Midwest Tennis Officials

Umpire Awards and new White Badge officials

2010-10-08T20:32:00.002-05:00

At the 2010 US Open, Midwest Officials were chosen for prestigious national awards. Keith Crossland from Chicago who has been a gold badge chair umpire as well as a tour supervisor for the USTA circuit events was awarded the J T McGovern award presented annually to a chair umpire or line umpire who has given a lifetime of dedication, service, and expertise to tennis officiating. We remember his start at all the local events and his quick rise into the upper levels of officiating at the Grand Slam events.

The Jack Stahr Award is presented annually to an umpire in one of the umpire's first three years at the US Open in recognition of hard work, professionalism, technical ability and cooperative attitude. The 2010 award was presented to Greg Allensworth of Canton, Ohio.

New White Badge levels were earned by these Midwest Officials. Greg Allensworth, Lee Ann Bains, Myriam Lecuerda-Orts, Ron Smith, and Phil White. Congratulations to all the officials for their special recognition.

December Newsletter

2009-12-29T17:15:00.003-06:00

December Newsletter

November Newsletter

2009-12-03T22:26:00.003-06:00

Click the file for the November newsletter

October Newsletter

2009-11-11T15:17:00.001-06:00

Click on the October Newsletter below.

October Newsletter

Aug/Sept Officials' Newsletter

2009-10-03T11:26:00.004-05:00

Click below for the officials' newsletter.

August-September 2009 Newsletter

Indianapolis Tennis Center at IUPUI named USTA Regional Training Center

2009-09-18T08:03:00.003-05:00

Midwest Section Press Release, Sept 15, 2009

USTA becomes Title Sponsor and Host of USTA/ITA National Intercollegiate indoor Championship in 2010

2009-09-13T14:06:00.004-05:00

USTA press release 169-2009

July Officials' Newsletter

2009-08-15T16:45:00.002-05:00

Here is the July 2009 Officiating Newsletter

July Officiating Newsletter

Officials's Newsletter - May 2009

2009-05-17T12:40:00.004-05:00

The May Officials newsletter has been sent electronically to all certified officials. If you didn't get a copy, here is a link to the file.

May Newsletter

Kalamazoo B 16, B18 Applications available

2009-04-18T19:06:00.003-05:00

The 2009 Kalamazoo National Tournament (August 7-16) umpire application is now available online at www.geocities.com/KZooOfficials

If you have problems submitting the form, there is a paper version of the application which you can print and snail mail or email to the chief umpire, John Coleman at JBCPharmD (at) aol.com

Application deadline is May 15, 2009

April Official's Newletter

2009-04-18T08:00:00.004-05:00

The official's newsletter is posted at the official's site at www.usta.com and has been emailed to officials. Here is a link to a copy

April Officiating Newsletter

Ruth Smith, Tina Herrera-Richards to be honored at Midwest Spring Awards

2009-04-18T07:49:00.005-05:00

Stanley Malless Award: Ruth Smith - Alden, Mi.
This award is presented to a volunteer recognizing distinguished service in his or her district.

Smith has been volunteering and giving back to tennis in the Northern Michigan Tennis Association for more than 20 years. She is currently president of the District, and has previously served as its Executive Director, and chaired numerous committees.

Smith started a District tournament in 1995 to increase opportunities for adults to play tennis. She also continually strives to increase the number of local players and teams competing in the USTA League program. In 1999 she created The Bob Scholarship Tournament in memory of a young man from the local tennis community. She sought sponsors for the tournament, and each year six $1,000 scholarships are awarded to deserving youth.

In addition, Smith is a certified tennis official who conducts training workshops. She developed a mentoring program for high school players, is a junior high school tennis coach, and is a PTR certified instructor. Smith has previously been honored as the Northern Michigan Tennis Association Volunteer of the Year.

Frank Dowling Officials Award: Tina Herrera-Richards – Winfield, Il.

This award recognizes an individual who has displayed outstanding attributes as a tennis official for at least five years.

Herrera-Richards has been officiating tennis matches for almost 20 years. She has served as a roving official, referee and line judge for numerous tournaments throughout the USTA/Midwest Section. Herrera-Richards received the 2008 Chicago District Tennis Association Tennis Official of the Year Award.

Herrera-Richards has worked all levels of officiating, from novice junior tournaments in Chicago, to the USTA Boys’ 18 National Championships in Kalamazoo, Mi., to professional circuit events. She has served as a mentor to new officials in the Chicago District area

Officiating Newsletter, March 2009

2009-03-14T08:41:00.004-05:00

The official's newsletter which will be posted on the USTA website under officials and has been emailed to officials. Here is a copy.
March 2009 Officiating Newsletter

New Coordinator - USTA Official's Dept.

2009-02-18T09:49:00.000-06:00

From Rich Kaufman:

I wanted to update you on the position of Coordinator for the Officials Department.

