Ideas on promoting the sport of racquetball - page 2

Subject: Racquetball "Chain Club" Promotion Suggestion
Date: 26 Apr 2003 18:08:18 GMT
(Jordan Kahn)

A few years back, I posted an article about how racquetball will eventually
move from "racquetball clubs" with many courts to "Multi-Fitness Mega-Clubs"
facilities with just a few courts, but lots of different activities and
thousands of memberships.

I also mentioned that the trend for many clubs may be towards "programs" and
"family programs", including pre-school and youth programs, which allows
members more reasons to join and renew their memberships. Like a cross between
a YMCA, Park District and an Exclusive Private Club.

These new mega clubs may not have lots of courts, but they have lots of
"members" that can create lots of players.

I have been saying this for years, but the USRA (national association) needs to
get more involved with local facilities.

Perhaps a lot of energy, time and money could be saved by having the USRA (and
local states) working with a few of these growing "mega clubs" chains.

It may be easier to set up meetings with "regional" chain club
managers/directors to develop new programs at their club, using experienced
racquetball programmers, than to try work with individual facilities.

The mega clubs will likely be interested in any new programs/advice that they
can turn into a profit or member retention, especially coming from a credible
or proven source, like the USRA.

While some club chains may or may not promote racquetball, they all need to
'sell" and "retain" memberships. But few facilities have the staff, energy or
funds to dedicate "racquetball" programs at individual clubs.

While individual clubs may not be able to justify or afford to "pay" a
racquetball programmer, surely the "corporate office" would approve local
facilities barter a "free membership and title" for exchange of individuals
running local racquetball programs.

Example:

1. National and regional club personal meets to determine possible racquetball
programs that will work for individual club demographics for chain clubs.
Including promotional material and print work that will be shared at the local
level.

2. Regional directors return to meet with individual club managers and discuss
possible racquetball programs and provide promotional material and print work t
promote programs

3. Individual clubs offer these racquetball programs.

The racquetball pros/staff work for that clubs director in charge of
racquetball, who may not have time or the experience to devote for racquetball
programs.

Usually, the existing local chain club director in charge of "racquetball" has
other responsibilities besides racquetball to devote their time and energy to.
So delegating racquetball responsibilities to others may lighten their workload
and be appreciated, especially if more memberships are sold!

This is a win-win situation for club chains, club staff, club members and
racquetball.

Clubs gain valuable knowledge to help sell and retain memberships while
promoting racquetball. Its that simple!

Is there work required? Yes. But the results are truly profitable for all
concerned.

Jordan

Sept 11, 2003

Despite your take on it ('why would I *have* to flash my card to buy balls'?), my
point is: what if membership to an amateur organization, called the USRA, were
to be offered FREE, with the purchase of ANY racquetball gear? Would you
'need' a membership to buy balls (as you ASSUMED)? Of course not. You would
simply be 're-offered' a chance to participate in the USRA 'club' with every
purchase, though. It would be foolish NOT to send in at least one of the many
free entry forms that you easily found with every glove, bag, racquet, and can of
balls you purchased. Hell, the USRA would be ubiquitous! Benefits? At that
LEVEL of membership

(Ah ha.)

all you would be entitled to is a free magazine (once, not subscription),
information mailed to you about the game, copy of rules, list of clubs in your
area, and added to mailing list for future offers.

In order to get regular mailing of mag, need second tiered membership, slight
fee...

In order to get level of membership required to compete, and be ranked, need to
pay more...

Want level of membership to get discounts on lodging, get dental insurance from
IAB <wink>, then pay a little more...

Want to go to PRO (Olympic) camp? Gotta pay $5,321.68 for membership.

Ah, ASSUMPTIONS. "Some world, not yours?" Don't be so sure. You are
assuming pretty much status quo. Thanks for bringing up the restrictive stiltifying
nature of assumptions, especially unstated ones.

Opus

Subject: Re: A new way to make things work......
Date: 09 Sep 2003 17:43:50 GMT
From: (Tomkat9111)

At the YMCA where I currently play there are approximately 80 league players
and another 30-40 players that just show up with someone to play semi
regularly. Of all those players, 6+ have played at least ONE tournament within
a year, three have played more than 3 tournaments.

I would venture to say that 30% of the players didn't pay as much as $30 for
their racquets and they think thats a lot.

Even though Racquetball Areobics, rules and tournament play classes and
challenge court night is offered only a dozen or so take part in those. The Y
wants to see if there is going to be a number of people show up before they
will even charge anyone to attend. So its free classes and still only a few
take advantage of it. At least this fall I believe more than a dozen players
will play in a tournament.

The majority of these players don't want to spend $30 on membership, play one
tournament for another $35+ thats more than they spent on their whole gear for
the sport. The leagues are only $15 and that lasts 10 weeks. For 4 seasons of
league, 40 weeks, that $60 is almost the same for one tournament a year.

If the Y's and JCCs and private clubs could get together with the USRA with
some kind of programing and include the rules book and some kind of adhearance
to safety equipment minimums. Some how get the majority into the flow of the
national game to feel a part of the bigger whole. If a place with courts does
not have a die hard person that will give up time and effort to get people into
the game the courts get taken out and the rest run amok.

I know the Y's ask for volunteers for every sport to get coaches involved. Its
not like they are takeing away their livelyhood its just a part time thing. I
heard there were over 300 kids playing soccer and they each paid $30 for the
session. Thats just one Y in a small town of 35,000+.

What if the USRA would come up with a package of the rule book and a phamphlet
with some game situations and info about playing in tournaments for $5.00 no
magazine, maybe the State's quarterly newsletter??? for the Y's , JCC's and
private clubs to use to get people into playing and useing their courts? All
league players would have to purchase a package each year to play in their
courts the players would be safer and have some idea of the rules.

From my experience most of those league players don't even know the USRA
exists. They think tournaments are only for "VERY" serious players. I put up a
picture of two players,from the Y, that won the A./B doubles,Doug Blaha and Jim
Heckemyer, at the Show Me State(Missouri) games this year and the reaction was
overwhelming.
Maybe there is hope.

Thats my ranting for the day.Cudos to those giving time and effort to keep the
game alive.

TomKat Racquetball & Golf

From Jordan: 8/24/2002

What do I believe the USRA should provide?

Club management support, promotional leadership support and sponsoring
non-tournament activities to create new players and NEW MEMBERS at the local
club. Leadership and direction for local states to promote non-tournament
activities to non-USRA members.

Local club managers are not dumb, they know that hosting a tournament does
little to create new members, since all these players live in other cities or
belong to another club.

