[tennisbiz] Education

On the one hand, as a USPTA pro, I am proud of our organization. It is
organized, democratic, and has opportunities galore. The members (and officers)
are truly dedicated to teaching the sport of tennis in a most professional
way. Changes in the certification process over the last few years has been
positive. But I know that many of us (and maybe even some who made the change
in order to retain memberships) were disappointed when the mandatory
continuing education was taken away, and replaced with the current system. Those of
us who teach at facilities with golf courses know all that the golf pros go
through to be certified as PGA members. And while I understand the point that
Ron Woods makes that certification (except for some USTA programs) is not
required, we seem to have made a step back so that it will never be required for
a job because we do not require it for membership in the USPTA. I think
there are many positive things about the USPTA, but without mandatory continuing
education, it will never be considered in the same breath with the PGA.
 
Jon Fischer
Director of Tennis
Travis Pointe Country Club
Ann Arbor, Michigan

 
Received on Mon Dec 19 2005 - 21:05:49 CST