Budgets and Rates...

This is the time of year when all officials associations (and individual officials in the smaller areas) are looking at budgets and rates for 2010. There is a fairly wide range of rates in Texas so we will publish those we have and invite others to chime in...

Austin Rates

USTA Events: Referee: $15/hour Umpires: $12.50/hour w/4 hour minimum

ITA: $135/match with $50 for officials traveling over 50 miles.

Dallas-Ft. Worth Rates

(Metroplex Tennis Officials Association)

USTA Events: Referee: $17.50/hour with 8 hour minimum and meals provided.

Umpire: $15/hour with 6 hour minimum and meals provided.

(rates remain the same for any time over the minimum)

ITA Dual Matches: TCU: $115 per official

SMU, UNT, UTA, and UTD: Referee: $140 Umpires: $125

UIL Dual Matches: $160

Houston

(Houston Tennis Umpires Association)

USTA Events: Referee: $16.25/hour

Chief of Officials: $15/hour

Roving umpires: $13.75/hour

ITA Dual Matches: Referee: $135 Umpires: $125

Waco Rates

Regular Dual Match -All officiating team members including Referee $125

Practice Match (vs non D1 team)- All officiating team members including Referee $95

Double Header Duals (same day)-All officiating Team members including Referee $200

Travel allowance(s) from $25-50 as determined by location for officials outside 50 miles

Meals provided for evening matches and double headers

Hotel may be provided when requested and approved in advance on certain matches

Cheerful disposition of coordinator provided at no charge for all matches

** WE WILL UPDATE THIS POST AS WE RECEIVE INFORMATION FROM OTHER AREAS OF THE STATE.

Tis The Season of Spending, Spending, and More Spending

Tis the season to be jolly and to spend, spend, spend... At least that's the way our federal government views the holiday season.

Today the leadership in Congress is proposing to raise the federal debt ceiling an additional $1.8 trillion.

And we thought Santa Claus was the source of all gifts...

Just think of where you are today...

The view this morning from downtown Los Angeles.

Surfers were going crazy with the 50' waves at Oahu. What a great time of the year for surfing!

Scene outside the stadium in Green Bay before the Packers' game last night.

Scene from a midwest snowstorm yesterday...

Picture of an apartment complex in Houston, Texas this past weekend.

Aren't you glad you are where you are...

If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen...

President Harry Truman

Years ago Harry Truman penned those famous words, "if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen," and those have been the by-words of people involved in leadership ever since--and rightly so. With a position of leadership comes responsibilities... Here are a few:

* Always tell the truth. If you do, then you don't have to worry about what you told someone.

* Expect criticism. Its part of the job when you are making decisions that affect others. You can't please everyone all the time.

* If you are in an elected or appointed position, you are fair game for criticism. Like Truman said, "if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen..."

* Know what you are doing and talking about before you open your mouth. When you don't, the moment you open your mouth is validation of their criticisms.

Somehow these rules apply to anyone in leadership--and also to us as tennis officials. You're never going to please every parent, player, spectator, or official so just do your best and do it honestly and correctly.

Just in case you think I'm talking only to tennis officials, here is an example in Washington that happened yesterday:

Rep. John Conyers (D)

Conyers got a personal phone call from Obama because he felt that Conyers has been demeaning him before Conyer's committee.

Sounds like someone needs to get tougher skin--or get out of Washington.

President Barack Hussein Obama

(the offended one)

UT: 2009 Big 12 Champions!

In an epic defensive struggle, the University of Texas Longhorns crushed the Nebraska Cornhuskers before a crowd of 80,000 cheering fans. Here are some pictures of the glorious evening...

And who says prayer doesn't work...

The hero of the evening: HUNTER LAWRENCE (kicked the winning field goal with 1 second to go)

UT Players enjoying the victory...

Colt McCoy lifting up the Big 12 Championship Trophy.

Coach Mack Brown holding the trophy high.

The two McDonald children and various friends enjoying the pregame festivities.

The Younger Generation. Absolutely amazing...

The news came out today that Andy Murray's girlfriend, Kim Sears, is dumping him! Nothing new but the reason behind the breakup is...

Seems that Andy plays video games for 7 hours a day and Kim is fed up with it.

Perhaps he developed those biceps playing with the controls of a video game...

