Tennis NSW is fully supportive of the games and is committed to making this event a success. Tennis NSW has including participation in the games in the new service agreement currently being negotiated between the state body and the academies currently running tennis programs.

Tennis NSW has committed to;

·         Supplying staff to run the tennis event during the games

·         Supplying the tennis balls required for the event

·         Head tennis pack, including racquet, bag and accessories for the winners of the individual championships

·         Supply of scholarship to value of $450 to all winners in the teams event, this will entitle juniors to a week full participation with the state academy training at Homebush.

·         Various runner up prizes as required

·         Attendance during the event of various coaches from the High Performance academies from TA and Tennis NSW

 

The format for this years event will include a teams event with minimum 2 boys and 2 girls per team, these teams will play a round robin event. Teams will be graded into Div 1 & 2 on standard rather then age to attempt to give players even competition, players will play both singles and doubles matches in each match. Teams can be made up of up to 3 boys and or girls with players able to be rotated between singles and doubles each match. The amount of matches and playoff procedure will be determined upon receipt of all teams with the emphasis always being on maximum amount of tennis possible per player.

In conjunction with the teams event an individual championship will be conducted in senior and junior age groups for both boys and girls. These age groups will be juniors 14 years and under and an open event, full details on this age eligibility will be confirmed at a later date.

With this proposed format we are hoping to give all players the maximum amount of match play in a tough competitive atmosphere while still being able to encourage a team environment were support from team members and coaches is always close by. To assist in the player development aspect of the event academy coaches will be allowed on court, Davis Cup style, during the teams event to assist players at the change of ends.

Academies are encouraged to supply at least 2 teams and if possible more teams if required.

Once again Tennis NSW see the Academy of Sort tennis programs as an integral part in the player development pathway in NSW and are fully committed to making this years tennis event at the Academy games a success. Further information re the games will come direct from the Academies, hope to see plenty of players, coaches and academy representatives at Armidale.

 

Ken Wray and Mark Wilton, on behalf of Tennis NSW