As I was thinking about the new year, I thought about many of the blessings we all have, and some of those that we take for granted. One of those is the METROPLEX TENNIS OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION. There are over 400 certified officials in Texas alone and well over 100 here in the Metroplex so our association can and does play a very important part of our lives as officials. Tournaments don't just run themselves--it takes a lot of hard work by a lot of people and the MTOA helps make that possible on a regular basis.
Seems like there are always players, spectators, parents, and tournament directors who are quick to criticize and condemn officials for everything from not smiling enough to abject ineptness--and sometimes those complaints are valid. That's why we have the MTOA! Any of those listed who feel like they have encountered an inept official needs to remember this eternal truth: We cannot do a thing about a problem if we don't know about it. Any complaints sent to the MTOA have been, and always have been, dealt with quickly and decisively.
QUESTION OF THE DAY: Why do we need the MTOA?
* It gives us a united front as officials in Texas generally and in the Metroplex specifically.
* It makes sure all working officials are also certified by the USTA.
* It provides a central location for tournament directors to secure their referees and officials.
* It has the best financial structure for officials. Our treasurer, Randall Edwards, is the best at keeping track of everyone's paychecks and filing the required governmental documents.
* It is the best vehicle for training. The MTOA provides testing for all officials, on-site training for new officials, chair training, and line training on a regular basis.
* It protects the rights of officials who work in the Metroplex. The MTOA is the organization that makes sure every official is paid the standard rate when they work in the Metroplex.
* It provides an avenue to deal with problem officials. The MTOA has a functioning Discipline and Grievance Committee that meets regularly and addresses all complaints that are filed.
* It provides a central point for people who desire to become officials.
2015 marks the beginning of a new pay scale for Metroplex officials and as usual, there is some dissention. Let me point out that it has been five years since the MTOA has had a rate increase and just look at the jump in the price of gas in that time period and that should answer most questions and complaints. The new rate is $20/hour for the referee and $18/hour for the umpires--and the MTOA is your guarantee that you will be paid the standard rate.
There have always been those that say we should charge less for a new official and more for an experienced official. That might be a good thought but where do you draw the line for "new" and "old?" You will never have a good group of new officials if they find out that the "old ones" are making more money than they are.
Some say that experienced officials don't want to work "grass roots" tennis. Would someone please explain to me what "grass roots" tennis is if it isn't USTA tournaments for both adults and kids, as well as UIL events throughout the state. The vast majority of officials are "grass roots" officials in every way and need to be treated with the respect that goes along with that title--not be paid less because the kids are 10 years old.
The final thing that is circulated from time to time is "we will start a new officials association and pay our officials less and expect more." Well, good luck with that one. Your officials will soon quit and where in the world will you find someone who wants to do all the government paperwork to keep things working.
In conclusion, let me say I appreciate all officials and tournaments directors in Texas. I think you all do a great job but let's be quick to share our appreciation for a job well done instead of seeking to find the "gnat in someone else's eye."
