Greetings AACTA Members!
The 2008 season begins April 1 for ladder challenge matches. Please review the rules as some changes were made last year. Remember to pay your membership dues before making challenges.
This year we’re encouraging on-line payment since it is the most effective way to manage our growing membership rolls. Therefore, no paper membership form is sent with this mailer However, if you still prefer sending a paper check, you can print the membership form from our website and send it with your check. (Please print legibly.) I’m happy to report that despite the worsening economy, AACTA dues remain $20 for the umpteenth year in a row, and your board members are working hard to keep it that way.
Many of your board members have given uncountable hours over many years to provide the best organized tennis activities possible. When you get the opportunity, be sure to express your gratitude to them. They are listed here.
The Spring Kick-Off Tournament is scheduled for April 1-5. This is a USTA leveled event, and you need to be a USTA member. Draws include men's open singles, and singles by level (2.5-4.0) and by age (40, 50, 60); men’s open doubles, and by level (combined 6.0-7.0); women’s open singles and singles by level (2.5-4.0); women’s open doubles and by level (3.0-4.0). Consolation draws are offered for open, women’s singles & doubles. You must sign up on by March 27. Fees, draws, & schedules are posted on-line.
Complimentary T-shirts are provided again this year. Pick them up at the Spring Kick-Off Tournament, or later during team tennis events. You don’t have to participate in the events – just stop by and pick one up.
Other dates to put on your calendar include the Annapolis City Open June 6-15 and the Annapolis Junior Open July 19-25, both being organized by Randy Stevens. We’ll be posting information about it later on the website. Randy is always looking for volunteers, so please contact him for more information, and let him know if you can help. AACTA’s popular Team Tennis Event is again organized by Don Fairhead this summer, and we’re expecting even greater participation. In order to accommodate all players we’re in need of more participants willing to captain a team. Applications will be sent in the mail, and will also be available on-line. Deadline to apply is July 5, captains meeting to draft players will be July 7, and play begins July 14. Check our website later in the season for fall tournament events and end of the year party when ladder awards are presented.
Membership has increased over the past 2 years (from roughly 250 to 400) largely due to the efforts of Greg Critcher resurrecting the dying AACTA tournaments. Using NTRP ratings to make competition leveled, using USTA protocol and website advertising, we now have tennis players coming from outside the county to participate. Most of us enjoy the opportunity to meet and compete against new players of similar ability.
Running an effective tournament is a time and labor intensive task, and AACTA has been without a tournament director for several years. Some board members took on the responsibility for a couple years, and lately, Greg Critcher has been running tournaments, even though he signed onto the board to write the ladder program and create a website. Since the tournament director has traditionally been such a difficult position to fill, the board felt it should become a paid position. One of the last actions of the board last season, was to approve compensation for a tournament director, up to 30% of participants fees (subject to board discretion, and dependant on the financial status of AACTA). The position would be open to any AACTA member subject to board approval, and the board has requested Greg Critcher to maintain this position in light of his experience and success with increasing membership and tournament participation. Moreover, member feedback has been extremely positive and appreciative.
The AACTA board would like to encourage the development of new and different tennis activities for the benefit of our members. If anyone has interest in organizing an event with similar financial sponsorship as our tournaments, please contact any board member. As always, feel free to contact us with any concerns or suggestions.
Finally, I’d like to announce my departure as AACTA president. I’ve been on the board as president, and before that as ladder chairperson since 1995. It’s been rewarding, and exciting to see all the growth and improvements. I’ve enjoyed meeting so many wonderful people this organization attracts. I’m leaving AACTA in the capable hands of Michelle Archibald, and all the experienced board members who are all looking out for your best tennis experience. I wish you a healthy and enjoyable tennis season.
Sincerely,
Kay Sersen |
