Revised USTA Proposals for National Junior Competition Structure

[HIGH-TECH TENNIS]

Thanks to Colette Lewis at zootennis, we now have an easy-to-read version of the changes that will be voted on in March...

Here it is...

[seminoleG]

Humm can someone smart take this legalize and explain what this means for the 12s? vice what we Have today. I was just learning how Sectional/Regionals worked so I need some tutoring.

[HIGH-TECH TENNIS]

You are not alone!

I couldn't understand it either! I'm hoping for the best but...

[mrmo1115]

Can anyone put these changes in a more simpler fashion? No more Easter Bowl, but a different tournament instead? No more Winters, and instead it'll be a Team tournament like the NCAAs? Clays and Hards only 2 Supers remaining? Masters/Sweet 16 tournaments? Jeez I'm confused. Luckily I'm not going to be in the Junior Circuit any longer after this year.

[Tennishacker]

It's funny how the junior ITF tournaments and ranking system works so well, with little to no changes.

I'm sure they operate on a much, much smaller budget, compared to 14 million spent every year by the USTA.

[Soianka]

Originally Posted by mrmo1115

Can anyone put these changes in a more simpler fashion? No more Easter Bowl, but a different tournament instead? No more Winters, and instead it'll be a Team tournament like the NCAAs? Clays and Hards only 2 Supers remaining? Masters/Sweet 16 tournaments? Jeez I'm confused. Luckily I'm not going to be in the Junior Circuit any longer after this year.

I can't answer all of those questions, but I think the Easter Bowl will be pretty much the same. It will still be an ITF tournament for the 18's and a USTA tournament for everyone else. Perhaps the 12, 14 and 16 tournament will be called something different but it seemed to say it will be held the same time as the ITF Easter Bowl.

[10ismom]

Originally Posted by seminoleG

Humm can someone smart take this legalize and explain what this means for the 12s? vice what we Have today. I was just learning how Sectional/Regionals worked so I need some tutoring.

I skimmed through the new proposals. It is very complicated but USTA acknowledges that they will make sure changes being phased in and explained to coaches, parents and players.
USTA noted that changes based on "Advance Your Game" logic.

Here is what I think applied to the 12s:

New proposals- Cutting draw size at L1 National from 128 to 64- Most 12s and under are still developing their games and technique, USTA wants them compete closer to home (more emphasis on training, less competition out of section, less travel and money spent for parents, prevent burnout for juniors). If juniors are succesful in their section, they could be endorsed to play their new regionals (L2 in the proposal), or even advance to other national tournaments.

Section tournaments will have more L3 and L4 levels. L5 will be eliminated.

National opens will be eliminated but there are a lot more new proposed tournaments to play (Easter Bowl-like, National selection, National team winter,..etc.) either by sectional endorsement quotas or national standings. These proposed tournaments are so complicated to understand.....and I'm sure...everyone here feels the same.

New regionals are being created from adjoining sections- more competitive opponents could be found closer without having to play nationals.

Current system- Regionals are L3 and national opens are L2. Juniors from any section can apply and get in by their national standings.
Some parents travel out of their sections to weaker tourns. With the new proposals, juniors get into regionals by their section's quotas only. No hopping around to chase point. Zonals (L2) in current system is already sectionally endorsed.

[thepastord]

Originally Posted by mrmo1115

Can anyone put these changes in a more simpler fashion? No more Easter Bowl, but a different tournament instead? No more Winters, and instead it'll be a Team tournament like the NCAAs? Clays and Hards only 2 Supers remaining? Masters/Sweet 16 tournaments? Jeez I'm confused. Luckily I'm not going to be in the Junior Circuit any longer after this year.

Seems to be a lot of folks saying the same thing! That is what a fiasco it has turned into, USTA - Juniors, people are fleeing............ Get ready folks, it is going to get worse. Thank God, my family is done! We would never go through this system again. Definitely play tennis, but we would have nothing to do with the USTA system /route, and I mean *Nothing*. I can't believe how bad the USTA Tennis Plague has gotten over the past four years......

