Adult Sponsorship Problem

[LovelyTennisNut]

Hello

When I was a junior I was never better then 15th in my section and always wanted a sponsorship as every play would. 15th got me zilch.

Now as an adult Im top 20 in the nation in my age group and playing better each year. I applied for an adult sponsorship with a major racquet company and was accepted at the highest adult level.

The problem I have is I now have 6 of the new racquets , but now decided I want to play with a very old model, as the new model hurts my wrist. The old model I play with was not included in the available frames for sponsorship. In the contract I signed it never said I had to play with the new frames, just that I need to keep a stencil on the frames. The contract did say, selling the frames is against the rules. Since The new frames keep piling up, is there really any way they can find out if I sold them on the bay?

Just in case this info bites me in the ars I will not say what company or frames, so dont ask.

And no i will not give anyone free frames so dont ask that either.

Should I just sell them on the bay or nay?

 

[HyperHorse]

What racquet is it?
What string are you using?
You put on any lead tape?

 

[chlsmo]

What a jerk.

Hello

When I was a junior I was never better then 15th in my section and always wanted a sponsorship as every play would. 15th got me zilch.

Now as an adult Im top 20 in the nation in my age group and playing better each year. I applied for an adult sponsorship with a major racquet company and was accepted at the highest adult level.

The problem I have is I now have 6 of the new racquets , but now decided I want to play with a very old model, as the new model hurts my wrist. The old model I play with was not included in the available frames for sponsorship. In the contract I signed it never said I had to play with the new frames, just that I need to keep a stencil on the frames. The contract did say, selling the frames is against the rules. Since The new frames keep piling up, is there really any way they can find out if I sold them on the bay?

Just in case this info bites me in the ars I will not say what company or frames, so dont ask.

And no i will not give anyone free frames so dont ask that either.

Should I just sell them on the bay or nay?

I can't believe you are even posting asking for help with this. You have been successful with tennis which is great. You are probably better than most people will ever be, and you have received sponsorship acknowledging these facts. Then you have the audacity to ask if you should not only abstain from playing with your contracted racquets, but you then want to take a payday by selling them. Unbelievable bad karma. Why don't you contact your rep and do the right thing. At least come clean with them, tell them the racquet is causing you injury, and maybe they will work with you. Maybe you can donate them to a boys and girls club. I hope you don't slap them in the face by selling them.

 

[darkhorse]

I can't believe you are even posting asking for help with this. You have been successful with tennis which is great. You are probably better than most people will ever be, and you have received sponsorship acknowledging these facts. Then you have the audacity to ask if you should not only abstain from playing with your contracted racquets, but you then want to take a payday by selling them. Unbelievable bad karma. Why don't you contact your rep and do the right thing. At least come clean with them, tell them the racquet is causing you injury, and maybe they will work with you. Maybe you can donate them to a boys and girls club. I hope you don't slap them in the face by selling them.

While I think this is a bit harsh, I agree with this. Try talking to the rep and see what can be worked out, I doubt that they expect you to use a racket that could injure you. If nothing can be worked out, then cut ties with the company and donate the frames.

 

[Topaz]

I can't believe you are even posting asking for help with this. You have been successful with tennis which is great. You are probably better than most people will ever be, and you have received sponsorship acknowledging these facts. Then you have the audacity to ask if you should not only abstain from playing with your contracted racquets, but you then want to take a payday by selling them. Unbelievable bad karma. Why don't you contact your rep and do the right thing. At least come clean with them, tell them the racquet is causing you injury, and maybe they will work with you. Maybe you can donate them to a boys and girls club. I hope you don't slap them in the face by selling them.

Wow...so, because this person doesn't want to play with a racquet that causes them pain, they are a jerk?

 

[Topaz]

While I think this is a bit harsh, I agree with this. Try talking to the rep and see what can be worked out, I doubt that they expect you to use a racket that could injure you. If nothing can be worked out, then cut ties with the company and donate the frames.

Agree...talk to the rep. Chances are this isn't the first time something like this has happened.

