Nominate a deserving person or organization for one of the many award categories for the 2020 USTA Iowa District Awards.
Use the nomination form below to nominate that deserving candidate, CTA, media outlet, special event or tournament.
All nominations must follow the guidelines listed below. Failure to follow the stated nomination requirements will result in disqualification of your nominee(s). If you have additional documentation for your nominee you can email that to usta.iowa.awards@gmail.com.
*Indicates section nominee may be considered for a USTA national award nomination.
The Awards ceremony will be a virtual one this year due to COVID-19. More information will be provided as the platform is determined. Winners are asked to RSVP to usta.iowa.awards@gmail.com by September 30th, 2020, so that we can ensure everyone has access to the virtual awards ceremony to be held on October 11th, 2020.
Use the nomination form below to nominate that deserving candidate, CTA, media outlet, special event or tournament.
All nominations must follow the guidelines listed below. Failure to follow the stated nomination requirements will result in disqualification of your nominee(s). If you have additional documentation for your nominee you can email that to usta.iowa.awards@gmail.com.
*Indicates section nominee may be considered for a USTA national award nomination.
The Awards ceremony will be a virtual one this year due to COVID-19. More information will be provided as the platform is determined. Winners are asked to RSVP to usta.iowa.awards@gmail.com by September 30th, 2020, so that we can ensure everyone has access to the virtual awards ceremony to be held on October 11th, 2020.
2020 USTA Iowa Award Criteria
Unless otherwise noted, all nominees must be current members of USTA, must have participated in USTA Missouri Valley events and cannot be members of the USTA Missouri Valley or USTA Iowa section staff. The supporting information for each nomination is critically important as the Section Awards Committee reviews up to 200 nomination forms each year. Any nomination form which does not have adequate information and/or does not provide photos or endorsement letters when appropriate, places the nominee at a distinct disadvantage. All nominations are to be submitted using the form below no later than August 25, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.
ADULT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: 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. Please list by year, all accomplishments that highlight the nominees’ careers; including ranking information. The nominee must be a current USTA Member. Note: Recreational Players should be nominated for the Recreational Player Award.
ADULT RECREATIONAL PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Recognition of an Adult player (4.0 and below) who participates in USTA League Tennis or USTA tournaments on a regular basis. The recipient should demonstrate good sportsmanship and a love of the game. The nominee must be a current USTA Member.
JUNIOR PLAYER (S) OF THE YEAR (1 female and 1 male) Junior Player(s) of the Year award is based primarily on high performance results at USTA and USTA Missouri Valley tournaments, sportsmanship, and a demonstration of raising the game to its highest level. The nominated player should exhibit participation in the highest level of competition offered by USTA.
Please list by year, all accomplishments that highlight the nominees’ careers. Emphasis should be placed on the last 12 months, but previous performance could also be considered.
High performance results and accomplishments can include:
>A high national ranking
>A high sectional ranking
>Placing at a National Championship or a Sweet 16
>Invitation to participate in special camps or events
>Selection for special teams like Zonals, Intersectionals or BG18 teams
The nominee must not have a Code of Conduct report on file in the last 12 months. Refer to the Suspension Points Record in TennisLink. Nominee must be a current USTA Individual or Family Member.
JUNIOR RECREATIONAL PLAYERS OF THE YEAR: (1 male and 1 female) Recognition of a junior player who participates in USTA Junior Team Tennis or other recreational tournaments, such as Smashers or Net Level tournaments, on a regular basis. Both recipients should demonstrate good sportsmanship and a love of the game. Must be a current USTA Individual or Family Member.
JUNIOR SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD*: The USTA Missouri Valley Junior Sportsmanship award is given to a male and female junior player in each age group, boys and girls 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18's who best exemplifies the finest qualities of sportsmanship in competitive play including tournaments, USTA Junior Team Tennis and 10 and Under Tennis tournaments. Good sportsmanship is an essential element of all junior sports and junior development. The junior player is ineligible if he or she has a Code of Conduct on file in the last 12 months. Refer to the Suspension Points Record in TennisLink. The nomination must have a minimum of two instances (in detail) where the nominee exemplified the finest qualities of sportsmanship on and/or off the court (quotes from coaches, parents or players are acceptable). Must be a current USTA Individual or Family Member
TENNIS FAMILY OF THE YEAR*: 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 nominated members of the family should participate in some way, either as players or by running programs or tournaments or in junior development activities.
