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E-Newsletter
January 2010
In This Issue
President's Letter
2010 CORTA Board Members
New CORTA Staff Member
7th Annual Joie Paull
Code of Conduct
Adult Programs News
Junior Programs News
Junior Tournaments
CORTA Christmas Toy Tournament
TennisWorks in the Parks
Cardio Tennis
USTA Official;a Clinic
USTA Membership Increase
"Tennis Participation Tops 30 Million!"
Buckhead Grill
CORTA Merchandise
Facebook and Twitter
CORTA Links
 President's Letter
Nancy Prescott
Dear CORTA Members,

We have a wonderful problem within CORTA.  Our sport is so popular that we continue to have growing pains and experience problems with court availability.  Tennis is growing nation-wide and the trend is certainly true here in Columbus.  We have an unprecedented number of players playing on courts all over the valley area.  Our sport is attracting enthusiasts of all ages.

Your board's primary focus for 2010 is to resolve issues relating to court conditions and availability at the Cooper Creek Tennis Center.  We continue to value your input and suggestions and are eager to work with the City of Columbus to upgrade the overall tennis experience for every player.  

Many changes are in store for CORTA.  We have added a staff position to oversee Tournaments and Sponsorships and are delighted that Aline Trussell has joined our very talented staff.  We are diligently seeking sponsors to align with our programs and help us to manage our growth.  My sincere thanks to the CORTA board for their leadership and help this year.  Next year promises to be an even more exciting year for tennis in Columbus.

Our mission at CORTA is "to promote the development of tennis as a means of healthy recreation and lifelong physical fitness".  On any given day you will find people of all ages, faiths, and professions playing tennis.  Thank you again for your support of CORTA.  I hope to see you on the courts!

Nancy's Signature
Announcing the 2010 CORTA Board of Directors
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President - Nancy Prescott
Executive Vice President - Rem Houser
Vice President - Adam Centerbar
Vice President - Gene Oswalt
Secretary - Lauren Griner
Treasurer - Liz Gobbel
Past President - Todd Lee
Executive Advisor - Will White

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Adult Programs - Doug Gibson
Awards - Patrick Callaway
Community Outreach - Dwan Grooms
Facility - Tom Miller
Junior Programs - Lynn Reis   
Legal Counsel - David Snipes
Officials/Tournaments - Larry Goodman

Special Events - Becky Baker
Volunteers - Niki Gedroic

Welcome Aline Trussell to the CORTA Staff
AlineCORTA has a new employee! Aline Trussell has joined the CORTA staff as Tournament Coordinator. Aline will be coordinating and directing all the tournaments that CORTA hosts throughout the year. She will be actively seeking sponsorships for these events so if you are interested in becoming involved, contact her at the CORTA office.

Aline has a long history with tennis....especially junior tennis. Aline has been deeply involved in all levels of junior tennis, including USTA Jr. Team Tennis. She has captained many teams throughout the years. This year she has served as the Head of the Junior Tennis Committee doing an excellent job of developing and coordinating several committees in all areas of CORTA junior tennis. Aline plays tennis in the Adult League, Flex Doubles, City League, and Combo Doubles! She is married to Walter Trussell and the proud mom of two great junior tennis players, Walt and Max. We are so excited to have Aline join our CORTA staff!!

7th Annual Joie Paull Memorial Tennis Event
by Lisa Neal
The 7th Annual Joie Paull Memorial Tennis Event was held on Sunday, October 25th.  A sold-out crowd of men and women of all tennis levels enjoyed an afternoon of tennis, food and beverages at Cooper Creek. Live entertainment was on hand by "The Piano Man", Scott Taccati.  The "Ice Cream Girl" was there too, as well as massage therapists Marlena Grooms from Divine Appointment Massage and Joni Biancardi from Healing Hands.  New this year was a silent auction which included some great items from local Columbus businesses. 

The nearly $7,000 raised was to benefit the "Women's Breast Cancer Support Fund" which works with women in the West Central Georgia area.  The success of this event was due to the great committee and volunteers from the CORTA Teen Council.  A special "thanks" to our sponsors:  Columbus Regional Healthcare System, CORTA, Columbus Trial Lawyers Association, Outdoor Events, Inc., Wade, Courville & See, Columbus Parks & Recreation, B&B Beverage, Patrick Callaway, Holiday Inn, Country Club of Columbus, Print Source and AFLAC.