 

[Venetian]

I can't believe you are even posting asking for help with this. You have been successful with tennis which is great. You are probably better than most people will ever be, and you have received sponsorship acknowledging these facts. Then you have the audacity to ask if you should not only abstain from playing with your contracted racquets, but you then want to take a payday by selling them. Unbelievable bad karma. Why don't you contact your rep and do the right thing. At least come clean with them, tell them the racquet is causing you injury, and maybe they will work with you. Maybe you can donate them to a boys and girls club. I hope you don't slap them in the face by selling them.

Wow, calm down. Did the OP just run over your dog or something?

 

[chlsmo]

Come on guys. To me it really sounded like OP was slapping his sponsor company in the face. We all know that getting some kinda corporate sponsorship is pretty difficult to say the least. With all the kids on these boards constantly asking about how to get it, I felt like the OP was really being inconsiderate. And no the OP is not a jerk for not wanting to play with a racquet that causes pain, I never said that. Rather I think his character is suspect when the OP is trying to sell something that he got for free and is obligated to use, then he is trying to do it on the down low in an effort to not draw attention from his sponsor. That way they can keep giving him free racquets which he can keep selling. I can't believe I am the only one who thought that sounded pretty shady and underhanded.

 

[WBF]

Try talking to the rep and see what can be worked out, I doubt that they expect you to use a racket that could injure you. If nothing can be worked out, then cut ties with the company and donate the frames.

This seems like a reasonable course of action. Calling should definately be the first step, as there may be something they could do for you.

 

[LovelyTennisNut]

Come on guys. To me it really sounded like OP was slapping his sponsor company in the face. We all know that getting some kinda corporate sponsorship is pretty difficult to say the least. With all the kids on these boards constantly asking about how to get it, I felt like the OP was really being inconsiderate. And no the OP is not a jerk for not wanting to play with a racquet that causes pain, I never said that. Rather I think his character is suspect when the OP is trying to sell something that he got for free and is obligated to use, then he is trying to do it on the down low in an effort to not draw attention from his sponsor. That way they can keep giving him free racquets which he can keep selling. I can't believe I am the only one who thought that sounded pretty shady and underhanded.

hi chlsmo

i never said i did or would sell them, i was just asking opinions. next time i have an issue i will add a disclaimer for you.

its replies like you gave that make other not want to post, as they will get attacked when asking for others opinions. your opinions dont hurt me as i kinda agree with you its a shady thing to do, but i never did it, so take a chill pill or go kick your dog. jk :twisted:

i still and always will play with that companys frames, just not the new ones as i dont like the way my body reacts. hell if i was a pro i would get a paint job, but thats out of the question.

also every year i will get a new team 12 pack bag and it will just pile up with the few frames a year. i really dont want to sound like a jack ars, or like im bragging, its just i would like to know if they would really care if i sold some of the unused stuff then then purchased more of the frames i like with the cash. or i could purchase more threads from the company with the sale. either way i would invest back into the company.

lets be civil

 

[cak]

Well, when you put it like that. If you sell the frames they are giving you to use, that would be unethical. Doesn't matter if you give the money to starving children, still unethical.

But if you like the company, and want to use their products, just not the frames they are giving you, why not just tell them that. Maybe they would come up with something you would like to use. Worst case, they wouldn't give you frames you can't use, and give them to someone else.

 

[chlsmo]

Well, when you put it like that. If you sell the frames they are giving you to use, that would be unethical. Doesn't matter if you give the money to starving children, still unethical.

But if you like the company, and want to use their products, just not the frames they are giving you, why not just tell them that. Maybe they would come up with something you would like to use. Worst case, they wouldn't give you frames you can't use, and give them to someone else.

Agreed. It is unethical to sell the frames, bags or whatever else you are getting for free and contracted to use, even if you plan to reinvest in the company IMO. If you need to get rid of them, I think donation is the best route. I agree to be civil, and I agree that you did not actually sell the equipment, but I think the yay or nay request you posted in the OP lacked judgement. I also you think you actually knew it was not the "right" thing to do.

 

[nickb]

Its simple: tell them you dont want to be sponsored and will use your old frames.

They could give you a paintjob...ive seen them done for babolat players even just for coaches.

Nick

 

[fridrix]

Did the rules say anything about TRADING the frames. . . for a paint job! :lol:

 

[LovelyTennisNut]

ok i have decided

I will use them when im mad to break frames, and keep 1 extra perfectly stenciled frame for photo's at national tournaments when i accept gold ball after gold ball.

all extra frames i will keep in my closet with the wrapper still on the grip, and down the road when i leave the company or get dropped i will then sell them on the bay.