But mention that the "State or National" organization will help host and run
promotional events "at the clubs scheduling" to attract new members, including
provide promotional material, you will get a club managers attention, since it
saves them time, energy and money.

The average racquetball player plays a friend for fun, and may not be ready for
a tournament, but is a ideal market target for mixers, leagues and parties,
which can introduce these people to existing USRA members.

Subject: Re: Here's a question...
Date: 06 Aug 2002 17:06:31 GMT
From: (Jordan Kahn)

The major difference between racquetball and how other sports are promoted is
fundamental.

Most sports have a history of existing programs offered to the public.

Tennis is a good example. Tennis didn't really become the "money sport" until
the televised "Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs" battle of the sexes match.

While many viewers did not play tennis or played in tennis tournaments, all
shared a common feeling of "beating" a friend or family member at the local
tennis court during their own "grudge match".

This was all "hype and spin" which attracted a huge non-tennis playing
audience.

Sure, there was outdoor tennis and private clubs, which "peaked" in the mid
1970's, but the key was programming, memberships and instruction.

Tennis was primarily a social activity for members. While some played in house
leagues, fewer played in any tournament. Most played for recreational
enjoyment.

The advantage tennis had was plenty of classes, leagues and participants,
especially the ladies in the morning hours.

Kids classes would be scheduled at 4PM after school, with prime-time open
courts and adult leagues starting at 5:30 PM.

Pro staff to teach classes, host leagues and run programs were available. It
was not uncommon for several teaching pros to work full time at a single club.

While price may have kept many participants from joining indoor tennis clubs,
programs helped attract and retain new members.

Racquetball is a young sport that achieved "fad" status when tennis was at its
peak.

Racquetball was the "poor mans" alternative to tennis, since memberships and
court time were priced for almost anyone.

It was common (in the late 1970-early 1980) for a new person to walk into a
racquetball club in the fall and buy a membership, sign-up leagues and pay less
than $100.

With this luck for club management, there was no real need to advertise or
promote, since new members were flocking in on their own.

Lessons and classes were not needed, as with tennis, because of the ease of the
sport.

But the social aspect was much different then tennis, due to the confines of
individual courts and singles being played instead of doubles. Although some
courts with lower glass walls have much better social interactions between
members.

So you have this racquetball sport which all of a sudden loses half the
memberships to the new fad- "Health Clubs" that offer those new electronic
weight machines, aerobics classes and most important, socialization between
members.

Racquetball clubs still have not learned how to promote successfully, since
there was no real history of "trial and error" to learn from, and most clubs
went out of business.

The only facilities left are multi-facility that offers many activities (YMCA,
JCC Park District), or new clubs that only had a few courts built.

Now we have a sport without a history of promotion or programs AND memberships
are more expensive, since you must join the "club" and not just a racquetball
department.

The average club membership is about $450 per year. While court time may be
included, it is difficult for a facility with a few courts to attract new
racquetball members.

Most clubs now require membership to play- and how many "new" players are
willing to drop that type of money without knowing anyone or having existing
programs available?

Racquetball needs to start at "STEP ONE" all over and work with club management
to "sell" memberships at the club, which is the only way that most facilities
will allow an outside source to promote.

Jordan
--

Subject: Re: Here's a question...
Date: 02 Aug 2002 17:27:59 GMT
(Jordan Kahn)

Glad you asked! The key for participation is FUN.

Recently youth soccer became the number one youth participation sport,
primarily because of the active younger recreational player's ages 5 - 8, not
the older youth or adult tournament players.

Like any sport, at about age 11 there is a major drop in participation, due to
other activities and lack of desire for participation unless you are a star
athlete and the fear of looking bad in public.

Imagine what "would" have happened if the youth soccer programs forced all
players to buy a "membership" before they even participated or tried the game?

Imagine if the younger players, who play games for fun and who DON'T KEEP SCORE
actually kept score? Half would win and half would quit playing because it was
no longer FUN to play.

People don't compete in tournaments for one major reason, FEAR!

This is why it's so important to offer non-tournament programs!

This is the same reason why most men don't dance in public (and that's free!).
But you won't have any problems with men watching others dance, or getting
"lost" on the dance floor if no one can see them!

Men have a terrible fear of looking stupid in public, similar to how most women
have a fear of looking "bad" without the right makeup or wearing the latest
fashions.

Making people feel comfortable is the key.

Tournaments actually chase away most players who have never played a
tournament.

Even some challenge courts, if not "hosted correctly" can be uncomfortable for
new players that don't know other players.

"Us" experienced and "advanced" players don't have this problem. We are already
used to losing, aren't afraid to introduce us to others and are sought out by
others to play!

If a person, any age, feels threatened to participate, chances are they won't,
especially for those without experience.

The USRA "only" offers tournaments, and most (except round robin) have all the
participants pay about $35 and half of the players will be out after 1 match.
While some die-hard players call this fun and part of competing, most players
don't.

SUGGESTION-
The USRA, like other sport organizations NEEDS to offer non-tournament programs
to introduce new players and retain players who no play tournaments, be it for
family, work or injury reasons.

WHAT TYPE OF PROGRAMS?
Free Clinics
Classes
Mixers
Challenge Courts
Inter Club Mixers
Inter Club Leagues

While I wouldn't suggest the USRA force USRA membership to participate, a small
"fee" for non-USRA members, which go directly to the host club.

This is a great incentive for clubs to host these events and the state and USRA
will eventually get new memberships from such events.

Incentives for joining the USRA would be saving on the "added fees" and of
course receiving Racquetball Magazine and USRA Membership!

EXAMPLE PROGRAM - Club Mixer with Free drinks and snacks provided.
Club makes deal with local state and USRA to host weekly mixers.
Club members pay $5 (or $3 if members don't pay court fees)
Club Members who are USRA members pay $3 (free if they don't pay court fees)
Guests pay $8.
Guests who are USRA members pay $5.

While these are only sample prices, the goal is to keep prices as low as
possible without chasing away customers, but encouraging fee discounts by
joining the USRA.

If clubs ran weekly events, and a few local clubs also participated, clubs get
needed "cash" while providing members with players- and the state and USRA gets
new memberships, from participants who see this as a way to save money
participating in local club programs.

Jordan

Subject: Re: My $.02 on the USRA Giving More $ to the States
Date: 01 Aug 2002 21:05:36 GMT
From: (Jordan Kahn)

Hi Otto, I don't think that "money" is the major problem, support from the USRA
for non-USRA member's participation is.

Otto, if you were the person in charge of racquetball at a facility that only
allowed programs for "existing" club members, and all the existing members were
already happy with other activities in that club, how would you get new
racquetball participants and retain the few you had?