[Keysmickey]

Originally Posted by thepastord

Seems to be a lot of folks saying the same thing! That is what a fiasco it has turned into, USTA - Juniors, people are fleeing............ Get ready folks, it is going to get worse. Thank God, my family is done! We would never go through this system again. Definitely play tennis, but we would have nothing to do with the USTA system /route, and I mean *Nothing*. I can't believe how bad the USTA Tennis Plague has gotten over the past four years......

Agree. We're done just one year and we'd never go this route if my kids were younger. USTA and mr. self important have absolutely no clue what is best for junior American tennis.

[Soianka]

It does seem like the USTA is trying to make things simpler; however, these rules seem awfully complex.

I think they should have a system where each sanctioned tournament is given a level on the same scale such as

Level 1 = National Level 1
Level 2 = National Level 2
Level 3 = National Level 3
Level 4 = Sectional level 1
Level 5 = sectional level 2
level 6 = sectional level 3
level 7 = state level 1
level 8 = state level 2

etc

You have to do well at each lower level to advance to the next highest level.

That would be simple enough. Easy to understand.

[Soianka]

Originally Posted by Keysmickey

Agree. We're done just one year and we'd never go this route if my kids were younger. USTA and mr. self important have absolutely no clue what is best for junior American tennis.

What would you do if your kids wanted to play tennis? There don't seem to be many other options at this point.

[MomTennis]

Our area did the 1-8 levels four years ago and it worked well. But that is not the solution as it is the limited sizes of the draws that makes it difficult to get into the higher level tournaments. Level 8 everyone gets in but by Level 1 only the top 4 in each section get in - a funnel effect - if you have 400-500 kids ranked in the section only 1 out of 100 will get in and once those four get in and get points then those kids will be the kids to get into the next Level 1 - if all 4 age up then then next 4 out of the 400 get in but you are still making it almost impossible for anyone below the top 4-5 in the section to ever play a national tournament.

[Keysmickey]

Originally Posted by Soianka

What would you do if your kids wanted to play tennis? There don't seem to be many other options at this point.

I'll be honest and admit I'm big on hyperbole in my writing, so yes if my kids wanted to play tennis I would devise a plan to the best of my ability. But, I would also strongly suggest they pick up second school sport (volleyball) and see how that goes.

I can say with very strong conviction that my daughter, a late starter to tennis at 12 and living in a non tennis playing area could never make it to D1 tennis (like she did) in today's environment. I just can't see a logical path. Now, I know this is a different scenario, but should the players with unusual circumstances be left out because they don't come from an academy or have many playing opportunities?

We were the familiy that many aound here disparage. We traveled and chased not only points but more importantly match play - tournaments were her only place to play matches, sad but true. Optimal? Hardly, but she did succeed despite the odds to the contrary and without things like larger draw sizes across the board we'd have had no chance.

[seminoleG]

Originally Posted by 10ismom

I skimmed through the new proposals. It is very complicated but USTA acknowledges that they will make sure changes being phased in and explained to coaches, parents and players.
USTA noted that changes based on "Advance Your Game" logic.

Here is what I think applied to the 12s:

New proposals- Cutting draw size at L1 National from 128 to 64- Most 12s and under are still developing their games and technique, USTA wants them compete closer to home (more emphasis on training, less competition out of section, less travel and money spent for parents, prevent burnout for juniors). If juniors are succesful in their section, they could be endorsed to play their new regionals (L2 in the proposal), or even advance to other national tournaments.

Section tournaments will have more L3 and L4 levels. L5 will be eliminated.

National opens will be eliminated but there are a lot more new proposed tournaments to play (Easter Bowl-like, National selection, National team winter,..etc.) either by sectional endorsement quotas or national standings. These proposed tournaments are so complicated to understand.....and I'm sure...everyone here feels the same.

New regionals are being created from adjoining sections- more competitive opponents could be found closer without having to play nationals.

Current system- Regionals are L3 and national opens are L2. Juniors from any section can apply and get in by their national standings.
Some parents travel out of their sections to weaker tourns. With the new proposals, juniors get into regionals by their section's quotas only. No hopping around to chase point. Zonals (L2) in current system is already sectionally endorsed.

