IRTPA

Notification from the USCTA

Below is a notification from the USCTA on their National Fund.

Professionals outside of the United States do not get the same sort of support from their National Associations and a way must be found to rectify this.

The IRTPA has been asking at the highest level of the IWCC for prize funds to be at a level where a losing ¼ finalist is not “out of pocket” and more in line with those funds so generously raised in the United States, but to no avail.  How are we going to attract new talent into the game when prize fund payouts have, other than in the United States, remained pretty much stagnant for the last 10 years?  The number of players at the top echelons of the game will diminish and the game will be sorrier for that.  Something needs to be done NOW.

USCTA’s National Fund Notification

The National Fund was created to assist the USCTA by providing additional support for the professionals and the professional game in the U.S.  Funds received each year are used to supplement tournament purses for the U.S. Open, U.S. Professional Singles playing for the Schochet Cup, Ladies’ Open, National Open, and the USCTA National League as well as to fund other items such as on-line streaming for some of these events.

Professionals are the lifeblood of our sport, and our small community needs to do all it can to support them.  Think of the first time you saw the game played at its highest level or how professionals have taught you over the years.  They are central to almost all aspects of the game whether it be making balls, stringing racquets, running pro shops, serving on committees, teaching players of all levels, explaining strategy, and inspiring us with mastery of a difficult craft.

In the past, after travel expenses, foregone lesson fees and used vacation days, a professional often would lose money after an early round loss at a tournament.  Even those who did well in a tournament would not be compensated commensurate with the effort and dedication they put into their craft.  Having healthy tournament purses provides important supplemental income and encourages players to enter the profession – which is very much needed both here and abroad.  The National Fund has played a very helpful role by increasing tournament purses for all competing professionals.

National Fund proceeds have historically been comprised of support from individual sponsors (currently three) and Lot 12 contributors.  Sponsorships are pledges fulfilled over a three-year period.  Lot 12 is a paddle raise at the USCTA Annual Dinner where people make pledges of various amounts for the professional game.  In 2023 we added a third prong, seeking additional support from the over 1,000 members of the USCTA.

In 2023, 30 Lot 12 donors contributed $55,000 to the National Fund.  Sponsors provided an additional $15,000.  We appreciate the strong support from these donors and sponsors but in an effort to continue to grow the game we are again seeking additional support from you, the members of the USCTA.

Please consider a contribution to the National Fund.  While any and all amounts are greatly appreciated, we would suggest a contribution in the range of $100 – $250.  We know that many of you support tournaments at your home clubs and for that we are most grateful.  However, with broad-based support from USCTA members, we hope to significantly grow the National Fund and continue our efforts to have healthy tournament purses that support professionals.  Contributions will go towards tournaments played in 2024/2025.  Please note that contributions to the USCTA and to the National Fund are not tax deductible.