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Table of Contents:
==================
4.1 USATT Club Handbook
4.1.1 Introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  1
4.1.2 Why Start a Table Tennis Club?  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  2
4.1.3 Starting Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  3
4.1.4 Putting It Together . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  4
4.1.5 Committees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  5
4.1.6 Selecting Committee Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  6
4.1.6.1 Instructing the Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  6
4.1.6.2 Committee Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  6
4.1.7 Membership. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7
4.1.8 Club Regulations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  8
4.1.9 Clothing  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  9
4.1.10 Finances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  9
4.1.10.1 Bookkeeping  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.1.10.2 Budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.1.10.3 Club Dues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4.1.11 Where to Play  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4.1.11.1 Facility Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4.1.11.2 Availability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4.1.11.3 How to Find a Place. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
4.1.12 Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.1.12.1 Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.1.12.2 Nets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.1.12.3 Balls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.1.12.4 Rackets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.1.12.5 Barriers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
4.1.12.6 Where to Buy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4.1.13 Intra-Club Activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.1.13.1 Playing Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4.1.13.2 Team Matches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4.1.13.3 Coaching Clinics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4.1.13.4 Social Activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4.1.14 Inter-Club Activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.1.15 Publicity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4.1.15.1 What Media?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
4.1.15.2 Mechanics of Publicity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
4.1.15.3 What is News?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
4.1.15.4 Writing a News Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
4.1.15.5 How to Prepare Copy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
4.1.16 Fund-Raising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
4.1.16.1 Legal Primer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
4.1.16.2 How Not to Ask for Money . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
4.1.16.3 Final Note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
4.1.17 Tournaments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
4.1.17.1 Types of Tournaments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
4.1.17.2 Tournament Season. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
4.1.17.3 Entry Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
4.1.17.4 Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
4.1.17.5 Entry Blank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
4.1.17.6 Tournament Format. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
4.1.17.7 Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
4.1.17.8 Seeding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
4.1.17.9 Final Note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
4.1.18 U. S. Table Tennis Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
4.1.19 Club Affiliation Benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
4.1.20 Club Affiliation Request . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Send comments, suggestions, contributions, revisions and criticisms
regarding this FAQ list via e-mail to:

	ttennis@bu.edu

From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 4.1  USATT Club Handbook
=================================
			   U. S. A. Table Tennis
			     One Olympic Plaza
			Colorado Springs, CO  80909
			   Phone:  719-578-4583
			    FAX:  719-632-6071

			       Revised 01/93

From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 4.1.1 Introduction
===========================
Table tennis  is a sport   that emphasizes individualism.   Those  who play
table  tennis are often  independent, think-for-themselves kind of  people.
Yet, it is difficult to fully  enjoy the game  without the  association and
the comradeship found in a  group of people sharing a  common interest.  In
the world  of organized sport,  that group of  players  is called  a "table
tennis club".    

Some clubs are formal business-like structures, and others are no more than
neighbors  having fun.  Some have  a large membership and permanent playing
site,  and others  have four or five players  and hope from month  to month
that they can stay in the church basement. 

Every club has its own  special set of problems,  both in organization  and
operation.  This manual is an effort to  help you, the club organizer, come
up  with some effective  solutions.  To assist the community-sponsored club
is this booklet's primary goal. 

If in the course  of your work to  start and run a  club you come  upon any
unusual problems or successful solutions  or projects,  be sure to  let  us
know so that the information might be shared with others.

It's a   challenge  to start  a  table  tennis club, but   it's   exciting,
rewarding, and (most of the time) fun.  Be persistent in your  efforts, and
you will be rewarded with a great deal of satisfaction.   

Good luck!

From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 4.1.2 Why Start a Table Tennis Club?
=============================================
There are  only four feet  behind each  end  of  the table, the  ceiling is
brushing the top of your head, the lighting  reminds you of  a dungeon, and
you've been playing the  same guy for the past  year.  It's time to start a
table tennis club!!   

A table  tennis club can provide more  room to play, better  lighting, more
competition,  and the recognition that  achievement brings.  As an athletic
event and social experience, organized table tennis is hard to beat.  
                      
From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 4.1.3 Starting Membership
==================================
The first step is to find more players interested in starting a club.  Some
good ways of doing this include:  

 The names on the check-out cards in table tennis books at the public
  library. 

 Response to posters put up at the YMCA, college union, community center,
  high school, and   sporting goods stores.  

 The sports editor of the local newspaper.  There may have been a club in
  your town at one time, and he may remember some of the players.  

Keep in  mind that many successful clubs   have started with only  three or
four inexperienced players.  However, the more people  you can involve, the
more fun you can have.   

