RSPA Mid-Atlantic Division
SERVICE LINES Newsletter - Summer 2025
2025
Mubadala Citi DC Open More on page 5
INSIDE
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AACTA Get Certified Project
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Pickleball
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H’Cone Thompson
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Padel & More!
President’s
MESSAGE
I hope you all are having a successful and fulfilling summer! As we look ahead, I’m especially excited about our upcoming 2025 RSPA World Racquets Conference in Kona, Hawaii! The conference promises to be an incredible opportunity for learning, collaboration, and connection. We are also gearing up for our Fall Workshops, and I encourage everyone to participate—these events are valuable opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. A warm congratulations to all of our new RSPA members!
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We are thrilled to welcome you into our community and look forward to your contributions and engagement. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or if you would like to be more involved with the RSPA Mid-Atlantic Division. (Email: G2Tennis@live.com) Thank you, Glenn Gerbino RSPA Mid-Atlantic Division
Executive Director’s UPDATE SAVE THE DATE
September 19 – 25, 2025 2025 RSPA World Racquets Conference Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa 78-128 Ehukai Street, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 RSPA World Racquets Conference 2025 Preregistration Deposit
Make More of Your RSPA Experience
Want to become more involved with the RSPA Mid-Atlantic Division? We are looking for dedicated volunteers to fill Board and committee positions for the term starting January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027. RSPA Board & Committee Responsibilities If you are passionate about making a difference and contributing to the success of our division, we encourage you to apply via this link: State Rep and Committee & Board Application. The deadline to apply is August 15, 2025. We very much appreciate those of you who have already applied (there is no need to reapply).
LET’S CONNECT The RSPA Mid-Atlantic Division is interested in connecting with you. If you have news you would like to share with the division, job postings, a promotion, tennis/pickleball/padel/platform/ squash tips or an upcoming event, then please send the information to me at Joni.Hannah@ rspa.net. Also, please follow us on Facebook and on X (formerly Twitter) https://x.com/ rspamidatlantic
New Members & Upgraded Members: Michael Bernhard Annapolis, MD Lucy Sharon BurauCharlottesville, VA Jordan Dovel Linthicum Heights, MD Chris Gowen Crofton, MD Steve Harper Arnold, MD JoAnn Marshall- Bowie, MD Hobbs Sybille Khayat Fulton, MD Ay Rothany Severna Park, MD Koballa Vincent Liu Baltimore, MD Lezlie Moreland Harwood, MD Shadana Myers Pomfret, MD Wyatt Nolan Crownsville, MD
Ashten Rea Odenton, MD Angaragi Sandag Fairfax, VA Cathy Shields Annapolis, MD Ray Stewart Arnold, MD Sabra Newburg, MD Szczyglowski Adam Thomasson Severna Park, MD Cheng Tung Chesapeake, VA Justin Tung Clarksville, MD Dawson Moody Wakefield, VA Val Liberace Ruckington, VA Dana Dolvin Odenton, MD Adriana Dinu Woodbridge, VA Mike Kotz Kensington, MD
2025 RSPA Enjoys a
“Suite” Day at the Mubadala Citi DC Open The 2025 Mubadala Citi DC Open was the perfect place for a recent RSPA Mid-Atlantic get together. RSPA was able to offer our members a chance to attend the Monday matches on July 21st while enjoying the “suite’ life, courtesy of Har-Tru. A drawing was held and 25 lucky winners were treated to a full day and evening of world-class tennis action and top tier networking. Everyone enjoyed high-caliber tennis and terrific food and drinks throughout the day and evening. The event provided an opportunity for veteran members of the RSPA Mid-Atlantic Division to meet pros newer to the area or to the RSPA. It was a perfect blend of sport and connection. RSPA Mid-Atlantic Division President, Glenn Gerbino, noted, “This is one of our favorite events of the year. This group of members had the opportunity to network and make new connections all while enjoying world class tennis in this exceptional setting. We are very grateful to Har-Tru for their support of the RSPA”. We are very fortunate to have such a great tennis tournament here in the DMV. Co-founded by Arthur Ashe, Donald Dell, and John A. Harris in 1969, the Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington, DC, is one of the oldest and most prestigious tournaments in tennis and is currently the only combined ATP & WTA 500 tournament in the world.