Joie Paull 09
  Rashmi Hudson, Tracy Courville, Regina Fernicola, Lynn Reis, Kevin Waldek,
Lisa Neal (chair), Fitz Bickerstaff, Judy Pearce, and Helen Martin
Code of Conduct
The CORTA Board of Directors recently established a Code of Conduct and procedural process to handle complaints. Please be aware of these new guidelines that went into effect January 1, 2010.

CODE OF CONDUCT
Players, spectators and coaches are expected to conduct themselves with honor and integrity at all times with the highest level of sportsmanship, courtesy, and fairness.  Players are encouraged to abide by the letter and spirit of the rules of play and to be gracious in both victory and defeat.  Individuals are under an obligation to avoid acts that may be considered detrimental to the game of tennis.

 

The following procedures and practices apply to all CORTA sponsored tournaments, events, and team play.

 

Fair Play

Players shall call all balls, double bounces, and shots, fairly and honestly. This includes calling out the score after every point, using score cards when provided, making out calls loudly or sufficiently visible so one's opponent is aware of the call, etc.

 

Abuse of Balls

Players shall not violently, dangerously, or with anger hit, kick, or throw a tennis ball while on the grounds except in the reasonable pursuit of a point during a match (including warm-up). For the purposes of this rule, abuse of balls is defined as intentionally or recklessly hitting a ball out of the enclosure of the court, hitting a ball dangerously within the court, or hitting a ball with disregard of the consequences.

 

Abuse of Equipment

Players and their supporters shall not violently, dangerously, or with anger hit, kick, or throw a racquet or other equipment within the confines of the courts. For the purposes of this rule, abuse of racquets or equipment is defined as intentionally, dangerously, and violently destroying or damaging racquets or equipment, or intentionally or violently hitting the net, court, or other fixtures out of anger or frustration.

 

Physical Abuse

Players and their supporters shall not at any time physically abuse any official, opponent, spectator, or other person within the confines of the courts. For the purposes of this rule, physical abuse refers to the unauthorized touching of another person.

 

Verbal Abuse

Players and their supporters shall not at any time verbally abuse any official, opponent, spectator, or other person within the confines of the courts. Verbal abuse is defined as any statement directed at another person that implies dishonesty or is derogatory, insulting, or otherwise abusive.

 

Audible Obscenity

Players and their supporters shall not use audible obscenities while on-site. An audible obscenity is defined as the use of words commonly known and understood to be profane and uttered clearly and loudly enough to be heard.

 

Visible Obscenity

Players and their supporters shall not make obscene gestures while on-site. A visible obscenity is defined as the making of a sign with one's hands and/or racquet or balls that commonly has an obscene meaning.

 

Failure to Give Best Effort

All players shall use their best efforts during matches when competing in a CORTA sponsored event.

 

Unsportsmanlike Conduct

Players and their supporters shall at all times conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner and give due regard to the authority of officials and the rights of opponents, spectators, and others. Unsportsmanlike conduct is defined as any misconduct that is clearly abusive or detrimental to the success of a tournament, event, and/or the sport.

Gamesmanship
Players and their supporters shall not participate in gamesmanship.  Effective ways of bending, evading and breaking the rules in order to gain a competitive edge will not be tolerated.  Players are expected to play for the benefit and love of the sport.  All matches should be played in good faith and the benefit of tennis and fair play.

COMPLAINT OVERVIEW PROCESS
All complaints about player or spectator conduct are to be filed with CORTA by the captain of the team or event director via e-mail within 48 hours of the incident.

CORTA will track each complaint filed against a player/spectator and notify the Conduct Committee when three complaints have been lodged against an individual player or spectator.

CONDUCT COMMITTEE
Committee will be comprised of three CORTA members.
Committee members will serve a one year term and will be appointed by the CORTA board.
The three members will serve as co-chairs of the committee.
The committee will only meet if needed.
Rulings by the committee may be up to permanent suspension from the league and/or CORTA sponsored events.

FIRST COMPLAINT
CORTA receives the complaint from the captain or event director, which should include details of the incident to include names of  witnesses, if any, and then files the complaint.

SECOND COMPLAINT
CORTA files the complaint and notifies the captain or spectator that two complaints have been received, with a third complaint possibly resulting in the suspension of the player/spectator.  The Captain or CORTA representative(s) will meet with player/spectator to notify them of this, convey the seriousness of the situation and informing them that a third complaint will require review by the Conduct Committee, which could possibly result in suspension from CORTA sponsored events.

