AMTO  ANNUAL  MEETING   10/27/07

AMTO Board Meeting

October 27, 2007

Minutes 
Meeting was called to order at 10:15 am with opening remarks from Bob and Dave about the 20-year history of AMTO and its formation. 

After Bob introduced the Board, the Secretary’s report was read by Cecelia, followed by Sharon’s Treasurer report.  Sharon noted that AMTO pays for the Rookie of the Year trophy and lunch.  Dave explained the expenses for Columbia training and mailing of the by-laws.  Dave Pullen suggested that Sharon contact him or Jennifer Gregg after she disclosed that CTA did not reimburse a $163 request she submitted.  Sharon gave credit to Jim Lawson for bringing in funds for tournaments. 

Ernie provided history behind the Nicholas B. Powell award.  He also explained the new evaluation grading system.  He noted the Sectional TE event at the U. of GA where they learned this evaluation system.  Ernie said that hopefully we’ll have the same training dates of the 3rd weekend in January at McDonough and the 1st weekend in February in Richmond.  Specific dates will be listed on the web and that once again, the pre-test should be turned in on the first day.  It is an on-line test and we will use the 2007 FAC. 

It was noted that the Columbia Chair School in has been successful and that the budget should cover some of the administrative fees for training schools.  The purpose of training schools was discussed and comments from members were provided. Larry Wells wanted it on record that some solicitations for officials do not have the compensation mentioned. 

Bob’s motion to officially implement a $10.00 AMTO dues was accepted after discussion.  Dues will be paid by AMTO members to Sharon.  Dave motioned to amend the dues requirement where first year provisionals would have their dues waived.  It was accepted.  However, Larry’s motion to amend the dues amount to $20.00 was not.  The Secretary will send out notices to members about the dues.  Bob’s suggestion of a provisional t-shirt evoked responses that claimed it would make the new official stand out too much. 

Other items discussed were Jim Lawson’s new webpage for Maryland tennis officials. Dave DeGrafft reported changes in some ITA meets.  UMD Women will chair their doubles matches.  He noted the need to train officials for ITA chairs. Slate results reported by Sharon noted that Joanie Kelly was voted Rookie of the Year and Jim Lawson was voted Umpire of the Year. A closing note by Ernie reported that some data cards were not in as of this day.
The meeting adjourned at 11:30 am. 

_______________________________

Secretary

What you absolutely need to know about

Referees, Umpires, Officials

As a tournament player, you need to know what these terms mean. The term “referee,” “umpire,” “official” and even “tournament director” are used by many players interchangeably. They don’t mean the same thing, and if you don’t know the difference, you may lose points, games, or even a match because of it.

“Official” is a general term which includes anyone who exercises some degree of control over the conduct of tournament play. Typically, this term applies to the “referee,” “deputy referees,” “site referees,” “roving umpires,” “chair umpires,” and “line umpires.” [The “tournament director” is not really an official, but sometimes the duties of this position and those of the “referee” are confused.]

“Umpires” (roving or chair) typically wear the USTA “officials shirt” and/or other distinguishing apparel. Roving umpires are responsible to monitor play on two or more courts and become involved in matches only when invited. (This invitation may come from a player request or as a result of on-court misbehavior (audible profanity, racquet abuse, etc.) Umpires may come to the court to address a certain issue and leave, or stay for a few games, or stay for the duration of the match, depending on the situation.

Umpires are on or around the courts and typically:

·          Conduct pre-match meetings with players, perform the coin toss, and time the warm-up

·          Oversee play and issue code and time violations, when warranted

·          Resolve disputes regarding tennis law (rules)

·          Resolve scoring disputes

·          Make decisions of fact (correcting erroneous “out” calls, net touches, incorrect score calling, etc.) when on court or in direct observation thereof.

·          Summon the referee to the court at the players’ request for a decision on a point of law.

The referee (or site referee) should wear USTA “officials apparel.” The referee may be at the tournament desk or anywhere on the premises, but can always be located (usually by walkie-talkie). The referee:

·          Oversees all tournament play and has the final responsibility for assuring fairness, enforcement of the rules, “calling” matches and assigning them to specific courts, and scheduling match times.

·          Suspends play and postpones or cancels matches when circumstances warrant

·          Makes final decisions regarding tennis law. The decision on a point of law of an umpire may be appealed to the referee.

What happens when there is a dispute?

If something occurs on the court that you feel is contrary to the rules, your first line of appeal is to the umpire. If the umpire must be summoned, and the question involves the score, stop playing until he arrives. When the umpire arrives, you and your opponent should explain the situation. The umpire will apply the rules to the current situation and give instructions as to how to proceed.

What happens if the dispute is over line calls or an issue of fact?

First, the umpire cannot overturn any call that he didn’t see directly.  No matter how adamantly a player protests his opponent’s call, the umpire cannot overturn the call or order the point replayed. If the umpire is already on court, or is in direct observation of the incident, he may “correct” a clearly erroneous call. Umpires are trained not to overrule a first serve called good by the receiver unless persuaded it is an intentionally bad call. If the umpire issues a correction (called an “overrule”), the player making the erroneous call loses the point. [The exception to this rule is when an umpire can read a ball mark on a clay court that both players agree is the mark.]

What happens if you don’t agree with the umpire’s interpretation of the rules?

Any decision made by the umpire regarding the rules (not fact, like a ball being in or out, or a ball touching a player) may be appealed to the referee. Players should use words similar to these: “I am not sure that I agree with that decision. Please summon the referee.” The umpire is obligated to call the referee. If the ruling doesn’t affect the score, play may resume while awaiting the referee’s arrival.

What happens if the umpire’s decision affects the score?

Do not resume play until the referee has come to the court and rendered his decision. Once the referee has issued his opinion, you must resume play immediately.

What happens if you resume play and then decide to appeal to the referee at a later time?

When any dispute occurs that affects the score and it is resolved by an umpire and play is resumed, the score IS whatever was decided upon when play resumed. If you don’t agree with the score, do not resume play, or shake your opponent’s hand if at the end of the match, until you appeal to the referee.

What if I don’t agree with the referee either?

Sorry, you are out of options; the referee has the final say. You have 20 seconds to resume play.

If you get in a situation that you don’t believe is fair or follows the rules, remember these words:

“Please summon the referee.”