Footfault! To Code Or Not To Code... And All Kinds of Other Fun Things!

We are the midst of the UIL playoff season and boy is it fun!  We thought we would share some of the events and comments from the past few days...

Seems that an official called a footfault on a player (which is the right thing to do) but when the player did it the next time he issued a code violation...  Seems that the official's explanation was that "I told him not to do it and he did it again so I gave him a code for not following the official's instructions."

Unique to say the least--and not something I would ever do...  (Nor would I even consider hiring an official who did this.)

ARROGANT QUOTE OF THE DAY

The "Queen of Arrogance"

I was walking by a group of women at the tournament and heard this quote, "Entitlement isn't visible when you know you have it."

So much for humility at that house...

CANDIDATE FOR HELICOPTER MOM OF THE YEAR

As the official was walking around the tournament grounds a Mother kept glaring at her.  Finally, she went up and confronted the official and said, "What are you even doing here?  You are useless!  My daughter is over there playing a match and continually playing out balls.  You need to get your butt over there and start calling the balls out for her!"

Welcome to the UIL...

INTERESTING VOTE BY THE COACHES

In UIL regional tournaments the coaches of the teams involved have quite a bit of leeway in how their specific tournament is run in regard to bathroom breaks, collegiate coaching, and other things like that.

One regional voted for something I have never heard of...  They voted to give the players a TEN MINUTE REST PERIOD between the second set and the match tiebreak!  They are already playing no-ad so this is quite interesting to say the least...  I'd have to be there to see it before I would believe it happened.

Its Time To Light The Fires of Change!

Now that the USTA deadlines for officials have come and gone--and we have people everywhere wondering what just happened to them--perhaps its time to tweak the system and make some "user friendly" changes...

A wasp's nest of problems were stirred up when the deadlines basically produced mass confusion and a rush to complete tests, watch videos, and pray that God would grant them membership in Nucula.

Lest we be accused of complaining and not offering concrete solutions, here are our suggestions for improvement...

*  First and foremost:  Design a set of exams for officials that have been officiating for over 5 years so that they don't have to spend 7-8 hours taking exams in front of a computer.  A "refresher video" with the new rules would be a good start.  You might even call it "Exams For Old People."

*  Put some teeth into discipline for inept officials who flaunt the rules, make bad decisions, and create havoc in tournaments.  In grassroots tennis, we know who they are so you should learn the same and then do something credible about it.  Additional training and/or suspension might work.

*  Find some way to make Nucula work or dump it and hire someone who can design a program that works.  Might actually look at ZebraWeb because it works well!  As it is, we have to take exams, pass a background check, watch videos, and get an eye exam before we are considered--and then we find that we have to Nucula account before we can even proceed into ITA officiating.

*  Design a set of exams just for new officials.  Asking a new official to buy clothing and take 7 hours of tests is going to discourage more than we enlist.  Its already happening and the results are going to be devastating.

*  Offer some concrete solutions to our declining membership.  You are our leaders and we expect more out of you.

*  Move the deadline for certification at least to November 1st each year.  In our modern computer age, surely you can get it done.

*  Be sure to communicate clearly with your membership about all that is required each year.  Now that we have exams, videos, eye exams, and background checks we need to know what we are doing and when we have to do it.

Don't want to overwhelm you with suggestions and hopefully these will help...

*  Keep up the good work!  The exams are easy to access and aren't overly burdensome.  Requiring exams is a necessity but you've kept the requirement to a minimum.  Don't jump on the bandwagon of the USTA and start lengthening everything you do.

*  Move completely away from the USTA so we can get officials certified and functioning as soon as possible.

*  Make certification possible year round.  We have new officials join our ranks all the time and we need to get them certified and working as soon as possible.  Contrary to popular belief, we do not have an overabundance of collegiate officials.

*  Tweak the webinars a bit to make them more professional.  The ability of officials to ask questions in the webinars seem to bog it down and make it cumbersome.  Needless questions frustrate everyone.