The section winner will be submitted for consideration of the USTA Tennis Family of the Year national award that is presented at the USTA Annual Meeting.
Criteria: The family must be active in volunteering in some or all of the following:
1) Serving as a volunteer in fostering tennis at any level of the USTA such as national, section, district and/or local board or committee tournament and adult and/or junior programs.
2) Developing and/or sustaining junior and adult programs
3) Holding office(s) at any level of the USTA
4) Volunteer coaching
5) Competing in tennis, including any youth program or tournament, high school, Tennis on Campus or college varsity, tournaments (include age category rankings), League or other organized play, including social/recreational
6) Enriching the game of tennis in other related activities (i.e. non-tennis activity, honors and/or achievements.)
Please include the years of service for each activity for each nominated family member.
All family members listed in the nomination must be current USTA Individual or Family Members.
FACILITY OF THE YEAR: Recognition will be awarded to outstanding tennis facilities under the jurisdiction of:
1) A parks and recreation department
2) An educational institution
3) Non-profit entities, or
4) Private and/or commercially owned and operated facilities with USTA and other "growth of tennis" programs.
Criteria to be considered when nominating a facility are:
1) Quality of each court area and surface
2) Quality of the court enclosure and lighting
3) Overall layout and adaptation to the site
4) Accessories and amenities
5) Evidence of good and green maintenance
6) Must be a current USTA Organization Member
7) Quality 10 and Under Tennis guidelines met
a. Includes Youth Progression (red to orange to green to yellow)
b. Host Youth Progression tournaments
c. Host Junior Team Tennis teams
d. Facility has blended lines or permanent 36’ or 60’ courts.
8) Completed Net Generation registration with programs listed on the Program Management Center.
Tennis programs held should include:
1) USTA programs
2) 10 and Under Tennis programs
3) Other tennis-related programs
4) Important contributions to the game of tennis.
USTA Outstanding Facility Award has a different national award nomination process, categories and timeline from the section award. https://www.usta.com/en/home/about-usta/usta-awards/national/usta-outstanding-facility-awards.html
MEMBER ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR*: Recognition of outstanding service by a USTA Missouri Valley Member Organization. The section winner will be submitted for consideration for the USTA Member Organization of the Year national award presented at the USTA Annual Meeting.
1) Service and impact to the community.
a) Donating facilities for amateur tournaments of all types
b) Providing courts for free clinics or seminars for the general public
c) Providing facilities for interscholastic play for high school and college tennis
d) Providing facilities for USTA programs (tournaments, Leagues, High Performance, etc.)
e) Allowing promising non-member juniors the use of the courts
f) Taking active role in section or district affairs
g) Allowing use of facilities for special event (e.g. charities, wheelchair, etc.)
h) Involvement and support of diversity and inclusion initiatives and programs
i) Allowing use of facilities for section or district events or training
2) Service to organization's members which demonstrates support of the USTA Mission and may include the following:
a) Maintaining an active tennis program including:
i) Tennis ladders and other recreational programs including intersectional/inter-organizational play
ii) Adult and junior tournaments in various categories, especially USTA sanctioned tournaments
iii) Encouraging and promoting play in USTA Leagues and USTA Junior Team Tennis
iv) Net Generation related 10 and Under Tennis programs, Schools Tennis and NJTL programs
v) Adaptive tennis programs
vi) Senior initiatives
b) Maintaining effective systems for keeping membership informed of USTA section 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 tennis within the member organizations and in the community
b) Activities promoting the benefits of individual membership in the USTA
4) Must be a current USTA Organization Member
OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY TENNIS ASSOCIATION*: A USTA Community Tennis Association (CTA) defined as: “Any incorporated, geographically defined, not-for-profit, volunteer-based tennis organization that supports or provides programs, which promote and develop the growth of tennis.” The organization must be an incorporated, tax exempt association. The section award winner will be required to submit a copy of a certificate of good standing from your Secretary of State in order to complete the section award application. The section award winner will be considered for nomination for the national award that is awarded at the USTA Semiannual Meeting.
Criteria to consider include: CTA history, strong leadership, mission statement, strategic plan, organization structure, program offerings based on community needs, volunteer recruitment, community partnerships, fundraising, marketing and PR plans, staff positions, special recognition's.