Please join me in welcoming Julio Echavarria as the new Coordinator for the USTA Officials Department. Julio has been with the USTA Pro Circuit Department, headed by Brian Earley, for the past seven years. In addition to his position as Coordinator with the Pro Circuit Department, Julio has been an important part of the USTA Professional Division, working in Credentials at the US OPEN and at Davis Cup and FedCup Ties. In addition, he has worked closely with me on many projects related to the Officials Department and the US OPEN and he is very aware and current with many of our activities. With his background in the Professional Division and his involvement with a variety of programs with the Officials Department, we are extremely fortunate to have Julio’s skills and knowledge now with us.

There will be some time needed for transition as Julio winds down with the Pro Circuit Department and moves over to the Officials Department. He is involved with Davis Cup coming up very soon and he will be involved with training the person who will take over his position with the Pro Circuit Department. Until Julio is with us full time, please continue to address any concerns or questions to me until the transition period ends by mid to late March. We will keep you updated on this transition and we will post this announcement to all officials in the Officials Department Newsletter and the Officials Webpage when the transition period is nearly complete and Julio is prepared to take on the day to day activities as Coordinator.

Thanks.
Rich Kaufman
Director of Officials, USTA

2009 ITA Rules Updates

2009-02-01T09:59:00.000-06:00

You may find the 2009 ITA Rules updates on the ITA website
www.itatennis.com

Here is the direct link to the actual updates
2009 Rules Updates"

National TE Training Sessions Finalized

2008-12-24T11:04:00.000-06:00

The dates have been confirmed. The 2 sessions taught by national TEs are
1) Indianapolis Jan 31-Feb 1 - trainer: Roger White - contact Bill Kopek
2) Toledo Feb 21-22 - trainer: John Suter - contact Jerri Banks

If you plan to attend either session, you must pre-register.
The Saturday session if for umpires with 3 or more years of experience. The Sunday session is for umpires with less than 3 years of experience.

Be sure to come to class with the completed online exams - available at
http://www.usta.com/USTA/Global/Get_Involved/Officials/Information/2009_USTA_Referee_and_ITA_School_Tests.aspx

Required exams:
umpire -> USTA Sectional Exam
referee -> Referee exam
ITA -> ITA exam

Tentative 2009 National TE Training Sessions

2008-12-12T08:30:00.000-06:00

At this current time, TENTATIVE schedule for national TE training are at two sites.
Jan 30, 31 in Indianapolis and
Feb 20, 21 in Toledo.
Sectional trainers need to attend on Friday evening before the regular training session. Until the national TE is assigned a specific date, the Midwest plans will remain tentative.

submitted datacard received by Alan

2008-10-06T18:51:00.000-05:00

As of 10/6/2008

CENTRAL INDIANA

Baugh, M

MIDDLE ILLINOIS

Day, G
Dunkin, D
Kurniawan, H
Niebuhr, K
Mangina, S
Mangina, V
Swicegood, G
Thomas, N
Waite, D
Wilson, W

NORTHEASTERN OHIO

Allensworth, G
Bell-Hodges, D
Cochran, M
Davis, H
Gander, C
Gander, R
Hodges, E
Bathlolomew, F
Hopfer, W
Meister, J
Meister, R
Mogus, B
Morley, M
Nelson, J
Schweitzer, E
Shiu, S
Shoman, B
Wise, S

NORTHERN INDIANA

Mary Martin
Carol Relitz
Robert Relitz

OHIO VALLEY

Daniel, M
Martin, T

National Officials Newsletter, September, 08

2008-09-23T09:53:00.000-05:00

Please find the latest national officials' newsletter at
September Newsletter If you lose the link, you can find it at the www.usta.com site. Follow the link for "leagues and tournaments" and then follow "officials"

There are chair umpire hints on calling all the lines from the chair. It's a tough job, but you'll do better with the right techniques.

REMINDER: Datacards are due to your District Chairman NOW. Don't forget your USTA member number and expiration date. Be sure to Sign your own datacard.

Datacard are due soon

2008-08-20T15:29:00.001-05:00

Midwest Officials:
Reminder: It's time to get your 2008 datacard in order so you can submit it for recertification for 2009. Your district chairs must verify your certification qualifications, make copies and submit the originals to Alan Steinhauser by October 15. Therefore, be sure to meet your district chairman's deadline, between end of September and very early October.

Be sure you have indicated the training session you have attended, including dates and name of the trainer.
Be sure that all your umpiring events are complete with signature of the referee or chief umpire
Front page should contain your current USTA membership number and expiration date which is beyond Nov, 2008
Your signature and date should be completed

If you wish to gain specific certification level, include that information when you submit your datacard. Incomplete datacard may delay your certification or possibly lower the certification to a provisional level if you are certified at all.
Remember, your district chairman is a volunteer who does this administrative work to help the officials. Do your part to minimize their overhead.

Lynda Hinshaw's husband, Rod Hinshaw

2008-07-10T10:56:00.000-05:00

printed in PALLADIUM-ITEM, Richmond, Indiana, July 5, 2008.

submitted by DOAN &MILLS FUNERAL HOME, 790 NATIONAL
ROAD WEST, RICHMOND, IN
47374. (765) 966-0596

Rodney Clarke Hinshaw, age 73, of Richmond, died Friday,
July 04, 2008 at
Reid Hospital.