Some facilities do not allow participation (as a policy) to non-members; others
allow non-members to participate in "programs" at a premium expense, if there
is space available.

All clubs will allow prospective members free tour, most even allow a free
try-out.

The USRA should use these methods of promotion, which need only the "sanctioned
support" from the national body (USRA).

If the USRA won't touch non-member participation for fear of liability, why
should the state affiliates, who have even less financial resources?

My state, and most others, believes that the success is getting new players to
play tournaments.

This is far from reality, since most new participants at any sport will not
compete until they have had enough playing experience and the confidence to do
so.

Most tournament players first played for fun, then got involved in challenge
courts or leagues, then tournaments. A few eventually joined the USRA and
probably play at least twice a week.

But there is a huge racquetball market of recreational players and non-players.

The USRA says it's the states problem, the states say it's the clubs problem,
the clubs have no time, funds or experience to promote racquetball.

But there are plenty of local players who would be willing to help FOR FREE at
a local club. What these people need is credibility and guidance from a leader,
like the state or national association.

If you were about to hire or allow an intern to work for you, your company's
reputation is on the line. You want employees that have the experience and
credentials needed to do the work. If they don't have the "experience", the
next best thing is credentials.

This is where the USRA can help. Give the USRA power to have local states
assign people under sanction of both state and national association to call on
local clubs.

It would be so much easier and less expensive, for one source to print
brochures which carry the authority and credibility required at most clubs just
to get inside the door!

The USRA "needs" to diversify into an organization that provides non-tournament
players, and expired-USRA members with available programs, which create a need
for purchasing USRA memberships.

Jordan

Subject: Re: USRA - Purpose
Date: 05 Jul 2002 17:05:08 GMT
From: (Jordan Kahn)

The (national and state) organizations "feed off" the tournament players
created from the club level. The problem is the number of club players has
continued to decline.

Why is racquetball not as popular as it once was? Choices of alternative
activities and cost.

In the 70's, tennis and racquetball were the only indoor activities, besides
swimming and basketball. The only "weight" rooms were at the local YMCA and
JCC, which were dark and dingy.

The cost to join a club was around $50 a year since court time was between $6
and $15 per hour.

In the late 70's and early 80's a new "service" was created, health clubs that
offered electronic weight machines and aerobics classes. This was in direct
competition to racquetball and tennis clubs.

Many tennis and racquetball clubs could not compete with these health clubs, so
the eventually went out of business.

Even the "leaders" of racquetball diversified into the health club business
(IHRSA).

Currently, most clubs charge about $400 per year, which is a little high o try
racquetball for the first time.

It is almost impossible for a health club with 3 or 4 clubs to afford to pay
someone to promote racquetball, and that's just part-time!

The typical racquetball facility only has about 4 courts, is not a chain and
doesn't own any other clubs.

This is how a national organization can help.

Valuable resources like experience; contacts and programs are cost efficient
when done by one party, similar to how "franchise businesses" are run.

But the national racquetball organization won't touch any program unless all
participants are paid ($30) members.

So much for promoting racquetball. Can you imagine if a club said there would
be no guests allowed, no free racquet demos and no club tours before joining?

Juniors:

I would guess that most, if not all (tournament) juniors have a close family
(or friend) that plays racquetball and has access to a club.

Basically, mom or dad plays tournaments (or played) and the kids have parents
that are more than happy to drive them to a club.

In the real world, most parents have only played recreational racquetball and
are not as willing (as tournament parents) to push racquetball on their kids.

This is not a cost issue, but a "marketing" problem, since there are few
programs for youth or adults at clubs.

Racquetball has not been a social event, like tennis, baseball, basketball and
soccer.

Kids play for the social and fun aspects of the game, just like adults. But the
adults have a wallet and drivers license to get them to the club.

WERE SHOULD RACQUETBALL BE MARKETED?

Simple, the "FAMILY". You get more bang for your buck.

People will spend more cash on their kids and family than for themselves.

And juniors must be sought way before they turn 11 years, since this is the age
where it is difficult to get participation for new activities.

What is the best age for juniors to start? Pre-school, since there are few
options for activities and courts are available during weekday mornings and
afternoons.

You will be surprised to learn that promoting pre-school racquetball also
promotes adult racquetball and youth racquetball, since it becomes a household
discussion.

If just dad or mom played racquetball, there is little discussion about
racquetball.

This is one way soccer advanced so quickly as a participant sport, word of
mouth from the "mommy" network!

Jordan
PS. I have taught racquetball since 1977 and have worked in racquetball clubs,
tennis and racquetball clubs, Park Districts and YMCAs. I switched from running
programs for adults to mostly juniors in the early 1990's, since I accidentally
found there was greater job security with pre-school and elementary ages.

Subject:
Re: Racquetball on TV (sort of)
Date:
10 Jul 2002 00:21:08 GMT
From:
jordanisra@aol.com (Jordan Kahn)
Organization:
AOL http://www.aol.com
Newsgroups:
alt.sport.racquetball
References:
1

I was just thinking about how racquetball (on TV) would effect racquetball
growth and increase membership or participation in the local clubs.

I was watching the TV news about the minor league baseball team that "locked"
their gates so no one could get in to watch their game.

This was done to get into the record books and get some free promotional play
in the press, which it certainly did. The game before only had 12 spectators in
attendance!

I have come to believe that it may not be the "sport", but rather the hype for
a particular player.

The Michael Jordan's & Tiger Woods are what bring out the big audiences AND
sponsors!

Even racquetball tries to get top players to enhance their credibility with
participants and sponsors in local and pro tournaments.

For racquetball to be a TV sport, it needs to have players who are household
names, or sponsors may not want to support it.

If the advertising world only expects a 3% customer draw for a good ad, imagine
the cost and time it would take to air racquetball on TV to get the same
effect?

The most effective way to get NEW racquetball players?

FAMILY and FRIENDS! Not through TV.

Its nice to see racquetball on TV, even if its just part of the background in a
sitcom or commercial, but it has no effect on the increase of racquetball
participation.

TV, as with ANY marketing campaign requires five ingredients:

1. An interesting sales pitch that creates a demand for the product or service.

2. A direct message that clearly shows how to receive the product or service.

3. A affordable price for the product or service.

4. The product or service must be available in local markets to purchase right
away.

5. The message (TV Commercial) must air several times per week for months at
times and places of the targeted market.

Jordan

PS. A good example is Soccer. Soccer has a terrible American TV market, but
recently Youth Soccer passed baseball for sports with youth participants.
--

Subject: Racquetball on TV (sort of)
From: "Otto Dietrich" ottod@bellsouth.net
Date: 7/9/02 2:08 PM Central Daylight Time
Message-id: <KjGW8.349$JU3.45220@e3500-atl1.usenetserver.com>

Hi All

In looking at today's newspaper to confirm the times of tonight's MLB All
Star Game, I also noticed that the ABC affiliate here in Atlanta is airing
an episode of "According to Jim" (I've never once watched this show) that is
entitled "Racquetball Showdown". The time is listed as 8:30 PM EDT and I
don't know if it is a national or local only airing.