 

[Moz]

Well done on the sponsorship.

It's surprising that they'll give these deals to 5.0's. Could you tell us the qualification conditions? Is it top 20 in the nation for any age group?

 

[HyperHorse]

Yeah great job!!!!
You didn't even experiment with different strings or weight customisation!!!!
And you're a sponsored player...
You're a disgrace.

 

[LovelyTennisNut]

Well done on the sponsorship.

It's surprising that they'll give these deals to 5.0's. Could you tell us the qualification conditions? Is it top 20 in the nation for any age group?

yes mens 55's. I think Im a 4.0, but I may be a 4.5 at my best :shock:

 

[LovelyTennisNut]

Yeah great job!!!!
You didn't even experiment with different strings or weight customisation!!!!
And you're a sponsored player...
You're a disgrace.

cool, thanks

 

[Moz]

yes mens 55's. I think Im a 4.0, but I may be a 4.5 at my best :shock:

Thanks for the information, a 4.5 would seem more likely!

Gives me something to aim for although I suspect I will be relying on some deaths or retirements to do it any time soon!

 

[nickb]

ok i have decided

I will use them when im mad to break frames, and keep 1 extra perfectly stenciled frame for photo's at national tournaments when i accept gold ball after gold ball.

all extra frames i will keep in my closet with the wrapper still on the grip, and down the road when i leave the company or get dropped i will then sell them on the bay.

Wow...thats a pretty bad way to handle the situation.

So your going to smash some and sell some on e*b*a*y??....hmmm :shock:

Why dont you do the right thing and talk about this with your sponsors. They will catch you out sooner or later.

 

[HyperHorse]

Precisely what I was thinking, Nick.....
Oh and @ age 55....
DO YOU REALLY need to be sponsored?

 

[nickb]

Precisely what I was thinking, Nick.....
Oh and @ age 55....
DO YOU REALLY need to be sponsored?

Yeah...just because you get offered it does not mean you have to take it. Look at the pro's...some of them are un-sponsored because they love the old frames too much.

Im the same...I would not want to be sponsored as I have 6 frames and hate putting the stencil on my rackets.

Nick

 

[fe6250]

This is a really interesting thread. I'm not sure I understand or am remotely qualified to respond from a tennis perspective - but from a business perspective, there is only 1 legitimate response. The sponsor gave you the raquets in exchange for you playing with them and some gain to their business from that exposure. If you can not use the racquets, etc... for any reason - give them back to the sponsor. I'm sure they can find a good home for them. Maybe they will even work with you to find more suitable equipment.

 

[SJP]

hi chlsmo

i never said i did or would sell them, i was just asking opinions. next time i have an issue i will add a disclaimer for you.

its replies like you gave that make other not want to post, as they will get attacked when asking for others opinions. your opinions dont hurt me as i kinda agree with you its a shady thing to do, but i never did it, so take a chill pill or go kick your dog. jk :twisted:

i still and always will play with that companys frames, just not the new ones as i dont like the way my body reacts. hell if i was a pro i would get a paint job, but thats out of the question.

also every year i will get a new team 12 pack bag and it will just pile up with the few frames a year. i really dont want to sound like a jack ars, or like im bragging, its just i would like to know if they would really care if i sold some of the unused stuff then then purchased more of the frames i like with the cash. or i could purchase more threads from the company with the sale. either way i would invest back into the company.

lets be civil

I don't think you have to renew it each year, unless you want to renew.

 

[CAM178]

Man, some of the posters on here are pretty rude. They are way too quick to judge and make inflammatory comments. The OP came with a problem, and instead of asking more probing questions, some people just prefer to bash them. Very mature. And where I grew up (South), we were taught to respect our elders (the OP in Men's 55's). Some of y'all should get taken out back to the woodshed.

To the OP: just contact your local rep, and they'll work with you.

Oh, and congrats on sponsorship, man.

 

[CAM178]

Precisely what I was thinking, Nick.....
Oh and @ age 55....
DO YOU REALLY need to be sponsored?

Can you be any more disrespectful to your elders?

