Upcoming Line Clinics

Southern is promoting Line Clinics in conjunction with the following USTA Pro Circuit events:

City Date Chief Umpire
Atlanta, GA Monday, July 14 Kristi Smith Kristi_smith@hotmail.com
Lexington, KY Saturday July 19 Anne Burrell-Smith Abs56@bellsouth.net
Ashland, KY Saturday Sept 20 Anne Burrell-Smith Abs56@bellsouth.net
Troy AL Saturday Sept 27 March Archuleta archmarc@gmail.com
Lawrenceville, GA Saturday, Oct 11 Anne Burrell-Smith Abs56@bellsouth.net
Augusta, GA Saturday Oct 18 Diane Spangler dispangler@aol.com
Louisville, KY Friday, Oct 24 Roger White chairace@aol.com
Knoxville, TN Friday, Nov 14 Anne Burrell-Smith Abs56@bellsouth.net

Line clinics are free and are open to all officials. If you are interested in attending one of these clinics, contact the chief umpire listed above.

2008 ITF White Badge Referee School

2008 ITF White Badge Referee School: National Adult/Senior & Wheelchair National Championships

The ITF Seniors Department and the USTA Adult/Senior Competitive Department have agreed to meet the new ITF Seniors Regulation stating the Referee shall be a minimum White Badge Official Standard at USTA/ITF sanctioned events. This requirement is currently in place at selected USTA/ITF junior and wheelchair events. The USTA will be hosting an ITF White Badge Referee school which is a new ITF certification category. We encourage officials with referee experience and interest in referee assignments at these selected USTA/ITF events (who currently do not hold any ITF certification) to apply for this school by completing the USTA OFFICIALS DEPARTMENT ITF WHITE BADGE REFEREE SCHOOL INTEREST APPLICATION. All applicants who complete this interest application will receive the ITF certification form for completion.

This school will be held in the first week of October, 2008, at a location to be determined. If you are interested, go to the USTA Officials site (http://www.usta.com/GetInvolved/Officials.aspx) and complete the application located near the bottom of the page and send it directly to:
USTA Officials Department
Attn. Rich Kaufman
70 West Red Oak Lane
White Plains, NY 10604
or
E-mail: Kaufman@usta.com
of
Fax to: 914 696-7008

Attention ITA Officials

In the last month I’ve been contacted regarding officials mishandling procedures and making improper rulings during ITA matches. Since the reports are coming from various states, I want to take the time to emphasis a few key points as we head into the regional and championships:

1. When dealing with angry coaches and/or players, remember it’s not just what you say, it is how you say it. If they raise their voice, keep yours calm and even. Be an active listener - don’t escalate the situation. Always retain a professional demeanor.

2. Treat both players/teams consistently in all aspects of your officiating.

3. Keep in mind, if a player commits a code violation after his last match and while the last round of matches is on the court, then the highest match still in progress receives the penalty. The carry over penalty is applied at the start of the next game. However, if the match is in a tie break, the penalty is assessed immediately.

4. Referees should stay on court when ever matches are in progress. Keep an eye on contentious matches. Don’t let a coach or player abuse one of your officials. Sometimes just your presence next to the court will diffuse the situation.

5. Take the time to review the ITA rules in the Friend At Court (p 247-273 in 2008 FAC). If you have questions on how to handle a ruling or procedure – be sure and get them answered before the dual match

Good luck and enjoy the tournaments!

Anne Burrell-Smith

Chair Academy Umpire Selection

Congratulations to the following Southern Officials selected to attend the 2008 Chair Academy in Hilton Head Island this June:

Kim Angermeir (KY)
Alex Botoman (GA)
Denise Hanson (GA)
Holly Meckley (NC)
John Meckley (NC)

