Reaction to the SATA open forum.

The setting was cramped and hot. Apparently, SATA was over budget and could not afford to run the air conditioning for their beloved members comfort.  I had a hunch that we would be graced by the presence of Ken Mcallister. In my opinion it was a good thing he showed up to remind us all "who are daddy is" and how much the USTA cares about their finances. At this point we are all figuring out that we have no control and USTA Texas section "OWNS the leagues" we all enjoy. Once SATA was allowed to control leagues then the individual players lost their voice. It was a mistake to turn control over to a single large organization. This organization has made arbitrary decisions behind closed doors and expect everyone to be OK with it. After tonight, we can conclude that tennis players in San Antonio are tired of being excluded from SATA.

So, where does everyone go from here. The USTA owns the leagues and SATA controls the leagues. All this is taking place so that a small percentage of players can advance to sectionals. The only solution I see is for the original associations to restructure and reclaim control of the leagues. This has worked in Atlanta as they have withdrawn from the USTA all together.  Perhaps a compromise can be reached. The local organizations could run their own league and then allow the teams that finish at the top to enter into the SATA/USTA league for a chance to go to sectionals. The USTA would lose the majority of their funds in San Antonio and teams would still be allowed to advance to sectionals. Just not at the expense of the entire league.

Please include your thoughts or reactions to the meeting.

News from SATA

Your comments are welcome, without a 5 minute time limit. 

Notice of Open Forum for San Antonio Community Tennis Players

 Message from the President San Antonio Tennis Association

As President of the San Antonio Tennis Association, it is not only my goal, but also my passion, to facilitate the growth and development of SATA as we continue to evolve into an organization that most effectively and efficiently serves the needs of the entire San Antonio tennis community. 

It is our mission to promote and grow the game of tennis in our city and provide the most comprehensive tennis experience for all.   To this end we are looking for feedback from the tennis community for the purpose of most effectively positioning our organization to reach its full potential and best provide for all tennis players in San Antonio.

This meeting will be an open forum for the tennis players in our community to provide their suggestions, concerns and constructive input.  We welcome and value all input from members of our tennis community.

The open forum will be held Tuesday, May 24^th from 7 PM – 9 PM at McFarlin Tennis Center.  I will begin the evening with an explanation of what the SATA Board has voted to do and why we reached these decisions.  Then those present who have signed up to speak will be called upon and may speak for a maximum of five minutes in order that we may hear from as many players as possible.  A sheet will be available at the meeting to sign up for those who wish to speak.

I look forward to hearing your constructive input on how we may best serve you.

Please join us and have your voice heard.

Warm Regards,

Margaret Canby