Bargain of the Day: A Handshake With Al Gore for Only $1,200

We just wanted to alert all of our blogging friends to a bargain they are offering in Denmark...

Seems that the world renowned expert on global warming, Al Gore, is offering to let you shake his hand for a mere $1,200.00.

You might want to consider giving a couple of vouchers for this privilege as Christmas gifts...

(You might need to hurry since we hear there is a move to take back his Academy Award for the movie he made without basis.)

How much do you think we could get for a handshake with John McEnroe????

America: Land of the Free But Free To Fail?

We truly live in a nation that is free--but have we become a nation that is afraid to fail? Current events tell us that we have indeed become that nation...

* In Texas, school districts are suing over legislation that requires them to give a child the grade they actually made. Districts are asking to give a grade no lower than 50.

* In Texas, the Census Bureau is giving a test for job applicants in which passing is 34%.

We have even let some of this mentality creep into our tennis officiating and the testing of our officials. In the past, we required every official to take a test in a classroom and they had to pass with a minimum score. Today, they just fill out the test at home with open book... And then we wonder why we have some of the problems we have!

Lack of accountability leads to lack of job performance. Perhaps it is time to reassert our standards...

News Update: Global Warming in Plano!

Much to the chagrin of those who espouse global warming, it was noted that snow has been falling all morning in Plano, Texas. Here is a view from my front and back doors along with some footprints by Phoebe (tail pictured). I thought I might forward a copy of this post to Al Gore for his upcoming memoirs...

Billie Jean, Serena, & Elton--What A Combination!

WTT Smash Hits is a charity event co-hosted by Sir Elton John and Billie Jean King and will be on display at LSU on December 8th. Feature players will be Serena Williams, Andy Roddick, Anna Kournikova, and Lindsey Davenport.

What an evening this will be!!!!

Serena Williams In The News Again

Serena Williams was fined at least a record $82,500 for her U.S. Open tirade and could be suspended from that tournament if she has another "major offense" at any Grand Slam in the next two years, Grand Slam administrator Bill Babcock told The Associated Press on Monday.

Babcock's decision was to be formally released later Monday.

He said Williams faces a "probationary period" at Grand Slam tournaments in 2010 and 2011.

If she has another "major offense" at a major championship in that time, the fine would increase to $175,000 and she would be barred from the following U.S. Open.

*** At least they did something. Imagine if they had had this much courage when McEnroe and Connors were doing their things...

2010 Officials Schools Schedule

2010 Officials Schools Schedule

Jan. 9-10 LAREDO Contact: Al Trevino ( doct@trevinoeueclinic.com ) 956 724 7179

Jan. 16-17 COLLEGE STATION Contact: Michelle Walker (walkersbmc@msn.com) 979 777 0983

Jan. 16-17 DFW Contact: Nancy Ebersole (ncebersole@yahoo.com) 817 703 8708

Jan. 16-17 RGV Contact: Martz Hotz (marta.hotz@ourclub.com) 956 581 7405

Jan. 16-17 HILL COUNTRY (SA) Contact: Carol Bruehler (redoaks@gvtc.com) 830 755 4599

Jan. 23-24 HOUSTON. Contact: Nancy Vivero (nancymv243@aol.com) 281 835 9573

Jan. 23-24 WACO. Contact: Jane Hammond (evelynjane1020@hot.rr.com) 254 772 0938

Jan. 30-31 ABILENE. Contact: Duke Williams (dukew@xanadoo.com) 325 676 8017

Jan. 30-31 CORPUS. Contact: Ralph Martin (rmartin@stx.rr.com) 361 850 9889

Jan. 30-31 SAN ANGELO. Contact: Courtney Nagel (cnagel@bentwoodcc.com) 325 949 1534

Jan. 30-31 TYLER. Contact: Millard Countryman (countryman@suddenlink.net) 903 534 0808

Jan. 30-31 LUBBOCK. Contact: Cliff Hopping (choptenump@aol.com) 806 795 7960

Feb. 6-7 AMARILLO. Contact: Ona Lee Johnson (olj@amaonline.com) 806 622 8493

Feb. 20-21 AUSTIN. Contact: Mike Flynn (mikeflynn4@gmail.com) 512 971 0505

Feb. 20-21 MIDLAND/ABILENE. Contact: Brookie Green (brookieg1@suddenlink.net)

432 694 2847

Feb. 27-28 WICHITA FALLS. Contact: Bobby Hagerman (weekspark@aol.com) 214 679 1384

Mar. 13-14 SAN ANTONIO. Contact: Tippy Garza (arcadio3@sbcglobal.net) 210 824 9794

May 22-23 AUSTIN (IF NEEDED) See above contact information for Mike Flynn.