He was born June 4, 1935, in Richmond, to Clyde Hinshaw and Ellena Bess Clark Hinshaw and had lived in this area most of his life. He retired from Dana Perfect Circle after 35 years as an Engineer and Quality Control Manager.

Rodney was a graduate of Fountain City High School in 1953 and was a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He received his Masters Degree from Bowling Green University in Business Administration. Rodney loved to fly and had received his
pilots license before he could drive. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and had served in England.

Memberships include Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity; United Way Board; Achieva Board; Whitewater Masonic Lodge (50 year member); and First Presbyterian Church.

Survivors include his wife, Lynda Shaul Hinshaw to whom he was married December 16, 1962; one daughter, Christina H. Pearce and her husband William B. of Indianapolis; two sons, David Clarke Hinshaw of Richmond and Robert Curtis Hinshaw and his wife Kristin of Northville, Michigan; three grandchildren, Brooks Pearce, Sarah and Thomas Hinshaw; one brother, Dr. Michael Hinshaw and his wife Carol of Richmond; brother-in-law Clifford Shaul and his wife Jaimie; nieces and nephews, Mark and Pam Hinshaw, James and Amy Hinshaw, Michele Hinshaw, and Ande and Christina Shaul.

Visitation for Rodney Clarke Hinshaw will be Sunday July 6, 2008, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Doan &Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond, Indiana. There will be a Masonic Memorial service at 7 p.m. Sunday at Doan &Mills Funeral Home.

Funeral Service for Rodney Clarke Hinshaw will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, July 7,
2008 at Doan &Mills Funeral Home with Rev. David Layman officiating. Burial
will be in Willow Grove Cemetery in Fountain City.

Memorial contributions may be made to Achieva Resources,
P.O. Box 1252,
Richmond, Indiana 47374 or Reid Hospital Foundation, 1401
Chester Boulevard,
Richmond, Indiana 47374.

Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at
www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com

Line Clinic - Winnetka Challenger

2008-06-21T11:02:00.000-05:00

Saturday, June 28, 6:30 pm

A.C. Nielsen Tennis Center
530 Hibbard Road
Winnetka, IL 60093
847-501-2065

National Trainer: Joe Buys

Contact: Joy Duerr jyduerr1@att.net 630-584-5891

The line clinic is for anyone who is interested in learning to work professional matches as a line umpire. You will learn the techniques for the various line positions and if you do well, you will be allowed to work some of the matches on Sunday. You may be invited to work further into the tournament if your skills warrant.

The costs of getting to the tournament and housing are on your own. The line clinic is free. You should wear your USTA red and blue shirt as well as khaki shorts/long pants to if you are assigned to work on court on Sunday or later.

Going to the line clinic at a professional event is the way to gain entry into professional line umpire assignments anywhere is the US.

Bryn Lynch-Midwest Section Volunteer of the Month

2008-06-21T10:59:00.001-05:00

Each month the USTA/Midwest Section features a volunteer who is making it happen at all levels.

June Volunteer of the Month - Bryn Lynch from Traverse City, Mi.

Northern Michigan is nominating Bryn Lynch for Volunteer of the month. Bryn has been part of our organization and our tennis for a long time. She has officially served on our board for two years as third-vice president, four years as secretary and two years as 2nd vice president.

Bryn became the head Official over ten years ago and has been a hard worker and innovative thinker. In this position she has traveled to National clinics where she renews her certification and takes the training to teach officials in our Northern Michigan District so they can in turn receive their certification without traveling outside the District. In 2006 Bryn traveled with Ruth Smith to train 9 new officials in Alpena, a growing community in our District In 2007 Bryn was able to provide the officials’ training to her daughter Emily who is also interested in the rules of tennis.

During the USTA League season, Bryn takes on the Herculean task of scheduling officials for the USTA League competition. She often takes the lion’s share pf the work if others do not volunteer for slots. Bryn also saw a need and has officiated for the NMTA Junior Qualifier competition.

Bryn was a charter member of our Awards Committee and is now the chair. This involves seeking nominations, arranging for printing and gifts and banquet. During the years she was secretary she did an outstanding job and when our secretary is absent still volunteers to fill in.

Bryn has shared her love of tennis with her daughter Emily Lelandais. Emily will finish her high school career this spring (2008). She played No. 4 singles for Traverse City Central. Emily was selected the Junior Female Sportsmanship Player for 2007. She has only followed the example set by her mother.

Outside of the District duties Bryn has also served as coach for junior varsity Traverse City teams. Northern Michigan honors Bryn Lynch – she has and is serving us well

Officiating in the Midwest Section

2008-05-18T13:25:00.000-05:00

Many people often ask about how to become a tennis official. The short answer is you have to take a test and that is it, the rest is up to you.

Any individual who is interested in tennis officiating can become certified by the USTA and join the ranks of the 425 current officials here in the Midwest Section.

Throughout the year each of the thirteen districts in the five states of the Midwest Section offer training schools for officials. These schools are structured for the beginning to the highly seasoned official. Every year each official who has been certified the previous year must attend one of these schools and pass a written exam to retain their certification. The certifications start with the beginning or provisional umpire to the most experienced professional umpire and include referees and collegiate officials (national and professional officials need only pass an exam).

