Annual Meeting Minutes

Annual meeting:  MTOA 

5 December 2012

Present:  Myron Krueger, Randall Edwards, Susan Wertenberger, Lee Thornburg, Gary

            Tolbert, Marsha Alexander, Randy McDonald, Gary Rayburn, Joe Mounger, Terry

            Gatzki, Seande Pulley, Jeannette Escutia, Mara Chase, Nancy King, Roz Tuerk.

The meting was called to order at 6:15 p.m.

Financial Report:  Randall went over the finances of the past year.  It was noted that there has been a decline in membership.  There was brief discussion on recruitment

of more officials.

Election of board members:  Susan presented the slate for board members with terms

ending  31 December 2015.  Those nominated were Lee Thornburg, Randall Edwards, Terry Gatzki and Roz Tuerk.  There were no nominations from the floor.  Randy moved to accept the slate as presented by Susan.  Seconded and passed.

The new board then voted  Lee Thornburg - President, Susan Wertenberger – Vice-President, Randall Edwards – Treasurer,  Roz Tuerk- Secretary.

Lee handed out copies of Article XIII of the constitution (committees).

After some discussion a publicity committee was formed.  This committee consists of Marsha Alexander, Jeannette Escutia, Randy McDonald, and Joe Mounger.  Also discussed was a web page.

Lee asked for  volunteers for the nominating committee.  The nominating committee for next year is Susan Wertenberger, Stephanie Burnam, and Myron Krueger.

The formation of a Training and Evaluation committee was next.  This committee shall consist of Randy McDonald (UIL & ITA), Myron Krueger, Seande Pulley and Mara Chase.

There was lengthly discussion on the budget for training and what happened to the thousand dollas grant.  Nancy said that it did not go to the chair academy, as originally thought. Nancy explained that it is a sectional grant.  The money is dispersed from Austin.  It goes directly to the official.  The problem is that money has not been received by officials.

The discussion then moved onto grassroots.  The current MTOA web page is not really used for assignments.  Susan  volunteered to keep up with the updated list of new officials.  This list will be updated every time a new official comes through Roving 101.

Training Money will be used for shadowing compensation.  There was also discussion  on the need for feedback to referees after shadowing.  More discussion on how to keep new officials better informed.  Seande stated that this is covered in Roving 101.  Mentoring was also briefly discussed.

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Discipline and Grievance:  Members of this committee are Myron Krueger, Joe Mounger, and Gary Tolbert.  In the discussion that followed Randy suggested that Lee contact Austin.  It appears that Austin does not always notify MTOA when a complaint has been filed.  See if better communication can be had.

Randy moved to adjourn.  It was seconded and passed. 

Meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted

Roz Tuerk, secretary

Officers

Lee Thornburg, President

Susan Wertenberger, Vice President

Randall Edwards, Treasurer

Roz Tuerk, Secretary

Terms ending 31 December 2013                             

Gary Tolbert

Nancy King

Randy McDonald

Seande Pulley

Terms ending 31 December 2014

Stephanie Burnam

Susan Wertenberger

Terry Gatzki  (replaces Nancy Ebersole)

Larry Gendron

Terms ending 31 December 2015

Lee Thornburg

Randall Edwards

Myron Krueger

Roz Tuerk

Lee Thornburg Elected As New MTOA President

The Metroplex Tennis Officials Association had their annual meeting tonight at Brookhaven Country Club.  During the meeting, Terry Gatzki was elected to the Board of Directors and then the Board elected Lee Thornburg as the new President of the organization.

Upon beginning his tenure as President, Lee immediately organized the various committees and the entire board was excited about the prospects of this coming year.  A renewed emphasis will be given to training and communication as well as finding innovative ways of involving new officials.

Be sure to check out the officers' and board members information at the right of the blog and if you have questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact them.

Congratulations to our new President and a special thanks to Nancy King was has served as our President for the past two years.

MTOA Annual Meeting Scheduled

President Nancy King announced the 2012 MTOA Annual Meeting on December 5th at 6:00 p.m. at Brookhaven Country Club.  All members of the MTOA are invited to attend and there will also be a Board Meeting after the annual meeting.  Board members and officers will be elected at the Board Meeting.

The meeting will also feature a meal so everyone is asked to bring a food dish.

