If tomorrow all the things were gone,
I’d worked for all my life.
And I had to start again,
with just my children and my wife.
I’d thank my lucky stars,
to be livin here today.
‘ Cause the flag still stands for freedom,
and they can’t take that away.
And I’m proud to be a TEXAN,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘ Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.
From the lakes of Minnesota,
to the hills of Tennessee.
Across the plains of Texas,
From sea to shining sea.
From Detroit down to Houston,
and New York to L.A.
Well there's pride in every American heart,
and its time we stand and say.
That I’m proud to be a TEXAN,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘ Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.
And I’m proud to be a TEXAN,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘ Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.
Aren't those of you who live in TEXAS glad that you don't have to worry about what the USTA is up to! We already have our ITA shirts and apparel in order so they don't cause a moment's worry.
Letter From The Texas Section Chairman
USTA Texas Official,
As some of you are aware, the USTA has recently adopted the stand that USTA Officials are not to wear the USTA-logoed apparel at non-USTA events. This has been brewing for a couple of years now and finally came to a speedy head during the past few days. This includes ITA (collegiate), UIL, non-sanctioned, ITA, WTA, and any other event where USTA officials are used to officiate in any capacity.
Since we are in the middle of many of these seasons and have no alternatives at this time, I am issuing the following instructions:
- Most Division I events have been using the black shirt with the ITA logo. Please continue to wear these shirts to do your matches. For any ITA events where these shirts are not used and the standard USTA shirt is worn, please wear a navy or black polo-style shirt. If there is more than one official, I ask that you all wear the same color, which means communicating a bit prior to the event.
- For all other events including UIL, non-sanctioned, and all non-USTA events, please wear the navy or black polo shirt. A navy shirt may be better just to distinguish you from the ITA shirts above, but just agree on a color prior to the event in the case of more than one official.
- All USTA-logoed accessories (caps, visors, bags, and outerwear) are not allowed at these events either. Please take care to use alternate gear or at least cover up the logo(s).
The USTA and ITA are considering alternatives as we speak, but nothing has been decided, and this process will likely take at least a few weeks for any new shirt to become available. The black ITA shirts currently used here in Texas are not available from Bear Cotton at this time. This will be the case until some agreement is reached.
I personally am maddened at this hastiness of this action. We are all aware of the hardship this may place on some officials. These USTA’s actions are based on liability and branding concerns, also known as legalities. I ask that you comply, to the best of your ability, and please stay tuned for more information as it comes out. I will use email and the Texas Official’s Twitter to update you. For you newer officials, please communicate with your referee or assignor if you have any questions or doubts as to what shirt to wear. Please keep in mind that any shirt you have to purchase may be used as a deduction on your taxes.
One final word, I ask that you maintain your professional attitudes as we deal with this. Do not believe or spread any rumors you may hear concerning these actions, event though they may be true. I promise to share any legitimate information to you as described.
Thanks for your cooperation and keep up the good work,
Bruce Sampley
USTA Texas Section Chair of Officials
19 comments:
For those of you who are concerned about shirts for UIL, we are currently in talks with the UIL about using their logo on some new shirts.
I will let you know as soon as we hear back from them.
This decision was the sole responsibility of the National Office. Of course, like is always the case, National let the Sectional Chairs disseminate the bad information to the troops thereby insulating our National Office from the blame, which rests squarely on their shoulders. Maybe it's time for the troops to stand up to National requiring their heads to be lopped off.
The people in charge of the USTA are all infidels
Let me help you folks get your time lines straight...
In January of 2010, Myron Krueger, Chuck Scott, and I met and talked about getting an ITA shirt for officials in Texas. This happened because we had already heard rumblings that the USTA was going to distance itself from the ITA. Instructors at our schools were already telling us that the "distancing" was coming.
Following that meeting, we requested and got permission from the ITA to use their logo for our ITA gear and the new shirts were born. Since that time they have been distributed to ITA officials throughout Texas and even into other states.
The birth of the new ITA shirts in Texas came solely from the three of us. Noone at the USTA had any viable part in the process but the leadership of the ITA was very helpful the entire time.
