VOLLEYING
WEB SITE VISITOR RESPONSES

Re: "WOULDN’T IT BE NICE IF THE PADDLE COMMUNITY FOLLOWED THIS LEAD?"
(February 2006 Issue)

The following is a response, verbatim, that I received via email from Andrew Krell of Grand Rapids, Michigan

“ read your opinion on deadlines for paddle tournaments...comparing to golf.....and I agree with you on principle......but I do believe you are not taking into account one of the beauties of paddle.....the informality and gentleman-like manner to the game
very few defaults occur in paddle due to a team being late.....and although I agree that being on time is something that we should all strive for.......getting to paddle tournaments can be tuff.....because of weather!
if you are late for your tee time....boom---gone, .out of tourney, bye bye plane ticket, no backdraw....see ya!
in paddle....you could be defaulted, if your opponents are mad (not likely)..and still play more.....and isn't that the point? that is why the tournaments have backdraws
paddle is trying to be INCLUSIVE( a whole nother topic, truly) as opposed to golf which has been EXCLUSIVE
it is one of the fun parts about paddle, and paddle tournaments”

I requested permission to print his thoughts and he responded further…

“ be my guest...thanks for asking......and please excuse the informality of letter to you....there were other points i did not get too....such as line calls or a refreshing cocktail during play that add to the informality of paddle
i do enjoy golf.....and actually feel there is something "beautiful" to the formality and rules of the game
a while back there was a debate in platform tennis magazine about the backdraws.....I believe it was Art Williams who thought they were not "worth" it....and I meant to send a letter about them, and how i felt he was incorrect
i can tell you, if they cut out backdraws in paddle tournaments.....you would see far fewer tournaments, and far fewer teams......how would teams "qualify" for national or regional event? and how many would meet qualifications(such as the handicap rule for us amateur)?
if you are not aware, the national 18's and 16's boys TENNIS tournament, held in Kalamazoo, Michigan! every year.....they have a backdraw for the kids.....and it is great!
Cron Mueller in Springfield Illinois is a champion of public paddle----he may be someone you would enjoy talking too (especially since he just won the backdraws at nationals!)
one other closing thought.......just the fact that at paddle tournaments.....you are close to your "opponents"....even talking to them during warm ups...and shaking hands with them after the match, and sharing a beer with them watching another match, again, adds to the informality of the tournaments ......you do not see that at tennis tournaments....they barely shake hands anymore”

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