THIRD COMPLAINT
CORTA files the complaint, and e-mails the members of the Conduct Committee with the details regarding the three complaints.
Conduct Committee will meet and review these complaints.
If complaints appear to be valid, the Conduct Committee may suspend the player/spectator and request a meeting with the player/spectator prior to the next match or event.
The Conduct Committee will notify CORTA of their findings.
CORTA will notify the player/spectator as well as the team captain and/or event director(s) of their decision.

INFORMATION ABOUT COMPLAINT PROCESS
All complaints will be kept confidential by CORTA and the Conduct Committee.
Any player/spectator who has been previously suspended, forfeits the three complaints before referral to the Conduct Committee, thus with any additional complaints  immediate referral to the committee will occur.
Complaints will be tracked on a rolling year basis. 
A series of three complaints lodged against a captain may also result in a recommendation to CORTA that the captain no longer be allowed to serve in the role of captain again.

Adult Programs News
Congratulations the the 2009 Fall League Winners:
Adult   
                                              Senior
2.5 Men - Duncan                               3.0 Men - Andressa
3.0 Men - Wiggins                               3.5 Men - Oswalt
3.5 Men - Ammerman                          4.0 Men - Schmidt
4.0L Men - Ammerman/Douthit             3.0 Women - Harris
4.0 Men - Duncan                                3.5 Women - Houze
4.5 Men - Thiel                                    4.0 Women - Waldrep
2.0 Women - Odom/Foy
2.5 Women - Smith /Holden                 City
3.0 Women Blue - Ralph/Reis               3.0 Women - Davis
3.0 Women Red - Gedroic                    3.5 Women - Coleman/Bickerstaff
3.5 Women Blue - Neal
3.5 Women Red - Wiggins
4.0L Women - Cooper
4.0 Women - Douthit/Humphries
4.5 Women - Duggan      
     

Year End Ratings:
Got bumped up or not?  Has your team dissolved because other teammates leveled up?  Check your 2009 Year-End rating to see if you've been promoted to the next level.  You may not even know that your team is dissolving because of recent promotions from the 2009 Year-End ratings!  If you're looking for a team, we can put you on our List of Players Looking for a Team.  Just click on the link, fill out the form with your contact information, rating, and the league you are interested in playing and a captain who is looking for players will contact you.  The ball is in your court!  Don't miss out on SPRING tennis!

Congratulations to State Champions - Mark Brown's 8.5 Combo Doubles Team:
We would like to congratulate Mark Brown's 8.5 Combo Doubles team for advancing to the Combo Doubles Southern Sectional Championships that will be held January 22-25, 2010 in Mobile, AL.  Members of the team are: Mark Brown, Steve Thiel, Roger Pearce, Robert Brand, Glenn Davis, Alex Vasilescu, Chris Womack, Robert Hays, Andy Lowe & Rick Stoller.  Good luck and bring home the trophy!


Combo 09


Important Dates for the Upcoming League Season:
Adult League:

Deadline to form a Team:  Wednesday, January 6th
Season Play: Saturdays from January 23rd - March 27th

Senior League:

Deadline to form a Team:  Wednesday, January 6th
Season Play: Sundays from January 24th - March 28th

City League:

Deadline to form a Team:  Friday, January 15th
Season Play: Thursday mornings @ 9:30am from January 28th - April 1st

City Senior Combo:

Deadline to form a Team:  Friday, January 15th
Season Play: Tuesday mornings @ 9:30am & Friday evenings @ 6:00pm from January 28th - April 1st


Friend at Court; Tie-break game:
Question: The score in the first set of a match is 7-6 after the teams have completed a 7 point tie-break. Which player/team will now serve the first game of the second set?
Answer: The player/team who served first in the tie-break game shall be the receiver in the first game of the following set.

Due to the recent rainy days and freezing temperatures delaying matches, the deadline to complete your Mixed Doubles matches has been extended to Sunday, January 17!

