FROM THE USAPA
New USAPA Position Aims to Standardize and Improve the Tournament Experience
BY CHRISTINE BARKSDALE / USAPA MANAGING DIRECTOR OF COMPETITION AND ATHLETE PROGRAMS
Since being named as the Managing Director of Competition key that we be prepared and Athlete Programs in June, many people have asked me, with an organized and“ So what will you be doing for the USAPA?” To date, almost professional foundation. all of the amazing things that the USAPA has accomplished
Recently, many of has been done through the work of talented and dedicated you may have volunteers. By creating this new paid position, the organization seen the launch of will be able to centralize these efforts, allowing us to be more the Professional nimble and consistent in the application of rules, policies and Pickleball guidelines. Definitely a worthy task and much- needed with the Federation( PPF). growth of pickleball the last few years.
As you’ ll read
So are you still asking yourself,“ What does she do again?” in this issue of Well, as the Managing Director of Competition, it’ s all about Pickleball Magazine, tournaments and facilitating the needs of tournament directors the PPF has while creating format consistencies for a USAPA-sanctioned partnered with the tournament.
USAPA to develop a Pro Tour. This developing partnership also
Another component of my job is to establish a USAPA falls in my wheelhouse. Creating a partnership and working National Indoor Championship – a task that I’ m really excited closely with the PPF to create a Pro Tour is key for helping the to get started. As a Managing Director of Athlete Programs, my general public understand that this is truly is a sport for all focus shifts to enhancing the competitive player experience – at ages. all levels and skills, not just for the elite 5.0 player. This includes For those who don’ t know my background and are wondering everything from helping to improve the rating system, increase why I might be qualified for this position, let me tell you a little the number of knowledgeable referees and developing clear about myself. While I only started playing pickleball in 2008, and concise rules. All of these items, plus many more, set the most of my career( and youth) has been spent playing tennis. environment for a successful tournament.
After years of competition, I took on the role of organizing
It is important for me that when a player enters a USTA leagues. By working and playing on both sides of the tournament he / she knows what to expect from an competitive table, it has provided me the perspective needed organizational standpoint. Honestly, this new position is a to be successful in this position. I look forward to how this job major stepping stone in the growth of pickleball. With more will evolve as pickleball continues to grow and gains a larger and more tournaments popping up, it is critical that we national audience – one that attracts more than just a one- hour establish a foundation so that when pickleball is on TV for more CBS Special, but live coverage of our National and Regional than an hour or when we eventually make the Olympics, it is Tournaments throughout the year. •
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