2004
SECTIONAL
AWARDS
DIRECTORY
Table of Contents
General Information
Nomination Form (to be used for all awards)
Sectional Awards
Albert Teeter Sportsmanship Award
Ward C. Burton Junior Development Award
USTA/Northern President's Award
Jerry Noyce Junior Sportsmanship Award
Frank Voigt Pro of the Year Award
Ace Award
Organization of the Year
Jack Dow Senior Development
Special Award
Family of the Year
Wolfenson/Ratner Community Service Award
NJTL Chapter of the Year
Coldwell Banker Burnet Award of Excellence
Media Award
Tennis Town USA
National Awards
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4-5
6 - 11
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6-7
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9 - 10
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12 - 14
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Each year, the USTA/Northern Section honors the individuals and organizations that have demonstrated
outstanding commitment to the growth and development of tennis with various sectional awards. This directory
has been developed to serve as a guide to understanding the criteria and nominating procedure for these
prestigious awards. To obtain additional copies, please call the USTA/Northern Section office at 952-887-5001.
All information provided in this directory is also available at www.northern.usta.com.
USTA/Northern Awards Committee:
Chair
Carolyn Riley
Multicultural Tennis Council Representative
Hank Philmon
Community Tennis Council Representative
Mary Thompson
Adult Tennis Council Representative
John Hendrickson
Junior Tennis Council Representative
Linda Sherman
Collegiate Tennis Council Representative
Steve Wilkinson
Other Members
Sue Gregor
Staff Liaison
Becky Longsdorf
Timeline:
August:
September 9:
September:
October/November:
USTA Northern Section solicits nominations for all awards
Deadline for nominations to be received by section office
Sectional Awards Committee reviews nominations to determine recipients
Award presentation at Community Development Workshop
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I nominate someone for a sectional
award? Anyone is invited to submit nominations for
sectional awards. To do so, fill out a nomination
form and submit to the USTA/Northern Section no
later than September 9, 2004.
What qualifies someone to receive a sectional
award? Consult the specific eligibility requirements
and criteria listed for each award.
Can I nominate someone for multiple awards in
the same year? Yes. You may nominate the same
individual/organization for as many awards as you
see fit. On the nomination form, simply make sure to
describe how your nominee meets the criteria listed
for each of the awards you nominate them for.
Can I nominate myself for an award? Yes. To be
considered for an award, we simply need the
biographical information regarding a specific
individual, facility, or group. This information can
come from a relative, close friend, coach, client, or
event the candidates themselves.
Can a person/organization receive the same
award multiple times? Yes. There is no limit to the
number of times that a person/organization can
receive the same award.
Who chooses the section's award recipients?
Award winners are selected by the Sectional Awards
Committee, a 7 member volunteer group that
includes representatives from the Adult Tennis
Council, Junior Tennis Council, Community Tennis
Council, Multicultural Tennis Council, and Collegiate
Tennis Council.
How will I know if my nominee is selected to
receive an award? Award recipients will be notified
in late September.
Where/when are sectional awards presented?
All awards are presented at the annual Awards
Luncheon, held each year on a Saturday, the
weekend of the Community Development Workshop.
Each award recipient will also be listed in the various
USTA/Northern publications, including the
Yearbook.
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USTA/Northern Sectional Award Nomination Form
Your name:
Mailing address:
Email:
Phone:
Relation to nominee:
Nominee:
Mailing address:
Email:
Phone:
I would like to nominate the above listed person(s)/organization for the following award(s). Check all that
apply:
Albert Teeter Sportsmanship Award
Ward C. Burton Junior Development Award
Jerry Noyce Junior Sportsmanship Award
Frank Voigt Pro of the Year
Organization of the Year
Jack Dow Senior Development Award
Special Award
Family of the Year
Wolfenson/Ratner Community Service Award
NJTL Chapter of the Year
Coldwell Banker Burnet Award of Excellence
Media Award
Tennis Town USA
Biographical Information for Nominee:
1.
How does the nominee meet the specific criteria listed for the award? (Award criteria is available
at www.northern.usta.com and in the USTA/Northern Awards Directory)
2.
Please describe the nominee's involvement within the USTA/Northern Section.
3.
List any previous awards received by the nominee. Include date received.
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4.
Please outline the nominee's accomplishments and achievements. Include dates and significance
to tennis in the USTA/Northern Section.
5.
Additional comments (Be sure to include specific information about why this
individual/organization is most deserving of a Sectional Award)
Please use additional paper as necessary and attach any
supporting documents such as newspaper clippings or photos.
Thank you for your time in completing this nomination form!
Please fax, email or mail your nomination to:
USTA/Northern Awards Committee
1001 W. 98th Street, Suite 101
Bloomington, MN 55431
EMAIL: longsdorf@northern.usta.com
FAX: Attn: Awards Committee 952-887-5061
All nominations must be received no later than September 9, 2004.