Personally, I think the ITA will do just fine without the USTA--and the good thing is that we don't have to wear that tri-colored thing any longer.
I have no idea of when our Sectional Chairman knew what about anything. It is his responsibility to keep us informed about what the USTA is doing and he has done that.
Now its time for the ITA and the ITA officials to learn to fly on their own--and I think it will happen sooner than later.
Aren't you glad that you already have a step up on the process here in Texas?
It seems strange to me that the USTA leadership has been discussing this for at least three to four years and now a bunch of people are saying they didn't know it was coming. And these people who are saying this are the ones who are in leadership. Sounds a bit like the US government to me.
We probably all knew this decision was going to come true one day, but I seriously doubt anybody could foresee the immediacy of the decision. Something like this usually has a grace period and this is what caught everybody off guard.
Come on people - stop bashing our Chairman. It's not his fault and he made the best decision possible based on the consequences of the USTA's idiotic and immediate decision.
It reminds me of that movie scene...
I was so sorry to hear about your mother. It all happened so suddenly.
Suddenly? She was suffering from cancer for 5 years.
Yes, but the end was so sudden
To me the most unbelievable part of this whole experience is that the USTA gave one day's notice before telling us not to wear the USTA shirt at non-sanctioned, UIL, and ITA events. Just shows the insensitivity of those in leadership to those who have to wear the shirts.
A 3 to 6 months notice would have helped a lot. Especially for those 1500 to 1600 officials that are now looking for something to wear.
Why would anyone want black as a shirt/jacket to officiate an outdoor sport?
The color absorbs heat and will roast in high temperatures,
Black makes the fugly fuglier, and the phat phatter;
was this the pc choice of colors?
What is UIL?
UIL stands for the University Interscholastic League which is the governing body for all public school sports in Texas.
Really - what idiot is going to wear a black jacket when it's a 100 degrees outside? Only in California. Us folks in Texas wear jackets when it's cold outside, like our mother's taught us to do.
I've worn the black shirt while working ITA events in the middle of the Texas summer and it's not that hot, but again Texas officials aren't a bunch of puss&@$!
So if I understand correctly, an official working USTA, ITA and UIL could be required to have three different uniform shirts, hats, bags, jackets and or windbreakers in order to officiate at all 3 types of event. Correct?
How about we decide on one standard color uniform "package" with velcro patches and logos for whichever non USTA event we're working? And BTW, do the ITA and UIL have top pay a royalty to the USTA for using their rules?
The Grape of Wrath
Yes indeed it does mean that we get to have 3 separate shirts. At least I can wear my ITA jacket when I do UIL matches because I'm not going to buy another one.
Isn't life grand?
And at least the ITA and UIL shirts won't cost anywhere near what the USTA shirts cost with Honig's.
Bite your tongue ref the cost, Randy. Just wait till the ITA and UIL figure out that they can make a few bucks by "licensing" their logos.
The Grape of Wrath
.....Just shows the insensitivity of those in leadership to those who have to wear the shirts......
But, I thought the USTA was all about the sensitivity to the DIVERSITY program.
I anticipate another lawsuit coming soon from the DIVERSITY Group about the capricious nature of this decision and the hardships it produces on the same.
We need to start a group of specialized officials who only work ITA matches, just like the ATP and WTA promote for their tours. We could let the lesser officials call lines and sort balls, but the chair umpires would be badged based on their abilities and tendency to suck up. That way, the chair umpires wouldn't have to socialize with the lower dominator officials and only have to show up at the last minute to do a chair and then can leave for other prestigious ITA assignments.
Why are you making a BIG SHOW out of this... WHO CARES... get a navy or black shirt and be done with it... NO ONE REALLY CARES!
For UIL and ITA dudes, listen to your Chairman and wear Black or Navy.
Lets talk about something important... Is Myron's son going pro or becoming an agglett?
Looks like Baylor Girls will dominate the B12 College ranks - from their web site they almost beat Number 1 Florida.
And finally - when will we get a chance to talk about our special Officials that make up rules as they go... I no this doesn't happen in Texas....
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