BOARD HIGHLIGHTS
by Luke St. Onge

RULES — The board adopted the one serve rule as “official” in all open division play. After a trial period of several years, one-serve modifications are now the official rule for competition in the open divisions. This means that, in all sanctioned events, open divisions must be played using one-serve, unless stipulated otherwise on the event entry. • The moratorium on rule changes was extended through 2004.

PROGRAMS — In response to growing concerns about the state of women’s racquetball, the board made a commitment to development in several areas, including directed and immediate steps to keep young women in the game. Two initial programs were proposed which provide young women with the needed feeder system through both the collegiate and professional ranks.

First, the board passed a unanimous resolution to establish a women’s intercollegiate scholarship fund, with an initial budget of $10,000 for the development of women’s college teams. Secondly, the board approved a proposal to manage the Women’s Pro Tour. With both of these areas in a very serious state of decline, it was felt that a concerted effort would be needed to salvage them. Additional development programs for women are under review and will be brought forth at the November Board meeting for discussion.

The board adopted the following schedule of recognized qualifying events for national championships:

ELECTIONS — Based on general election results, three-year board terms went to high-vote-getters Otto Dietrich [with 22.5% of the vote], Van Dubolsky [17.3%], and Annie Muniz [21.6%]. The election of officers named Otto Dietrich as President; Shelley Ogden as Executive Vice-President; Jim Garner as Secretary; and Annie Muniz as Treasurer, each for a two-year term. Three athlete representatives were also named: Malia Bailey, Chris Cole and Mike Guidry (Bailey was re-elected to her current term as an athlete rep, terms for Cole and Guidry will become effective in January of 2001).

FINANCIAL — The board unanimously passed the financial and budget reports for 2000-2001. • Passed unanimously that the USRA enter into an agreement with Active.com to establish an online USRA storefront for the development of expanded e-commerce. [See “Industry News” on page 52]