Once certified an official will receive on court training at local tournaments assigned through their district. As your skill level and interest increase you may become eligible for more challenging events even professional.

To get started you must be a USTA member then contact your district chairman of officials or go the Training link on this web site to find a school nearest you. At the school you will get up to date information, learn techniques and procedures while sharing and learning experiences from some of the most experienced officials in our section. You’ll also get in touch with and/or learn about the contacts that you will need to get assigned to events.

Officiating has been very rewarding to me and remains the one best way that I can Give Something Back to Tennis.

If you have other questions remember to contact your district chairman and get started.

Alan Steinhauser
Chairman of Officials, USTA/Midwest Section
4305 Market St.
Youngstown, OH 44512
330-782-5621
330-782-6165 fax
alan (at) steinhauseragency.com

USTA Officials Department Newsletter, May 2008,

2008-05-12T18:17:00.000-05:00

The May 2008 edition of USTA Officials Department Newsletter is now available.

You can access the newsletter by doing one of the following:

1. Click on the following link http://www.usta.com/rules/default.sps?iType=923 in order to access the USTA Officials Department web page and click on the link that reads Officiating Tips Newsletter-May 2008.

2. Go to www.usta.com, click on the “Get Involved” tab, click on “Officials” and click on the link that reads Officiating Tips Newsletter-May 2008.

If you have any questions about or problems accessing the newsletter, please contact us at officiating@usta.com.

Improve chair umpire techniques

2008-05-01T12:49:00.000-05:00

As college officiating increases, there are more and more needs for good chair umpires. Since many of us do not get evaluated very often, and we are often working alone, it's is hard to improve. We are doing the best we can, but we don't always know that we could do better.

If you are a beginning umpire and want to have experiences as a chair umpire, you really cannot suddenly jump in and do a tournament final. You need to practice chair techniques without affecting the outcome of a match when you practice. A great way to practice is to do all the chair umpire techniques while you are roving on a court. Make copies of a blank score card and practice marking up the score during the roving assignment. This will give you practice in keeping track of your card while still concentrating on what is happening on the court. All the proper score marking information is on p 155-157 in the 2008 Friend at Court.

As you watch the match progress, practice your verbiage in your head exactly as you need to say it every time you need to say it. The precise verbiage and chair umpire procedures are given on page 150-154 of the Friend at Court. The language is as stated. Even if you say something that means the same, it is not what is expected. So memorize the verbiage and use it. Nothing shows up a rookie as one who uses the wrong verbiage. If you listen to the professional chairs you will find that they all say the same phrases. This is not an accident.

We have plenty of roving opportunities, so you should have plenty of opportunities to practice chair techniques. Practice during roving allows you to be prompt with your words. You also should practice watching the losing player long after the point is over. Don't be so eager to mark the score card. When you head is down in the score card is when something bad may happen and you are not watching it happen. Watch the player to the bench on the change over. Keep track of the match balls. If one ball stays into the next court, keep track of it so you can remind the players where the ball went when they are looking for the lost ball. Be aware of all the match balls.

When doing chairs, one way to keep track of the current score is to say the score everytime the server hits the ball. Say it is 30-15. Every time the server hits the ball, say to yourself, 30-15. Then when the point is over, even after 45 hits, you know exactly what the next score should be and you can announce it without looking into your score card.

Try it. You'll find that it really helps you become a better chair umpire. The key is court awareness. Know what is happening on and around your match court.

Kalamazoo B16, B18 Tournament

2008-04-11T20:26:00.001-05:00

The application to work the Kalamazoo National Tournament on August 1-10, 2008 in Kalamazoo, Michigan is available at the website
http://www.geocities.com/KZooOfficials
All matches are solo-chaired, so you must be chair qualified to apply. There are no roving assignments.

The site contains a file with details about the tournament, an online application form as well as a paper form which can be downloaded and mailed.

Deadline for application is May 10, 2008.

umpire recruitment - you-tube video

2008-03-11T20:27:00.000-05:00

Hot off the press: The recruitment video which was introduced at the Portland, OR Davis Cup Tie has been made available as a 36 second video on you-tube Become a Tennis Official

View it yourself, or tell a friend and recruit them into the officiating ranks!!

2008 FAC is arriving

2008-01-21T11:29:00.000-06:00

Midwest Officials:
The 2008 Friend at Courts started arriving late last week. So if you haven't received yours yet, expect it shortly. This means that you should plan on taking your 2008 Friend at Court to your training session since it will arrive before the first national session in Cincinnati.

However, DO NOT TOSS the 2007 FAC. You will need it to complete your online pre-tests before attending your training session. The reference citations are from the 2007 FAC.

Be sure to check your 2008 umpire certification. If you believe that the certification levels are in error, please contact Alan Steinhauser to correct it immediately. Alan must request the change to New York by March 1 or the change will not be made.