I set my VCR and will check it out after the All Star Game!

Thought some of you would be interested.

Enjoy,

Otto

OTTO E. DIETRICH
President, United States Racquetball Association 1998-Present
National Rules Commissioner 1988-1998
Member of National Rules Committee 1982-Present

Subject: Re: A Simple Concept
Date: 28 May 2002 16:35:16 GMT
From: (Jordan Kahn)

Very nice post Lynn.

I have been saying this since 1986, when I attended my first state board
meeting.

The problem doesn't fall on the monthly meeting of state board "volunteers",
but at the top at the national level.

The state associations run and promote tournaments, just like the national
organization, but on a smaller but more frequent basis.

The national organization does not promote racquetball to non-members of their
organization and leaves up the promotion of racquetball to the local state and
club personal.

Likewise, the state follows the national rule and doesn't promote racquetball
to non-state members and leaves the promotion up to the local club personal.

State associations only offer tournaments, clubs only offer courts, and no one
is offering any promotional services to create and maintain the players.

That's the way it has been for years. Unlike the local tennis professionals,
racquetball has no professional base at facilities to promote and create new
players.

Eventually, clubs will be financially forced to convert courts and fewer
players mean less state and national memberships.

That's the problem, here is a solution.

YES! Run ALL racquetball associations like a BUSINESS, not a private membership
exclusive ONLY to its members!

Encourage and promote programs designed to reach new, current and recreational
players without promoting "tournaments". The "Tournament" aspect of promotions
is already in place.

What is missing and needed is promotional content at the club level. Sure,
state and local players can help the local clubs, but true credibility comes
from the national organization leadership.

Like any business, no one joins (first time) a club without first taking a tour
or trying out the facility. Why should promoting racquetball be any different?

There should have been programs 30 years ago promoted by the national
organization that state associations could offer at local clubs for non-USRA
members.

(The USRA ONLY offers programs to their existing $30 annual members, according
to the USRA, which is due to "insurance" reasons.)

The USRA should get a new insurance carrier or buy additional coverage to allow
promotion outside their membership with limited liability to the host club,
just like when the USRA runs a tournament and gets a "sponsor" to help
underwrite costs- should sponsors refuse because of the liability too?

Currently there are very few facilities that have enough courts to run
tournaments, but just the right number of courts to run promotional events and
clinics.

Try this at your facility this week.

Ask the manager/owner if they ever host free racquetball clinics? Ask if they
would be willing to let members run the clinic? Then ask if they would rather
have their pro run the clinic (free).

Inquire if they would be interested if the state association hosted the clinic,
and provided free instructors and advertisement in the state newsletter?

Finally, ask if they would be interested if this was a clinic sponsored by the
"national" organization, and instructors, promotional flyers and advertisement
was provided FREE?

Does it cost much to provide the services mentioned above? NO, actually, most
racquet companies would be more than happy to provide free "Press Kits" that
included material that could be reproduced via copy machine or computer.

And who would staff and instruct these events? The experienced players that no
longer play tournaments because of age, injury of family/work commitments.

Just a few ideas that have been proposed to the national organization for many
years.

Unlike the "Olympic Dream", these promotional concepts can be immediately
applied to any club, without waiting 4 years between each Olympics.

Jordan
PS: The Olympic Dream will not have much impact on forming programs in clubs or
creating new club memberships. If and when the Olympic Dream occurs, there will
be a need to have existing club programs for the "Olympic TV Viewers" who rush
to their local clubs to play racquetball, just like there was for "Curling".

--
Subject: A Simple Concept
From: "Lynn Stephens"
Date: 5/28/02 9:29 AM Central Daylight Time

People always wonder how and what it will take to build racquetball up to
the level we feel it should reach. To me, it all boils down to one simple
concept. Your State Boards need to treat their organization like a business.
The membership are your *current* customers and the rest of the people in
the state that may have an interest in racquetball are your *potential*
customers. Take care of the ones you have, and go after the ones you want.
If we did the business of business like most organizations do the business
of racquetball, you would be out on the street in a year. You have to keep
up with changing times and lifestyles and adjust accordingly. You have to
give people a reason to use your business (organization). You have to make
them want to continue using your business (organization). Sometimes you have
to give someone something for free (support non-membership programs) to
attract them to membership at a later date. Everyone loves to get something
for nothing. I've gotten and kept some of my best customers that way. If all
State Organizations would do this you would see the number of organized
racquetball players increase by at least 30% in the next 2 years.

Lynn

Subject: Re: McPherson Kansas
Date: Sat, 29 Sep 2001 22:49:53 GMT
From: "J

Actually I wanted to take that thought one step further. What would be wrong with developing the outdoor game to promote the indoor game? I cant imagine that it would cost Park Depts a whole lot to spring up a couple of 3 walled courts in a few parks here and there---adults and kids could then learn the outdoor game without the hassle of belonging to a expensive club---might evolve into a interest in the indoor game when winter rolled around

Tennis legend James Scott Conners once said that the problem with american tennis was that it needed to get kids out on the public courts were the better athletes could be found and not just try to develop the country club crowd. I think to a certain extent the Williams sistas are a product of that type of thinking. Maybe racquetball needs to start looking to the play grounds and parks instead of the clubs---who knows maybe some gifted athletes might try hitting a racquetball while waiting for a basketball
court to open up and get hooked for life

J

"J
Just came back from a high school tennis tourny in McPherson Ks. McPherson for you that dont know is a lil town just north of DoDah, past Crabwell Corners, west of Pixley, a stones throw from Hooterville right outside Pettycoat Junction....Anyway

They have a very nice tennis facility located in Wall Park, 6 nice courts but no lights. I noticed at the far end of the courts a hugh concrete wall existed with sets of lights above it. Between matches I took a stroll to see what might be on the other side of that wall and guess what my eyes saw??

3 perfect outdoor racquetball courts with outdoor lighting!!!!! Un FREKIN believable--the courts lines were freshly painted and on the side of each wall was a button to turn on the court lights. I was stunned.

In DoDah(wichita) with our population of 350,000 I know of 2 old run down outdoor courts. Now granted Im not big on the outdoor game but DAMN if the courts were available who knows.