Must be a registered USTA CTA and a current USTA Organization Member.
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR TO YOUTH TENNIS PROGRAMS: The award is given to an individual that is providing a full-service USTA 10 and Under Tennis program.
Criteria to consider:
1) Individual is a registered Net Generation Provider.
2) Programs are registered on NetGeneration.com in the Program Management Center
3) Individual follows USTA Missouri Valley Youth Progression Pathway (red to orange to green to yellow)
4) Individual organizes Youth Progression tournaments
5) Individual organizes USTA Junior Team Tennis
6) Individual partners with schools for in school/after school tennis
7) Must be a current USTA Individual or Family member.
Bonus factor: Registered Net Generation School Partner
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR TO YOUTH HIGH PERFORMANCE PROGRAM: This person has done the most to advance High Performance programs. He/she has assisted in searching for new talented junior players, 10 and Under Tennis, involvement with Team USA camps and/or is a Regional Training Center Coach working with a highly successful junior(s).
Junior successes to be considered include:
> Players with high national rank
> Players making it to the Quarters and beyond in national tournaments
> Players are top finishers in top Section events (Summer and Winter Sweet 16)
> Players who earn sportsmanship awards
> Players who are invited to national camps.
Bonus factors: > USPTA or PTR certified > Approved Net Generation Provider > Completed a USTA High Performance program. Must be a current USTA Individual Member.
USTA JUNIOR TEAM TENNIS ORGANIZER*: This award will be presented to one USTA Junior Team Tennis Organizer (coordinators) who has helped expand an existing USTA Junior Team Tennis program or has developed a new USTA Junior Team Tennis program. The section award winner will be considered for nomination for the Janet Louer National Organizer of the Year national award that is awarded at the USTA Semiannual Meeting.
Criteria to consider when nominating are:
1) Successfully implemented or helped expand either Championship or Local USTA Junior Team Tennis programs
2) Served as a district/local coordinator or coach/manager within a USTA Junior Team Tennis program
3) Successfully implemented other USTA Tennis programs
4) Generated interest in USTA Junior Team Tennis programs through local advocacy
5) Creatively and effectively utilized section and or national funding
6) Sponsorship development – ability to find and utilize resources other than the USTA
7) Community Tennis Association participation and/or development
8) Number of participants in USTA Junior Team Tennis programs
9) Individual is a registered Net Generation provider. Must be a current USTA Member.
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR TO THE USTA LEAGUE TENNIS PROGRAM: This person(s) has made significant contributions to the USTA League Tennis program as a volunteer. He/she has participated on teams, assisted in the promotion of the program, assisted in the administration of the leagues and/or volunteered at section championships. Recipient should demonstrate good sportsmanship and a love of the game.
Please provide years of service, type of service provided and community activity. Documented information showing how, through their efforts, the league player experience has been enhanced, program was developed and implemented, and/or has increased league participation or retention in the section. Must not be anyone who receives a stipend or monetary remuneration.
Bonus factors: long-time service, and participation on section or district committees. Must be a current USTA Individual or Family Member
OUTSTANDING ADULT/SENIOR TOURNAMENT: An outstanding sanctioned adult/senior tournament will include most of the following criteria:
1) Excellent tournament organization
2) Fair and proper seeding
3) Fair and equitable scheduling
4) Adequate staffing for tournaments (referees and umpires, monitors, desk staff and other volunteers)
5) Amenities such as water and ice, concessions, towels, spectator viewing area, shade (outdoors)
6) Information dissemination, the use of technology to improve tournament
7) Good site conditions with adequate indoor backup if needed
8) Multiple matches and/or creative formats (e.g. 1 day tournaments)
9) USTA Missouri Valley regulations and contract requirements followed
10) Rules and regulations followed as outlined in Friend at Court
OUTSTANDING JUNIOR TOURNAMENT: An outstanding sanctioned junior tournament will include most of the following criteria and must not be a section level event:
1) Excellent tournament organization
2) Fair and proper seeding
3) Fair and equitable scheduling
4) Adequate staffing for tournaments (referees and umpires, monitors, desk staff and other volunteers)
5) Amenities such as water and ice or concessions, towels, spectator viewing area, shade (outdoors)
6) Information dissemination, the use of technology to improve tournament
7) Good site conditions with adequate indoor backup if needed
8) Applicable rules and regulations followed
9) Efforts to promote and reward good sportsmanship.