National letter with certification and datacard

2008-01-17T18:49:00.000-06:00

By now most of you have received your umpire certification card and the new 2008 datacard. Included is a letter from Lois Huggins, Rich Kaufman and Ryan Orner. The letter contains critical information about the officiating program, so you should file the letter in a safe place where you can find it for future reference. The letter gives certification abbreviations, notes how to access the national database of officials (gives username and password), talks about the changes in the US Open application process, discusses training program, umpire clothing, and more. Please do not discard this important letter.

National TE taught Training Sessions Set

2008-01-15T16:28:00.000-06:00

The national TE taught training sessions have seen set:
The Saturday sessions are for those with 5 or more years umpiring experience. The day will cover USTA, Referee, and ITA classes. The Sunday session is for those who have less than 5 years of umpiring experience and the USTA class will be covered in more detail, including discussion of the rules. All class attendees must pre-register for the sessions to attend.

Before coming to class, download the relevant documents from

http://www.usta.com/rules/default.sps?iType=1059&icustompageid=20193

Each class packet (Referee, USTA, ITA) comes in three parts:
1) actual exam
2) cover sheet - explains how many questions you must answer correctly to pass
3) answer sheet.

Complete the tests, using the 2007 Friend at Court for your reference. Bring the relevant answer sheet(s) to class.
Also bring:
1) 2008 Friend at Court if you receive it in time. Otherwise bring your 2007 FAC.
2) 2008 Datacard

Feb 9 & 10: Cincinnati, OHIO
Contact: Barry Fittes
513.561.4255
bfittes(at)cinci.rr.com
National Trainer: Bard Rickey
Cincinnati Registration Form

Feb 16 & 17: Indianapolis, INDIANA
Contact: Bill Kopek
317.574.0515
billkopek(at)earthlink.net
National Trainer: Bruce Avery
Indy Registration Form
site:
USTA Midwest Section Office
1310 E 96th Street, Suite 100
Indianapolis, IN 46240

Feb 23 & 24: Homewood, ILLINOIS
Contact: John Coleman
630.434.1385
JBCPharmD(at)aol.com
National Trainer: Jane Goodman
Chicago-NIL Registration Form
site:
Homewood-Flossmoor Racquet & Fitness Club
2920 West 183rd Street
Homewood, IL 60430

Mar 15 & 16: Ann Arbor, MICHIGAN
Contact: Mel Kropko
734.274.8550
Kropko.MelL(at)Kendle.com
National Trainer: Rebel Good
Ann Arbor Registration Form
site:
Huron Valley Tennis Club
3235 Cherry Hills Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48105

2008 ITA Rules Changes

2008-01-15T13:20:00.000-06:00

2008 ITA Rules Update

The following were adopted/clarified but will not appear in published edition of 2008 Friend at Court: New wording in bold

ITA Rule I.J.3&4 – Who may coach in men's tennis / Who may coach in women's tennis. BOTH rules will now read as follows. Coaching is permitted by the head coach and two designated coaches, who may be an assistant coach and/or a registered volunteer coach and/or player. Two coaches may coach on the same court at one time. Note: Division I Rule only for 3 men's coaches (non Division I men's tennis remains 2 coaches)
[Discussed during December ITA Convention. D1 coaching rules now consistent for men and women. 3 coach change on D1 men’s side due in part to policy at NCAA Championships in Tulsa this May]

ITA Rule I.J.5 Where a coach may coach . "The coach may sit or stand near the net post and must stay within the area where the players chairs or benches are or should be provided. The coaches movement should be limited so that he/she does not distract the players….”

ITA Rule I.L.1 a….The ball change in Division I men's and women's tennis in singles is a can of balls for each set (3 balls per set), and four balls (4) must be used in doubles pro-sets.

ITA Rule II.I.2 "Team penalty for being late" Team penalty for being late. If a team is not ready to begin its team match at the specified starting time, each player on the starting lineup in singles shall begin one game down and shall be deemed to have lost the toss. If a team is not ready to begin the match within 15 minutes of the specified starting time it will lose the doubles point(s). If a team is not ready to begin within 1 hour of the specified start time it will forfeit the remaining singles matches.

ITA Rule II.K.5 Removing players from the team line-up: Before the start of the dual-meet match, the coach must submit the three doubles and eight/ (or all) singles players available to play and they must be listed in order of strength. For Doubles see rule K.6. If a singles player is not listed or (in the top eight ), he or she may not be inserted into the singles lineup at anytime. The coach may remove a singles player/players from their initial list after the doubles has been completed, and each player listed below the removed player must move up the appropriate amount of spots.

The following were adopted/clarified and will appear in 2008 edition of FAC:

ITA Rule I.C.3 "Feinting…." 3. Feinting, changing position, and intentional distraction . A player may feint with the body while the ball is in play. A player may change position at any time, including while the server is tossing the ball. Any movement or sound that is made solely to distract an opponent, including, but not limited to, waving the arms or racket or stamping the feet, is not allowed. The receiver's partner shall not stand in the receiver's service box before or during the serve. If a player does so, he shall be warned that if he does so he is subjected to being penalized under the ITA Point Penalty System.

