VOLLEYING

“Volleying” is the place for comment by visitors on articles published in prior issues of this web site. In the November issue, I published two articles regarding the decorations on paddles and the color of the playing surface. I am pleased to publish, with his permission, comments by Bob Callaway

Re: "LET’S CONSIDER PADDLE DECORATION" &"WHICH COLOR DECK?"
(November 2007 Issue)

I read your article on Paddle Decoration. As the former head of the Rules Committee, let me shed a little light on your concerns. First, the manufacturers have all been disciplined about sending to me each new paddle they intend to market. I have checked each paddle against the specs as outlined in Appendix B of the Rules and have consulted with the other members of the Rules Committee regarding any concerns. Second, regarding colors; from the time I came on the committee I was concerned about the colors of some of the Paddles already being marketed and new ones being proposed. As a result, I conducted several small Focus Groups where I had players volley balls being hit with an essentially gray Paddle (I think it was the Viking Wired) as against balls being hit with brightly colored Paddles (I think one of the first was the Viking Ignite). I did this research with novice, club and with tournament players. Overall, the results indicated that there was little, if any, distraction, confusion, delayed recognition, etc. between the Paddles. As a result, the Paddles now on the market were approved.

I also read your article about court colors. This issue is a little more complex in that color is harder to define. Whereas there is little difference in the color of Har Tru composition tennis courts through out the summer, there is considerable difference, for instance, in the green on different Platform Tennis courts. Who resurfaced the court, how long ago was the court resurfaced, to what degree is the court exposed to the sun, etc. are all factors playing upon the shade of green. In addition, we could not come up with a reason not to allow blue or purple. During discussions on the subject, some people thought that the blue was less likely to change color over time and that it was easier to see the ball. Further, there are now a number of concrete courts, which are essentially gray and the lines are red. What is wrong with that? The courts play just fine. Using the tennis analogy, look at all the different colors used on tennis courts, even before TV (green grass, red clay, gray/green Har Tru).

So I do not think we, the Rules Committee, have been neglectful of our responsibilities. We have all spent considerable time and effort and even our own money to be good stewards of the Rules. You can have your own opinion, but please respect our diligence and our rationale.


Bob Callaway

Bob Callaway is a former APTA Director, Chairman of the Rules & Equipment Committee in 2006-2007, a Racquet Sports Professional at Wee Burn C. C. in Darien, Connecticut, co-author of “Platform Tennis” published in 1977 and former owner of a platform tennis facility in Norwalk, Connecticut.

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