From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 4.1.4 Putting It Together
==================================
At your first organizational  meeting,   a steering committee   should   be
established.   The steering  committee is  a  temporary group that will  be
responsible for the initial development of the club with regard to:  

 Finding a place to play
 Finding equipment (i.e., tables and nets)  
 Establishing meeting dates and times  
 Trying to find a sponsor  

When the steering committee has accomplished its tasks, a meeting should be
announced to  those who  have shown an  interest and to the general public.
At this meeting, a club name should be decided  on (usually  reflecting the
locality or sponsorship) and officers elected.   

The  club will need  a president,  vice president, and secretary/treasurer.
Each officer has a defined role in the club.  

President

 Presides at all meetings of the membership or officers 
 Appoints or determines all committees and chairmen 
 Aids in conducting correspondence
 Makes periodic reports to the membership

Vice President

 With the approval of the majority of officers, prescribes disciplinary
  action  Acts as president in the absence of the president or at the
  president's direction 

Secretary/Treasurer

 Records minutes of meeting 
 Prepares and distributes correspondence, notices, agendas, tournament
  reports, etc., that are not specifically assigned to others
 Responsible for the safe-keeping of club funds 
 Keeps an accounting of the club 

From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 4.1.5 Committees
=========================
It isn't  vital that the  club's  committees be established at the election
meeting, but  the president should be giving  consideration  to who will be
appointed as committee  chairmen.  The committees  should then be appointed
as soon as  it is practical  to do so.   To  some people, committees  are a
necessary  evil.  However,  working  on   a  committee can  be a  rewarding
experience for  both the individual and  the club.  Committees  can  do the
bulk of  the club's work and  provide a  larger number  of members with the
opportunity to take part in the club's operation.   Members will  develop a
feeling of worth  and satisfaction, thereby  becoming more  active and  the
potential leaders of the club.   

Basically,  there are two  categories  of committees: standing and special.
Standing committees  are set  up to  handle a specific  part  of the club's
regular work.  They have a limited term (usually the same as  the officers)
and a well-defined area  of responsibility.  They  must report regularly to
the president on their activity.  For  those situations that aren't covered
by a  standing  committee  (such as  a  fund-raising  project  or a special
tournament), the president  may appoint a special committee.   Its term  of
existence will be until the completion of the assigned work.  

Standing committees appropriate for a table tennis club are:  

Equipment Committee

 Maintains equipment and playing site
 Recommends repairs and new purchases

Tournament Committee

 Conducts matters pertaining to leagues and tournaments sponsored by the
  club 
 Maintains the club ladder, team match records, etc.

Membership Committee

 Develops membership materials (i.e., fact sheet, membership certificates,
  etc.) 
 Acts as a welcoming committee for new members

Activities Committee

 Conducts matters incident to intra-club activities
 Arranges for club banquets, picnics, etc.

Publicity Committee

 Works with the other committees in developing press releases
 Responsible for the writing and dissemination of press releases, posters,
  etc 

                   
From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 4.1.6 Selecting Committee Members
==========================================
When  deciding who  should  do what, it is   important to keep  in  mind an
individual's   personal interests and  talents.    Equally important is the
combination of people who can work together.  Don't  leave the selection of
committee members to chance - give it some hard thought.   

4.1.6.1 Instructing the Committee
---------------------------------
Each committee must have a clearly-defined area of  responsibility.  Try to
be certain that committees don't step on each other's toes.  It is  best to
put the assignments  in writing and see  to it that each  committee  member
gets a copy.   

4.1.6.2 Committee Operation
---------------------------
The nature of a committee  calls  for informality and flexibility.   Forget
about parliamentary procedure.  Keep the atmosphere relaxed and supportive.
The chairperson's role is that of a  discussion leader.  He must be careful
not to dictate or dominate the committee's activity. 

A written agenda will  help  keep the  discussion  on course.  A  committee
secretary should be appointed to keep a detailed record of meetings.  

Each committee should have one of the officers  as  a member.  He will have
full voting rights but should not be  expected to  operate the committee in
the absence of the chairmen. 

From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 4.1.7 Membership
=========================
When there  is a foundation  membership and the club  is meeting regularly,
each member should be inspired to attract new members.  When that potential
member comes to the  meeting, make him feel comfortable.   Pay attention to
him.  Don't be too pushy but see to it that he has an opportunity to get in
on the action. 

Another nice touch for the guest and new  member is  a club fact sheet.  It
 should include: 

 A list of current members, addresses, and phone numbers
 A short history of the club
 Regular meeting times
 Copy of the by-laws (if any)
 Dues and any special fees
 List of events for the upcoming year

In  addition   to   the fact sheet,   you  may   consider having membership
certificates to present to new members.  

