For Tennis Parents by a Tennis Parent

I just received the following email from USTA South Carolina due to the fact that my son will be playing in a tournament there this weekend:

Prior to your child’s participation in an the upcoming Bullfrog Designated tournament, please take the time to view the Sportsmanship Guide linked below.  Please note that this is being sent to all entrants of the upcoming tournament via blind-copy on this e-mail. Junior tennis should be a fun and rewarding experience for our children. Character building lessons such as hard work, discipline, good sportsmanship, and endurance of adversity are regularly on display. Parents of junior players should also enjoy the time spent with their children, watching them develop not just into better tennis players but into good citizens. 

Regrettably, verbal abuse by some parents, coaches, and spectators directed at tournament referees, officials, and even other junior players and their parents is becoming more commonplace. These incidents adversely impact the players’ and parents’ tournament experience and create a negative and distressing atmosphere for all participants, parents and officials. Such abusive and improper conduct by a few is in violation of the governing rules and shall not be tolerated.

This guide was created to make all parties aware of sportsmanship expectations at USTA Sanctioned Tournaments.  It also offers excellent information on how to be a successful tennis parent. At the conclusion of the presentation, you will be redirected to a form confirming completion.  This only has to be done once, and you can input multiple children using the webpage by clicking “back” on your browser after getting notice of completion to input additional players.  Players from out of the Southern Section are encouraged to view the presentation, but are not required to complete the registration form.

USTA Southern Sportsmanship Presentation-click to view

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions regarding USTA South Carolina tournament play, and I hope you have an enjoyable experience at the event this weekend!

Please take a few minutes to watch the online guide.  Then, if you’re so inclined, share your thoughts in the Comment box below.  Given yesterday’s post on generalizations of tennis behavior, I thought the timing on this email was pretty interesting!