MTOA Roster Now Available

If you are dues paying member of the MTOA, then you are eligible to receive an MTOA ROSTER for 2012-2013.  This roster contains all MTOA members and their contact information.

If you are interested in receiving one, email your request to:

metroplexofficials@yahoo.com

Texas Section "Recovery Rule"

Listed below is the new Texas Section "Recovery Rule" for adult and senior tournaments:


In the USTA Texas Section adult, senior, and super senior divisions, the regular format of full two of three sets will be used unless there are any singles draws large enough to require 3 singles matches on one day.  Those 3 singles matches should be scheduled on the first day of play with the Round One in singles scheduled as a ten point match tiebreaker in lieu of a final third set (which does not require a two hour rest period to be offered before the next singles match.)


All other Ad/Sr/SS matches will be the full two out of three sets, with a two hour rest period offered for any consecutive singles matches.  If both players agree, the 2 hour rest period can be shortened.  Doubles matches are not under this two hour recovery requirement, and if a doubles match is played between any two singles matches, the 2 hour rest period is not required to be offered. 


Listed below is the Texas Section Recovery Rule as it applies to juniors:


"The USTA has mandated that all full two out of three set singles matches shall offer a minimum rest period of two hours.  A minimum rest period of two hours is not required for matches using shortened formats, matches using a 10 point match tiebreaker in lieu of a third set, and all 10 and under tennis formats.


Super Champ Major Zone "B" Draws (Main Draw) and Champ Major Zones (Main Draw) will use a 10 point match tiebreak in lieu of a third set through the quarterfinal round.  Semifinals and finals will play a full two out of three set matches.


Junior others:  Depending on draw size, the Tournament Director and/or Referee will determine the appropriate match format.

Great Officiating Opportunity

Umpires needed for the USTA National B & G’s 18’s Regional (Formerly Texas Open)

The July Segment of this series is scheduled for July 7 - 10 at Canyon Creek Country Club in Richardson.

Please reply with dates you can work, and whether all day or what shift.

This is a great opportunity for you to work a National tournament.

Email Joe Mounger, Referee, at mounger@gmail.com

New Changes For Super Champs

At the recent USTA Texas Annual Meeting the Junior Tennis Council has made the following changes:

 

Effective immediately - All Super Champ Major Zone entry deadlines will be standardized to take place two Mondays prior to the start date of each tournament – at 11:59pm.

 

Singles

• Effective April 1, 2012 - Super Champ Major Zones will no longer use the all factors method for seeding and draw splits.  All seeding and draw splits for singles will be based on the most current Super Champ Standings List. 
• There will be no special consideration for younger players, Out of Section players, national rankings, significant wins or head-to-head wins.

 

Doubles

• Effective April 1, 2012 - The doubles seeding and draw splits at Super Champ Major Zones will be based upon the most current combined singles ranking on the Super Champ Standings List for each team.
• Effective April 1, 2012 - While it is still strongly encouraged to register together with a specific partner, players may now register for doubles individually.  Any player who registers individually will be paired with another individual entrant in descending order from the Super Champ Standings List.  Players may not make changes to this pairing unless a substitution is required from an original partner’s withdrawal.
• Effective April 1, 2012 - Doubles substitutions for withdrawals are now allowed anytime before the doubles team’s first round doubles match (the substitute player must still be entered in singles in that same age division). 

 

Out of Section Players

• Effective April 1, 2012 - Out of Section players will be seeded and placed into A or B draws based on the Super Champ Standing List (no special consideration towards draw splits or seeding).
• Effective September 1, 2012 – Out of Section players are limited to one Super Champ Major Zone per quarter.
• The schedule is as follows:
• 4^th Quarter 2012: October Super Champ Major Zone
• 1^st Quarter 2013: January Super Champ Major Zone
• 2^nd Quarter 2013: April Super Champ Major Zone
• 3^rd Quarter 2013: August Super Champ Major Zone
• 4^th Quarter 2013: October Super Champ Major Zone

 

Aging Up

• Effective April 1, 2012 - The Super Champ age up percentage will be 35% for all age divisions.  In order to age up into the Super Champ division, all Super Champ players must be within the top 35% of eligible players on the Super Champ Standings List for the month prior to their birth month.  In Super Champ Boys' and Girls' 12s, players may be ranked within the top 35 or be within the top 35% of eligible players.