May 22-23 HOUSTON (IF NEEDED) See above contact information for Nancy Vivero.

June 19-20 DFW (IF NEEDED) See above contact information for Nancy Ebersole.

June 26-27 WACO (IF NEEDED) See above contact information for Jane Hammond.

** DFW and Houston schools use NUCULA to sign up.

Baylor Bears, Beer, & Beauties...

Thought you Baylor fans would enjoy some candid shots from their game with Tech last night. Of course, the Bud Lite dealership would be proud of this one!

Smoke and Mirrors...

After reading my most recent post on the 2010 schools schedule I decided to delete it and come at things from a different perspective.

As a blogger, I have numerous responsibilities. Among them is to be accurate, truthful, and open to all avenues of truth. That isn't an easy task since there are many in our society who are quite skilled at "smoke and mirrors." Here are some examples of the smoke and mirrors we are getting in Texas:

* We were told that there would be a Dallas TD/Referee workshop in 2010, so people wouldn't have to travel to Austin on a specific required weekend.

Now that the smoke has cleared, we are told that it isn't happening. Seems that the people in Dallas weren't quite so receptive to the idea.

* We were told that there would be officials schools taught on dates other than January and February.

Now we notice that the three additional schools are now going to be taught "as needed." The bottom line with the schools schedule is that it hasn't changed an iota. Would you be willing to miss the January school in Dallas so you could attend something later that is called "as needed"? Surely you're not willing to buy that line... You'll be left out in the cold holding a baseless promise in your cold hands.

The vast majority of officials in Texas come from the Metroplex and Houston so why not make every effort to be "user friendly" for those officials and offer something new and different. Having a school in the Hill Country is nice but how about making some scheduling concessions for those in the bigger cities. People need to have concrete dates and dates other than weekends so they can attend schools in addition to their busy schedules.

I do try to reaffirm when things are done properly, in order, and truthfully. Unfortunately, that isn't always true so when that occurs, we will point it out. This ruffles feathers from time to time but that's ok. Feathers aren't the sum total of people's lives...

Personally, I think the quality of product we are receiving in Texas is sadly lacking. Its lacking in truth, openness, transparency, and creativity but until people are willing to stand up and ask for more, they will get what they are willing to put up with...

UT 49 A&M 39

Bevo was happy last night...

And here are two of the reasons why...

Season of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect upon all our blessings of the year--and we have many! Let's all be thankful that we are part of the best officiating family in the universe. Enjoy the friendships and time we get to spend together...

One of the blessings I DO NOT enjoy at Thanksgiving is pumpkin pie. Illustrated below is an explanation of where pumpkin pie comes from and why I do not like it...

Have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

MTOA: Stepping Up and Leading In 2010

CATHY KENNAN

Metroplex Tennis Officials Association President

METROPLEX TENNIS OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Front L to R: Nancy Ebersole, Cathy Kennan, Susan Wertenberger, Stephanie Burnam, Nancy King, and Myron Krueger.

Back L to R: Roz Tuerk (turned backwards), Randy McDonald, Randall Edwards, Seande Pulley, Carol Linden, and Jim Garcia.

Under the direction of President Cathy Kennan, the MTOA Board of Directors laid out a strategic plan of growth for 2010. This dynamic new agenda was planned and implemented at the board meeting on November 22, 2009.

Here are the major points of the growth strategy:

* To implement a training program specifically designed for people who want to do chairs. This is in addition to already existing training programs for lines at the pro level. This program would not be centered around evaluation but around training.

* Involving local USTA tournaments and ITA matches and tournaments in the training program for new officials. One of the goals is to implement a stronger chair training program at these levels.

* To publish on the MTOA website a career path plan for people who desire to do: grassroots tennis, ITA, or professional levels. This new link will spell out specifically how an umpire can achieve these various goals.

* To further strengthen the training and shadowing program for new officials. The MTOA program is the model for the entire nation and quickly moves new officials into the mainstream of officiating.