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SPOTLIGHT ON THE MID-ATLANTIC
Highlighting Success in the RSPA Mid-Atlantic Division Brooke Pilkington Joins McCormack Nagelsen Tennis Center Team The McCormack – Nagelsen Tennis Center, located on the campus of William & Mary, is pleased to announce that Brooke Pilkington, RSPA, has joined the team as the new Associate Director. A native of Virginia Beach, Brooke grew up playing tennis in the area and played many times at MNTC as a junior. Brooke attended Old Dominion University, where she achieved a national ranking as a player and earned a master’s degree in physical education with a concentration in coaching. After graduation, Brooke pursued her passion and was the Director of Racquet
Sports at Elizabeth Manor Golf & Country Club in Portsmouth, Virginia. She joined William & Mary in January of 2022 as the Assistant Coach for the Women’s Tribe Team, where she assisted in leading the team to three consecutive championships in the CAA Conference. She has also been the director of the advanced junior program at MNTC since June of 2024. Brooke is very much involved in the dayto-day operation as well as overseeing all programming for juniors and adults. Her dedication to athlete development, passion for the game, and proven leadership make Brooke an incredible asset to the MNTC community. Director, Michael Caboy states, “We are very excited to have Brooke as part of the team, she brings an
incredible background, both on and off the court, and already has made a significant impact on the success of the operation.”
John Barker Caps Off Distinguished Career Congratulations to long time RSPA professional, John Barker, who recently retired as Director of Rackets at Hunting Hills Country Club in Roanoke, VA. John has had a distinguished career spanning four decades as director. His numerous accomplishments include organizing multiple USTA women’s professional tournaments, pioneering QuickStart tennis in Southwest Virginia, and setting a world record for the largest tennis tournament with 290 players in 2015. He has also received several prestigious awards, such as USTA Virginia Family of the Year (2012), USTA VA Tournament Director of the Year (1994), USPTA VA Professional of the Year (2008), and USPTA Mid Atlantic Professional of the Year (2022). Additionally, Mr. Barker is a co-founder and inductee of the Roanoke Regional Tennis Hall of Fame. 7
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The members of Hunting Hills Country Club love and respect John and have honored him and his outstanding contributions over the past 40 years by naming their new facility which opened in April, the John Barker Racket Sport Center. John will continue to teach tennis at Hunting Hills while he and his wife, Kara, make plans to become snowbirds, living winters in their newly purchased house in Mesquite, NV, and summers in Roanoke. Now that John is retired he said, “I will be able to spend more time with my family and be able to travel more with my wife…. and start to play a little more golf, too!” RSPA Mid-Atlantic would like to say, “Well done, John, and happy retirement!”
NEIL BENNETT
Named Director of Racquets at Army Navy Country Club Neil Bennett has been named the new Director of Racquets at Army Navy Country Club (ANCC) in Arlington, Virginia. Neil will officially begin his new role on September 1, 2025. Neil has been an active member of the RSPA since 2001, and he strongly believes in the value of being part of a professional community that fosters growth, collaboration, and a shared passion for all racquet sports. Originally from the south of England, Neil moved to the United States in 1993 to attend St. Andrews College in North Carolina. A top junior player ranked #8 in the U.K., he played #1 and #2 singles and doubles throughout his college career. As a senior, he captained his team and earned
All-Conference honors for three consecutive years. Neil was named the USPTA/RSPA Mid-Atlantic Player of the Year in 2015, won the 2019 USTA Category 1 National Grass Court Championship and won a silver medal in the 2023 World Championships in Turkey. Neil also represented the USA in the Potter Cup in Barcelona in 2024. Neil began his coaching career in 1998. For more than two decades, he has served as Director of Adult Tennis at ANCC, where he led all adult programming, including leagues, tournaments, and events. Prior to ANCC, he worked at the Country Club of Virginia and the Raleigh Racquet Club in North Carolina.
Beyond racquet sports, Neil enjoys biking and recently completed the GAP Trail, cycling 150 miles from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Cumberland, Maryland. Neil lives in Alexandria, Virginia with his wife, Rachel.
AACTA Get Certified Project Adds
15 NEW RSPA PROS The RSPA Mid-Atlantic Division added 15 new Level One Tennis Instructors through an exciting county tennis organization initiative. Anne Arundel County MD’s local tennis association, AACTA (Anne Arundel County Tennis Association) AACTA introduced an initiative at the end of 2024 to answer a demand for tennis instruction in their county. Like many local tennis associations around the country, AACTA’s primary role for decades was running the local USTA leagues, but in 2024 when the USTA decided to move adult tennis leagues in-house AACTA and many other local tennis organizations across the country had a void to fill. AACTA’s president, Michael Bernhard challenged his board to develop ideas for new programs and initiatives to serve their community. 8
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AACTAs vice president, Chris Gowen, a father of two young boys, recognized the county had a tremendous shortage of teaching pros and that the vast majority of the county’s high school coaches weren’t certified, resulting in fewer opportunities for beginner tennis players. Bernhard and Gowen along with fellow board member Cathy Shields went to work developing a program to sponsor 16 applicants to study and train for an RSPA Level 1 certification. The dedicated work by Bernhard, Gowen and Shields culminated on May 30th when the selected applicants finished their on-court evaluations conducted by RSPA Master Professional Feisel Hassan and RSPA Elite Professional Amy Nestle.
