Follow up to cheating

In response to the the last post: “The missteps of cheating in junior tennis.” Here were a few responses.

Tom Leonard : Independent ATP Tennis Professional

“Even some of the higher ranked players- and it’s always the same ones and everyone knows who they are – there r complains made against them – but nothing is ever done!!”

“And unfortunately it doesn’t end in the juniors!! It’s still in the Opens and the Seniors.

My response to Tom:

Tom hi,

There will always be some players that skate. I believe that if a reward system that promotes the culture and value system of the sport is presented and reinforced at a young age it will product a different consciousness which players will take forward. I would love to see the utilization of players like, Sampras, Agassi, Courier, Roddick,  Davenport, Tracy Austin etc. doing a commercial. The setting would be a junior tournament and one of the players pulls some cheating/gamesmanship behavior and up pops one of the “stars” who yells out “That’s NOT cool.” Simple and to the point. It can be followed up by correct behavior and the “star” then giving a high 5 or thumbs up. The idea can be carried out in so many creative was and through social media. The options are endless. It’s not the answer to all the problems but it gives it visibility. You can do the same with a parent talking to a kid, or harassing an opponent. Up pops the “star” ….”That’s NOT cool.” Make it fun, funny entertaining and shift the energy. There is certainly enough material to work with.

Candace Miyatani:

“Thank you Susan for composing this. It is important, timely and we really need to implement some of these notions…but how? It seems we have all these committees and workshops that bring passionate tennis folks together to brainstorm etc. and then what? Nothing implemented? Why bother? I do teach my junior (12yr old) when she complains a player cheated: It is not always easy to call the shots perfectly especially when you kids all want to win so much..just give them the benefit of the doubt and focus on your OWN close calls…on or near the line or unsure..call it IN. If you have to cheat to win a point or the match–have you really won? I like that point: If you cheat a lot, you will really have the confidence to win when playing on a bigger stage with higher stakes? I believe I was the parent you mentioned in your article…I suggested that players and referees vote on for the sportsmanship award and the player can get the next tourney fee waived and/or a USTA stipend that would add incentive for the parents. How may we implement? Can USTA PD launch the “Public relations Leader” position for each section? I’ll sign up.

My response to Candace:

Candace hi, Thanks for your feedback. I believe your child will benefit more from participating in tennis the way you are suggesting she engage, give opponent benefit of the doubt, etc. Parents such as yourself have valuable thoughts as to how to remedy this situation and give the kids a better sport experience.

What are your ideas?