I wonder how long it will be before skateboarders find these courts???

J

Subject: Re: Grassroots USRA suggestion (survey)
Date: 04 May 2002 16:13:14 GMT
From: (Jordan Kahn)

The USRA and state associations do a good job running tournaments, but clubs
don't need tournaments, they need players and members, otherwise say goodbye to
the racquetball courts at your local club.

I will get some flack for this, but running tournaments is not that difficult
to do, compared to promoting non-tournament programs.

Back in the late 1970s, at the peak of racquetball, there were inexpensive
tournaments ($20-$25) every weekend with large attendance.

This was only because there were thousands of tournament players playing at
thousands of clubs, many clubs that had 6 - 10 courts.

Now, there are not as many players or clubs and clubs average 3 - 6 courts per
facility (if that).

Sure, ordering shirts, trophies and printing up entry forms is work, and
working all weekend can be stressful, but it was not that difficult because the
"tournament player base" was very large.

If you had 1000 possible active tournament players in a 2 hour radius, you
could expect 150 to play your tournament.

Back then there were also many recreational players too.

Remember how difficult it was to get a court reservation? You had to call
7-days in advance just to get an 8:00 PM court!

Today you can get an 8:00 "walk-in" court time at almost every racquetball
facility.

Subject: Re: Is it time for a grassroots org.?
Date: 25 Apr 2002 05:20:04 GMT
(Jordan Kahn)

Brian has the same complaint (question) I had many years ago.

I had the good fortune to work in some of the larger and smaller clubs in the
Northern Chicago suburbs.

This area has had and still has some of the key racquetball personalities.
Names like Kendler, Newman, Sweeney, Leve, Peters, Negrete, Clay and Adams and
Gudinas.

I am lucky to have come in contact with many players and club management in the
past 25 years that I have worked for private clubs, park districts, city
recreational facilities and the YMCA.

All these clubs share one common goal, programming and selling memberships.

Unfortunately, the national organizational representing racquetball fails to
meet the typical standards that the average club uses to promote racquetball.

Imagine a club pro telling the club that they could only teach club members who
were USRA members, and only if they played in a USRA tournament- then
criticizes the clubs way of promoting racquetball? The club would fire this
person on the spot.

Basically that is what the USRA offers to the racquetball facilities.

The USRA only offers tournaments, to those that are USRA members or purchase a
$30 membership. Then, the USRA explains how the USRA benefits racquetball and
how the club could increase their potential.

It doesn't take a genus to figure out the clubs animosity towards the USRA,
especially when the USRA "charges" their members to play at their own clubs
tournament but expects the USRA non-club members to participate free of charge.

Worse, the club gets rejected when asking if the USRA could offer any clinics
(free or paid) at the club?

The USRA says sure, but only for the USRA members. Ironic that most clubs only
have 2 or 3 USRA members and these are the last type of members who would need
a clinic!

Another insult is the USRA explains they can't offer programs to non-USRA
members- but expect the same club to host a 3-day tournament to non-members of
that club?

And the reason, insurance!

Heck, the club that hosts a USRA tournament is going to have dozens of
non-members and their guests all weekend long that use the clubs facilities.

Eventually the USRA will start running out of facilities willing to "host"
local sanction tournaments at affordable prices. Guess who is going to end up
paying? The USRA membership.

But, if the USRA and local states actually offered "sanctioned" services to
non-USRA members at these clubs, you would begin seeing more non-tournament
events. More players and lower entry fees for tournaments because the clubs
would be willing to work with the USRA and not just renting the courts out like
a private club party.

The USRA is like a little baseball kid telling others how to play because it's
"his bat and ball". The USRA may own the "bat and ball", but they don't own a
"playing field".

Jordan
PS. I once complained about how my state didn't offer any programs to the
clubs. One of the club owners told me that's why they didn't work with the
state association, and that I should get involved to change this. Most USRA
members are not aware its not the "states" fault, it's the policy of the
national organization.

Subject: Re: Voting
Date: 2 Sep 2002 16:39:33 -0700
(Mark)

>
> Mark,
> Tennis has one thing racquetball doesn't have. Many, many tennis courts in
> public parks and facilities paid for and maintained by taxpayer dollars.
> This makes tennis a very accessible sport for anyone that's interested in
> playing. What would be your specific suggestion on how to make racquetball
> more accessible to the public?
>
> Lynn
>
>

Lynn:
The fact that tennis has public courts is not news. Racquetball was
growing at a tremendous pace in the 70's. If it would have continued,
I contend that tax dollars would have been spent for outdoor
racquetball courts. They still exist in Florida and California. Tax
dollars are spent on athletic facilities that people ask for.
Since that growth did not occur for many reasons discussed in a
number of posts, I simply am suggesting the USRA refocus its
priorities. Racquetball was just turned down for inclusion in the 2008
Olympics so how long will we continue this pursuit?? I think it is
time to refocus.
Suggestions:
1. Use USRA money to run amateur tournmaments instead of jetting Board
Members to IOC meetings and elite athletes to World Championships.
Club owners would be more willing to have tournaments if it was
subsidized and they could see a way to make money and bring in new
members.
2. Require AMPRO instructors to donate a certain amount of hours a
year in free lessons in order to help new comers to the sport and
maintain certification.
3. Figure out how to convince club owners that juniors should be able
to play racquetball. Most clubs won't let them play until they are 16.
The spoke screen used is "for insurance reasons" they can not play.
BS.....
4. Donate racquets to Colleges that have racquetball courts.
5. Convince manufacturers to promote the top IRT pros so young people
will see what a great game racquetball is and how incredible athletic
the top Pros are.
Slogan: "Racquetball is Cool" followed by "Hey, Dad will you teach me
how to play racquetball?"

That is it for now, Labor Day party to attend.

Happy Hitting

Mark

Subject: Grass Roots VS. Olympic Dream
Date: 21 Apr 2002 04:23:26 GMT
From: (Jordan Kahn)
Organization:

Grass Roots VS. Olympic Dream

In a nutshell, there are two basic groups of racquetball players.

Those who want to promote from the "top" (Olympic dream) and those who want to
promote from the "bottom" (grassroots).

The Olympic dream is more complicated since the IOC requires a minimum number
of countries to have racquetball programs in place, the host country to decide
to let racquetball be "exhibition" status and the vote from the IOC to become a
full Olympic sport.

So lots of time and money is spent at the international level by the USRA to
obtain this status, worldwide. Plus, the USRA receives "bonus money" when the
USA racquetball team wins these international events.

The main complaint by the "grassroots group".