The club president and secretary  should be  keeping a  membership file.  A
simple method is to use a 3" x  5" index card,  or  you may want  to  use a
computer data   base.  The information  which should   be  included  is the
member's name, address, phone number, date he joined, and birthday.  


Some additional thoughts on new members:  

 Call to remind them of the meeting.

 In some cases, you might offer transportation.

 Be certain he/she is introduced to other club members.  Let him/her know
  that he/she is an important asset to the club.

 Get his/her name into some of the club's activity stories in a club
  newsletter or the city paper. 

 After he/she has been to a few meetings, put him/her to work on a
  committee or project. 

Remember - developing  membership  is an   ongoing activity:  "The road  to
  success is always under construction".  

From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 4.1.8 Club Regulations
===============================
Every  organization needs a set  of standards to  which  its   members  are
expected to  adhere.  Without  such regulations and their enforcement, each
player  will   set his/her  own  standards  of  conduct and  some   will be
unacceptable.   

Here are some rules that should be considered.  

 Players will conduct themselves in a sportsman-like manner.

 Loud or offensive language will not be tolerated.

 Willful damage to the club's equipment or the facility will not be
  tolerated. 

 Members will cooperate in setting up and taking down the equipment and in
  cleaning up the area before leaving.  

 There will be no smoking or drinking of an alcoholic beverage at the
  playing site. 

 Table tennis courtesies will be observed.

 A let will be called when a stray ball enters your court.

 No one will unnecessarily pass through a playing area in use.

 "Table hogging" will not be tolerated.

 The Laws of Table Tennis published by the USATT will govern all games.

From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 4.1.9 Clothing
=======================
To  enhance  the  appearance of your  club  (making it   more attractive to
potential members), the USATT dress code should  be adopted.   It calls for
dark  or deep  pastel,  solid-colored shorts  and  shirts  and rubber-soled
shoes.  No tank tops or cut-offs are permitted.  Players must wear shirts. 

From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 4.1.10 Finances
========================
From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 4.1.10.1 Bookkeeping
-----------------------------
Club  bookkeeping  requires a  great  deal of attention.  While  it  is not
expected that the  secretary/treasurer  become a CPA,  the lack of accurate
records can be the cause of friction among members.  

The secretary/treasurer, by  election, becomes  the club's chief  financial
officer.  However,  he/she  should not be expected to  work alone.  Another
member should be appointed  to  assist the treasurer  in record-keeping and
paying the bills.   This  will relieve the   burden of responsibility if  a
mistake is made.   

There are three tools needed for the bookkeeping job.  They are:

 Two-signature checking account.  All bills must be paid by check.  This
  will provide a record of payment.  The two-signature check diminishes the
  opportunity for error. 

 Permanently-bound, double-entry ledger book.  This is used to keep a
  running total of expenses and income.  It should be kept up to date with
  each item received and each check written. 

 Large manila envelope.  The envelope is used to file all bills and
  receipts.  No item relating to the club's finances should be thrown away.

From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 4.1.10.2 Budget
------------------------
The budgets  of all  clubs will vary,  primarily  due to  the extent of the
sponsorship.  However, it is important  that an annual budget be developed.
The budget can be divided into two sections: 

 Non-recurring expenses.  These might include:

  Utility deposits
  Renovation costs
  Permits (plumbing, electrical, etc.)

 Recurring expenses.  These might include:

  Capital expenses - Tables, nets, barriers, cleaning and refurbishing
   supplies 
  Operating expenses - Maintenance supplies, office supplies, postage,
   printing costs, utilities 

Estimate the amount of money needed to satisfy each of the club's expenses,
and this will give you an idea of how much income needs  to be generated by
your fund-raising activities, dues, and sponsorship.  

From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 4.1.10.3 Club Dues
---------------------------
Membership dues are an economic necessity to most  clubs.   If your club is
fully sponsored and doesn't need  the  money, dues should still be required
for membership.  When a person pays for something, he pays attention to it.
This brings up the area of free tournaments and  coaching clinics  - DON'T.
Always charge something, even if no more than a token fee.   

To facilitate bookkeeping, the  membership fee  should  be due once a year.
New memberships can be pro-rated.  This means that the fee should be easily
divisible  by  12.  Some  clubs collect dues  semi-annually.  More frequent
collection becomes a bookkeeping nightmare.   

The individual membership fee for many clubs falls between  $12 and $24 per
year.  Family memberships   are  usually  twice  the fee  for  individuals.
Junior  membership  (usually for kids 17  years  old and  younger) is often
one-half the annual fee for individuals.   

