USTA MIDDLE STATES VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK 2018 Happy Healthy People and Communities
TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome About USTA Middle States Volunteer Organization Committees Board of Directors Volunteer Opportunities Staff Organization About the USTA Welcome, For the 94 years that USTA Middle States has been an organization, volunteers have been a most valuable resource in realizing our section s mission to promote and develop the growth of tennis. The volunteer experience comes in many different shapes and sizes. There are opportunities for those with little time to spare, and those looking for a larger time commitment. We welcome all ages. We celebrate diversity, passion and unique contributions. As a Middle States volunteer you become part of a diverse and eclectic community covering four states, and ultimately, part of a much larger community the USTA. Having volunteers who have served close to fifty years illustrates how rewarding the experience can be. We look forward to welcoming you into the Middle States tennis community. Ed McQuillin USTA Middle States President
USTA Middle States An Illustrious History Although tennis has been alive and well for more than 137 years within the boundaries of what is now known as USTA Middle States (USTA MS), the formal governing body for Middle States tennis was not organized until 1924. Forty-three years earlier, in 1881, the United States National Lawn Tennis Association (USNLTA) was formed through the initiative of Philadelphian Clarence Clark. This organization, now widely known as the USTA, was the first national body for tennis in the world and became the official governing body for amateur tennis in the United States. However, the national organization did not restructure its constitution to provide for sectional tennis associations until 1920. USTA MS, originally founded as the Middle States Lawn Tennis Association (MSLTA), was recognized as a section of the national organization when it was first founded in the Roaring Twenties. In its inaugural year under the national organization, Middle States listed 79 clubs and 9 member associations; individual membership did not exist at that time. The section comprised of the Philadelphia Tennis Association, the Philadelphia Inter- Club Tennis Association and the districts of Pittsburgh, New Jersey, Delaware, Bethlehem, Susquehanna Valley, Northeastern and Northwestern. USTA MS currently incorporates six districts: Allegheny Mountain, Central Pennsylvania, Delaware, Eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Philadelphia Area, each with its own elected board of directors and delegate representation on the USTA/MS sectional board. In the late 1950s, the USTA began a registration program, charging individuals $3 to become members of the organization. One of the reasons I stayed on for four years as head of Middle States was because of the registration, which later became a membership drive, recalled William J. Clothier II, past Middle States President (1956-1959). That was the thing that kept us all very busy during that time because we just simply had to raise money. In 1967, Susie Lee became the first paid employee of Middle States; her title was Executive Secretary and the sectional office was her home in Wayne, Pennsylvania. In 1976, her title was upgraded to Executive Director, a title she held until 1981. Today, the USTA MS office is located in historic Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, serving as the corporate headquarters as well as a vital resource for more than 2,000 volunteers and nearly 30,000 members throughout the section. In 1997, satellite offices were established, placing one full-time staff person within the boundaries of each district. Section staff now totals 28 fulland part-time employees. USTA MS also is proud of its volunteers who have gained national prominence, including USTA Presidents Joseph Sill Clark (1889-1891), Martin L. Tressel (1965-1966), Julia A. Levering (1999-2000), Mervin A. Heller, Jr. (2001-2002), Jane Brown Grimes (2009-2010) and most recently Dave Haggerty (2013-2014) who currently serves as President of the International Tennis Federation (ITF). Judy Levering not only enjoys the distinction of being elected the first female president of the Middle States Section in 1989, but also of being the first female to hold the office of USTA President in the national organization s then 118-year history! These organizational highlights are an abbreviated history of Middle States, which cannot be accurately recorded with dates and events alone. In fact, USTA MS history has been written by countless people who support the great game of tennis. These tennis enthusiasts are indispensable to the section s success. They provide competitive and recreational tennis to local communities, support the game by playing and impart their love of tennis to others. The USTA MS Section remains indebted to all staff, volunteers and members for its illustrious history!
