Bob Brown, chair of the APTA Rules and Equipment Committee, on a proposal to eliminate the singles lines:

Why do we have white lines defining a singles court when the game of platform tennis is rarely, if ever, played by just two people? That is the question that was raised by the APTA Rules and Equipment Committee in a recent proposal to the Board of Directors to eliminate the unnecessary singles lines.

If this were done, the lateral service line would be extended (by two feet per side) to the outside service line. The concern would then be whether the wider service box would have any effect on the play of the game. The committee has conducted some play tests and preliminary results have concluded that the wider service box does not have any noticeable effect on the game.

However, the Board decided that it would be appropriate to advise the membership of this proposed change and encourage them to experiment. This can be done simply by extending the lateral service lines with a two-inch wide piece of masking tape and play the service line that lands in the alley as ‘good.’

The reasoning behind this proposal, as explained by the Committee, is that the court would then reflect the true nature of the game as intended for doubles play. The layout is simpler and has an attractive, uniform appearance. There is a 29% reduction in white lines on the court, which would be a benefit for maintenance and construction. The incidence of foot-slipping on wet lines would also be reduced.

The Board understands that if this proposal is adopted, there will be some minor costs incurred by court owners in order to revise the lines. Consideration is being given to an implementation program that would minimize this expense.

The Rules and Equipment Committee presented this proposal for a vote at the annual meeting in May of 2001 but based upon a number of negative letters received in response to the proposal, the proposal was voted down and discarded from future consideration.

Source: Platform Tennis Magazine, Vol. 2, No. 3, January, 2001 and Vol. 3 Issue 1, September, 2001

Anyone who has run an APTA sanctioned tournament knows that one of their many responsibilities is the ominous task of collecting dues from those participants who are not members of the APTA. I will never forget the first time I had this responsibility. I mentioned the dues payment to one of the participants who responded by saying, “Why should I pay APTA dues? What benefits do I get from being a member? If they are like most organizations they surely don’t do anything, and besides, I probably don’t want whatever they are selling.”

At the time I fumbled to find an appropriate response, even though the answer was obvious to me. It seems only logical that by supporting the governing body, you are supporting the infrastructure for the sport. In addition, in a sport as small as platform tennis your voice will most likely be heard when you have questions or concerns. This line of thinking is obvious to me because I have been close enough to the sport that I can see the inter-workings of the APTA. To those not as close, the answer is less obvious.

In a nutshell, the APTA serves as the governing body for the sport. In this capacity, its most important duties are to maintain the rules and serve as a focal point for the sport. Initially, these tasks sound rather trivial. As a way of understanding the
importance of these duties, let’s look at some of the suggestions that have been made for improving the sport over the past 25 years. Some of the more memorable proposed changes have been to: lengthen the service box by six inches, allow oversized paddles, allow a let when you bounce the ball out of the court, cut a hole in the back screen so that it is possible to hit winners, allow two serves, color the inside of the ball the same color as the flocking, play on a grade level (tennis court) surface, allow the carry or double hit, round the corners to make the crease shots less predictable, allow let serves, use a tiebreak that was different from the tennis tiebreak, allow winners when a shot hits a 2′ x 4′ target placed on the back screen, and use red balls.

Can you imagine playing interclub matches, tournaments or social events where every club uses a different set of rules and with matches played on courts with different sizes or configurations? Most people find it challenging enough to deal with a constant set of rules and the different shots of their opponents without having to deal with a different set of rules for each facility. When you think about it, the payment of the annual dues is justified by having the peace of mind that there is standardization in our sport that allows it to be enjoyable for the masses.

Now, let’s look closer at the manner in which the APTA serves as a focal point for the sport. First and foremost, it provides communication opportunities with members and manufacturers almost full-time), and the financial support for Platform Tennis
Magazine. By sanctioning tournaments, the APTA provides organized playing opportunities for the members and helps draw attention to the sport. Pages could be written expanding on the value of these member benefits, but hopefully that’s not necessary.

The entertainment value gained from these immeasurable benefits far exceeds the cost of the annual dues, or if you don’t like to be dinged for annual dues there is the painless life membership. I am almost embarrassed to call myself a life member, as I purchased the membership over 20 years ago for $100. Annual dues cost less than a round of golf or cart fees. They also are less than four tickets to a newly released movie or a single ticket to a professional hockey or football game. The APTA annual dues are about the same as a dozen packages of Oreos or Ben and Jerry’s double scoop ice cream cones. The cost is truly a small price to pay for the structure and enjoyment that it brings to the sport.

Source: Platform Tennis Magazine, Vol. 2, No. 3, January, 2001

APTA President John Horine in the PTM column From the APTA…

Many people have called and e-mailed me regarding the recent size of tournament draws. In several areas, the numbers of teams signing up for tournaments has been smaller over the past few years. I have noticed the same trend in the event that I run, the Maryland State Men’s Championships. For many years, we had full draws of 48 teams. In the last four years, the numbers have been approaching 32 teams. Upon doing some research, I found that most teams not participating did so for good reasons (i.e. Injury, work, family or other commitments). In some cases people
could not play for several years. However, virtually everyone I spoke to still plays and intends to play in the future events. I have also spoken to league players and captains around the country. In nearly every conversation, the numbers are up in league play. This is particularly true in the “B” and “C” categories.

Evening court time for casual play is booked solid in many areas and teaching pros’ calendars are full most of the season. In general, although tournament play may be experiencing a slight lull, play throughout the country is on the rise with activity springing up in new areas every year. What does this mean for the APTA? More members!

The perception that the APTA is mostly for tournaments and tournament players could not be farther from the truth. We are here for you. Whether you are a first year player or a national champion, the APTA is available to help you. Just moved to an area? We can help you find courts and a contact person. Thinking about building a court? We have a list of court manufacturers. Question about rules? Check out the Web site (www.platformtennis.org) or contact the office. Need help with your forehand? So do I! The APTA office will soon have a list of APTA certified teaching pros in your area available to give lessons.

The point is, “yes,” the APTA is interested in the size of the draws of all the tournaments we sanction. However, looking at the big picture, we have to be pleased that the sport continues to grow. As our sport grows, so will the commitment we make to our members to help you enjoy our wonderful game.

Source: Platform Tennis Magazine, Vol. 2, No. 3, January, 2001

Chris Gambino and David Ohlmuller were ranked #1 in the Men’s and Sue Aery and Gerri Viant #1 in the Women’s.

There are very few events in sports that combine the camaraderie, fierce competition, and genuine sportsmanship of the President’s Cup.”

Source: Platform Tennis Magazine Vol.2 Issue 2, November, 2000

APTA President John Horine reported on the development in the From the APTA column:

“Speaking of the web site, this season’s tournament results are being posted on the site. On the “Home Page”, scroll down to and click on “Check Results.” Look for your event by region or National Ranking. This year we are posting entire draws, including all consolation draws. So, if you know someone from Kansas City who played in the Chicago Charities, you can check the web site and see how they fared.”

Source: Platform Tennis Magazine Vol.2 Issue 2, November, 2000