RSPA Mid-Atlantic Executive Director Joni Hannah and President Glenn Gerbino showed up for the on-court session to welcome the new members and celebrate the initiative. Joni Hannah stated, “the program was a resounding success and one we believe can be replicated across the country to build our membership and help reach a world of tennis players that don’t have access to private clubs.” Glenn Gerbino agreed and added that “Local tennis associations like AACTA are uniquely positioned to connect with players outside the reach of private clubs.” Glenn added, “Most certified pros today work within private clubs, but that only serves a fraction
of the tennis community. It has always been a challenge identifying coaches to certify with access to those players, Chris and the AACTA team addressed the need perfectly. There are far more local tennis associations like AACTA than there are facilities with teaching pros nationally. We think we can build relationships with them and run similar programs to the one here in Annapolis.” Program coordinator Chris Gowen thanked the RSPA: “Working with Joni and the entire Mid-Atlantic RSPA team was an absolute pleasure, we believe the injection of new certified instructors to our community will provide opportunities to grow our
organization and the game of tennis.” Bernhard also recognized the USTA’s role in making the program possible: “We’re thankful for the grant support we received from the USTA. We believe we’ve put it to great use— this program will help us introduce more kids and adults to the sport we love” As AACTA turns the page on its next chapter, its efforts may serve as a blueprint for the RSPA to connect with local tennis organizations across the country looking to stay relevant—and grow the game—from the ground up.
What’s Next for AACTA and Community Tennis? Newly certified coaches are already planning to lead beginner clinics and lessons for both youth and adult players this summer. Their presence opens new doors for programming across Anne Arundel County and is poised to provide more cost-effective opportunities for our community. AACTA expects to sponsor additional certification opportunities each year and urges interested community members to get involved. For more information on the RSPA Level 1 Coach Certification or upcoming coaching opportunities, visit RSPA.NET or contact AACTA at mike@aacta.com. Behind the Scenes: Leadership that Serves the Game AACTA’s Vice President, Chris Gowen Chris played a pivotal role in bringing this program to life, conceiving the bold idea of certifying a large cohort of entry-level 9
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coaches across Anne Arundel County and spearheading the effort to make it happen. His vision, drive, and leadership transformed a promising concept into a meaningful, long-term investment in the future of community tennis. “This initiative is a game-changer for our local tennis landscape,” said AACTA VicePresident Chris Gowen. “It’s about equipping people with the tools to share
their passion and grow the game from the ground up.” AACTA’s Junior Tennis Director Cathy Shields played a crucial role in preparing and supporting the participants. “This program is not only about certification— it’s about building a stronger, more inclusive tennis community,” Shields said. “We’re excited to watch these new coaches lead the next generation of players.”
RSPA Pickleball Certification to Include DUPR Coach Industry’s First Education + Revenue Generator Combination exclusively for RSPA Members RSPA members now have a new benefit: the addition of DUPR Coach to the official RSPA Pickleball Certification program. This marks the first time a racquet sports certification combines advanced education with an immediate income opportunity for coaches. Current RSPA-certified Pickleball members can upgrade for only $50 – a $200 savings – to add DUPR Coach credentialing to their certification. This special member offer ensures coaches remain at the forefront of the fast-growing pickleball market with tools that set them apart. Through the new offering, certified RSPA coaches will be credentialed as DUPR Coaches , unlocking exclusive access to DUPR’s Coach-Assigned Rating system and assessment tools. DUPR Coaches can assess players in-person or remotely, either via DUPR Rating Sessions or game film, and instantly generate an official Coach-Assigned DUPR for any non-rated player. “The addition of DUPR Coach to the RSPA Pickleball Certification is more than a
feature; it’s a shift in what it means to be a coach,” said Brian Dillman, CEO of RSPA. “For the first time in our industry, professionals will leave a certification workshop with not just training, but with the immediate ability to improve their bottom line. This is a certification built for the future of coaching.”
them real tools to lead with education, credibility, and a new way to earn. This partnership is about empowering coaches to build stronger programs and stronger communities.”
This means coaches can now offer rating services, host DUPR Assessment Events, and lead skills improvement sessions designed around helping players earn and improve their DUPRs, all while generating new revenue streams.
