some of the current Florida State Men’s Tennis team players.

The Northwest region also saw a reunion of old friends for the West Florida Argonauts.

This year Region 1 is looking to host more opportunities for certification in it’s area while also providing more opportunities for professionals to netwo each other in their area. Look forward to more picklebal as tennis when we roll out bundle workshop opportuniti

Pro Exhibition: Jessica Pegula, Alexa Guarachi Bruner, Asia Muhammed & Erin Routliffe

RSPA Tennis Level 2 Certification-Shalimar Pointe

Visit from RSPA National Board Vice President, Milos Vasovic

Region 6

Tim Brueggeman, Region 6 President, and Ted MacBeth, recently held a “Senior Professional Reunion” at The Boulevard Tennis & Padel Club in Vero Beach for those pros who have served the Treasure Coast Tennis Community for over 20+ years! It was a great evening reuniting with old friends and catching up as some of the pros had not seen each other in over 15+ years!

Ted MacBeth presented a “Service Award” to Emile DeCuba for his 30+ years of dedicated service to his club and the community!

Gigi Casapu was also awarded an “Outstanding Service Award” or his 30+ years holding the “King of the Hill” Event which benefits Youth Guidance of Indian River County!

In attendance: Tim Brueggeman, Ted MacBeth, Lans Dennett, Brad Leu, Larry Brown, Joe Biedenharn, Ed Shanaphy, Jamie Moore, Karim Balagh, Emile DeCuba, Jeff Wilson, Dan Warner, Kurt Grabher, Jony Leitenbauer, Jim Buck, Roger Ashcroft, King VanNostrand, Gary Kitchell, Chris Warner, Joe O’Brien, Gerry Berkheimer, Steve Wilson, Aldo Burga, and Henner Lenardt.

Scan QR Code to Register!

Participating RSPA division’s will host a competition at their division conference. The competition will be a variation of three balls across feeding. Each Competitor will have one minute to hit as many targets as possible. Winners from each division will then advance to compete at the Florida Division Conference in Orlando on May 29th-June 1st, (in place of the World Conference in Hawaii). In 2026 the finals will be held at the World Conference.