Looking Past The Rhetoric To The Reality

There is probably not an area that brings in more comments that the issue of tournament directors and this is not always a bad thing. Personally, I think communication and discussion (and sometimes disagreements) lead to better relations and improved quality. I think we need more of this in the area of OFFICIATING but that is a topic for another day...

I have been personally involved in tennis for well over 50 years now (and all in the state of Texas) so I have been involved in every aspect of the game. I've been an official for a long time but have also been a tournament director plenty of times too. Here are some of my unbiased (of course) observations of tournament directors today:

* Most TD's are fantastic and do a great job! Don't ever forget their importance and how much they compliment our work. As a referee, I find that a good TD is one of the best friends you can have and one that makes our job a whole lot easier.

* TD's put in tons of work and many times for no pay; however, some are paid quite handsomely and rightly so. Their pay levels are not dictated by any association and are not regulated in any way in Texas so they are free to make as much as they choose to make.

* TD's need to be aware of the fact that officials are their friends and not their enemies. We are the ones who are on the courts and dealing with the parents, fans, and children so you need to respect our position as we do yours. Remember that it is the referee who is in charge once a tournament begins and he/she is the one who takes the heat.

* A good TD should be aware of rising costs in ALL areas of the game--and this includes officials' fees. Years ago the registration fee for a tournament was $2.50 and that included a t-shirt so go figure the changes...

* TD's should never be guilty of retaliation against officials for raising their fees--and that includes deleting our lunch/supper allowances. We don't want to get into an adversarial relationship with TD's and both sides need to respect each other's positions. Sometimes I am appalled at the amounts that are charged to play in tournaments but I certainly wouldn't raise my rates to get even with the TD's for what they charge.

* A good TD will also be open with what fees they are charged by the USTA for their sanctioning and registration. This will help parents, participants, and officials understand the size of the registration fees.

* A good TD will recognize changes in fees for all aspects of a tournament (and I'm sure most of them do). If there are increases, then pass the increase along to the participants of the tournament or delete some of the "goodies" that you give out during the tournament. There is no God-given right to a t-shirt!

* We all need to remember that in most tournaments the TD is paid just like the officials. It varies from the sublime to the ridiculous so we'll all try to be patient and understanding. Perhaps a little more openness and transparency with their rates and pay scales would eliminate any controversy. I personally know some TD's who make nothing for doing the tournament, some who put all their profits back into the club or organization, and some who make obscene profits from their tournaments--and that is their right to do so. However, it is also our right as officials to charge what we deem to be right...

* TD's and officials can't do a tournament without each other--so let's all work to be supportive of each other.