Please include details on what distinguishes this event as an outstanding tournament (number of participants, exemplary use of technology, organization of volunteers, tournament survey results, etc.)
HIGH SCHOOL COACH OF THE YEAR: Recognition of a high school coach who meets the following criteria: Supports and promotes USTA programs; high school team had a record of success in win-loss and/or in improvement of players during the season; develops 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 the team, school and community. Please include in the nomination one to two specific examples of how the nominee promotes play and supports USTA programming outside of the high school. Must currently be coaching a team (not retired).
Bonus factor: Coaches registered in NET Generation with the Provider Type No-Cut Coach.
Must be a current USTA Individual Member or school must be a current USTA Organization Member. Must be approved provider in Net Generation.
OUTSTANDING DIVERSITY ACHIEVEMENT: Given to an outstanding USTA Missouri Valley program leader, athlete, organization or administrator for success in providing outreach to the diverse tennis community. This award may include NJTL chapters and/or leaders.
This award is presented to an individual or organization that has championed the cause for diversity both on and off the tennis court. Through hard work, persistence, and unwavering dedication, the nominee has helped to expand the image of tennis to be inclusive of diverse populations. Other considerations are demonstrating a high degree of organizational ability, success in serving all players in the area, quality off and on court programs, management structure, and involvement with the tennis community.
Must be a current USTA Individual or Family Member. Organizations must be a current USTA Organization Member.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE: Distinguished Service Award recognizes outstanding, long-time performance, dedication and accomplishment of an individual's effort in section level service to the USTA Missouri Valley.
Criteria to consider when nominating are:
1) Must be a current USTA member
2) Outstanding and sustained service to the sport through active participation, advocacy, or leadership at the section level of the USTA Missouri Valley, in a manner consistent with the highest standards of the field. These standards may be met in a variety of ways, including activity which involves exceptional creativity, innovation, intellectual, moral courage and leadership.
3) A willingness to work with others to improve the game of tennis
4) Candidate should have a minimum of 10 years of service to the section (e.g., long term service on section-level committees, chair or vice chair of a section committee(s) section board of directors, section advisor)
5) The award may be given posthumously
DONNA FARLEY OUTSTANDING OFFICIAL*: The USTA Missouri Valley Officials Award shall recognize dedication, service, and expertise, and be based upon a high standard of officiating and providing appropriate leadership, on and off the court, in the pursuit of umpiring in the USTA Missouri Valley. The umpire shall have worked substantially at section/amateur USTA events, have a current certification based at least in part on chair or line umpiring, be a positive role model, and have a supportive attitude toward the grassroots program. The USTA database will be used as the source of the current work record. The recipient shall be selected in consultation with the USTA Missouri Valley Officials Committee Chair.
Bonus factor: Referee or Roving certification. Note: an official who is working predominately ITA and/or professional events will not be considered.
Unless otherwise noted, all nominees must be current members of USTA, must have participated in USTA Missouri Valley events and cannot be members of the USTA Missouri Valley or USTA Iowa section staff. The supporting information for each nomination is critically important as the Section Awards Committee reviews up to 200 nomination forms each year. Any nomination form which does not have adequate information and/or does not provide photos or endorsement letters when appropriate, places the nominee at a distinct disadvantage. All nominations are to be submitted using the form below no later than August 25, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.
ADULT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: 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. Please list by year, all accomplishments that highlight the nominees’ careers; including ranking information. The nominee must be a current USTA Member. Note: Recreational Players should be nominated for the Recreational Player Award.
ADULT RECREATIONAL PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Recognition of an Adult player (4.0 and below) who participates in USTA League Tennis or USTA tournaments on a regular basis. The recipient should demonstrate good sportsmanship and a love of the game. The nominee must be a current USTA Member.
JUNIOR PLAYER (S) OF THE YEAR (1 female and 1 male) Junior Player(s) of the Year award is based primarily on high performance results at USTA and USTA Missouri Valley tournaments, sportsmanship, and a demonstration of raising the game to its highest level. The nominated player should exhibit participation in the highest level of competition offered by USTA.
Please list by year, all accomplishments that highlight the nominees’ careers. Emphasis should be placed on the last 12 months, but previous performance could also be considered.
