10isDad
09-22-2008, 05:41 PM
Not sure how many southwest players are out there, but you may want to contact the Jr. Comp Committee to voice a complaint (or compliment if you happen to be for it) regarding the following. For those not in the Southwest, we hold 4 Sweet 16 tournaments each year where the top 16 applicants in each age division play a compass draw format of best of 3 tie-break set matches (4 full matches in 2 days between the top ranked players).
For 2009, 2 of the 4 Sweet 16 tourneys will feature doubles. However, due to parental concerns over the cost of starting doubles on Friday (out of towners need to travel sooner) and because some people have expressed concern over injuries related to the format, the 4 singles matches each player plays will be held in a short-set format. This means, you'll start each set at 2-all.
Personally, I disapprove of the use of this format for a Level 5 closed event. I feel a tournament that earns a player national ranking points should be held in a standard format except in a 'emergency' situation related to weather or other significant slow-downs. Since they're still going to hold doubles as a single elimination 8-game pro-set, I don't see how it impacts too much.
Additionally, to report out scores related to a 6-game set is misleading. College coaches may look at scores to see how competitive prospective players are. A 2 & 3 match will actually be 4-0, 4-1, which is significantly different, in my mind, than 2 & 3.
In my mind, I'd rather the kids play a match tie-break 3rd set or start the doubles on Friday evening. If doubles were started Friday, some players would possibly have to miss some school - something that normally doesn't happen in these tournaments.
Another suggestion might be to split the 16 players into two 8-person groups. This would limit singles play to 3 matches with the exception of the two undefeated players from each age division playing a 4th match to determine an overall winner.
So, if you're from the USTA SW and have a strong feeling either way, I strongly suggest you contact the Jr. Comp. Committee (mitchell@southwest.usta.com) and express yourself.
For 2009, 2 of the 4 Sweet 16 tourneys will feature doubles. However, due to parental concerns over the cost of starting doubles on Friday (out of towners need to travel sooner) and because some people have expressed concern over injuries related to the format, the 4 singles matches each player plays will be held in a short-set format. This means, you'll start each set at 2-all.
Personally, I disapprove of the use of this format for a Level 5 closed event. I feel a tournament that earns a player national ranking points should be held in a standard format except in a 'emergency' situation related to weather or other significant slow-downs. Since they're still going to hold doubles as a single elimination 8-game pro-set, I don't see how it impacts too much.
Additionally, to report out scores related to a 6-game set is misleading. College coaches may look at scores to see how competitive prospective players are. A 2 & 3 match will actually be 4-0, 4-1, which is significantly different, in my mind, than 2 & 3.
In my mind, I'd rather the kids play a match tie-break 3rd set or start the doubles on Friday evening. If doubles were started Friday, some players would possibly have to miss some school - something that normally doesn't happen in these tournaments.
Another suggestion might be to split the 16 players into two 8-person groups. This would limit singles play to 3 matches with the exception of the two undefeated players from each age division playing a 4th match to determine an overall winner.
So, if you're from the USTA SW and have a strong feeling either way, I strongly suggest you contact the Jr. Comp. Committee (mitchell@southwest.usta.com) and express yourself.