OK some of the more successfully 2001-2002 (birth year) kids are being sent invitations by USTA Florida to attend a Regional Development Camp, GREEN BALL! Hospitality, no travel for 3 days.

Also states that future camps not based on just ranking.

So maybe the USTAs plan identify kids early, take financial and competitive pressure of travel and point chasing away so kids train. Then give them WCs into certain events?

Seems to me if you don't get them @8-9-10, you risk losing kids that wold have been your brightest prospects?

Or since GREEN BALL entries are so low this is a second tier marketing push to get Florida kids playing?

Either way if what they say in the invite is true:
-ID kids that "MAY" fit the bill
-Follow their progress
-Evaluate periodically (with their coach)
-Povide a path or success
Then I'm in, and welcome the support.

[10ismom]

^^^^^^^^ seminoleG, I don't think the inviatation is a market push from low participants for green ball tournaments in Florida. Our state has similar program and uses green dot balls to train kids 12 and under. Check the link below. The USTA apparently is trying to expand their player development program to reach more talented juniors in community.

http://www.usta.com/About-USTA/Playe...ining_centers/

With growing numbers of juniors from QS/10 and under population, the logical way to develop more potential talents for USTA is to reach out and work with coachesand resources in different regions.

It is "not smart" to put all or most of their eggs in one basket (only a handful of young player developmental kids).
Promising kids under 10-12 do not mean much or guarantee great 16-18s tennis players. Let parents invest in their children and USTA supplement and ensure their progress.

I have to say I admire the USTA effort to reach out more.

[Milan]

Originally Posted by 10ismom

I skimmed through the new proposals. It is very complicated but USTA acknowledges that they will make sure changes being phased in and explained to coaches, parents and players.
USTA noted that changes based on "Advance Your Game" logic.

Here is what I think applied to the 12s:

New proposals- Cutting draw size at L1 National from 128 to 64- Most 12s and under are still developing their games and technique, USTA wants them compete closer to home (more emphasis on training, less competition out of section, less travel and money spent for parents, prevent burnout for juniors). If juniors are succesful in their section, they could be endorsed to play their new regionals (L2 in the proposal), or even advance to other national tournaments.

Section tournaments will have more L3 and L4 levels. L5 will be eliminated.

National opens will be eliminated but there are a lot more new proposed tournaments to play (Easter Bowl-like, National selection, National team winter,..etc.) either by sectional endorsement quotas or national standings. These proposed tournaments are so complicated to understand.....and I'm sure...everyone here feels the same.

New regionals are being created from adjoining sections- more competitive opponents could be found closer without having to play nationals.

Current system- Regionals are L3 and national opens are L2. Juniors from any section can apply and get in by their national standings.
Some parents travel out of their sections to weaker tourns. With the new proposals, juniors get into regionals by their section's quotas only. No hopping around to chase point. Zonals (L2) in current system is already sectionally endorsed.

Ok, While the USTA have no idea what they're doing (changing things all the time), this seems to be a move in the right direction.

Are these changes effective immediately??

* 64 Draws...for Super Nationals
* National Opens Eliminated
* Regionals can be played ONLY through Sectional Ranking

Also, the Easterbowl & Winter's... What will their Draw sizes be?

Lastly, how will each section be graded? New York(East), Florida & California are clearly the strongest sections. Will they get more spots to Super Nationals then other Sections?

[HIGH-TECH TENNIS]

Unless someone can understand/explain the upcoming changes so that we have the opportunity to can make adjustments, etc., it seems we're back in the wait-and-see mode. What am I missing?

[tennis5]

Originally Posted by Milan

Ok, While the USTA have no idea what they're doing (changing things all the time), this seems to be a move in the right direction.

Are these changes effective immediately??

* 64 Draws...for Super Nationals
* National Opens Eliminated
* Regionals can be played ONLY through Sectional Ranking

Also, the Easterbowl & Winter's... What will their Draw sizes be?

