AMTO E-News

august 2009

Safety first.

Saying "Let's play." means an official concluded nothing is present which will place a player at risk.  Keep in mind the context - adult vs juniors (and also 10s vs 18s).  Check court and surroundings; be especially vigilant with a clay court.  Sweep leaves and twigs, sgueegie water, and dry court surface.  Pick up practice balls, trash, and cups.  Remove extraneous articles inside the fence, on the net and net post such as towels, brooms, squeegies, folding chairs, etc.  Correct or report questionable situations such as protruding fence wire, wasp nests, hazardous player chair or bench.  During play monitor circumstances such as errant balls on court.  And be aware of environmental conditions such as rain, lightning, humidity and temperature; there are published guidelines that are dangerous to ignore.  In many cases decisions are the purview of the Referee, but Roving Umpires owe your official observations and considered advice; after all, the Referee cannot see all.

What's been your experience?

Recently there was unrelated magazine survey which asked some interesting questions about financial effectiveness.  Some, modified a bit, are appropriate to AMTO, and answers may offer insight into improvements to pursue.  Take our short survey, and respond directly to wilsonfe@aol.com  . . .

1. Longest time to AMTO-payment-received from tourney end: [________days]

2. Quickest time to AMTO-payment-received from tourney end: [________days]

3. Did you to follow up with someone prior to AMTO payment? [yes / no]

4. Was payment always by our organizations - AMTO,MATUA,ITA etc? [yes / no]

5. Did you provide free officiating services (donation, charity, etc)? [yes / no]

6. Explanations for any of above as applicable: ______________________________

Friendly?

Good.  But, as an on-duty tennis official, our behavior must be appropriate for the circumstances.  Players and spectators deserve objectivity and fairness from us, and that means the appearance of same.  Postpone hugging, high fives, favors, effusive congratulations, etc for back-home, post-tournament private time.  All know that our tennis community is limited - we know and associate with certain individuals away from the tournament - and probably no one seriously questions impartiality.  But!  We owe it to players and spectators to spare them anxiety of dealing with images which create suspicion or doubt.  We need to reread applicable items of The Official's Code of Conduct in FAC:  "Not socialize with or become intimate with the players."  "Not accept an assignment for any match that may cast doubt upon the official's impartiality."   "Conduct oneself in a professional, ethical manner."

Reminder from the USTA newsletter . . .

Clarification to July's e-news:  Next year USTA will use web-based features such as data card update, availability.  A schedule adjustment was recently issued:  Data cards are due September 29 instead of 15 October.  Stay tuned for USTA and MAS notices about usage and training.

Scenario Puzzle for Self-Education

July's answer:  Re-instate game penalty on Player A.  And!  Point penalty on player B for refusing to obey instructions of an official.  Rovers should, where possible, cooperate with player mutual agreements regarding their match.  We can all appreciate the human approbation for awarded points which have little or nothing to do with tennis skills - like lateness - even though the reasons are valid otherwise. But code and lateness penalties are not optional; player may not refuse to accept those penalties issued by officials to an opponent.

August's question:  Player A stepped out of his shoe during play of a point, stopped play and called a let.  Player B returned an apparent winner and claimed the point.  Rover that you are, you're called to the court to resolve this conflict. What is your call?