*  You do a great job of keeping officials informed.  Stay with the practice!

Last Opportunity for 2016-2017 ITA Certification

If you are wanting to become ITA certified for next year, here is the latest information.  Be sure to do all that is written therein because we need you...

There will be one final certification opportunity in December and January.  This will most likely be the final certification period for the 2016-17 season.  If you are currently uncertified, you may complete this certification process to regain certification status.  Everyone going through this process will need to pass the open book test with a score of 80% or better and attend a required webinar.  The test will be available beginning in early  December and webinars will be held in early January, exact dates and times to be determined.  If you know of any official who has a USTA certification who may be interested in becoming an ITA official, please have them email officials@itatennis.com to obtain
more information.

Advice From The USTA--If You Are Lucky Enough To Have A Nucula Account!

Amid all the confusion about 2017 certification and people looking everywhere for definitive answers, the USTA has laid things out fairly succinctly and you can check it out on your Nucula account--if you actually have one...  If this information doesn't answer your questions, go back into Nucula on their opening page and they offer more information for your reading enjoyment.

If you don't have a Nucula account or can't get one, call Julio Echevarria or Bruce Sampley for their help.

SPECIAL NOTE:  On Monday we will be offering information about how to become an ITA official for 2017.  Be sure to check back...

Here is the basic answer for many of you:

** Why is it that when I tried to apply for a background check, it says I already have one pending/completed?

Officials can only apply for a background check for 2017 certification AFTER October 1, 2016. If you attempt to apply prior to October 1, 2016, the system will prevent you from submitting the request if you have a cleared screening already on file.

** I submitted to a background check earlier in the year, do I need to submit one again?

Yes, ALL OFFICIALS seeking 2017 recertification need to submit a new background check after October 1, 2016, regardless to when they last submitted to the screening. Even if you are new Provisional Umpire who submitted to the background screening in September, you still need to resubmit to the background screening after October 1, 2016.

** Why am I being required to submit again if I already have one on file from this year?

The reason for requiring all Officials to resubmit is in an effort to keep ALL Officials on the same 2 year renewal cycle.

** Do I need to complete the USOC Training Module if I already completed it?

Yes, all Officials must complete the 30minute SafeSport Refresher Online training module before reapplying for the background screening.

**  Do I send a copy of my USOC Training Module Certification to the USTA Officiating Department?

No, you do not need to submit your current certification to us. We recommend that you keep it for your own records as a confirmation of completion.

**  Why didn’t I receive a confirmation email for my background screening application?

Please check your spam/junk email boxes for an email from compliance@ncsisafe.com. If you didn’t receive an email, you may not have completed the full application. The control number in that email is the confirmation that your application has been received. If you did not receive that email, please go to https://www.ncsisafe.com/members/selfreglandingUSTA.aspx and complete the application.

**  What do I answer for the question “Is this my first time using NCSI for a background screening?”

All Officials seeing recertification would answer “yes” to this question.

**  What is the member number the background screening application is asking for?

The member number on the background screening application is your USTA Membership Number.

The Deadline Has Come And Gone... Now What A Mess!

The deadline for officials' certification on October 12, 2016, has come and gone and now we have a whole bunch of officials who don't know their status or are sitting around wondering if they have done everything they needed to do.  Seems that everytime they ask for help they basically get a deaf ear or some platitude that means nothing.  Saying, "I'll check on it" doesn't help a bit when we know you won't...

