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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