Let’s Create A Tournament
Sue Bramlette
My friend, Julie Thu (who has played the National Senior Women’s Clay Court Championships in Houston MANY times), asked me to write an article about running that tournament. I first became tournament director in 2005 when another friend and NWTO member, Mary McClean Wilson, asked me to get involved. So here are a few bullet points that might help you if you are drafted as I was so many years ago. They are in no particular order. If there is something about our tournament that you think should change or be added, don’t hesitate to email me: suebramlette@comcast.net.
✅ Make yourself a timeline: Very important! Most plans take time. This is a great way to check on your organization.
✅ Starting times and tournament scheduling: Up until 2023, I was extremely fortunate to have my friend and mentor, Harriett Hulbert, serve as our tournament referee. This enabled us to always begin play on the scheduled dates. (A pet peeve of mine is traveling to a tournament and then NOT beginning play on the scheduled date.) More importantly, Harriett always scheduled the entire tournament and published it when the draws were posted. This is VERY helpful for players’ travel reservations.
✅ Recruit local players: Huge! Each year approximately 40% of our entrants are from Houston and Texas. Most communities have active league programs now. You should find ways to inform these players about the tournament. Over the past many years, we have promoted the NSWCCC to the point that it is a HUGE event for the entire Houston tennis community. This has helped in two ways: many local players now compete nationally and play in the wonderful Intersectional tournament; second, the highest ranked national players enjoy matches with unknown talents whom they wouldn’t otherwise encounter.
✅ Transportation: If you provide transportation to and from the airport as well as a free daily shuttle from at least one hotel, you make it possible for a player to feel comfortable in a big city as well as avoiding the cost/hassle of a rental car.
✅ General tournament cost: That extra step of negotiating with convenient hotels makes a real difference to the players. The hotels will return year after year with discounted rates. In addition, if you work hard to gain sponsors, you can afford to provide several meals for your players. We always provide breakfast and lunches free to all players and umpires. This is costly, but SO appreciated! It also increases the camaraderie between players and “locals,” thus growing our tournaments as well as others. We also provide 3 evening events, but I often think that the breakfasts and lunches are more important. You wouldn’t believe how many emails I receive each year checking on the “theme” of our banquet, as well as if our popular Mickey Hobbs (former tennis pro/USTA national umpire) will be performing!!
✅ Partner matchups: I keep lists of players who need partners. I know that the USTA does this occasionally on the website. But I believe that matching players up thoughtfully leads to a better tournament experience. I can often find a local player who is happy to have a new partner experience. Everyone benefits! I just match them up right before the tournament deadline. Fun for all!!
I hope this helps you in planning your events. But mostly I hope that it makes you want to play our tournament in 2024. The dates are February 26 – March 3. Entry deadline is February 10. Link to enter here.