What Do You Think?

Michigan snub of the playing of the national anthem.

In the Texas Regional men's tournament this past weekend, the University of Michigan team and their coach refused to come out on court for the playing of the national anthem. The Maryland players and officials were all on court and in a line for the anthem but the Michigan players and coaches were on the practice courts and not in attendance for the anthem.

What do you think about what they did?

ITA Apparel Website Up And Running

The ITA apparel website is now up and fully functional. You can now choose your items and order them online so there is no need to email your order any longer.

You can access this site by going to the top right of the blog and clicking on "ITA Apparel." Please remember that they do not do refunds and/or exchanges so be sure to get your order right the first time.

We hope you all find this helpful in the days to come.

New Policy On USTA Shirts Coming Soon

As usual, the USTA moves slowly--but at least they move...

Seems that the powers that be in the USTA do not like USTA shirts being worn in non-USTA events (UIL and ITA) so they are considering a policy banning the use of the shirts for those events. Here is a copy of an email that Rich Kaufman (Head of USTA officials) sent out this past week:

"Currently there is an issue under discussion about the USTA shirts and what events that shirt should be worn.

That issue involves the USTA shirt with the USTA logo being worn at ITA events, high school events, and/or any other non-USTA events.

We at the USTA certify officials to work many varied tennis events. However, many events are not under any USTA regulations nor has the USTA been involved in creating these regulations. Identifying oneself by the USTA logo on the shirt does create larger issues in officiating and jurisdiction at non-USTA events. We have discussed this general issue at the meetings in the past so this is not a new issue that should surprise anyone. A new "official" policy might be forthcoming.

Some sections have separate ITA shirts already. In some cases the shirts are paid for by the officials or provided by the teams in the conference. Some conferences have their officials just wear a solid color neutral shirt (pre-determined color) rather than the USTA shirt and thus the officials do not have to go out and buy a separate shirt. Patches on future USTA shirts that are manufactured may be the solution with a variety of removable logos on the sleeve rather than the front so not to slowly destroy the front of the shirt when multiple patches are in use.

We are meeting on Tuesday with the powers to be at the USTA. Please stand by for more information.

Thanks

Rich Kaufman

Aren't you glad that we officials in Texas already had the foresight and wisdom to see this coming... We already have an ITA shirt in use so the policy actually has no effect in Texas. I'm sure we can also come up with a UIL shirt with no problems.

Seems that there is a tad of discontent among officials in other states though because of the cost involved in buying new shirts, new outerwear, and caps but I can clearly see a new policy on the horizon.

Such is life in America and the USTA...

Full Explanation of Three Minute Break Rule

For those who work USTA junior tournaments, here is the full explanation of the 3 minute break rule. We hope you find it helpful.

Procedures for 3-Minute Rest Period before Match Tiebreak in Junior Matches

When a 3-minute rest period is taken in a junior match before a Match Tiebreak, the procedures below shall be followed.

1. The official starts the clock on the 3-minute rest period after explaining the rest period and giving any explanation required because of a request for a toilet/change of attire break. There are three possible situations.

· No player requests an immediate toilet/change of attire break. The official simply starts the clock at the end of the explanation.

· At least one player requests an immediate toilet/change of attire break. The official starts the clock at the end of the explanation in order to time the rest period and the toilet/change of attire break. (The toilet/change of attire break must be timed so that the official has at least some objective information on which to determine whether a player has exceeded the reasonable time allowed for the toilet/change of attire break.)

· One or more player requests a toilet/change of attire break after the 3-minute rest period.

o The official starts the clock at the end of the explanation.

o The official starts the clock again at the end of the 3-minute rest period so that the official has at least some objective information on which to determine whether a player has exceeded the reasonable time allowed for the toilet/change of attire break.

2. Players must remain on court or in an area adjacent to the court designated by an official.

3. The official shall monitor the entire 3-minute rest period to ensure that players do not leave the court or the designated area. The official must continue to monitor the court until play resumes, even if the official’s assistance is needed or requested on another court.

4. Coaching is permitted during the 3-minute rest period and must take place on court or in an area adjacent to the court designated by an official. Coaching may take place using a cell phone or other communication device. The device must be turned off and stowed at the conclusion of the 3-minute rest period.

5. A player who is not ready to play at the end of the 3-minute rest period may receive a time violation, just as the player would for being late after a changeover or 2-minute Set Break. Should an additional 20 seconds pass without the player being ready, a code violation for delay of game may be issued.

6. If both players or teams are not ready to play, assess the time violation penalty against the last player or team who is ready to play.

7. A player may choose to take a toilet/change of attire break during the 3-minute rest period, but in doing so, the player waives the right to further coaching and coaching is not permitted during the toilet/change of attire break. Reasonable time is given for this break. The break must be timed so that the official has at least some objective information on which to determine whether a player has exceeded the reasonable time allowed for the toilet/change of attire break. Coaching for any player not taking a toilet/change of attire break ends at the conclusion of the 3-minute rest period.