2008 Southern Training/Evaluation Dates

2008 Line Umpire Clinics
April 7 - Mobile Alabama - contact Anne Burrell-Smith (abs56@bellsouth.net)
April 18 - Baton Rouge LA - contact Aimee Johnson (aimee@ngjlaw.com )
April 19 - Dothan AL - contact Anne Burrell-Smith (abs56@bellsouth.net)
May 2 - Tunica MS - contact Pete Gameros (gamep@juno.com )
June 2 - Hilton Head Island SC - contact Anne Burrell-Smith (abs56@bellsouth.net)
July 18 - Lexington KY - contact Anne Burrell-Smith (abs56@bellsouth.net)

2008 Certification Clinics
Date - City - Trainer - Contact
Jan 6 Louisville KY Chair clinic - Judy Brown - Judy Brown
Jan 12-13 - New Orleans LA - Lois Huggins - Aimee Johnson
Sunday afternoon (13th) an ITA and Referee clinic will be taught by a Sectional TE
Jan 12-13 – Louisville KY - Bard Rickey - Judi Bigg
Jan 12-13 Pelham AL - Bill Barber - Terry Bailey - new date & TE
Jan 18 New Orleans chair clinic - Judy Brown - Aimee Johnson
Jan 25-27 - Atlanta GA - Martha Gregg - Jim Askren
Jan. 25-27 – Columbia SC - Bill Barber - Kurt Wassen
Jan 30 - Louisville KY chair clinic - Judy Brown - Aaron Browning

Feb 2-3 - Auburn AL - Kristi Smith - Kristi Smith kristi_smith@hotmail.com
Feb 2-3 - Charlotte NC - Joe Buys -Jane Scott
Feb 2-3 Columbus GA - Jim Askren/ Sharon Wright - Bob Offer
Feb 2-3 - Florence SC - Cancelled due to illness - will post new date when rescheduled
Feb 2-3 - Mobile AL - Terry Bailey - contact hanslaub@comcast.net
Feb 4 Atlanta GA - Bob Sanford - Joby Ferary (770) 419-4611joby@allcourt.com
Feb 7 -8 - Little Rock AR - Roger White - Cindy Curtis
Feb 9-10 - Greenville SC - Kurt Wassen & Al Marshall - Kurt Wassen
Feb 9- 10 - Jackson MS - Joe Buys - Pete Mitchell
Feb 9-10 Macon GA – Sharon Wright - Ann Kearbey (478) 781-7555akearbey@bellsouth.net
Feb 9-10 - Raleigh NC - Jane Goodman - Jane Scott
Feb 15-17 - Fayetteville AR - Tony Nimmons - Mike Standrod
Feb 16-17 Rome GA – Sharon Wright - Peggy Baldwin
Feb 16 - Morgantown KY - Judy Brown - Clint Dockery - topspin8@yahoo.com(Less than 5 years, ITA & Ref)
Feb 16 - Huntsville AL - Sharon Wright- Thomas Colvin contact tcolvin3@aol.com
Feb 16-17 - Knoxville TN - Rebel Good - Margaret Colchin mlctennis@comcast.net
Feb 17 - Lexington SC - one day referee only (current referee cert. required) - Kurt Wassen
Feb. 23-24 - Chattanooga TN - Jane Young - Jane Young tennis2xs@aol.com
Feb 23-24 - Ocean Springs, Ms - Pete Mitchell - Jane Holland (janeh@mstennis.com)
Feb 23-24 - Savannah GA - John Sutter - Dick Bailey dicktbailey@earthlink.net
Feb 23-24 - Memphis TN - Donna Mille-Williams -Donna Mille-Williams donnamille@hotmail.com
Feb 29 - Louisville KY (0-5 Year USTA School) - Judy Brown - Judy Brown dtjbrown@mindspring.com

