There are times that our organizations make wise and prudent decisions and then are willing to stand firm in those commitments--and that is the case with the Metroplex Tennis Officials Association. Last night in their board of directors' meeting, the MTOA voted to strictly enforce their policy that says that tournaments shall provide meals for officials during their work shifts. These has always been the policy of the MTOA but had come under recent fire in the past couple of years but thank goodness the board of the MTOA was willing to stand up for our officials.
Thanks to the board of directors and our President, Cathy Kennan, for doing what is good and right. You are to be commended...
6 comments:
Congratulations to the MTOA for hopefully setting the standards for other parts of the state. Just out of curiosity, did you address the list of "what ifs"?
What if the Tournament Director says 'no' prior to the event?
What if they say yes, but come tournament weekend nobody 'remembered' to make arrangements?
Will you allow a meal stipend to be added to the officials' pay instead of an actual meal?
Did you discuss the possibility of MTOA declining to work an even that says it can't 'afford' meals in the budget?
Did you get any new feedback from Tournament Directors this year about this issue?
This will be fun to watch in 2010.
Great questions...
Since sanctioned tournaments have to have certified officials, then they have to abide by our policies. There should be not debate. Besides, any TD that has been around for more than a year knows that this has ALWAYS been the policy of the MTOA.
Personally, EVERY TD that I work with provides a $10 stipend for meals. It works much easier for them that way.
A tournament could always dump those stupid t-shirts if they say they can't afford to provide meals.
Meals aren't the much to ask for, especially when you are usually a solo official responsible for an entire site for a 12+ hour shift. I've never worked a tournament where the site director doesn't get fed. It's not that much more of an expense to buy one more Subway sandwich.
Hmmm. Maybe the MTOA should take over the duties of the Texas Section's Officials Chairman. It appears your organization has their act together and could do a great job. Remember, something is ALWAYS better than nothing, and that is exactly what we are getting now.
And will continue to get until there is a change in leadership at the Texas Section level.
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