 

 

MTOA Board Meeting

The MTOA Board of Directors met last night and took further steps to strengthen the training program of the association.  One of the most pressing issues facing our association is integrating new officials into the workforce and these new steps should greatly enhance that process.  Here are some of the steps being taken:

*  Each new official will be required to attend the Roving 101 class.  Upon certification, the new official will be contacted about the class and also be sent a class schedule so they can attend the training class of their choice.

*  Additional trainers will be added to the training program.  You can view the list of trainers at the bottom of this post.

*  Referees will be more involved in contacting new officials to work tournaments and events.

The board also reviewed and reaffirmed the current pay policies of the MTOA.  They confirmed the current pay scale of $18/hour for referees with an 8 hour minimum, and $15/hour for umpires with a 6 hour minimum.  They also reaffirmed the "meals policy" in which a tournament may either provide meals for their officials or allow the official to leave their site to go and obtain food for a reasonable period of time.

The board  adopted a new policy of assigning each new official to a more experienced official to help them navigate the beginnings of their officials career.  Upon certification, the new official will be sent an email notifying them of their mentor.

Here are the trainers for the MTOA:

Stephanie Burnam
Nancy Ebersole
Randall Edwards
Larry Gendron
Nancy King
Myron Krueger
Randy McDonald
Seande Pulley
Lee Thornburg
Roz Tuerk
Susan Wertenberger

Full Explanation of Three Minute Break Rule

Procedures for 3-Minute Rest Period before Match Tiebreak in Junior Matches

When a 3-minute rest period is taken in a junior match before a Match Tiebreak, the procedures below shall be followed.

1.   The official starts the clock on the 3-minute rest period after explaining the rest period and giving any explanation required because of a request for a toilet/change of attire break. There are three possible situations.

·         No player requests an immediate toilet/change of attire break.  The official simply starts the clock at the end of the explanation.

·         At least one player requests an immediate toilet/change of attire break.  The official starts the clock at the end of the explanation in order to time the rest period and the toilet/change of attire break.  (The toilet/change of attire break must be timed so that the official has at least some objective information on which to determine whether a player has exceeded the reasonable time allowed for the toilet/change of attire break.)

·         One or more player requests a toilet/change of attire break after the 3-minute rest period. 

o  The official starts the clock at the end of the explanation. 

o  The official starts the clock again at the end of the 3-minute rest period so that the official has at least some objective information on which to determine whether a player has exceeded the reasonable time allowed for the toilet/change of attire break.

2.   Players must remain on court or in an area adjacent to the court designated by an official.

3.   The official shall monitor the entire 3-minute rest period to ensure that players do not leave the court or the designated area.  The official must continue to monitor the court until play resumes, even if the official’s assistance is needed or requested on another court.

4.   Coaching is permitted during the 3-minute rest period and must take place on court or in an area adjacent to the court designated by an official.  Coaching may take place using a cell phone or other communication device.  The device must be turned off and stowed at the conclusion of the 3-minute rest period.

5.   A player who is not ready to play at the end of the 3-minute rest period may receive a time violation, just as the player would for being late after a changeover or 2-minute Set Break.   Should an additional 20 seconds pass without the player being ready, a code violation for delay of game may be issued.

6.   If both players or teams are not ready to play, assess the time violation penalty against the last player or team who is ready to play.

7.   A player may choose to take a toilet/change of attire break during the 3-minute rest period, but in doing so, the player waives the right to further coaching and coaching is not permitted during the toilet/change of attire break.  Reasonable time is given for this break.  The break must be timed so that the official has at least some objective information on which to determine whether a player has exceeded the reasonable time allowed for the toilet/change of attire break.  Coaching for any player not taking a toilet/change of attire break ends at the conclusion of the 3-minute rest period.

8.   Preferably any toilet/change of attire break is taken at the conclusion of the 3-minute rest period.  Reasonable time is given for this break.  Coaching is not permitted for a player who is taking a toilet/change of attire break or for any player waiting for another player to return from a toilet/change of attire break.