For administrative use only:
Date of submission:
/
/
Staff Liaison:
Number:
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Sectional Awards:
Albert Teeter Sportsmanship Award
Description: presented to the adult player who displays fairness, is generous, a good loser, and a gracious winner
Selection: Sectional Awards Committee
Eligibility: Adult USTA membership
Criteria:
Among those items to be considered:
1. involvement in competitive tennis (USA League Tennis and/or Tournaments)
2. encourages and supports fellow players
3. respects other players, coaches, captains, coordinators, tournament directors and officials
4. exhibits a positive attitude on and off the court
Ward C. Burton Junior Development Award
Description: presented to an individual/organization who has promoted the growth of tennis for juniors and served
the junior tennis community in the USTA/Northern Section
Selection: Sectional Awards Committee
Eligibility: USTA membership
Criteria:
Among those items to be considered:
1. Contributions to both competitive and recreational youth tennis programs (i.e. Tournaments, USA Team
Tennis, Competition Training Centers, Tennis Camps, etc.)
2. Innovation in youth tennis programming
3. Accomplishments of those individuals/teams with whom the candidate has coached
USTA/Northern Section Presidents Award
Description: established in 1970 to honor an individual who has given unusual and extraordinary service to
tennis, has been a support to the president during his/her term, and generally will not be a person considered for
other USTA awards
Selection: USTA/Northern Section President
Eligibility: USTA membership
Criteria: to be defined and selected by the Sectional President annually
Jerry Noyce Junior Sportsmanship Award
Description: This award is presented to a player who not only displays the finest qualities of sportsmanship
during tournament play, but who demonstrates exemplary conduct away from the court as well. The winner of
this award is nominated for the corresponding national award.
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Nomination Procedure: Tournament Directors and USA Team Tennis Coaches are actively pursued to submit
nominations for this award. A nomination form is included in the Tournament Booklet and USA Team Tennis
Coaches Packets. Anyone may nominate an individual(s) for this award by submitting a completed nomination
form. Nomination forms can be obtained via www.northern.usta.com or by calling the section office.
Eligibility: Junior USTA membership
Criteria:
1. Current Junior competitive player ranking
2. Displays respect for opponents, partners, teammates, tournament officials, coaches, chaperones and
spectators
3. Encourages and supports fellow players
4. Exhibits a positive attitude on and off the court
Frank Voigt Pro of the Year Award
Description: This award is given to a tennis teaching professional who demonstrates leaderships skills on and off
the court.
Nomination Procedure: Anyone may nominate an individual(s) for this award by submitting a completed
nomination form.
Selection: Sectional Awards Committee
Eligibility: certified by USPTA or PTR, USTA membership
Criteria:
Among those items to be considered:
1. coaches sectionally or nationally ranked players or teams
2. contributes to community tennis through volunteer work and development of programs
3. innovation in tennis programming for all skill levels and ages
4. provides an inviting and enjoyable atmosphere during all tennis lessons and activities
5. surpasses the expectations of employers and clientele
Ace Award
Description: recognizes a USTA/Northern staff member for his/her contribution to the growth and development of
tennis throughout the section
Eligibility: USTA/Northern Employee
Selection: USTA/Northern Executive Director
Criteria: to be defined by the USTA/Northern Section's Executive Director annually
Organization of the Year
Description: This award recognizes outstanding service by clubs, CTAs, schools and other member organizations.
It represents a standard for which all member organizations can strive to achieve.
Nomination Procedure: Anyone may nominate an organization for this award by submitting a completed
nomination form.
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Selection: Sectional Awards Committee
Eligibility: USTA organizational member
Criteria:
Among those items to be considered:
1. Service to the tennis community (i.e. donation of facilities for tournaments, special events, and clinics)
2. Service to the organization's members (i.e. offering a full menu of tennis activities that may include USA
Tennis Pathway programs, lessons, leagues, tournaments, and special events)
3. Service to the game of tennis (i.e. promotion of tennis to the general public)
Jack Dow Senior Development
Description: honors the individual whose efforts have had the greatest impact on improving senior competitive
and recreational play for that year
Nomination Procedure: Anyone may nominate an individual(s) for this award by submitting a completed
nomination form.
Selection: Sectional Awards Committee
Eligibility: USTA membership
Criteria:
Among those items to be considered:
1. commitment to improving tennis programs that specifically target the senior population
2. volunteer service to the senior tennis community
3. innovation in tennis programming for seniors
Special Award
Description: Awarded to an individual, group or organization that has made a special contribution to tennis in the
Northern Section during the past year or several years. Established to recognize a group or individual for an
outstanding achievement or tremendous volunteer effort in growing the game.
