How Do I Get ITA Training???

One of the most frequently asked questions that we receive is, "How do I get ITA training?" This is a legitimate question and one I hope I can answer for you...

First, we all need to understand that ITA officiating is really a creation all its own. Its not the same as USTA tournaments and certainly isn't the same a pro level tournaments. As an ITA official, you have coaches and players right there on the court with you and many times are placed in a high-charged and adversarily atmosphere--so you need to know your stuff!

Here are your options for training:

1. Contact your local ITA coordinator (see the previous blog post) and arrange for them to train you. I know all of the coordinators personally and can attest to their qualifications and willingness to train you.

2. Ask your coordinator to submit your name to the Chair Academy in Plano in May, or the Live Fire Workshop at Baylor in September. These are the two highest quality training opportunities in the nation but it is by invitation only and you can only be recommended by your local coordinator.

Here are some things to remember when you are looking for ITA training:

* You must know the ITA rules backwards and forwards. There is no substitute for this quality and trust me, the coordinator will know the truth...

* You must have a teachable spirit. If you don't, you won't be invited to receive training.

* You must be willing to rove as well as do chairs. The quickest way to lose your invitation for training is to say that you only do chairs.

* You must be willing to do matches without pay at the first. We have all done this so just grin and bear it. It will pay huge dividends in the future.

* Make yourself as available as possible. When I am training, I often ask people to observe or walk with me through high intensity matches before we put them in a chair. I'm always looking for those who are available and ready to go.

* Email or call your coordinator and let them know you are interested in training. We aren't magicians and don't know you are looking if you don't tell us.

EVERY location in Texas and Oklahoma needs more quality, trained ITA officials so I hope you will come and join us. Give your coordinator a call this week...