To the OP: you're not helping your cause with the talk of breaking frames and keeping some in a closet. Your sponsor will find out eventually, and from a busines perspective (if you are being serious), that's inappropriate. Like I said: call your local rep and explain the deal. Don't screw them over, as they are giving you racquets that could rightfully go to an aspiring junior or pro. Don't take food from the mouths of babes.

 

[Ronny]

What racquet is it?
What string are you using?
You put on any lead tape?

wtf is lead tape gonna do with stiffness?

 

[Ronaldo]

Why not propose a trade on the classifieds, your new sticks for additional old ones? You both are happy.

 

[Topaz]

Precisely what I was thinking, Nick.....
Oh and @ age 55....
DO YOU REALLY need to be sponsored?

OH, sounds like somebody has a bad case of the greenies!!!

 

[HyperHorse]

Can you be any more disrespectful to your elders?

Excuse me... The OP didn't state his age initially...
PLUS I was trying to offer some help by asking a few questions...
Which OP couldn't be bothered to answer...
Then he follows it up with some pretty classless replies...
OP seems to want sponsorship for the sake of his own glorification which is pretty rich....
Oh yeah, pretty nice way of giving back to the game and the company nice enough to give him free racquets...
WHERE'S THE RESPECT IN THAT??

 

[Crusher10s]

Greetings fellow tennis junkies , just stumbled across this forum and decided to sign up. And although this isn't my first tennis rodeo it is indeed my first forum rodeo so here goes:

Hyper, I think (and I'm just spitballing here :-?) that the disrespect was in the "and at age 55, do you really need a sponsorship?" comment. Honestly, it came off as if you were making fun of the poster's age.

 

[HyperHorse]

Welcome Crusher...
This is a great place to get info on all things tennis related...
I hope you enjoy your time here....

On the topic@hand...
Not trying to poke fun @ all....
Just mad thinking about the waste...
Those racquets could've gone to some talented junior from a working class background...
If you're 55 you should be able to afford your own gear....

 

[Ronny]

Welcome Crusher...
This is a great place to get info on all things tennis related...
I hope you enjoy your time here....

On the topic@hand...
Not trying to poke fun @ all....
Just mad thinking about the waste...
Those racquets could've gone to some talented junior from a working class background...
If you're 55 you should be able to afford your own gear....

but why should he when he has a sponsorship?

 

[TheShaun]

Welcome Crusher...
This is a great place to get info on all things tennis related...
I hope you enjoy your time here....

On the topic@hand...
Not trying to poke fun @ all....
Just mad thinking about the waste...
Those racquets could've gone to some talented junior from a working class background...
If you're 55 you should be able to afford your own gear....

roger federer can afford his own gear but he gets it for free.

 

[Chauvalito]

Wow...so, because this person doesn't want to play with a racquet that causes them pain, they are a jerk?

no, no...Because he wants to sell them after getting sponsored prices, most likely for a profit...hence he may be being disingenuous

 

[fe6250]

The OP was looking for advice on whether or not he should sell the frames, not whether or not he had a right to have or even whether he should have a sponsor!

 

[Geezer Guy]

In the contract I signed [it said] selling the frames is against the rules. Since The new frames keep piling up, is there really any way they can find out if I sold them on the bay? ... Should I just sell them on the bay or nay?

I don't think I could be any more disappointed in someone from "my" sport asking such a question.
You honestly cannot think of anything honorable to do with all those racquets you can't use?

 

[fe6250]

The contract did say, selling the frames is against the rules. Since The new frames keep piling up, is there really any way they can find out if I sold them on the bay?

I guess the question being asked by the OP is do you think I will get caught breaking the contract? It doesn't appear the OP really cares whether this is right or wrong.

In my opinion your signature and agreement to the contract should determine what you do - not whether or not you get caught. OJ didn't get caught - doesn't make it right - does it?

 

[Cindysphinx]

You know, you'll never go wrong by doing the ethical thing. If you have to hide it, it's definitely wrong.

You know selling the frames is wrong. Come on. You never know when some stupid lapse in judgment will come back and bite you in the behind.

Choose to be smart, honorable and ethical. Don't sell the frames, now or ever.