Lastly, how will each section be graded? New York(East), Florida & California are clearly the strongest sections. Will they get more spots to Super Nationals then other Sections?

Originally Posted by HIGH-TECH TENNIS

Unless someone can understand/explain the upcoming changes so that we have the opportunity to can make adjustments, etc., it seems we're back in the wait-and-see mode. What am I missing?

We are in a wait and see. The vote is in March.

1) This proposal in this thread is the Feb proposal that just makes the changes to the original proposal.
It is not the complete proposal therefore.

2) The complete original proposal is in the thread Junior Trenches.
http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showt...=410674&page=2

3) Overall, they had cut the Clay and Hard courts down to 64, now the Feb proposal looks like they brought it up to 128.
Except for the 12's - it is still at 64.

There is some very tricky language here where they add more wild cards to the clay and hard courts under the reasoning in this Feb proposal that the draw size went from 64 to 128. But in fact, that is still a cut from the ORIGINAL size today.

4) They had moved clay to Memorial day, and now it appears they are moving it back to the summer.

5) Changes take place in 2014, however the original document had the L3 in July being reduced from 8 tournament sites to 4 tournament sites in the summer of 2013.

6) The 12's are really shut out too with small national draw sizes.
( The Clay and Hard have been brought back up to 128 from 64 for 14, 16, and 18
WHICH IS STILL A BIG CUT FROM THE ORIGINAL......
BUT FOR THE 12'S - IT IS STILL 64 DRAW!!!).
The rational must be they don't want them to travel.
But, the juniors in the small sections really suffer under this.
Plus, they just will have squeezed all the 10's out of playing any competition,
so unless the goal is to get rid of 10's and 12's, I can't understand how reducing play helps anyone.

7) We are left with two supernationals - Clay and Hard.
Winter Super Nats will be a 16 draw, with 6 wildcards.
Easter Bowl is just 32 draw, except for the 18's.

Folks - please read the documents and call your sectional offices.
Don't rely on anonymous posters, such as myself, on an internet board to interpret these documents.
I might be reading for one age group, or you might pick up a completely different view.
Please come to your own conclusions, but do voice your own opinion to your sectional office.

IT SEEMS WE HAVE MADE SOME PROGRESS WITH THE 64 DRAW BEING INCREASED TO 128, BUT IT IS STILL A BIG CUT.

AND WHY SHOULD ONLY 16 PLAYERS GET TO COMPETE FOR A GOLD BALL AT WINTER NATIONALS?
( AND YOU KNOW IT IS GOING TO BE ALL THE PLAYER DEVELOPMENT JUNIORS...... A TOTAL RIGGED GAME).

THINK ABOUT IT.....
LOOK AT THE FEB L2 THAT JUST HAPPENED THIS WEEKEND.
( This is not a proposal, this is right now.)
MANY 4 STAR AND 5 STAR PLAYERS SAT ON AN ALTERNATE LIST AND NEVER GOT IN.
WHY HAS THE USTA DECIDED FOR US....... THAT 4 STAR AND 5 STAR PLAYERS CAN'T COMPETE?
This is ridiculous... If you were going to call and complain about one thing, I would start here.
HOW DOES IT HELP PLAY TO NOT ACTUALLY PLAY AT ALL................

THESE L2 DRAWS SHOULD BE 64.
THE USTA IS COMPLETELY ELIMINATING THE STEPS THAT A JUNIOR NEEDS TO TAKE TO MOVE UP IN AGE GROUPS.
TENNIS IS A SERIES OF STEPS, YOU CAN'T JUST JUMP THEM OR YOU WILL MISS STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT.

AND SOME JUNIORS FROM AGE 11 TO AGE 18 WILL NEVER LEAVE THEIR SECTION AGAIN WITH THESE NEW PROPOSALS.
SOME JUNIORS FOR 7 STRAIGHT YEARS WILL PLAY THE SAME TEN KIDS OVER AND OVER AGAIN.
Sure, Fed and Nadal play each other over and over again,
but they weren't stuck playing the same ten kids for 7 years straight as a junior.......
THAT IS A DEATH BELL FOR JUNIOR TENNIS IN AMERICA.

