Changes suggested for Junior tennis contests

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32011, 11 June 1969, Page 13

Changes suggested for Junior tennis contests

rpHE suggestion by the x chairman of the Canterbury tennis management committee, Mr R. B. Brown, at the recent meeting of South Island representatives that the age qualification for the Slazenger and Howe Shield junior interprovincial trophy contests should be reduced from under 19 to under 17 merits the closest consideration. Mr Brown is also one of the three-member national junior advisory committee but he said that although he had mentioned the proposal to his North Island colleagues on the committee and some other North Islanders, he had gained very little response. The system adopted for these trophies this season has been the subject of a great deal of complaint because of the way they have been strung out from October to May and because of the inordinate gap between the playing of the early rounds and the semi-finals and finals this week-end. Well aware of the dissatisfaction, the national association has circulated a number of alternative suggestions to associations for their comments but Mr Brown’s scheme has not yet been put. The South Island representatives agreed that it was a good one and that they wonld discuss it with their associations.

The circulated suggestions are:—

(1) Early rounds and zone finals in October; semifinals and finals with national championships. This was the system last season but it can be badly disrupted by one wet day at the championships. (2) Preliminary rounds in November; otter zone matches at a week-end early in February, at a venue to be decided; semi-finals and finals late February or early March. This is clear of examinations and avoids the crowded December-January period but runs into cost difficulties when players may travel to grass and hard championships as well. (3) Early rounds and zone finals as in the first proposal but semi-finals and finals on one day immediately before the national under 19, each match to consist of one singles and one doubles a player as in the Australian Linton and Wilson Cups. This enables the matches to be fitted into a shorter time but would reduce the experience gained by players because of fewer matches.

(4) This season’s system of early rounds in October; semi-finals and finals in May with national junior hard court titles. This is considered to allow for extension of the tennis season but it has been attacked because of the long gap.

(5) Early rounds as in first proposal; national semifinals and finals with Linton and Wilson Cup trials immediately after the closing of secondary schools in December. This would have the contests completed before Christmas and would be good practice for the junior circuit but many wish to get jobs for a time to pay expenses on the circuit and there are also some tournaments at this stage. (6) All rounds, including semi-finals and finals, at one venue immediately after the break-up of secondary schools.

(7) All rounds over a series of week-ends in February and March. This would avoid examinations and crowded tournament periods but would clash with Wilding Shield and Nunneley Casket and in some cases the same players are involved.

Mr Brown’s suggestion is a radical departure from any of these and envisages the whole basis of the contests. Not only does he recommend changing the age group to under 17 but also the playing of only two singles and one doubles as in the Linton and Wilson Cups. With the under 19s not Included everything could be played in conjunction with the national age championships over several days at the same venue.