For more information about CORTA Leagues, contact Cissy Sanders or Charlie Clippinger.
Junior Program News
by Deby Caldwell
USTA Middle School Jr. Team Tennis

Congratulations to the winners from the 2009 Middle School Team Tennis season:
2.0 Division:  Winner -VMMS Rangers- Oravic; Runner up - Creekside - McLemore
2.5 Division:  Winner- Harris Co. 2.5-Lynch; Runner up - Mixed-Illges
3.0 Division:  Winner-BRMS Varsity-Patel/Sholtis; Runner up - Brookstone-Arora
3.5 Division:  Winner- Mixed-Gordon; Runner up - St. Luke-Morpeth
1.5 Division:  Winner - Arnold MS - Bishop; Runner up-BRMS Adv. Beginner

Congratulations to the winners of the Sportsmanship Awards:
1.5 Division - Jonathan Ridley - Midland; Quatia Bradshaw - Blackmon Road

2.0 Divsion - Jacob Barfield - ECMS
2.5 Division - Aamir Punjani- Blackmon Road; Kaylyn Anderson - Brookstone
3.0 Division - Kristopher Hill - Blackmon Road
3.5 Division - Sahil Arora - St. Luke; Delaney Harrison - Gordon

Tournament News
By: Aline Trussell                                                  

The tournament schedule for 2010 has been set.  Below is a list of tournaments that CORTA will be hosting at Cooper Creek Tennis Center.

February 13 - 17    National Junior Boys 12s
March 27 - 28        CORTA Junior Championships
April 25 - May 2     Banana Open
May 3 - 8              Junior Banana Open
June 4 - 7             Georgia Senior League State Championships
July 11 - 16           Southern 16's Clay Court Championships
July 23 - 24           CORTA Junior Satellite
August 11 - 15       Southern NTRP Clay Court Championships
December 3 - 4      CORTA Junior Toy Tournament


Upcoming Junior Tournaments:

USTA National Open Boys' 12  - 
February 13-17, 2010   
This is a National level tournament for 12 and under boys.  We will have players, their families and coaches coming from all over the United States to play in this tournament.  Sixty-four players are selected from the most recent National Standings List. The tournament will begin with early registration and a player party at the Courtyard Marriott on Friday, February 12th.  CORTA volunteers will be needed to work the registration/check-in table and help with the player party on Friday.  We will also need volunteers to help with various things throughout the week.  Please contact Aline Trussell, if you are interested in helping with this tournament or would like more information.

Corta Junior Championship  -  March 27-28, 2010
This a level 4 tournament for juniors ages 8-18.  Most of the players in this tournament are from Georgia. This is a fun tournament with lots of local players.  Please contact Aline Trussell, if you would like more information on this tournament.

Tournament Sponsorship Opportunities
We are currently securing sponsors for our CORTA tournaments.  Please contact Aline Trussell, if you are interested in a sponsorship or making a donation to help with the 2010 tournaments.  We are also looking for in-kind gifts and donations to be used in raffles.  Each of our sponsorship packages are flexible and can be customized to suit individual needs/marketing requirements.
CORTA Christmas Toy Tournament
The CORTA Junior Teen Council hosted the CORTA Christmas Toy Tournament that was held December 4 - 5, 2009 at the Cooper Creek Tennis Center. The proceeds will go towards allowing the CORTA "Ad In" Special Pops athletes to participate in the 2010 local and state Special Olympic Games. Also, new toys were donated to the children at the Open Door Community House.  View results.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Gold:                                                       Silver:
Ben & Jerry's                                             Homecare Services
Burger King                                               AARC
Chattahoochee Plastic Surgery                     Subway
Dinglewood Pharmacy                                 VistaCare
Mainline Information Systems                      Stiched in Time
Marco's Pizza                                             Big Lots
Masterbuilt                                                 Blue Door
My Party Place                                            Country's BBQ
North Columbus Pharmacy and Gifts             Bob Dow's Racquet Sports
Cross Court Sports                                      Nora Ngo, MD
Jaymans Lawncare                                      A Cut Above Landscape Management
Mikata                                                        St. Francis Hospital
CB&T


  toy tournament
toy
TennisWorks in the Parks                                                                     
by Helen Martin
The fall season of TennisWorks in the Parks ended on Wednesday, November 18 with a great pizza party! Awards were presented to players for "most improved" and "best attitude".   TennisWorks will resume for the spring season on March 1, 2010.  The influence of tennis is truly making an impact on the lives of the children who participate in this program!  The proof is on the courts!  I'm so proud to see so many TennisWorks children succeeding and having fun!  We are very fortunate to have the BEST volunteers ever...Dwan Grooms, Bernard Francis, Margaret Love, Ron Morrison, Tina Rust, Anne Lyle Illges, John Illges, Mary Grier Illges, Kyler Hancock, Gabi Brown, Mark Hudson, and Allen Rust.  A very special thanks to each of you!  Also, it was my pleasure to work with Columbus State University tennis team player Hanane Toumi and also Olivier Ndahiriwe this season!  If you are interested in being a mentor/volunteer, please let me know!
Cardio Tennis
Feeling stuffed from the holidays? Ready to get in shape? Now is the time to get you and your game in shape for 2010!  Classes begin next week!

