Another Word About "Sportsmanship Ambassadors"

The issue of "sportsmanship ambassadors" has certainly generated a lot of open and frank discussion--and rightfully so. This is an issue that affects players, parents, spectators, and officials so its always good to have open dialogue.

One of our wisest and most experienced officials in Texas recently sent the following response to our leadership in Austin:

We have reviewed the letter dated February 11, 2010 from USTA-Texas addressed to "Dear USTA Texas Volunteer" that establishes "Sportsmanship Ambassador Guidelines". In our opinion this undermines the effectiveness of certified (and trained) USTA umpires, Referees, and Tournament Directors and their committees. USTA Texas could better spend their time emphasizing the "Know the Rules" initiative that encourages players, parents, relatives, spectators and coaches and tennis enthusiasts to "Know the Rules". This initiative should be pushed through all leagues and age levels, the UIL, coaching and teaching academies, all USTA activities. Why not make all committee chairs, responsible officers, coaches, parents and players take a written test of their rules and conduct/knowledge ? These "ambassadors" should be required to identify themselves to the Tournament Director and Referee of EVERY event they attend -- perhaps a "purple shirt" should be worn for identity. Some of the USTA "certified officials" have grown over 20 years with the officiating improvements and the reckless behavior of players, parents and spectators. Many of us have survived really bad incidents (gun pulling, verbal abuse and threats), yet are dedicated to "fairness of play". The USTA-Texas Section should terminate their "Sportsmanship Ambassador" program and concentrate on educating players at all levels in "fairness of play". (Or, for a trade-off, umpires should be able to select one of the committees and chair the proceedings a couple of times. A list should be distributed from Austin for umpires to select the committee they wish to chair.)

I will simply let his words speak for themselves.

This official sent his concerns to Austin and here is an excerpt of their response on the issue of anonymity for the Sportsmanship Ambassadors:

Anonymity was considered the most important part of being an ambassador so that players could not identify them like they do officials. There will also be an emphasis on education of players, parents, and spectators at the same time.

Again I will let their words speak for themselves...

Personally, I am more than willing to go along with the directives from the Texas Section office but I do have serious reservations. We will all be supportive and hope that time proves the wisdom of the decision.