High performance results and accomplishments can include:
>A high national ranking
>A high sectional ranking
>Placing at a National Championship or a Sweet 16
>Invitation to participate in special camps or events
>Selection for special teams like Zonals, Intersectionals or BG18 teams
The nominee must not have a Code of Conduct report on file in the last 12 months. Refer to the Suspension Points Record in TennisLink. Nominee must be a current USTA Individual or Family Member.
JUNIOR RECREATIONAL PLAYERS OF THE YEAR: (1 male and 1 female) Recognition of a junior player who participates in USTA Junior Team Tennis or other recreational tournaments, such as Smashers or Net Level tournaments, on a regular basis. Both recipients should demonstrate good sportsmanship and a love of the game. Must be a current USTA Individual or Family Member.
JUNIOR SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD*: The USTA Missouri Valley Junior Sportsmanship award is given to a male and female junior player in each age group, boys and girls 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18's who best exemplifies the finest qualities of sportsmanship in competitive play including tournaments, USTA Junior Team Tennis and 10 and Under Tennis tournaments. Good sportsmanship is an essential element of all junior sports and junior development. The junior player is ineligible if he or she has a Code of Conduct on file in the last 12 months. Refer to the Suspension Points Record in TennisLink. The nomination must have a minimum of two instances (in detail) where the nominee exemplified the finest qualities of sportsmanship on and/or off the court (quotes from coaches, parents or players are acceptable). Must be a current USTA Individual or Family Member
TENNIS FAMILY OF THE YEAR*: 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 nominated members of the family should participate in some way, either as players or by running programs or tournaments or in junior development activities.
The section winner will be submitted for consideration of the USTA Tennis Family of the Year national award that is presented at the USTA Annual Meeting.
Criteria: The family must be active in volunteering in some or all of the following:
1) Serving as a volunteer in fostering tennis at any level of the USTA such as national, section, district and/or local board or committee tournament and adult and/or junior programs.
2) Developing and/or sustaining junior and adult programs
3) Holding office(s) at any level of the USTA
4) Volunteer coaching
5) Competing in tennis, including any youth program or tournament, high school, Tennis on Campus or college varsity, tournaments (include age category rankings), League or other organized play, including social/recreational
6) Enriching the game of tennis in other related activities (i.e. non-tennis activity, honors and/or achievements.)
Please include the years of service for each activity for each nominated family member.
All family members listed in the nomination must be current USTA Individual or Family Members.
FACILITY OF THE YEAR: Recognition will be awarded to outstanding tennis facilities under the jurisdiction of:
1) A parks and recreation department
2) An educational institution
3) Non-profit entities, or
4) Private and/or commercially owned and operated facilities with USTA and other "growth of tennis" programs.
Criteria to be considered when nominating a facility are:
1) Quality of each court area and surface
2) Quality of the court enclosure and lighting
3) Overall layout and adaptation to the site
4) Accessories and amenities
5) Evidence of good and green maintenance
6) Must be a current USTA Organization Member
7) Quality 10 and Under Tennis guidelines met
a. Includes Youth Progression (red to orange to green to yellow)
b. Host Youth Progression tournaments
c. Host Junior Team Tennis teams
d. Facility has blended lines or permanent 36’ or 60’ courts.
8) Completed Net Generation registration with programs listed on the Program Management Center.
Tennis programs held should include:
1) USTA programs
2) 10 and Under Tennis programs
3) Other tennis-related programs
4) Important contributions to the game of tennis.
USTA Outstanding Facility Award has a different national award nomination process, categories and timeline from the section award. https://www.usta.com/en/home/about-usta/usta-awards/national/usta-outstanding-facility-awards.html
MEMBER ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR*: Recognition of outstanding service by a USTA Missouri Valley Member Organization. The section winner will be submitted for consideration for the USTA Member Organization of the Year national award presented at the USTA Annual Meeting.
