Wednesday, June 22, 2016

USAPA Revokes Minto US OPEN Pickleball Championships Sanctioning

FROM US OPEN:
"US Open sanctioning revoked. Games played in that tournament now have no effect on ratings and no points awarded.

US Open Pickleball Championships
Dear US Open Participant,
We would like to thank you for attending and participating in the inaugural Minto US OPEN Pickleball Championships. You were a part of a historic event and we appreciate your involvement.
At this time we must let you know, the USAPA has informed us that they have made the decision to revoke our sanctioning for the inaugural event, due to our organization not providing referees for over 2500 matches played. As per their request, we are attaching a letter from USAPA that explains their stance on our event.
Jim Ludwig has been in discussion with the President of the USAPA, David Jordan in an effort to work out this situation. However, after numerous conversations, the USAPA board of directors decided it was in the best interest of the USAPA and of the sport, to revoke our sanctioning. We disagree with this direction.
We would like to assure you prior to the event, Jim Ludwig and his staff of volunteers did everything possible to to be prepared. We will be re-evaluating the referee situation for 2017.
The first Minto US OPEN Pickleball Championships was the largest tournament in the world with 805 participants and almost 870 registrants. According to our survey, 87% rated their experience as “extremely satisfied”. It was estimated over 10,000 people visited the US OPEN Village throughout the event. The US OPEN was the first pickleball tournament to be produced and televised on CBS Sports Network with a potential 50 million viewers.
Our goal is to put on a world class event, that brings pickleball players of all ages and abilities from around the globe together. We will continue to strive to bring the best experience to our players in addition to contributing to the overall growth and success of pickleball.
The 2017 Minto US OPEN Pickleball Championships will take place from April 23 – April 30 in Naples, Florida. In the upcoming weeks we look forward to sharing with you some new exciting developments.
Thank you again for your support and your enthusiasm. Looking forward to seeing you in 2017!
Sincerely,
Terri Graham Chris Evon Jim Ludwig
President & Founder Executive Director Event Director"

FROM USAPA:
"Immediately after the beginning of play at the U.S. Open Championships, the USAPA started receiving complaints that matches were being played without referees. Several USAPA Board
Members witnessed those matches. Tournament organizers admitted to the USAPA board members that not all matches were refereed. Therefore, the USAPA has no alternative but to find that the US Open violated the rules and agreement mandating referees for all matches, particularly Rule 14.C.
It is for the reasons stated above that the USAPA was left with no choice but to revoke the sanctioning for the 2016 U.S. Open. As a result, player ratings will not be affected by the outcome of the matches in the tournament and no tournament points will be awarded to players in the tournament. "

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