Instruction to Players Before Start of 3-Minute Rest Period

1.  Instruct the players immediately before beginning to time the rest period.

·         The 3-minute rest period will begin at the conclusion of this explanation.

·         Coaching is allowed during the rest period.

·         Coaching must occur on court or in the area that the Referee has designated that is next to the court.

·          “Time” will be called at 2 and ½ minutes and players must be ready to play in 30 seconds thereafter;

·         Failure to be ready to play will result in a time violation.

·         Further delay will result in code violations.

2.  If a player requests a toilet/change of attire break:

·         Explain that the toilet/change of attire break may be taken after the 3-minute rest period and that the player has reasonable time to complete the break.  No player may receive coaching during a toilet/change of attire break.

·         If a player insists on the need to take the break now, explain that the player loses the right to receive coaching and has reasonable time to complete the break.

3.   Assuming that at least one player takes advantage of the rest period, the official calls "Time" at 2 ½ minutes and advises the players that within 30 seconds all coaching must cease and they must be ready to play.

4.   If a player is not ready to play, the official assesses a time violation.  The penalty will be either a warning or a point penalty depending on whether the player or team has received a previous time violation.

5.   If the player is not ready to play in an additional 20 seconds, the official assesses a code violation.  The penalty is a point penalty, game penalty, or default depending on whether the player or team has received a previous code violation.  Note that if the penalty is a game, the match is over.

6.   If the player is not ready to play in an additional 20 seconds, the official assesses a code violation resulting in the match being over.

Reasonable Time for Toilet/Change of Attire Break

1.   The rules allow players reasonable time for a toilet/change of attire break.  Penalties for lateness after a toilet/change of attire break should be assessed in only the most blatant case of delay.  The players must be given the benefit of the doubt.

2.   When the courts are arranged for easy access to toilet facilities, the Referee may give guidance to the players and officials as to how long it should take for a round trip to the toilet.  But even then, it is impossible for the Referee to fix a specific time as being reasonable because of variables including:

·         The possibility of there being a line to use the facilities.

·         The difference in the reasonable amount of time needed to use the toilet or locker room depending on the specific reason for the trip.

3.   A blatant case that justifies assessment of a penalty for lateness requires the official to be convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that a player has abused the right to a toilet/change of attire break.  The official may assess a time violation (warning or point penalty depending on whether the player or team has previously received a time violation).  If play has not begun within 20 seconds of issuing the time violation, a code violation (point, game, or default) may be assessed.

4.   Remember that the bigger issue with toilet/change of attire breaks is with a player receiving unauthorized coaching.  The penalty for receiving unauthorized coaching is a code violation.

MTOA Spring Work Opportunities

The MTOA has a list available of all tournaments in the Metroplex in February through May of 2012.  The list contains the tournament name, dates, referee, contact information, and tennis link for the tournament.

If you are interested in receiving this list, please email your request to the email posted above and we will be glad to send you a copy.

February 3rd Line Clinic Information

BASIC INFORMATION

Date:  February 3, 2012

Location:  T-M Racquet Club

Time:  7:00 p.m.

Duration of clinic:  2 hours

Contact Person:  Seande Pulley (spulley12@hotmail.com) 214 896 8122

LINE UMPIRE TECHNIQUES & PROCEDURES

Be neatly dressed in your USTA uniform, unless issued another uniform by the tournament. Have your sunglasses, water bottle, etc. ready. Arrive early (perhaps 7 minutes) to your assigned court.

Service line:
 Chair should be facing straight down the service line
 Sit alertly in a comfortable position, hands resting on your knees, feet on the ground
 When the server starts to toss the ball, move your head and eyes to the line
 If the serve is good (within 18”), make your safe signal (SS) by placing your hands together, just off the knee. If you are on the same side as the chair umpire, the SS should be slanted
toward the Chair Umpire (CU). If opposite the CU, arms straight, hands together, just off the knee.
 If the serve is out, loudly call “fault” and then make your signal out (SO). Your arm should be straight from the shoulder, thumb closed against your hand.
 If you are on the same side as the CU, the SO should be straight out toward the service line.
 If opposite the Chair Umpire, the SO should be parallel to your sideline.
**** Additional duties: * have a measuring device to check net between sets