“RSPA’s adoption of DUPR Coach and its reach to more than 14,000 members signals a powerful commitment to growing the game of pickleball,” said Katie Nimitz, President of My Journey Pickleball. “Now, over 4,000 country and racquet clubs will be equipped to meet the sport’s rapid growth and generate meaningful income for their coaching programs and facilities.”
The RSPA Pickleball certification, modeled after their industry-leading successful tennis protocols and co-designed with leading pickleball educators, will include instructional education followed by credentialing on how to become a DUPR Coach. RSPA Pickleball workshops are already available nationwide across all 17 RSPA divisions.
With millions of non-rated players across the U.S., the need for accessible ratings and a strong coaching infrastructure has never been more pressing. The RSPA Pickleball Certification with DUPR Coach answers that call, giving coaches the foundation to teach and the technology to build thriving programs in their communities.
“Coaches are the key to growing pickleball at every level,” said DUPR CEO Tito Machado. “By adding DUPR Coach along with the RSPA certification, we’re giving
RSPA Pickleball-certified members can upgrade their certification and start their DUPR Coach journey here.
RSPA Partners with USA Pickleball!
Upcoming Pickleball Workshop and Certification
The RSPA is proud to share that it has entered into a new strategic partnership with USA Pickleball. This collaboration will help strengthen the connection between education, certification, and professional opportunities for those teaching the fastest-growing sport in America. As an official certification partner of USA Pickleball, the RSPA continues to lead the way in providing career pathways and elevating standards across all racquet sports—tennis, pickleball, padel, squash, and platform tennis. Stay tuned for more details soon!
Mark your calendar for a Pickleball Certification and Workshop in Richmond, Virginia. The certification will take place on afternoon of Thursday, November 6, and the half-day Pickleball Workshop will take place on Friday, November 7. Stay tuned for more details.
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MEET RSPA MEMBER
H’CONE THOMPSON By Angela McDowell, RSPA Mid-Atlantic, DC State Representative
Nearing two decades as a coach and member of the RSPA and nearly his whole life in tennis, RSPA Professional H’Cone Thompson says he stays motivated by two key things: working with an eager student and watching the maturation of a player’s skills and passion for the game. H’Cone has valued the opportunity to share and receive the benefits of being a part of this great sport and the industry because of the simple fact that tennis provides not just a life-long athletic outlet, but also an opportunity to develop important attributes, skills, resolve, and connections that carry well beyond the court lines. H’Cone’s love of tennis was fostered young. H’Cone’s father, lauded teaching and coaching luminary Coach Enoch Thompson, instilled in H’Cone the work ethic, determination, & desire to help others that have been hallmarks of his career. After being an All-Met tennis player at DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland, an All-Patriot League player at Lafayette College (H’Cone holds the record as the most winning player in Lafayette singles history!), and representing the Bahamas in the Davis Cup from 2004-2008, H’Cone transitioned into coaching, beginning with the Washington Tennis & Education Foundation (WTEF). The WTEF, whose target demographic is Wards 7 & 8 of Washington, DC, had been crucial in H’Cone’s development as a top player and shaped his desire to give back to the community and inspire new generations of players on their journey through tennis and life. H’Cone continues his lifelong relationship with the WTEF, having been a part of its Board since 2018, recently becoming a Vice Chair. You can also find him spreading his love for the game at St. Albans Tennis Center at 3101 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016. H’Cone is grateful to be a member of the RSPA, which he says was an easy choice because, “It is an amazing organization, leading the racquet teaching industry in professionalism.” He believes that participation in the RSPA will multiply the gains, insights, connections and opportunities to evolve his standing as a professional as he endeavors to bring more exposure and involvement in this beautiful game! 13
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Quick Serves: • H’Cone is the reverse of his father’s name, Enoch. • For 10 years, H’Cone served various positions under 2024 RSPA Mid-Atlantic Hall of Famer Bruce Lipka at Woodmont Country Club (MD). • H’Cone was the youngest appointee to the WTEF board when selected. • Being able to honor his Bahamian ancestry as part of the nation’s Davis Cup teams from 2004 to 2008 was a significant event in H’Cone’s life. • Golf is another passion of his and you will find H’Cone on the links whenever possible.