[seminoleG]

Originally Posted by 10ismom

^^^^^^^^ seminoleG, I don't think the inviatation is a market push from low participants for green ball tournaments in Florida. Our state has similar program and uses green dot balls to train kids 12 and under. Check the link below. The USTA apparently is trying to expand their player development program to reach more talented juniors in community.

http://www.usta.com/About-USTA/Playe...ining_centers/

With growing numbers of juniors from QS/10 and under population, the logical way to develop more potential talents for USTA is to reach out and work with coachesand resources in different regions.

It is "not smart" to put all or most of their eggs in one basket (only a handful of young player developmental kids).
Promising kids under 10-12 do not mean much or guarantee great 16-18s tennis players. Let parents invest in their children and USTA supplement and ensure their progress.

I have to say I admire the USTA effort to reach out more.

I must say agree 100%. Seems this has been in the works and the new structure is there to support their (USTAs) kids. I've long said those with economic access to troop all across america may have the most points but results have proven not the best players. If the USTA is serious then these camps, at RTCs may be a step in the right direction.


Regional Training Centers | USTA

The establishment of Regional Training Center’s (RTC’s) will enable us to partner with the best Regional programs in the country, building relationships between our best coaches, and raising the level of training for our best  8-14 year-old juniors.

The partnerships will also make the transition of the very best juniors in the country (ages 14-16) into our National program, more seamless. As we establish more and more RTC’s we will be able train hundreds of our juniors (ages 10-14) close to home, and facilliate relationships between their coaches and our National Coaches. We will be able to track the development and performance of these juniors, and build strong relationships with their coaches and parents.

More information on Regional Training Centers:

The establishment of Regional Training Centers will enable us give juniors in the Sections an opportunity to receive High Performance training near their homes, enabling them to attend school and live with their families. It also provides them with supplementary coaching that doesn’t threaten their private coach.
The Regional Center also provides the Section with an opportunity to provide High Performance coaching and great competitive opportunities for talented juniors who might not otherwise be able to afford it.
The Regional Centers provide the Section with subsidized programming to enhance the recruitment of very young players (ages 6-10) Using the Quickstart format, and age-specific equipment – we have an opportunity to grow the talent pool with better athletes than ever before.
Why Regional Training Centers?

Because a player’s foundation is built between the ages of 8 and 14.
Because the most critical coaching phase is 8 – 12 (girls), 10- 14(boys).
Because maturity is a function of socialization. Most kids need their family.
Because it’s a TEAM effort. RTC’s will help us create hubs of collaboration and co-operation which will greatly increase the number of juniors we develop.

[Milan]

With their Budget:

*Build 9 Regional Training Centers
(State of the Art with Physical Fitness/Massage/Pool/Weight Room/Track/Physio Center):
New York(Expand US Open), Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, Texas, Utah, Detroit, Georgia, Boston.

*Allow All Players Top 200 in the United States in BG 12-18 or a few Wild Card Kids who do not play in the USTA System to play at the Center and use the facilities For Free or Small Fee. Allow Coaches to come for Seminars. Allow The Coaches to Give lessons on those courts (paying for courts of course), and use the Gyms etc. Coaches must complete a course and be accepted to receive these privileges, but once they do, THEY CANNOT BE TOLD HOW TO COACH.

*Hire Physical Trainers, Stringers, Physios, Masseuse, etc. to take care of the players, and allow certain players to get this treatment, and others to be able to pay for it.

* Have Different Clubs (Training Centers) Compete against each other a few times per year to see which Region is strongest.

*Simplify & localize Tournament Structure. Best Players (Top 64) Compete at Super National Events. If you're 20 in your section, you won't be a Professional, so need to play "Nationals"... Play Regional & Sectional Events and save your money.

BAM, within 10 years you will have MASSIVE amounts of Players Turning Professional. The USTA can take all of the credit like they're desperate for, yet Coaches don't have their talent stolen, and everyone's happy....


THE END.