* To invite the Texas Section evaluators to come to the Metroplex to offer evaluations for those officials wishing to further their careers. These evaluations are required in order to do pro level work.

* To put out a newsletter for all MTOA members.

* To make the MTOA website (www.metroplextennisofficials.org) more user friendly and to include more pertinent materials and links to important sites.

The MTOA board and their President are to be commended on taking these proactive steps for growth. They are truly a model for the entire USTA.

Randy Snow. Passing of a good friend and great player...

It was with sadness that we heard that Randy Snow passed away this week while at an ITF Wheelchair Tennis training school in El Salvador. Randy was known and loved by many in Texas and was truly one of the greats in wheelchair tennis.

His memorial service will be Saturday, December 5, in Terrell, Texas at the Performing Arts Center.

Way To Go MTOA!

There are times that our organizations make wise and prudent decisions and then are willing to stand firm in those commitments--and that is the case with the Metroplex Tennis Officials Association.

Last night in their board of directors' meeting, the MTOA voted to strictly enforce their policy that says that tournaments shall provide meals for officials during their work shifts. These has always been the policy of the MTOA but had come under recent fire in the past couple of years but thank goodness the board of the MTOA was willing to stand up for our officials.

Thanks to the board of directors and our President, Cathy Kennan, for doing what is good and right. You are to be commended...

User Friendly--Not Hardly...

In our recent Texas Section Referee/Tournament Director Workshop we were continually told that we needed to be more "user friendly" in all aspects of officiating. Sounds great doesn't it--but it sure doesn't translate into reality in Texas...

During the workshop we were told that in order to be more "user friendly" that we should allow players more time between the second set and the tiebreak if the weather is hot... Breaking specific rules is not a solution to user friendliness...

Here are some factual examples of the LACK of user friendliness in Texas:

* We are now told that all officials schools must be held on Saturday and Sunday. This has NEVER been the practice in Texas and totally neglects those officials who cannot attend on weekends.

* We are now told that they will be adding additional schools since the current structure has schools only taught in January and February. The only problem is that our leadership has posted nothing and has no concrete dates for any additional schools. Sounds a bit like a political promise with no reality behind it. In Texas, our ITA season begins in January so it would help if our leadership would actually publish the dates and locations of the 2010 schools so we can adequately plan for the new year.

* Every sanctioned tournament must have either a referee or tournament director who has personally attended the Texas Section Referee/Tournament Director workshop. The only problem is that this workshop is ONLY taught in Austin and on only one weekend. Promises were made that there would be an additional school in Dallas in May but now we are hearing that that was just another political promise. It ain't gonna happen...

* Every certified official is constantly told that they must attend a school in order to be certified. The only problem is that the Sectional Chairman has regularly given tests to people without their attending a school and their authorizing their certification. Just another example of lack of genuine leadership.

* The USTA Texas Section has a website with a section devoted entirely to officials. The only problem is that the last newsletter and any other updates are years old. Surely something pertinent has happened in the last few years. Yet another example of lack of genuine leadership.

Lest someone say we are being too critical--here are some simple and easy steps to becoming USER FRIENDLY in Texas:

* Schedule schools at different times during the year and on different days of the week. Not hard to do--just take out a calendar and do it. We have at least 16-19 schools in Texas every year so surely some of them could be taught during the week.

* Allow officials with over 5 years experience to take the certification tests online. If you have ever taken a Defensive Driving Course you can see that a school can actually be done online.

* Update the website or at least assign someone the task who is going to follow through. A true leader knows how to do this.

* Do NOT require a certified referee to attend another workshop in order to referee a sanctioned tournament. Everything that was taught in the Texas Section workshop is already covered in the referee certification school and sure doesn't need to be repeated.

* Do have the tournament director's workshop included in each officials school. This would enable the TD's to be able to choose when and where to be certified instead of having to come to Austin on one specific weekend.

* Publish the minutes of all Texas Section Officials Committee meetings as well as the minutes of all Texas Section Officials Committee Ad Hoc meetings. This is just simple law and logic and it is time to actually do it.

Texas Section Leadership Bias Shows Again...

As we all know, the season for Officials School is coming soon and everyone is scurrying around to find their best date and location. Earlier this year we had encouraged the Texas Section Officials Committee to have more schools offered throughout the state and on times other than January and February. It was my understanding that this was passed at the last officials committee meeting.

