Annual Report 2020/21 Rackets UK
Rory Sutton, Chairman of the Rackets Committee
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n my first report, I’d like to start by thanking James Coyne for the stewardship he has shown during his 15 years on the Rackets Committee and the last five as Chairman of Rackets. During this time, we have seen off court advancements in ranking and seeding systems, huge development of the ladies’ game, and record numbers of entries in many tournaments – testament to James’ leadership. On behalf of the membership, I’d like to say ‘thank you’.
We have tried our best to play as much Rackets as possible over the last year, but it hasn’t been easy. Most importantly, we have been able to continue playing in schools for the majority of the year. This is vital for the future of the game and I am delighted girls and boys at school have been able to play. I’d like to thank the RPA who have been working through various iterations of regulations and guidelines to allow as much play as possible. Unfortunately, we were not able to play any of the scheduled tournaments this year. I keep my fingers crossed that absence will make the heart grow fonder and we will see bumper entries to next year’s events.
Picking up the mantle for the Ladies game, India Deakin has taken over from Lea Van der Zwalmen and joined the Rackets Committee. Lea had huge success in moving the Ladies game forward, and I am sure with her passion and enthusiasm for the sport India will build upon this. In other committee changes, Alan Giddins and Nick Harding have stepped down having served their time on the committee – the game has benefited from their guidance over many years. A warm welcome to Nick Stamp and Simon Loup, who have been elected to replace them. I have also appointed Paddy Sutton as Director of Tournaments, and James Blackburn has joined as Clubs’ Representative. One result of the pandemic was a closure of the World After serving for 24 years, Karl Cook stood down from the Doubles Championship qualifying committee to pursue an opportunity period. Tom Billings and Richard Owen abroad, being replaced by Charles ... fingers crossed that absence will face an eliminator match against Oliphant-Callum. will make the heart grow fonder Mike Bailey and Nick James. The winners of this match will challenge and we will see bumper entries to Mike Bailey has continued to push the current World Champions James the ‘elite’ game forward. He ran next year’s events. Stout and Jonathan Larken. I’d like to the first of what I hope will be many thank Mark Farmiloe and the World schools’ exhibitions. We had four of Championship Committee for their efforts in managing the the top players in the world battling it out in a round robin process in such uncertain times. I wish all those involved good tournament at Wellington. The galleries were full, thanks luck for their upcoming matches, and hope we will have full to Ryan Tulley, and the spectators enjoyed some first galleries enjoying some high quality doubles. class Rackets. We will be organising more of these events over the coming season, and I hope they will give T&RA One area we have been looking at whilst courts have been members the opportunity to watch some quality Rackets closed, has been the doubles rankings. A new ranking at a court near you soon. system has been introduced to increase transparency to tournament seedings, providing each player with an I thank Brown Advisory for their unwavering support for individual doubles ranking. A pair’s seeding will then be our great game. Their continued commitment is most determined based on the combination of the two individual generous and hugely appreciated. Thank you. players rankings, and their record playing together in previous tournaments. We have also supported the During the last year we have said goodbye to some dear Amateur Status Committee with the re-writing of the friends. Our thoughts go out to the families of Simon amateur rules; now easier to understand and can better Kverndal, Christopher Griffith-Jones, Mike Bolton, Sam support our ‘elite’ players. Beale, Dave Mackenzie and Roger Crosby, all of whom loved Rackets and they are sorely missed. Ed Hyde has been busy working with the North American clubs to understand when we can resume our scholarship I look forward to the reopening of clubs, and the return of programme and will be in touch with those involved Rackets in the 2021/22 season. We have a full schedule when we are able to confirm plans for next season. Lewis of matches and tournaments, including a Doubles World Symonds has been driving interest in Under 21 and Under Championship and Ladies World Championship. In the race 24 Rackets, vital for the future of the game. He will also to challenge for the World Singles, Ben Cawston will look be liaising with NARA at the appropriate time to organise to build on his lead for the right to challenge current World the next Knott Stephens tour to the US and Canada. Champion Tom Billings. As ever, we kick the season off Bill Stephens has decided to step down from his role as with the ever-popular Noel Bruce, for which I encourage as organiser. I’d like to thank him, and his wife Pauline for their many entries as possible. tireless efforts over many years that have enabled young players to travel abroad to play Rackets and build life-long Good luck for the coming season! PLAY! friendships.
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