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Tips for Padel lovers (Coaches and players)
OFF THE BACK WALL y Marcos del Pilar, Global Padel Consultann, B RSPA Master Professional USTA Padel Consultant What Is Padel? I do not even remember how many times I have explained this in my life, in so many different countries, to so many people… I have used different languages, videos, pictures, and brochures, but always with the same light in my eyes. Here we go again. I hope you enjoy my introduction to Padel. PADEL is the fastest-growing sport in the world. It is played in more than 90 countries by 30+ million people worldwide. Padel is a racquet sport that combines the absolute best of tennis, racquetball, and squash. It has been said that “It’s the Swiss army knife of Racquet Sports.” It combines the best of all the sports into one fun, easy-to-learn, fast-paced sport. The court is about a third of the size of a tennis court (33 x 66 ft) and is surrounded by glass on the back and part of the
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sides. The middle of the sides is covered by a metal mesh fencing with two open doors that can be used during play to go outside to keep the ball in play. Believe it or not, it happens very often, and it makes this sport exciting and different from any other that you will experience. The rules and scoring are very similar to tennis; the only difference is that you can play off the walls (back and sides), and the serve is underhand after you bounce the ball. After the cross-court serve, the ball has to bounce and, as in tennis, you only lose the point when you miss your shot (into the net or the ball is hit directly into any wall) or the ball bounces twice on your side. When serving, your partner starts at the net and you serve and volley to start the point, just as you would in a Tennis match.
The racquet
The racquet is made of an EVA foam core with holes in it and is 17 inches long. The outside of the foam can be covered with various materials, from fiberglass to carbon fibers, which affects the play and price of each racquet. The racquet has a strap that you need to use all the time for safety.
Padel is almost always played in doubles (men, women, and mixed). The main goal is to get to the net as much as possible to increase your chance of making a winning shot. It is recommended that the team move together up and back all over the court. Padel is extremely easy to learn but hard to master. Strategy is key. It is a very thinking person's sport. “If Tennis is checkers, Padel is chess”. The big promise of Padel is that everybody can play and have fun right away in less than 30 minutes. It is a great workout for all levels and ages. Padel is a sport for the entire family. On top of that, it’s extremely social and you not only enjoy while playing but also just hanging out watching other matches with your friends. Padel is the perfect addition to any Sports facility and an incredible way to attract new members with no previous experience in Racquet Sports. If you have not tried it yet, try it as soon as possible, and you will be able to understand why it is taking the world by storm. If you are interested in more, do not hesitate to contact Marcos del Pilar (marcos@tenismrp.com) for additional info and CONSULTANCY about the business model and some essential leverages to implement Padel programs successfully while improving your ROI in your facility. Also, to GET CERTIFIED IN PADEL and become part of the group of 900+ ambassadors that now lead the Padel wave in the USA. Marcos is running the RSPA PADEL CERTIFICATION PROGRAM in his role of Head of Padel for the Racquet Sports Professionals Association. 16
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The ball
The Padel ball has less compression and is slightly heavier than a tennis ball for longer rallies and better playability off the glass.
PADEL – IF TENNIS WAS A CAGE MATCH In 2005, Rafael Nadal was near the top of his game. Spanish tennis not so much. So tennis clubs started wooing younger players with a new racquet sport. Over 17,000 plexiglass courts later, Padel ranks up there with paella, tapas, and Rioja reds in Spanish lifestyle — #2 behind only soccer. TENNIS + PICKLE WITH BANK SHOTS In the US, another racquet sport has enjoyed a similar meteoric rise. One that often require little initial investment and even less time to learn. If tennis demands countless hours finding the sweet spot, pickleball just requires picking up a racquet. Padel is somewhere in the middle. Part tennis, part pickle, part geometry class. Padel offers an easy path-to-fun, long rallies, plenty of calorie burn — and a cushy turf surface for those aching joints. There’s just one hiccup. Padel courts aren’t cheap. RISK-FREE FINANCING FOR COURTS That’s where Mindspring Padel comes in. We offer a unique, riskfree and turnkey solution to ensure your club succeeds in integrating Padel and enjoys all the benefits it brings. Globally, Padel is on a steep upward trajectory. According to Babolat & Wilson, global Padel revenues will surpass tennis’ by 2026. We have partnered with the RSPA to help jump start that growth in America. We cover the costs of the courts and ground work to get you up and running; then get reimbursed over time via court bookings, whether it is a pay-to-play or free-to-members court usage framework. Ready to ease into this inherently addictive sport? Email LB@mindspringpadel.com, call 760-505-1862 or visit us at www.mindspringpadel.com.