In order to help with this step (and a much needed one), the leadership of the national junior college men's tournament (which is held in May every year in Plano) offered to host an officials school on two nights of the tournament and in conjunction with the Texas Section Chair Academy. They also offered to provide a classroom at no charge and also offered to pay all the expenses for the instructor. Our feelings were that we would offer a great alternative in the Metroplex for officials who could not attend in January and who also could not attend on a weekend.

Today we received notice from our Sectional Chairman, Bruce Sampley, that our request had been denied. Here were their reasons:

1. We did not request a school in time to be considered. That is patently false since we were the first to get our request in (September 11, 2009).

2. They were worried that the officials would be "too tired" to go to the school after working all day. Folks, people work all the time and still attend officials schools and do quite well.

3. They want all schools in Texas to be taught on weekends only. Anyone who has a brain and knows anything in Texas knows that we have taught schools on weekends and during the weekdays for years and years. There were numerous schools taught during the week in 2009.

4. They already have plans for another school in Dallas in May. Of course, when questioned they have no dates and/or locations and no realistic plans. If this is true--then why not let us host the school in Plano in May??? Wasn't that the goal of the officials committee?

5. They want to the sectional school to last at least four hours and the ITA and referee schools to last at least two hours. That could have easily been facilitated in the format and schedule that we submitted to them. Again--everyone in Texas knows full well that the only schools that last for an eternity are the National Schools and most all the others are taught in much less time.

6. They were worried that there might be a rain delay in the tournament and hinder the school. Folks, in case of rain we can adjust. Any official who would be attending the school would have been given plenty of time to rest and be prepared for the night's class.

7. There will be an additional school taught in north Houston--all with our leadership's blessing as it has been for the past five years. If they can do it in north Houston then why can't it be done in Plano? And at no expense to the Texas Section...

The bottom line is that this bias is coming from our Sectional Chairman because I questioned his leadership and decisions he has made concerning me in the past. Plain and simple so let's stop trying to hide behind some imaginary bush.

This decision is coming from people who can't even update a website or get out a newsletter more than once every two to three years.

Even though we won't be hosting a school, I do submit that is time to be hosting some new leadership in Texas. The current leadership's bias is showing badly...

Serena's new look and a women's tennis blog...

Serena unveiled her new "look" recently. Maybe it was to combat her image we had at the US Open.

Just to show I am impartial, here is a link to a blog on women's tennis. Mostly a blog on women's clothes but at least they show the rankings....

http://www.womenstennisblog.com/

Nucula Registration Now Open

2010 will mark the first year that the USTA will be using electronic means for recording the work record of tennis officials--a more than welcome change...

You must go online and request an account to be registered and that process is now open and running. Be sure to do so since your 2011 certification depends on this.

Simply go to the address listed below and request your membership and they will guide you through the process.

https://tumps.usta.com/nucula

Tennis Officials Email Newsletter Coming Soon!

After conferring with numerous fellow officials from around the state and also tremendously enjoying producing the blog, we will soon be publishing a TENNIS OFFICIALS EMAIL NEWSLETTER. This newsletter will be done professionally and will feature contributors from around the state and nation who are actively involved in the tennis officiating world.

The new TENNIS OFFICIALS NEWSLETTER will feature the following:

USTA Texas Section

USTA National Section

UIL events and issues

ITA events and issues

Officials schools and locations

Officials exams and how to locate them

Features on local associations and their information

Spotlight on individual officials

Links to all sites pertaining to officials

Special contributions by different writers

We will have the newsletter ready for publication before the first of the year and hopefully it will be something that you will enjoy reading. We will always be open to new thoughts and ideas to make the newsletter better...

Food for Thought: Inactivity and Ineptitude

As we walk down this road of life we are often struck by the obvious inactivity and ineptitude of people all around us. It is especially frustrating when it comes from those in authority...

We live in a country that seems to excel in ineptitude--and consequently, we see a lot of inactivity. In the workplace, it is fairly common for one to cover up their inability to do something with inactivity. The sad thing is that we often seen this in the field of tennis officiating...

Inactivity often manifests itself in the following ways:

* Failure to follow through on promises and directives.