ITA Rule I.G.3 "Match starts with warm-up" Match starts with warm-up. The official start of a match is marked when the on court warm-up begins between the two opponents (for two doubles teams). It is mandatory to warm-up with the opponent/opposing doubles team.

ITA Rule II.K.4 "Line-up changes in back-to-back dual matches" (p. 255) In back-to-back dual meet matches (two consecutive dual meet matches played regardless of time between matches), the team line-up (as played) may be changed. A player may move up or down one position in this situation. The lineup must still stay in order of ability.

Prior to the start of the match and during the line-up exchange, it is the responsibility of the opposing coach to appeal any player being moved two or more positions in the line-up (from the previous match)"

Last item now stricken out.

Mary Ann Rader awarded Midwest Grassroots Award

2008-01-15T13:11:00.000-06:00

Mary Ann Rader of Greenwood, IN in the Central Indiana District has been awarded the crystal ball as the Midwest Section grassroots umpire of the year for 2007. This is awarded by the national umpires committee to each section. Mary Ann has been a tireless district trainer of officials for many years. She spends many days training all the college students to become certified so that they can work the annual Midwest Closed Tournament in Indianapolis. She is always encouraging and teaches with a smile. Congratulations Mary Ann.

Previous winners have included Tina Herrera-Richards of Chicago district and Ron and Carol Gander of Northeastern Ohio district.

Paul Arinze earns white badge

2007-11-05T20:58:00.000-06:00

Paul Arinze just returned from Cape Town with a brand new ITF white badge as a professional chair umpire. Paul works in Wisconsin but his time is limited because his real job as a Catholic priest means weekends aren't often open. But he has great people skills and a great voice which make him a natural as an up and coming young chair umpire. Congratulations Paul, and keep up the good work.

Midwest Section Annual Meeting-Dec 7-9, 2007

2007-11-01T16:40:00.000-05:00

Midwest Officials:
The 2007 Annual meeting will be held in Detroit on Dec 7-9 at the Marriott Detroit at the Renaissance Center. The officials will have meetings on Friday and Saturday. All officials are invited to attend any session, so if you are going to be in Detroit, please stop by.

Datacards for 2008 recertification processed

2007-10-24T14:00:00.001-05:00

Officials:
The bulk of the Midwest Officials' datacards have been processed. Those who submitted completed datacards will receive a 2008 datacard, a new certification card and a 2008 Friend at Court in late December or early January. Please check your certification levels and if incorrect, please contact your Section Chairman and submit any request for changes immediately. Changes not requested by March 1 will not be made.

Each datacard should reflect the work for the year. Do not add the late matches of 2007 onto your 2008 datacard.

Anyone who was certified at the provisional level because of missing eye doctor's signature may be raised to the proper level once their eye doctor's documentation is submitted. Otherwise, they will remain at the provisional level.

2007 Mel Bergman award to Lynda Hinshaw

2007-10-24T13:50:00.000-05:00

Indianapolis, In. --- Lynda Hinshaw of Richmond, Indiana, will receive the 2007 USTA/Midwest Section Mel Bergman Award at an awards banquet on Saturday, December 8. The banquet is being held during the 2007 USTA/Midwest Section Annual Meeting at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Detroit, Michigan.

Hinshaw served as the Central Indiana Tennis Association (CITA) President from 1989-1990 and chaired numerous district committees including nominating, awards, tournament administration and special populations. She is a recipient of the 1985 CITA Stanley Malless Award.

At the Section level, Hinshaw is finishing a 14-year term as USTA/Midwest Section Grievance Committee Chairman. She was a previous member of the Officials Committee. Hinshaw is a recipient of the Midwest’s Frank Dowling Award presented to an individual who has displayed outstanding attributes as a tennis official in the USTA/Midwest Section for at least five years. Hinshaw has served as an official for many years for both the USTA/Midwest Section Closed BG16 and 18 Championships and USTA/Midwest Section Junior Wightman Cup.

Hinshaw has been involved with the USTA at the national level. She was a member of the Umpires/Officials Committee for 12 years, and has been a National Trainer/Evaluator for more than 10 years. She has been an umpire and referee at tennis events for 30 years, which includes the four Indiana High School Athletic Association State Championship tournaments for over ten years (Girls Team Championships, Girls Singles and Doubles Championships, Boys Team Championships and Boys Singles and Doubles Championships).

Recertification for 2008

2007-09-10T15:15:00.000-05:00

Midwest Tennis Officials:
It's time to complete your 2007 datacard for submission for 2008 certification.
Be sure that your datacard contain:
-USTA membership number
-Membership Expiration Date
-Your Signature and date
-****Signature of your eye doctor and date****
-Information regarding the annual traning session you attended

Sendthe datacard to your district chairman - If you don't know who that is, check the officials' website at http://mwofficials.home.att.net Go to the link for your state and your district chairman's contact information is provided.

The district chairs must meet my deadline of October 15 in my hands, so please send it in time to your chairman.

Regards,
Joy Duerr

Officiating Tips Newsletter - June 2007

2007-06-18T13:58:00.000-05:00

Good morning,

The June, 2007 edition of USTA Officials Department Newsletter is now available.

