BLTA set to stage two-day umpire course

Even in the midst of COVID-19, the new administration of the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) is forging ahead with its scheduled activities.

The first activity for Perry Newton and his team, a two-day national level umpire certification course, is set for November 14-15 at the BLTA’s National Tennis Center inside the Queen Elizabeth Sports Complex.

The course, which will run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on that Saturday and Sunday, will be hosted by International Tennis Federation (ITF) Officiating Manager Mickey Williams, a well-respected and highly accomplished Bahamian tennis official locally and internationally. The course is open to all, and interested persons are asked to confirm participation by Friday, October 23, 2020.

Newton said officiating is vital to any sport, and tennis officiating has been identified as one of his administration’s items of sustainability.

“We believe this upcoming national officiating course is necessary,” said Newton. “We believe by providing opportunities for our officials to receive this type of training, it will enhance the tennis product offered, ultimately improving the overall quality and experience at the tournaments we host throughout the country for both players and spectators.”

The course will cover topics such as the role of officials, the rules of tennis and code of conduct among others, and the final day of the course is a practical on-court session that allows the participants to get exposure to various officiating positions on the court.

“We have made provisions for participants from the Abaco Tennis Association, the Grand Bahama Tennis Association and the Eleuthera Tennis Association to participate in the first day of the training course virtually,” said Newton. “This is a step forward for the BLTA as it brings the entire community together where all can benefit from the training. Our goal is to provide each island the same opportunities afforded to persons in Nassau.”

Newton and his team of officers stormed into office at the beginning of July, winning a heated election over Dyphany Mortier and her slate of candidates by a huge 117-15 count. They will spearhead the BLTA, the governing body for tennis in the country, for the next two years.

Prior to the elections, a last-minute legal move by Mortier and her team trying to force the postponement of the elections fell through, allowing the elections to go on without further delay. Newton and his team rolled to victory.

“My team and I are excited to get started with continuing to grow tennis and to push forward coming out of the COVID-19 situation,” said Newton at the time. “We have people who have a sincere interest in growing the sport of tennis. I have a very positive team, like-minded individuals who put people first and I think that is one of the greatest qualities of the team that has been assembled.”

Newton said that one of his main goals during this term is to get community-based programs restarted. He said he and his team will be working closely with the Family Islands to help them develop their programs and facilitate their need to strengthen tennis on the Out Islands.

Over the past seven months, sports has been at a standstill due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Just like other sports administrators locally, Newton and his team have been limited to Zoom meetings and sessions in their efforts to progress the sport of tennis in The Bahamas. Other events that were planned that required physical presence and interaction had to be either postponed or canceled.

Newton said it has been a challenge with hosting competitions because of the national restrictions imposed due to COVID-19. He said the BLTA’s executive board has remained focused on strengthening those pillars that will provide support once competitive play becomes available.

“As an organization, we realize the importance of innovation, and during this time of crisis we must continue to create opportunities for our tennis stakeholders to aid in the growth of the sport in a safe and responsible manner,” said Newton.

Newton said this course is possible because of the direct support received from the ITF and the Bahamas Olympic Committee (BOC), for which they are grateful.

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