January -
February 1998
Vol. 9, No. 1

CHANGING TIMES
by Luke St. Onge

Only three short years ago the entire industry met during the "Atlanta Super Show" to discuss the future development and expansion of racquetball. There, over 40 industry leaders outlined a course for racquetball through the year 2000.

The first priority became an initiative with club owners, with special emphasis on changing the attitude of IHRSA toward racquetball. The result: a club profit video and comprehensive programming workbook was developed and distributed throughout the U.S. and Canada.

The second project was to create a premier, televised event in which the entire industry could take part and support fully. The result: the U.S. Open debuted in 1996 with the portable court and ESPN coverage.

Until recently, the final unification effort — a working relationship between the National Governing Body (USRA) and the professional wing of the sport (IRT-WIRT) — had not been realized. At this time I am happy to report that negotiations between the USRA and the IRT/WIRT over the past year have resulted in a working agreement that will be mutually beneficial to both organizations, and to the sport overall.

The agreement addresses issues of sanctioning, insurance, joint competitions, communications, tournament activity, media efforts, Hall of Fame, and virtually every aspect of racquetball. Wherever joint efforts between the two organizations stand to benefit the sport as a whole, the USRA and IRT/WIRT have pledged to work together for that common good. Like USA Basketball and the NBA, or USA Hockey and the NHL, the USRA and IRT/WIRT have become partners in a shared vision for the sport. Full details of the agreement will be released later in the year.

Special recognition goes to all those who all had the vision and the dedication to make this important "third stage" happen, notably IRT/WIRT Commissioner Hank Marcus, the USRA Board of Directors and Eric Muller. Who knows what we can accomplish when we all work together?

IHRSA's New Era of Racquetball Promotion
Through the efforts of IHRSA Executive Director, John McCarthy, and IHRSA's Director of Sales and Promotion, Chuck Leve, a new, aggressive approach to racquetball is being taken by the club organization. Recognizing that racquetball members frequent clubs more, stay longer, and spend more money, IHRSA has renewed its effort to promote racquetball as a major activity within the fitness industry. The Sporting Goods Manufacturers, The Racquetball Industry Association, USRA, and IRT/WIRT have joined IHRSA in placing ads, establishing racquetball programming recognitions, and promoting racquetball jointly at the annual IHRSA convention.

This year the IHRSA convention will be held at the convention center in Phoenix, Arizona, and will feature:
• The first Annual IHRSA Racquetball Programming Award, honoring IHRSA clubs that have outstanding accomplishments in racquetball programming.
• IHRSA "Best Practices" publication detailing the racquetball success stories of IHRSA clubs.
• Four educational sessions on racquetball.
• The trade show will feature a "Racquetball Activity and Display area."
• IHRSA members will be invited to City Square Sports Club, where a special IRT pro exhibition will be conducted in conjunction with the Arizona State Championships.
• A full page ad on the financial opportunities of racquetball in the convention program and magazine.

In the latest issue of Club Business Industry, there are two full page ads on racquetball along with a feature on Bruce Hendin, owner of the Racquetball and Fitness Clubs of San Antonio.

Everyone involved feels that this is a new beginning of the rebirth of racquetball as a profit center within the fitness club industry.

Browse IHRSA online at: www.ihrsa.org


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