Nomination Procedure: Anyone may nominate an individual/organization for this award by submitting a
completed nomination form.
Selection: Sectional Awards Committee
Eligibility: Must be an individual/organization that does not meet the criteria listed for other USTA/Northern
Awards
Criteria:
Among those items to be considered:
1. outstanding tennis achievement
2. extraordinary efforts to promote and develop the growth of tennis
3. commitment to the game
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Family of the Year
Description: presented to a family that has been outstanding in promoting tennis both on and off the court. The
winner of this award is nominated for the corresponding national award.
Nomination Procedure: Anyone may nominate a family for this award by submitting a completed nomination form.
Selection: Sectional Awards Committee
Eligibility: All members of the winning family must be USTA members (or family membership)
Criteria:
Among those items to be considered:
1. Volunteer service in fostering the development of tennis at any level of play in such areas as:
a. conducting tournaments
b. coaching
c.
holding office on a local CTA or within the USTA organization
d. assistance with special events
2. Participation in competitive play
3. Involvement within the local tennis community
Wolfenson/Ratner Community Service Award
Description: This award honors an individual for his/her outstanding fieldwork in recreational tennis. It is awarded
for significant contributions in developing community-based tennis programs through community centers, schools,
parks, and CTAs. The winner of this award is nominated for the corresponding national award.
Nomination Procedure: Anyone may nominate an individual for this award by submitting a completed nomination
form.
Selection: Sectional Awards Committee
Eligibility: USTA membership
Criteria:
Among those items to be considered:
1. Scope (number of people involved) and variety of programs
2. Impact on community's overall recreational picture
3. New and innovative features resulting from candidate's activities
4. Inspirational and motivational work with adults or juniors
5. Involvement with other community service or recreational organizations (YWCA/YMCA, Girl & Boys
Scouts, Special Olympics, etc.) in the establishment of community-based tennis programs
NJTL Chapter of the Year
Description: honors an NJTL chapter that has demonstrated continued excellence in recreational tennis
programming. Recipient is nominated for national award.
Nomination Procedure: Nomination forms sent to all NJTL Chapters. Staff will nominate @ least one NJTL
Chapter each year. Anyone may nominate a NJTL Chapter for this award by submitting a completed nomination
form.
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Selection: Sectional Awards Committee
Eligibility: USTA organizational member, registered NJTL chapter
Criteria:
Among those items to be considered:
1. scope of on-court programming
2. multicultural participation
3. interaction with other community organizations (parks & recreation department, CTA, local businesses,
Boys & Girls Club, YMCA, etc.)
4. ability to offer low-cost programming and remain financially self-sufficient
Coldwell Banker Burnet Award of Excellence
Description: honors a person(s) that has made significant contributions to the USA League Tennis Program in the
past year. Captains of national champion league teams are given precedence.
Nomination Procedure: Area League Coordinators and Captains are asked to submit nominations for this award.
A nomination form is included in the Area League Coordinator and Captains packets that are given out each year,
as well as the tournament booklet. Anyone may nominate an individual(s) for this award by completing a
nomination form.
Selection: Sectional Awards Committee
Eligibility: active USA League Tennis participant
Criteria:
Among those items to be considered:
1. history of USA League Tennis participation
2. recent accomplishments at the local, sectional, and national level in USA League Tennis
3. demonstrates a commitment to the betterment of USA League Tennis through his/her enthusiasm and
cooperation in working with others
Media Award
Description: The Media Award recognizes a person from the newspaper, radio or television media who has
provided exemplary tennis coverage in the USTA/Northern Section.
Nomination Procedure: Anyone may nominate an individual(s) for this award by submitting a completed
nomination form
Selection: Sectional Awards Committee
Eligibility: Any individual or organization that provides media coverage to areas in the USTA/Northern Section
Criteria:
Among those items to be considered:
1. Coverage of USTA/Northern Section events and programs
2. Frequency, depth and quality of tennis coverage
3. Involvement in the tennis community
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Tennis Town USA
Description: Awarded to a Park & Recreation Department, Community Education Department or Community
Tennis Association in a specific Northern Section community that has excelled in offering tennis programming to
the area.
Nomination Procedure: Anyone may nominate an organization for this award by submitting a completed
nomination form.
Selection: Sectional Awards Committee
Eligibility: USTA organizational member
Criteria:
Among those items to be considered:
1. quality of on-court programming
2. growth of tennis in the community
3. cooperation among schools, park & recreation agencies, and community tennis associations in the
delivery and/or promotion of local tennis programming
4. support of local businesses
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National Awards:
*Asterisk indicates that USTA/Northern has a corresponding award

