LET’S MAKE IT A TRUE “NATIONAL” JUNIOR
By Charles E. Vasoll

Let’s be honest, the present tournament with the title “National Junior” is not appropriate to be called a “National”. It has been held in the State of New Jersey for several decades. That is unfortunate because it is probably the one tournament that should be moving around so that the young players who are the future of our sport would have an opportunity to compete with a broadened array of talented participants.

In the early days of the sport, it was natural for this event to be played in the northeast where the game was born and where the facilities were plentiful. The families were also there, interested in handing down their enjoyment of platform tennis to the next generation. These factors are no longer exclusive to the northeast.

Now the sport is growing faster, and interest by younger families is available, in the mid-west and southeast. It is certainly understandable that these families cannot be expected to travel great distances with pre-teens and teens and pay the expenses involved for a one or two day event. Yes, I know that families do this in some sports, but our sport does not have the attraction of athletic scholarships or professional careers as a reward for these sacrifices.

So my first point is that the National Junior should not always be held in the same location. I believe it was suggested at one time that two “National Junior” tournaments be held. One would continue in the east and a second would be centrally located in the mid-west. It was even considered to then have a “playoff” of the winning teams. This latter was certainly too ambitious but having an east and a west tournament, I believe, has merit. This has especially come to light as the Viking Junior Tour has added locations recently.

The subject of the National Junior came to my attention recently when an “unofficial” request came from the American Platform Tennis Association to several local associations to assist monetarily in the tournament this year. The event lost its major sponsor, which I understand, had contributed $1,500.00 to support the tournament. The Long Island Platform Tennis Association and several others were asked to contribute $500.00 each to make up this deficit. Before that sponsorship was available, the New Jersey Women’s League was a principal contributor to the championship. While this is very generous of this group, it should not have to be their responsibility.

When a group or organization takes on the task of conducting a tournament, particularly a “National” championship, it has always been known that they were responsible for the successful financial result. The Junior event should be no different. In fact it would even seem easier to obtain sponsorship for a youth tourney than for a Men’s, Women’s. Mixed or Senior’s competition. They are the future of the sport and future consumers of all kinds of products.

In summary, I contend that the APTA should find a means to sanction and conduct at least two Junior Championships for all ages, one in the east and one in the mid-west. Further, I believe that in succeeding years the event should be relocated frequently to enable youth in different areas to show their skills. I also submit that the local associations or groups of clubs in these areas be financially responsible for the tournament and not have to call upon other associations or the national ruling body for monetary support. What do you think?

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