Mar 1 - Knoxville TN - Margaret Colchin - Margaret Colchin -Referee only mlctennis@comcast.net 865-690-8780
March 1-2 - Augusta GA - Bill Barber - Bob Bollig (706) mailto:790-6981bobac2@hotmail.com
March 1 -2 - Rome GA - Sharon Wright - Peggy Baldwin (706) 734 7166 baldwin@hotmail.com
March 1-2 - Winston Salem NC - Jane Goodman - Jane Scott
Mar. 1-2 - Charleston SC - Kurt Wassen - Kurt Wassen KWassen@aol.com
Mar 1-2 - Nashville TN - Martin Brown - Clyde McCambell 615-373-9861
Mar 4 - Knoxville TN - Margaret Colchin - Margaret Colchin ITA Only mlctennis@comcast.net 865-690-8780
Mar 8 - Athens GA - Jim Askren - Roger Majchrzak (706) 548-8246rmajchrzak@hotmail.com
Mar 8-9 - Johnson City TN - Bob Mitchell - Bob Mitchell susan_mitchell@comcast.net
March 8- 9 - Florence SC - Kurt Wassen - Kurt Wassen - KWassen@aol.com
Mar 15-16 Bainbridge GA – Bob Offer - Roy White
Mar 15 – Athens GA - Roger Majchrzak – Jim Askren
Mar 15-16 - Snow Hill NC - Ricky Smith - Jane Scott - register on the nctennis.com website

April 26-27 – Marietta GA - Bard Rickey - Sharon Wright sgwright43@bellsouth.net

May 17-18 - Ashland KY - Judy Brown - Jerry Groce - jgroceusta@adelphia.net

Jun 7-8 Augusta GA – Bob Offer– Bob Bollig
Jun 20-21 - Shreveport LA - Jane Christensen - John Liles
Jun 28 - LA TBA - Jane Christensen - Jane Christensen

July 12 - Mobile AL - Terry Bailey - Fred Cooper 251-583-5504
email f.c.cooper@comcast.net

TBA - Chattanooga TN - TBA - Jane Young tennis2xs@aol.com

August Provisional Clinic - TBA GA - Bob Whitton (770) mailto:458-668rwwhitton@comcast.net
October Provisional Clinic - TBA GA - Bob Whitton (770) mailto:458-668rwwhitton@comcast.net

Evaluation Dates
Date - City - TE - Contact
Feb. 24-26 ATP/WTA-MemphisTN - Martin Brown - Joan Vormbaum

Mar. 13-16 ITA-Montgomery Blue/Gray Montgomery, AL - Tony Nimmons - Bill Haskin

April 7 - Mobile Men's 15K - Anne Burrell-Smith - Anne abs56@bellsouth.net
Line Clinic - Time TBD

Apr. 13-15 WTA-Family Circle Cup Charleston, SC - Anne Burrell-Smith - Tamma Klassen

Apr. 20-22 USTA Pro Circuit Women's 75K Dothan, AL - Joe Buys - Anne Burrell-Smith
Line clinic April 19 in Dothan - contact Anne abs56@bellsouth.net

May 3-5 USTA Pro Circuit Men's 50K Tunica, MS - TBA - Carole Cox

Davis Cup - April 11-13 - Winston Salem, NC

The USA Davis Cup team plays away this weekend (2/8-10). If they win, they play in Winston-Salem April 11-13. Anyone interested in working this Tie (if it happens) should apply on line (USTA site) now.

URL: http://dps.usta.com/usta_master/usta/doc/content/doc_13_16851.pdf?4/16/2007%208:50:26%20PM

New ITA Southern Conference Rule

Attention ITA Officials who work Southern Conference Matches

Beginning this season, the ITA Southern Conference is eliminating the Point Penalty step in the PPS. The structure for Code Violations will have only two steps:
Step 1 - loss of game
Step 2 - default

2008 USTA Chair Academy - Hilton Head Island, SC

The 2008 USTA Chair Academy is scheduled for May 30- June 2nd at Hilton Head Island. Officials who are interested in attending should complete an application and submit it to Ryan Orner 90 days in advance. This makes the deadline for the application the end of February.

The application and process is on-line off the USTA Officials website under:
1- Training and Education
2- USTA Chair Academy
3- click on "click here for more".

Or from the following URL:
http://dps.usta.com/usta_master/usta/doc/content/doc_13_19924.pdf?11/3/2007%204:09:06%20PM

Applicants also need to have the recommendation from either their Sectional Chairman or a National TE 75 days in advance - which would be March 15th.

If you have questions, contact your state or sectional chairman.