The USRA receives over ½ million dollars (annually) from the USOC to provide
developmental programs. Most if not all this expense is directed to the
international programs and the top elite players.

Even if racquetball does become an Olympic sport, there still needs to be
existing in-house programs to teach, promote and program new "recreational"
players at the local club level.

So the complaint from the "grassroots" group is basic, start at the bottom to
put in place programs that would be utilized to create new players.

The complaint of "Olympic dream" group is simple, get racquetball into the
Olympic for the exposure and new players will see this and want to play
racquetball.

My personal opinion is simple, go for the "Olympic dream" while developing
programs that would be in place if racquetball becomes an Olympic sport.

You can develop and offer programs to new and recreational players everyday of
the year, but the Olympic dream only occurs a few weeks every four years.

Jordan

PS. Which program creates and retains more members? A racquet club that hosts a
Pro Tour every 4 years or a racquet club that offers clinics, lessons, leagues
and social player weekly?

Here are some things I'd like to see:

A network of local organizers and support personnel. There's the USRA,
then the state people, then… nobody (it seems). Peter Mcmillon may
drive around California helping his local clubs, but here in PA, I've
never seen anyone from the state level, and I play in our largest
city, in one of only three city clubs. The USRA and state association
effort isn't reaching us AT ALL. We need a functional outreach program
that would put a rep of some kind into every club on a regular basis.
These folks would promote the sport to club management and
recreational players, standardize the rules, maintain minimal safety
requirements, sponsor inter-club tournaments, LISTEN, and provide
whatever general authority the local players need.

A valuable communication infrastructure. "Racquetball Magazine" isn't
serving our needs. It's published too infrequently, and doesn't
provide peer-to-peer communications between local organizers. We need
an organized network of local and state websites, e-mailing lists, and
traditional newsletters. The standardized websites would provide
static resources (Rules, tips, directions, FAQ, help for club
organizers, etc.), dynamic resources (upcoming events, meet-and-play,
tournament results, bios, news, etc.), provide some kind of feedback
forum for the player population, and promote the "racquetball brand"
(see below). The USRA site does some of this already, but the state
sites are uneven and most seem woefully under-funded and ineffective.
The newsletters could be a digest version of these more robust
electronic forms. Both the websites and newsletters would be
professionally designed.

A national marketing campaign. Commercials? Print ads? Not so fast.
First we need a "racquetball brand", complete with brand qualities,
visibility agenda, differentiation analysis, graphic standards, and on
and on. The brand would drive our ideas, and guide our evaluations.
It's incredibly powerful, and incredibly expensive. It could be the
USRA organization, or the IRT, or something else. The campaign itself
might include overt stuff like advertising along with
cross-promotional marketing. One example: Doesn't the military still
build courts? Couldn't we lobby them to put that into some of their
ads? Or their "web-story". Joint promotion is cheaper. We could kick
ideas around the aforementioned "public forum" or here in ASR, but
we'd need some hope that those ideas would be implemented, or at least
considered. An organized campaign would emerge.

Ok. This might be too expensive. Or inadequate. Or inappropriate in
some way that I can't see. And it's easy to second guess the USRA
people who would love to do more if only they had the resources. It's
just useless to beat on them for not providing something that we
vaguely define as "grassroots".

Joe Argentina
Philadelphia, PA

Joe, good question, what exactly is a "Grassroots Program"?

Any social program offered to the non-player or recreational player, at their
level and interest, to promote racquetball.

Obviously, tournaments are not part of these introductory grassroot programs,
but could be available later as players develop confidence and skills.

The (a) national office should be in control of these grassroot programs, as a
central headquarters to program, promote and receive funding needed to share
ideas that work.

The USRA is unable to promote racquetball to any non-USRA member, due to their
current insurance restrictions.

The USRA budget shows the annual (secondary) insurance cost per individual to
be only $4, and this insurance benefit only takes place after the host facility
own insurance runs out

Perhaps it is time the USRA retains the help of the IHRSA to purchase a new or
additional insurance that could allow non-USRA members to participate in these
grassroot programs?

Or, consult with lawyers to re-word the sponsorship of USRA grassroot programs
to limit any claims to the host facility for non-USRA members.

Almost every sport except racquetball offers free clinics and events sponsored
by their national organizations.

It's a shame that the USRA places more importance on promoting racquetball ONLY
to their existing members.

If the local clubs were to promote this way, to only existing members, they may
have happy members, but would be forced to increase membership rates or convert
courts / programming due to the lack of new members and revenue!

Ironic that is exactly what has happened to the USRA. They recently raised
membership fees from $20 to $30 and removed "Amateur" from their mission
statement (changed programs).

Jordan

PS. Promoting within your existing membership to renew their membership is NOT
promotion; it is retention and a reminder letter with an attached bill.
Promoting is attaining new members that have never been a customer.

Subject: Re: Newspaper Coverage of Stockton!
Date: Tue, 04 Sep 2001 15:19:36 GMT
From: "Brian"

Hi

Great little article!

If not already, USRA should forward this to ESPN as well as all other
networks. This can be e-mailed as well as mailing the original. Maybe Miss
Gilbert can forward some original copies??

On the local front, this can be forwarded to your local sports editor. They
may see a story opportunity here. Maybe they can visit your club etc. Can
this article be forwarded to all state boards from USRA( I received a copy
from Jack Hughes this morning of CARA and USRA)?? From what I have seen most
local papers now show e-mail addresses for their editors. It would be easy
to forward this with a little note (Hi - Come by our club sometime to check
out this great sport.....). I will forward to our local papers, though I am
not so excited that our club (Petaluma Valley Athletic Club) has decided to
eliminate a court (From 6 to 4 in three years).

Seems like a "no brainer", but clubs should automatically send invitations
to the local papers everytime there is a tournament. Invite them to a
specific match, one you know they will leave saying "WOW"!!