8. Preferably any toilet/change of attire break is taken at the conclusion of the 3-minute rest period. Reasonable time is given for this break. Coaching is not permitted for a player who is taking a toilet/change of attire break or for any player waiting for another player to return from a toilet/change of attire break.

Instruction to Players Before Start of 3-Minute Rest Period

1. Instruct the players immediately before beginning to time the rest period.

· The 3-minute rest period will begin at the conclusion of this explanation.

· Coaching is allowed during the rest period.

· Coaching must occur on court or in the area that the Referee has designated that is next to the court.

· “Time” will be called at 2 and ½ minutes and players must be ready to play in 30 seconds thereafter;

· Failure to be ready to play will result in a time violation.

· Further delay will result in code violations.

2. If a player requests a toilet/change of attire break:

· Explain that the toilet/change of attire break may be taken after the 3-minute rest period and that the player has reasonable time to complete the break. No player may receive coaching during a toilet/change of attire break.

· If a player insists on the need to take the break now, explain that the player loses the right to receive coaching and has reasonable time to complete the break.

3. Assuming that at least one player takes advantage of the rest period, the official calls "Time" at 2 ½ minutes and advises the players that within 30 seconds all coaching must cease and they must be ready to play.

4. If a player is not ready to play, the official assesses a time violation. The penalty will be either a warning or a point penalty depending on whether the player or team has received a previous time violation.

5. If the player is not ready to play in an additional 20 seconds, the official assesses a code violation. The penalty is a point penalty, game penalty, or default depending on whether the player or team has received a previous code violation. Note that if the penalty is a game, the match is over.

6. If the player is not ready to play in an additional 20 seconds, the official assesses a code violation resulting in the match being over.

Reasonable Time for Toilet/Change of Attire Break

1. The rules allow players reasonable time for a toilet/change of attire break. Penalties for lateness after a toilet/change of attire break should be assessed in only the most blatant case of delay. The players must be given the benefit of the doubt.

2. When the courts are arranged for easy access to toilet facilities, the Referee may give guidance to the players and officials as to how long it should take for a round trip to the toilet. But even then, it is impossible for the Referee to fix a specific time as being reasonable because of variables including:

· The possibility of there being a line to use the facilities.

· The difference in the reasonable amount of time needed to use the toilet or locker room depending on the specific reason for the trip.

3. A blatant case that justifies assessment of a penalty for lateness requires the official to be convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that a player has abused the right to a toilet/change of attire break. The official may assess a time violation (warning or point penalty depending on whether the player or team has previously received a time violation). If play has not begun within 20 seconds of issuing the time violation, a code violation (point, game, or default) may be assessed.

4. Remember that the bigger issue with toilet/change of attire breaks is with a player receiving unauthorized coaching. The penalty for receiving unauthorized coaching is a code violation.

Texting Is Permitted In Division I Tennis

There has been much debate lately (at least here in Texas) about whether a coach is now permitted to text on the court during a match. Here is the new ITA rule:

ITA Rules Updates

Effective January 1, 2012

Listed below are the ITA Rules updates as decided by the Operating Committee in December 2011.

Updated verbiage is in bold.

ITA Rule I.J.1 When coaching is allowed (Page 251)

1. When coaching is allowed. A coach may coach a player any time during the match so long as he does not interfere with play. Coaches shall be designated before the doubles matches and

may only be redesignated before the singles matches.

2. Electronic communication devices. Use of electronic communication devices (e.g. walkie-talkies and

cell phones) (i.e – cell phones, iPads, tablets, etc.) is prohibited; however, for Division I matches

only, use of such devices is permissible for texting and/or data tracking purposes (speaking,

listening or using any voice-activated features on such devices is not permitted).

If you are interested in referencing the website that spells it out in more detail, here is the site:

http://www.itatennis.com/Assets/ITA+Rules+Updates+2012.pdf

Note: There is also an "ITA Rules Updates" site listed under "Links" on the right side of the blog.

To Our Fallen Heroes

Soldier grieving the loss of two of his comrades.

"Many people remember a fallen soldier as a person in uniform. Sometimes that soldier is the four legged friend who saved your life by being a bomb-sniffing dog and finding the IED and warns you about it before it explodes." Michael Hoffman

It is estimated that these dogs save an average of 3-5 soldiers lives A DAY and an average of 150 lives throughout their careers. Wow. That's a 150 people who can go home to their families because of one single K9 soldier's efforts. 150 mother's hearts who will not be broken while they are accepting a folded flag at their child's funeral. 150 parents who will see their children grow up. And untold numbers of children who will not have to grow up without their parent. Because of one dog.

Thank a hero, thank a four legged soldier. And what wonderful soldiers they are. RIP, heroes.

Roddick's New Look

ANDY RODDICK

Here is how Andy showed up at a tournament this week.

Not sure what to think of that...

To The Winners Go The Rings

Pictured above is the beautiful BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP RING that the Baylor women's tennis team was given last night during the Baylor vs OSU basketball game.

Congratulations to the Lady Bears on their championship--and their beautiful rings.