The Racquet Sports Professionals Association Launches
New Career Center SmartJobBoard, a leading AI-powered job board solution provider for associations, nonprofits and government organizations, today announced the launch of the Racquet Sports Professionals Association’s (RSPA) new Career Center, designed to support hiring and career development across the racquet sports industry. Powered by SmartJobBoard’s advanced technology, the new platform features a modern user interface, AI-driven job matching, and direct integration with the RSPA's membership portal— delivering a seamless and personalized experience for the association’s 14,000+ members. Accessible at jobs.rspa.net, RSPA's Career Center is the only job board dedicated exclusively to racquet sports professionals, including tennis, pickleball, padel and more. By focusing on this specialized field, the RSPA continues its commitment to advancing the careers of racquet sports professionals and supporting the employers who rely on their expertise. “The RSPA Career Center is a game-changer for racquet sports professionals,” said Brian Dillman, CEO of the RSPA. “Our members now have direct access to a powerful platform tailored to their career goals, and employers can easily find the qualified talent they need. This initiative is a key part of our mission to elevate, connect, and support professionals to achieve their career goals across all racquet sports.” Key features of the new RSPA Career Center include: AI-powered job matching, delivering more relevant results tailored to each job seeker Automated job alerts, notifying candidates of new opportunities based on their preferences Seamless member login and access via the RSPA portal for a more connected experience Free job postings for RSPA members, making it easier for clubs, academies and employers to find qualified candidates “We’re proud to support RSPA’s mission to elevate racquet sports professionals and foster a vibrant, inclusive community,” said SmartJobBoard CEO Rodion Telpizov. “The new Career Center is more than a job board. It’s a dynamic tool for growth, connection and opportunity. We are excited to partner with the RSPA to help professionals advance their careers and to support the continued growth of racquet sports.” To learn more about the RSPA, explore open positions or post a job, visit jobs.rspa.net. 18
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HAR-TRU SPORTS COATINGS Performance Hard Courts from a Trusted Source For nearly a century, Har-Tru has been synonymous with excellence in tennis court surfaces. While renowned for its iconic green clay courts, Har-Tru’s commitment to innovation and quality extends to its premium hard-court solutions: HarTru Sports Coatings. Engineered for Performance Har-Tru Sports Coatings are the result of meticulous engineering by top industry chemists. These acrylic coatings are designed to deliver consistent, durable, and highperformance playing surfaces suitable for tennis, pickleball, and multi-sport applications. Utilizing the highest-grade raw materials, including UV-resistant organic pigments and a high ratio of solids, these coatings ensure vibrant colors that withstand all weather conditions. Trusted by Professionals The quality of Har-Tru Sports Coatings is recognized globally, with certifications from the International Tennis Federation (ITF) across various surface speeds—from Medium-Slow to Fast. This versatility makes them the preferred choice for numerous professional tournaments, including the Cincinnati Open, National Bank Open, and Mubadala Citi DC Open.
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Additionally, Har-Tru serves as the official paint partner of Tennis Canada, further cementing its reputation in the professional circuit. Durability Meets Efficiency Beyond performance, Har-Tru Sports Coatings are celebrated for their durability and ease of maintenance. The advanced formula offers high yield efficiency, allowing for consistent, even application and long-term stability. These surfaces are built to perform in any condition, maintaining their quality and appearance year-round. Manufactured under strict quality and safety controls, they provide a smooth, stable surface that enhances both performance and player confidence. A Legacy of Excellence Har-Tru’s dedication to quality and innovation has made it a trusted name in court surfaces worldwide. Whether for professional tournaments, local clubs, or private residences, Har-Tru Sports Coatings offer a reliable and high-performing solution that meets the diverse needs of the racquet sports community. For more information on Har-Tru Sports Coatings and to explore how they can elevate your court, visit hartru.com/pages/sports-coatings.
RSPA MID-ATLANTIC ADOPTS UPDATED BYLAWS Bylaws of the Mid-Atlantic Division of the RACQUET SPORTS PROFESSIONALS ASSOCIATION, INC.
Article I Name and Purposes
Article III Board of Officers
Section 1. Name.
Section 1. Powers of Board of Officers.
Name of this division is the Mid-Atlantic Division of the Racquet Sports Professionals Association, Inc. (hereinafter the “Division”).
The Division shall be managed by its Board of Officers.
Section 2. Purpose.
The Board of Officers shall meet annually at such time as it deems convenient. It also shall meet at the call of the President upon ten (10) days’ prior notice or upon the call of a majority of the Board of Officers, who may call a meeting of the Board of Officers upon ten (10) days’ prior notice.
The purpose of the Division shall be to administer the funds entrusted to it and the programs left in its charge by the Racquet Sports Professionals Association, Inc. (formerly known as the United States Professional Tennis Association, Inc.) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the “RSPA”) in accordance with the Bylaws of the RSPA, and to do any further acts in accordance with the Bylaws of the RSPA.
