FEB 
2015

ISSUE 
No. 4


THE "RUMOR MILL" Rumor
The USTA Southern Meeting and "Train the Trainer" sessions in Atlanta, were opportunities to hear more from the growing staff in the USTA Officials Department.

1. National is working on several items slowly and carefully to be comfortable that they are getting it right the first time.  

 

2. Even though there is a new logo, there is currently no new clothing for officials, so, continue wearing what you have now.  

 

3. A draft for a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) for a new system to replace Nucula is in the works. We need to maintain all of our work records, etc. in the current Nucula system this year for the 2016 certification process. I would not expect a new system to be online until sometime in 2016.

 

4. They are looking at simplifying the various certifications we have.  


5. "Face-to-face" training in a classroom will likely continue for some segment of our officials, particularly the new officials. However, we will likely see more online training for certain groups. One member of the expanded staff is dedicated to this part of the plan.  

MOVING FORWARD IN SOUTH CAROLINA SC

1. We are working to identify venues and dates around the state for more training clinics. Clinics this year are (1) for brand new people to obtain their first certification and (2) for currently certified officials to meet the classroom requirements for their 2016 certification. Cramming all of the clinics into the early part of the year was not necessary, so moving to more clinics at a time where fewer people have other conflicts should make it easier and more convenient. If you haven't had the opportunity to attend a clinic by the end of August, make sure we know.

 

2. We are also working with Tournament Directors and Referees to help them obtain officials, if they need more than they can find.   Where we can't, by policy, be actively involved with making assignments, we can operate as a "matchmaker" and help put you in contact with tournaments looking for officials. We've already done this twice, in addition to the announcement for officials that would like to work the Palmetto Championships in Belton. The data we are collecting will be forwarded to the Tournament Director for his/her use in hiring officials.

 

3. Our mentoring program in South Carolina is the key to our success. If asked to mentor a new official you will find you will have a huge effect on the quality and enthusiasm of that person as they continue in officiating. Be advised that Southern (and SC) policy is that a new official, in addition to the clinics and tests, must successfully complete their mentoring program BEFORE they are certified and have their account in Nucula approved. So, we want to have a solid mentoring program, but not one that takes so long that the new official is lost.

ONLINE CODE OF CONDUCT SYSTEM

The junior code of conduct suspension system in now online. Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to enter Code of Conduct violations in TennisLink. 

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