* Simply doing nothing with very little or no explanation.

* Trying to cover up by feigning illness or other excuses; i.e. too much work, not enough time, etc.

* Staying busy doing menial tasks to cover up their inactivity in relevant matters.

Inactivity manifests itself in the officiating world by:

* Looking the other way when an official is roving and knows they need to "be an official."

* Doing nothing about personal assignments.

* Blaming others for something so they can turn the spotlight off of themselves.

* Saying they will do something and then simply never follow through.

* Making endless promises but no product follows.

* Always acting like a leader but never producing anything of value.

Sadly, those officials rarely make it in the real world or in the real world of tennis officiating. Sadder still is that sometimes they occupy positions of leadership and then we all suffer the consequences.

I will leave it up your own reasoning as to their levels of ineptness to accompany their inactivity...

Big Brother Is Watching...

Thought I would share this article in the morning news...

In a case that raises questions about online journalism and privacy rights, the U.S. Department of Justice sent a formal request to an independent news site ordering it to provide details of all reader visits on a certain day.

The grand jury subpoena also required the Philadelphia-based Indymedia.us Web site "not to disclose the existence of this request" unless authorized by the Justice Department, a gag order that presents an unusual quandary for any news organization.

The subpoena (PDF) from U.S. Attorney Tim Morrison in Indianapolis demanded "all IP traffic to and from www.indymedia.us" on June 25, 2008. It instructed Clair to "include IP addresses, times, and any other identifying information," including e-mail addresses, physical addresses, registered accounts, and Indymedia readers' Social Security Numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and so on.

Just a little food for thought and your diminishing freedoms in the land of the free...

ITA Question... How Would You Rule?

Scenario: In an ITA Division I women's tournament one of the players takes a bathroom break after the players split sets. She returned 8.5 minutes later.

What would you do???

How Would You Rule?

Scenario: A Division I men's dual match. The doubles are completed as well as four of the singles matches.

Following his singles match, player A went into the stands and punched one of the fans in the face. No official saw the event take place but one of the officials who already completed their match was called into the stands. During a conversation with the player the official said that he admitted striking the fan.

The official then came to the referee and said that he should default the highest singles match still playing since the player had committed a defaultable offense. When the referee questioned the offending player, he denied ever striking the fan.

What would you do?

1. Default the highest singles match still in progress since the player had committed a defaultable offense.

2. Call the conference office to determine the best course of action. This would have impossible in this situation since it was a night match and the offices were closed.

3. Do nothing since no official had actually observed the offense.

We would welcome your comments on this real life situation...

The Extremes of Diversity

RENEE RICHARDS

World Famous Transgendered Tennis Player

The Dallas Morning News carried a story this morning about the Council on Diversity in the City of Ft. Worth. Seems that the Council is suggesting that the city pay all the medical expenses for sex change operations for their employees...

Seems that DIVERSITY TALK AND TRAINING has gotten us into more trouble than they were trying to avoid. It has certainly affected tennis officiating throughout the US. Here are some observations about diversity obsession:

* It has led to enlisting some officials who never should have been officials.

* It has led to our predicament of not being able to get rid of inept officials.

* It has led to the threat of lawsuits on every hand.

* It has led to a sense of paranoia at the administrative level because of lawsuits.

* It has caused the white male over 50 to be an endangered species in America.

Personally, I get very weary of hearing this constant talk of diversity. Why don't we just become receptive to anyone regardless of their race, creed, religion, sexual orientation or whatever. That would cure the problem but legislating and overreacting isn't going to fix the problem...

Plus, it will probably bankrupt the City of Ft. Worth.

New Question: How Would You Rule?

Scenario: UIL 4A Regional Tournament.

During a hotly contested singles match with numerous bystanders and parents watching and cheering, the parent of Player B cheered long and loud after a winning point by his son. At this point, Player A shot the finger at the father. Then the coach of Player A ran to the court and began to verbally berate Player B and his father. No official was close to the court so it was not witnessed by an official but the site director was called to the court.

The site director basically told them all to behave and quit acting like idiots. (Probably good advice.)

What would you have done as a site official:

1. Meet with the coach and inform him that under no circumstances is he to address the parents of another player or the player himself. He is free to call for the official but personal involvement is prohibited.

2. Meet with both players and tell them that this kind of behavior is unacceptable and that no further bad behavior would be tolerated.