2008 ITA Rule 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 menÂ’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.

REMOVED: 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)"

2008 Certification Cards

When you receive your 2008 Certification Card please verify it reflects your correct certifications. If you have any questions regarding your certifications, please contact your state chairman. If they deem changes are in order they will forward the change on to Anne Burrell-Smith. The deadline (in NY) for appeals on certifications is March 1st, 2008.

Jamey Davis - Southern's Official of the Year

The USTA Southern Section recognized James Davis with the Tennis Official of the Year Award at the USTA Southern Section Annual Meeting held in Atlanta, GA.

James Davis is a familiar face around the courts. He can be seen officiating several Level 3 and Level 5 tournaments around the country. In the past 12 months, Davis has been on court with some of the top juniors in the Boys and Girls 16s National Open, with Pete Sampras in an exhibition with Todd Martin, and with Roger Federer. Davis was never pursuing the recognition or honors he has achieved through his officiating but his hard work and dedication is looked at as a “personal note of satisfaction regarding tennis”.

For tennis watchers in the Southeastern Conference, Davis officiates various Mississippi State and Louisiana State University ITA matches. He was also part of the 2007 SEC Men’s Indoor Championship crew. Davis has also worked several tournaments this year on the Level 5 Challenger tour including Men’s 50K in Tallahassee, FL, Tunica, MS and New Orleans, LA and Women’s 50K in Troy, AL and Lawrenceville, GA.

On the 2007 professional tour, Davis has been on officiating crews for Family Circle Cup Championships, the Fed Cup tie between USA and Belgium, Wimbledon Qualifying, Legg Mason ATP and the US Open. In his 2006 Open experience, he was assigned to work on crew in Arthur Ashe Stadium only one day, which happened to be the day Andre Agassi played his last professional match on that court. In 2007, after being scheduled four days on crew in Ashe Stadium, Davis received the Jack Stahr Award. This award is given to recognize outstanding work primarily to a line umpire in his/her first three years at the US Open that displays hard work, professionalism, technical ability and cooperative attitude.

Founded in 1881, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in this country. In addition to owning the US Open and selecting members of the Davis Cup, Fed Cup, Olympic and Paralympic teams, the USTA administers a variety of programs nationwide for players of all ages and ability levels and, as a not-for-profit organization, the association invests 100% of its proceeds to promote and develop the growth of tennis. It is divided into 17 sections, of which the USTA Southern Section is the largest. The 168,000+ USTA members living in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee make up the USTA Southern Section, and account for approximately 25% of the total USTA membership. A professional staff housed in Norcross, GA carries out the USTA Southern Section’s daily operations, but policy is formed and much of the organization’s work is executed via a Board and committee structure of over 200 volunteers. For more information about the types of programs and services offered by the

2008 US OPEN APPLICATIONS

The 2008 US Open application form “WILL NOT” be mailed out to officials as has been the process in previous years. The application is available on the USTA web page.

Please use the link below to access the page where the application form can be downloaded. Carefully read the instructions and conditions for applying, deadline has been extended to March 1, 2008.

http://www.usta.com/rules/default.sps?iType=1059&icustompageid=20184

Davis and Fed Cup Information

The USTA Officials Department in conjunction with the ITF Officiating and Davis Cup and/or Fed Cup tie Chief Umpire, select the Line Umpires to work each Davis Cup and Fed Cup in the United States. If you (i) qualify to work as a Line Umpire for a tie, (ii) are available and willing to work at a specified tie and (iii) wish to be considered for a Line Umpire assignment at a tie, you must submit your availability to the USTA Officials Department no later than 60 days prior to the event’s commencement. Applications for these ties can be found on the USTA Officials site under Professional Tennis:
http://www.usta.com/rules/default.sps?iType=1059&icustompageid=20848
1st Round Fed Cup - Feb 2-3 - location TBA
1st Round Davis Cup - Feb 8-10 - location TBA

2007 Davis Cup Final Officials - Portland Oregon
Tamma Cain - NC
Palma Chryst - SC
Randy Coble - AL