Part of genuine leadership is being smart enough to sit down after a debacle and find new ways to make things better and more effective.  Instead of just complaining, here are some thoughts and suggestions for the future:

*  Publicize things well in advance.  Don't want to argue about this--just do it.
*  Regularly communicate with officials.
*  Make a valid presentation of EXACTLY what an official has to do to be certified.  Don't hide the fact that we have to take a refresher course on "fair play" and then when we go to the site, we find that its nearly impossible to find stuff.
*  Answer your dang phone!  Nothing is more frustrating that calling someone in charge and then never get an answer or a returned call.  This has happened far too often and needs to stop.
*  When you make wholesale changes such as requiring new batteries of tests in order to be certified--BE SURE you have all the tests up and ready to go when you issue the edict.  Officials shouldn't have to spend time trying to figure out which tests are available and when...
*  If you can't get things done, then hire people who can do it or get out of the way and let someone else take charge.
*  Find something that works and send Nucula to south Africa.  That thing may be demon possessed.
*  Please don't ask us to put our work record in the thing and then ask us to find a button that we need to press to tell you that we want to be recertified.  Just recertify those who can be recertified and move on.  Its not impossible.
*  Everyone needs to learn to read their emails--and read the fine print.  The devil is usually in the details and we need everyone certified that we can get.
*  Get ready for the backlash--because its coming.  People don't like to be frustrated and sure don't want to lose their certification.

Hopefully I didn't get up today and then find out I have shaved for nothing...

Tick, Tock--The Clock Is Ticking--and Here's What The USTA Is Doing For You

Today is the deadline day for all USTA officials to have completed all their tests, watched their videos, and passed their background checks so they can be certified in 2017.

The only drawback is that a whole bunch of officials haven't completed the requirements--but its not because of not trying.  Many have had problems even knowing what all is required...

Here is the speed at which the USTA is working to fix the problems:

Suffice it to say--we deserve better!

Update On How Officials Are Feeling Today...

Thought you would enjoy a little update on all those officials who are still trying to take the tests and get certified before tomorrow...

 Just exactly how I describe what's happening to me!

Maybe a little sand will help.

I give up!  I can't win...

"Deadline Day" Is Tomorrow--How Are You Feeling Today?

The big "deadline day" for tennis officials is tomorrow--and things aren't looking good.  All we have done this week is try to answer calls for help from officials all over the country who either can't log on to the exams or can't get their scores recorded.  The worst crisis is the seeming inability of the USTA to get people into the Nucula system.  Here are some of the various feelings and then our shot at the "solution."

Crying is the most common response but it doesn't do much good.  It does however cleanse the sinuses and make us feel better so go for it!

Griping seems to be a popular option but it usually falls on deaf ears and will probably get you a divorce.

Throwing up sometimes helps but use it as a last resort...

Whining is really good but you have to have friends who are willing to join you.  Noone in authority will even give a hoot in hell if you are a whiner.

Getting mad and being overcome with disgust seems to be a popular option.

The most popular option by far!  We're going to see an exodus of officials like we have never seen before if they don't get this thing fixed!

Just lean way back and pull your legs up and tell them kiss your butt.  My favorite solution but will probably get you into trouble...

This would be our advice--but it often falls on deaf ears.  You may end up being decertified and have to come back as a dreaded "provisional" but at least there is hope...

Here is our SOLUTION:

Call Julio Echevarria (914 696 7280) or Bruce Sampley (817 371 1061) and keep calling until they answer.  They are the only two I know of who can actually solve your problems.

Good luck!  You are going to need it come tomorrow...

Time To Hurry And Get Those Tests Done!

D-Day is fast approaching and will be here on October 12, 2016.  That is the last day for you to be certified for 2017.

Just remember to "git 'er done" and you will be just fine.  If you need to know what all you need to do (and there is a lot!) just read down the page through some of the previous posts.

Wake Up And Smell The Coffee--You May Still Have More To Do!

You mean there is more I need to do to be certified?

This is yet another wake up call to all officials--you need to be absolutely sure that you have completed ALL the requirements to be certified in 2017--or you may not make it...