WHATEVER - Just a couple thoughts

Brian

Subject: Re: USTA
Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2001 15:09:51 GMT
From: czalegowski

I will comment on what Kevin was talking about here in New Hampshire.
At the JUSTIN OPEN back in October 2000, I saw a magazine
called: "Granite Sports Magazine" I started reading it and it was all
about sports in New Hampshire. That Monday I emailed the Editor of the
magazine, Jenn Danks, and informed her about NH racquetball and how it
is growing here in NH and I thought it wld be a great sport to include
in her magazine. She responded that she wld love to write articles
about racquetball and help promote the sport in New Hampshire. So
Kelley Beane and I met her for dinner one night and we discussed
racquetball at the local, regional and national levels and she was very
impressed. She is very excited about including our sport in her
magazine and has worked with us on a plan to write an article for every
issue. The magazine comes out QUARTERLY and the next one with the RB
article in it will be out in February. This article will be about the
fitness aspects of RB and the health aspects. We are also including in
this artice a "LEARN TO PLAY RB FREE" day. We have asked all the major
clubs in NH to participate and what they wld do is open up there
facilities one day for 4 hours so anyone and everyone who wants to
learn to play can come in for FREE and play. So far we have had NO CLUB
turn down the offer.

they have a website: www.granitesports-nh.com

This is a brand new magazine that just came out in 2000. There is no
subscription fee for it which is nice. Once the articles that Kelley
and I write are appearing in the magazine, we will start handing them
out to our members. We have made the initiative to help get this
magazine sent to all of the clubs in NH and that is just about
completed. We have started handing them out at tournaments already so
people will become familiar with it. Jann and her staff have been
great, but more important, supportive of our sport. She wants to see us
succeed and she knows that she has something that will help us do that.

Our next article, due out in the Summer, will be about how to play
racquetball and our article in the FALL issue will probably be about
the NHRA and how to get involved. I see this as a WIN-WIN situation for
Granite Sports Magazine and NH Racquetball. The funny thing is, is all
it took was a single email and 15 minutes to write it to get a our
sport to be promoted all over the state by the only magazine in the
state that covers just Sports in NH. Let me know if any of you have any
questions on this!

CZ

Subject: Re: USTA
Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2001 14:40:37 GMT
From: kgeels

What if rb were televised on Sunday afternoon, beginning with Superbowl
Sunday, right after the biggest TV moment of the year. Then 5 Sundays
after that, right in the middle of the day. Can you visualize the
impact? Now let's describe it:

Hordes of people would suddenly develop a thirst to play rb. In
reaction to that craving, they would do...what? Get in their
phone-book, look under racquetball? Maybe. They would find probably 1
listing for a club with courts, not necessarily with a programmer.

Then what? Would they drive aimlessly around their city looking for a
game? Perhaps. Statistically, they might have to drive as far as 200
miles to find a club that programs - mainly, they would go into clubs
and the club owner would respond enthusiastically that YES! We do have
rb courts...No...we don't happen to have a league in session right now.
No, we don't actually have a programmer, but we're going to GET one, by
golly! Just for YOU!

So then the dude, his thirst for rb somewhat daunted, might get the
little lightbulb and go to his computer. Where he'd do a search, and
what would he find? If he's wearing his special decoder ring, he MIGHT
find racquetball in his state, maybe wandering through that irrelevant
forest called the USRA.org, and find the rules. Good luck making sense
out of THAT - anybody got a lawyer?

With luck, he'd stumble onto the page with state listings and he'd go to
his state site. What would he find there? A bunch of irrelevant crap
about a tournament schedule and rankings. What the bloody hell! He just
wants to find a club with courts and leagues..He doesn't give a crap
about who the top player on the US team is, or how to hit the monster
backhand. He doesn't even have anybody to play with. He's not even sure
where to buy a racquet.

But yeah, I guess spending $200,000,000,000,000.00 to gain national
exposure through tv would awaken the thirst in the average citizen to
play rb. Good thinkin. :-).

Kathy Geels
MIAMI - spell it right, Joely. Dropshot writes in 10 sentences or less,
and I'm from MIAMI, not Texas, FL.

joely-s
> stoner...
> i generally agree with you even though our club does have 'try r-ball
> free' signs with lessons given by yours truly. i think racquetball is
> more intimidating than tennis so the response is smaller. imo, people
> see tennis on tv and are more responsive to the opportunity to try
when
> it presents itself. i honestly believe the key to racquetball
promotion
> is tv. tv tv tv tv tv tv.
> more tv. they gotta see it on television.
> ok now stand back... that texas moron is gonna respond in ten
paragraphs
> why the usra sucks and why tv is no good. but thats what i think.
>
>

Sent via Deja.com
http://www.deja.com/

Subject: Racquetball Marketing Suggestion #3, Recreational Package Promotion
Date: 25 Jan 2001 07:38:43 GMT
(Jordan Kahn)

Racquetball Marketing Suggestion #3

My #3 suggestion will help promote new club memberships, interest in club
racquetball programs and create new USRA memberships.

Clubs work with local instructors, state associations, USRA and racquet
companies to "co-op" a promotion campaign designed to transform "recreational"
players into the next level of competitive play, without entering sanctioned
tournaments.

Forget trying to get "new" players to play tournaments go after the 6 million
recreational players who don't play in tournaments.

Offer them something of value they can use right now instead of "tournaments".

The USRA should use its "power" of contacts, credibility and "funding" to
promote "non-tournament" activities to attract and showcase what the USRA
offers.

The $24.95 "Recreational Racquetball Package".

Includes:

4 hours of group instruction and play. (Could be two 2-hour clinics, up to host
facility).
Free court time coupons from clubs
Free rulebook
Free issue of "Recreational Racquetball Magazine"

The hook…

For only $5 extra, you get FREE:

One Oversized Racquetball Racquet.
1 can of racquetballs
1 year USRA membership
1 year Racquetball Magazine
1 Year State Racquetball Association membership
1 year tournament license

All of the above for only $29.95.

Makes a great gift, or for the holidays, birthdays or graduations.

HOW IT WORKS.

$9 for the racquet cost. Low-end beginner model.
$20 for the USRA full membership
Rulebooks donated by USRA.
Balls donated by Racquet Company.
Court time coupons donated by clubs.
Instructors donated by state association, local clubs or AmPRO staff.

No one will refuse the additional $5 to get the racquet and other "goodies",
but if they do, the host club can "pocket" the $24.95 for there use of the
facility.

This way, there is an added "cash" incentive for facilities to host these
events.

If a person pays the $29.95, then the club will still benefit since the person
will want to "play" with their new racquet and probably purchase additional
court time, or a club membership.

The prices can be slightly changed, but the idea is to "hook" new players and
members with a great offer at an affordable price.

This is NOT a goodie bag to give EXISTING members, it is a marketing promotion
to create new USRA and club players who are new, or already play but may not
feel they are "ready" for tournament play.

Renewal USRA memberships would not be included in this promotion, or an "extra"
fee could be added to existing USRA members.

Jordan

Subject: Racquetball Promotions
Date: 10 Apr 2001 18:17:56 GMT
From: (Jordan Kahn)

Otto, this was the "third" recently asked question to a "simple" answer (simple
for "experienced players).

Our little "newsgroup" is just a small percent of the racquetball population.

This only validates the reasoning (many others and mine) that the USRA "needs"
to put more emphasis on the "recreational" players.

