It was agreed that there will be no changes to the National Junior Competition Schedule for 2013. In addition, it was agreed that between now and mid-March there will be a series of transparent and inclusive “Town Hall Listening Meetings” at which industry representatives,parents, coaches, players, tournament directors, USTA representatives, and other interested parties will discuss, and explore refinements to, the Junior Competition Schedule for 2014 and beyond.
| USTA Representatives | Industry Representatives |
| Jon Vegosen Chairman of the Board & President |
Steve Bellamy Founder of the Tennis Channel & Tennis Parent |
| Dave Haggerty First Vice President |
Sean Hannity Host of Hannity & Tennis Parent |
| Timothy Russell, Chairman USTA Junior Competition Committee |
Kevin Kempin CEO of Head North America & Tennis Parent |
| Gordon Smith Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer |
Antonio Mora CBS News Anchor & Tennis Parent |
| Kurt Kamperman Chief Executive, Community Tennis |
Robert Sasseville National Tournament Director |
| Lew Brewer Director of Junior Competition |
-==-=-=-
The above letter is an agreement that was reached yesterday after a meeting in Chicago.
For those of you that have been following this issue, you know that I have been very critical of the USTA and its proposed changes and reductions in national tournament opportunities for Juniors.
I am very pleased to report to you that the meeting went extremely well....
As the above letter points out, 2013 changes will be put on hold, but more importantly, there will be numerous opportunities for Junior players, Parents, Coaches, Directors and others to NOW BECOME INVOLVED in the process.
This is a tremendous opportunity for anybody and everybody that has a passion for American tennis and Junior development.
I want to personally and publicly thank everybody involved for their hard work and dedication and most importantly for the desire to work with the USTA membership and get the best possible Junior Competition schedule.
The possibilities and ideas are inspiring and can benefit every American Junior at every level of development. Kids that are potential future Professional stars, kids that are on track to play college tennis, and amazing opportunities for young recreational players.
I sincerely believe that if people take full advantage of this open dialogue that is about to begin, you will all feel extremely optimistic about the Future af American tennis.
My many thanks to all....... More to come.
Best
Sean
USTA to Pause 2013 Schedule Changes - TennisInsider.com
USTA listens, holds off on changesto junior tennis - USAToday.com