USTA Volunteer Service Award: recognizes USTA volunteers for their years of national service to the
organization. Recognition awards are presented at the Annual Meeting to those volunteers achieving five
years of service and for each 5 years of service thereafter.

*Ralph W. Wescott USTA Family of the Year: initiated in 1965 by Martin L. Tressel, President of the
USTA in 1965-66, to emphasize the theme that "Tennis is a Family Game." The award is made annually
to the family who in recent years has done the most to promote amateur tennis, primarily on a volunteer
basis. All members of the family should participate in some way, either as a player or by offering their
services in running programs or tournaments or in junior development activities. The committee feels that
volunteerism is the backbone of the USTA and should be rewarded when possible.

*President's Award: Established in 1999, annually honors an individual who has given unusual and
extraordinary service to tennis and generally will be a person not considered for other USTA awards.

Eve Kraft USTA Community Service Award: Established in 1974 to honor persons for outstanding
fieldwork in recreational tennis. The award is given for significant contributions by individuals actively
involved in tennis development through community tennis associations, parks and recreation
departments, schools, or community centers.
Northern's past award winners: 2002 - Patty Mraz, Apple Valley, MN

Barbara T. Williams Leadership Award: established in 2004 to honor the late Barbara Williams, a longtime USTA volunteer who gave unselfishly of her time and energy to promote the sport of tennis. This
award recognizes a female volunteer who through her leadership and by her example has encouraged
and inspired others to become volunteers and assume leadership roles at the community, sectional,
and/or national levels of the USTA.

*Member Organization of the Year: instituted in 1981 to recognize the services rendered to the USTA
by its member organizations. Selection is made on the basis of service to the tennis community, service
to the organization's members, and service to the game of tennis. The program is on a two-tiered basis:
1. Each section selects its member organization of the Year. The selected organization shall
receive an appropriate award emblematic of its selection. Once selected, that organization
shall not be eligible for the sectional award for the following 7 years.
2. Each section may nominate a candidate for the National Member Organization of the Year
Award. Said nominee may be the sectional winner of that year or may be another
organization of the section's choice. A section may submit any candidate for as many years
as it wishes. The National Member Organization of the Year Award winner is announced at
the USTA Annual Meeting.