We hear it all the time, but little seems to be done.

I understand how the USRA has many responsibilities, so why not "delegate" out
a special commission (of new people) who have experience marketing to the new
and beginner players? (NOT AmPRO, they are to busy too)

At the "other" end of tournaments, there are literally millions of players who
have no idea of the basic rules, but would love to find out.

Problem is they don't know and won't ask.

How to inform them?

If the USRA feels that there will be a Recreational Explosion from the
"trickle-down" effect by having "tournaments" in the Olympics or on TV, why not
just start off by promoting "Recreational" playing?

One of the clubs I work at has a new promotion to get new players and members.
For $30, or $36 for non members, you get a regular one hour private (or group)
lesson PLUS a FREE oversize racquet, eyeguards, can of balls and two coupons
for half off court time. (3 people signed up within hours of posting the
information!).

This same facility has done a half dozen FREE clinics to Cub Scouts and Brownie
Troops in the past few months, with more scheduled. This is the type of
"marketing" that needs to be done by other facilities.

Having the USRA "promote" and "print" about such ideas "will" trickle down to
the local clubs much faster than any Olympic dream ever could.

Jordan
PS. IF the Olympic dream occurs, it would be wise to have existing "programs"
available to all who start calling their local facility to learn how to play.

Subject: Re: Service rule question
From: "Otto Dietrich"
Date: 4/10/01
Hi Mic

You are the third person to recently ask this question. The simple answer is
YES--It's legal!

One bounce, one continuous motion of the racquet toward the ball and it's a
legal serve!

At your service,

Otto

OTTO E. DIETRICH
President, United States Racquetball Association 1998-Present
National Rules Commissioner 1988-1998
Member of National Rules Committee 1982-Present

"Mic" wrote in message
> Playing a guy, he bounces the ball once...hard enough to rise over his head
> for an overhand shot on the serve.
>
> I can't find anything specifically against it in the rules. Is this legal??
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Mic
>
>

Subject: Re: What's your opinion of the USRA?
Date: 31 Jul 2002 17:45:14 GMT
(Jordan Kahn)
Organization:

The typical racquetball facility does little, if anything, to promote
racquetball. The reasons, lack of funds, time, staff and experience.

Everyone knows this, including the USRA.

While clubs may not promote racquetball, they do promote what makes them money,
memberships.

It is hypocritical when the USRA expects the clubs (or state associations) to
promote racquetball.

Sure, the state associations promote tournaments, but the USRA will not touch
anything that is promoted to non-USRA members.

Just like a club saying they can only promote and offer programs to "existing
members" and they will not promote to non-members.

The USRA could sponsor and support several types of programs that help create
new players while promoting their own existing services, tournaments and
racquetball magazine.

But the USRA refuses based on a "insurance" issue for participation by non-USRA
members.

Perhaps the USRA should talk to their insurance carrier or lawyers to come up
with a waiver that puts all liability on the host club, which is currently does
without the USRA help.

If the USRA is afraid to "lend" their name to racquetball promotion for
non-members, how do they expect to ever get sponsors at racquetball
tournaments? Wouldn't the tournament sponsors have the same fears? I wonder
what the USRA tells the sponsors about this issue?

Jordan
--

Subject: Re: What's your opinion of the USRA?
Date: 7/31/02 9:56 AM Central Daylight Time
Message-id: <20020731105619.27017.00000910@mb-fi.aol.com>

< The states do not get any funding from the USRA except for memberships at
least this was the case when I was on the state board. Then you had to wait for
your money and that would take a year or not at all.>
...... baloney.

< My question would be what does the USRA do for the average player like me.>
...... ok- make a suggestion here... what is it that you would like the USRA to
do for you? what aspect of racquetball are you currently deprived of that is
not readily available from/through/because of/in association with the USRA.
what are you missing?

<I get a mag and that is it for the $30.00 I pay them. I will not pay the
$600.00 to $1000.00 to go play in the national tourny for 1 game or if I am
lucky 2 games.>
.... so then- if you don't see the value then why do you stick with it?

< So again I repeat was does the USRA do for me?>
..... me me me me me me. some of us love this sport and WE ask what can we do
for my club, the sport, the state structure, for the national organization to
help improve things.
if after careful consideration you've concluded that it's not worth your $30-
that they aren't doin' enough for YOU... well, you know what to do.

Subject: Re: What's your opinion of the USRA?
Date: 31 Jul 2002 22:46:41 GMT
(Jordan Kahn)

Free Clinics, Challenge Courts, Informal Inter-Club Play, and Social Mixers.

Tennis, Baseball, Bowling, Golf, Football, Basketball all have programs
sponsored by the national organizations specifically designed for new and
recreational participants to get involved.

I you want details, just see any of the sports websites on the Internet!

While these have worked in facilities with experienced staff, it is difficult
for the "average" player or instructor to walk into a facility and offer these,
without credentials.

While the national association is not required to "staff" these events, support
lends credibility needed for additional support by staff, host and
participants,

What the national organization CAN DO, besides lend their name, work as a
clearing house to over "masters" of press releases, flyers and posters needed
for a successful promotion.

It sure sounds better to have "national backing" when you ask for free press
media space and access to facilities to run these events.

Most importantly, whenever an event is run at a club, the "club" should be the
number one priority, not the event, since without the clubs help no program
will work.

There are lots of players/instructors who do a "clinic" at a club just to
promote themselves, or barter for membership or court time.

A successful program builds upon itself and is never a one-time event.

There are four types of basic programs to offer at facilities with limited
courts and players.
1) Promotional Program for non-players.
2) Promotional programs for existing players.
3) Promotional programs for non-club members.
4) Promotional programs for club members only.

It is easier to build programs for both members and non-members at facilities
that have an existing player base.

It is easier to program at facilities that have access to large amounts of
people not currently involved in existing activities.

It is best to offer any free clinic just before planned programs begin. Free
clinics offered on the same day and time a week or two before classes begin, or
mixers scheduled before a league begins.

Clubs, like any business take a wait and see method, if the club down the
street does it, so will they.

A "national organization" can start this trend in local markets as tests before
jumping in with funds to help pay for promotional materials.

Like printing shirts for tournaments, the cost comes down as the number of
unit's increase.

While it may be too expensive for one club or state to create promotional
material, it is cost effective if created at the national level and paid for by
all the end users, states and clubs.

The states and local clubs are already burdened and will remain this way until
outside help lends a hand.

There is plenty of willing people to help at the local club, but there is a
lack of willingness from the club and national organization. At best, bringing
these two powers together will benefit all.

Jordan
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