Pictures from 2011

For all of you who have a son, you will know how true this is...

This is probably a wedding I'm glad I missed.

I'm getting out of New Orleans as fast as I can after last night's game.

Taking a break between matches at the Afghanistan Open.

A truer statement was never made...

The troops getting ready to do their first tournament.

Words you don't want to hear after working your first US Open.

Should be one of the mottos for tennis officials.

And these two are in charge of selecting the women linespersons for the Open.

I didn't get invited to do the Big 12 tournament...

Your question before you work your first ZAT tournament.

Guys resting and sunning before a Baylor match.

Three new trainees in Arkansas.

So you don't want me to form an Officials Union for you?

New program called "Jock Talk" coming in 2012.

If you don't start winning, I'm turning you into a tennis official.

"Home Cooking" north of the Red River.

"Yes, I can work the finals but let me finish what I'm doing first."

Just passed his first Sectional exam.

Equipped and ready to do lines at the Australian Open.

"We're on our way to a diversity clinic."

Taking yet another weather break at one of Vickie Wright's tournaments in Austin.

"I thought they told me I was a ball boy."

Cuomo parading his diversity colors in New York.

Mother and Dad at their first ZAT tournament.

Coincidence Or Divine Intervention?

TIM TEBOW

Tim Tebow has become the fastest rising star in the NFL and his star grew even brighter when he led his Denver Broncos to a victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers this past weekend.

Tebow is very open in sharing his Christian faith and frequently puts John 3:16 under his eyes before a game.

In the game this past weekend Tebow passed for 316 yards and the average pass play was 31.6 yards. This unusual occurrence has caused literally millions of people to Google the Bible reference in the past 24 hours.

Coincidence or divine intervention??

Latest Update on the Infamous Background Checks

Thanks to our very own Gary Tolbert, I think most of the problems with the background checks have been solved!

Seems that everytime he would try to do the check it would reject his information. He got in touch with the company that does the background checks and a supervisor told him that he was certified until November of 2012 already. The supervisor then said that if the USTA was going to require background checks again this year, they would lift the gate so everyone could get it done.

It should be ready to go--thanks to the creativity of Gary Tolbert...

Background Checks Required This Year

Even though the site listed below says that background checks are only required in 2011 and 2013, here is the word from on high about background checks:

- ALL Officials need to take the BGC in 2012 to certify for 2013.

- BGC will happen again in 2014 (even years) so that all officials are certified for the following odd year.

- if a provisional tested in 2011 they will need to go through a BGC in 2012 in order to get on track.

- all prospects need to go through a BGC to be certified regardless of year.

- all Officials must complete the BGC by November 1st

The background checks take less than 3 minutes and are free to USTA members. To begin the process, simply click on "background check" on the top right of the blog.

Our Goal: One Stop Shopping

Blogging is one of the most innovative means of communications in today's world.

As we live in a world of ever-expanding technologies, we are treated to some of the greatest tools of communication in our history. Rather than reject these tools, let's all learn to embrace them and use them for our good.

As we take these new steps in our officiating world, it is one of our goals for this blog to become a ONE STOP SHOP...

ONE STOP SHOPPING FOR A NEW OFFICIAL

When a new official comes to the blog, they can start from scratch in their official's life. There are links to joining the USTA and Nucula and then links to taking the provisional test and signing up for your background checks and eye exams. New officials can also find links to locating area coordinators and even buying their new officials clothes.

ONE STOP SHOPPING FOR AN EXPERIENCED OFFICIAL

Keeping our experienced officials happy and interested, we provide links to ITA apparel, USTA account pages, and even a list of all major universities and web sites in the country.

Since all officials seem to have an opinion about most everything in life generally and in officiating specifically, we provide forums for their opinions--and boy do they share them! We try to provide blog posts that are informative, sarcastic, humorous, sad, happy, and enjoyable--and then open them up for your comments and thoughts.

Hopefully the new year will see this blog truly become a ONE STOP SHOPPING EXPERIENCE for everyone who blogs on...

DFW National Officials School

DFW NATIONAL SCHOOL

January 14-15, 2012

Location: Grapevine High School, 3223 Mustang Drive, Grapevine 76051

SCHEDULE

Saturday, January 14th

8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. USTA Sectional Class for officials with four or more years experience.

12:00-1:00 p.m. Lunch (please make your own arrangements)

1:00-3:00 p.m. ITA School

3:00-5:00 p.m. Referee School (Only for those with six or more years experience)

Sunday, January 15th

8:00 a.m-1:00 p.m. USTA Sectional Class for officials with three years or less experience or those who

can't make the Saturday class.

WHAT TO DO BEFORE CLASS

* Complete all exams online before coming to class.

* Register online for the school.

* Register online for Nucula.

* Print out and bring to class all verification of passing the exams.

* Classroom material is online and needs to be printed out and brought to class.

Note: Links to online exams, Nucula, and school registration are found on the top right of this blog.

Note: There will be another school in the Metroplex (Plano) on May 13, 2012, for those who are unable to attend this school. For further information, check the link to officials schools.