*USA Tennis NJTL Chapter of the Year Award: designed to honor an outstanding USA Tennis NJTL
chapter that has demonstrated continued excellence in recreational tennis programming.

Tennis Facility Awards: honors outstanding tennis facilities and encourages excellence in future
construction and/or renovation. Facilities must be under the jurisdiction of: 10 a parks and recreation
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department, 2) an educational institution, or 3) an industrial complex. All facilities are judged in one of
four categories, depending upon the number of courts and spectators accommodated.
Northern's past award winners: 2003 - Ft. Snelling Tennis & Learning Center, St. Paul, MN

USTA/NRPA Excellence in Tennis Programming Award: The USTA/NRPA Excellence in Tennis
Programming Award was established, in cooperation with the National Recreation and Park Association,
in 1994. This award honors a parks and recreation department for significant contributions to tennis
programming.
Northern's past award winners: 2001 - Rapid City Recreation Department, Rapid City, SD

*USTA Media Excellence Awards: presented to individuals (or organizations) at the section, district, or
community tennis association level who have most contributed to the game of tennis by disseminating
knowledge of our sport to the general public. There are two awards, one for Print Media and the other for
Broadcast Media (TV, radio, cable).
Northern's past award winners: 2002 - Gregg Wong, Pioneer Press, St. Paul, MN

Seniors' Service Award: A perpetual trophy for service to senior tennis is awarded each year to the
person the USTA Seniors' Committee deems most deserving of the respect and honor of all seniors. It is
awarded on the basis of the recipient's willingness, cooperation, and participation, either in play or
organizational work for the betterment and furtherance of senior competition. Each year the winner's
name and the year are engraved on the trophy, and a replica of the trophy is given to the winner.

Super Senior Service Award: given annually to the person who, in the opinion of the Super Senior
Tennis Board of Directors, has made a notable contribution to the promotion of tennis for the 55-and-over
USTA recognized divisions. This contribution can be made by a player, a tennis enthusiast, a tournament
director, or by a non-player who has helped to promote tennis for the "young at heart".

*Bill Talbert Junior Sportsmanship Awards: presented each year by the Board of Directors of the
International Tennis Hall of Fame. Four recipients are selected from nominations received from the
seventeen USTA sections.
Northern's past award winners: 2002 - Caitlin Loprinzi, Rochester, MN

USA Tennis All American Team: recognizes tennis teachers fro across the nation who have excelled in
implementing the USTA's local USA Tennis programs for people of all ages and abilities. These
volunteer and paid tennis enthusiasts represent tennis centers, athletic clubs, community parks, schools,
and tennis associations from coast to coast. To be eligible for the national honor, nominees have to
successfully implement USA Tennis programs, generate interest in USA Tennis programs through local
promotions, creatively and effectively use USTA section and/or national funding, find and secure
additional sponsorship resources, increase community tennis association participation and/or
development, and increase the number of participants in USA Tennis Pathway programs.
Representatives from the USTA's seventeen sections nominate members for the USA Tennis AllAmerican Team, designating them as leaders in tennis programming. The USTA established the USA
Tennis National Recognition Program in June 2001 through a partnership with the PTR and the USPTA.
The program was initiated to publicly recognize and reward those individuals who have gone above and
beyond in using USA Tennis programs to grow the game of tennis in their local communities.
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Northern's past award winners: 2003 - Tom Stenson, Shakopee Youth Tennis Association, Shakopee,
MN, 2002 - Ximena Christianson, Washburn Tennis Association, Washburn, WI; John Muus, Cook
County Tennis Association, Grand Marais, MN; Mary Thompson, Sioux Falls Tennis Association, Sioux
Falls, SD
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