3. Code Player B because his father said something out loud.

4. Code Player A because he shot the finger at a parent.

5. Code the coach for berating a parent and a player on the opposing team.

6. Do nothing and pretend it never happened.

7. Be glad you had a good site director that at least tried to diffuse the situation.

This actually happened so we would appreciate your comments and thoughts on the issue...

How Would You Rule?

Scenario: In a UIL dual match and in the #2 doubles match.

In the final game of the match, team A lost a point and both players slammed their rackets (breaking both of them) to the ground at the same time. They had already been penalized a point earlier in the match.

What would you do?

1. Penalize one player a game and then default the team for the third code violation.

2. Penalize the team a game.

3. Do nothing and hope noone was watching or heard the shattering of rackets.

4. Call the Mothers of the boys to the court for counseling.

Just signing in...

I have gotten quite a few emails wondering if I am still alive and if the blog is still functional--yes I am and yes it is; however, I am real busy with UIL events right now...

I am journeying to Wichita Falls today with the glorious and notorious Myron Krueger. He and I will imparting wisdom and knowledge to the teams and coaches at the 4A Regional Tournament. It should be exciting...

We have some good (and controversial) topics coming up for the blog next week.

Stay tuned...

Age Old Adage of an Egg Sucking Dog

There is an age old adage that once a dog sucks eggs, he will always suck eggs. There is no known method of changing his behavior once he has gotten into this habit.

There is nothing that strikes fear into the heart of a referee more than an OVERLY OFFICIOUS OFFICIAL! They can get you in more trouble than a bunch of rowdy boys and seem to be as unchangeable as an egg sucking dog...

So--what do we do about OVERLY OFFICIOUS OFFICIALS??? That seems to be a question that has come down through the ages and we all search for the solution.

Here are a few observations and suggestions about an OOO (Overly Offiicious Official):

* They are usually, but not always, a new or inexperienced official. That should tell us that one of the "cures" would be more training and teaching.

* They tend to think they already "know everything" and "have arrived" as an official. If that is true, we have our work cut out for us!

* They often have children that have played tennis tournaments all their lives so they think they are experts on officiating.

* They have selective hearing in that they hear what they want to hear.

* Often difficult to train.

* Usually very legalistic in their interpretation of tennis rules.

* Have to make sure players, parents, and other officials know they are "in charge."

* Sometimes have been abused by an official in their past and are trying to "right the wrongs" that were done to them.

* Do not fall into one personality type. They can be dominant or passive, Type A or Type B, outspoken or quiet spoken, male or female--but they all jump into situations without warning or provocation.

* Tend to embarrass themselves, the referee, the players, and the parents by their officious behavior.

* Don't seem to have a clue that they are overly officious.

* Recommended cures (if there is such a thing):

1. Spend time counseling them about their on court skills.

2. Specifically discuss any problems areas they might have in officiating.

3. Make sure they are properly trained and if so, be sure they get some remedial training.

4. Make absolutely sure that they get some on court training with an experienced official.

5. Pray that someone else hires them so you don't have to work with them again.

6. Be sure to have a referee's network so you can be aware of their tendencies.

7. If they keep sucking eggs, then quit hiring them. Maybe they will eventually get the message!

These are just a few observations and suggestions--we would like to hear your's...

Growing Old Is No Fun...

Arnold "Then"

Arnold "Now"

Clint Eastwood "Then and Now"

All of us know the ravages of time take their toll on everyone--and its sure not fun! At least we still have our friends as we travel down this long road of life...

Poll Updates

Well, it seems that 76% of you favor Martina as the greatest female player of all time and 68% favor Roger Federer as the greatest male player. Good selections...

Be sure to check out today's new poll and give us your votes.

Interesting Question...

I got an interesting email today and thought I would throw it out their for your wise opinions...

It seems that there is a man in his 70's that regularly plays tennis but has had a recent bout with glaucoma and wears protective goggles. Some of the people he plays with try to hit him in the face as hard as they can.

He is wondering if this is "malicious intent" and falls under the Code? What are your opinions???

Personally, I would tell him to quit playing with those guys. If he meets them in a tournament, then its probably fair game. I remember Myron Krueger telling me that they were taught to hit the net man in doubles when he played (probably #8) at A&M...