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IS THIS REALLY NECESSARY?

By Charles E. Vasoll

“Experience” is a great teacher, it is said. I now understand that expression in a new light. I have just completed my role as co-chairman of the American Platform Tennis Association Senior Men’s Nationals for 50+ 60+ and 70+. It was a new “experience” for me and one particular aspect, I believe, should be given more scrutiny by the APTA Board of Directors and Senior Men’s Chairman.

Duane Hayden, President of the Long Island Platform Tennis Association, which conducted the tournament for the APTA, asked a simple question when the draw was being made. “Can players enter two tournaments?” he asked. First, you must understand that Mr. Hayden is deeply rooted in golf events so the question came out of that background. He observed that several players had entered both the 50+ and 60+ or the 60+ and 70+ sections of the championships. Tim Mangan, who was co-chairman, was marking the draw as the names were pulled, replied “Yes, it has been a long tradition in senior championships”.

The work of the draws continued and it was clear that those players entered in two events had to be scheduled for matches at non-competing times so both matches in which they might play could proceed in a timely manner. This seemed to be plausible primarily because, fortunately, only three players were involved. If these players were willing to put themselves on the line for so many matches, we were compelled to continue the APTA tradition and honor their request. In fact our entry form, similar to others conducting tournaments with multiple draws, even made provision in the reduced entry fee for those participating in a second tournament. This is where the learning experience began.

The players who entered two “tournaments” in this Senior National Championship were not “cannon fodder”. They did not lose, lose, lose and exit. (Even that would have been a concern.) Our double entries were seeded and champion players. This made the timing of matches in two draws on the same day a real challenge. Of course, it all worked out (although one back draw match was defaulted). Nevertheless, I still ask the question, “Is this really necessary?”

I understand that players traveling a long distance want to get as much playing time as possible. I also understand that often these players have the talent and physical stamina to be competitive in two different age groups. But I still raise the question, “Is this really necessary?”

I submit that it is not. There is enough work and effort to conducting a tournament, especially one of National Championship stature with three draws, without double entries. Allowing this procedure causes difficulties in the timing of matches, allowing sufficient time for meals and generally does not provide greater competition.

In my opinion it is also an imposition on the other players in the tournament. Often, because of the need to avoid matches in which players competing in two draws are involved, other players must wait for their match against these competitors. It upsets the rhythm of the draw.

I think it is time to remove one more complication of our senior age championships by eliminating this two-entry system. What do you think?