Base Line:
* prepare for ball change if needed (2 or 3 games before change)
 Chair should be angled toward the intersection of the serve line and the far sideline
 Sit alertly with good posture, hands resting on your knees, feet flat on the ground
 If the server is on the opposite end from you, you have no call to make until at least 3 hits. So watch the point develop.
 If the server is on your end, watch for footfaults, but do not “hawk” the line. Then, watch the point develop. Head movement (HM) as you “watch the point develop” is important. But, Do not track. Rather follow the ball in play (at least from service line to service line) and go to your baseline when threatened. The decision to go to the line should be made before or as the ball crosses the net, giving time to decide a focal point for looking at the line depending on the direction the ball is traveling.
 If you are on the same side as the Chair Umpire, SSs and SOs should be slanted toward the CU.
 If opposite the Chair Umpire, hand signals should be just off the knee, or straight from the shoulder.
 SS: 18”or less, hands together, just off the knee SO: shoulder high, arm straight, after a loud, crisp “out”


Long line:
 Before each point move quickly to your appropriate position depending on the crew configuration (Chr +1, Chr +3 , Chr + 5, Chr + 6, etc)
 Ready position (RP): feet roughly shoulder width, hands on knees (similar to a baseball umpire)
 At Ease: feet roughly shoulder width, hands clasped behind back
 If the server is on your end, watch server until the toss starts, then move your head and eyes to the line.
 Head movement (HM) during the point is important. Follow play, then go to the line when threatened.
 Moving from center to side line requires fast movement. Instead of using a two-hand SS, use a one-hand running safe signal (RS) to assist in quickness. Be sure to keep an eye on the action as you move.
 SS: 18’’or less, hands together, just off the knee SO: shoulder high, arm straight, after a loud,
(vertical to the ground), in the ready position crisp “out,” in the ready position
 When calling serve behind the receiver, there are 3 acceptable positions: A. on the line, in the ready position or crouched low, B. inside standing (hands on thighs) or in the ready position, C. outside standing (hands on thighs) or in the ready position. After the serve, move quickly to the normal RP.


Miscellaneous:
 Look to the chair umpire (1) on point ending shots, (2) between points, (3) and always on changeovers
 Don’t dive, flag, or embellish hand signals. Just off the knee, or shoulder high, with arm(s) straight
 “Out” calls should be crisp, prompt and loud. Long “out” calls do not necessarily sell.
 Always follow the Official’s Code of Conduct, on and off the court.
This document was originally prepared by Bob

NOTE: symbols for T/E grading of line officials can be seen as a beginning note on NUCULA

MTOA Request For Training Monies

Printed below is the formal request that the MTOA has sent to the USTA Texas Section requesting funds for training:

OFFICIALS TRAINING

Metroplex Tennis Officials Association

Dallas/Fort Worth Area

2012

PROPOSAL

Trainees would be paid a flat rate of $50.

 Trainees would have to attend either the annual Officials School or Roving 101.

 Trainees would be assigned a trainer and rove for at least one 6-hour shift.

 Roving 101 teacher would receive a flat rate of $50 per training session.

Trainers for roving officials would be paid by the tournament and trainees from the USTA money.

Trainer would determine if trainee was ready after the allotted training time.

                                                                  COST  PROJECTIONS

$50 per trainee for 6 hours of on-court training X 20 officials: $1000

20 trainees are projected since there is an average of 30 new officials per year, but not all complete the training.

$50  per training session for Roving 101 instructor X 6 sessions per year:  $300.

Training for chair officials:  $400

Total cost for all training and materials:  $1700

GUIDELINES

 Roving 101 would only be required of those officials who take the provisional test during the year and have not attended the  officials school.

Those who attend the school would not be required to attend Roving 101.

Trainers would be expected to cover the Roving 101 materials during the training time.

Roving 101 materials will be mailed to all trainees who do not attend the Roving 101 class.

The trainer would have the discretion to say whether or not the trainee is ready after the allotted training time.

Trainees must wear official clothing, possibly with the exception of the shirt, but in lieu of the official shirt, trainee must wear a red or blue polo shirt.  Trainees who are improperly dress will not be permitted to do the shadowing.

Point to remember:  MTOA averages 30 new officials per year, but not all would complete all of the training.  Based on previous numbers, of the 30 who start, around 20 complete all of the training.