From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 4.1.11 Where to Play
=============================
Finding a place to   play is often one   of the most difficult problems  to
solve  in starting a   table tennis club.    It would be   great to find  a
building fulfilling the requirements listed below.  However,  take what you
can get to get started and keep looking for a better place.   

From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 4.1.11.1 Facility Requirements
---------------------------------------
Low Cost - This  means that  you will be  looking  for some kind  of public
building   (i.e.,  city auditorium, school   gym, or church  basement).  To
provide funds  for rental,  it may be  necessary to have a  small per-night
playing fee collected from each player.   

Physical Attributes  - The minimum  floor space for  each table is  25 feet
long by 13 feet wide.  The ceiling should be no less  than 10 feet high and
uncluttered over  the playing area.  Wood  floors are  best, tile next, and
then  concrete (avoid carpet).  Make arrangements  to  have access to a dry
mop and a wet mop to clean the floor  before and after you  play.   A clean
floor will benefit the players, and the building proprietor will appreciate
the club's efforts in caring for the building.   

Usually, you can do little to increase the lighting  in  a public building.
It  won't hurt to  ask if you  can clean  the  fixtures  and install higher
wattage  bulbs.  Incandescent lights are preferable  over fluorescent,  and
all lights should be shade if possible. 

Make sure the playing site has restrooms.  

From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 4.1.11.2 Availability
------------------------------
Most clubs like to meet at least twice a week.  Regardless of how often you
meet, regularity is imperative.  A table tennis club can't be successful if
it doesn't have a regular meeting night and time that the members can rely
on and that can be promoted to the public. 

From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 4.1.11.3 How to Find a Place
-------------------------------------
If your city has a parks and recreation department, this is the first place
to go.    Frequently, the recreation director   is   responsible for a city
auditorium or  recreational facility  and may be  able to help you.  YMCAs,
Boy's Clubs, churches, and schools are good prospects.  These organizations
usually welcome activities that are youth- and family-oriented.   

It seldom occurs  that a group exhausts the  public building search without
finding a place  to play.  If  that happens, don't give up.   In almost any
town, there are merchants who have  an upstairs  room they don't use.   The
members may have to do some work to get it into playing condition, but this
labor should go some distance  in paying the  rent.  Be aware  that you may
also be responsible for some utilities.  

Whatever  you end  up with,  be  certain  to give  credit  to  the building
proprietor in your news releases.  This creates considerable goodwill.  

From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 4.1.12 Equipment
=========================
Good equipment adds a great deal to the attractiveness of  your club.  Look
for the USATT "Seal of Approval" on any piece of  equipment you buy.  It is
your assurance that the item meets the standards  required for high caliber
play.   

From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 4.1.12.1 Tables
------------------------
A good table will have no less than a 3/4"  top made of high resin particle
board painted in a dark, non-reflecting color, usually green.  Plywood tops
are usually too grainy.   

Whether  you  purchase   a fold-away or a   two-piece   card table  type is
primarily  dependent upon your available  storage  area.   Three  two-piece
tables can be  stored in about the  same space required for one  fold-away.
The fold-away is easier to  set up and take  down but  is  generally not as
sturdy as the two-piece table.   

A table with a steel apron around the perimeter on the underside of the top
is less likely to warp, and some players claim that this  design plays more
"solidly" than one without.   

From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 4.1.12.2 Nets
----------------------
Don't try to get by with a  cheap  net.  Many of  them  are not high enough
(must be 6"), do not extend beyond the table sides (6" out from each side),
and have a  space between the bracket and  the end of  the net.  The better
nets have a tension adjustment  cord  running  lengthwise across  the  top.
Make sure the brackets fit your tables. 

A good net may seem expensive but is a worthwhile investment.  Take  a look
at several before making a purchase.  

From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 4.1.12.3 Balls
-----------------------
Table  tennis  balls  vary greatly in  quality.   Any   of   the USATT-  or
ITTF-approved three-star  balls are good.   Players are expected to provide
their own balls though the club should have some available for sale.  

From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 4.1.12.4 Rackets
-------------------------
Club members provide their   own  rackets.  Sandpaper-covered  rackets  and
rackets with no  covering (plain wood) are illegal.   Most top players  use
rackets with pips-in  smooth rubber.  The  club should have  a few  rackets
available for guests.   

From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 4.1.12.5 Barriers
--------------------------
Barriers are of  great  benefit at  tournaments.  When properly  used, they
help prevent  balls from  entering other  courts, keep the  spectators at a
proper distance,  speed up  play  by  reducing  interference, and  make the
tournament more enjoyable for the players.   