You can access the newsletter by doing one of the following:

1. Click on the following link http://www.usta.com/rules/default.sps?iType=923 in order to access the USTA Officials Department web page and click on the link that reads Officiating Tips Newsletter- June, 2007

2. Go to www.usta.com, click on the “Get Involved” tab, click on “Officials” and click on the link that reads Officiating Tips Newsletter-June, 2007

If you have any questions about or problems accessing the newsletter, please contact us at officiating@usta.com.

Sincerely,

Ryan Orner
Officials Coordinator-USTA
914-696-7280 (Phone)
914-696-7008 (Fax)
orner@usta.com

Jimmy Williams retires from umpiring

2007-06-07T15:02:00.000-05:00

Jimmy Williams, formerly the chairman of officials of the Central Indiana district is retiring from umpiring. After his wife retired from work, they moved so Jimmy could spend more of his time fishing. However, he has experienced physical problems stemming from previous injuries causing back pain as well as buring sensations in his feet. Neither of these conditions are good when umpires need to stand for long hours with little rest. The medical condition is called neuropathy. Mayo clinic does not recommend further surgery, so Jimmy is calling it quits. You may contact Jimmy at wjwill2 (at) aol.com. He'll love to hear from you.

2007-06-04T07:25:00.001-05:00

Steve Menoff from Chicago area was recently honored by the Chicago Tennis Patrons as the umpire of the year for 2006, awarded in 2007. Congratulations for a well deserved award.

Line Umpire Training Elm Grove - start is 6:00 pm

2007-06-04T07:15:00.001-05:00

Line Umpire Training at Elm Grove Wisconsin, at the Western Racquet Club, Aug 6 starts at 6:00 pm instead of 7:00 pm as originally stated.

Line Umpire Training Opportunities

2007-05-31T15:34:00.000-05:00

Midwest Officials:
There are opportunities to get line training at two professional tournaments in the Midwest.

Winnetka Challenger: Hardcourt, Men's 50K. July 3-July 8

The Winnetka, Illinois Challenger occurs from July 3-July 8 with a qualifier on July 1-2. Before the event, there will be a line training session at the Winnetka outdoor courts from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm on Saturday, June 30. If you perform well, you may be selected to work at the tournament. You are expected to provide your own transportation and lodging. If you are selected to work, you are doing this to gain experience and get the opportunity to be seen by other chief umpires who select umpires for other tournaments.

The chief umpire for Winnetka is Lynda Hinshaw.
If you are interested in attending as a trainee, contact Joy Duerr mw_officials@yahoo.com

************

Elm Grove, Wisconsin Futures: hardcourt, Men's 10K Aug 7-Aug 12.
Elm Grove is a suburb of Milwaukee. This tournament was held in Kenosha, WI last year.
The main draw begins on Tuesday, Aug 7. The line clinic will be on Monday, 6:00 - 9:00 pm
You must pay for your own transportation and lodging. If you are successful, you may be selected to work during the main draw.
The chief umpire for Elm Grove is Sharyl Currie

If you are interested in attending as a line trainee, contact Joyce Tessiatore tstennis2@hotmail.com

Chuck Brothers Retires

2007-05-31T15:27:00.000-05:00

Chuck Brother, an umpire from Kenosha, Wisconsin is hanging up his stop watch and tape measure and retiring from umpiring. Chuck umpired at all levels from juniors to the US Open. Thanks for all your hard work. Now enjoy tennis as a player and spectator.

Haury & Robinson earn White Badges

2007-05-30T19:09:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to John Haury from Indiana and Jordan Robinson from Wisconsin who recently earned the White Badge chair certification. These are competitive slots and many prospective chair umpires are eagerly vying for them. Well done!

New Uniforms

2007-05-30T18:58:00.000-05:00

Midwest Officials:
Now that the summer heat is upon us, we are beginning to shed our outer jackets, sweaters, and windbreakers. We should now all be wearing the new red and blue uniforms when we are out on the court. Honigs nicely provided 3 new logo patches with each of our uniform orders last winter. These patches are to be used on existing USTA umpires jackets and sweaters to cover the old logos and show the new logo. This alleviated all the umpires needing to purchase an entire wardrobe just for the new logos. The patches are not to be placed on outer wear which is dissimilar to the existing umpire's outer wear.

Kalamazoo B16 & B18 Umpire Application

2007-04-07T09:38:00.000-05:00

Midwest Officials:
Chair umpire qualified officials may apply to work the National B16 and B18 tournament at Kalamazoo, Michigan, to be held on Friday August 3 through Sunday, August 12, 2007. The application is on-line at http://joyduerr.home.att.net The entry deadline is May 15 and selected applicants will be notified by June 1. If you cannot access the online application input form, a paper application is also available on the same site. This is the highest level tournament for junior boys and the Boys 18 winners will get a wild card entry into the US Open. The most qualified officials available will be selected to work, and preference will be given to Midwest Officials and those who are available to work the whole tournament.
Chief Umpires: Darrell Davies and Joy Duerr
ddavies (at) kvcc.edu
joyduerr (at) att.net

Joyce Tessiatore selected for Midwest Frank Dowling Umpire of the Year

2007-04-07T09:19:00.000-05:00

At the Spring Meeting of the Midwest Section, Joyce Tessiatore, the chairman of officials of the Wisconsin District will be awarded the 2007 Frank Dowling Award whch recognizes the person who has displayed outstanding attributes as an umpire in the USTA/Midwest Section for at least five years. Frank Dowling, known for his training of umpires, was an oustanding umpire himself. Congratulations Joyce for the well-deserved award.