Here are things you must do:

*  Click on "Becoming An Official" on the right hand side of this page to view all the requirements.
*  Be sure you are an up-to-date member of the USTA.
*  Be absolutely sure you have done the background check (click on "Background Check" on the right hand side of this page.
*  Be absolutely sure you have watched the video "Safe Play/Safe Sport" and have the certificate of completion that they give you.
*  If you are a previously certified official, remember you have to watch a supplement to the "Safe Play/Safe Sport" video.  Without this you cannot be certified in 2017.
*  Be sure you have a Nucula account.  This is where it gets real difficult so be prepared!!!  Once you have watched the video and passed the background check, you can then take the required tests for your level of certification.  THEN--your Sectional Chairman should be notified and open you up a Nucula account.  The Section Chairman in Texas is Bruce Sampley and his email is:  bruce-tnsref@charter.net
*  Once you have a Nucula account, you MUST go in and tell them to recertify you or it won't be done.  If you don't know how to do this, email us and we will tell you how (rmtennis@yahoo.com).


Once you have met all the requirements listed above AND HAVE A NUCULA ACCOUNT, then you can become a certified ITA official.  Without a Nucula account you cannot take the ITA tests and participate in the required webinar.

The DEADLINE for USTA certification is October 12, 2016, so be sure you get it all done.  You may be too late to do the ITA certification and you may have to apply as a new and provisional ITA official.

Easily Offended? Tennis Tournaments Aren't The Place For You...

In our world today it seems that everyone everywhere is getting offended over something.  There comes a point that absolutely everything we do is offensive to someone--and we may have reached that point...

One of the most fertile grounds for offense are TENNIS TOURNAMENTS.  That's why we have officials--to keep people from getting too offended over something that they find offensive.

Let's take a walk through an average tournament and check out all the offensive things...

It all starts at the gate if you are playing in a tournament that permits dogs.  They howl, bark, and chase balls--how much more offensive could they be?

Perhaps the greatest scourge of any tournament are screaming, yelling, unattended, and undisciplined kids.  Wonder why the parents can't see what they have given birth to...

No tournament would be complete without the offensive parents offending someone.  They seem drawn to tournaments so they can offend someone.

Everyone seems to be offended when any old people show up.  Remember--you wouldn't be here if it wasn't for your grandparents.

There's nothing more offensive than the smell of a 16 year old boy that just played a 2 hour match in 100 degree heat--and didn't know enough to put on deodorant in the morning.  Everyone is universally offended over this one.

As we try to watch the tournament we find grandma sitting in front of us in the stands and we can't see our kid because of her HAIR!

Then the little princess walks on court for her girl's 18 and under superchamp tournament in her brand new hairdo!  Too bad Mom didn't check her before she came to the tournament...

Don't get too close to the court in a men's open singles match when the players are taking their shirts off between sets.  You might be offended sooner than you think...  Tattoos are everywhere!

Don't think the boys don't notice what the girls are doing with their hair--and they sure don't to be outdone--or take every opportunity to offend someone.

And then there are the players that offend everyone--they should have kept them in the nursery.

Shoe styles are definitely changing in tournament tennis.  These will be the next hottest item.

When your day at the tournament is all over and done with--don't be offended about something.  Just enjoy the day and the fact that you are still able to get out and go to a tournament...

Now that we have gone through the more humorous offensive things at a tournament, here are things that genuinely offend me at a tournament:

*  Players that cheat.
*  Players that play mind games with their opponents.
*  Players that deliberately "forget" the score.
*  Players that habitually footfault and then file a grievance on the official who dares call it.
*  Dogs that run on the court and steal the balls.
*  Players that smell bad.
*  Parents who think their child is perfect and has never made a bad call in their life.
*  Parents who cheat.
*  Girls who take their shirts off and then show off their sports bras.
*  Tournament directors that think they are overfeeding the officials with a $6 tuna sandwich and nothing to drink.
*  Tournament directors that are always complaining about how much the officials make.
*  Men in mixed doubles teams that think their goal in life is to hit the opposing female player.
*  Women in mixed doubles that think their true worth in life is determined by how many times they can peg and opposing male player.
*  Women that argue all the time.  Both sexes do it but women are the worst.
*  Players that check in at the tournament desk and say they are ready to play but when you call their name they have to go to the bathroom or "take just a second to change clothes."
*  Officials who don't do their jobs.
*  Officials who gripe about the pay or lack thereof.