» Awards

Community service awards are given for recent significant contributions made to tennis development by individuals actively involved in teaching tennis through community centers, schools and parks, inner city or suburban programs. Criteria to consider when nominating are:

1) Scope of program

2) Depth of involvement in community, i.e., impact on community's overall recreational picture

3) New and innovative features resulting from candidate's activities

4) Inspirational and motivational work with adults or juniors

5) Involvement of other recreational organizations such as the YMCA/YWCA, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc., in the establishment of a community oriented program, association with the Heart of America District of USTA/Missouri Valley.

 

Recognition will be awarded to outstanding tennis facilities under the jurisdiction of:

1) A parks and recreation department.

2) An educational institution.

3) An industrial complex/convention center.

 

Criteria to consider when nominating a facility are:

1) Overall layout and adaptation to site.

2) Excellence of court surface and lights.

3) Ease of maintenance.

4) Accommodations - players, spectators, press/officials.

5) Aesthetics - graphics, use of signs, landscaping, etc.

6) Amenities - casual seating for spectators, food services and social areas.

 

Recognition of outstanding service by clubs and other member organizations. It also represents a standard in which all member organizations can strive to achieve. The criteria listed below are general guidelines that can be used in the selection process for the District and/or Sectional Organization of the Year award. The Section winner will be submitted for consideration of the USTA Member Organization of the Year national award that is presented at the USTA Annual Meeting, April 11-14, Naples, Fl.

 

1) Service to the tennis community.

a) Donating facilities for amateur tournaments of all types

b) Giving courts for free clinics for the general public

c) Giving facilities for interscholastic play

d) Giving facilities for USTA programs (tournaments, Leagues, High Performance)

e) Allowing promising non-member juniors the use of the courts

f) Taking active role in Sectional or District affairs

g) Allowing use of facilities for special event (e.g. charities, wheelchair, etc.)

h) Involvement and support of multi-cultural programs

i) Allowing use of facilities for Sectional or District events

 

2) Service to organization's members.

a) Maintaining an active tennis program including:

i) Tennis ladders and other recreational programs including intersectional/inter-organizational play

ii) Tournaments in various categories, especially USTA Sanctioned Tournaments

iii) Encouraging and promoting play in USTA Leagues and USTA Junior Team Tennis

iv) Adaptive tennis programs

b) Maintaining effective systems for keeping membership informed of USTA Sectional and District tournaments and activities and of pertinent changes in USTA and sectional rules and regulations.

c) Encouraging and assisting junior players.

 

3) General service to the game of tennis.

a) Activities that promote and strengthen the game of tennis within the member organizations and in the community.

b) Activities promoting the benefits of individual membership in the USTA.

 

Distinguished Service Award recognizes performance, dedication and accomplishment of an individual's effort in service to the Heart of America District. Must be a current USTA member.

 

This award is made annually to the family who in recent years has done the most to promote amateur tennis - primarily on a volunteer basis. Ideally all members of the family should participate in some way, either as a player or by offering their services in promoting tennis by directing programs and tournaments and helping with Junior Development from the beginning stages through the college level. Must be a current USTA member.

 

Junior Player(s) of the Year award is based on performance, current accomplishments, sportsmanship and the promotion of tennis in general, raising the standard of play to its highest level. Must be a current USTA member.

 

Adult Player of the Year award is based on performance, current accomplishments, sportsmanship and the promotion of tennis in general, raising the standard of play to its highest level. Must be a current USTA member.

 

Criteria is tournament organization, knowledge of players records and ranking to effect proper seeding, fair and equitable scheduling, adequate staffing for tournaments, i.e. referees, umpires, amenities such as concessions, tickets, towels and information dissemination.

 

Criteria is tournament organization, knowledge of players records and ranking to effect proper seeding, fair and equitable scheduling, adequate staffing for tournaments, i.e. referees, umpires, amenities such as concessions, tickets, towels and information dissemination.

 

This person(s) has made significant contributions to Heart of America District, USTA/Missouri Valley junior recreational programs, including USTA School Tennis, USTA Tennis NJTL, Junior Team Tennis and junior novice events. Efforts may include CTA development, fund raising, equipment repair and distribution, summer tennis, special events, pro assistance, and education. Must be a current USTA member.

Presented annually to individuals or media outlets in recognition of outstanding contributions to the coverage of tennis. Part-time or full-time reporter, writer, editor, etc. who provides extensive media support for the sport of tennis and its related activities. Criteria include coverage of USTA Missouri Valley programs and events, frequency and depth of coverage and overall involvement in the tennis field.

 

Nominees need to be in one of three categories:

• Print media (also includes newspaper / magazine photographers)

• Broadcast media (TV, Radio and Internet coverage)

• Multicultural media (includes both Print and Broadcast)

 

Examples of their coverage should be submitted with the application. The Section winner will be submitted in consideration of the USTA Media Excellence Awards that is presented during the USTA Semiannual Meeting in New York City.

 

This person(s) has done the most to advance the High performance/Competitive Training Center program. Has assisted in searching for new talented junior players, administration of Competitive Training Center (s) and/or coaching team events. Must be a current USTA member.

 

This person(s) has made significant contributions to USTA League Tennis Program. Has participated on teams, assisted in the promotion of the program, assisted in the administration of the leagues and/or volunteered at sectional championships. Must be a current USTA member.

 

The Outstanding Official award is based upon high standard of officiating, proper control of a match and for providing appropriate leadership, both on and off court in the pursuit of umpiring in the Heart of America District, USTA/Missouri Valley Section.

 

Recognition of an event, other than a tournament (i.e. Regional Rally, membership parties, training workshops, fundraisers, WTT, etc.) that brought tennis to the forefront in the community. This event mobilized community resources.

Recognition of an Adult player (4.0 and below) who participates in USTA League Tennis or USTA Team Tennis (adult) on a regular basis AND recognition of a junior player who participates in Junior Team Tennis on a regular basis. Both recipients should demonstrate good sportsmanship and a love of the game. Must be a current USTA member.

 

 

Recognition of a high school coach who meets the following criteria:

 

High School team had a record of success in win-loss and/or in improvement in players during the season; develops his/her players’ physical, mental and emotional abilities during the season and promotes development throughout the rest of the year; maintains high ethical and sportsmanship standards; promotes a passion for tennis in his/her team, school and community; supports and promotes USTA programs.

 

 

Sportsmanship award given in the memory of Stephanie Waterman to a junior player that has demonstrated exemplary sportsmanship both on and off the court. This award exemplifies the finest qualities of sportsmanship in tournament and recreational play.

 

 

Sportsmanship award given in the memory of Shawna Foeschl to an adult player that has demonstrated exemplary sportsmanship both on and off the court. This award exemplifies the finest qualities of sportsmanship in tournament and recreational play.

 

NOMINATE SOMEONE TODAY!