Luke steps down as Executive Director

NEW DIRECTIONS
by Luke St. Onge

It is all but impossible not to mention the tragic events of September. In light of them, how can racquetball even begin to relate? The last thing any of us need to hear is a recap of the events in New York and Washington, but the world has changed. Not just because of this tragedy in September, but ever since the communist block nations fell in the late 80’s. Life is uncertain, and there are things beyond our control.

You have heard it all before – the complications of daily life made more so by more work, deadlines, short turnarounds, faster technology, instant communication, everyday pressures and increasing levels of stress. Luckily, what better way to relieve real stress than by taking it out on the court, playing a competitive game of racquetball? I am fortunate in being able to get together with a group of 20 players at lunchtime to play singles, or doubles, depending on who shows up. We shoot the bull afterwards and, without question, each and every one of them play because they are able to release some of the tensions that our society now rains down on each of us. In fact someone recently referenced a period of time with the statement “that was the summer that racquetball saved my life.” That’s a reality for many. How many heart attacks could have been avoided if a friendly game of racquetball had been part of a daily routine?

How many times have you had a conversation with someone who used to play, but doesn’t have the time for it anymore? Often they appear overweight, fatigued, overworked, stressed out, and just all-around miserable as a person. Many have no balance in their lives and basically do not take care of themselves — which in time comes back to haunt them, both mentally and physically.

Today our sport is under siege by the latest fitness fad that will be gone in a year or less. The USRA is the only organization that struggles daily to develop and expand the sport in a highly competitive market. In order to be able to compete in the fitness arena the USRA must have sufficient member numbers to represent racquetball as a market force.

Still, many recreational players find it difficult to justify membership. So, the next time you reply to the question “what’s in it for me?” don’t just recite the benefits litany. Instead, suggest that being part of a larger whole – through membership – enables the USRA to help insure the future of the game and the very courts that it’s played on, every day. Worth it? You bet! Spread the word.

At its August administrative retreat, the Board of Directors reaffirmed the USRA mission statement to serve the competitive player, from age 6 to 90. This mission incorporates many facets, but its highest priority is to raise the funds to be able to meet this commitment and challenge. We realize that no financial savior is going to simply hand over the millions that we need. If that happens, fine. Until that happens, the USRA must depend on revenues from its most valuable properties: 1) Membership — of which one-third of all dues remain with the states for local development, 2) Racquetball magazine — which has the greatest potential to promote the sport in the market, 3) Events — which provide us with the opportunity to reach the public and bring in sponsors from outside the industry and, last but not least, 4) Merchandise — that players can wear and display with pride to promote their own involvement in the sport.

Of course the industry has a stake in all this and they are doing their part through sponsorship, advertising support, the Racquetball Manufacturers Association, and distribution of USRA materials through equipment sales. Among the latest to join our group of high quality sponsors and official product makers, we would like to welcome Unique Sports Products, Inc. as the Official Eyeguard of the USRA. Under the guidance of President Gene Niksich, Unique has joined with the USRA to continue the crusade to have all players protected by eyeguards that meet the ASTM-F803 safety standards. We are very excited to have Unique as a partner and look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship – for the organization and you, the membership.

Please review the sponsor listing for all of our partners and give them your patronage. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: support those who support you. It’s only fair.