1) Service and impact to the community.
a) Donating facilities for amateur tournaments of all types
b) Providing courts for free clinics or seminars for the general public
c) Providing facilities for interscholastic play for high school and college tennis
d) Providing facilities for USTA programs (tournaments, Leagues, High Performance, etc.)
e) Allowing promising non-member juniors the use of the courts
f) Taking active role in section or district affairs
g) Allowing use of facilities for special event (e.g. charities, wheelchair, etc.)
h) Involvement and support of diversity and inclusion initiatives and programs
i) Allowing use of facilities for section or district events or training
2) Service to organization's members which demonstrates support of the USTA Mission and may include the following:
a) Maintaining an active tennis program including:
i) Tennis ladders and other recreational programs including intersectional/inter-organizational play
ii) Adult and junior tournaments in various categories, especially USTA sanctioned tournaments
iii) Encouraging and promoting play in USTA Leagues and USTA Junior Team Tennis
iv) Net Generation related 10 and Under Tennis programs, Schools Tennis and NJTL programs
v) Adaptive tennis programs
vi) Senior initiatives
b) Maintaining effective systems for keeping membership informed of USTA section 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 tennis within the member organizations and in the community
b) Activities promoting the benefits of individual membership in the USTA
4) Must be a current USTA Organization Member
OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY TENNIS ASSOCIATION*: A USTA Community Tennis Association (CTA) defined as: “Any incorporated, geographically defined, not-for-profit, volunteer-based tennis organization that supports or provides programs, which promote and develop the growth of tennis.” The organization must be an incorporated, tax exempt association. The section award winner will be required to submit a copy of a certificate of good standing from your Secretary of State in order to complete the section award application. The section award winner will be considered for nomination for the national award that is awarded at the USTA Semiannual Meeting.
Criteria to consider include: CTA history, strong leadership, mission statement, strategic plan, organization structure, program offerings based on community needs, volunteer recruitment, community partnerships, fundraising, marketing and PR plans, staff positions, special recognition's.
Must be a registered USTA CTA and a current USTA Organization Member.
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR TO YOUTH TENNIS PROGRAMS: The award is given to an individual that is providing a full-service USTA 10 and Under Tennis program.
Criteria to consider:
1) Individual is a registered Net Generation Provider.
2) Programs are registered on NetGeneration.com in the Program Management Center
3) Individual follows USTA Missouri Valley Youth Progression Pathway (red to orange to green to yellow)
4) Individual organizes Youth Progression tournaments
5) Individual organizes USTA Junior Team Tennis
6) Individual partners with schools for in school/after school tennis
7) Must be a current USTA Individual or Family member.
Bonus factor: Registered Net Generation School Partner
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR TO YOUTH HIGH PERFORMANCE PROGRAM: This person has done the most to advance High Performance programs. He/she has assisted in searching for new talented junior players, 10 and Under Tennis, involvement with Team USA camps and/or is a Regional Training Center Coach working with a highly successful junior(s).
Junior successes to be considered include:
> Players with high national rank
> Players making it to the Quarters and beyond in national tournaments
> Players are top finishers in top Section events (Summer and Winter Sweet 16)
> Players who earn sportsmanship awards
> Players who are invited to national camps.
Bonus factors: > USPTA or PTR certified > Approved Net Generation Provider > Completed a USTA High Performance program. Must be a current USTA Individual Member.
USTA JUNIOR TEAM TENNIS ORGANIZER*: This award will be presented to one USTA Junior Team Tennis Organizer (coordinators) who has helped expand an existing USTA Junior Team Tennis program or has developed a new USTA Junior Team Tennis program. The section award winner will be considered for nomination for the Janet Louer National Organizer of the Year national award that is awarded at the USTA Semiannual Meeting.
Criteria to consider when nominating are:
1) Successfully implemented or helped expand either Championship or Local USTA Junior Team Tennis programs
2) Served as a district/local coordinator or coach/manager within a USTA Junior Team Tennis program
3) Successfully implemented other USTA Tennis programs
4) Generated interest in USTA Junior Team Tennis programs through local advocacy
5) Creatively and effectively utilized section and or national funding
6) Sponsorship development – ability to find and utilize resources other than the USTA
7) Community Tennis Association participation and/or development
8) Number of participants in USTA Junior Team Tennis programs
9) Individual is a registered Net Generation provider. Must be a current USTA Member.
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR TO THE USTA LEAGUE TENNIS PROGRAM: This person(s) has made significant contributions to the USTA League Tennis program as a volunteer. He/she has participated on teams, assisted in the promotion of the program, assisted in the administration of the leagues and/or volunteered at section championships. Recipient should demonstrate good sportsmanship and a love of the game.
Please provide years of service, type of service provided and community activity. Documented information showing how, through their efforts, the league player experience has been enhanced, program was developed and implemented, and/or has increased league participation or retention in the section. Must not be anyone who receives a stipend or monetary remuneration.
