September - October
1999 -- Vol. 10, No. 5
policies & procedures update
"Mature" National Singles Entrants !
Effective in 2000, the USRA Board of Directors has re-established it's former policy regarding mandatory regional qualifying for National Singles competition — for all entrants! ALL players, of any age, must pre-qualify for competition in Houston by competing in a designated regional qualifier. However, the Board also recognized two additional senior/master events at which formerly-exempted players can qualify for national competition.
The Women's Senior/Master Championship in Baltimore, Md. [Jan. 21-23] and the NMRA Masters Singles Championships in Fountain Valley, Calif. [Feb. 16-19] will both be considered "regional events" for the purpose of qualifying their 45-and-over participants for competition in the 2000 National Singles in Houston [May 26-31]. Please note that all 35+ and 40+ players must still qualify through a regularly scheduled regional event, and that all other stipulations remain in force — you must compete in (not merely enter) the qualifying event, age requirements, etc.
"Juniors" Listen Up, Too !
Also effective in the new year, former junior regional qualifying requirements have been lifted — and replaced with the stipulation that Junior Olympic entrants must first compete in a recognized Level 3 State Championship in order to qualify for the 2000 event. Although there are no longer separate regional qualifying tournaments for juniors, all other stipulations remain in force — you must compete in (not merely enter) the qualifying state event, age requirements, etc.
For Juniors, two events serve as qualifiers for the U.S. Junior National Team in 2000. The National High School champions (1 each, male & female = 2) will be appointed to the team for a term of one year, along with the top three finishers at the Junior Olympic Championships in the 18-, 16- and 14- divisions (3 each, male & female, from each division = 18). Like its adult counterpart, the 20-member U.S. Junior Team competes internationally and conducts annual goodwill tours. [policy revised, effective 01/2000]
2000 IHRSA Programming Award
Does your club have a great program director who keeps your courts full and players motivated? If so, you need to nominate that individual for IHRSA's annual Racquetball Programming Award! The award recognizes excellence in programming and promoting racquetball in the club environment. Winners and finalists receive a complimentary registration to IHRSA's 2000 Convention in San Francisco, where they will be honored at the award presentation; be invited to a special Racquetball Reception and have the opportunity to appear in CBI and RACQUETBALL magazines. For an application, contact Heather Fender at 719/635-5396, ext. 120 or visit the IHRSA website at www.ihrsa.org/awards. Application Deadline: November 5!
U.S. Team Staff
The USRA is accepting applications for Assistant Coach and Team Leader positions in the 2000-2001 season. Applicants for assistant coach positions should hold applicable certifications in AmPRO instruction, Level One coaching and stringing. Team Leader applicants should also be Referee certified at Level Two, plus be familiar with U.S. Team policies and procedures. Resumes must be submitted to the USRA office [Attn: Jim Hiser], no later than October 30, 1999.
U.S. Junior Team Staff
The USRA is accepting applications for Head Coach, Assistant Coach and Team Leader positions in support of the U.S. Junior Team for the 2000-2002 season. Head and Assistant coach applicants should hold applicable certifications in AmPRO instruction and Level One coaching. Team leader should have a working knowledge of U.S. Junior Team policies and procedures. Resumes must be submitted to the USRA office [Attn: Jim Hiser], no later than June 1, 2000.
Sponsorship Opportunities
The USRA is currently seeking sponsors from outside the industry to support its major events through sponsorship packages which range from $2,500 - $100,000. A wide variety of benefits are available to the potential sponsor — who may choose from among five domestic events per year: National Doubles, National Singles, Junior Olympics, National High Schools, U.S. OPEN or three IRF events: World Intercollegiates, World Seniors, World Junior Championships. Please contact Jim Hiser at 719-635-5396, ext. 130 to receive complete details on the USRA's sponsorship program.
Board Nominees Sought
Three persons will be elected to the USRA Board of Directors in May of 2000. Interested candidates can get on the ballot in two ways: by committee nomination (contact committee chair Ron Maggard at 816/229-1300 or via email to: RMSales2@aol.com) or by petition (with the signatures of 100 licensed USRA members). To obtain petition forms, contact the USRA at 1685 West Uintah, Colorado Springs, CO 80904-2906. Signatures must be obtained between October 1 and December 15, 1998 — with completed forms submitted to the national office no later than December 30 for verification. The term of office is three years and includes the commitment to attend two annual meetings (in the spring and fall), serve responsibly and take a leadership role on committees.
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