 

[predrag]

hi chlsmo

i never said i did or would sell them, i was just asking opinions. next time i have an issue i will add a disclaimer for you.

its replies like you gave that make other not want to post, as they will get attacked when asking for others opinions. your opinions dont hurt me as i kinda agree with you its a shady thing to do, but i never did it, so take a chill pill or go kick your dog. jk :twisted:

i still and always will play with that companys frames, just not the new ones as i dont like the way my body reacts. hell if i was a pro i would get a paint job, but thats out of the question.

also every year i will get a new team 12 pack bag and it will just pile up with the few frames a year. i really dont want to sound like a jack ars, or like im bragging, its just i would like to know if they would really care if i sold some of the unused stuff then then purchased more of the frames i like with the cash. or i could purchase more threads from the company with the sale. either way i would invest back into the company.

lets be civil

Those guys who are bad mouthing you are just jealous and never had any sponsorship.

If you talked to the rep he would tell you the same thing. Sell those racquets and just buy wahtever you are playing with.

You are obligated to play with the stencil and nothing more.

Regards, Predrag

 

[fe6250]

If you talked to the rep he would tell you the same thing. Sell those racquets and just buy wahtever you are playing with.

You are obligated to play with the stencil and nothing more.

Regards, Predrag

Would it hurt then to talk to the rep? Seems like no harm in doing that.

 

[Cindysphinx]

If you get permission from the rep to sell them, then of course you may sell them. Everything is out in the open.

If you don't ask and are sneaking around hoping no one will catch you selling them on e-b-a-y . . . that should tell you something.

 

[Topaz]

The OP appears to be banned! Hunh.

 

[Spatula]

Why not contact your rep, and find out if you can donate the frames and bags to a local tennis program in need of the equipment. A program other than a fancy club with high dues, but perhaps a school program or something where the equipment could be used to promote the sport, and give kids who could afford the equipment a chance?

Just a thought. I'm sure your sponsor would be more willing to allow something like that.

 

[HyperHorse]

The OP appears to be banned! Hunh.

Good to know social justice still exists...

 

[Cindysphinx]

Banned. Obliterated. Nothing left but a pile of smoldering ash. TW doesn't play around, I see.

Well, from now on I will not say one even mildly critical thing about TW. Cause trouble? Nope, not me. Uh-uh. No sir-ee Bob. In fact, let me take this opportunity to say that I'm a *huge* fan of the good folks at TW, where the "T" stands for "Terrific!!"

Cindy -- once a tool, always a tool

 

[NoBadMojo]

Banned. Obliterated. Nothing left but a pile of smoldering ash. TW doesn't play around, I see.

Well, from now on I will not say one even mildly critical thing about TW. Cause trouble? Nope, not me. Uh-uh. No sir-ee Bob. In fact, let me take this opportunity to say that I'm a *huge* fan of the good folks at TW, where the "T" stands for "Terrific!!"

Cindy -- once a tool, always a tool

Suggest this person wasnt banned because of anything he posted in this particular thread. he surely must have done something evil elsewhere in the forum.

This thread is pretty funny because I think the poster was just busting the forums' collective chops...seemed to have the desired effect as people really got hacked off

 

[predrag]

The OP appears to be banned! Hunh.

Hmmmmmmmmmm!

I would really like to know why was he banned.

Admin? Could you shed some light?


Regards, Predrag

 

[BounceHitBounceHit]

Hello

When I was a junior I was never better then 15th in my section and always wanted a sponsorship as every play would. 15th got me zilch.

Now as an adult Im top 20 in the nation in my age group and playing better each year. I applied for an adult sponsorship with a major racquet company and was accepted at the highest adult level.

The problem I have is I now have 6 of the new racquets , but now decided I want to play with a very old model, as the new model hurts my wrist. The old model I play with was not included in the available frames for sponsorship. In the contract I signed it never said I had to play with the new frames, just that I need to keep a stencil on the frames. The contract did say, selling the frames is against the rules. Since The new frames keep piling up, is there really any way they can find out if I sold them on the bay?

Just in case this info bites me in the ars I will not say what company or frames, so dont ask.

And no i will not give anyone free frames so dont ask that either.

Should I just sell them on the bay or nay?

Allow me to suggest you donate the unwanted frames to a grass roots tennis program for kids in a needy area of your hometown. Don't just send them the frames, bags, whatever. TAKE them there yourself and while you're at it give them a free clinic for a couple of hours to stimulate interest. It will make you feel great, and they will be so happy they won't know what to do! CC