Registration is open now for the January/February sessions of Cardio Tennis.
 
Sign up NOW!

Cardio Tennis
Evening Sessions (6:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.)
Tuesday Evenings: January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 9, 16
Thursday Evenings: January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11, 18


Morning Sessions (10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.)
Wednesday Mornings
: January 13, 20, 27, February 3, 10, 17
USTA Officials Clinic
Mark your calendars!  The USTA Officials Clinic will be held on February 6 & 7, 2010 at the Courtyard Marriott.  Instructor Cheryl Helton will conduct the clinic.

Saturday, February 6 - Umpire Clinic begins at 9:00 a.m.  The cost is $15.00.  Please arrive at 8:45 a.m.  Lunch is on your own. Referee Clinic begins at 1:00 p.m. The cost is $10.00.  ITA Officials Clinic begins at 3:00 p.m. The cost is $10.00.

Sunday, February 7 -   Clinic begins at 9:00 a.m. for new officials and those with less than 3 years experience.  The cost is $10.00.  Please arrive at 8:45 a.m.

For more information click here.

USTA Membership Increase!
USTA memberships have increased!
Effective January 1, 2010
Adult one-year membership $42.00
Junior one-year membership is $19.00
"Tennis Participation Tops 30 Million!"
Provided by Growing Tennis.com
The USTA and TIA recently announced that tennis participation in the U.S. topped 30 million players for the first time in more than two decades.  The annual survey of 6,000 Americans showed that tennis participation grew in all age groups under the age of 50 and within all ethnicities. With 30.1 million people hitting the courts, tennis participation has grown 12% over 2008 and 25% since 2003. The survey is conducted annually by the Taylor Research Group on behalf of the TIA and USTA.

New players comprised 7.1 million of the total, and the majority of tennis players consider themselves "regular players" (14.8 million).  Though 15 of the 17 USTA sections were affected by record rainfall in the spring, total play occasions surpassed 560 million for only the second time in more than 20 years.  The greatest percentage growth in participation was in players 12-17 which grew from 15.7% of the total participants in 2008 to 20.5% of the participants in 2009.

"The TIA (industry) and the USTA have been focused on growing participation since the mid 90s and this is the result of a consistent and sustained effort that is now paying dividends," said TIA President Jon Muir.  "Our ongoing challenge is to continue to build our frequent player base, the economic lifeline for the sport."

Gift Donations
CORTA is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization.  We rely on donor support to sustain many valuable programs. 

Thank you to our recent donors.
Wellpoint Foundation
George P. Swift, Jr. Family Foundation
In Memory of Philip Clippinger,
by Mr. & Mrs. Will White
In Memory of Philip Clippinger, by Ene Pate
In Memory of Corrin Mansell, by Mr. & Mrs. Will White

Are you looking for a great way to honor your captain for a job well done?  Consider making a contribution to CORTA.

"In Honor of" Gifts - Such a contribution is a great way to observe someone's birthday or anniversary.  The person honored by your contribution will receive a special card announcing your gift.
Memorial Gifts - Your gift will be acknowledged to family members or someone else you specify.

Gifts may be earmarked for a particular use or to support a CORTA program that is of special interest.  Contact CORTA for more details.
CORTA Membership Benefit.... Compliments of Buckhead Grill
Buckhead Grill is generously offering all CORTA members aBuckhead Logo
15% discount (excludes alcohol).  Buckhead Grill is the ultimate Columbus dining experience, known for its unique ambiance and outdoor dining since 1995.  Guests are offered delicious New American Cuisine, cooking up American and Southern staples seasoned with cultural flavors for dinner daily.  Buckhead Grill is located at  5010 Armour Road.
CORTA Merchandise
CORTA vests and micro fleeces are the perfect attire to wear playing tennis in the cool winter months.  It's also the perfect gift for any occasion.... or spoil yourself today!  You can order CORTA logo merchandise online using your credit card or PayPal account.  Available for a limited time.  Don't miss out!
Vests
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Columbus Regional Tennis Association, CORTA is a 501(c)3 non-profit community tennis association.

Our mission is "to promote the development of tennis as a means of healthy recreation and lifelong physical fitness."
CORTA (Columbus Regional Tennis Association)
P. O. Box 8236 · Columbus, GA  31908
706-317-4136 · 706-317-4501 (fax)
corta@corta.org(email)
www.corta.org

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