USTA MIDDLE STATES COMMITTEE MEMBER Overall goal: To support the committee in achieving the goals and outcomes as described in the committee description. Key roles and responsibilities: Participate in Committee meetings and Committee work. Review, monitor and evaluate those programs and activities connected to Committee duties to ensure the Committee will meet its goals, objectives. Promote customer service. Attend appropriate leadership and other training sessions Have an awareness of USTA programs, status, and trends within the section and the USTA. Work together with volunteers and staff in the spirit of cooperation and teamwork. Abide by USTA and USTA MS policies, including but not limited to, the USTA MS Policy on the Ethical Responsibilities of Volunteers. Estimated time commitment and meeting format: Committee members should expect to spend several hours per month on committee work which can vary month to month. Meetings may be in person or by teleconference as outlined by the committee chair. Selection process: Committee members may be selected by the committee chair, Executive Director or the USTA MS President but are ultimately confirmed by the USTA MS President. Volunteer benefits: Identification with the section, district and USTA. Ability to make a significant contribution to the setting and achievement of USTA MS goals. Opportunities to network with peers. Some supported travel to meetings may be provided. Term Limit: Two year term, renewable for another term.
MIDDLE STATES COMMITTEES Budget & Finance Committee Recommend policies to the Board of Directors related to fiscal management, work with the Executive Director to develop a budget which supports the mission, review budget reports for accuracy, and assure that fiscal responsibility and accountibility are followed. Personnel Committee Work with Executive Director to develop and implement staff policies and initiatives such as compensation and benefits packages which retain and attract a talented pool of employees. Audit Committee Oversee the establishment and implementation of appropriate accounting policies and internal controls, with focus on assuring that proper stewardship is placed over the Middle States' assets and protection of its reputation through fiscal transparency. Nominating Committee Evaluate the leadership needs of the Section, develop a recruitment strategy, interview and evaluate candidates for the Board of Directors, and present a slate of qualified individuals to the Section for the Middle States Board of Directors. Leadership Development Committee Identify, develop and mentor volunteers to serve on Middle States Section board and Council committees. Explore and review policies and prctices to train new leaders as well as recommend, develop and promote leadership development programs and trainings. Governance Committee Make and review recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding policies for the Section, amendments to the Bylaws, and other policy and/or governance issues. Vecchiolla, Marc (NJD) League Tennis Committee Oversee the policy, development and administrative procedure of the USTA League Tennis program and develop plans and initiatives to grow league play, especially in the 18-40 market. Ensure that the rules and regulations provided by national as well as additional policies adopted by the Section foster a climate where players continue to play league tennis and encourage others to join. Adult Competition Committee Provide guidance and oversight of the adult competition offerings (not including league) so that adult players want and seek out USTA tournaments and events. Develop rules and policies that encourage participation. Develop strategies and programs to attract the 18-40 player. Providers / Professional Groups Committee Working with representatives from USPTA, PTR, tennis clubs and other partner groups, develop programs and initiatives whtat support the growth of tennis in our Section while also building a spirit of collaboration between all groups and constituents. Grievance Committee Act on all grievances and complaints regarding USTA Middle States rules and regulations, accepted standards of conduct, fair play and sportsmanship as they pertain to Section sponsored activities and/or Section representatives. Diversity & Inclusion Committee Develop and support a climate and structure which cultivates diversity and inclusion at all levels of the Section including programs, staff and volunteers. Schools Provide guidance and oversight in the development of our school and after school programs at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Assist with the expansion of tennis in the physical education curriculums, after school programs and local competitive opportunities. Develop plans to involve schools with local tennis providers and USTA section and district resources. Task Forces: Awards Encourage excellence and honor achievement for programming, contributions and performance through awards. Work with all six districts to unify the process and encourage nominations from the community. Hall of Fame (HOF) For 2019 Hall of Fame, review, recommend and oversee the selection of candidates for the Middle States Hall of Fame. Work with staff to execute the event and organize and plan the various fundraising activities.
USTA Middle States Organization Chart Executive Director Sr. Director of Finance Executive Administrator/ Office Manager 2 Part Time Admin Sr. Director Customer Engagement Sr. Manager, Communications & Marketing Marketing & Communications Sr. Director Junior Comp Jr. Development Program Jr. Development Program Associate Executive Director Sr. Manager Diversity & Inclusion Director Adult Competition Area League s (ALC) (5) Manager Community Tennis Adult Competition Tennis Service Representatives (TSR) (7)