THE USTA TENNIS NEW ENGLAND HALL OF FAME
NOMINATION/INDUCTION CRITERIA AND SUBMISSION PROCEDURES
Purpose: The USTA New England Hall of Fame exists to recognize those tennis players and non-players in New England whose achievements as sportsmen or sportswomen are worthy of the highest commendation and recognition, or whose contributions as officials or individuals in a tennis-related activity have been so outstanding over a significant period of time as to justify the highest commendation and recognition. Membership is intended to represent a highly selective group.
NOMINATION CRITERIA
1. Player must be at least 35 years of age to be considered.
2. The player’s active playing career must have spanned at least 10 years, and during that time evidence of exemplary performance for a minimum of five years must be available.
3. A player may be self-nominated or nominated by another member of USTA New England. Supporting documentation for the nomination must accompany the written nomination.
4. Without attempting to establish strict guidelines, the following are offered as illustrations:
a. An extended outstanding record of tournament play in New England, as documented by consistently holding a very high ranking in one or more specific categories.
b. A successful record of national tournament play.
c. As the candidate’s playing age increases, the importance of (b) increases relative to (a).
d. Recognition by peers for sportsmanship, fairness, respect for opponents, an acknowledged competitiveness that characterizes a champion.
e. A person’s junior record may be considered at the discretion of the selection committee.
5. The record of achievement on the court must be balanced by a reputation that can be admired and respected.
6. Residency: The player must be clearly recognized as a New England player, during the major portion of his playing career.
7. Any exceptions proposed by a member of the Selection Committee to the above, must be approved unanimously by the Selection Committee.CRITERIA FOR NON-PLAYERS
This term is used only to distinguish persons from active players. The category is intended to recognize officials, tennis writers, volunteers and/or others who have worked to support tennis in related areas.
1. The person must be at least 50 years of age.
2. The individual must have been in a tennis-related activity for a period of ten years or more, and clearly a resident of New England during a major portion of his/her career.
3. The person’s contribution to the sport of tennis must be sufficiently outstanding as to be widely recognized for the quality of its uniqueness. If measured against any reasonable standard of excellence, it would endure.
4. Without attempting to establish strict guidelines, the following are offered as illustrations:
a. A tennis sports writer whose depth of understanding of the game, writing ability and extended coverage has established the writer as a person of outstanding ability. The expectation, however, is that the individual’s work has gone beyond mere description. It demonstrates constructive analysis. Concern and involvement go beyond the world of work.
b. A volunteer whose contributions have made a significant impact on other USTA New England individuals over a period of time. Running tournaments, working at various jobs within the organization, making what others would describe as the extraordinary effort to make the game of tennis better.
5. The record of achievement must be balanced by a reputation that can be admired and respected.
6. The person nominated must have a character that others can admire and emulate.
7. Any exceptions proposed by a member of the Selection Committee to the above must be approved unanimously by the Selection Committee
SELECTION COMMITTEE
There shall be a Selection Committee, appointed by the President, consisting of six members. They must be USTA New England members. Using a rotational system, two members shall be replaced each year. By so doing, a continuity will be established. The Chairman will be elected by the Committee. (Initial terms will be designated by the President.)
POSTHUMOUS AWARDS
Posthumous awards may be made using applicable criteria as presented above.
TO ACCESS A NOMINATION FORM, CLICK HERE
Please email or mail nominations to Patti Roy, Hall of Fame Committee Administrator, by July 31:
Email Address: roy@newengland.usta.com
Mailing Address: USTA NE Volunteer Development Manager
110 Turnpike Road
Westborough, MA 01581