Online USTA, ITA, Referee tests

2007-03-13T19:23:00.000-05:00

Midwest Tennis Officials:
I am going to use this blog to try to send out timely information to the umpiring team in our section. There will be a link to this blog on my Midwest site, so if you forget the url, you can find it again.

I hope most of you have already attended the 2007 training class. However, if you have not, you must take an open book test for each class and complete it before you attend your session. Because it is online, some people are confusing these tests with the more familiar online Provisonal Umpire's Exam. For your USTA, ITA, and or Referee classes, you must download and take the tests which are to be completed on paper answer sheets. USTA (60 questions) ITA (40questions) Referee(50 questions). These tests require the references from the 2006 Friend at Court. If you no longer have access to the 2006 Friend at Court, there is a link to a copy at my website http://mwofficials.home.att.net On the home page, there are links to both the 2007 and the 2006 Friend at Court.

The district trainers for the most part take their own time to go to their own training class with a National TE, and then use their own time to prepare, lead, and then follow up on your district training sessions. Please do not take the registration lightly. Don't cancel unless there is a very urgent conflict. Assume you have one chance to complete your training and attend that class. I often get requests for another training session late in August or September and there is none scheduled. Don't assume that the district trainer is going to schedule another session later for your convenience.

Remember, for 2008 recertification, you will need an eye doctor's signature. Be sure to schedule your appointment early enough to get your required signature on the datacard.

The Kenosha Men Future's tournament in August has moved to Elm Grove, Wisconsin. It will be Aug 3-Aug 12. The chief umpire is Sharyl Currie sharsunshine@aol.com

ITA New Rules-2007

2007-02-17T13:41:00.000-06:00

ITA Rules Changes for 2007
(New wording is indicated Bold)
2/6/07

Adopted by the Rules Committee at its December Meeting at the ITA Annual Coaches Convention.

Rule Change #1:
ITA Rule II.K.5 (p. 255-256). Before the state of the dual-meet match, the coach must submit the lineup, including their top 6 players who are available to play and in order of ability. Once the match has begun and a coach removes a player from the singles lineup, all players then must move up one spot and the No. 7 player must be inserted into the No. 6 position unless this move violates the order of ability rule (ITA Rule II.K.3) in which case the player will be inserted into their appropriate lineup position based on ability.

Rule Change #2:
ITA Rule II.K.6 (p. 256). A coach may remove any player from the doubles lineup by making a direct line substitution. The doubles lineup must still be played in order of ability. Players removed from the doubles lineup may play in singles. Once the match has officially begun, two players may be substituted for any doubles team (only if the match begins with singles). The lineup must remain in order of ability.

Rule Change #3:
ITA Rule II.V.B (pg. 260). For all ITA Division I National Tournaments, in singles, a can of balls must be used for each set (3 balls per set), and four balls (4) must be used in doubles pro-sets.
Note: The current ITA policy for dual matches will remain in effect through this spring season: to use a new can for the third set, unless conference rules mandate otherwise. This rule will be reviewed by the Rules Committee and Operating Committee at the meetings during the NCAA Championships this May.

New Rule:
ITA Rule I.E.12 (pg. 233). A player or coach ejected from a match must leave the tennis venue for the duration of the team match.

Rule Clarification:
A Roving Umpire, in direct observation of the court, may call a hindrance without being appealed to by one of the players on the court. A roving umpire may also call a “let” if a player is endangered by a stray ball on the court.

Rule Modification:
ITA Rule I.B.11 Touches, invasion of opponent’s court, reaching over the net, and double bounces, which states, “Calls involving a player touching his opponent’s court, hitting an opponent’s return before it has passed the net, and a double bounce must be called by the player committing the infraction. If there is a solo chair umpire, he also may make these calls. A roving umpire may make the call if he directly observed the incident or if he is appealed to.”

2007-02-17T09:53:00.000-06:00

Midwest Tennis Officials:
The last National TE taught training session in the Midwest Section is scheduled for Toledo, OH on the weekend of March 3-4. Pre-registration is required. The contact is Jerri Banks 419.634.7831 jerbanks (at) earthlink.net The trainer is Rebel Good. For other training sessions in the Midwest, go to http://mwofficials.home.att.net/Train/ to find the session most appropriate for your schedule. You must come to the class with each pre-test completed. You may download and print the required tests at
http://www.usta.com/rules/default.sps?iType=1059&icustompageid=16674 They must be completed using the 2006 Friend at Court as the reference. If you no longer have the 2006 FAC, there is a pdf file at the midwest website http://mwofficials.home.att.net