GCTA Board Minutes
GCTA Board Meeting
4/18/02
In Attendance: Doug Snapp, Jake Will, Jr., Janet Craycraft,
Geri Schlegel, Harvey Beahm, Bud Petersen, Rita Brown, Shirley Neibauer,
Christi Turdo, Andy Alexander, Gary Alexander, Jean Shaw, Joel Gordon,
Denica Bruce, Connie Everhart
1. Call to Order
Vice-President Janet Craycraft called the meeting to order.
2. Approval of Minutes
Janet mentioned that the minutes of the last meeting had been e-mailed,
mailed, and were available on the tables. She asked for an acceptance of
the minutes. Shirley Neibauer moved to accept and Harvey Beahm 2nd, the
motion was passed.
3. Treasurer's Report
Janet asked treasurer Jake Will, Jr. to give the treasurer's report.
He reported as of March 31st: checking, $248; flex fund, $40,978; junior
fund, $5,241; Mansfield fund, $1,406; mutual funds, $25,000 with a fair
market value of $28,052. Jake also said that the check of $1,400 from the
USTA for the USA Team Tennis leagues had been received. Connie Everhart
moved to accept the report, Harvey Beahm seconded, and the motion passed.
4. Junior Wightman Cup and Junior Davis Cup
Janet reported that Michelle Jarrett and Steve Ryuse would again head
the two teams. The team members would be determined after the Junior Area
Qualifier.
5. Women's Leagues
Women's Chair Rita Brown shared the success of the winter kick-off
parties. She said that each was well attended with some players being placed
on a waiting list. She liked the Wickertree venue. She praised Terri Jones
and Shirley Neibauer for their work regarding the two events. Rita said
that the Women's Board is set for the 2002 season. Team packets have been
distributed. Rita thinks that they will have several more teams this year
than last year.
6. Men's Leagues
Men's Chair Gary Alexander shared that they have had their initial
meeting of captains. Many issues were discussed during that meeting. Deadlines
were shared, forms were explained. There was discussion of the Gold League
and ways to make it a more equitable league. There was discussion of using
the match tie-break procedure for the Diamond and Platinum Leagues. It
was decided that this procedure would be used if both captains agreed on
its usage before the beginning of the match. Harvey Beahm encouraged the
use of the match tie-break procedure in lieu of the third set as discussed
for the Diamond and Platinum Leagues. He said that his tournament is using
it; the Connors' senior circuit uses it. He feels that it will be used
by more and more levels. Because of this, the GCTA should promote it. Gary
shared that Doug Snapp used it with the 2001 Men's Champ of Champs. It
eliminated scheduling problems because of not having to wait for an entire
3rd set to be played. Both positive and negative opinions were voiced by
a few players at that tournament, Doug said. He will likely use it again
this year. It is very helpful for scheduling when there is a limited number
of courts or where there are certain time constraints. Gary continued his
report by saying that more flexibility in scheduling match times for the
Diamond League was okayed. The issue of players playing in the 4.0 League
who have a higher rating was discussed but not changed. If a player has
a rating, he must play at that level or higher. The time of the season
to play the Men's Champ of Champs Tournament was discussed. While it was
felt that it would be good to combine it with the Women's Tournament, no
change was made at this time. Gary shared that the USTA is offering
a monetary incentive if we use, as we do, the USTA titles for our leagues:
USA Team Tennis. This money could be used as a stipend for the coordinator
of the leagues or as money for the general fund of the GCTA. To receive
the money, the proper paperwork would need to be taken care of. Paperwork
and further details can be had from Chad Doctor and Donna Owens.
7. USTA Summer Leagues
Doug shared that Terri Jones had e-mailed him information regarding
the USTA Summer Leagues. He said he has posted it to the web site. This
is the information from the web site. Terri Jones is organizing USTA Summer
Leagues. Contact Terri by phoning 523-1160(H), 939-8572(W) or by e-mail:
TJ3535@aol.com. The USTA Summer Leagues are similar to the USTA Leagues
that are played in the winter. Players in the USTA Summer Leagues may also
play in the regular GCTA Summer Leagues. However, in addition to being
a GCTA member, USTA Summer League players must also be USTA members and
pay a GCTA participation fee. These are the planned 2002 Summer USTA Adult
Tennis Leagues: Tuesday, 3.0 Women, 4.0 Women, 3.5 Senior Women, 4.0 Senior
Men; Wednesday, Mixed Doubles (combined ratings) 7.0, 8.0, 9.0; Thursday,
4.0 Senior Women, 3.5 Men, 4.0 Men, 3.5 Women. All matches will begin at
6:30 PM. All players must be current USTA members, pay a GCTA participation
fee, have a current USTA rating. They must register with Touch Tone Tennis
for a player number. Senior and Mixed Doubles matches will consist of 3
courts of doubles. All other levels will play a 1 singles, 3 doubles format.
Each court plays the best 2 out of 3 sets, regular scoring with 12 point
tie-breakers. League play will begin Tuesday, May 28th. Registration deadline
is Sunday, May 12th.
8. Ohio Valley Tennis Association
Janet shared that she had brought extra OVTA Year Books for those who
had not receive one in the mail. She was pleased with the GCTA advertisement
in the Year Book. It gives a good representation as to what our organization
is involved with. She shared that the next meeting of the executive committee
would be May 5th in Chillicothe. Packets for the District tournaments would
be distributed at that time. Andy Alexander shared that Carol has everything
set for the Girls 16's. They will be held at Upper Arlington High School
from June 8th through June 12th. Gary shared that OVTA grant money is still
available and applications for such money can still be considered.