Article II Members Section 1. Active membership. Application for membership, admission procedure and testing and classification as a member of the Division shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Bylaws of the RSPA. Section 2. Honorary membership. Those persons who have made an outstanding contribution to the sport of tennis or to the Division shall be eligible to become honorary members of the Division. Honorary membership shall be proposed and voted on by the Board of Officers of the Division. Honorary Members shall not be deemed Members of the RSPA and have no voting power, nor be eligible to be an officer of the Division. 20
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Section 2. Meetings of Board of Officers.
Section 3. Makeup of Board of Officers. The Board of Officers will consist of the President, Regional Vice President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and the Immediate Past President. In the event that the Immediate Past President cannot serve, the position can remain vacant or may filled by a previous Past President selected by the incoming President. All officers must reside in the Division. Section 4. Nominations and election of Board of Officers. The Board of Officers will be elected every two years by the Division membership. The election will be held as follows: At least eight (8) weeks before the election the Nominating Committee will propose a complete slate of officers and forward this slate to a person (or persons) designated by the Board of Officers as the “Nomination Monitor(s).” At least seven (7) weeks before the election, the Nomination Monitor(s) will mail to the membership the Nominating Committee's slate of officers and call for further nominations. At least five (5) weeks before the election the nominations from the membership must be received by the Nomination
Monitor(s), who will thereupon add to the ballot the names of those persons who receive the greatest number of nominations from the membership. Only one (1) nominee per office will be added to those persons nominated by the Nominating Committee and the names added will have received the greatest number of nominations in the form of supporting signatures from the membership. A nominee added to the ballot must receive nominations from at least ten percent (10%) of the Division members. Nominees for the positions of President and the officer serving as the delegate to the Executive Committee may not be challenged. In the event two proposed nominees receive the same number of votes, the proposed nominee that has the highest number of continuing education points shall be added to the ballot. In the event the nominees remain tied after counting the number of continuing education points, the names of the nominees so tied, shall each be added to the ballot. Thereafter, at least four (4) weeks before the election, the Nominating Monitor(s) will send out the ballots to the members. The ballots will then be returned to Nomination Monitor(s) who shall tally the votes. If the results of the ballot remain tied, the nominee presented by the Nominating Committee shall be declared the winner. In the event there are no challenges to the slate of officers proposed by the Nominating Committee, the proposed slate of officers shall be deemed elected. Section 5. Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee will be composed of three (3) members. One and only one member of the prior Nominating Committee always will be appointed to the new Nominating Committee. In the event that a member of the Nominating Committee for any reason cannot serve, his/her replacement shall be made by the Board of Officers upon majority vote. A member of the Nominating Committee can be removed for cause upon majority vote of the Board of Officers. All members of the Division Nominating Committee must be members in good standing with the RSPA and must reside within the geographical boundaries of the Division. Except as provided herein, no person on any prior Nominating Committee shall be allowed to serve on future nominating committees, with the exception of the person on the old Nominating Committee who is elected to be chairman of the new Nominating Committee, as set forth above, or until such time as a period of the expiration of two complete terms of the Nominating Committee following the end of their previous term. All persons who serve on the Nominating Committee agree not to be a candidate for election to the Board of Officers in the then current election cycle. After the Nominating Committee has nominated a slate of officers, it will serve until the new Board of Officers begins their term and shall appoint their successor Nominating Committee before disbanding. In the event that a member of the Nominating Committee for any reason cannot serve, resigns or is removed for cause by the Board of Officers, the presence of majority of the members of the Nominating Committee shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of selecting a slate
of officers. The Nominating Committee shall act by majority vote. In the event that a member of the Nominating Committee for any reason cannot serve or is not present, provided a quorum is established, until such time as his/her replacement shall be made or a decision is made not to fill the vacancy, the remaining members of the Nominating Committee may act by majority vote of the members present. The Division President may appoint a replacement Member to the Nominating Committee with the consent of a majority of the Board of Officers, or, provided there remain enough members of the Nominating Committee to constitute a quorum, the Board of Officers, by majority vote, may determine not to fill the vacancy. If an individual on the slate of Officers presented by the Nominating Committee becomes ineligible to serve or withdraws their name from consideration, prior to the commencement of their term, the Nominating Committee shall name a substitute individual to the slate. A member of the Nominating Committee can be removed for cause upon majority vote of the Board of Officers of the Division or the RSPA Board of Directors. Section 6. RSPA Board of Directors