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Karen Hird, Jim Wharton, and Charlotte Cornwallis. photo by Michael Do
The opportunity for the United States ladies to compete
in events such as these helps to elevate the standard of
play for of the US based players. It is only by competing
against these overseas players that the USCTA will be able
to raise the level of play of our domestic pool.
MEMBERSHIP
Through the hard work of our Membership Secretary,
Dacre Stoker, the USCTA was able to not only sustain our
membership, during these difficult economic times, but
also increase our numbers. This has not been easy and the
Membership Committee is to be commended for their efforts.
The Association continues to work on improving
communications so that it can provide more timely information
regarding upcoming tournaments and results. As the
USCTA transitions towards the new electronic medium there
will be more opportunities for you to receive information.
FINANCES
Arnold Spangler took over as Treasurer this past season and
he has done a magnificent job keeping the Associations’
finances in order. We are in a sound position and continue
to support the game in conjunction with the United States
Court Tennis Preservation Foundation. I am also delighted
to report that we were able to increase the professional
prize money by 25% across the board.
HANDICAP & RANKING
The Handicap & Ranking Committee continues to monitor
and adjust the system. The most problematic area is doubles
handicapping. The committee while recognizing some anom-
2008-2009 Annual Report
alies in the system is encouraging players to enter results so
that a fair assessment of the system is possible. Unfortunately
each club has a somewhat different policy regarding entering
scores. Ideally all scores, both singles and doubles should be
entered and ultimately the results will sort themselves out.
In closing I would like to thank all of you as members
of the USCTA who make this game and the Association
such a success. Without your participation in club tournaments
and national events the game would not grow. The
volunteerism at the club and national level is extraordinary.
Week in and week out club members set aside their time to
provide competitive experience for all of us. If you have not
had a chance to help in your respective clubs, please take
the opportunity to do so, it is a rewarding experience and a
chance to give back to this wonderful game.
Lastly I would like to thank our professionals who
work long hours to not only teach the game and assist in
running our clubs, but also train to maintain the highest
level of competition. These are the people who make the
game flow from day to day.
Respectfully submitted,
James D. Wharton
President
Ed Hughes, Hughes/Slater Winner Jeremy Wintersteen and Jim Wharton. photo by Michael Do
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