9. Umpires
Bud Petersen share that Kim Forman is not heading the group. Doug said
a letter had been sent from President Jeff Johnston to all local USTA umpires
informing them that the GCTA would pay a $25 stipend per umpire for their
needed training. This is in lieu of the GCTA sponsored training session
that has taken place in the past. Umpires need to let Doug know when and
where they took their training. Christi Turdo shared that there had been
a training session at the WTA Women's Tournament at Wickertree in February.
She thought that a number of local umpires had participated. She emphasized
the extreme need for more umpires locally. It was difficult to find the
number needed for that tournament. Others agreed: it is very hard to find
umpires for the tennis events that take place in central Ohio. Andy feels
that the lack of a "big time" tournament has lessened the pool of umpires.
Bud said that some just don't participate, others are selective in what
they choose to umpire. Joel Gordon agreed. Doug said that a letter had
been sent from Jeff to all central Ohio tennis coaches; one of the issues
in the letter was the fact that we need more umpires and that the coaches
would be excellent. Doug added that not one coach had responded to the
letter. Christi talked about a plan to involve more people in umpiring.
In some areas, high school players have been provided training and gotten
involved. The high school players have a knowledge of the game because
they play it; they are trained and used to umpire matches for younger kids,
perhaps the 12's. This was thought to be a good idea. It was felt that
some of these players may then continue on as umpires when they are adults.
There was discussion as to how much time would be needed for their training.
It was thought that a session could be put together that would involve
2 to 3 hours. Christi said she would be willing to help put together something
to contact high school players about umpiring.
10. Columbus Recreation and Parks
Connie Everhart told the Board that Denica Bruce will be overseeing
tennis for the CRPD. Registration for the summer tennis camp was held Saturday,
April 13th. It is already full. It will take place the full week of June
17th. The location is the Whetstone Center at the Park of Roses. Connie
shared that there are a number of people involve, but volunteers are welcome.
Junior and adult programs have started to organize. First sessions for
the adults will begin shortly. The CRPD is looking for tennis instructors
at all levels. The pay is $12.50. The GCTA pays $10 of this. It was suggested
that some CRPD leaders might be interested in umpire training. After further
discussion, an umpire session for staff at CRPD could be a possibility.
Christi gave Connie information for the tennis programs of the Cartoon
Network and SMASH tennis. Christi also shared that volunteers are needed
for the event. Contact her if you would want to help and like further information.
11. Area and District Qualifier
Janet Craycraft shared that she, Jim Hendrix, and Wayne Wookey have
been involved in preparations for the Area Qualifier. As last year, the
local clubs will be running the different age divisions. This worked well.
The Girls 12 run May 16-21 at the Players' Club; Girls 14 run May
17-19 and May 28-June 2 at the Racquet Club; Girls 16 will be May 17-24,
also at the Racquet Club; Girls 18 will be May 10-16 at Olympic; Boys 12
are also May 10-16, again at Olympic; Boys 14 will be May 18-24 at Wickertree;
Boys 16 and 18 will be May 20-22, May 29-June 2-3, both at Scarborough.
Thus far, things have run smoothly. Entry to the tournament is by way of
TennisLink. TennisLink charges an extra $2 to enter each player. It is
doubtful that this $2 can be refunded if a player withdraws. One club did
send last years entry forms to a number of players; it is thought that
all of those players have been contacted and informed that they must enter
via TennisLink.
12. USA Junior Team Tennis
Shirley Neibauer said that all is moving along. She has started sending
information. There is good interest by middle school players. There was
some discussion that we include some players from outside our area in this
program, but we do not get credit for their memberships to the USTA as
far as representation to the next level of tournaments is concerned. There
were some members who felt that this should be changed: if they participate
in our programs, we should benefit. After further discussion, it was concluded
that the number would not be that great and it would be very difficult
to change the present setup of areas.
13. Champion of Champions
Rita said that presently the time for the women's tournament has not
been set. She asked Shirley to check about the availability of the New
Albany Country Club courts. All agreed that the tournament was very pleasant
last year. As noted earlier, Gary said that even though a change was discussed,
the men's tournament will stay at the end of the season.
14. Awards Ceremony
Shirley will be organizing this year's event with the help of Jean
Shaw and Geri Schlegel. The date is set for September 29th, at the Upper
Arlington Municipal Building. It will begin at 4:00 PM. It was suggested
that information in the form of a handout be available as to what the GCTA
does. A listing of what volunteers we need would be informative.
15. Wheelchair Tennis
Though it appears that there will be no tournament this summer, it
was shared that Larry Hunter did contact the GCTA and thanked us for the
support that we had given the tournaments while he was running them. It
is hoped that someone will again run such an event.
16. Old Business
Doug reminded members of the constant need for information and updates
for the web site.
17. New Business
Doug said that he a made a list of public courts. That list is now
on the web site. He would like any additions or corrections. Private and
public clubs were already listed.
18. Adjournment
Hearing no further discussion, it was moved, seconded and passed to
adjourn.
Respectfully submitted,
Doug Snapp
GCTA Secretary
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