supervision. The entire election procedure of the Division, as set forth in preceding Sections 3, 4 and 5, is under the supervision of the RSPA Board of Directors, which may ensure, at its discretion and in whatever manner necessary, the fairness of the Division’s election of its Board of Officers. The supervision of the RSPA Board of Directors may be invoked upon the petition of at least ten percent (10%) of the Division’s membership, or at its own discretion. In the event of a conflict between the Division and the RSPA Board of Directors, the decision of the RSPA Board of Directors shall be binding. Section 7. Voting procedure at Board of Officers meetings. At meetings of the Board of Officers or any committee of the Division, a quorum shall be a majority of the Board of Officers or the committee. The meeting will be chaired by the President. Robert’s Rules of Order will guide the proceedings of the Board of Officers meetings if the chair is challenged. The President may poll the Board of Officers by telephone, but only in cases where time is of the essence and the majority of the Board of Officers does not object to the procedure. Section 8. Duties of officers. (a) P resident. The President will be the Chief Executive Officer of the Division. The President shall preside at all meetings, preserve order, appoint all committees with the approval of the Board of Officers not otherwise provided for, and see that the officers and committees perform their respective duties. The President shall be an ex officio member of all committees. (b) R egional Vice President. The Regional Vice President of the Division, along with the President of the Division, will represent the Division on the Executive Committee of the
RSPA in accordance with the RSPA Bylaws. The Regional Vice President shall assist the President in the performance of the President’s duties and shall exercise the powers of the President in the President’s absence or in case of the President’s death, removal or resignation. (c) V ice President. The Vice President shall assist the Regional Vice President in the performance of the Regional Vice President’s duties and shall exercise the powers of the Regional Vice President in the Regional Vice President’s absence or in case of the Regional Vice President’s death, removal or resignation. (d) S ecretary. The Secretary shall perform the duties usual to the office of the Secretary, have oversight of the minutes and records of the Division and assist the President. (e) T reasurer. The Treasurer shall in cooperation with the Executive Director, have oversight of the financial records, shall pay all authorized bills promptly on consultation with the President, and shall report on the Division’s financial affairs periodically. The Treasurer also shall report periodically to the RSPA Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director in accordance with the RSPA Bylaws. (f) I mmediate Past President. The Immediate Past President shall be a voting Member of the Board of Officers and shall assist the President in performance of the President’s duties. Section 9. One Office per Person. In no event shall any two of the offices comprising the Board of Officers be filled by the same person. Section 10. Removal of Officers and Committee Members. Any officer or committee member may be removed from office or a committee he is serving on for cause, by a two-thirds majority vote of the Board of Officers or the RSPA Board of Directors. Cause will include, but not be limited to, breach of the RSPA Code of Ethics, dereliction of duties, malfeasance. Section 11. Vacancy in Office. If for any reason an office shall become vacant, except the office of President, or Regional Vice President or Immediate Past President, it may be filled for the remainder of its term by vote of the Board of Officers. The Board of Officers shall have the right to allow the office to remain vacant, in its discretion.
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Article IV Membership Meeting The members of the Division shall meet annually, or more often, at a time or times set forth by the Board of Officers. At the membership meetings, which shall be chaired by the President of the Division, the members may discuss the affairs of the Division and make recommendations to the Board of Officers. They also may vote in person or by proxy on proposed amendments to the Bylaws of RSPA, as set forth therein.
Article V Amendments to the Bylaws Amendments to the Bylaws may be adopted by the Board of Officers, by the majority vote of the Board of Officers with the approval of the RSPA Board of Directors. A Bylaw Amendment may be proposed by a Division member to the Board of Officers and if approved by a vote thereafter of the members at a meeting called upon due notice or by a mail ballot, the proposed Amendment will be submitted for approval to the RSPA Board of Directors. In order for a Bylaw Amendment to be approved by the written ballot of the Division members for submission to the RSPA Board of Directors, the members must have at least twenty-one (21) days to return the ballot. The Amendment will be deemed a Proposed Amendment if adopted if at least two-thirds of those voting vote to adopt the Amendment. The effective date of any Amendment will be when the Amendment is approved by the RSPA Board of Directors or at a time specified in the Amendment resolution if later. Any Amendment to the Bylaws may be revoked by the RSPA Board of Directors at its discretion. The Divisional amendment process is under the supervision of the RSPA Board of Directors, which may be amended at its discretion.
Article VI Incorporation in these Bylaws of the RSPA Bylaws All pertinent provisions of the RSPA Bylaws, such as but not limited to, membership eligibility requirements, the code of ethics and disciplinary proceedings, are incorporated by reference in these Bylaws. In the event of a conflict between these Bylaws and the RSPA Bylaws, or in the absence of a provision in these Bylaws covering an issue, the RSPA Bylaws shall control. The RSPA Board of Directors shall have the exclusive authority to interpret and resolve any conflicts arising under these Bylaws.