Bonus factors: long-time service, and participation on section or district committees. Must be a current USTA Individual or Family Member
OUTSTANDING ADULT/SENIOR TOURNAMENT: An outstanding sanctioned adult/senior tournament will include most of the following criteria:
1) Excellent tournament organization
2) Fair and proper seeding
3) Fair and equitable scheduling
4) Adequate staffing for tournaments (referees and umpires, monitors, desk staff and other volunteers)
5) Amenities such as water and ice, concessions, towels, spectator viewing area, shade (outdoors)
6) Information dissemination, the use of technology to improve tournament
7) Good site conditions with adequate indoor backup if needed
8) Multiple matches and/or creative formats (e.g. 1 day tournaments)
9) USTA Missouri Valley regulations and contract requirements followed
10) Rules and regulations followed as outlined in Friend at Court
OUTSTANDING JUNIOR TOURNAMENT: An outstanding sanctioned junior tournament will include most of the following criteria and must not be a section level event:
1) Excellent tournament organization
2) Fair and proper seeding
3) Fair and equitable scheduling
4) Adequate staffing for tournaments (referees and umpires, monitors, desk staff and other volunteers)
5) Amenities such as water and ice or concessions, towels, spectator viewing area, shade (outdoors)
6) Information dissemination, the use of technology to improve tournament
7) Good site conditions with adequate indoor backup if needed
8) Applicable rules and regulations followed
9) Efforts to promote and reward good sportsmanship.
Please include details on what distinguishes this event as an outstanding tournament (number of participants, exemplary use of technology, organization of volunteers, tournament survey results, etc.)
HIGH SCHOOL COACH OF THE YEAR: Recognition of a high school coach who meets the following criteria: Supports and promotes USTA programs; high school team had a record of success in win-loss and/or in improvement of players during the season; develops 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 the team, school and community. Please include in the nomination one to two specific examples of how the nominee promotes play and supports USTA programming outside of the high school. Must currently be coaching a team (not retired).
Bonus factor: Coaches registered in NET Generation with the Provider Type No-Cut Coach.
Must be a current USTA Individual Member or school must be a current USTA Organization Member. Must be approved provider in Net Generation.
OUTSTANDING DIVERSITY ACHIEVEMENT: Given to an outstanding USTA Missouri Valley program leader, athlete, organization or administrator for success in providing outreach to the diverse tennis community. This award may include NJTL chapters and/or leaders.
This award is presented to an individual or organization that has championed the cause for diversity both on and off the tennis court. Through hard work, persistence, and unwavering dedication, the nominee has helped to expand the image of tennis to be inclusive of diverse populations. Other considerations are demonstrating a high degree of organizational ability, success in serving all players in the area, quality off and on court programs, management structure, and involvement with the tennis community.
Must be a current USTA Individual or Family Member. Organizations must be a current USTA Organization Member.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE: Distinguished Service Award recognizes outstanding, long-time performance, dedication and accomplishment of an individual's effort in section level service to the USTA Missouri Valley.
Criteria to consider when nominating are:
1) Must be a current USTA member
2) Outstanding and sustained service to the sport through active participation, advocacy, or leadership at the section level of the USTA Missouri Valley, in a manner consistent with the highest standards of the field. These standards may be met in a variety of ways, including activity which involves exceptional creativity, innovation, intellectual, moral courage and leadership.
3) A willingness to work with others to improve the game of tennis
4) Candidate should have a minimum of 10 years of service to the section (e.g., long term service on section-level committees, chair or vice chair of a section committee(s) section board of directors, section advisor)
5) The award may be given posthumously
DONNA FARLEY OUTSTANDING OFFICIAL*: The USTA Missouri Valley Officials Award shall recognize dedication, service, and expertise, and be based upon a high standard of officiating and providing appropriate leadership, on and off the court, in the pursuit of umpiring in the USTA Missouri Valley. The umpire shall have worked substantially at section/amateur USTA events, have a current certification based at least in part on chair or line umpiring, be a positive role model, and have a supportive attitude toward the grassroots program. The USTA database will be used as the source of the current work record. The recipient shall be selected in consultation with the USTA Missouri Valley Officials Committee Chair.
Bonus factor: Referee or Roving certification. Note: an official who is working predominately ITA and/or professional events will not be considered.