A suitable barrier  is a large  roll  of single-faced corrugated paper that
can be  snaked around the  courts.  Barriers should be between  30" and 36"
high and a dark or deep pastel color.   

From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 4.1.12.6 Where to Buy
------------------------------
Several department and catalog  stores carry tables  suitable for club use.
With table  tennis  growing in  popularity  more  and more, sporting  goods
stores are stocking the better quality rackets and balls.  

The USATT's official magazine, Table Tennis Topics,  regularly publishes an
approved equipment list and has many dealer ads from which equipment can be
ordered by mail.   

From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 4.1.13 Intra-Club Activities
=====================================
In addition to unstructured  play at the regular  meetings, the club should
have some activities that promote regular attendance.  Consideration should
also  be  given  to developing  an activity  that  allows the  less-skilled
players  to  compete  against   the  better  players.   If you   don't, the
less-skilled player is likely to get bored and drop out.  

From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 4.1.13.1 Playing Activities
------------------------------------
                           Club Ladder

For this activity, some special materials are needed.  They are:  

 Metal-rimmed round key tags big enough to put a player's name on.  

 Small screw-in type cup hooks - one for each member and a few extra.  

 A piece of plywood large enough to position the key tags on it in a
  triangle.


On the  board, lay out  a large triangle with  enough room for  the tags to
hang freely  from the cup  hooks.  Screw  the hooks into  the board.  Write
each club member's name on a tag and place them  on the  hooks in the order
of playing strength,  with the best player at  the  top.   It helps if  the
hooks are numbered.   

                                0

                              0 0 0

                            0 0 0 0 0

                          0 0 0 0 0 0 0

While the rules may vary  to suit specific club  situations, here is  a set
that has worked for other clubs.  

 You may challenge only on _________ night

 You may issue only two challenges per night

 You may not refuse a challenge

 You may challenge only the two players in attendance that occupy the two
  posts above and closest to your own

 Movement of rankings is as follows:  If the challenged player wins,
  ranking is not affected.  If the challenger wins, he moves to the post of
  the losing player. The losing player is moved one post below his
  pre-match position.  Players in between these two positions are
  necessarily moved one post down.  

                     Grand Prix Round Robin

This is  an  activity  that lets the  developing  players play  against the
better players in tournament competition.  

The procedure is to set up three or four monthly one-day tournaments.  Each
tournament   will be two  flights of  round-robins.   For the first flight,
players are divided into groups of four or five  with each group having one
top player, one  advance intermediate, one  intermediate, and one beginner.
Each of the first groups compete.   

The second flight will be groups made up of the top two or three finishers
and groups of the bottom two or three finishers.  This  allows  the players
to compete against opponents of their own strength.  

Inexpensive awards should be given to the top eight players of each monthly
tourney.   

"Grand prix" points can be awarded  each player according  to his finish in
the monthly tournament - the first-place finisher receiving one  point, the
second  place  finisher getting  two   points,  etc.  At   the  end  of the
tournament series, the player with the fewest points is the grand champion.

From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 4.1.13.2 Team Matches
------------------------------
The club  can be divided  into three-man teams, with each  team composed of
three levels of players.  In each team tie, you can play three singles and
two doubles matches.   

You may want to  set a time limit  on how long this activity  is to run  so
that if one team  is dominating,  you can  change teams  around and run the
event again.   

One of the benefits of this activity is that the better player on the team
often takes an interest in helping his teammates acquire better skills.  

From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 4.1.13.3 Coaching Clinics
----------------------------------
If you're lucky enough to have an experienced player join the club, he/she
should be encouraged to conduct a couple of  junior coaching  clinics.  The
USATT maintains a list of certified coaches and will  help you  find one in
your area.   

From usatt@earth.usa.net Fri Jan 21 00:39:04 1994
Subject: 4.1.13.4 Social Activities
-----------------------------------
Non-playing activities should  also  be  a part of  the   club's   program.
Socializing  in a non-competitive  atmosphere   with the members and  their
families goes a long way to building a strong organization.

Club Picnic - Frequently, a club's activity declines  in the summer months.
A summertime picnic  is a  great way to  get members together.  Each family
can be responsible for a certain kind of food.  The club  might provide the
hot dogs   and drinks.  Some  recreational  equipment  (such as  horseshoe,
frisbees, etc.) should be available.   

Awards Banquet - Towards the end of the playing  season, your club may want
to have  a   dinner and   at  that  time  recognize  those who  have   made
contributions of time and money to the club - both club members and outside
sponsors.  An easy way  to  do this is to have  a  carry-in affair with the
club providing the drinks.   

Community Involvement  - Your club might get  involved with  an anti-litter

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